Appreciating Westminster Palace, Elizabeth Tower (& Big Ben) through Photography...

Westminster Palace's Elizabeth Tower, most commonly referred to as "Big Ben" although Big Ben is really the name of the clock bell that resides in the tower

Recognize this famous icon? Yes, it's the Elizabeth tower! Okay, okay, don't get all up in arms. "Eliza-what's-it?!, that's Big Ben!" Is that what you're thinking? That's what I always thought, also!

Houses of Parliament, Palace of Westminster, Elizabeth Tower, Clock Tower, Big Ben... how ever you want to think of it... at night :o)

​But I learned that Big Ben is the name of the Great Bell of the clock in this tower, not the tower itself. For years this was known as Clock Tower until recently, in 2012 during the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II ( 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession) when it was renamed the Elizabeth Tower.

Fun Fact: Clock Tower was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 during the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II ( 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession).

The tower is at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. It's a fascinating Gothic Revival style architecture which was completed in May of 1859.

Gothic Revival Style Architecture London's Houses of Parliament

Behind the gates

​Ian Westworth, a clockmaker by trade, describes it as " The prince of timekeepers: the biggest, most acccurate four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world" And arguably the most famous! I wonder how many films and works of art it can be seen in?!

A little perspective on the shot above, looking through the gates

Try to get a glimpse of this palace and tower in both daylight and at night when it is all lit up. Again, don't just take one picture of you with the tower in the background. Look for some creative angles. 

Peeking through the gates at London's Palace of Westminster

The architecture is so intruiging. There are so many details. It took over 15 years to build this tower (5 years longer than expected) and it was built from the inside out- scaffolding was never seen by the outside world! Take time to appreciate the skill and patience of the craftsman!

The attention to detail is mesmerizing..

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