Big Ben

Table of Contents

Introduction & Top Questions References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

Watch professionals changing the time on the Big Ben Clock at 2 a.m

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Hear the chimes of Big Ben as it strikes 12 o'clock

Visit the interior of Elizabeth Tower in London

Take a trip inside the Big Ben in London

Big Ben at night

Big Ben, London

For Students

Big Ben, London.

Big Ben summary

Read Next

Union Jack flag of Great Britain, united kingdom

What’s the Difference Between Great Britain and the United Kingdom?

London Big Ben from Trafalgar Square traffic in UK

11 Lesser-Known, Mostly Contemporary Paintings You Should Hunt Down the Next Time You’re in London

Rural Irish landscape, Sligo, Ireland.

Why Is Ireland Two Countries?

Moonrise over Tucson, Arizona

Why Doesn’t Arizona Observe Daylight Saving Time?

Calendar marking march 15th

22 Questions About Time and Timekeeping Answered

Discover

Queen Elizabeth II addresses at opening of Parliament. (Date unknown on photo, but may be 1958, the first time the opening of Parliament was filmed.)

All 119 References in “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” Explained

New Zealand. Political/Physical map. Includes locator.

Where Is “Old Zealand”?

Monitor. Varanus salvadorii is a monitor lizard found in New Guinea can grows to 2.7 metres (9 ft.) aka Tree crocodile, Crocodile monitor, Salvadori's monitor, artellia, reptile

7 of the World’s Most Dangerous Lizards and Turtles

Chinese pictograph, calligraphy tablet of Huang Tingjian, a famous calligrapher in Ancient Song Dynasty. The background of Chinese cultural elements.

The World’s 5 Most Commonly Used Writing Systems

World Data Locator Map: Australia

Is Australia an Island?

Nelson Mandela, undated photo.

15 Nelson Mandela Quotes

Flags of the countries of the world (flagpoles).

How Many Countries Are There in the World?

Big Ben: Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

News •

Speaker turns on Big Ben light to mark wartime anniversary • Apr. 26, 2025, 3:09 AM ET (BBC)

Big Ben barefoot climber denies public nuisance and trespass • Apr. 14, 2025, 4:23 AM ET (BBC)

Photos and Videos

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Big Ben at night

Big Ben, London

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, London

Watch professionals changing the time on the Big Ben Clock at 2 a.m

Hear the chimes of Big Ben as it strikes 12 o'clock

Visit the interior of Elizabeth Tower in London

Take a trip inside the Big Ben in London

Hear the tolling of Big Ben over the Houses of Parliament in London

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

Eiffel Tower Tower of Babel CN Tower BT Tower Tower of the Winds Blackpool Tower Tokyo Sky Tree

Quiz

Queen Victoria's coronation, 1837. The Archbishop of Canterbury placing the crown on Victoria's head in Westminster Abbey.

The Victorian England Quiz: Art, Literature, and Life

(Left) Eiffel Tower; (right) Washington Monument. Combo using assets (Eiffel Tower) 245552 and (Washington Monument) 245554.

Which Is Taller? Quiz