Big Ben's last bongs ring out before four-year repairs

World
Europe

London landmark Big Ben fell silent for four years in front of a reverential crowd on Monday amid an outcry over the temporary loss of a cherished symbol of stability at a time of national uncertainty.

At midday, 12 bongs from the famous bell rang out in front of around 1,000 local residents, tourists and MPs who came out to mark Big Ben's longest silence in its 157-year history for extensive repair work.

The atmosphere was somber as the hour chimes heralded the final bongs.

The 12th and final bong was followed by sustained applause and cheering.

The bell is housed in the Elizabeth Tower, which looms over the Houses of Parliament and is one of Britain's most popular tourist attractions, and is due for conservation work.

The bells are being stopped due to fears that prolonged exposure to the 118-decibel bongs from the 13.7-tonne Big Ben could damage the hearing of renovation workers.

But the decision has silenced an emblem of continuity as Britain grapples with Brexit negotiations.

Politicians have claimed that when they agreed to the work, they did not know the chimes would be silenced for four years.

Prime Minister Theresa May is among those unhappy at the shutdown and the House of Commons has now said it will reconsider how long the bells will stay silent.

Under current plans, the bell would still ring on Remembrance Sunday in November, which commemorates Britain's war dead, and New Year's Eve.

Source(s): AFP