The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, is an iconic symbol of London, situated at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Designed in the Gothic Revival style by architect Augustus Pugin, construction began in 1843 and took several years, with challenges arising from the ambitious design and the engineering required for its clock mechanism. Big Ben specifically refers to the Great Bell inside the tower, which weighed over 13 tons. When the clock started keeping time on May 31, 1859, it was seen as a remarkable engineering achievement of the time.

The clock was constructed under the leadership of Sir Benjamin Hall, who was responsible for overseeing the project, while the clock mechanism was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison, known for his contributions to precision clock-making. The tower was originally named the Clock Tower, but was later renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II during her diamond jubilee. On that day, the clock's mechanism was declared fully operational, and its melodious chimes quickly became a beloved feature of London's soundscape.

This mechanical marvel was significant not only for its architectural beauty but also for its role in standardizing time in London, enhancing punctuality in public life and impacting transportation schedules. The clock has been a vital part of British life ever since, signifying the passage of time and the rhythm of the day in the heart of the nation’s government.