Just about every tourist will find their way to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben at some point during their visit. So, here's a few facts and figures about this most well known and much loved London landmark: The name "Big Ben" does not refer to the entire tower - just the huge bell. It is commonly believed that the bell is named after Sir Benjamin Hall - a politician of the time and who was also the Parliamentary Commissioner of Works. Big Ben is 9'-0" diameter, 7'-6" high, and weighs 13 tons (13,760 Kg) It was cast on Saturday 10th April 1858 at Whitechapel Bell Foundry, London by George Mears the master bellfounder and owner of the foundry. The first chime was rung on 31st May 1859 in situ.

Don't get confused if your guide starts referring to the ‘Palace’ – you’re not in the wrong place! Until 1512 the royal family lived where Parliament is now situated, but a fire forced them to move out – however, the site remained a royal palace. Therefore, its official title is the Palace of Westminster.

Official statement

The Clock Tower (Big Ben) owes its existence to a fire in 1834 that destroyed most of Parliament. A commission was set up to choose a new building design from 97 submissions and a clock tower dominated Charles Barry's winning plan. The clock swung into action in 1859.

Parliament: The building
Where Parliament now stands has been a centre of authority for over a thousand years. Once the home of the royal family, and still officially a royal palace, the buildings that now make up the modern Houses of Parliament have developed through design, accident and attack.