How did Big Ben get its name?
It is not officially known how Big Ben got its nickname. However there are two main theories that are believed to be the most popular. A man name Ben Caunt was a heavyweight boxer, and was famous at the time when everyone was trying to think of a name for the Great Bell. Therefore, some people believe that’s how the name Big Ben came about — an appropriate nickname for a “heavyweight” Great Bell. Or, perhaps it was named after someone who actually did go by the nickname of Big Ben — Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works, who was also a tall man. Want to find out more fun facts about Big Ben, and the Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster? You can visit the official website of Parliament, and read about these facts and more at: http://www.parliament.uk/about/history/big_ben/facts.cfm. Do you have a comment, or know any other theories about the origin of Big Ben’s name? Feel free to leave a comment below!
