Little Ben is a clock tower in Victoria, London, just a stone’s throw from the Houses of Parliament. It is often overshadowed by the grandeur of the nearby Big Ben, but it has a unique history and charm of its own.
History of Little Ben
Little Ben was built in 1892 as a gift to the City of Westminster from French clockmaker, Maison Garnier. The clock tower was designed to be a miniature version of its more famous counterpart, Big Ben.
It was initially installed at the corner of Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road. However, during World War II, Little Ben suffered significant damage from a bomb blast, and the clock faces were destroyed.
It wasn’t until 1981 that the clock tower was restored, and relocated to its current location at the junction of Victoria Street and Broadway.
Little Ben Today
Today, Little Ben is just under 6 meters tall and is made of cast iron. The clock tower is adorned with decorative features such as lion heads and acanthus leaves, giving it a distinct Victorian aesthetic.
While Big Ben is renowned for its accuracy and precision, Little Ben’s timekeeping is not always so reliable. In fact, the clock tower has been known to run a few minutes fast or slow on occasion, much to the amusement of locals and visitors alike.
Despite its small size and occasional timekeeping issues, Little Ben has become a beloved landmark in London. It is often used as a meeting point or landmark for both tourists and locals.
Its distinctive appearance also makes it a popular subject for photographers.
Why you should visit Little Ben
Little Ben is located in Victoria, London. You can squeeze in a visit when exploring nearby attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.
The clock tower is also near several transportation options, including the Victoria Underground and Train Station, making it easily accessible.
