In June 2012 the House of Commons announced that the clock tower was to be renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.The latin words under the clock face read DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM, which means "O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First".
The chimes of Big Ben were first broadcast by the BBC on 31 December 1923, a tradition that continues to this day.Even after a bomb destroyed the Commons chamber during the Second World War, the clock tower survived and Big Ben continued to strike the hours. Big Ben's timekeeping is strictly regulated by a stack of coins placed on the huge pendulum.A special light above the clock faces is illuminated when parliament is in session.There are 312 pieces of glass in each clock dial.The numbers are approximately 60cm (23in) long.The minute hands are 4.2 metres long (14ft) and weigh about 100kg (220lbs, including counterweights).The clock tower looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are illuminated. Technically, Big Ben is the name given to the massive bell inside the clock tower, which weighs more than 13 tons (13,760 kg). The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, commonly called Big Ben, are among London's most iconic landmarks and must-see London attractions.