Two of the most iconic things in London are both encapsulated in the giant clock tower that dominates Westminster Palace .

The sight of the clock face and elegant gothic tower, as well as the amazing bongs of the Great Bell.

Of course, the name Big Ben is commonly used to refer to the tower, though it's proper name is the Elizabeth Tower. The Big Ben nickname in fact refers to the giant bell responsible for said bongs.

Those bongs sounded over London for 158 years. Until 2017 that is, when they fell silent for what is going to be quite a while.

In August 2017, Big Ben fell silent for the first time in a decade and it's not set to regularly chime again for some time. Major repairs to the clock tower meant the bell wouldn't chime again until 2021.

But due to popular demand and public outrage it was decided Big Ben would be allowed to bong on important national events and holidays throughout the four-year conservation period.

The bell made a brief comeback and chimed on November 11, and 12, 2018 to mark Armistice Day centenary commemorations.

Even covered in scaffolding Big Ben is still one of London's most recognised landmarks and draws millions of visitors every year.

Our guide tells you everything you need to know about the famous bell that sits at the heart of England's parliament - the Palace of Westminster.

Where is Big Ben?

Big Ben is the massive bell which normally chimes from Westminster's Elizabeth Tower but is currently undergoing repairs

Big Ben's home is in the Palace of Westminster at SW1A 0AA.

It sits in The Elizabeth Tower was formally known as the clock tower but was renamed in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. It's the tower at the North End of the Houses of Parliament.

Why Big Ben being repaired?

Big Ben is undergoing vital repair works to keep it in tip top condition. According to officials, over the next three years, the roof of the Elizabeth Tower will be stripped off and restored, the bell frame repaired, leaks into the clock room stemmed and a lift installed.

A brick enclosure in the tower will be replaced with glass to allow Big Ben to be viewed by visitors walking up the staircase.

And the dull colour of Great Clock will also be changed to give it a more vibrant look.

The repairs are due to be completed in the early 2020s.

How old is Big Ben?

The Elizabeth Tower which houses Big Ben was built after a fire destroyed a large part of Westminster Palace in 1834.

The bell itself first chimed following the tower's construction in 1858. The original bell cracked shortly after it was first installed but was replaced by a new one in 1859 which is the same one we hear today - it's 159 years-old.

How big is Big Ben?

The Elizabeth Tower which houses Big Ben is 96m tall and the bell itself weighs a whopping 13.7 tonnes. Big Ben is the largest of five bells in the Elizabeth Tower.

How did Big Ben get its name?

The origin of Big Ben's name isn't 100% certain but it's thought the bell may have been named after in honour of Sir Benjamin Hall whose name is inscribed on it. But another theory is that the bell was got its nickname from contemporary heavyweight boxer Benjamin Gaunt.

Big Ben tours

Big Ben tours are not available to overseas visitors but UK residents were able to arrange tours of the Elizabeth Tower through their local MP, until it was closed for renovation in 2017. You can find out more about visiting Big Ben on the UK Parliament website here.

The Houses of Parliament in Westminster is the home of UK politics

What is The Palace of Westminster?

The Palace of Westminster is more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament and is the building where the House of Commons and the House of Lords meet. It's the home of English politics and where the day to day running of the country takes place.

Nestled on the north banks of the Thames, just over Westminster Bridge Westminster Palace gets its name from its neighbour Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey is one of London's oldest buildings and is still a working church. It's where every English monarch has had their coronation since 1066 and many famous people are buried there.

 

Visit the Houses of Parliament

UK and overseas residents can book tours of the Houses of Parliaments, watch debates and sit in on committees.

You can find out how to book a tour or visit the Palace of Westminster on the UK Parliament's website here.