Elizabeth Tower, originally named the Clock Tower, and popularly known as "Big Ben", [12] was built as a part of Charles Barry's design for a new Palace of Westminster after the old palace was largely destroyed by fire on 16 October 1834. [13]

Explore the history of one of the most iconic buildings in the world: the Elizabeth Tower – or as you probably know it: Big Ben. Find out which clock tower in the north of England inspired its design, and what all the different symbols found on the tower mean.

A special gantry was set up on the top of the tower to make it easier to assemble the brick and stone, layer by layer. Steam-powered winches lifted the materials up a shaft within the tower so that no scaffolding was needed. Jacks were used to lift the gantry up the tower as it increased in height. The tower was divided up inside to provide:

Find out about the history of the Elizabeth Tower; from the first medieval clock tower built in the old Palace of Westminster to the design and construction of the present Elizabeth Tower.

Elizabeth Tower stands at three hundred and sixteen feet (316) tall. There are three hundred and thirty-four (334) steps, from the ground to the Belfry. The Elizabeth Tower does tilt, slightly. During 1965 plans were introduced to build an underground car park for the MP's. It was noticed at that time there was a slight tilt on the Elizabeth Tower.

Oct 17, 2023 · 1843 (28 Sep): Construction work begins on the Clock Tower. 1852: The great clock at the heart of the tower is constructed by John Dent, to a design by Edmund Beckett Denison. 1856 (Oct): The...

Jan 5, 2025 · The tower housing Big Ben was formally known as St. Stephen’s Tower until 2012, when it was renamed Elizabeth Tower on the occasion of Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating 60 years on the British throne.

Ultimately, the refurbishment involved structural work on thousands of individual cast-iron components from the tower’s 30 m tall roof above the clock faces. These components had to be stripped of lead-based paint and examined for cracks or other damage.

The Elizabeth Tower is one of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks. Completed in 1859, the 96-metre structure is more commonly known as Big Ben, after the famous 13.5-tonne bell that is housed in the Tower and sounds the hour across London.

Discover the iconic Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben in the UK, symbols of British heritage and history. Explore the fascinating architecture and learn about the significance of this iconic landmark.