| Location |
Elizabeth Tower |
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| Diameter (in cm) |
270 |
|---|
| Bronze height |
220 |
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| Actual weight (in kilograms) |
13700 |
|---|
| Bellfounder | WHITECHAPEL BELL FOUNDRY |
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| Casting year |
1858 |
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| Traditional bell ringing |
Time hours |
|---|
| Current bell ringing |
Time hours |
|---|
| Current Status |
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. |
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| Mechanisms to ring |
External hammer |
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| Interventions |
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. |
|---|
| Assessment |
A file must be initiated to declare it an Asset of Cultural Interest. In case of breakage (as it is) it can only be welded. It can be replaced by a replica. |
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|
The installation is traditional and must be preserved to protect the sound and other cultural values. Any mechanization must preserve these qualities, reproduce the traditional chimes. |
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Authors of the documentation- MARTÍNEZ ROIG, Eliseo (07-02-2017)
- CIURANA I ABELLÍ, Blai (10-10-2021)
- CIURANA I ABELLÍ, Blai (07-04-2022)
|
| Card editor |
MARTÍNEZ ROIG, Eliseu |
|---|
| Updating |
03-02-2023 |
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| 3 Pictures |
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