Big Ben, the iconic bell within London’s Elizabeth Tower, has been marking the passage of time for nearly 165 years, serving as a symbol of British heritage and resilience. Since its inaugural chimes in 1859, the Great Clock of Westminster has witnessed significant historical moments, from tolling in remembrance on Armistice Day to ringing 96 times during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession.

The bell commonly known as "Big Ben" actually refers to the 13.7-ton hour bell, distinct from the smaller quarter bells that play the Westminster Quarters melody every fifteen minutes. The clock and tower together represent a masterpiece of Victorian engineering, though their history includes challenges and unexpected incidents.

The original bell, cast in 1856 by John Warner & Sons, was damaged upon arrival in London after being struck with excessive force during a public demonstration. The bell was subsequently recast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, resulting in the current, slightly flawed hour bell, which bears a visible crack that contributes to its distinctive tone. Despite this imperfection, the bell’s sound has become recognized worldwide.

Throughout its existence, the Great Clock has remained in operation almost continuously, falling silent only on rare occasions such as during wartime—when its faces were darkened to avoid aiding enemy aircraft—and significant state events including Winston Churchill’s funeral. Over the years, the clock’s maintenance and upkeep have been entrusted to a small team of skilled engineers who also manage roughly 2,000 other clocks across the parliamentary estate.

Ian Westworth, a clockmaker with over two decades of experience on the team, played a key role in the extensive refurbishment project carried out between 2017 and 2022. The £79.7 million renovation addressed emerging mechanical issues and aimed to preserve the clock’s function and appearance for future generations. The refurbishment involved disassembling 11.5 tons of the clock’s mechanism—including wheels, levers, and the automatic winding apparatus—and restoring all components meticulously without relocating the framework or large structural girders.

Westworth described the process as unprecedented, as no living person had previously undertaken a complete dismantling and reassembly of the clock. The team worked without instruction manuals, relying on the original Victorian engineers’ practice of marking bolts and parts to ensure correct reinstallation. Among the project’s challenges was the clock’s placement high within the tower, which complicated removal and restoration efforts.

The team has recently begun training apprentices to secure the continuity of expertise needed to maintain the Great Clock and other parliamentary timepieces. Apprentice training starts with basic skills like filing and sawing, progressing to more complex tasks under supervision before handling clocks independently.

With the approach of winter and the need to adjust clocks for daylight saving changes, the team faces the annual task of resetting all 2,000 clocks on the estate—a labor-intensive effort culminating with the Elizabeth Tower’s clock.

Big Ben’s enduring presence is a testament both to its original craftsmanship and to the dedication of those who service it, ensuring that its iconic chimes continue to mark the rhythm of life in London and beyond.