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| Big Ben |
| Big Ben is London's most famous landmark and centerpiece to the Houses of Parliament, cradle of the UK government. Officially known as St Stephen's Tower, Big Ben was built in the Gothic Revival style by Charles Barry in 1860 and is 98 metres high. |
| Big Ben originally referred to the 13-ton Great Bell within the clock tower, cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, it strikes the musical note E on the hour. The four clock faces are 7 metres in diameter - big enough to fit a double decker bus. |
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Westminster. |
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Big Ben is thought to be named after First Commissioner of Works, Sir Benjamin Hall. |
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You can visit the inner workings of the clock tower (See Parliament website), but need to book in advance and obtain permission through your local MP. |
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