Big Ben: The SHOCKING Secrets of London's Iconic Clock Tower

The Origin Story

It's the world's most famous clock, but how much do you really know about Big Ben? 🕰️🇬🇧 This isn't just a tour; it's a journey through time to uncover the incredible secrets, engineering marvels, and dramatic history of London's most iconic landmark.  In this video, we go beyond the postcard image to explore:  What IS Big Ben, Really? We clarify the common misconception: Is it the clock, the bell, or the tower? (The answer will surprise you!).  A Phoenix from the Ashes: Discover how the Great Fire of 1834 that destroyed the old Palace of Westminster led to the creation of this Gothic masterpiece.  The Genius & The Tragedy: Meet the brilliant architects and engineers behind the project, and the heartbreaking story of the man who designed the clock mechanism.  The Giant Bell: Witness the dramatic casting, transportation, and the mysterious crack that almost silenced Big Ben forever. Why did it take 30 hours to haul the bell up the clock tower?  Surviving the Blitz: Learn how Big Ben stood tall as a symbol of resilience while London was bombed during World War II.  Secrets of the Tower: Why is there a prison room inside? And what is the mysterious system of microphones and lights that connects the clock to the British government?  From its controversial beginnings to its recent massive renovation, this is the full, untold story of the Big Ben. A must-watch for history buffs, travel enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by incredible engineering!  If you enjoyed this journey, please give it a LIKE, SHARE it with a friend, and SUBSCRIBE for more amazing historical deep dives!  Keywords: Big Ben, History of Big Ben, London, England, United Kingdom, British History, Clock Tower, Elizabeth Tower, Westminster, Palace of Westminster, London Landmarks, Travel, History Documentary, Architecture, Engineering, How It Was Built, World War II, Renovation, Secrets, Facts.  #BigBen #London #History #Documentary #Travel

Transcript

00:00hi everyone and welcome to my channel today we're taking a look at the history of big ben

00:14big ben is one of the most famous landmarks in london and it's also one of the most

00:20recognizable clocks in the world but how did big ben come to be and what's the story behind

00:26its iconic name big ben is actually the nickname of the great bell of the clock at the elizabeth

00:33tower at the houses of parliament in london the tower itself was completed in 1859 and the clock

00:39was first struck on july 31st of that year the bell was named after sir benjamin hall who was

00:46the first commissioner of works at the time the clock mechanism itself is also a marvel of

00:53engineering it was designed by edmund beckett dennison and it took four years to build

00:58the clock is still wound up by hand every day and it takes two people about two hours to do it

01:04fun facts the clock face is nine feet in diameter and the hands are two feet and nine inches long

01:12the bell weighs 13 tons and the hammer weighs four cwt the clock has been silenced several times over

01:19the years for repairs and maintenance it was also silenced during both world wars

01:25in 2012 the tower was renamed elizabeth tower to mark the diamond jubilee of queen elizabeth the second

01:33however the clock is still more commonly known as big ben

01:37big ben is a truly iconic landmark and it's a symbol of both london and the united kingdom

01:44it's a reminder of the country's rich history and engineering prowess if you're ever lucky enough

01:50to visit london be sure to check out big ben for yourself if you enjoyed this video please give it a

01:58thumbs up and subscribe to my channel for more interesting content thanks for watching

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