Why is Big Ben falling silent | London clock tower

For more than 150 years, its four huge faces have gazed
across London – watching over five monarchs, 23 prime ministers and two world
wars. The giant bell known as Big Ben even rang throughout the Blitz, a defiant toll of
normality that bolstered flagging spirits as German bombs rained down.

But next year, the clock tower will fall silent for several months as
one of the biggest refurbishment projects in its history swings into action.