The clock tower commonly known as Big Ben at the Houses of Parliament in London is one of England's most iconic landmarks. Technically, Big Ben is the bell inside the tower, which is actually named St. Stephen's Tower.
The bell weighs more than 13 tons. The tower features a clock face on each of the four sides, and these four faces are illuminated at night. Each dial is 23 square feet and the minute hands are 14 feet long. A light situated above the clock face illuminates to inform the public that Parliament is in session. The bell first rang on May 31, 1859, and since then, the clock has rarely stopped.
The bell weighs more than 13 tons. The tower features a clock face on each of the four sides, and these four faces are illuminated at night. Each dial is 23 square feet and the minute hands are 14 feet long. A light situated above the clock face illuminates to inform the public that Parliament is in session. The bell first rang on May 31, 1859, and since then, the clock has rarely stopped.
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