History of the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben
Explore the history of one of the most iconic buildings in the world: the Elizabeth Tower – or as you probably know it: Big Ben.
Find out which clock tower in the north of England inspired its design, and what all the different symbols found on the tower mean.
We also look at how the now famous clock tower was built and how its most famous feature failed at first and almost didn’t become a reality.
Pictured above: Westminster Palace 1851, by Edmund Walker. © Parliamentary Art Collection, WOA 742
Designing a New Palace of Westminster
Building Elizabeth Tower
Constructing the most accurate clock in the world
How the clock tower has changed over the decades
A brief history of Big Ben
How Parliament is conserving the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben
Explore items in the Parliamentary Archives' collection about Big Ben