British lawmakers want to rename St Stephen's Tower -- known to tourists around the world as "Big Ben" -- after Queen Elizabeth II.
Ringing the changes: Renaming 'Big Ben' —
British lawmakers want to rename St Stephen's Tower -- known to tourists around the world as "Big Ben" -- after Queen Elizabeth II.
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The Queen, seen here addressing both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall, is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Ringing the changes: Renaming 'Big Ben' —
The Queen, seen here addressing both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall, is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
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MP Tobias Ellwood says naming the tower, seen here in the background of the coronation parade, after the monarch would be a fitting way to mark her 60th year on the throne.
Ringing the changes: Renaming 'Big Ben' —
MP Tobias Ellwood says naming the tower, seen here in the background of the coronation parade, after the monarch would be a fitting way to mark her 60th year on the throne.
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"Big Ben" is one of London's most famous landmarks. The four glass clock faces on the tower, each measuring seven meters in diameter, are cleaned by a team of experts once every five years.
Ringing the changes: Renaming 'Big Ben' —
"Big Ben" is one of London's most famous landmarks. The four glass clock faces on the tower, each measuring seven meters in diameter, are cleaned by a team of experts once every five years.
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Big Ben is actually the name of the 13.5 ton bell inside the tower. The clock came into operation on 31st May 1859; Big Ben rang out for the first time later that year.
Ringing the changes: Renaming 'Big Ben' —
Big Ben is actually the name of the 13.5 ton bell inside the tower. The clock came into operation on 31st May 1859; Big Ben rang out for the first time later that year.
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Ellwood said that if the renaming plans were given the go-ahead, he hoped the Queen would not have to climb the 334 steps to the belfry for an official ceremony.
Ringing the changes: Renaming 'Big Ben' —
Ellwood said that if the renaming plans were given the go-ahead, he hoped the Queen would not have to climb the 334 steps to the belfry for an official ceremony.
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It remains to be seen whether the new name, Elizabeth Tower, will be widely used, or if the public will stick with the old nickname. Jokers have suggested meeting half way, with the new nickname 'Big Beth'.
Ringing the changes: Renaming 'Big Ben' —
It remains to be seen whether the new name, Elizabeth Tower, will be widely used, or if the public will stick with the old nickname. Jokers have suggested meeting half way, with the new nickname 'Big Beth'.
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