Big Ben is an iconic clock tower in London, England. It is located at the north end of the Houses of Parliament and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The clock tower was completed in 1859 and is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the chief engineer of the project. It is the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world and has become a symbol of the United Kingdom.
The clock tower was designed by architect Augustus Pugin. It stands at a height of 316 feet and is composed of a brick-and-stone tower with a clock at the top. The clock itself is 23 feet in diameter and is made up of four clock faces. Each of the clock faces is 7 metres in diameter and is made of opal glass. The clock is powered by a weight-driven mechanism and is accurate to within one second per day.
Big Ben is also famous for its chimes. Every hour, the clock chimes Big Ben's famous "bongs" which can be heard up to five miles away. The chimes have been used to mark important occasions, such as the start of the new year, the opening of Parliament and the death of a monarch.
Millions of people visit the clock tower each year to witness the clock in action and to hear the bells ringing. The clock is also a popular spot for wedding proposals, with many couples choosing to propose beneath the clock tower.
Big Ben is an important part of London’s history and culture and it is a symbol of the city’s resilience and strength. It is a reminder of the city’s past and a symbol of its future.