The Garden of Eaden: HOW BIG IS BIG BEN

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If you are unfortunate enough to have not been born in the green and pleasant land that is known to all as England, then your first thoughts of Her Royal Highnesses' kingdom is likely to be the City of London. More specifically, Buckingham Palace, St Pauls Cathedral, and Big Ben!

Why is the Big Ben called Big Ben?

The most likley explanation is it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, First Commissioner for Works, whose name is inscribed on the bell. Another theory is it was named after Ben Caunt, a champion heavyweight boxer from the time. Its official name is actually the Great Bell.

So, just how big is Big Ben?

The clock tower holds the record for being the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world and is also the worlds third-tallest free-standing clock tower.

The Great bell is 2.2 metres in height and 2.7 metres in diameter, so it's no surprise that it weighs a fantastic 13.7 tonnes! Just the hammer weighs 200kg and when it strikes it resonates the musical note of Eeeeeeeee.

The tower itself was built containing 11 floors and is over 96 metres high and 12 metres square.Furthermore, if you have the energy you can climb the 334 steps to belfry.

Of course, when it comes to the iconic landmark Big Ben, an explanation is required due to persistent an erroneous confusions over its correct name. The building that is often perceived as Big Ben is in fact the Palace of Westminster, which itself is also incorrectly called the Houses of Parliament.

The Palace of Westminster dates from the medieval period when it was a royal residence. In fact, it still home to a royal medieval throne which is situated in the Lords Chamber which is known as St Edward’s Chair, or more popularly as the Coronation Chair. Why is this important? Because each year the Royal Head of State travels in spendid procession to the Palace of Westminster for the annual State Opening of Parliament. This colourful pomp and ceremony of Parliament is one of Britain's most famous traditions.

Be aware that the Palace of Westminster is still called the Palace of Westminster and only houses the Houses of Parliament!

Furthermore, the gothic tower built at the east of Westminster palace is also often mistakenly called Big Ben. The truth of the matter is that the name Big Ben refers to the bell within the tower on which the clock strikes the hour, while the tower itself is called Saint Stephens tower - officially known simply as Clock Tower. Be that as it may, the clock - known as 'The Great Westminster Clock' and still not Big Ben - is considered by many to be the most famous clock in the world.

Big Ben Facts

1. The Great Westminster Clock became fully operational in 1859.

2. The Big Ben Bell weighs 13.7 tonnes.

3. Pre-Decimal pennies used to adjust the clocks timings. One penny will add around two-fifths of a second in 24 hours.

4. The Astronomer Royal, Sir George Airey and Edmund Denison QC MP designed the Great Clock and recommended clockmaker Edward Dent to build it.

5. In order to fit the huge mechanism, the clock was winched up inside the Clock Tower.