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World’s Most Famous Clock Silenced For Four Years

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The world’s most famous clock rang once more Monday before it was silenced as part of a four-year renovation plan.

London’s “Big Ben,” the former Elizabeth Tower, rang 12 times at noon local time before starting repairs spanning the next four years, CBS4 reported. This is the longest amount of time that the bell will remain quiet since undergoing repairs in 1859. A few legislators stood under Big Ben with their heads bowed to pay respect to the famous landmark.

One of the main reasons for stopping the ringing bell is that it allegedly could damage the ears of construction workers, Time reported. However, some British politicians are upset at the silencing, since the clock has been a focal point of democracy since World War II.

“They kept the bells tolling through the Blitz. The Luftwaffe could not stop it but health and safety has. There has to be a way around,” Labour Party Member Steve Pound told a British paper.

“The building will be sound and secure for the next 60 years or so,” said Adam Watrobski, principal architect at the House of Parliament.

The bell will still ring out at Christmas, and is set to return to its normal schedule in 2021.

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Tags : london
Gabrielle Okun