The House of Parliament and the Clock Tower are commonly called Big Ben and they represent the most iconic landmarks in London and in the United Kingdom and the world’s most famous tourist attractions. The history of Big Ben begins in 1834 when a great fire destroyed the Palace of Westminster. Ten years later the House of Parliament was rebuild. There were also included a tower and a clock.
The origin of the name “Big Ben” has two theories. The first is that the tower was named after Benjamin Hall, the first commissioner of works, and the second one is that the clock tower was named after a heavyweight boxing champion, Benjamin Caunt. The new Parliament was built in a Neo-gothic style.
The Parliament is a public building, although the interior of the tower is not open to overseas visitors. Only visitors of the United Kingdom are free to enter. They can visit the House of Commons and watch the debates of the politicians or they can buy a ticket for a great tour of the Clock Tower. The tourists must climb the 334 limestone stairs to the top, because the tower has no elevator.
The Parliament is in some documents confused with St. Stephen’s Tower. It is designed by the chief architect Charles Barry after the old Palace of Westminster and Augustus Pugin realised the design of the Clock Tower.
Image: dli.ro
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