Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben scaffolding, London, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017.
Scaffolding reaches to the clock face of the Elizabeth Tower in London, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. A programme of essential works to conserve the Elizabeth Tower, the Great Clock and the Great Bell, also known as Big Ben is now under way. The total overall cost of the project, is now estimated at £61m as opposed to £29m as estimated in spring 2016. To ensure that the UK’s most famous clock continues to keep time, our experts closely monitor the mechanism and carry out adjustments on a daily basis. The Elizabeth Tower, which is visited by around 12,000 people each year, is carefully conserved by Parliament’s heritage team. However, as extensive conservation works were last carried out more than 30 years ago (1983-1985), significant work and an investment of £61m is now required to ensure it remains in good condition and is safeguarded for future generations. As the Tower is 96 metres tall, scaffolding is needed to enable workers to reach high levels safely. Scaffolding will be dismantled as the work is completed from the top, and at least one clock face will be on show at all times. As a Grade I listed building within a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 160-year-old Tower is subject to listed building consent. This programme of works has been carefully planned in consultation with Historic England. In the foreground the Union Flag. MG9201
Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben scaffolding, London, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017.
Scaffolding reaches to the clock face of the Elizabeth Tower in London, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. A programme of essential works to conserve the Elizabeth Tower, the Great Clock and the Great Bell, also known as Big Ben is now under way. The total overall cost of the project, is now estimated at £61m as opposed to £29m as estimated in spring 2016. To ensure that the UK’s most famous clock continues to keep time, our experts closely monitor the mechanism and carry out adjustments on a daily basis. The Elizabeth Tower, which is visited by around 12,000 people each year, is carefully conserved by Parliament’s heritage team. However, as extensive conservation works were last carried out more than 30 years ago (1983-1985), significant work and an investment of £61m is now required to ensure it remains in good condition and is safeguarded for future generations. As the Tower is 96 metres tall, scaffolding is needed to enable workers to reach high levels safely. Scaffolding will be dismantled as the work is completed from the top, and at least one clock face will be on show at all times. As a Grade I listed building within a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 160-year-old Tower is subject to listed building consent. This programme of works has been carefully planned in consultation with Historic England. In the foreground the Union Flag. MG9201