BIG BEN
The name "Big Ben" is generally known to describe the clock tower as a whole. However, "Big Ben" is actually the principal bell within the tower.
There are two theories of how the bell got its name. The first suggests that it was taken from the nickname of a champion heavyweight boxer of the time called Ben Caunt. The second and more probable explanation, is that it was named after the bulky Welshman Sir Benjamin Hall, who was First Commissioner of Works from 1855 to 1858 and whose name was inscribed on the bell.
The Clock Tower is 96.3m (316 ft) tall and the Bell weighs 13.8 tonnes. From the ground floor there are 292 steps to the clock room, 334 steps to the belfrey and 393 steps to the lantern (known as the Ayrton Light)
A light shines above the clock face whenever Parliament is at work after dark.
Big Ben is not open to the public.
THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
The site of the Houses of Parliament is the Palace of Westminster, a royal palace and former residence of kings. Its existing buildings contains nearly 1,200 rooms, 100 staircases and well over 3 kilometres (2 miles) of passages.
The House of Lords and the House of Commons conduct their sittings here .
The oldest part of the Palace still in existence, Westminster Hall, dates from 1097. The palace originally served as a royal residence, but no monarch has lived in it since the 16th century. Most of the present structure dates from the 19th century, when the Palace was rebuilt after it was almost entirely destroyed by a fire in 1834. The architect responsible for rebuilding the Palace was Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin.
The public entrance to the Palace is through St Stephen's entrance in Old Palace Yard.
Visitors wishing to watch the proceedings of either House can join the queue outside St Stephen's Entrance. It is generally easiest to get in to the House of Commons between 6.00pm and 10.30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, after 1.30pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays and at 9am on sitting Fridays
Tourists can take a tour of the Houses Of Parliament in annual Summer Opening in August and September. The guided tour visits the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Ticket Office opens from mid-July and is located on Abingdon Green, opposite Parliament & The Victoria Tower Gardens.
External Links
Official Parliament web site
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