Big Ben, London, England

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Big Ben, is the nickname for the Great Bell of the striking clock, at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, England, and the name is frequently extended to refer, also to the clock, and the clock tower. The official name of the tower, in which Big Ben is located, was the Clock Tower, but it was renamed Elizabeth Tower, in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of, Elizabeth II.
The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin, in a neo-Gothic style. When completed in 1859, its clock was the largest, and most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock, in the world. The tower stands 316 feet (96 m) tall, and the climb from ground level, to the belfry is 334 steps. Its base is square, measuring 40 feet (12 m) on each side. Dials of the clock are 22.5 feet (6.9 m) in diameter. All four nations of the UK are represented on the tower, on shields featuring a rose for England, thistle for Scotland, shamrock for Ireland, and leek for Wales. On 31 May 2009, celebrations were held to mark the tower's 150th anniversary.
The tower is a British cultural icon, recognized all over the world. It is one of the most prominent symbols of the United Kingdom, and parliamentary democracy, and it is often used in the establishing shot of films set in London. The clock tower, has been part of a Grade 1 listed building since 1970, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since 1987.
On 21 August 2017, a four-year schedule of renovation works began on the tower. Modifications have included adding a lift, re-glazing and repainting the clock dials, and upgrading lighting, and repairing roof tiles among other improvements. With a few exceptions, such as New Year's Eve, and Remembrance Sunday, the bells are to be silent until the work was completed in 2022.

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