Why Is Big Ben Out?

However, due to necessary maintenance and repairs, the chimes of big ben have been silenced since 2017. The current restoration project is expected to take up to four years to complete, and as a result, the chimes of big ben will not be heard until 2021 at the earliest.

Why Is Big Ben Out?

Big Ben is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and is recognized worldwide as a symbol of the United Kingdom. The 1600-tonne clock tower is located in the Palace of Westminster, London, and is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Big Ben is the nickname of the bell within the clock tower, officially known as the Great Bell of Westminster.

Big Ben went silent on August 21st, 2017, whilst the clock was undergoing repairs and maintenance work. One of Big Ben’s four quarter-hour bells rings within the clock tower every 15 minutes, and the more giant hour bell chimes every 60 minutes. The bells can be heard up to five miles away.

The clocks of Big Ben are now fitted with a visitors’ diary to allow workers to track and update the progress being made. Two four-year renovation projects are being carried out to ensure the clock tower functions well for many years. The first part of the project covers restoring the clock housing and dials. The second part of the project is upgrading the clock’s mechanism. The clock’s bells will also be checked and re-tuned where necessary.

The chimes of Big Ben

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