2006-12-12 15:36:22 · 6 answers · asked by dmorales90210 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Geography
big ben as in the big clock tower in england come on people!
2006-12-12 15:43:24 · update #1
It is not a wonder. It is a landmark, but there is nothing wonderful of outlandish about it.
And to be accurate: Big Ben is not the name of the clock, it is the name of the bell inside the clock.
2006-12-12 15:48:26 · answer #1 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possibly the most famous clock face and chimes in the world, Big Ben is actually the name of the biggest bell (13.5 tons) inside The Clock Tower (320ft) which forms part of the HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.
HISTORYBuilt in 1858/9 the bell was named after one Sir Benjamin Hall and when it was cast it was Britain's heaviest bell.
The clock's four dials each have a diameter of 23ft, the minute hands are 14ft long and the numerals on each face are nearly 2 feet high. The accuracy of the clock movement is controlled by the placing of old pennies in the mechanism.
There is a light at the top of the tower which, when lit, indicates that the House of Commons is sitting. During the day you can tell if they're sitting by looking for a flag at the top of the nearby Victoria Tower which is the tallest and largest of the Westminster towers.
The tower which houses Big Ben has been called by many names, one of the most popular being St Stephen's Tower. However, the official line, from the Head of Public Information at the Palace is that the Clock Tower is simply called The Clock Tower. The subject of John Buchan's "39 Steps", the Clock Tower is unfortunately not open to the public so you won't be able to check how many steps actually lead to the belfry.
2006-12-12 21:02:53 · answer #2 · answered by khaja 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Note: lol a world wonder is a supposedly non-machine made, ancient thing. Like the pyramids. Stuff like Big Ben, the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate are landmarks, tourist locations, etc. :)
But to answer your question, I have no idea what's so special about Big Ben.
Note: NcaaChamp, is that really true? I thought there were seven. Surely Stonehenge is one.
2006-12-12 15:52:49 · answer #3 · answered by Confuzzled 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As they said above, Big Ben is not a wonder of the world and never has been. The seven wonders are actually being voted on now from a list of twenty, some sort of publicity/tourism campaign I'd imagine. Big Ben isn't on that list, either.
Cast your vote for the new wonders here: http://www.new7wonders.com/index.php
2006-12-13 01:26:34 · answer #4 · answered by Jason 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only remaining "wonders of the world" is the pyramid at Giza.
2006-12-12 15:59:24 · answer #5 · answered by ncaachamp 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it isn't!
2006-12-12 19:30:40 · answer #6 · answered by sunshine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