Little Ben has returned to Victoria as part of a multi-million-pound project.
The clock, situated on the intersection between Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road, is an exact replica of Elizabeth Tower, which houses the famous Big Ben bell.
Located less than a mile from the Houses of Parliament, the clock has been there on and off since 1892. It was first removed in 1964 as part of the road widening in the area.
The clock, originally crafted by Gillet & Johnston of Croydon, was then restored in 1981 by Smith of Derby.
The restoration was funded by French petrochemical company Elf Aquitaine to celebrate the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
As a gesture of Franco-British friendship, the clock always runs at British Summer Time, therefore being on British time in Summer but on French Time during the Winter months.
This is reflected by a poem inscribed on the tower reading, reading: "My hands you may retard or may advance. My heart beats true for England as for France."
The clock was removed again in January 2012 to prevent damage whilst carrying out the extensive redevelopment of Victoria Station and the surrounding areas.
It was restored last Sunday after four years and has attracted much curiosity amongst commuters.
Ticking down to station revamp
Victoria Station is the second busiest rail station in the country and has been undergoing a £700 million renovation since 2012, and is due to be completed in 2018.
The return of the clock however, has encouraged commuters and locals.
London Underground’s construction programme director, Miles Ashley, said: "Little Ben's ticking will help us count down to completing the new entrance and ticket hall for Victoria Tube station, opening later this year."
Another replica of Elizabeth Tower, painted silver, can be found in the Seychelles capital of Victoria.
Locally known as Lorloz (the French Creole word for clock tower), it was commissioned to be built by the same company as Little Ben, by then Seychelles Governor Sir Ernest Sweet-Escott after he was impressed with the clock in London.
It has been in Victoria, Seychelles since 1903 and is considered a National Monument.
