The 13-tonne Big Ben bell was largely silenced for five years while a major restoration of the Elizabeth Tower took place, with the “bongs” finally resuming regular service in November 2022.
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The name of the clock tower itself, officially is called The Elizabeth Tower. But colloquially, people normally say 'Big Ben' when they are referring to the clock tower. So, officially, you have Victoria Tower at one end of the Houses of Parliament and you have Elizabeth Tower at the other end.
Inside Big Ben and how to visitYou can visit Big Ben by booking a 90-minute guided tour that takes visitors up 334 stairs to see the clock mechanism room, behind the four clock dials and the Belfry, where the famous bell is located. Tours can be booked by visiting the official UK Parliament website.
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. The total tour duration is 90 minutes and toilet facilities are available at the beginning and end of the tour only.
Big Ben will sound during the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, Parliament's authorities have insisted, after the Great Bell failed to ring on Sunday night for the minute's silence for the late Monarch. The Great Bell is due to play a major part in today's proceedings, tolling 96 times to mark the former sovereign's age.
1 September 1939: Although the bells continued to ring, the clock faces were not illuminated at night throughout World War II to avoid guiding bomber pilots during the Blitz. 10/11 May 1941: the clock was damaged during a German bombing raid, either by a small bomb or by a British anti-aircraft shell.
2012: The Clock Tower is renamed the Elizabeth Tower to honour HM Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. 2017: The largest and most extensive conservation of the Elizabeth Tower begins to preserve the clock tower for future generations.
In 2012, the tower commonly called Big Ben was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honour of the Queen. It is the most recent twist in a long history of confusing names and nicknames.
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.”