‘Big Ben’ is the name commonly used to describe the tower, the clock, and the bell of this London landmark. But technically, Big Ben refers only to the tower’s Great Bell, which Londoners first heard chime on this day in 1859. Ordinarily, four quarter bells chime at 15, 30, and 45 minutes past the hour and again just before Big Ben tolls on the hour. However, Big Ben is silent for today’s anniversary. It stopped tolling in 2017 to undergo significant renovations that are expected to last through 2021. Eager tourists can still visit the tower, which was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.
All is silent for Big Ben’s musical milestone
Today in History
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International Polar Bear Day
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The Cathedral of Florence, Italy
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World Otter Day
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Jackie Robinson Day
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World Bicycle Day
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Presidents Day
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Cousins Day
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National Mushroom Month
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International Archaeology Day
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National Park Week: Yosemite National Park, California
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Christmas Eve
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The Bazaruto Archipelago of Mozambique
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The tale of squirrels like Nutkin
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Manatee Appreciation Day