Get ready to chime in with 15 fascinating facts about one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, Big Ben. Standing tall in the heart of London, Big Ben has captured the imaginations of people around the globe with its imposing presence and rich history. From its construction to its famous timekeeping mechanism, we’re delving into the secrets and stories behind this legendary clock tower. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about this architectural marvel, these facts will leave you “tickled” with knowledge. So, let’s set the clock and uncover these 15 intriguing Big Ben facts that will make you feel like a “tower” of wisdom!
1-5 Fun Facts About Big Ben
1. London’s “Big Ben” refers to the bell inside the tower, not the tower itself, which is officially known as “Elizabeth Tower” and was completed in 1859.
2. British Pennies are used to adjust the time in London’s Big Ben clock tower.
3. In August 2015, it was discovered that Big Ben’s clock was running 6 seconds fast, and coins were removed from its pendulum to correct the error.
4. While “Big Ben” is the nickname of the bell, it is officially called the “Great Bell.”
5. According to legend, if Big Ben ever strikes 13 times, the lion statues in Trafalgar Square will come to life and either defend or ravage the city, depending on the version of the story.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Big Ben
6. The bell tower is rumored to have its own prison cell designated for unruly Members of Parliament.
7. The ongoing renovations of Big Ben will include the installation of the first-ever toilet in the bell tower.
8. In 1944, a flock of birds rested on the minute hand of Big Ben, causing the clock to run slow due to their weight.
9. Big Ben has been featured in numerous films, including seventeen Disney films such as Peter Pan, 101 Dalmatians, The Parent Trap, A Christmas Carol, Mary Poppins Returns, V for Vendetta, Spectre, and London Has Fallen, making it a popular-landmark in movies.
10. During World War II, the lights of Big Ben were dimmed to prevent German bombers from using it as a reference point.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Big Ben
11. Turning back the giant hands on Big Ben’s four clock faces takes a total of 5 hours.
12. To ensure accurate timekeeping, workers hand wind the clock three times a week, and each winding takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
13. The Latin words under the clock face read “DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM,” which translates to “O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First.”
14. A special light above the clock faces is illuminated when parliament is in session.
15. The interior of the Big Ben tower is only accessible to United Kingdom residents who have arranged a tour through their Member of Parliament in advance.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 15 Interesting Big Ben Facts
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