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:

Aug. 10, 2025World Lion Day
Oct. 28, 2023Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Dec. 1, 2023Lake Minnewanka, Alberta
Stripes in sight
A beacon in the golden light
On the open ocean road
Trails leading to the gateway of nature.
Jan. 9, 2024Rio Grande, Albuquerque
Happy Thanksgiving!
The old castle at sunrise
Nov. 9, 2023Birch trees, Drammen, Norway
Jul. 12, 2025Thomsons gazelles, Maasai Mara, Kenya
Mar. 6, 2026The Wave, Vejle, Denmark
Jun. 21, 2024National Indigenous Peoples Day
Jul. 3, 2025Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida, United States
Nov. 14, 2025Manatee
Oct. 13, 2024Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
Colours of spring
Napping near the North Pole
Oct. 11, 2024Celtic Colours International Festival
A smooth landing, feet first
Blood moon
Bungle beehives
Southern tip of a northern isle
Nov. 29, 2024Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
Mar. 11, 2025Broken Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
When life imitates art
History awaits atop the hill
Feb. 5, 2025Scottish Blackface sheep, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Urban planning never stops