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!
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.
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.
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?!
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.
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!
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Growing up I thought I would never leave my home town, but in my 20's I caught the travel bug and if I'm not traveling you can bet I am dreaming about my next adventure. When I am 'home', I'm working to make my life more simple, sustainable, and intentional one baby step at a time. Follow me on instagram @tripdontfall.xyz and on Pinterest to join me on my journey! Amazon Store:Categories
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