Big Ben ©markhillary
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Senior members of the UK Parliament are backing a drive to change the name of the iconic Clock Tower, to Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.
Commonly referred to as “Big Ben” the tower is officially named “the Clock Tower” and Big Ben is technically the giant bell inside the tower.
The name-change proposal was the idea of MP Tobia Ellwood. Ellwood stated:
“I cannot think of a greater tribute for Parliament to bestow than to rename such an iconic landmark as the Clock Tower”
The renaming of the tower would commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. She will be one of only two monarchs to have ever reached the pivotal reigning anniversary — Queen Victoria celebrated hers in 1897. In 1860, the east tower near the palace was named Victoria Tower.
While most tourists will probably still refer to the tower as “Big Ben”, some have suggested “Big Beth” might be a catchy new moniker.
Read more at news.com.au.