Big Ben Height – London's Iconic Clock Tower
Big Ben's Elizabeth Tower reaches 315 feet (96 meters) above the Palace of Westminster, standing as one of London's most recognizable landmarks and symbols of British parliamentary democracy. Completed in 1859, the tower houses the famous Great Bell (nicknamed Big Ben) and features four massive clock faces that have kept time for London for over 160 years.
Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) Quick Facts
- Tower Height: 315 feet (96 meters)
- Clock Face Position: 180 feet (55 meters) above ground
- Location: Palace of Westminster, London, England
- Completed: 1859
- Architectural Style: Gothic Revival
- Clock Face Diameter: 23 feet (7 meters)
Gothic Revival at 315 Feet
The Elizabeth Tower's 315-foot height exemplifies Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, designed by Augustus Pugin as part of the rebuilt Palace of Westminster following the devastating fire of 1834. The tower's square footprint measures 40 feet on each side, with walls up to 6.5 feet thick at the base to support the massive structure. The tower is built from brick with a limestone cladding and features intricate Gothic detailing throughout its height, including pointed arches, ornamental spires, and decorative ironwork.
The tower contains 334 steps leading to the belfry level, where the Great Bell (Big Ben) weighs 13.5 tons. Above the belfry, the tower continues upward through the clock mechanism room to the Ayrton Light at the summit—a lantern that illuminates when Parliament is in session. The tower's foundation extends 13 feet below ground, with a concrete raft 10 feet thick supporting the entire structure on London's challenging clay soil.
The Famous Clock Faces
Four identical clock faces sit at 180 feet above ground level on each side of the tower, making them visible throughout central London. Each face measures 23 feet in diameter—equivalent to a two-story house—with minute hands 14 feet long and hour hands 9 feet long. The clock mechanism, designed by Edmund Beckett Denison, is renowned for its accuracy and reliability. The Great Clock's chimes, including the famous Westminster Quarters, resonate across London every 15 minutes, with Big Ben's hour strikes heard up to 5 miles away on quiet nights.
Comparison to Other Clock Towers
| Tower | Height | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower | 1,972 ft (601 m) | 1,657 feet taller |
| St. Mark's Campanile | 324 ft (99 m) | 9 feet taller |
| Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) | 315 ft (96 m) | London's iconic clock |
| Tower Bridge Towers | 213 ft (65 m) | 102 feet shorter |
Related London Landmarks
Explore heights of other famous London structures: The Shard, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London, and Nelson's Column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Big Ben?
Big Ben's Elizabeth Tower stands at 315 feet (96 meters) tall. The name "Big Ben" actually refers to the Great Bell inside the tower, though it's commonly used for the entire structure.
Why is it called Big Ben?
The nickname "Big Ben" likely refers to Sir Benjamin Hall, the Commissioner of Works when the bell was installed in 1858, though some suggest it was named after heavyweight boxing champion Benjamin Caunt.
How many steps are there in Big Ben?
There are 334 steps in the spiral staircase leading from ground level to the belfry where Big Ben hangs. There is no elevator, making the climb challenging.
Can tourists climb Big Ben?
Big Ben tours are extremely limited and typically only available to UK residents arranged through their Member of Parliament. International tourists generally cannot access the tower's interior.
Is the tower called Big Ben or Elizabeth Tower?
The official name is Elizabeth Tower, renamed in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. However, most people still refer to it as "Big Ben," technically the name of the bell.