BIG BEN LONDON United Kingdom It has helped keep London on time for 168 years! The Palace of Westminster was destroyed in a catastrophic fire in 1834 and parliament decided that they would build a new clock tower as part of the restoration works. They started building the tower in 1843 and finished in 1859. NEW Landmark WHY? 96 meter tall The name ‘Big Ben’ actually refers to the bell inside the clock tower. The clock tower itself is called The Elizabeth Tower – named after Queen Elizabeth the second! Big Ben is the largest four facing clock tower in the world! Why Landmark is Important All landmarks, represent something special to a piece of land or location. It’s attract people from all over the world to learn more about a culture and connections to its past.