The clock tower commonly known as Big Ben at the Houses of Parliament in London is one of England's most iconic landmarks. Technically, Big Ben is the bell inside the tower, which is actually named St. Stephen's Tower. The bell weighs more than 13 tons. The tower features a clock face on each of the four sides, and these four faces are illuminated at night. Each dial is 23 square feet and the minute hands are 14 feet long. A light situated above the clock face illuminates to inform the public that Parliament is in session. The bell first rang on May 31, 1859, and since then, the clock has rarely stopped.
House of Commons
Westminster
London
SW1A 0AA
020-7219-4272
St Paul's Cathedral is actually the fourth cathedral to occupy the land it stands on; its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. St. Paul's Cathedral was designed by court architect Sir Christopher Wren, and it was built between 1675 and 1710. The first service in the cathedral was held in 1679, and since then it has played host to several celebrations, mournings and commemorations for people of importance like the Duke of Wellington, Lord Nelson, Sir Winston Churchill, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Saint Paul's Churchyard
London
EC4M 8AE
020-7236-4128
stpauls.co.uk
Buckingham Palace is the official sovereign London residence and has been since 1837. It is the administrative headquarters of Great Britain's monarch. Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, 19 of which (the State rooms) are available for public viewing. The palace sees more than 50,000 visitors each year for lunches, dinners, banquets, receptions and the Royal Garden Parties.
London SW1A 1AA
United Kingdom
020-7766-7300
royal.gov.uk
