Big Ben’s Renaming Backed By Majority Of MPs
Big Ben, Britain’s famous clock tower, could soon be going by a new name. A majority of MPs are supporting a proposal that would change the clock’s name to the Elizabeth Tower in honor of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Big Ben’s renaming proposal currently has 331 signatures from Members of Parliament.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“It is great news that so many MPs from across the House are backing what would be a fitting tribute to the Queen. I hope it will now move ahead.”
Tobias Ellwood, who introduced the proposal, said:
“Commemorating an iconic landmark as famous as Parliament is indeed a truly exceptional tribute and I am grateful that the majority of MPs believe the Queen deserves such an outstanding accolade…. Of all the forty-one monarchs who have reigned over England and the United Kingdom since William the Conqueror, only Her Majesty and Queen Victoria have reached this Diamond Jubilee land mark.”
The AFP reports that the 316 foot tower is formally known as The Clock Tower. Around the world, however, it is known as Big Ben.
The House of Commons Commission is expected to meet by the end of June to officially rename Big Ben.
Do you think Big Ben should be renamed The Elizabeth Tower in honor of the Queen’s 60th year on the throne?
Tags : big ben, big ben'srenaming, queen's diamond jubilee, queen's jubilee, the elizabeth tower
Posted: June 2, 2012
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Jun 2, 2012
Big Ben is the bell in the clock tower.
Jun 2, 2012
331 Yes Men. They want the queen to have a clock? Build a new Tower on some other site. Who really hatched this plan? Somebody is looking for recognition!
Jun 2, 2012
Great trivia item–and I thought I new everything. Maybe they will make this a Jeopardy question sometime.
Jun 2, 2012
Big Betty?
Jun 2, 2012
thank you! i didn't know that…i bet the MP's don't either.
Jun 2, 2012
Really? Cant anyone leave anything alone… I agree build her her own tower, that would be more personal than just renaming Big Ben.
Jun 2, 2012
I say leave the clock and history alone and instead name an airport or library after her, like everyone else does.
Jun 2, 2012
Dumb idea. Everyone knows the clock as "Big Ben", regardless of its official name.
Jun 2, 2012
Oh where is Guy Fawkes when you need him?
Jun 2, 2012
Elizabeth Tower? Will somebody please just drive a stake through that old mummy and be done with it!
Jun 2, 2012
big ben is the name of the bell not the name of the tower so they can change the name of the tower but people will still refer to it as big ben as that is the name of the bell, does not state they will be changing the name of the bell. people will still refer to it as big ben no matter what name they change it too, it is too ingrained in most peoples psyche.
Jun 3, 2012
The tower is (and always has been) formally (not formerly, which is a different word altogether) known as St. Stephen's Tower. Maybe the AFP (and the inquistr) should fact-check and edit a little.
Jun 3, 2012
I think it should be called Big Elton or perhaps Big John.
Jun 3, 2012
I think it is an odd request from the queen. what is the purpose of naming it after a boat? I don't get it!