![]() ![]() It is likely that the name Big Ben owes something to both of these imposing men. Another substantial figure of that era was the bare-knuckle boxer Benjamin Caunt, who had already been nicknamed Big Ben, so the term became associated with any large and heavy object. At six and a half feet, Hall was tall and the imposing frame of the man in charge of the rebuilding works became associated with the bell. Benjamin Hall was Minister of Public Works when the Palace of Westminster was being rebuilt in the middle of the nineteenth century. Two theories have been put forward for the origin of the name Big Ben. ![]() View of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben from the Thames River. ![]() They may have been lucky enough to hear the bell strike the hour as well. However, so popular has the name Big Ben become over the years that most people are happy to take their photograph home saying that they have ‘seen’ Big Ben. Strictly speaking, the name Big Ben applies to the bell, which is tucked out of sight behind the clock face. This provides the perfect souvenir of a visit to London.īlue Badge Tourist Guides will know that the correct name of the building they are photographing is the Palace of Westminster and that you cannot actually take a photograph of Big Ben from outside the Palace. Every tour of London will include a view of the Houses of Parliament and most guides conducting one will arrange for a stop so that people can take a photograph or selfie with Big Ben in the background. ![]()
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