What is the Big Ben and why is it significant?

Big Ben is the nickname given to the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, which is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks of London and is considered an iconic symbol of the city.

The tower, which stands 96 metres tall, was completed in 1858 and was designed by architect Augustus Pugin. The clock itself was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and installed in 1859. The bell that rings every hour weighs 13.5 tons and was cast by Whitechapel Bell Foundry.

Big Ben has been an important timekeeper for London and the UK for over 160 years. Its chimes are broadcast by the BBC and have been used as a symbol of the New Year in the UK for many years. The tower has also played a significant role in UK history. It survived bombing during World War II and the famous suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst once chained herself to the railings outside the tower.