Today in 1859, the famous Big Ben clock tower rings out over London for the first time ever. The Clock Tower design was created; after a fire originally burned down the Palace of Westminster in 1834. In its recreation, the Palace of Westminster would feature a large clock tower as a standout piece. Royal Astronomer George Airy wanted the clock to be extremely accurate, and even check in twice-a-day with the Royal Observatory. In order to make this possible, Airy called upon Edmund Beckett Denison, a expert in Horology, for help. Horology is the science of telling time, making Dension the perfect fit for the job ahead.
The name Big Ben originally was known only for the large bell inside the tower, but was later adapted to the whole structure. Dispute over where the name originated fall into to main stories however. While some believed it’s named after Sir Benjamin Hall, London Commissioner at the time, other state that the tower is named after Boxer Benjamin Caunt. Big Ben still chimes, daily today, and is in perfect condition. Even surviving a bombing of Parliament during World War II.
