Big Ben, UK's favourite landmark turns 150
13 Jul 2009
Big Ben, one of the best known landmarks in the world, will turn 150 on 11 July 1859.
Though the name Big Ben has now come to mean the clock tower, the name was originally given to the bell itself.
The name is thought to have originated from Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner or Works and Public Buildings, whose name is inscribed on the bell.
The anniversary will see a night-time projection on the tower reading - "Happy Birthday Big Ben, 150 years, 1859 - 2009."
According to Mike McCann, Keeper of the Great Clock, Big Ben still retains a special place in the hearts of Londoners and the world as a magnficient example of engineering and building genius.
The new Palace of Westminster was designed by architect Charles Barry after a fire destroyed the old Houses of Parliament in 1834.
