One of the top things to see while touring in London is the famous Big Ben clock. Located in Westminster, this great clock tower is visited by many people. Visitors have to be willing to wait for a tour and my want to make arrangements ahead of time. When the day finally comes, they will have to hike up 334 limestone steps to get to the top. There is no elevator so this is the only way to experience the tower. Most people just have to appreciate the tower from the ground or boat. The Tower was the last design by Augustus Pugin before he finally went mad and died. He worked hard to pull together a fantastic Gothic Revival style. It holds the worlds largest four faced clock that chimes position in the world. The only clock tower that is bigger is the Allen Bradley Clock Tower in Milwaukee Wisconsin. The Allen Bradley Tower doesn’t chime, however.
Some of the other sights to see in the neighbor hood of Big Ben is the Westminster Abby which is also Gothic in style. This is were the Coronations of Kings and other English and British monarchs were held dating back to 1066. It is also the Burial site and memorials for members of the long generations of the royal family and other aristocrats. There is also the Poets Corner which is where famous writers are buried such as, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, T.S. Eliot, Thomas Gray and many others. It has an amazing library and is a must see.
Also in the Westminster area attached to the Big Ben Tower Clock is the Parliament building which is a fascinating place. It is open to everyone, local and foreign. Visitors are able to attend debates on current issues and watch hearings in the committee. They are welcome to tour the building and they even offer an online virtual tour of the building. That seems like a silly thing to do if you sitting in your hotel. London is a much grander experience in person.
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