London's Big Ben
by John Reardon
Contrary to popular belief, Big Ben is not the name of the clock tower itself but the nickname for the Great Bell inside the tower at the Palace of Westminster.
Big Ben is one of the most iconic symbols of London and the United Kingdom. Its history is rich and intertwined with Britain’s political and architectural heritage. Here’s a concise overview:
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What is Big Ben?
Contrary to popular belief, Big Ben is not the name of the clock tower itself but the nickname for the Great Bell inside the tower at the Palace of Westminster. The tower was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
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Construction and Design
• 1834: A fire destroyed much of the old Palace of Westminster.
• 1844: Plans were made for a new clock tower as part of the new Houses of Parliament.
• 1846: The design of the clock and tower was approved. Architect Charles Barry led the rebuilding, with Augustus Pugin designing the Gothic Revival-style tower.
• 1856: The first bell was cast but cracked during testing.
• 1858: A second and larger bell (13.5 tons) was cast and installed. This bell became Big Ben.
• 1859: Big Ben first chimed in July.
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Notable Features
• Height: 316 feet (96 meters).
• Clock faces: 4, each 23 feet (7 meters) in diameter.
• Accuracy: The clock mechanism was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and Edward John Dent, and it's remarkably accurate thanks to a gravity escapement.
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Historic Moments
• WWII: Despite heavy bombing during the Blitz, the tower and clock remained largely intact and continued functioning—a symbol of British resilience.
• 1976: The clock mechanism suffered a major breakdown and required extensive repairs.
• 2017–2021: Major renovation work was done on the tower and clock mechanism, during which the chimes were paused except for special occasions.
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Origin of the Name “Big Ben”
The origin is debated:
• Possibly named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the Commissioner of Works.
• Another theory ties it to Ben Caunt, a popular heavyweight boxer of the time.
Born in 1950, John has written over 200 books on various subjects. (With more to come) https://books.by/reardon
About the author: Born in 1950, John is a pioneer in Australia’s technology landscape with decades of experience shaping the industry. As a trailblazer, he founded one of the country’s first Internet Service Providers, enabling Australians to connect to the digital world during its formative years. He also operated Australia’s first domain name provider, playing a crucial role in establishing the nation’s online presence. Always ahead of his time, John was one of the first in the country to adopt satellite Internet technology, showcasing his forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation. Beyond technology, John has a deep passion for genealogy, amateur radio, and writing. His dedication to genealogy reflects a strong interest in uncovering and preserving family histories. As an amateur radio enthusiast, he continues to explore and engage with this classic form of global communication. Additionally, John is an accomplished author, blending his technical expertise and personal interests to craft books that educate, inspire, and share his wealth of knowledge. With a career defined by innovation and a life enriched by varied interests, John’s contributions span far beyond his professional achievements, embodying a relentless curiosity and passion for discovery.
The World Wide Web (WWW) is a system of interconnected web pages and resources, accessible through the internet. It allows users to access and share information using web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
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Here's a summary of what is believed to have happened:
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by John Reardon
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• Background: Lord Lucan was a British peer and professional gambler.
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What was the Mary Celeste?
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by John Reardon
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by John Reardon
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by John Reardon
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by John Reardon
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by John Reardon
A Master Craftsman.
A Sacred Temple.
A Secret Worth Dying For.
When the renowned artisan Hiram Abif is summoned from Tyre to Jerusalem, he steps into the greatest building project of the ancient world—King Solomon’s Temple. With unmatched skill and unwavering integrity, Hiram leads a team of elite craftsmen to create a structure that will stand as a symbol of faith, unity, and divine purpose.
But behind the beauty of stone and bronze lies a hidden world of sacred knowledge, understood only by a chosen brotherhood. As Hiram teaches the deeper meaning of the Temple’s design—its symbols, proportions, and spiritual truths—envy grows among those left outside the circle.
Whispers become threats.
Ambition turns to conspiracy.
And in the shadows, three men plot to force from Hiram the one secret he can never reveal.
Blending biblical history, Masonic tradition, and dramatic fiction, this novel explores the life, trials, and legacy of a man whose name became legend. A story of craftsmanship, courage, loyalty—and the timeless struggle between light and darkness.
The Temple stands in stone, but its true power is built within the soul.
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