Don't visit London unless you know this information / London's Museums / British Museum – Discovering the World's History and Culture / Do you want to experience Royalty in London? / Experience London at The Camden Market / Why London Tourists just love The Big Ben / Finding the London Accommodation that fits your budget / London for Tourists with a slim budget / London for Kids and Kids at heart / Who says London Museums aren't for Kids?

Why London Tourists Just Love The Big Ben

The term is used to refer to the clock tower. But the name Big Ben actually refers to the huge bell inside the tower. The name is said to have been derived from Sir Benjamin Hall, the commissioner of works. Stories have it that the name of the bell would have been “Victoria” or “Royal Victoria” in honour of Queen Victoria. Today, the name Big Ben is popular for the clock tower. Even the locals call the clock tower, the Big Ben so tourists can’t be blamed if they keep on saying Big Ben but actually refers to the clock tower and not the bell.

The Big Ben

The bell was built around 1858 to 1859. The clock tower was completely built in 1858. The bell and the clock can be viewed at the Houses of Parliament, Parliament Square, London. It is not open for public visit but the view outside the tower is already worth it.

The clock mechanism was completed in 1854, four years before the tower was completed. The design of the clock and the dials is credited to Augustus Pugin, an English architect. The frames are iron and each clock face has an inscription: DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM which when translated in English means, O Lord, Keep safe our Queen Victoria the First.

The Big Ben is considered as the world’s largest four faced chiming clock. It has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in London. Tourists never fail to catch a glimpse of the world famous Big Ben. The good thing is that different modes of transportations operate from most of London hostels to the area around the Big Ben. This makes it easy for tourists staying in London hostels to visit the Big Ben.

The clock’s ding dongs are amazing. They follow the “Messiah” by George Frederick Handel. The clock plays the lines every quarter and plays the whole on the hour. The clock fascinates a lot of tourists. No wonder, tourists, who are first timers in London, enjoy the Big Ben so much. There is so much to see in London and surely the Big Ben is one that should not be missed.