The UK’s cultural icon and what’s described as the “most accurate” chiming clock in the world has stopped ticking, bringing about four years of silence in London.
Crowds gathered around Big Ben at midday yesterday to hear the familiar 12 bongs one last time before the clock tower’s two hands officially came to a stop.
The popular attraction was switched off for the first time in 31 years to undergo a £29 million (AU$47 million) renovation.
Image: Rich Lock/Unsplash
According to Parliament.uk, the clock’s last major renovation was completed in 1986 when it received extensive cleaning, stone repairs, painting and repairs to the cast iron roof.
However, a recent analysis of Elizabeth Tower found issues with the clock hands, mechanism and pendulum, “which need to be dealt with immediately to ensure that the clock can continue to work properly”.
“There is a risk that if not addressed as a matter of urgency, the clock may fail or fabric problems may become acute.”
Parliament.uk
Additionally, the official government website said the Tower’s fire prevention guidance will be brought in line with today’s standards along with health and safety measures for staff and visitors.
Image: Camilla Bundgaard/Unsplash
A lift will also be installed within the ventilation shaft to improve emergency evacuation and accessibility for “a wider range of people”.
Repairs will take up to four years to complete, meaning Big Ben will stay silent until 2021.