Tag: bigben

That Green Bridge of London: Story of Westminster Bridge

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

If you think of London, I know the first thing that comes to your mind is Big Ben. But what comes next? Obviously, the thing that catches your eye, right?

The Westminster Bridge, of course.

That spooky green bridge stretching across the River Thames allows you a stunning view of Big Ben and the London Eye in the distance. And hardly anyone would believe you if you say…you didn’t fantasize about taking a classic Instagram-worthy photo on this bridge keeping Big Ben in the backdrop. Seeing those Uber boats gliding under the bridge, I bet everyone will wish they were on one of them.

And just like that, this bridge clears up your mind on where to go next… London eye? South bank walk? Or a cruise on the River Thames.

But, yes…when my turn came…instead of choosing anything else, I decided to spend a little longer on the bridge. Why?

Well, the bridge struck me differently than any other landmark in London.

Of course, it was the perfect place for sunrise and sunset photography, but I was more intrigued by how the bridge has been breathing over the centuries or what it has witnessed. I felt something different standing there…and that’s why my curiosity led me to do more research on this landmark…and hence, coming up with this blog.

I know, many out there would argue that years of hype around Big Ben has made westminster bridge england really famous. Is that really the case?

To answer this question let me take you back to November 1750.

A Bridge Born to unite London

Yes, the story of Westminster Bridge begins in the early 18th century. It’s that old…probably older than your great-grandfather’s grandfather.

Back then, the only way to cross the Thames in central London was via the medieval London Bridge, which was miles away. With time, the growing population and commercial activity in Westminster made it clear that the city needed a new passage over the river. But, of course, not everyone was thrilled by the idea. The watermen who ferried passengers across the river didn’t like any such proposition …. they feared losing business of course and therefore, put up a strong resistance delaying the bridge’s construction for years.

But, fate had other plans…South Bank wasn’t supposed to stay lonely forever. Hence, after many heated arguments over tea, the construction of Westminster Bridge finally began in 1739. And, after 11 years, in 1750 the bridge was ready opening up access to the South Bank of London.

However, with the turn of the century, it needed something more than a renovation….a complete rebirth. This time, with the help of Victorian Engineering from the architectural masterminds of then London…the westminster bridge design had seven graceful arches and a cast-iron structure which made the bridge stand the test of time for several centuries. For a finishing touch, the bridge chose a striking green hue for itself…perhaps, deciding to be just as iconic as its famous neighbor big ben.

… and it was ready.

Strategic Importance of the Bridge

Well, it was not just a crossing for tourists seeking the best view of majestic Big Ben or the House of Parliament’s sunset on the River Thames. The bridge was born to play crucial roles in the history of London.

It physically linked Westminster—the political heart of the United Kingdom—to the bustling london south bank. In the last 300 years, this bridge has witnessed countless royal possessions, farewells, revolutions, and reconciliations. During World War II, the bridge stood unshaken through the Blitz.

In 1953 during the coronation, Queen Elizabeth II along with the Duke of Edinburgh crossed the bridge in the grand Gold State Coach waving to the cheering crowds lining the streets. Then again in 1977, Westminster Bridge once again took center stage in the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Queen’s reign.

Looks like, the bridge has a soft spot for the British Royal family.

Not only this, once upon a time, William Wordsworth famously stood on Westminster Bridge and the bridge didn’t fail to inspire him to write his sonnet. Even today, artists come to the bridge, set their easels, and try their best to capture the beauty of Big Ben in its sunset glow.

And what about tourists?

Do you think tourists love this bridge just because it gives a perfect shot? Well, no. There’s more to it.

I know, you have guessed it.

Westminster Bridge is a gateway. Cross it, and suddenly, the entire South Bank is at your feet. There, greeting the South Bank Lion, tourists can stroll along the Queen’s Walk… where they pause for a while…unable to choose whether to pop into the London Dungeon or visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium.

But, finally, they decide to hop on the London Eye… eager to see the city from above. They love the view of the Golden Big Ben, Parliament House, and of course the green Westminster Bridge in the backdrop of blue London Sky.

Believe it or not, a bridge like this can set the mood for tourists.

Next time, when you are there…I would ask you to take a moment’s pause, forget about the next stop, and soak in the vibe of London from Westminster Bridge. Lean against those green railings and watch the birds fly past this bridge. As you spend some time watching that small white flight flying above Big Ben, a red double-decker bus might roll by or a cruise boat may glide under the bridge beneath you.

But despite those sounds of hurried footsteps around you, you will find a strange sense of calm…just like other thousands of people who choose to walk on this bridge every day.

