The striking clock of Westminster is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Otherwise known as Big Ben, is has five bells and is situated at the north end of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) where MPs meet to debate and shout at each other. Built in 1859, it has 334 steps to the belfry and at the time of being installed, was the most accurate chiming clock in the world. Even today, News at 10 uses its ‘bongs’ to present the headlines on TV. Its nickname is likely named after someone called Benjamin, but there are debates as to who.
The tower also has an oak-panelled Prison Room, where in 1880 the newly-elected MP Charles Bradlaugh was placed, after he refused to swear a religious oath of allegiance to Queen Victoria, due to being an atheist. By-elections were called in Northampton but he won every one (four times) so eventually he was allowed to take his seat by ‘affirming’ instead. His daughter later became a prominent peace activist. But the clock just keeps chiming through all the political fallouts. It has stopped a few times due to heavy snow (or cleaning and repair) but not often.
