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Big Ben

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About Big Ben

London has several famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the The Palace of Westminster, the Big Ben, the London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, the Tower Bridge, the Admiralty Arch, and the London Eye. Among them, the Big Ben and its tower are one of the most famous as its image has been used as a symbol of London in TV productions, movies, and to promote events. The bell of The Palace of Westminster's clock is enormous, so it is not surprising it first received the name Great Bell. However, the nickname Big Ben is more notorious. Weighing 13.7 tonnes, the bell does not only stand out for its size, it also has a beautiful design that fits perfectly with the Gothic style of the Palace of Westminster and the beauty of the banks of the Thames River. Many people think "Big Ben" refers to the bell, clock, and tower, but it is only the bell's nickname and the tower has a name of its own. It is called Elizabeth Tower and has been supporting the Big Ben since it was first struck in 1859. Four bells accompany the Big Ben, and they were all designed to give different musical notes when struck. The first quarter bell gives a G sharp, the second quarter bell gives an F sharp, the third quarter bell gives an E, and the fourth quarter bell gives a B, while the Great Bell produces an E note when its 200 Kg hammer strickes it. Wallpapers, screensavers, puzzles, T-shits, coffee mugs, and other souvenirs use the Big Ben image. Further, there are ringtones and alarm clocks that use the bell's sound.