UK News

Jul 10, 2009, 12:40 GMT

London's Big Ben lights up for 150th birthday

London - The much-loved and reassuring chimes of Big Ben, the clock tower that has become one of London's most famous landmarks, celebrate their 150th anniversary on Saturday. The Great Bell, within the clock tower of the Westminster parliament, first struck the hour on July 11, 1859. The bell's original nickname of Big Ben was later extended to the whole tower. The origin of the name is believed to come from Benjamin Hall, the then First Commissioner of Works and Public Buildings, whose name is inscribed on the bell. Mike McCann, Keeper of the Great Clock, said: 'After 150 years, Big Ben still holds a special place in the hearts of Londoners and the world as a magnificent example of engineering and building genius.' The occasion will be marked with a late night projection on the tower reading: 'Happy Birthday Big Ben, 150 years, 1859 - 2009.'

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