The design of the clock mechanism would also set
new standards in the field of clock making and add
further complications to the construction process. After a
competition, the task was given to Edward John
Dent (1790-1853) in February 1852 and he set about
designing a mechanism that would live up to the then unheard
demands that the first stroke of each hour should be accurate
to within one second. It took seven years before the clock
began keeping time on 31st May 1859; the construction
of the tower itself was delayed, Dent passed away, and
modifications had to be made when it was discovered that
the clock mechanism was larger than the actual space allowed.
Big Ben was the unofficial name given to the tower’s
Great Bell. It was the largest bell in the Britain at the time
and named after either Sir Benjamin Hall, the first Works
Commissioner, or Ben Caunt, a champion heavyweight
boxer. The first Great Bell was cast in Stockton-on-Tees and
transported to London by rail and see. Huge crowds gathered
to watch it being pulled across Westminster Bridge by 16 white
horses. During tests, however, a crack appeared and a new
Great Bell had to be cast. Though this one would eventually
also develop a crack, successful repairs and a lighter
hammer have ensured that it still rings out the time today.
The Neo-Gothic heritage of the Clock Tower is particularly
emphasized by the ornate decorations of its upper floors and
the clock dials. Each dial is seven meters (23 ft) in diameter
and made from cast iron and 312 separate pieces of pot opal
glass. Once every five years, specialist technicians abseil
down the dials to carry out cleaning and essential repairs.
The clock mechanism is wound by hand three times a week
and is still as accurate today as when it was constructed over
150 years ago. Although Big Ben is one of the most famous
tourist attractions, it’s not open to overseas visitors. Residents
of the United Kingdom are able to visit the tower after arrange-
ment with their local Member of Parliament.
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