Britain | The Big Ben bong ban

Chimes gone by

Plans to silence the Great Bell provoke an almighty ding-dong

The Daily Mail did not take lightly the decision to silence Big Ben for four years. “HOW LITTLE HITLERS OF ELF ’N’ SAFETY SUCCEEDED WHERE THE FUHRER FAILED,” roared one headline, recalling the second world war, when the bells rang defiantly throughout. Even the prime minister got involved (on the pro-bong side), as the story triggered a ding-dong in Parliament. The plan had been backed by MPs as part of wider repairs to the Elizabeth Tower—the actual name of the landmark, as any pedant knows. Now legislators insist that they were unaware how long the bell would be out of action and are scrambling to keep it ringing during repairs. The tower is not the only building in desperate need of renovation. Accounts of the state of the Houses of Parliament read like descriptions of a squat, highlighting problems with wiring, sewage and mice. The gothic palace on the banks of the Thames was built after its predecessor burned down in 1834. Some worry that a similar fate awaits the building today unless major repairs are made. Unless MPs sign off the work, they themselves may succeed where the Führer failed.

This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “The Big Ben bong ban”

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