This is an AI translated post.
Select Language
Summarized by durumis AI
- Big Ben is a landmark building that represents London, a symbol of pride for British citizens. It was officially named Big Ben in 2012, commemorating Queen Elizabeth's 60th Diamond Jubilee.
- Completed in 1859, Big Ben features a beautiful Victorian Gothic exterior and a 13.5-ton bell. It underwent a major restoration from 2017 to 2022, receiving a fresh makeover.
- Big Ben has appeared in various films, dramas, and other works, solidifying its place as a symbolic image of London. Its chimes are broadcasted live worldwide through BBC Radio, showcasing Britain's presence on the global stage.
Big Ben is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, visited by about 2 million tourists every year. It is a symbolic presence in London, along with the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge. It has appeared in various works such as movies, dramas, and novels, and has become an iconic image representing London.
Big Ben, the Symbol of Britain
Big Ben is an important architectural structure that symbolizes British politics and history. It is a symbol of pride for the British people and a representative image of British tradition and values. Big Ben's bell chimes are broadcast live around the world through BBC Radio, showing Britain's presence.
History of Big Ben
Big Ben was completed in 1859 and was built as a symbol of Britain's technological industrial revolution at the time. It has since become an iconic architectural structure in London. Originally known as "Westminster Tower," it was officially renamed Big Ben in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.
Structure of Big Ben
1. Victorian Gothic Architecture
○ Big Ben boasts a grand scale of 96.3 meters in height and 7 meters in diameter, and its beautiful Victorian Gothic exterior enhances the scenery of London.
○ At night, it is illuminated and decorates the London night sky, becoming an important element in creating London's beautiful night view.
2. Four Giant Clocks
○ Four giant clocks, each 7 meters in diameter and weighing 3 tons, are installed on the four sides of the tower.
○ They have been refurbished through a major restoration project that took place from 2017 to 2022, and now tell time even more accurately.
3. A 13.5-ton Bell
○ There are 11 bells inside the tower, and the largest bell weighs a whopping 13.5 tons.
○ The bell chimes every 15 minutes, a familiar sound to Londoners, and it plays a role in telling the time in London.
Hidden Stories of Big Ben
1. The Origin of the Name Big Ben
○ The most likely story behind the name Big Ben is that it comes from the nickname of Sir Benjamin Hall, a heavyweight boxer in London at the time.
○ Sir Benjamin Hall was very large and had a loud voice. It is said that he got the nickname Big Ben because his voice was similar to the sound of the Big Ben bell.
2. Restoration Work from 2017 to 2022
○ Big Ben underwent a major restoration project that lasted five years from 2017.
○ Not only the machinery inside the tower, but also the exterior stone walls were meticulously repaired. During this process, cutting-edge technology was used to further enhance the accuracy of Big Ben.
3. Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's Accession
○ In 2012, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession, Big Ben's official name was changed to "Elizabeth Tower."
○ This was a special event held to honor Queen Elizabeth II's dedicated service, and it shows how important Big Ben is to the British people.
Interesting Facts about Big Ben
1. Big Ben's Bell is Not Actually an E Note
○ Big Ben's bell is actually closer to a B♭ note, not an E note.
○ This is because the pitch of the bell has changed over time due to its long use, and it is considered one of Big Ben's unique charms.
2. Big Ben Has Never Stopped
○ Big Ben was damaged during World War II by attacks from the German Luftwaffe, but it never stopped.
○ On May 10, 1941, part of the tower was destroyed by the German Luftwaffe's attack, but the bell continued to ring.
○ This is remembered as an event symbolizing Big Ben's sturdiness and Britain's resilience.
3. Big Ben Often Appears in Movies and Dramas
○ Big Ben often appears in movies and dramas as an image representing London.
○ Notable works include "Sherlock Holmes," "Mary Poppins," and "James Bond."
○ In movies and dramas, Big Ben plays an important role in showcasing London's beauty and history.
4. Big Ben's Bell Chimes are Broadcast Live on Radio
○ Big Ben's bell chimes are broadcast live around the world every hour through BBC Radio.
○ This not only serves to tell time in the UK, but also plays a role in spreading British traditions and culture.
5. Big Ben is Beloved by the British People
○ Big Ben is a beloved landmark among the British people.
○ Big Ben is an important architectural structure that symbolizes British politics, history, and culture, and is a symbol of pride for the British people.
○ Big Ben not only tells time for the British people, but also acts as a solid pillar in their lives.
Tips for Visiting Big Ben
○ Since Big Ben is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, it is advisable to make reservations in advance before visiting.
○ The interior of Big Ben Tower has been reopened to the public since 2022, and you can experience Big Ben's history and structure firsthand.
○ There are various tourist attractions around Big Ben, such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace, so it is recommended to visit them together.
