Author: Milana Islamova Form 4 V Kazan 2015 Big Ben Author: Milana Islamova Form 4 V Kazan 2015

Hello, dear friends. Let’s start our excursion to Big Ben Hello, dear friends! Let’s start our excursion to Big Ben! I hope everyone has heard about Big Ben! So, what is it? .

Firstly, it’s the symbol of Great Britain and one of the most beautiful sights of London. Secondly, it’s the largest and the most famous clock in the world.

Originally, Big Ben is a tower Originally, Big Ben is a tower. It’s one of the highest towers of Westminster Palace. Although Big Ben is very popular with spectators, nobody is allowed inside the tower . But if you are lucky, you can hear how the bell strikes.

Officially, the clock has started its work on 31 May 1859.

Benjamin Caunt Benjamin Hall According to one of the theories the clock has been named Big Ben after Sir Benjamin Hall, who directed work on the casting of the bell. Another theory claims that it has been named after Benjamin Caunt, who was one of the well-known heavyweight boxers of the 19th century. Benjamin Caunt Benjamin Hall

By the way, the tower of Big Ben used to be a prison where some politicians were kept. The last prisoner here was the fighter for female rights Emmeline Pankhurst. Now here is her monument near the parliament.

Official name of the tower is the “Westminster Palace Clock Tower” or “St. Stephen's Tower”. Big Ben is only the name of the clock itself along with the bell.

The history of Big Ben dates back to 1288

However, the contemporary tower of Big Ben was built according to Charles Barry’s project in the 19th century, as the old building was destroyed due to the fire of 1834. Tower`s height is 96,3 meters (with a spike).

Big Ben has become a popular souvenir for tourists Big Ben has become a popular souvenir for tourists. Almost all visitors of London buy a small souvenir in the shape of the world-famous clock. Also Big Ben can be often seen in famous films and pics.

Cinema Film “Garfield”

Cartoon “101 dalmatians”

Cartoon “Peter Pan”

Cartoon "Cars 2" shows Big Ben, which in the “wheelbarrows” world is called Big Bentley and is decorated with logos of brand Bentley parts, an episode in the animated film takes place inside the tower.

Paintings "Big Ben" by Andre Derain

“Big Ben (London)” by Henderson Cisz

“Big Ben,London” by Bowen Sims

“Big Ben and the Thames, London” by David Welsh

“Big Ben” by Karen Walker

“Big Ben” by Aleksandra Buha

“London” by Leonid Afremov

Music In the music Big Ben was used by Joseph Haydn “Clock Symphony” in D major Hob.1 Nr.101

And in conclusion,I would like to say that I hope that this beautiful tower will always stand on his place, admire people her beauty and move us to do great things.

Thanks for watching!