But…other than all these, you may be feeling something else as well, especially after sunset or before sunrise.

Legends that linger

Being the oldest of its kind, Westminster Bridge has its fair share of myths and eerie tales as well.

Let’s start with the less spooky ones.

It’s known to many that the green color of the bridge was chosen to match the benches in the House of Commons. But, conspiracy theorists argue that the shade was chosen based on an ancient Celtic tradition, where green symbolized protection from malevolent spirits.

Do you think those Victorians knew something that they didn’t bother to tell us?

I don’t know whether there’s any spiritual motive behind choosing the color…but yeah, I must say that it was a very wise decision to add a green bridge to London’s aesthetic.

Anyway, let’s move on to other interesting facts.

Do you know…many say that the mood of the bridge is different during times of national crisis and great celebration? Yes, they even claim to feel it in the air while walking on it.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to feel anything of this sort while I was there.

But from Londoners, I heard something else…some old legends, which sent a shiver down my spine. The bridge was spookier than I could imagine.

There are some legends they strongly believe and locals say there are real witnesses.

Have you heard about the infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper? Well, the legend is about him. Many believe that he threw himself into the Thames from westminster bridge england. On foggy nights, as the clock nears midnight, some claim to have seen him in a shadowy form lurking on the bridge.

I can simply wonder how the ghost of such an infamous serial killer can be if those people are telling the truth…Someone, please tell me that the story is made up to scare people only.

The next one’s quite sad though. It’s the tale of the weeping woman. Many talk about her appearing sometimes at the bridge’s edge in those old Victorian attire. She sobs inconsolably and when anyone approaches her…she throws herself into the River Thames disappearing before hitting the water. Some say she was a heartbroken lover who ended her life at the bridge, while others believe she is trapped in an endless loop repeating her final moments again and again. But, I am yet to reveal the most terrifying part of the tale…she whispers something, that no one could understand ever.

I remember when I first heard about this legend…Of course, I won’t admit that I was scared. But, it was really difficult for me that night to keep the lights off.

You know, there’s more of such stories. Let me tell you another.

There’s the tale of a Headless monk who appears on the bridge at midnight and vanishes into thin air in a twinkle of an eye. But, it is widely believed that his appearance is only a premonition of an impending disaster for the city.

Well, I have just told you a few…there’re still more. Many more.

But, there’s no concrete evidence behind these tales. These are just part of urban legends I believe.

Anyway, don’t worry at all…none of the ghostly activities (even from those legends) start before midnight. So, as long as you catch the last bus or the tube, you’ll leave Westminster Bridge with nothing but beautiful memories. After all, there are much better things to do in London at night.

And lastly…whether you come to Westminster Bridge for views, history or simply to chase the ghosts, one thing is sure….this iconic bridge will leave an impression on you.

And on that note, I’ll wrap up here today. Stay tuned for my next London Blog!

Cheerio!

Decoding Big Ben: Is it just a tall clock tower?

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

Anna Quindlen once wrote, “London opens to you like a novel itself… it\’s divided into chapters, chapters into scenes, the scenes into sentences; it opens to you like a series of rooms, doors, and passages.”

Today, I finally decided to open the chapter titled Big Ben.

Ever since my childhood, London was the city of my dreams. I do not remember imagining the city ever without its Big Ben. This 164-year-old Big Ben always seemed more romantic to me than being an architectural masterpiece. It’s like… if you stand under the clock tower with clothes warm enough to keep you cozy, without meaning to, your fingers will reach for your partner’s. You will want to kiss them, share some sweet nothings with them.

And just like that… Big Ben ceases to be a mere landmark. If a place can make you feel that way, isn’t it perfect in every sense?

If you just want the facts—height, age, history, basic details—there’s always Wikipedia and thousands other websites. But, none of them would tell you how Big Ben etches itself into your soul and makes a permanent place in your memory with its unbeatable charm. You can’t call Big Ben just a clock tower, it’s definitely more than that. It’s the heartbeat of a city, a silent constant of London’s skyline whispering stories through time. If you truly wish to feel London to its core and let its spirit wrap around you… begin with Big Ben.

And where better to start than at its very birth?

A tower born from Fire

Yes, the story of Big Ben began in tragedy. In 1834, a fire ravaged the old Palace of Westminster. It left London in desperate need of a new parliamentary complex. But this time, it couldn\’t be about rebuilding only. London wanted something extraordinarily symbolic to the spirit of Britain. So, a competition was held to design the Westminster’s new Palace.

