Big Ben: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Oct. 30, 2026

News •

Big Ben restorers to fix toppled Jubilee clock • Oct. 29, 2026, 3:19 PM ET (BBC)

Photos and Videos

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Big Ben at night

Big Ben, London

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

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 Burj al-ʿArab Tokyo Sky Tree

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