Big Ben is one of Great Britain’s most famous landmarks. But after more than 150 years as timekeeper, the clock tower is silent. Four years of repair work will keep the bell damped (silenced) on all but a few special occasions.
London’s iconic tower, clock, and bell are commonly referred to as Big Ben. They stand at one end of the Palace of Westminster. The tower’s official name is the Elizabeth Tower—after Queen Elizabeth II. Built in 1859, it is one of London’s best-loved structures.
Big Ben technically refers to the bell itself. The sound of the 15.1-ton bell became associated with Britain due to World War II radio news broadcasts. Big Ben still traditionally welcomes in the New Year in Great Britain.
In August, Elizabeth Tower closed for repairs. The overhaul will include installing an elevator and repairing the clock's hands, mechanism, and pendulum. For the longest time in history, Big Ben won’t toll the hours.
Officials say workers’ hearing would be at “serious risk” if the 118-decibel bell bonged while they were working. If plans hold, Big Ben won’t resume ringing till 2021.
Some lawmakers are criticizing the lengthy silence. They call Big Ben an important symbol of British democracy. Even Prime Minister Theresa May chimed in, “It can’t be right for Big Ben to be silent for four years.”
Lawmaker Stephen Pound is skeptical that the work will finish on schedule. “Have you known any government project ever come in on time and on budget?”
This isn’t the first time Big Ben has been hushed. During World War I, the bell stopped to avoid attracting German aircraft. Another time, a worker halted the bell by accidentally dropping a hammer into the works. And in 1965, Big Ben kept quiet during the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.
But this stretch is by far the longest.
Houses of Parliament architect Adam Watrobski says authorities know how the public feels about Big Ben.
“But . . . all buildings have to be serviced,” he says.
People in Jesus’ day admired the temple in Jerusalem. The disciples said, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” (Mark 13:1) They probably couldn’t imagine such a structure would ever disappear. Like today’s architects, repairmen, and doctors, Jesus knows that buildings, objects, and people all need repair—and that they eventually pass away. What a comfort to know that God is eternal (Psalm 90:2) and unchangeable (Hebrews 13:8)—and that moth and rust and death don’t win in the end. (Matthew 6:19–20)
