Question 1

Why is Big Ben called Big Ben?

Accepted Answer

The name Big Ben was initially given to the Great Bell: christened after Sir Benjamin Hall, who supervised the set up of the Great Bell. It’s also believed that Big Ben was named after Benjamin Caunt, the British heavyweight boxing champ of the country. Then, the iconic Big Ben is the nickname of the Great Bell.

Question 2

Why is Big Ben famous?

Accepted Answer

Big Ben is famous for its great historical and architectural significance and therefore, considered the most sought-after and outstanding landmark to see in London. The iconic structure has 334 steps that you can climb to get a splendid view of London. It stands as a symbol of the British Parliament, and the clock gives the most accurate time in the world. Big Ben makes headlines even when the chimes are off by just two seconds in a year.Recommended Read: Things To Do In Central London

Question 3

What happened to Big Ben?

Accepted Answer

The iconic Big Ben was rebuilt after a fire breakout that damaged a massive portion of Westminster Palace in the year 1834. The Great Bell first peeled after the clock tower underwent reconstruction in 1858. The original clock tower bell cracked soon after it was set up and subsequently replaced by a new bell in the year 1859.

Question 4

Is Big Ben the biggest clock in the world?

Accepted Answer

The Great Bell housed in the four-faced tower of London is the highest clock tower in the world. The clock was the largest in the world at the time when the same installed in the mid 19th century. However, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower in Mecca, Saudi Arabia has the largest clock face in the world. ﻿Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near London

Question 5

Can you go inside Big Ben?

Accepted Answer

No, usually you cannot go inside Big Ben because you won’t be permitted to do so unless you are a British resident. If you have citizenship, you will need to get in touch with a Member of Parliament for arranging a tour inside Big Ben. You must contact them at least six months before, and only then, you’ll be allowed to ascend the 334 steps and learn about the astounding mechanism of Big Ben. If you are a tourist, you can only appreciate the beauty of this iconic structure from outside. However, as a visitor, you can visit the inside of the Houses of Parliament to witness the committee hearings.

Question 6

When Big Ben last repaired?

Accepted Answer

The last repair and renovation of Big Ben took place between 1983 and 1985. Currently, the tower is undergoing repairs to preserve the same, improving the facilities, as well as ensuring its structural integrity for the time to come. Big Ben will recommence its usual tolling and striking in 2021 after the renovation work is complete.Also Book: The Tower Of London Tickets

Question 7

How much does it cost to repair Big Ben?

Accepted Answer

The estimated repair cost of Big Ben was £29-£45 million in 2016 considering the complexity or intricacy of the project. However, lately, the actual repair and renovation costs have doubled to £61 million, according to the parliamentary authorities. Conservation of the clock tower has increased to millions of pounds than previously projected.

Question 8

How accurate is Big Ben?

Accepted Answer

Based on the reports by BBC, Big Ben is running up to six minutes late as per Ian Westworth, clocksmith. The iconic clock tower is characteristically exact to within two seconds of the original time. Westworth describes Big Ben’s behavior as unpredictable, of late.Do Read: Hidden Places In London

Question 9

What is Big Ben's real name?

Accepted Answer

The original name of the iconic Big Ben, London was the clock tower; however, it was christened Elizabeth Tower in the year 2012 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of Britain, marking the completion of 60 years of her rule.

Question 10

Why did they stop Big Ben?

Accepted Answer

The iconic Big Ben’s chiming stopped on August 21, 2017, for a period of four years to allow repair and renovation of the clock tower. The bells were silenced to ensure that the workers working on this tower do not suffer from any hearing problems. However, Senior Member of Parliaments as well Theresa May, Prime Minister criticized this decision.Book Now London Eye Ticket and experience the scenic beauty of London.

Question 11

How loud is Big Ben?

Accepted Answer

The decibel level of Big Ben is 118 approximately, which is deafening enough to cause hearing problems. A hammer of 200 kg strikes the tin bell and copper to make that bell chime. The tin bell weighs approx 13.7 tons, however, it produced a tuneful note ‘E’ while it’s struck.

Question 12

Was Big Ben bombed in World War II?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Commons Chamber received a major hit by an extremely explosive bomb. Even the wood hammer-beam roof of the old Westminster Hall was set ablaze by descending explosives. William Rufus constructed the 600-year Hall by in 1097 and again rebuilt by Richard II in 1399 and 1401 when the hall caught fire due to falling incendiaries.Know More: Places In East London

Question 13

How long will Big Ben be silent?

Accepted Answer

The iconic Big Ben will not chime for four years due to repair and conservation work since August 2017. The clock will not chime until 2021 except for special events and festivities like New Year and Remembrance Sunday.

Question 14

Is Big Ben being renovated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Big Ben has been under renovation since August 2017. It would remain silent until 2021 because of a four-year repair and renovation programme to conserve the iconic London landmark.Read More: Things To Do In London In December

Question 15

Why is Big Ben so special?

Accepted Answer

The Elizabeth Tower and the Houses of Parliament, commonly known as Big Ben is one of the most iconic landmarks in London as well as a coveted tourist destination in Britain. After its completion in 1859, the clock was the largest and most exact four-faced chiming and striking clock in the world.

Question 16

Does Big Ben feature a pendulum?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it has a pendulum bob weighing 203 kg and each pendulum period is two seconds. The overall weight of this pendulum is 299 kg. The pendulum within the clock tower is protected in a wind-resistant area and beats every two seconds.

Question 17

Who built Big Ben?

Accepted Answer

Augustus Pugin, the British architect, built Big Ben and constructed this iconic landmark following a neo-Gothic style. It was built to serve as the standard clock in London.Also Checkout And Book: London Zsl Zoo Tickets

Question 18

How was Big Ben made?

Accepted Answer

Big Ben was built using materials brought from all over England, especially cast-iron girders procured from Regent Canal Ironworks. Besides, Cornish granite and Yorkshire Anston stone were used to build the tower exterior. Again, a foundry in Birmingham supplied iron-roofing plates for building the roof of this iconic landmark.

Question 19

What are the other attractions and activities in London you can book via thrillophilia?

Accepted Answer

Here are the other attractions and activities in London you can book via thrillophilia:Warner Bros. Studio Tour LondonWindsor Castle TicketPeppa Pig World Day TicketsJack The Ripper Walking TourWarwick Castle TicketDover Castle TicketBuckingham Palace TicketLondon Madame Tussauds TicketsLondon Sea Life TicketsTower Bridge London Tickets