Interesting facts about Big Ben

Turret clocks seen around the world have been inspired by the look of the Great Clock of Big Ben. Big Ben was designed by Charles Barry. The clock became operational on 7th September 1859. Big Ben was built to replace the Old Palace of Westminster, after it was destroyed by fire in October 1834. Clock Tower is also been referred to as The Tower of Big Ben and, incorrectly, St Stephen's Tower. However, the latter is actually the spired tower towards the middle of the Palace, which serves as the main point of entry for attendees of debates and committees. It is also called Big Tom. The bell of 'Big Ben' weighs 14.5 tonnes. It is the huge size of the bell that inspired Benjamin Hall to give it the name of Big Ben.The bell of Clock Tower did not stop working even during World War 2 Big Ben is the biggest four-faced, chiming clock in the world.The real name of the tower, housing the clock, is 'Clock Tower'. Big Ben is the nickname of the main bell, formally known as the Great Bell, housed within the tower. However, the nickname is more popular than the official one.A survey of 2,000 people was conducted in 2008 that came up with conclusion that the tower was the most popular landmark in the United Kingdom.Clock Tower is also been referred to as The Tower of Big Ben and, incorrectly, St Stephen's Tower. However, the latter is actually the spired tower towards the middle of the Palace, which serves as the main point of entry for attendees of debates and committees. It is also called Big Tom.Big Ben was built to replace the Old Palace of Westminster, after it was destroyed by fire in October 1834.