Big Ben renovation: London’s famous clock tower is falling silent until 2021
The clock tower will cease it’s normal ringing schedule for the sake of repair workers, from Quartz.
It has chimed on the hour for 157 years, but London’s Big Ben will fall silent next week until 2021.
Big Ben, the nickname for the bell inside the Elizabeth Tower of Parliament, will ring for the final time next Monday (August 21) at midday ahead of four-years of extensive renovation works.
The decision was taken to stop ringing the bell in order to protect the hearing of those working on cleaning and repairing the clock. And while Londoners will miss the familiar chimes of Big Ben on a daily basis, the bell will only ring for special occasions, including the city’s New Year celebrations and Remembrance Sunday.
Steve Jaggs, known as Keeper of the Great Clock (a pretty great job title we’re sure you’ll agree), told BBC News that the renovation works are “essential” and will “safeguard the clock on a long-term basis.”
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