Big Ben is the largest four-faced chiming clock and the third tallest free standing clock tower in the world. The clock was turned on 31 of May 1859.
The present tower was originally built as a part of Charles Barry's design for a new palace, after the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire on the night of 16 October 1834.
The Clock Tower looks especially spectacular at night when the four dock faces are illuminated.
A special light above the clock faces is also illuminated when parliament is in session.
The chimes of Big Ben were first broadcast by the BBC at the start of the New Year on 31 of December 1023. This tradition continues to this day.
