“Forgotten Hollywood”- Big Ben Theory…

Posted on August 14, 2017 by raideoman1 | No Comments

Manny P. here…

“`A fixture of London landscape and soundscape, Big Ben, is falling silent for four years. The bell will cease its regular tolling, while extensive repairs are made to the famous clock tower looming over the Palace of Westminster, home to the British Parliament.  However, they will review plans to silence Big Ben during repairs, after politicians criticized a lengthy muting of the beloved bell.

“`The massive bell will mark its last hour at noon on August 21st; and then, will pause for four years while the Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben, is restored.  Quieting Big Ben’s mighty bongs will help preserve the hearing of workers involved in the project. An updated restoration of the Parliament buildings is likely to begin in the early 2020s.

“`The Great Bell has chimed nearly every hour for the past 157 years. It’s had previous breaks in service for maintenance and conservation in 2007, 1983-1985, and 1976. The 13.7-ton bell, forged in the 1850s, is accompanied by chimes that ring out every quarter hour.  The clock has a Victorian-era mechanism that triggers the bell and chimes. Its four faces are expected to get refurbished.  The clock will keep time with the help of an electric motor, while its mechanism is being repaired.

“`The bongs of Big Ben became associated with Britain, around the world during wartime BBC news broadcasts. It’s still heard live each day on radio through a microphone in the belfry. The BBC will use a recording during the renovation works.

“`Big Ben will still bong for annual national events, such as New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Sunday.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

This entry was posted on Monday, August 14th, 2017 at 11:37 pm and is filed under Blog by Manny Pacheco. You can follow any comments to this post through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.


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