The clock dials are set in an iron frame 7 meters (23 feet) in diameter, supporting 312 pieces of opal glass, rather like a stained-glass window(on each side).Įach clock face has an inscription in Latin in gold that reads “ DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM” or “ Oh Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First”. By contrast the minute hand is 4.3 meters (14 feet) long. There is no elevator installed.īig Ben’s clock is the biggest four faced clock on the planet. To reach the top one must climb 334 steps. The tower’s interior is not usually open to the public except on certain occasions. Measurements show the inner volume is 4,650 cubic meters (164,200 cubic feet). The clock faces are about 55 m (180 ft) over the ground. It is 4 meters (13 feet) deep underground. The raft is made up of concrete 3 meters (9.8 feet) thick. The tower is set on a square raft measuring 15 meters (49 feet). The rest of the tower is made up of cast iron. The first 61 m (200 ft) at the bottom are comprised of brickwork and Anston limestone cladding. The size of Big Ben (including the tower) is 96.3 meters (315.9 feet). The tower is officially known as Elizabeth Tower, renamed as such to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II (prior to being renamed in 2012 it was known as the “Clock Tower” or St. It is situated some 61 meters (200 feet) up the belfry. The bell cracked however, and had to be replaced by another one weighing 13 tons.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |