Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament’s famous clock tower is among the most famous spots in London.

What is Big Ben?

The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, generally known as Big Ben, are among the most iconic spots and must-see attractions in London. Practically, Big Ben is actually the name that has been given to the huge bell within the clock tower, which is more than 13 tons in weight. The clock tower looks stunning in the evening when the 4 clock side faces are illuminated.

Big Ben some facts

• Each dial is 7 metres in diameter.
• The minutes hands are about 4.2 metres long and nearly 100kg in weight.
• The numbers are about 60cm long.
• There are 312 portions of glass in each clock dial.
• A unique light over the faces of the clock is illuminated when the parliament is in session.
• Big Ben’s timekeeping is strictly managed by a special stack of coins positioned on the large pendulum.
• Big Ben has actually rarely stopped working. Even after a bomb that destroyed the Commons chamber during World War II, the clock tower made it through and Big Ben continued to work.
• Big Ben’s chimes were broadcast for the first time by BBC on 31 December 1923, a traditional practice that continues until today.
• The latin words under the face of the clock mention “DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM”, which mean “O Lord, keep our Queen Victoria the first safe”
• In June 2012 the house of Commons declared that the clock tower was to have a new name of “Elizabeth Tower” in the honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Ruby Jubilee.

When was Big Ben tower built?

In 1834 the palace of Westminster was damaged by a fire, and In 1844 it was decided that the new buildings of the Houses of Parliament have to include a tower as well as a clock.

A huge bell was needed and the first attempt made by John Detector & Sons at Stockton-on-Tees has been cracked entirely. The metal used was melted and the bell has been recast in Whitechapel in 1858.

Big Ben’s first ring across Westminster was on 31 May 1859. later in September 1859, Big Ben suddenly cracked. A lighter weight hammer was installed and the bell was rotated a little to present an undamaged area to the lighter hammer.

How high is Big Ben?

Elizabeth Tower is more than 96 metres high, with about 334 steps to climb up to the belfry, and about 399 steps to the Ayrton Light at the very top of the tower.

Where is Big Ben located?

Big Ben is located in the Elizabeth Tower at the north side of the houses of Parliament in Westminster (Central London), beside the river Thames.

There are several bus routes that go by the clock tower, and also Westminster Tube station is across the street, serviced by the Jubilee district and Circle lines.

Why is it called Big Ben?

The source of Big Ben name is not known, but two theories exist.

The first one is that it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the very first commissioner of works, a big man who also was known in the house as “Big Ben”.

The 2nd theory is that it was named after a heavy-weight boxing champion during that time, Benjamin Caunt who also called “Big Ben”, that nickname was generally used in the society to identify anything which was the heaviest in its course.

The post Big Ben – London’s Clock Tower appeared first on Book My Taxi London.

We only provide the best airport taxi and shuttle service in London. We transport passengers from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City Airport to any destination in the the region. Our vehicles are comfortable and safe for our passengers. They include a variety of cars like people carriers and minibuses.

If you’re looking for an efficient and premium airport taxi service in London, then look no further than BOOK MY TAXI London. We’re committed to providing on-time pickups whenever your flight lands at one of the major airports we serve.

Whether you are arriving at or departing from an airport, we can help get you to or from your destination

Whether you are arriving at or departing from an airport, we can help get you to or from your destination fast and safely. Our rates are competitive, but our service is what sets us apart. We have professional chauffeurs who are always on time, so you can rest assured knowing that you’ll arrive at your destination in style and comfort.

We cover London City, Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick, and Stansted Airports

If you’re planning a vacation to London and don’t have a car, you might be wondering how to get from the airport to your hotel or residence. You can take public transit, but that’s less convenient than having someone else drive for you. After all, who wants to deal with all those bus transfers? And what if it’s late at night? What if the weather is terrible? What if your flight is delayed?

Shall we take care of this for you? We’d be happy to! Our reputable service can handle any of your transportation needs, no matter the destination. We offer personalized vehicles with friendly drivers and professional service, and we can pick you up and drop you off at any of the airports in or near London. Additionally, we accept credit card payments for most of the major card issuers.

Our fleet of modern vehicles can handle parties of all sizes

When you feel like the long walks and overwhelming crowds in London start to get to you, we’ll be here to give you a lift. If you’re planning on partying during your visit, book with us and we will have one of our vans parked right outside. You don’t have to worry about driving!

London Airport Taxi – A Quick and friendly service

You don’t want to spend your time in an airport running between terminals, trying to figure out how to get a ride home. That’s why it’s so nice that BOOK MY TAXI London is the go-to taxi and shuttle service for so many airports in London! You can always count on us for fast, friendly service with a smile, security, reliability. We will get you home safely and fast.

Our trained staff and large fleet of vehicles is ready to serve you during your next trip to London

At BOOK MY TAXI London, we are proud to serve all of London, not just the airport. We have a large fleet of cars and minivans that allows us to provide you with the best transportation for any occasion. Whether you need to get from your home in London to Heathrow Airport or from Heathrow Airport to your hotel in London, we can provide door-to-door service. Our drivers are well trained professionals who are friendly and courteous.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, you can use our convenient online booking form to book a ride in advance at any time.

Popular destinations that we serve

• London Heathrow Airport.
• London City Airport.
• London Gatwick Airport.
• London Stansted Airport.
• London Luton Airport.

Book Now your London Airport Taxi and have peace of mind!!

The post The Best London Airport Taxi & Shuttle Service appeared first on Book My Taxi London.