Big Ben to go (mostly) out of service for four years

World

Published: 2017-08-14 19:52

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 07:58


File photo
File photo

British House of Commons announced on Monday that Big Ben would fall silent for four years. Starting at noon on Monday the 21st, its famous chimes will no longer be heard while it undergoes extensive renovation and restoration for the clock, the bells, and the tower.

The bell, which weighs 13.7 tonnes, has rung almost entirely uninterrupted at the beginning of each hour and every 15 minutes for the past 157 years. Aside from special occasions like New Year’s, it will remain silent through 2021.

This will be part of a massive overhaul of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster, an endeavour which might cost upwards of 5.7bil pounds (5.25bil dinars). 

Steve Jaggs, Keeper of the Great Clock, said that «this essential program of works will safeguard the clock on a long-term basis.»

He encouraged people to come together at noon next Monday to hear the last "bongs" of the clock.