Big Ben

:For other uses of Big Ben, see Big Ben (disambiguation)

Naming

Big Ben is the most commonly used name for the Clock Tower but it is actually the bell that is called Big Ben. One theory says that the bell is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the Chief Commissioner of Works. Another theory suggests that at the time anything which was heaviest of its kind was called "Big Ben" after the then-famous prizefighter Benjamin Caunt, making it a natural name for the bell.

Related Topics:
Benjamin Hall - Benjamin Caunt

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The tower is also sometimes referred to as St Stephen's Tower, though this name is not used by staff at the Palace of Westminster, including those who work within the tower itself. This name might originate from St Stephen's Hall, the western wing of the Palace of Westminster, which is the entrance used by visitors wishing to view the proceedings of the Houses of Parliament, and British subjects wishing to lobby their MP.

Related Topics:
Lobby - MP

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