Big Ben to fall silent for FOUR YEARS for restoration works
GETTY - STOCK Big Ben will be silenced for four years from Monday for restoration work
The deafening chimes are being stopped to protect workers who are renovating the Elizabeth Tower that houses the Great Clock and its bell. They bongs will fall silent after sounding noon on Monday August 21 and are set to begin again regularly in 2021, although they will still ring out for important national events such as New Year's Eve and Remembrance Sunday.
It will be the longest period Big Ben has been silenced in its 157-year history. The 13½ ton Great Bell was last stopped for maintenance in 2007 and before that was halted for two years in 1983 for refurbishment, but has been stopped on a number of other occasions since it first sounded in 1859.
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Big Ben falling silent is a significant milestone in this crucial conservation project Steve Jaggs, the keeper of the Great Clock
Steve Jaggs, the keeper of the Great Clock, said: "Big Ben falling silent is a significant milestone in this crucial conservation project. "As keeper of the Great Clock, I have the great honour of ensuring this beautiful piece of Victorian engineering is in top condition on a daily basis. "This essential programme of works will safeguard the clock on a long term basis, as well as protecting and preserving its home - the Elizabeth Tower.
GETTY - STOCK The bells will still ring out for important national events