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You are here: Home / History / Who was Big Ben the tower clock in London named after?

Who was Big Ben the tower clock in London named after?

July 28, 2020 by Karen Hill

The name Big Ben doesn’t refer to the chapel clock in London, but to the 13-ton bell that rings in the clock tower.

The “Ben” behind the bell was Sir Benjamin Hall, the first commissioner of works at the time of installation in 1856.

A loud man, it’s said. So the name was very appropriate.

The light above the clock face of Big Ben is sometimes lit and sometimes not for a reason. You’re observant if you noticed this.

There is a traditional reason, actually: When the light is shining, Parliament is in session.

We guess the lords wanted to be able to keep track of the time.

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Filed Under: History

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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