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The Great bell at the base of the tower 1858
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The Great bell at the base of the tower 1858
Officially known as the Great Bell but better known as Big Ben, at the base of the tower, being pull alone with make-shift logs. Date: 1858
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Media ID 20147473
© Bubblepunk
1858 Bell Cables Clock Heavy Logs Moving Places Pulled Raising Rollers Rolling Westminster
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in the year 1858, captures a significant moment in the construction history of the iconic Big Ben clock tower in Westminster, London. The image shows a group of determined men, harnessed together and pulling on make-shift logs, in an attempt to slowly and steadily raise the massive Great Bell from its base. The Great Bell, officially named the 'Great Bell of the Clock at the Palace of Westminster,' is a crucial component of the clock tower, which was then undergoing its final stages of completion. The bell, which weighs an impressive 13.5 tons, was cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry and was intended to strike every hour on the quarter. The men in this photograph are using a system of logs, rollers, and pulleys to move the heavy object. The logs are placed under the bell, which is then rolled along the ground, inch by inch, towards its final position in the tower. The process is slow and laborious, requiring the combined efforts of several men to ensure the bell's safe and steady ascent. The construction of Big Ben, which began in 1843, was a remarkable engineering feat for its time. The clock tower, with its distinctive Gothic Revival architectural style, was designed by Augustus Pugin and Charles Barry. The completion of the tower and the installation of the Great Bell were major milestones in the project, bringing the iconic clock tower one step closer to being fully functional. This photograph offers a unique glimpse into the past, revealing the human effort and ingenuity required to construct such an iconic landmark. It is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of the workers involved in the project, who, through their collective efforts, brought the sound of Big Ben's chimes to the streets of London for the very first time.
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