London’s iconic clock, Big Ben could go silent for the first time in eight-years.
The clock tower is a famous landmark in London, England. After a fire destroyed the headquarters for the British parliament, new designs included a standout feature for a tower, with what is now known as big ben inside.
But the famous clock and its big bell inside of Elizabeth Tower, which struck its first chimes back in 1859, are in desperate need of repair. According to a parliamentary report published by two British newspapers, the clock now has mechanical problems that could make it stop. One source told a newspaper that lawmakers are also concerned the clock's massive hands may fall off. The repair work could put the big ben out of commission for about four months.
It's not surprising that Big Ben might need some repairs. The bell chimes every fifteen minutes. And here's a fun fact for you. Every year the clock is adjusted using…pennies. If the clock is running too fast, a penny is added to the pendulum. Or if it's just a tad slow, workers remove a penny.
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