The Big Ben is an iconic part of the London City. However the clock tower is actually known as the Elizabeth tower and the Great Clock is not really what is called Big Ben. The nickname actually refers to the huge bell within the tower which weighs 13.76 tonnes.

The clock tower is to undergo renovations. Big Ben was cast on 10th April 1858 and the Great Clock started working on 31st May 1859. Given the age of the building and the wear and tear that both have endured despite regular maintenance, the planned renovations are a good idea.

However this would require that the clock be out of action for two years and the workers will also require the bells to not chime while they are within the tower. Considering that the bell chimes at 118 decibels, it would be enough to give the works severe ear damage as per previous scientific studies.

To deactivate the bell the weights that run the mechanism will be lowered to the bottom of the tower and secured. This process takes nearly six to seven hours, making it impractical to be done everyday at the end of the worker’s shift. That’s why the Big Ben is going to be silent for about the next four years.