What is the wrong name for the Big Ben?

Elizabeth Tower, originally named the Clock Tower, and popularly known as Big Ben, 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.



The most common "wrong" name for Big Ben is using it to describe the entire clock tower. "Big Ben" is technically only the nickname of the Great Bell—the 13.7-tonne behemoth that strikes the hours—and not the tower itself. For most of its history, the structure was simply called the Clock Tower. In 2012, to honor the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, it was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower. Another frequently used but incorrect name is "St. Stephen's Tower," which is actually a different, smaller tower located on the southwestern side of the Palace of Westminster. Even though most people around the world will immediately know what you mean when you say "I'm going to see Big Ben," a local Londoner or a history enthusiast will gently remind you that you are looking at the Elizabeth Tower, and you are only hearing Big Ben. This distinction is a classic piece of London trivia that differentiates tourists from true London experts.

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The tower was initially named the Clock Tower, an accurate (if somewhat uninspired) name for this massive timepiece. In 2012 it was renamed the Elizabeth Tower to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, though colloquially it will always be Big Ben.

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Many People Call it Elizbeth Tower It has a massive bell inside called Big Ben that weighs more than 13 tons. In 2012, the British Government renamed it the Elizabeth Tower to honor the Queen. No one knows why people call this tower Big Ben. We have already mentioned the two theories about it.

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The tower was initially named the Clock Tower, an accurate (if somewhat uninspired) name for this massive timepiece. In 2012 it was renamed the Elizabeth Tower to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, though colloquially it will always be Big Ben.

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All UK-based and international visitors aged 11 and over are welcome on a Big Ben tour. We do our best to help everyone participate in the tour, however it should be noted that the tour is not suitable for all visitors.

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On 21 August 2017, Big Ben's chimes were silenced for four years to allow essential restoration work to be carried out on the tower. The decision to silence the bells was made to protect the hearing of the workers on the tower, and drew much criticism from senior MPs and Prime Minister Theresa May.

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With its prominent position overlooking the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben was a highly visible target for enemy aircraft during World War II. To prevent the bell tower's sounds from aiding enemy aircraft, the clock's chimes were silenced for the duration of the conflict.

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Big Ben was built by Edward John Dent and his son Frederick Dent, who were renowned watchmakers of the time. The clock became known as the most accurate clock in the world at the time it was created. Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower were constructed in the Gothic Revival architectural style.

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114 steps up inside the tower is the Prison Room, but you don't need to worry about being locked up there yourself. The prison room was used for MPs who breached codes of conduct, but it hasn't been used since 1880.

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