Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is Big Ben actually referring to?
What is Big Ben actually referring to?
How heavy is the Big Ben bell?
How heavy is the Big Ben bell?
Why is the bell called Big Ben?
Why is the bell called Big Ben?
What is the length of the minute hand of Big Ben?
What is the length of the minute hand of Big Ben?
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How many steps must one climb to reach the top of the Big Ben tower?
How many steps must one climb to reach the top of the Big Ben tower?
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Study Notes
Big Ben Overview
- The term "Big Ben" refers specifically to the bell of the clock located in the Palace of Westminster, not the clock itself.
- It is the largest clock bell in Britain, weighing 13.5 tons.
Clock Tower Details
- The clock tower stands at a height of 318 feet.
- To reach the clock's mechanism, one must ascend 374 steps.
Clock Features
- The clock face has a diameter of 23 feet, comparable in size to some classroom spaces.
- The minute-hand measures 14 feet in length, weighing as much as two bags of coal.
- The hour-hand is 9 feet long.
Naming Origin
- The bell is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation.
- During a Parliament session, a humorous suggestion led to the bell being referred to as "Big Ben," rather than using the tower's name, St. Stephen's.
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Description
Test your knowledge about Big Ben, the iconic clock at the Palace of Westminster. Discover fascinating facts about its history, dimensions, and the bell itself. This quiz will challenge what you know about this famous landmark in London.
