On 21 August 2017, a four-year schedule of renovation works began on the tower. The clock tower has been part of a Grade I listed building since 1970 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It is one of the most prominent symbols of the United Kingdom and parliamentary democracy, and it is often used in the establishing shot of films set in London. The tower is a British cultural icon recognised all over the world. The clock uses its original Victorian mechanism, but an electric motor can be used as a backup. Four quarter bells chime at 15, 30 and 45 minutes past the hour and just before Big Ben tolls on the hour. The origin of the bell's nickname is open to question it may be named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation, or heavyweight boxing champion Benjamin Caunt. It was the largest bell in the United Kingdom for 23 years. īig Ben is the largest of the tower's five bells and weighs 13.5 long tons (13.7 tonnes 15.1 short tons). On, celebrations were held to mark the tower's 150th anniversary. All four nations of the UK are represented on the tower on shields featuring a rose for England, thistle for Scotland, shamrock for Ireland, and leek for Wales. Dials of the clock are 22.5 feet (6.9 m) in diameter. Its base is square, measuring 40 feet (12 m) on each side. The tower stands 316 feet (96 m) tall, and the climb from ground level to the belfry is 334 steps. When completed in 1859, its clock was the largest and most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world. The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin in a neo-Gothic style. The official name of the tower in which Big Ben is located was originally the Clock Tower, but it was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. You may also download a copy of our brochure, which we hope will give you some ideas for customizing your bell.įor more information, please contact one of our design consultants.51☃0′03″N 0☀7′28″W / 51.5007°N 0.1245°W / 51.5007 -0.1245īig Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the Great Clock of Westminster, at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, England, and the name is frequently extended to refer also to the clock and the clock tower. Please feel free to visit our Product Gallery where you can view photographs of our ships bells and other products that we offer. Bellingham Bell Company is also the only bell maker to not only offer bronze bells, but also 100% stainless steel bells cast in the same lost-wax process.īellingham's bronze bells not only make fantastic ships bells, but a variety of other applications and uses have been found for Bellingham Bells, such as Wedding or Anniversary bells, Estate and Garden Bells, Commemorative and Military bells, Specialty bells and more. Optional upgrades for our bronze bells include a variety of plating options such as our superior Chrome plating, 24K Yellow or Rose Gold plating for durability and easy maintenance. Finish options for customized bronze bells include Polished Bronze, Matte Bronze, or a Natural Patina to simulate antique bronze bells. Commonly used as ships bells on sailing or motor vessels, our bronze bells are a specialized blend of Naval Bronze, specifically engineered by Bellingham Bell to produce a bell of superior tonal quality, shape and overall appearance.īellingham's bronze bells are fully customizable with your unique text, logo or graphics. Utilizing the ancient method of lost-wax investment casting, the same method used by jewelers to capture exquisite detail in fine jewelry, our bronze bells are as unique as the vessels they adorn. Welcome to the Bellingham Bell Company, a bell foundry where custom investment cast bronze bells is our specialty.
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