

Coverage may not be available in all states. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 37th FL, New York, NY 10020-1304. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. Coverage is offered by Travel Guard Group, Inc. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home, and automobile insurance policies. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. This plan provides insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. Non insurance services are provided by Travel Guard. Big Ben's clock is kept alarmingly accurate - down to the second, according to British Scholar, and as such, serves as a symbol of leadership and reliability to people across the world, who look to Britain to guide their timekeeping efforts.Ĭopyright © 2023, Travel Guard.

Great Britain is the home of Greenwich Mean Time, the central locus from which all other time zones in the world extend. But more than just an important symbol for Her Majesty's loyal subjects, the clock has much significance for people all over the world. Overlooking the Houses of Parliament, the Elizabeth Tower and its famous giant bell are literally connected at the hip to the comings and goings of British politics. While a favorite tourist attraction for travelers to the U.K., Big Ben is also an important symbol of the political clout of the British nation itself. Both men were quite beloved and, you guessed it, rather large. There are a few theories, however - Visit London reported that Sir Benjamin Hall, the first commissioner of public works, and Benjamin Caunt, a champion heavyweight boxer of the era, are both speculated to have lent their namesakes to the bell. The stories of the bell's endearing moniker are varied, and nobody is certain just how the landmark came to be named. According to Big Ben Facts, the massive copper and tin bell clocks in - no pun intended - at a staggering 13.5 tons, the same as if a young elephant were perched in the clock's belfry. When you take into account the sheer size of the bell, it's hard to imagine it being named anything else. The name given to the bell, Big Ben, is more than just an affectionate pet name.

Here are some facts about the iconic monument that will help prepare you for a Europe travel experience centered around Big Ben. Practically synonymous with the British institution itself, Big Ben is a magnet for visitors both foreign and domestic every year. Atop the massive and famous clock tower sits an even more famous and equally massive landmark, the giant bell Big Ben. High above the Palace of Westminster, the Elizabeth Tower stands constant vigil over the British Houses of Parliament.
