Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the striking clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, although the name is frequently extended to refer also to the clock and the clock tower.

Why was Big Ben built?

Elizabeth Tower, originally referred to as the Clock Tower, but more popularly known as Big Ben, was raised as a part of Charles Barry's design for a new Palace of Westminster, after the old palace was largely destroyed by fire on 16 October 1834.

How old is Big Ben the clock?

Big Ben: London's iconic landmark turns 160 years old. Thursday marks the 160th anniversary of when Big Ben began striking the hour, on 11 July 1859. The Great Bell forms part of the Great Clock in the Elizabeth Tower - commonly known as Big Ben.