Although the name ‘Big Ben’ is commonly used to refer to the famous clock at the top of St. Stephen’s Tower of the Houses of Parliament in London, the nickname is more correctly applied to the bell within the tower.

The original bell, cast in 1856 and weighing some 15 tons, was being tested when it developed serious cracks and had to be scrapped. The new bell, weighing 13 tons, was cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry and was installed in 1858. The sound of Big Ben striking the hour was first heard in July 1859. There are also four Quarter bells in the clock tower weighing between 4 tons and 1 ton.

 

How Big Ben Got Its Name

At first, the bell was to be called "Victoria," in honour of the Queen. However, "Big Ben" was the name that came to be used. At the time that the bell was built, there were two well known men named Ben. One was a champion boxer -- Benjamin Caunt. The second Ben was Sir Benjamin Hall, a Member of Parliament who, as Commissioner of Public Works, had a great deal to do with the clock tower and the bells. His name was on the side of the first bell that had cracked. Either of these two men could have inspired the nickname "Big Ben," but no one is really sure which it was!

 

Images of Big Ben

Photos of Big Ben can be viewed on the Great Buildings Online web site.