The clock has become a symbol of the United Kingdomand London, particularly in the visual media. At the base of each clock dial in gilt letters is the Latin inscription: DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM which means O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First.

Some of the glass pieces may be removed for inspection of the hands. The clock dials are set in an iron frame 7 metres in diameter, supporting 312 pieces of opal glass, rather like a stained-glass window. The clock and dials were designed byAugustus Pugin. The original bell cracked in October 1857.

Big Ben itself is the name of the 14 tone bell that chimes. Big Ben is the international icon of London, the 316 foot clock tower was completed in 1858. The tower has no lift, so those escorted must climb the 334 limestone stairs to the top. The new Parliament was built in a Neo-gothic style.ĭespite being one of the world's most famous tourist attractions, the interior of the tower is not open to overseas visitors. The present tower was raised as a part of Charles Barry's design for a new palace, after the old Palace of Westminster was largely destroyed by fire on the night of 16 Octomber1834.

The name Big Ben actually refers to the clock's hour bell, the largest of the clock's five bells, the others being used as quarter bells. BIG BEN BY:CÎMPAN OANA and MOLDOVAN FLORINA TEACHER:SÎNGEORZAN ADINA FOR:ENGLISH

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