Near Big Ben

Big Ben is one of the most recognised landmarks in London, situated in the City of Westminster near the Houses of Parliament and is easily accessible from our hotel in Kensington. The nickname Big Ben actually refers to the clock’s main bell, officially known as the Great Bell, but is commonly extended to the entire clock.

An original clock tower was built in 1288, but after the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834, Big Ben was designed by influential architect Augustus Pugin in a Gothic Revival style and work was completed in 1859.

It is still the world’s largest four-faced chiming clock and is famous for its reliability - since being raised there have been few notable malfunctions or breakdowns, with the bearings in the clock’s drive train only being replaced in 2007.

The bell itself is over 7 ft tall and 9 ft wide and weighs 13 tons, and at the time of casting, was the largest bell in the British isles.  Its nickname is the subject of some debate, with some claiming it to be named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation, or possibly English heavyweight boxing champion Benjamin Caunt.

Today it is prominently featured in media, particularly news and TV and film productions, to indicate a London setting.  Although overseas visitors cannot visit the clock tower itself, British residents may contact their local MP to schedule a climb of the tower.

Call 0871 942 9100 to reserve your hotel near Big Ben in London.

Official Site: www.parliament.uk