Big Ben at 12 (July 2009)

please excuse traffic sounds.

HQ:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLm2O15NtoA&fmt=18

HD: (while not perfect hd...)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLm2O15NtoA&fmt=22

I hope to go up in there oneday, that is when the MP for essex gets off their fat butt and replies to my request.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Ben

the bell weighs about 13 tonnes, the main chiming one, and is smaller than its original size, this is because when it was first installed the hammer used to strike it was too powerful and cracked the bell, it was repaired and 1/23rd of it was removed, producing the unique 'off-pitch' sound you can hear so distinctivly today.

i am told that the pendulum also has pennies on it to keep it regulated as it is the wrong weight.

you can see the bell from ground level, if you look toward the opening at the top.

originally a present to queen victoria, the writing on the clock face reads something similar to, presented to queen victoria, may god save and protect her.
what the writing underneeth the clock face says i couldnt tell you.

also referanced to as st. stevens tower.

the tower itself has no name, neither st. stevens tower or big ben is its official name, the tower in question is a smaller tower located off to the side of the building and big ben is the name of the 13 tonne bell.

westminster abbey is freely admissable to all who wish to enter, the tour of the 'big ben' tower is only available to uk residents,and there is a waiting period of anything up to and including 6 months+
to take this tour you need to book it through your local MP

to see the speakers you will need to attend on an unofficial state day while the queen is not in session (state opening or parliament)

...as yet there are no plans for digitisation and contrary to popular belief, a spaceship did not crash through it...yet.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• big
• ben
• today
• 30
• th
• june
• 2009
• st
• stevens
• tower
• westminster
• london
• parliament
• parelment
• england
• queen
• victoria
• house
• of
• commons
• 12
• clock
• o'clock

[babunski]

why i cant give you 5 star ?

[hartnell114]

i dont let people rate my things anymore, but thankyou

[Dreelamb]

I gave you a 5 star because I've stood there and listened to this in London and it's magical. Thanks! ~Andree

[hartnell114]

aw thats awesome =)

thanks x

[namepoc]

Ah yes big Ben, as seen from the thames near the London Eye.

[hartnell114]

...no, seen by the riverboat service port, its on the complete oppositte side of the river from where i was...

[Dreelamb]

Well, I tried to give you a 5 star. Thanks! ~Andree'

[namepoc]

Fair does :D

[hartnell114]

countless thousands, the great and the good haha, someday,you too!

[utunderground]

Nice video friend. I think of all the famous people from your country's past that must have gazed at that tower, and heard it ring.