Possibly the most famous clock face and chimes in the world, Big Ben is actually the name of the biggest bell (13.5 tons) inside The Clock Tower (320 ft) which forms part of the HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.

Built in 1858/9 the bell was named after one Sir Benjamin Hall and when it was cast it was Britain's heaviest bell.

Buckingham Palace - the Queen's London home and office - is just one of many beautiful buildings in the historic capital of the U.K. Set on the fringe of the City of London, surrounded by Hyde and St. James's Parks and heading an avenue of limes and elms, the palace is one of Britain's major tourist attractions.

When it was built in 1702-5 by William Winde, "Buckingham House" resembled a country dwelling and was the London home of the Dukes of Buckingham. In 1761, it was bought by King George III for the Crown and became his private residence along with his consort, Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.

It has been the official London home of the British Monarchy since 1837 when Queen Victoria, aged just nineteen, took up residence there just three weeks after her accession on 13th July. When Her Majesty The Queen is in residence today, her personal standard can be seen flying above the roof line of the palace.

A staff of 450 work at the palace, some of whom reside in the 188 staff bedrooms. There are 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 78 bathrooms, 92 offices, and Approximately 40,000 people are entertained at the palace yearly.