A Sightseeing Tour Around the Big Ben in London

 

London is synonymous with Big Ben. It is a 316-foot clock tower that was constructed in 1858. In actuality, Big Ben is the 14 ton chime bell that hangs at the top of the tower. Unfortunately, the original bell cracked in 1857 and had to be restored. There are several theories behind the name of ‘Big Ben’. Some of them are: the bell got its name from Sir Benjamin Hall, who was affectionately called Big Ben in the House of Commons and that It was nicknamed after a former heavyweight champion boxer called Ben Caunt.

 

Big Ben is located at, and is an important component of, the Westminster Palace or the House of Parliament. When the Parliament is in session, the symbolic light above the Big Ben glows. UK residents are permitted to take a conducted tour to the top of the tower with the help of a local Member of Parliament. The Houses of Parliament consists of over 1000 rooms and the corridors run for 2 miles.

 

The government of UK is divided into two sections: House of Commons and House of Lords. The House of Commons is an elected body, but the House of Lords appoints people without elections. Most of the people who are seated in the House of Lords are selected due to their hereditary rights or they are politically appointed. This chamber is undertaking some alterations to change this scenario according to the present day norms.

 

When the Parliament is in session, the local residents of England can view the proceedings from the public galleries in both the Houses. However, you have to ensure that your local MP or a Lord has arranged for a ticket so that you can enter the premises. This is part of Big Ben’s attraction to the locals living in and around Westminster Palace. The Public Committee sessions can be visited by everyone. Even the press can visit the. These occur from Monday to Friday while the Parliament is in session. In this case, the guests are not provided with any prior tickets but they can line up beforehand.

 

For visitors from abroad, the facilities are same, but are only open during Summer. They can visit and see the proceedings of the House of Parliament, as part of the sightseeing tour which includes Big Ben. London has much more to offer in terms of attractions and activities for a tourist. Book a London hotel and explore the city and its outskirts at leisure. The Gatwick London Hotel is highly recommended for tourists.