Endometriosis (say en-doh-mee-tree-OH-sus) is a problem many women have during their childbearing years. It means that a type of tissue that lines your uterus is also growing outside your uterus. This does not always cause symptoms. And it usually isn't dangerous.
A massive bell was required and the first attempt (made by John Warner & Sons at Stockton-on-Tees) cracked irreparably. The metal was melted down and the bell recast in Whitechapel in 1858. Big Ben first rang across Westminster on 31 May 1859. A short time later, in September 1859, Big Ben cracked.
It is actually the name of the largest of the five bells which hang within this famous clock tower. The correct name for the tower is now the Elizabeth Tower, since it was re-named in honour of Queen Elizabeth during her Diamond Jubilee year in June 2012. However, the whole tower is commonly referred to as Big Ben. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in May 2009 and it has a long and fascinating history.