THIS MONTH: Big Ben: A Timeless Icon of London

Big Ben, also known as the Great Bell, is a symbol of London that has become a cultural icon all around the world. This majestic clock tower is located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster and has been a part of London’s skyline for over 150 years. In this article, we will explore the history, construction, and cultural significance of this stunning landmark. History The history of Big Ben can be traced back to the 1834 fire that destroyed the Palace of Westminster. In the aftermath of the fire, a commission was formed to oversee the rebuilding of the palace, which included the construction of a clock tower. The commission held a competition to design the tower, which was won by the architect Charles Barry. Barry’s design for the clock tower included four clock faces and a bell that would strike on the hour. The bell was originally intended to be named Royal Victoria after Queen Victoria, but it was later decided to name it after Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works at the time, who oversaw the construction of the tower. His name was inscribed upon the bell when it was cast in 1856 […]