BIG BEN: Why to Visit it? Big Ben is thename of the large bell inside the clock tower at the‐ Houses of Parliament. Most peopleknow this tower by this name. But the real name is Elizabeth Tower. It was renamed in 2012 to celebrateQueen Elizabeth II's 60 years as queen. This is called a Diamond Jubilee. Before that, it was simply called the Clock Tower. The new name honors Queen Elizabeth. Elizabeth Tower is a Grade 1 listed building. It is considered to be of exceptional architectural and historical importance. The tower is 96 meters high and has four bells, each 7 meters in diameter. The clocks are accurate to two-tenths of a second and are chimed by a massive bell weighing 13.7 tons.
Big Ben is one of the most spectacular places in the world, a landmark of London, a must-see for visitors to the city. If you're planning a visit and seeking accommodation, explore the charm of the area with options like 3-star hotels in Paddington, London, offering a comfortable stay within reach of iconic landmarks like Big Ben. We will take a closer look at Big Ben, including its history, architecture, and significance, and provide tips on how to best see Big Ben and capture its beauty on camera.
The Name Game: Big Ben vs. Elizabeth Tower The name "Big Ben" was often used to refer to the clock tower in London's Houses of Parliament. However, the official name of the tower is Elizabeth Tower. The name "Big Ben" actually refers to the big clock in the tower. The clock is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who was Commissioner of Works when the tower was built.
Architecture: Designed by Augustus Pugin, the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) is 316 feet tall and made of brick and limestone. The clock faces are 23 feet in diameter and have cast-iron frames and classic serif-style numerals. The hour hands are 9 feet long and the minute hands are 14 feet long. The tower is decorated with delicate tracery, pointed arches, wooden paneling, and many detailed carvings.
At the top of the tower, the Ayrton Light serves as a visual indicator of the parliamentary session. Big Ben's craftsmanship and stories from medieval times an evidence of the Victorian era's grandness.
You can read also: Emirates FA Cup Final The Great Bell: Big Ben's Resounding Voice The Great Bell weighs 13.7 tons and is made from 96% copper and 4% tin. It is rung using a mechanical clock mechanism that is powered with the aid of weights. The bell is rung every
Historical Significance Big Ben has been a witness to many important occasions in British history. It has rung to mark the coronation of kings and queens, the announcement of war, and the death of famous humans. The bell has also been used to sign the stop of World Wars I and II.
Best Views: Where to Admire Big Ben There are many terrific places to respect Big Ben. Some of the excellent spots include
hour on the hour, and it additionally chimes at the quarter hour.
The South Bank: This is a famous spot for travelers to take pics of Big Ben. You can also get an amazing view of the Houses of Parliament from right here. Westminster Bridge: This is another famous spot for taking pictures of Big Ben. You also can get a good view of the River Thames from right here.
The Palace of Westminster: This is a nice area to get up close to Big Ben. You can also take a tour of the Houses of Parliament and see the bell up close. Nighttime Beauty: Big Ben is illuminated at night, which makes it an even more wonderful sight. The tower is lit up with 368 lights, that are turned on at nightfall and grew to become off at dawn.
Photography Tips: Capturing the Essence of Big Ben Use a huge-angle lens to seize the entire tower. Get close to the tower to get an extra intimate shot. Use a tripod to keep away from blurry pics. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the fine lighting fixtures.
Big Ben is honestly an iconic landmark that is well worth traveling. It is a symbol of London and a reminder of British records. If you are planning a trip to London, be sure to make time to look at Big Ben. It is a sight that you'll never forget. Consider staying at Hotel Edward Paddington for a convenient and comfortable accommodation option in the heart of London.