The Great Bell "Big Ben" (E) (Hours)

(Reference 13834)

Location Elizabeth Tower

Diameter (in cm) 270

Bronze height 220

Actual weight (in kilograms) 13700

Casting year 1858

Traditional bell ringing Time hours

Current bell ringing Time hours

Current Status Two months after Big Ben was installed in the Clock Tower a crack appeared in the bell. This was caused by the use of a hammer twice the recommended weight for the bell. Big Ben was taken out of service for three years. During this time hours were struck on the largest of the quarter bells. A hole was drilled at the top and bottom of the crack to stop it growing and the bell was rotated a quarter turn clockwise when reinstalled. This gives the bell a distinct but slightly less than perfect tone.

Mechanisms to ring External hammer

Interventions A hole was drilled at the top and bottom of the crack to stop it growing and the bell was rotated a quarter turn clockwise when reinstalled.

Assessment A file must be initiated to declare it an Asset of Cultural Interest. In case of breakage (as it is) it can only be welded. It can be replaced by a replica.

Installation The installation is traditional and must be preserved to protect the sound and other cultural values. Any mechanization must preserve these qualities, reproduce the traditional chimes.

Authors of the documentation

• MARTÍNEZ ROIG, Eliseo (07-02-2017)
• CIURANA I ABELLÍ, Blai (10-10-2021)
• CIURANA I ABELLÍ, Blai (07-04-2022)

Card editor MARTÍNEZ ROIG, Eliseu

Updating 03-02-2023

3 Pictures

First quarter bell (A)

(Reference 18679)

Location Tower

Diameter (in cm) 110

Actual weight (in kilograms) 1100

Casting year 1858

Card editor CIURANA i ABELLÍ, Blai

Updating 07-04-2022

Second quarter bell (B)

(Reference 18680)

Location Tower

Diameter (in cm) 120

Actual weight (in kilograms) 1300

Casting year 1858

Card editor CIURANA i ABELLÍ, Blai

Updating 07-04-2022

Third quarter bell (C)

(Reference 18681)

Location Tower

Diameter (in cm) 140

Actual weight (in kilograms) 1700

Casting year 1858

Card editor CIURANA i ABELLÍ, Blai

Updating 07-04-2022

Fourth quarter bell (D)

(Reference 18682)

Location Tower

Diameter (in cm) 180

Actual weight (in kilograms) 4000

Casting year 1858

Card editor CIURANA i ABELLÍ, Blai

Updating 07-04-2022