Things you probably didn’t know about Big Ben

If seeing Big Ben is on your travel wish list, there’s good news—the landmark’s major restoration has been underway and is expected to be fully completed around 2022. Once finished, visitors will once again hear its famous chimes echoing across Westminster. Before your trip to London, here are seven interesting facts about one of the city’s most iconic symbols.

Big Ben is one of those landmarks that instantly makes you think, “Yes, this is London,” as traveler Chimdi once described her experience in Europe.

For several years, the clocktower has been hidden behind scaffolding due to extensive restoration work that began in 2017, temporarily silencing its bells. Now, with the project nearing completion, it is set to return in full glory, making 2022 a perfect time to visit London and experience the renewed monument.

1. Big Ben is not the name of the tower

Most people use “Big Ben” to refer to the entire clocktower or even the clock face itself, but technically, the name belongs only to the largest bell inside the structure. This main bell, known as the Great Bell, stands about seven feet tall and weighs nearly 14 tons. The tower itself was originally called the Clock Tower, but in 2012 it was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

2. It is taller than the Statue of Liberty

The Elizabeth Tower rises to about 315 feet, making it slightly taller than the Statue of Liberty. After restoration work, visitors who join official tours will need to climb 334 stone steps to reach the bell chamber, although a lift has also been installed. Access to the interior is limited to UK residents, but visitors from around the world can still admire it from the outside or explore it virtually.

3. The origin of the name is uncertain

After the original Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834, a new complex was built, including the famous clocktower. One theory suggests the name “Big Ben” may come from Sir Benjamin Hall, the commissioner overseeing the project, who was known for his large build and strong voice. Another possibility links the name to Benjamin Caunt, a well-known heavyweight boxing champion of the era. The true origin remains unclear.

4. The Great Bell has a crack

The first version of the Great Bell, cast in 1856, broke during testing and had to be melted down and recast in 1858. The replacement bell first rang in 1859, but it also developed a crack shortly after installation. Instead of replacing it again, engineers adjusted its hammer and rotated the bell slightly so it would strike a different area. The crack is still present today, though the bell continues to function.

5. Its original colors are being restored

For many years, the clock faces appeared in black and white, but restoration research revealed that they were originally painted in Prussian blue. During conservation work, layers of dark paint were carefully removed to bring back the tower’s historic color scheme. The goal is to restore its original visual appearance as closely as possible.

6. The tower is slightly tilted

Studies have shown that the tower leans very slightly toward the northwest. The tilt is believed to be caused by ground changes and underground developments over time. At only about 0.26 degrees, the lean is extremely small compared to famous leaning structures like the Tower of Pisa. Experts say it poses no immediate risk and is unlikely to become a serious issue for thousands of years.

7. The best views come from different angles

One of the most recommended ways to admire Big Ben is from above, such as from the London Eye, where you can see the tower alongside the River Thames and Westminster Bridge. Many visitors also enjoy views from the bridge itself, especially for photography. Another popular perspective is from the riverside walk beneath the bridge, where the tower appears even more dramatic from below. Both day and night views offer completely different atmospheres, each worth experiencing.