Big Ben to be silenced for £29m refit

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Britain’s most famous clock tower is to fall silent so that urgent repair work can be carried out at a cost of £29m.

Parliament says it has no choice but to stop the chimes of Big Ben, after 157 years of nearly unbroken service, to prevent its mechanism from failing.

The Elizabeth Tower, which houses it, will also be repaired during the three year project, which starts next year.

The 96 metre tower is structurally sound but repairs are needed to its water damaged masonry and iron work.

The Big Ben nickname originally referred to the 13.5 tonne Great Bell within the tower, but has long been the commonly used name for the clock and tower as a whole.

The refit, which is due to begin next year, could also see the clock faces stripped of the black and gold paint that was applied in the 1980s to return them to their Victorian appearance, which is thought feature green and gold paint.

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UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor

Parliament says parts of the Great Clock have become worn and require urgent investigation and repair, and there is a high risk that the clock would fail if the problems are not addressed soon.

There are concerns about the pendulum’s accuracy, and the suspension spring, which holds the pendulum in place, needs to be replaced.

Steve Jaggs, Keeper of the Clock, said: “This historic clock is loved by so many people.

“It is both an honour and a great responsibility to keep it in good working order for public enjoyment. Every day our team of highly skilled clock mechanics cares for this Victorian masterpiece but, in order to keep the clock ticking, we must now take the time to thoroughly inspect and restore it.

“These essential works balance value for money with Parliament’s custodial responsibility to the building as well as to those visiting and working in the Elizabeth Tower.

“This project will enable us to give one of Britain’s most famous landmarks the TLC it so desperately needs and deserves.”

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UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor

The clock and clock tower was last refurbished just over 30 years ago.

Lib Dem MP Tom Brake, spokesman for the House of Commons Commission, described the Elizabeth Tower, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as “a symbol of the UK’s democratic heritage”.

He added: “We have a duty to ensure that it is safeguarded for future generations to appreciate, just as we owe it to our predecessors to restore their masterpiece to its former glory.

“While these works are much needed in the short-term, they will also ensure the long-term future and sustainability of Big Ben.”

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