On the evening of May 27, 2005, an unexpected incident occurred with one of London’s most iconic landmarks, Big Ben. At precisely 10:07 p.m., the great clock unexpectedly halted. The stoppage was attributed to the unusually high temperatures that London experienced that day, with the mercury soaring to 31.8 degrees Celsius (89.24 degrees Fahrenheit), a rare occurrence for a city known for its more temperate climate.
Big Ben, whose name was originally known strictly as the nickname for the Great Bell but has become synonymous with both the clock and the tower itself (officially renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012), is situated at the north end of the Houses of Parliament. It is one of the most prominent symbols of both London and England. Since its completion in 1859, the clock has been remarkably reliable, its chimes a familiar comfort to the residents of London and a point of fascination for visitors from around the globe.
The heat-induced stoppage in 2005 was not the first time the clock faced mechanical issues. Throughout its history, Big Ben has encountered various other challenges, including a bomb damage during World War II and a breakdown in 1976 that took several months to repair. The specific incident on May 27, 2005 serves as a reminder of how even the mightiest and most steadfast of human constructions can falter under the pressures of nature.
Mechanical engineers and conservators responsible for the maintenance of Big Ben speculated that the high temperatures caused the metal of the clock’s hands to expand, making it difficult for them to move as usual. As a result, the clock stopped, remaining silent until the temperatures dropped and proper function could be restored following careful technical adjustments.
The Big Ben breakdown of 2005 served not only as a practical lesson on the effects of heat on metal but also as a poignant example of the impermanence of even the most enduring human contraptions. It reminded us of the need for continuous maintenance and care for our cultural heritage, especially as unexpected changes in the environment may pose new risks to ancient heritages. Furthermore, it underscored the resilience of Londoners and their cherished landmarks, a city and its symbol, paused momentarily by the heat, yet steadfast and enduring in the face of ever-changing conditions.
