Big Ben's Clock: A Marvel of Engineering

The clock mechanism of Big Ben is a testament to 19th-century engineering prowess. This section delves into the technical aspects of the clock, highlighting its remarkable features and reliability.

Big Ben besonderheiten (Big Ben special features) include its massive clock faces and intricate mechanism. The clock, weighing an impressive 5 tons, was designed by clockmaker Edward John Dent using a revolutionary double three-step movement.

Vocabulary: Double three-step movement - A clock mechanism that improves accuracy by separating the pendulum from the main clockwork.

The clock's reliability is legendary. Even during the intense bombing of London in World War II, when two of the dials and the roof of the tower were damaged, the clock continued to keep accurate time.

Highlight: Big Ben's clock is considered one of the most reliable timepieces in the world, rarely deviating by more than a second.

The clock faces are equally impressive. Each dial is 7 meters in diameter, with minute hands 4.2 meters long and hour hands 2.7 meters long. The clock's intricate design and monumental scale have made it a symbol of British punctuality and engineering excellence.

Big Ben: An Iconic Symbol of London

The Elizabeth Tower, popularly known as Big Ben, stands as one of London's most recognizable landmarks. This section provides a comprehensive Big Ben Steckbrief (profile), detailing its history, construction, and significance.

Definition: Big Ben originally refers to the largest bell within the clock tower, weighing 13.5 tons, but the name is often used for the entire clock tower.

The tower, located at the Palace of Westminster, was constructed following a fire in 1834 that destroyed much of the original palace. Wann wurde der Big Ben gebaut? (When was Big Ben built?) Construction began on September 28, 1843, and the tower was officially opened on May 31, 1859.

Highlight: In September 2012, the tower was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower, though it remains popularly known as Big Ben.

Wie hoch ist der Big Ben? (How tall is Big Ben?) The tower reaches an impressive height of 96 meters, equivalent to about 16 floors. Its neo-Gothic architecture, designed by architects Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin and Charles Barry, has made it an enduring symbol of British culture and democracy.

Vocabulary: Neo-Gothic - An architectural style that began in the late 1740s, characterized by the revival of medieval Gothic elements.

The Great Bell: Heart of Big Ben

The name "Big Ben" originally referred to the largest of the five bells housed within the tower. This section explores the Big Ben Glocke (Big Ben Bell) and its fascinating history.

Wie viele Glocken hat der Big Ben? (How many bells does Big Ben have?) The tower contains five bells in total, with the largest being the Great Bell of Westminster, commonly known as Big Ben.

Example: The Great Bell weighs 13.5 tons, making it heavier than two adult African elephants combined!

The origin of the name "Big Ben" is subject to debate, with two main theories:

1. It was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works when the bell was installed.
2. The name honors Ben Caunt, a heavyweight boxer who had his last fight in 1857.

Quote: "The official name of the bell is 'Great Bell of Westminster'."

This massive bell has become an integral part of London's identity, its deep resonant tone marking the passage of time for Londoners and visitors alike for over 160 years.