Hump Day History

 

On this day in 1859, the world famous Big Ben rings out for the first time.

In 1834, a fire destroyed much of the Palace of Westminster, and the clock was chosen as part of the redesign.  Royal astronomer, Sir George Airy, wanted pinpoint accuracy.  He recruited Edmund Beckett Denison, an expert in horology.

The clock tower was designed by Augustus Pugin, in neo-Gothic style.  He was also asked to design the interiors of the new palace, which included carved panelling, wallpaper, painted and gilded ceilings, encaustic floor tiles, and a range of furniture such as this sideboard.

In 1987, the tower was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In 2012, for the Diamond Jubilee, it was renamed the Elizabeth Tower.