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BIG BEN'S BIRTHDAY
Visiting Parliament and the Clock Tower
Big
Ben celebrated 150 years in 2009, though Big Ben isn't actually the
name of the clock, but actually only the nick name of the largest bell
in tower of the world's most
famous
clock,
which
is part of England's Parliament building on the edge of the Thames River.
The bell is officially named the Great Bell and the tower just the Clock
Tower. The bell most likely got its nickname from the works commissioner
who
supported its installation, Sir Benjamin Hall, but is also possibly
named after a famous heavyweight champion boxer of the time, Ben Caunt.
The bell was cast by Warners of Norton near Stockton-on-Tees, and is
actually
the second bell. The first one cracked under testing. The big bell was
pulled across the Thames River bridge by sixteen horses and winched up
the town on its side. The Big Ben bell first rang on July 11, 1859. The
big bell rings with four other quarter bells which form the London clock's
famous chimes.
England's
Parliament is open to visitors where one can watch debates and attend
committee hearings, tour the buildings of the massive complex
in the heart of Westminster or climb the famous Clock Tower and see the
Big Ben bell, but during the anniversary period due to demand, tours
up the bell tower are restricted to UK citizens, and even only those
who can show a true interest in clocks. There is no charge, but booking
in advance is necessary (3 months) and must be made through the office
of a Member of Parliament. Tour participants must gather in the foyer
of Portcullis House 15 minutes before the tour time. The tour takes an
hour and quarter and reguires climbing. In 2010 the clock will open to
non-UK visitors.
Foreign visitors can take a parliament tour during the summer opening.
Tickets can be bought online through www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by phoning
0844-847-1672. During Parliament session both UK Residents and foreign
visitors can attend debates in the Houses of Parliament in the public
galleries. Tickets are not required. A first come - first served line
forms outside the St Stephen's entrance. Expect a wait of one to two
hours. The wait for the House of Lords is usually less, basically because
the Prime Minister speaks in the lower house. © Bargain
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Visiting
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See Also:
LONDON
SIGHTSEEING BY BUS TOUR
LONDON
EYE OBSERVATION WHEEL
CHURCHILL MUSEUM AND CABINET WAR ROOMS
SHERLOCK HOLMES MUSEUM LONDON - 221B
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