LONDON, United Kingdom (CCTV) — London’s iconic bell Big Ben will fall silent after chiming noon on August 21 until 2021 for restoration work.
After bonging every hour for most of the last 157 years, the Great Bell’s world famous strikes and the chimes of the quarter bell will be paused for four years to ensure the safety of those working in the Elizabeth Tower, which houses the bell at the north end of the Palace of Westminster.
The 96-meter-tall Elizabeth Tower is already half enveloped in scaffolding as part of the renovation project.
“It’s a pity, really. Because I think it’s something all tourists want to see and hear, so if it stops alarming, then it’s kind of sad I think,” said Victoria, a German tourist in London.
“I read the newspaper this morning, I believe it’s a health and safety issue for the workers concerned, because the noise is causing damage to the ears,” said Jan Vanthournout, a Belgian tourist in London.
