1859 but just months later cracked again. A lighter hammer had to be fitted and the bell was turned around so an undamaged section could be rung. The origin of the name Big Ben is not known ...

Building work for Big Ben started on 28 September 1843, when the stone foundations for the clock were laid. The clock came next, ticking into life on 31 May 1859. Last came the Great Bell, ringing out ...