Big Ben Bell Falls Silent in London for Repairs Until 2021
A statue of Winston Churchill, former British prime minister, stands against a backdrop of the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock tower in London, U.K.
Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
London (AP) -- After more than 150 years as Britain's most famous timekeeper, London's Big Ben bell fell silent Monday for four years of repair work that will keep it quiet on all but a few special occasions.
The giant bell atop Parliament's clock tower sent a dozen deep bongs into a gray sky at noon, marking the hour as it has done almost continuously since 1859. It is not due to resume its regular duties until 2021.