2-982-432 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sectional View of the Clock Tower, 1858. Bell tower housing 'Big Ben' in the Palace of Westminster, London. 'When the bell was raised from the ground to the clock room (a distance of 190 feet) it had to be restored to an upright position, fresh arrangements to be made, and a further haulage of forty feet accomplished to the bell-chamber. The exact dimensions of the great bell are, 7 ft. 6 in. in height, 9 ft. diameter at the mouth; weight, 13 tons 10 cwt...The work of hoisting has been an arduous and anxious affair for all engaged, and we hope their labours will be appreciated'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.