| Location | Elizabeth Tower |
|---|---|
| Diameter (in cm) | 270 |
| Bronze height | 220 |
| Actual weight (in kilograms) | 13700 |
| Bellfounder | WHITECHAPEL BELL FOUNDRY |
| Casting year | 1858 |
| 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. |
| Mechanisms to ring | External hammer |
| 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. |
| Installation | 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. |
| Description (generated by Ollama - local AI) |
The Great Bell, commonly known as “Big Ben,” situated within Elizabeth Tower of the UK Parliament in LONDON, represents a significant heritage artifact. Forged in 1858 by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, the bell’s construction is intrinsically linked to Victorian-era bell-making practices. Its primary function – striking the hours – has been a constant feature of British life for over a century. Historically, the bell’s tone is subtly affected by a crack, initially caused by improper striking during installation, subsequently repaired with a unique rotational adjustment. Currently, due to its fragility, repairs are limited to welding. A formal valuation process is underway to designate the bell as an Asset of Cultural Interest, acknowledging its historical and cultural importance. Replacement is possible through a replica, though the original’s unique characteristics remain a defining feature of the tower. |
Authors of the documentation
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| Card editor | MARTÍNEZ ROIG, Eliseu |
| Updating | 03-02-2023 |
| 3 Pictures | |
