The Great Bell of Westminster was cast in 1856 and weighs approximately 13.5 tons (13.76 metric tons). It is the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world. The bell was originally named "Victoria" in honor of Queen Victoria, but it was later nicknamed "Big Ben." The origin of the nickname is uncertain, but it is believed that it was either named after Sir Benjamin Hall or after a famous boxer named Ben Caunt.
The clock mechanism for Big Ben was designed by the astronomer royal Sir George Airy and constructed by the clockmaker Edward John Dent. The clock mechanism is a complex system of gears, pulleys, and weights that drives the hands of the clock and strikes the bell. The clock has four dials, each of which is 23 feet (7 meters) in diameter. The hands of the clock are made of copper and are 9 feet (2.74 meters) long.
Big Ben first struck on July 11, 1859, but it did not keep accurate time until May 11, 1862, after several modifications were made to the clock mechanism. Over the years, Big Ben has undergone several repairs and renovations. In 1983, the clock mechanism was dismantled and restored. In 2017, the clock tower underwent a major restoration project that lasted four years. During the restoration, the clock mechanism was removed and overhauled, and the clock dials and hands were repainted.
Big Ben is a world-famous landmark and one of the most iconic symbols of London. It is a popular tourist attraction and is often used in films and television shows to represent London.