About Big Ben
Big Ben is the heartbeat of London, the Victorian reliable that has chimed through wars, reigns, and centuries. Strictly speaking, the name refers only to the massive bell inside, but the Elizabeth Tower itself is the icon—a neo-Gothic masterpiece of limestone and gold leaf standing guard over the Houses of Parliament. Its four faces look out over the city, keeping time for the nation with unwavering accuracy.
From the air, the tower anchors the corner of the Palace of Westminster, sitting right on the banks of the River Thames. Its position makes it a pivot point between the political power of Westminster and the public life of the river and bridge. The shadow it casts moves like a sundial across the bridge traffic and the river water. It is a vertical exclamation point in the low-rise skyline of historic London.
The sound of Big Ben—that deep, resonant E-natural bong—is the sound of Britain itself. It is a symbol of stability in a changing world. Seeing it lit up at night against a foggy sky, or gleaming after its recent restoration, evokes a sense of continuity. It is the most famous clock in the world, not because of its size, but because of its voice.
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