Are you planning a trip to London and looking forward to seeing the iconic Big Ben? You might be wondering if it’s still under construction. The answer is both yes and no.
The History of Big Ben
First, let’s take a look at the history of Big Ben. It is actually the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. The tower itself is officially known as Elizabeth Tower, named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.
The clock tower was completed in 1859 and has been an iconic part of London’s skyline ever since. The Great Bell, which weighs more than 13 tons, was first struck on July 11, 1859. Since then, it has chimed every hour to mark time for Londoners and visitors alike.
The Renovation Project
In 2017, a major renovation project began on Elizabeth Tower and its clock faces to ensure their long-term sustainability. This project included repairs to the clock mechanism, roof replacement, and restoration of the tower’s stonework.
As part of this renovation project, scaffolding was erected around Elizabeth Tower in order to facilitate repairs. This meant that the clock faces were covered up during much of the renovation work.
Is Big Ben Still Under Construction?
So, is Big Ben still under construction? Yes and no.
The renovation project on Elizabeth Tower is ongoing and scheduled to be completed by 2021. However, as of December 2020, much of the scaffolding has been removed from around the tower revealing parts of its restored stonework.
While visitors won’t be able to see all four clock faces until restoration work is complete, they can still catch a glimpse of two faces which have been unveiled so far.
Visiting Big Ben
If you’re planning to visit Big Ben, you can still see parts of the tower even though renovation work is ongoing. The Palace of Westminster offers guided tours that include access to the Elizabeth Tower where you can see the Great Bell up close.
Note that due to ongoing renovation work, access to some areas may be limited or unavailable. It’s always a good idea to check ahead before planning your visit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Big Ben is still technically under construction, significant progress has been made in restoring the iconic clock tower and its stonework. Visitors can still enjoy a glimpse of this historic landmark while renovation work continues, and it will be exciting to see the completed restoration project in 2021.
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