London's iconic Big Ben to be closed to the public for a much needed facelift

London's iconic clock tower Big Ben will be closed to the public as it readies itself for a much needed facelift that will cost more than $40 million. The hourly gong of the bells have fallen silent for the first time since 2007.
The restoration work of the 157-year-old Elizabeth Tower that houses the clock and Westminster chiming bells could take around three years because the work involved is a major one pertaining to the clock mechanism, repairs to the clock's hands and its pendulum.
This has been reported in thestatesman.com dated 18 December 2016.

While the restoration work continues, the famous bells would remain silent for a number of months - exact details are not known. It seems officials at the Palace of Westminster have described the clock mechanism condition as "chronic". Moreover, concerns were also raised about the fabric of the tower - it was close to reaching an "acute" condition.
Incidentally, once the work on the tower is over, it would be easier for disabled people to reach the top of the tower - the 334 steps would get an alternative which would be a new elevator.
The clock faces would be covered with sheets as the work progresses and at least one clock face would remain visible at any given time.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org
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