London Clock Tower PNG

London Clock Tower PNG

Big Ben (formally Elizabeth Tower) is the famous clock tower next to the Palace of Westminster in London. It is the second largest tetrahedral clock in the world. "Big Ben" is actually the name of the bell of the clock tower, but over time it has been used by the public to denote the entire structure. On June 26, 2012, the name of the tower was changed to "Elizabeth Tower" in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. The tower was named neo-Elizabeth Tower. -Designed in Gothic style. When it was completed in 1859, its clock was the largest in the world. The tower is 316 feet (96 m) high and the climb to the bell tower from ground level is 334 steps. Its base is square and measures 40 feet (12 m) on each side. The dials of the watch are 22.5 feet (6.9 m) in diameter. All four nations of England are represented in the tower on shields which include a rose for England, a thistle for Scotland, a clover for Northern Ireland, and a leek for Wales. The tower's 150th anniversary celebrations were held on May 31, 2009. Big Ben is the largest of the tower's five bells and weighs 13.5 long tons (13.7 tons; 15.1 short tons). It was the UK's largest bell for 23 years. The origin of the nickname of the bell is questionable; It may be named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation, or heavyweight boxing champion Benjamin Caunt. Four quarter bells ring at 15, 30 and 45 minutes and just before the Big Ben tolls. The tower is a British cultural landmark that is recognized around the world. It is one of the most important symbols of the UK and of parliamentary democracy and is often used for filming movies shot in London. The clock tower has been a Grade I listed building since 1970 and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Big Ben is the UK's most important landmark, according to 2000 votes in a poll.