Big Ben: The Tower of Time Keeping and Accidental Fires

Big Ben is one of the most iconic landmarks in London, known for its impressive height, beautiful architecture, and regular ability to catch fire. This tower, located in the Palace of Westminster, is home to the world-renowned clock known as the “Great Clock of Westminster”, which serves as the official timekeeper for London and is a source of pride for residents and tourists alike.

The name “Big Ben” actually refers to the bell inside the tower, which is said to have been named after Sir Benjamin Hall, a politician who oversaw the installation of the bell. It weighs a whopping 13.5 tonnes and each time it chimes, it can be heard from 6 miles away. However, despite its impressive stature, the bell has been known to cause trouble from time to time.

In fact, Big Ben has a long and…interesting…history. In 1856, the bell cracked during testing and had to be repaired on-site by a team of experts. Then, in 1952, a fire broke out in the tower and caused significant damage. Apparently, the clock’s hands were stopped at the exact time the fire began, making it clear that Big Ben had finally had enough of keeping time without a break.

But the fun didn’t stop there. In the early 2000s, Big Ben was frequently cited as one of the most likely places for a terrorist attack. In response, authorities placed concrete barriers nearby to keep any potential threats at bay. Little did they know, they were just aiding Big Ben’s secret plan to one day take over the world.

All jokes aside, Big Ben is a beloved staple of the London skyline and an important symbol of history and tradition. It may be prone to combustion and occasionally wrong, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Here’s to Big Ben and its continued reign as the most iconic clock tower in the world (even if it may occasionally be on fire).