Big Ben – A tryst with history

The most famous and the largest bell ever cast at Whitechapel foundry was baptized as the 'Big Ben' after some interesting debate in the 19th century British parliament. In 1844, the British parliament unanimously passed the decision to incorporate a clock tower within the Houses of Parliament. But, the specifications that came out of the parliament corridors was a scientific impossibility for even the most adventurous of clock makers - "The first stroke of the hour bell should register the time, correct to within one second per day, and furthermore that it should telegraph its performance twice a day to Greenwich Observatory, where a record would be kept." Thus started the timekeeping journey of this London landmark – The hour bell of the Great Clock of Westminster, known worldwide as the 'Big Ben'.

The Westminster timekeeper was conceptualized by Edmund Beckett Denison and finally made functional by Edward John Dent in 1854. The clock features an innovative double three-legged gravity escapement. The daunting task of casting the 13.76 tonne bell was undertaken by George Mears, the master bell founder and owner of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry.

Erected during the rebuilding of Parliament, the tower's clock went into service on September 7, 1859.

Big Ben – The evolution

After guiding the world on gas for almost half a century, the gas lighting of the dials was replaced by electric lighting in 1906. The electric winding followed suit in 1912. With time, Big Ben was embracing the digital technology. Big Ben's clock is lit at night. A second lamp above the face is illuminated anytime Parliament is in session.

BBC world service and Big Ben have a long association and this chiming association began way back on 31st December, 1923, when BBC broadcast the arrival of the new with the soothing chimes of Big Ben. The humanitarian face of Big Ben got a face lift during the Second World War, when the hourly chimes instilled a sense of comfort and security in the British population that all was well with Britain. Big Ben chimes are still aired on BBC Radio 4 at certain times.

The memorable journey to Westminster Palace

Big Ben's first journey from its birth place, the Whitechapel foundry, to its new home was marked by enthusiasm and awe. The transportation of the iconic bell to the Houses of Parliament was a memorable even for the Londoners. While the sixteen brightly beribboned horses hauled the mammoth bell over the London Bridge, along Borough Road, and Westminster Bridge, the traffic came to a complete standstill – to witness one of the most monumental transportations of all time. Decorate streets and zealous crowds cheered the Big Ben all along the way to its new abode.

Westminster Palace – The home to Big Ben

Home to the most talked about clock in the world, the iconic stature of Westminster palace is beyond debate. Apart from being the host to a legend, Westminster Palace is a living guide to the events that have shaped the destiny of modern Britain. The awe inspiring Gothic architecture owes its craftsmanship to 19th-century architect Sir Charles Barry. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and Grade I listed, the Westminster Palace houses a stunning blend of modern architecture, legendary furnishings, and monumental art works.