I spent a day in September 2023, wandering around London, camera in hand, chasing its charms through cobbled lanes, across bustling bridges, and along the Thames. By the end of it, my iWatch told me I had walked 6.2 miles—but my heart insists it was worth every step.
And then there it was: the tower, rising with a grace that’s both stately and familiar. Big Ben—though the name is a bit of a mischief. Strictly speaking, Big Ben is the Great Bell inside, weighing in at a thundering 13.5 tons. The tower itself, regal and timeless, is properly called the Elizabeth Tower, renamed in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. But ask anyone on the street, and they’ll just smile and call the whole thing Big Ben—and who can blame them?
The story of its name carries London’s favorite mix of humor and history. Some say it honors Sir Benjamin Hall, the large and affable Commissioner of Works who oversaw its installation in 1859. Others point to Benjamin Caunt, a heavyweight boxing champion of the day. Either way, the nickname stuck—proof that London doesn’t mind a little folklore tangled with fact.
Since then, Big Ben has stood as London’s heartbeat. It has chimed through six monarchs, 41 prime ministers, world wars, celebrations, and quiet evenings by the Thames. Each strike of the hour is less a sound and more a reassurance—that time, history, and London’s spirit keep moving forward together.
And now, after five years under scaffolding (2017–2022), she has emerged refreshed. Here are some of the marvels of the recent restoration:
- It was the largest and most complex conservation project in the Tower’s history—from the gilt cross and orb at its tip to the 334-step staircase at its base. Parliament UK News+2Sir Robert McAlpine+2
- Craftspeople restored the clock faces and metalwork, repaired the cast-iron roof, waterproofed the belfry, external stonework, installed a new lift, improved fire safety systems, and updated services to be more energy-efficient. ASCE+3AECOM+3Sir Robert McAlpine+3
- The colour of the clock-face frames was restored to the original Prussian blue, used when the tower was first completed in 1859 (instead of the darker tones it had been painted over with) and the gilded decorations and shields repainted to their original reds, golds, whites. AECOM+3visitlondon.com+3Wikipedia+3
- Over 700 masonry pieces were replaced (carefully matched to the originals), many cast-iron roof tiles refurbished or replaced (many with recycled materials), and damaged stones were hand-carved to blend seamlessly. Sir Robert McAlpine+1
- Traditional skills played a big role: stone masonry, gilding, glass-cutting, horology—all had their time in the spotlight again. Parliament UK News+2AECOM+2
- The bells of Big Ben and the quarter bells returned to regular service in November 2022, after thorough testing. Parliament UK News+2Parliament UK News+2
So yes, I am a fan. More than that, I’m in awe. London gave the world a monument of stone and steel, crowned with a bell that speaks across centuries. And now, with all this tender care, that voice can continue ringing loud and true, for generations to come.
Each of these photographs is prominently displayed in my office.
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