YeinJee's Asian Journal

The Clock Tower, famously known as Big Ben, is the name of the tower at Houses of Parliament in Westminster. The Chinese affectionately call it the Big Dumb Bell, as the pronunciation for BEN is identical to the word dumb in Chinese.

Big Ben is actually the nickname of the clock’s main bell; and the official name of the main bell should be the Grand Bell instead. Regardless, everyone is calling the clock tower as Big Ben these days.

Big Ben wouldn’t have existed if it wasn’t for the fire in 1834 that destroyed most of the Parliament building. A commission was then set up to choose a new design, with Charles Barry’s plan the eventual winner.

The clock swung into action in July 1859.

Mini culture shock

When I was there in 2005, there’s people handling out ribbons and little paper-souvenirs and then asked for money saying that it was for charity.

Well, handling is actually an understatement… one of the men basically forced those stuff into my pocket, grabbed my arm and demanded money for it.

These methods are pretty common in third world countries; didn’t expect to encounter this problem in London. I spent a few pounds just to get out of trouble; I hope that those money is going to charity indeed… that would at least serve as consolation for the unpleasant experience.

UK & Europe travelogue

Previous: Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column, London, UK