Why
Big Ben and the
House of Parliament
are special

Big Ben (on the far right side of the photo) is the world's most famous and recognizable clock. It has become the icon of London. This timepiece is part of the large building that houses the legislative body of the United Kingdom. It's a Neo Gothic architectural gem.

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"Big Ben"
name confusions

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The term has three meanings

Bell
Officially, Big Ben refers just to the massive bell that clangs the hour.

Clock-bell mechanism
Nowadays, most people in England and beyond define Big Ben to define the whole clock-bell mechanism

Clock tower
Some people even use the term to define the entire clock tower (bell and all).

Although the second definition is unofficial, only a purist would object to someone using it. Because of its widespread popularity, I use it on this page.

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Click

Page two - More Big Ben tips & insights

Page three - House of Parliament

for more pointers

Wonders of England

England wonder map

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

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London

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©2012 HQP - Hillman Quality Publications / hillmanwonders.com