Big Ben is the nickname given to the bell located in the clock tower in the Palace of Westminster, in London, England. The bell, originally named the Great Bell, marks its 150th anniversary on Sunday, May 31, 2009.Official Site: Big Ben
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Clock tower construction began in September 1843Official Site: Big Ben Construction
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Clock tower was completed in 1859Official Site: Big Ben
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The clock was started on May 31, 1859Official Site: Facts
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Inscription under the clock reads "Domine Salvam Fac Reginam Nostrum Victoriam Primam" meaning "O Lord, Save Our Queen Victoria the First"Official Site: Clock Dials
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The chimes of the bell is said to have been based on a four notes of Handel's "Messiah"WashingtonPost.com: Facts about Big Ben (May 29, 2009)
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Weight of clock
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Renovated in 2007
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In 2008, Big Ben was named as Britain's favorite landmark in a poll of 2,000 adultsBBC News: Big Ben 'UK's favourite landmark' (April 9, 2008)
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It is not known who the clock was nicknamed after; some say it's named after Parliamentarian Ben Hall who ordered the bellCNN.com: Big Ben clocks up 150 year anniversary (April 10, 2008)
