What is the name of the Large Clock on the tower of House of Parliament in London?
VerifiedAnswer: Big Ben
Explanation:
The famous clock on the tower of the Houses of Parliament in London is widely known as Big Ben. However, there's an interesting detail that many people don't know - Big Ben is actually the nickname for the largest bell inside the clock tower, not the clock or tower itself.
The official name of the tower was originally called the Clock Tower when it was completed in 1859. In 2012, it was renamed Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. The tower stands 316 feet tall and houses the famous four-faced clock that has become one of London's most recognizable landmarks.
The name "Big Ben" comes from Sir Benjamin Hall, who was the Commissioner of Works when the bell was installed. Some historians also suggest it might have been named after Benjamin Caunt, a popular heavyweight boxer of that era. The Great Bell, as it's formally known, weighs an impressive 13.76 tons and chimes every hour.
The clock mechanism itself is remarkably accurate and has been keeping time for over 160 years. Each of the four clock faces is 23 feet in diameter, making them large enough to be seen from considerable distances. The minute hands are 14 feet long and weigh about 100 kilograms each, while the hour hands are 9 feet long.
Big Ben has become synonymous with London and British culture, appearing in countless movies, television shows, and photographs. The distinctive chimes are broadcast by BBC radio as a time signal, and the tower serves as a symbol of British parliamentary democracy. During both World Wars, the clock continued to chime, serving as a symbol of British resilience and continuity.
