![]() The hammer was too heavy, but it gives the bell its unique tone. ![]() This crack appeared when Big Ben was struck during a test in 1858. There's one piece of damage here that’s been deliberately left alone. We are standing in the belfry of the Elizabeth Tower, and it was specially constructed so that the chiming bells for the four quarters could be heard right across London. With the clock mechanism out of action, a computerised system has meant that on special occasions, Big Ben has still been struck. But during the refurbishment, as many layers of paint were stripped away, it became clear that they were originally this shade of blue - it's called Prussian Blue, and that is what they have been repainted in. For many years, the minute demarcations, the numbers and the clock hands were painted black. One of the most striking things you notice is the colour of the clock faces. Working on this clock would be a once in a lifetime opportunity - to actually have taken it all to pieces, putting it back together again, and then carry on looking after it for a few more years - that's just going to be fantastic. This is one of the bits that we couldn't actually get to and service while the minute hands were on. One of the biggest restoration jobs ever undertaken on a landmark British building is approaching the finish line. ![]() Why did a crack appear when Big Ben was struck in 1858? TranscriptĬountdown to completion. ![]() Hammer – object which hits the bell to make a sound Answer this… ![]() Hands – long metal objects which point to numbers on a clock faceĭemarcations – lines which show how something is dividedīelfry – part of a tower where the bells are located Working on Big Ben Learn language related to… ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |