Lawmakers, tourists and passersby assembled Monday in Parliament Square to hear the bell's final chimes before the conservation work starts. The decision to silence Big Ben is not without controversy.

THE clock famously known as Big Ben began with the destruction of the Palace of Westminster by fire in 1834. A few parts of the palace survived, includingWestminster Hall. Parliament – Britain ...

Indeed, when Parliament is in session, there is a special illumination above the dials, which Mr. Watrobski said represented “the light of freedom and democracy.” Big Ben, he added ...

The bells will still sound to mark New Year celebrations Parliament has defended silencing the chimes of Big Ben for four years to protect workers' hearing during restoration works. Cabinet ...