Big Ben Quiz

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.