Big Ben In London

One of the best known landmarks of London is Big Ben (Palace of Westminster). The name Big Ben actually refers not to the clock-tower itself, but to the thirteen ton bell hung within. The four dials of the clock are 23 feet square, the minute hand is 14 feet long and the figures are 2 feet high. Minutely regulated with a stack of coins placed on the huge pendulum, Big Ben is an excellent timekeeper, which has rarely stopped. There are even cells within the clock tower where Members of Parliament can be imprisoned for a breach of parliamentary privilege, though this is rare; the last recorded case was in 1880.The tower is not open to the general public, but those with a "special interest" may arrange a visit to the top of the Clock Tower through their local (UK) MP.
This is the world's largest four-faced, chiming clock and the third largest free-standing clock tower in the world. It celebrates its 150th birthday in 2009, during which celebratory events are planned.
Tourists come to these attractions for sure because Big Ben is also famous at New Year time. Millions of people gather around the tower and as the clock struck 12 celebration starts. All the fireworks and song starts. Everyone wish each other for the New Year. Londoners who live an appropriate distance from the Clock Tower and Big Ben can, by means of listening to the chimes both live and on the radio or television, hear the bell strike thirteen times on New Year's Eve. Similarly, on Remembrance Day, the chimes of Big Ben are broadcast to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and the start of two minutes' silence.
The night view of the Clock tower is also very fascinating with a view of London eye in its background makes it more beautiful. Tourists must not miss the night view. The light of the tower makes it more prominent and beautiful. The clock has become a symbol of the United Kingdom.