21 January 2017 - BIG BEN - SOME FACTS




BIG BEN
- Some Facts -

G'day folks,

Here are some facts you have always wanted to know about this famous clock.


How old is Big Ben?

He was cast on 10th April 1858, so he's 151 years old.


Is Big Ben one of Britain’s famous landmarks?

Yesirree! Without a doubt, Big Ben is a very famous – and beloved – British landmark; he was voted #1 in a 2008 survey.

Where is Big Ben located?

Big Ben is the giant bell in the belfry of the Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster

What is the name of the Bell?

Big Ben!




Who named Big Ben?

Londoners did. SUPPOSEDLY, the bell was going to be named Victoria after Queen Victoria, but Londoners started calling the bell "Big Ben" and the name stuck. 

Where was Big Ben made? When was Big Ben made?

Big Ben was cast at Whitechapel Bell Foundry, in East London, on 10th April 1858. It took him two weeks to cool, and once he was ready, they transported him to Westminster on a horse drawn carriage. Londoners lined the route and cheered as the bell went past.


How much does Big Ben weigh?

He weighs about 13 and a half tons, about the same as a small elephant.


How tall is Big Ben? How wide is Big Ben?

Big Ben is 2.28 metres tall (7 feet six inches) and 2.75 metres wide (9 feet). That's right -- he's wider than he is tall!


How loud is Big Ben?

If you're standing in the belfry when it rings, you can feel the vibration all the way from your head to your toes.

Can you hear Big Ben inside the Houses of Parliament?

Yes, if you listen. But it's not as loud as you'd think. It's actually easier to hear it OUTSIDE!


What materials is Big Ben made out of?

Tin and copper, plus pieces of the old Big Ben, which was broken up after it cracked.




What colour is Big Ben?

Kind of grey, with some green marks and a bit of old pigeon poo.


Does the clapper inside ever need to be replaced?

Big Ben doesn't have a clapper. He hangs very still from the belfry, and he is struck by a hammer from the outside.


Who owns Big Ben?

You do!
If you are a citizen of the UK, and if you pay taxes, you are one of the owners of Big Ben. In fact, you own the whole clock tower and the Houses of Parliament too!






 Clancy's comment: There ya go. Interesting, eh?

I'm ...








No comments:

Post a Comment