This Day in History: <br />Big Ben Goes Into Operation in London May 31, 1859 Perhaps the most famous clock tower <br />in the world, Big Ben was designed after a <br />fire destroyed the Palace of Westminster in 1834. Set upon the Elizabeth Tower, <br />Big Ben is known for its spot on accuracy. The timekeeping of the tower <br />is regulated by coin stacks located <br />on the clock's pendulum. It is said to be named after the <br />long-winded London commissioner <br />of works, Sir Benjamin Hall. Big Ben survived the severe destruction <br />of the London bombings during World War II,<br /> continuing to ring out on the hour. It went silent for the first time <br />in its history in 2017 for renovations <br />meant to last until 2021.
