![]() ![]() Because ground conditions have altered since Big Ben’s original construction, it tilts slightly to the north-west by roughly 230 millimetres.To exercise this right, residents must arrange a tour through their Member of Parliament well in advance. While Big Ben famously draws tourists from all around the world, the tower’s interior is only accessible to United Kingdom residents.On New Year’s Eve in 1962, of all days, heavy ice and snow caused a delay in the chime, making Big Ben to ring a whole ten minutes late. ![]() Despite the clock’s renowned accuracy, severe weather conditions have altered the time at which the bells chime.While minor ornamental work became tarnished, attempts to destroy the clock completely proved unsuccessful. The clock tower was struck by a German bomb in 1941.The clock accurately broadcasts the time to local on-lookers, correct to within a single second.Every light bulb on each clock face enjoys a lifetime of over 60,000 hours. 23 light bulbs illuminate each of the clock faces.Those in charge of the bell solved the issue by rotating the bell a quarter of the way clockwise and using a lighter hammer to chime it. This replacement bell cracked as well in 1859.A second replacement bell was cast shortly after in April of the following year. During a test in 1857, the original bell cracked.on, most likely due to an extremely hot temperature of 31.8 degrees Celsius. This translates to 'O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First'. The base of each clock dial features the Latin inscription: Domine Salvam fav Reginam Nostram Victoriam Primam.However, the tower features a modern electric motor as a back-up in case the old mechanism fails, keeping the clock’s fellow Londoners punctual! Big Ben still uses its original Victorian mechanism to ring the bells.Another contends that it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, a Welsh Civil Engineer who oversaw the construction. One popular account states that it was named after Benjamin Caunt, a heavyweight boxing champion. The origin of the bell’s nickname is uncertain.Upon its completion, the clock was known around the world as both the largest and most accurate four-faced chiming clock on the planet. Pretty appearances aside, the clock featured on the tower is renowned for its precision and accuracy. ![]()
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