The Story Teller

The BIG BEN originally refers to the bell of the clock in the Palace of Westminster in London. But right now, most people know the BIG BEN to be that marvelous clock tower which is one of the most famous symbols of London and England in general.

It is the largest four-faced chiming clock and the third tallest free-standing clock in the world. It was built after the destruction by fire of the Palace of Westminster on October 16, 1834 and was finished on April 10, 1858. It was said to be named after Benjamin Hall, 1st Baron Llanover, who oversaw the last part of the rebuilding of the Houses of Parliament including the installation of the Great Bell in the clock tower.

At the base of each cock dial is the Latin inscription

“DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM”

which means..

O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First.

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