what is big ben

Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. Although many people refer to the tower itself as Big Ben, technically, Big Ben is the massive bell that weighs about 13.7 tons (13,760 kg). The tower housing the bell was originally called the Clock Tower but was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. The tower and its clock are iconic symbols of London and British parliamentary democracy, known for their accuracy and historic significance. The bell was first cast in 1858 and has a distinctive crack that gives it a unique tone. The clock tower stands about 96 meters tall and features four clock faces illuminated at night.