Why Big Ben Will Never Stop Ticking | Monumental Challenge | Spark

Recently voted the most iconic monument in Britain, Big Ben has come to symbolize the sights and sounds of a nation but ever-needy machinery. Her attachment to Britain's parliament building means that making sure she remains reliable is Big Ben's greatest challenge this year. Following her 150th anniversary, the keepers of Big Ben must ensure the monument stays clean, timely and most importantly, does not stop at an inopportune moment. Political elections, and royal and state visits alike all pass below its famed clock faces. But as history continues to be made on its doorstep workers behind the scenes must do everything from keeping pigeons at bay with a Harris Hawk patrol to monitoring a rather worrying tilt.
---

Join the Spark Channel Membership to get access to perks:

Find us on:

#Spark #bigben #restoration

[nickmander]

If only my father was still alive, he’d have been so incredibly enthusiastic about this documentary.
He was responsible for over 200 clocks at the Lockheed factory in Leamington spar for 45 years. Ever Easter was ruined by his loyal service to the clocks and every October change to GMT .
Makes me feel quite emotional, that loyal herologists are taken for granted by the British population, especially as we are to my knowledge, the only country in the world that does this time honoured ritual. No pun intended.

[Wadethewallaby]

26:30 talk about working around the clock! 😂

[morosso]

all we know there's the clock tower of london and big ben.
but knowing how these incredible people working behind this magnificent landmark what keeps it going in top conditions despite it's age was so fascinating. huge respect for them. 🇵🇭

[David_in_Thailand]

I love that England has these iconic historical items that they care about. The traditions would be a sorry loss if for example the clock were to be electrified.

[phyllispetras]

From San Francisco at 2 PM, Saturday!! !WE need a

[Gerryjournal]

I see many remarks here saying Big Ben is not the clock but a bell inside the clock tower. Actually neither are true, Big Ben is the nick name given to the largest bell in the tower and it's real name is the Great Bell

[susanfaulkner]

I don't know if the folks that brought "Big Ben" to life knew that this wonderful timepiece would be here today with us. This clock was built with what materials were on hand. Proper upkeep does make a difference, as with anything. Can't imagine life without this great tower.❤

[JorgeRodriguez-pokx]

Love the first Chimes of the Big Ben that are Featured in the 1960's Movie "The Time Machine" with Rod Taylor 😁😁

[bobm]

I had a chance to walk all the steps to the bells. Along the way near the mechanism the guide pointed out some very old coins no longer minted but used to "balance" the pendulum. It was a very awesome experience.

[jeffcranmer]

Big Ben is the bell not the clock tower.

[kermitefrog]

This is a fascinating documentary regarding the craftsmanship and technology that is still in use over 150 years later. I have been on the Queen Mary in Long Harbor in the greater L.A. area of California and it is amazing to see the workmanship. The workmanship is amazing and rivals any technology of the modern era.

[spybaz]

Big Ben has never ticked. It is a bell, not a clock!

[baraahhamdi]

i always loved this tower even without knowing anything about it

[SuperFlyingElasticLaserMonkey]

I hope it's mentioned in this documentary that calling the clock itself big ben is a misnomer.

[Touhou-forever]

You really have to appreciate all of the work that goes into Big Ben/Elizabeth Tower to keep it looking good and working especially now considering it's currently 165 years old.

[MrPmlewis]

There are 4 clocks of the tower. Which one is Big Ben? None of them. The tower is not Big Ben either. Big Ben is the bell inside the clock tower.

[SpeccyMan]

Big Ben will NEVER tick! Big Ben is NOT the clock. Big Ben IS the bell!

[bastiaan]

Monumental Challenge Big Ben Episode aired Nov 15, 2010
Production companies Blink Films Media, Lab UK, Oak 3 Films

[carwashslayer]

36:17 love the quarter chimes that we hear

[dcallan]

Big Ben is one of the bells inside the Elizabeth tower.