The magnificent Westminster Great Clock, renowned for housing the iconic Big Ben, has encountered another instance of temporary stillness within a span of just one week.
On Wednesday, the clock ceased its rhythmic ticking for approximately 30 minutes, marking a week since it had previously displayed an incorrect time and failed to emit the familiar chimes of Big Ben.
Situated within the Elizabeth Tower, this clock was revealed earlier this year following an extensive £80 million restoration project spanning five years.
A representative from the House of Commons acknowledged the issue and promptly resolved it, ensuring the clock returned to its normal operation.
For a duration of about half an hour, the clock hands on all four sides paused at 09:00 BST on Wednesday, accompanied by the absence of the resounding “bong” from the Big Ben bell.
Although the hands were subsequently adjusted, witnesses have reported that the clock remained approximately five minutes behind schedule.
Similarly, on May 10th, the clock briefly halted just before 13:00, leaving the bell silent once again.
Notably, the restoration of Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower commenced in 2017, necessitating the suspension of its famous chimes. Initially projected to cost £29 million, the expenses surged to £80 million, and the undertaking endured a delay of one year.
After an arduous five-year endeavor, the 13.7-tonne bell eventually resounded once more, being ceremoniously unveiled in January.
Reassuringly, the House of Commons spokesperson assured that no threats to the mechanism’s integrity have been detected.
According to the spokesperson’s statement to the BBC, these incidents are a natural part of the “bedding-in” process, as the clock’s bearings and other components gradually adapt and wear.
The spokesperson further emphasized that encountering issues like these during the initial stages of clock mechanism conservation programs is not uncommon.
In response to the recent occurrence, additional lubrication was applied to the mechanisms, and the section responsible for moving the clock hands received additional weight to enhance its power.
The spokesperson emphasized the indispensability of rigorous and regular maintenance for the clock, which may occasionally entail the temporary suspension of the clock hands.
