BIG Ben ..........

Big Ben

Is one of Britains best-known landmarks and my most favourite building in the world . Most people give me a wierd /questioning look when I make the above statement wondering as to what I have found fascinating about this clock, "yet another clock tower in their terms" .

Ever since I learnt about the Big Ben in school , it has always been my dream to see this and it was realised a couple of yrs back and many times since then.

The first time I saw Big Ben was on a clear night when it looks most spectacular , the clock faces are illuminated and the intricate opal glass designs glisten (more like stained glass jewels ) along with the golden ornamentation, the view is truly amazing .

The hourly chimes of this magnificent clock are the most majestic and soothing music I have ever heard . Its loud enough to be heard across the Thames but the "loud" doesnt refer to blarringly loud noise we are used to .......


Lesser Known Facts :

• Built in 1858 , it was designed by Augustus Pugin in the typical Gothic Style of architecture. Big Ben is the world's largest chiming clock

• Two attempts to cast were made before the bell now installed could be successfully made

• No one knows the exact origin of the name "Big Ben', Big Ben's official name is Great Bell

• The tower of the clock is leaning slightly by a few millimeters near the clock face

• You can even know when a parliament is in session at night coz of a light that shines above the clock face

• Big Ben stopped working for a couple of hours in 2005 , the minute hand stopped moving . The clock has stopped only a handful of times since it was completed ( once due to snow accumulation on the hands and once during the election time in 1997)

• There are even cells within the clock tower , where MPs can be imprisoned for a breach of parliamentary priviledge , though the last recorded case was in the early periods of installation in 1800s (I dont know how far this is true , but when the tour guide told this , I was busy picturing the place being always full , if we had a similar one back in India )

I have been to London and seen the Big Ben. But never realised that it could look spectacular. Honestly I was one of those who thought "yet another clock tower". If I visit London next time, i will see with your eyes.

What surprised me equally was the fact that I wasn't aware of your liking for Big Ben all these years. If only I had known, that would have been one of my sales talks to motivate you to take up assignments in London.

There are londoners in our forum, let's hear from them on what they think......