Palace of Westminster, London, England May 15, 2025

Palace of Westminster, London, England

London"s most famous clock tower isn"t called Big Ben—that name belongs to the massive 12,000 kilograms bell inside. It has marked time for Londoners since 1859, ringing from what is now known as the Elizabeth Tower. In 2012, officials renamed the Clock Tower to Elizabeth Tower to honour Queen Elizabeth II during her Diamond Jubilee. The clock has stopped only for maintenance and rare disruptions, such as bomb damage during World Wars I and II. Each of its four clock faces spans more than 6 metres, with the minute hands measuring roughly 4 metres. At 90 metres tall, the tower is part of the grand Palace of Westminster, home to the UK Parliament.

© Puthipong Worasaran/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

An island crossroad of culture
Get ready for the blood moon
May 15, 2024The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Trails leading to the gateway of nature.
Jul. 19, 2025Jacksons Point Lighthouse on Lake Simcoe, Ontario
Apr. 21, 2025International Dark Sky Week
A mountaintop cultural wonder
May 19, 2024Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
Where is this ethereal mountain?
Aug. 13, 2025Corona Arch near Moab, Utah, United States
Freshwater diving capital
Sep. 9, 2023Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand
Jan. 24, 2025Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival
Dec. 24, 2023Christmas Eve
Nov. 28, 2023Giving Tuesday
Sep. 13, 2024Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA
Apr. 14, 2024Bowling Ball Beach, California, USA
Go hug a mountain, if you can
An ugly duckling no more
Bungle beehives
Mar. 13, 2025Holi celebration in Jaipur, India
Apr. 10, 2025Siblings Day
Jun. 3, 2025World Bicycle Day
Dec. 15, 2024Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy
If given Menton, make lemonade
Dec. 23, 2024Celebrating Festivus
Festival fever
Swinging over Munich
Aug. 26, 2025Trullo buildings in Alberobello, Apulia, Italy
A pair of high achievers
Oct. 28, 2023Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
A grizzly bear sanctuary
Aug. 3, 2025Blooming sunflowers