Big Ben

Originally designed by Edmund Beckett and Baron Grimthorpe, this clock has, since its creation in 1859, been famed for its accuracy and for the 13-ton bell inside. It is housed in the East Tower of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London. The name "Big Ben" honors the commissioner of works in 1859, Sir Benjamin Hall, and originally applied only to the massive bell inside.

Hear some chimes right on your computer!   (Note: In Microsoft Internet Explorer after clicking on the sound you want to hear you're going to have to "Open this file from its current location")

    The Westminster Chimes (122k)
    The Big Ben toll (28k)

Sites for further Information

   "Big Ben"
    http://www.infokey.com/UK/Big_Ben.htm

    "United Kingdom Web"
   http://www.lang.nagoya-u.ac.jp/~matsuoka/UK.html

Back to the United Kingdom page!