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BIG BEN | A look back in time

About this collection

The sound of Big Ben and the image of its tower are synonymous with London.

The BBC has recorded how this iconic landmark has played its part in our history, from being a symbol of defiance amid the destruction of the Blitz to providing the chimes that ushered in a new millennium.

BBC presenters have also taken us with them as they get up close to Big Ben and reveal the secrets of the mechanisms that have powered the clock since 1859, keeping it working to near perfection.

Big Ben Collection

 

The clock face of Big Ben.

Scrapbook for 1924

RECORDED 1936
1 MINUTE

How the Big Ben chimes were first recorded for broadcast by the BBC.

go to Scrapbook for 1924
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

These Foolish Things

BROADCAST 1958
4 MINUTES

Nancy Mitford and others comment on the sound of Big Ben.

go to These Foolish Things
'Blue Peter' presenter Valerie Singleton.

Blue Peter

The Story of Big Ben

BROADCAST 1967
3 MINUTES

Valerie Singleton outlines the history of the world famous clock.

go to Blue Peter - The Story of Big Ben
Close-up of the clock face of Big Ben at one o'clock.

The World at One

BROADCAST 1971
4 MINUTES

'The World at One' reports on the maintenance of Big Ben.

go to The World at One
Close-up of the clock face of Big Ben approaching 12 noon.

News

Big Ben Repaired

BROADCAST 1976
1 MINUTE

Repairs to the great Westminster clock are completed.

go to News - Big Ben Repaired
A steeplejack lowers himself down the clock face of Big Ben.

Blue Peter

Big Ben Is Cleaned

BROADCAST 1980
8 MINUTES

Peter Duncan cleans the face of Big Ben.

go to Blue Peter - Big Ben Is Cleaned
Close-up of a floor design for the Houses of Parliament by artist Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin.

The Great Palace: the ...

Victorian Masterpiece

BROADCAST 1983
49 MINUTES

A view inside Britain's world famous Houses of Parliament.

go to The Great Palace: the Story of Parliament - Victorian Masterpiece
Branches of a tree covered in snow.

London Plus

Big Ben's Chimes

BROADCAST 1986
2 MINUTES

Frosty weather has a chilling effect on the bell chimes.

go to London Plus - Big Ben's Chimes
Westminster clock tower, better known as Big Ben.

Breakfast Time

Big Ben Under Repair

BROADCAST 1987
4 MINUTES

Big Ben has lost its bong.

go to Breakfast Time - Big Ben Under Repair
Jimmy Savile in 1992.

Jim'll Fix It

The Chimes of Big Ben

BROADCAST 1988
6 MINUTES

A wish to see and hear Big Ben up close comes true.

go to Jim'll Fix It - The Chimes of Big Ben
 

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