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