Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Field Notes • Places

Big Ben

Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster in London. The tower is officially called Elizabeth Tower, and it's one of the most recognized symbols of the United Kingdom.

What it is

Big Ben correctly refers to the massive Great Bell, not the entire tower. The tower housing the bell is officially named Elizabeth Tower (renamed in 2012). The bell weighs about 13.7 metric tons and was completed in 1859, with its first peals heard that July.

Key details

The Gothic Revival Elizabeth Tower sits at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The clock mechanism includes quarter bells and is renowned for its accuracy. Big Ben's chimes mark the hour and quarter hours, making it a precise timekeeping landmark.

Why it matters

Big Ben is one of London's most iconic landmarks, featured in countless films, news broadcasts, and tourism materials. It is closely tied to British national events, such as New Year's Eve celebrations and state ceremonies, and stands as a global symbol of the UK.

In short

  • Big Ben is the bell, not the tower
  • The tower is Elizabeth Tower, completed in 1859
  • Bell weighs about 13.7 metric tons
  • First peals heard in July 1859
Canadian angle

Big Ben is well known to Canadian readers as a major London landmark and a frequent symbol in global news, tourism, and cultural references involving the United Kingdom.

Quick questions

What is Big Ben?
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster in London.
What is the tower called officially?
The tower is officially called Elizabeth Tower, renamed in 2012.
Why is it called Big Ben?
The exact origin is uncertain, but one common explanation links the name to Sir Benjamin Hall, who was associated with the bell's casting and installation.

Sources

  1. Visit London — https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/sightseeing/london-attraction/big-ben
    Supports: Bell identity, location, design attribution, and tower context
  2. Tootbus — https://www.tootbus.com/en/london/inspiration/50-fascinating-facts-big-ben
    Supports: Official tower name Elizabeth Tower and distinction between tower and bell
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Big-Ben-clock-London
    Supports: Big Ben as bell, tower association, weight, and location
  4. Fox News — https://www.foxnews.com/world/londons-finest-fun-facts-to-know-about-the-citys-big-ben
    Supports: 1859 completion and first peals
  5. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/world/big-ben-fast-facts
    Supports: Bell identity, chimes, and tower context
  6. BBC Newsround — https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/ckvgq7qyxjyo
    Supports: Great Bell of Westminster and common usage
  7. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Big-Ben/476223
    Supports: Quarter bells, World War silencing, and bell naming tradition