Big Ben To Be Renamed The Elizabeth Tower

M@
By M@ Last edited 141 months ago
Big Ben To Be Renamed The Elizabeth Tower


It's official. The Westminster Clock Tower, usually referred to as Big Ben, is to be renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The renaming was mooted a few months ago and has the backing of most MPs and all three main party leaders. The House of Commons Commission, who apparently have authority in these matters, "will arrange for this decision to be implemented in an appropriate manner in due course".

The new moniker mirrors that of the southern tower at Westminster, named the Victoria Tower in honour of the only other British monarch to serve 60 years.

We'll all continue to call it Big Ben, of course. But at least this should put an end to the longstanding misconception that the building is really called St Stephen's Tower.

Last Updated 26 June 2012