Which London landmark is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, British Commissioner of Works in the 1850's?

The famous chimes emanating from the iconic clock tower at the Palace of Westminster are produced by the Great (Review) Bell, affectionately known as Big Ben. This enduring nickname is widely believed to be a tribute to Sir Benjamin Hall, who served as the First Commissioner of Works during the bell's installation in the mid-1850s. His crucial role in overseeing the final stages of the new Houses of Parliament, including the massive bell, cemented his association with the landmark.

Sir Benjamin Hall, a British Liberal politician and social reformer, was a prominent figure in the 1850s, holding the position of First Commissioner of Works from 1855 to 1858. He was reportedly a man of considerable stature, earning him the affectionate moniker "Big Ben." While there is a lesser-known theory suggesting the name might have come from a contemporary heavyweight boxing champion also known as "Big Ben," the prevailing and most likely explanation points to Sir Benjamin Hall, whose name was even inscribed on the original bell.

It is a common misconception that "Big Ben" refers to the entire clock tower itself. In fact, the tower was originally simply called the Clock Tower and was later renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. The Great Bell, Big Ben, was cast in 1858 and began striking on July 11, 1859, becoming a symbol of London and a testament to Victorian engineering.