Is Big Ben actually attach to parliment?

Discussion in 'The Lounge - Off Topic' started by Mitzs, Apr 20, 2008.

  1. Mitzs
    Honorary Member

    Mitzs Ducktape Goddess

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    I can't tell in that picture and I am assuming that is parliment in that picture from google map. Plus the white building behind big ben. Is that a church?

    http://www.panoramio.com/photos/original/4160615.jpg
     
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  2. zebulebu

    zebulebu Terabyte Poster

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    Along with 99.9% of the world Mitzs (including, it has to be said, most Brits), you are mistakenly assuming that 'Big Ben' is the clocktower, when in fact, 'Big Ben' is just the name of the bell that sits in the clocktower and chimes. There is no name for the clocktower itself (its just known as 'The Palace of Westminster clocktower') but yes, it is incorporated into the design of the building itself.

    The white building you can see behind it is Westminster Abbey - where English kings & queens are crowned and most royal funerals take place.
     
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  3. noelg24

    noelg24 Terabyte Poster

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    Especially when Diana, Princess Of Wales had hers there. What an emotional time for the country that was.
     
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  4. Bluerinse
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    Bluerinse Exabyte Poster

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    Yes what Zeb said is correct and the main part of the building, 'The Palace of Westminster', is more commonly known as *The Houses of Parliment*. Inside is the House of Lords and the House of Commons, where a lot of fat cats gather to talk shyte from dawn till dusk.

    The bridge is Westminster Bridge, which spans The River Thames of course.
     
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  5. Rob1234

    Rob1234 Megabyte Poster Forum Leader

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    You being serious??
     
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  6. Mitzs
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    Mitzs Ducktape Goddess

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    Sorry about that Zeb, but thanks for filling in the facts. Couple of questions. Any idea why they would name the bell that you can't see and not name the clock tower itself? Does the Abbey serve as a regular church when not in the use by the royal family? I am going to have google some stuff, this is very interesting.
     
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  7. Mitzs
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    Mitzs Ducktape Goddess

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    I watched her furneal process on tv and it was very emotional event to watch. I am sure it was very hard on you guys there but I think her death affected alot of people over the whole globe. I think she was a special person, the volunteer work she did for war torn country and the children. and it is just very sad people could not leave her alone so she could find some kind of happiness.
     
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  8. AJ

    AJ 01000001 01100100 01101101 01101001 01101110 Administrator

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    Westminster Abbey is a normal Church that holds services. It is only used by the Royalty when there are funerals, coronations and some weddings.

    My good lady wife, who seems to take an active interest in this stuff, informs me the the "Palace of Westminster" was the one of the Royal residences of the Reigning monarch before Buckingham Palace was built. Westminster Abbey was the church attached to the Palace. Hence, that's why Royals traditionally use the Abbey.
     
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  9. Mitzs
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    Mitzs Ducktape Goddess

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    Thanks AJ, if you wife has any fav sites that would be a good starting place to investigate this stuff, and that she doesn't mind sharing I would appreciate them if you could pass them along.:)
     
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  10. AJ

    AJ 01000001 01100100 01101101 01101001 01101110 Administrator

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  11. Mitzs
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    Mitzs Ducktape Goddess

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  12. AJ

    AJ 01000001 01100100 01101101 01101001 01101110 Administrator

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    No no Mrs AJ rocks :oops:
     
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  13. AJ

    AJ 01000001 01100100 01101101 01101001 01101110 Administrator

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    If you need any more info then drop me a line
     
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  14. Mitzs
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    Mitzs Ducktape Goddess

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    Yes she does! Tell her thank you from me. That second link has some really fascinating information I can not belive they resumed cormwell body let alone his family and treated them the way they did. :eek: I be afraid of bolts of lightning. The UK is so steeped in interesting history. I belive if I ever hit the lottery, I could spend the rest of my life researching it and never get bored. Well that and looking for suken treasure.:biggrin
     
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  15. Stoney

    Stoney Megabyte Poster

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    I would hazard a guess at the fact that you can hear the bell from most of London (on a good day) yet you may not necessarily be able to see the clock tower or the houses of parliament.
     
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  16. hbroomhall

    hbroomhall Petabyte Poster Gold Member

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    Historically the sound of bells was very important to people, far more so than now. Apart from telling the time it was used as a warning, a celebration, and an invitation to prayer.

    It was (and still is) very common to 'name' bells.

    If you want to get the feel of the use of bells in the English countryside then read "The Nine Tailors" by Dorothy L Sayers.

    And the nursery rhyme "Oranges and Lemons" has a theme of London church bells. (See here)

    Harry.
     
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  17. grim

    grim Gigabyte Poster

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    i walked pass that every day to work and still dont know the answer to that :eek:

    Grim
     
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  18. Greendan

    Greendan New Member

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    One of my favorite stories about Big Ben is during the torture of Guy Fawkes they hauled him up there at midday and placed his, erm, 'Important Dude Bits' between the hammer and the bell. Ouchy.
     
  19. hbroomhall

    hbroomhall Petabyte Poster Gold Member

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    Um - as Fawkes died in 1606, and the clock tower wasn't built until 1858 this seems a tad improbable! :p

    Harry.
     
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  20. Phoenix
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    Phoenix 53656e696f7220 4d6f64

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    Heh everyone always thinks the things centuries old, its really quite modern :)
     
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