#FAMOUS BIG CLOCK IN LONDON CRACK#

In the age of atomic clocks, its near-perfect time is regulated by heavy old pennies laid on or removed from the pendulum.īig Ben mechanic Ian Westworth says the bell has a crack in two places, which gives it a slightly off-pitch sound when struck. The five-tonne clock mechanism, like a giant wristwatch, is wound three times a week. The bongs of Big Ben itself are heard every hour. The chimes, supposedly based on four notes from Handel's 'Messiah,' ring out every quarter-hour from the intricately ornamented belfry. The city's most famous landmark is 95.7 metres high, or roughly 16 storeys. Stephen's Tower, which adjoins Britain's House of Commons. Security measures mean few are granted admission to the clock tower, and there's no elevator, so those who are escorted in must climb 334 winding limestone stairs. No special events were planned to mark the anniversary, aside from an exhibition at Portcullis House, the nearby parliamentary office complex, due to open Sept. But technically, Big Ben refers just to the biggest of the bells inside the tower - the Great Bell - which weighs nearly 12 tonnes.

The name is commonly used to describe the clock tower, including the clock face and the bell. The clock began keeping time on May 31, 1859, and the bell was struck for the first time six weeks later on July 11. ((Lefteris Pitarakis/Associated Press))It was 150 years ago that the iconic symbol of London - known as Big Ben - first started ticking.

Stephens tower of the Houses of Parliament, housing the Big Ben bell. Catherine Moss, who had climbed the height of Everest three times over in her career as a Big Ben guide, stands behind one of the four clock faces during a pre-anniversary tour inside the St.

Famous big clock in london