Big Ben is a giant clock tower in London, England. It stands at the north end of the Houses of Parliament, right next to the River Thames. The tower is about 316 feet tall, which is taller than a 30-story building. It was finished in 1859, so it is more than 160 years old.
The tower is made of limestone and brick. The clock has four giant faces, and each one is 23 feet wide. The name “Big Ben” actually belongs to the huge bell inside the tower. The bell weighs about 13 tons, which is as heavy as two elephants!
- Every hour, the bell rings and you can hear it from miles away.
- In 2012, the tower was officially renamed Elizabeth Tower to honor Queen Elizabeth II.
- But most people still call it Big Ben!
- The minute hands on the clock are each 14 feet long.
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