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Does Big Ben still chime every hour?

When does Big Ben chime? Big Ben chimes every hour, and smaller bells around it chime every 15 minutes to mark each quarter hour.



Yes, as of 2026, Big Ben (the Great Bell) has returned to its full regular chiming schedule. Following a massive five-year restoration project of the Elizabeth Tower that was largely completed in late 2022, the clock's mechanical hammers were reconnected to the 13.7-tonne bell. It now strikes the iconic "bongs" every hour, on the hour. Additionally, the four smaller "quarter bells" have resumed their "Westminster Quarters" melody, chiming every 15 minutes. During the long renovation, the bells were silent except for major national events like New Year's Eve and Remembrance Sunday to protect the hearing of the workers inside the tower. Today, the clock is once again powered by its original Victorian gravity-driven mechanism, though it has been fitted with a modern electric motor as a backup. The tower's faces have also been restored to their original Prussian blue and gold color scheme, making it a fully functional and visual centerpiece of the London skyline once again.

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The hiatus was prompted by upcoming renovations on Elizabeth Tower, which houses both Big Ben and the Great Clock that adorns the façade of the structure. According to a statement from the UK Parliament, Big Ben was paused to “ensure the safety of those working in the Tower.”

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1716: The bell from the clock tower is recast and later hung in the South West Tower of St Paul's Cathedral. If Big Ben is ever unable to strike, the bell in St Paul's is heard instead.

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When in use, the clock tower at Westminster Palace, Elizabeth Tower, strikes a total of 28 times at twelve o'clock. It plays an eight-note melody twice, after which Big Ben, the largest of its five bells, strikes twelve times to indicate the hour.

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Visitors will be able to book a maximum of eight tickets per person, depending on availability. The Big Ben tour is not suitable for everyone. Visitors must be aged 11 and over and be comfortable climbing 334 steps and experiencing high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells - earplugs will be provided.

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At close proximity, the sound of Big Ben measures 118 decibels, which is loud enough to cause physical pain. To make the bell chime, the copper and tin bell is struck by a hammer weighing 200kg. The bell, weighing 13.7 tonnes itself, makes the musical note “E” when struck.

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