1858day.year
After the original Big Ben, a 14.5 tonnes (32,000 lb) bell for the Palace of Westminster, had cracked during testing, it is recast into the current 13.76 tonnes (30,300 lb) bell by Whitechapel Bell Foundry.
On April 10, 1858, the original Big Ben bell for the Palace of Westminster was recast at Whitechapel Bell Foundry after cracking during testing.
The first bell intended for Big Ben weighed 14.5 tonnes and cracked under test strikes, rendering it unusable. On April 10, 1858, the Whitechapel Bell Foundry melted down the damaged bronze and recast it into a new bell weighing 13.76 tonnes. This second casting process involved precise metallurgical techniques to ensure durability and sound quality. The reborn bell was tested and eventually installed in the Elizabeth Tower, becoming an iconic symbol of London. Its deep, resonant chime has marked the hours ever since, surviving world wars and countless historical moments. The crafting of Big Ben remains a testament to Victorian engineering and artistry. Today, the bell is celebrated as one of the most famous clock chimes in the world, known for its reliability and distinctive tone.
1858
Big Ben
Palace of Westminster
Whitechapel Bell Foundry