Two months after Big Ben was installed in the Clock Tower a crack appeared in the bell. This was caused by the use of a hammer twice the recommended weight for the bell. Big Ben was taken out of service for three years. During this time hours were struck on the largest of the quarter bells. A hole was drilled at the top and bottom of the crack to stop it growing and the bell was rotated a quarter turn clockwise when reinstalled. This gives the bell a distinct but slightly less than perfect tone. Visit the Parliament website for more information about the history of the Clock Tower (https://www.flickr.com/photos/uk_parliament/2587362435/in/photostream/)
Authors of the documentation UK PARLIAMENT
Date 17-06-2008
