Antique and Vintage Clocks

The Great Clock of Westminister is in the center of London, England. However, if you mentioned that you saw the Great Clock in London you would be met with puzzled looks. Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the Great Clock of Westminster and by extension the clock tower itself.

Tower clock or turret clock? We’ll get to that later.

Big Ben stands at the north end of the Palace of Westminster.

While most tower clocks in the UK have been decommissioned or extensively altered, the Big Ben tower clock mechanism has been running continuously since its installation in the 19th century, only stopping temporarily for repairs.

The difference between a tower clock and a turret clock

Both terms describe clocks installed in elevated, public places though there are subtle differences in the terms. “Tower clock” is a broader term referring to the visible aspect of the clock, whereas “turret clock” specifically refers to the mechanical device driving the clock, often with historical and technical connotations. Moreover, “turret clock” is a term often used in Britain to describe a clock mechanism specifically designed to be installed in a turret or a clock tower. The term is more often used by horologists and historians to describe older, traditional clock mechanisms found in cathedrals and castles.

Big Ben fun facts:

1. It was the largest chiming clock in the world when completed.
2. The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin and was completed in 1859.
3. The tower is 96m tall, and from the ground to the belfry there are 334 steps.
4. The base measures 12 metres square and the clock dial is 6.9 metres in diameter.
5. In 2012 it was named The Elizabeth Tower to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
6. The Westminster Chimes, originally called the Cambridge Chimes, were first used at Great St Mary’s church in Cambridge but are now associated with Big Ben.
7. The Great Bell weighs 13.7 tons and it does not swing.
8. Quarter bells chime on the quarter hours.
9. Big Ben is thought to be named after Sir Benjamin Hall, Chief Commissioner of Works at the time the bell was installed.

For the vacationer visiting the UK (count the author as one), no trip is truly complete without experiencing the iconic sight and sound of Big Ben. The majestic clock tower, offers a British experience that captivates tourists from around the world. As you stand in awe beneath its towering presence, the rhythmic toll of Big Ben’s bells marks the passage of time, creating a moment you’ll treasure.