Big Ben at 150 - Happy Birthday Big Fella

On July 11, 1859, Big Ben chimed for the first time over London. That makes London's most famous landmark 150 years old tomorrow.

Originally the name Big Ben was only applied to the largest of the five bells in the tower - the one that strikes the hour. Now of course the title is also used for the four quarter hour bells, the clock and the tower itself.

The big bell, which sounds the note E, stands about seven feet tall and weighs 13.7 tonnes (about 15 tons). The hammer that strikes it weighs 200kg or about 450 pounds. There are four more bells - the quarters - weighing between 1.1 and 4 tonnes and striking the notes G sharp, F sharp, E and B.

• Find out more fun facts at Big Ben's official birthday website
• Watch a video of Big Ben striking 12

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