And it was British Architect Sir Charles Barry’s design of clock tower which

emerged victorious making him the chief architect of the Big Ben project. But, unfortunately, Barry was no expert in clock making—that responsibility fell to Edmund Beckett Denison, an amateur horologist who would go on to design one of the most precise timekeeping mechanisms in history. Later, the Gothic Revival-style tower of Big Ben was finalized by Augustus Pugin, who added several intricate design to this masterpiece.

Anyway, the construction, which began in 1843, was anything but smooth. It took 16 years of relentless craftsmanship, endless problem-solving, and patience before Big Ben was finally ready in 1859. The greatest challenge was the designing of the Great Clock which intended to be the most accurate public clock in the world. The big ben designers were trying to incorporate a revolutionary gravity escapement mechanism that can make sure that external factors like the weather couldn’t interfere with its precision. Though it took time, but they successfully implemented the mechanism to the clock. However, the journey to perfection was paved with broken bells, rust issues due to London’s damp air, and countless setbacks.

But it was all worth it when in 1859 this 316 feet tower stood tall, ready to mark history with its unmistakable big ben chimes.

Now for last 165 years, Big Ben has stood tall, a silent witness to history’s grandest moments. It heard the first shots of World War I and the last echoes of World War II, chiming through the reigns of Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II. Once known as St. Stephen’s Tower, the clock tower big ben stood undaunted as the Blitz raged over London, its bells unwavering even as the city rebuilt itself.

Beneath its gaze, the Hansom Cab once ruled the streets, giving way to the Lanchester 10 HP, the regal Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, the suave Aston Martin DB5, and now, the silent hum of Teslas gliding into the future. Through farewells, and the birth of a new millennium, Big Ben remained unchanged—a steadfast guardian of time in a world forever racing forward.

An Architectural Love Letter

Big Ben isn’t just a pretty face, it represents the height of Victorian engineering and craftsmanship. The chimes of big ben have marked historic moments being the silent witness to everything London went through. This grand clock tower has also inspired countless clock towers across the globe, from the Peace Tower in Ottawa to Mumbai’s Rajabai Clock Tower.

I believe Big Ben is in true sense a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, isn\’t it? Its verticality, pointed arches, and meticulous detailing give it an almost celestial aura…never failing to impress its audience. The tower has four faces ( big ben clock faces), each 23 feet in diameter being one of the largest in its own category. But, the iron-made hour hand stretches only to 9 feet, while the minute hand to an astonishing 14 feet. The bells inside the tower are made of bronze and weigh around 13.5 tons, delivering a chime so deep and resonant that it feels like it is the sound of London breathing.

Here’s a fun fact—do you know that the name ‘Big Ben’ originally referred to the Great Bell inside the tower? Later it was decided to call the entire structure Big Ben. Oh another thing, if you decide to ever go inside Big Ben, don’t expect an elevator. Unlike other world-famous clock towers, Big Ben gives you a chance to climb a 334-step spiral ascent allowing you to relish that old school tower charm.

Honestly, 334 steps is no joke, I understand. If you are an Asthma patient or suffering from chronic Arthritis, reconsider climbing these many steps.

Have you noticed one thing about the clock dial of Big Ben recently? Since the last restoration, it’s been brought back to the original Prussian blue color, this was the color Architect Pugin selected initially in mid-19th century.

Before I stop rambling about architecture (I promise, just one last thing!), here\’s a little secret hidden within Big Ben’s towering grandeur. Tucked away behind its stately façade lies a tiny prison cell—yes, you read that right. It was historically used as a temporary detention room for MPs who breached parliamentary conduct rules. In 1880, an Atheist MP, Charles Bradlaugh earned himself a detention in this room for refusing to swear a religious oath and he was locked there overnight until he learned a lesson. Though the room no longer holds MPs thrown out of the chamber, but it still exists.

Now, don’t you think that you can check out this special prison room- it’s not for tourists or common people to enter. It’s concealed behind a special door which can only be accessed through a particular chamber in Parliament.

Legends, Myths & Mystique around Big Ben

Did you really think the storytellers and legend-weavers would leave Big Ben untouched? When has the world ever resisted spinning myths around an icon? No. And that is why, Big Ben also has its fair share of whispered tales.

There’s the eerie tale of Big Ben striking 13 times at midnight…How can a clock strike more than 12th time? Apparently, British believers mark it as an omen of doom, particularly for the Royal Family. Also, the folklore suggests that, if Big Ben clock strikes 13th  time at midnight the stone lions at Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square will awaken and they will walk around the streets of London.

Apart from these two, there isn’t much of weird speculation about Big Ben …except for one. Even today, some still believe the name of Big Ben came from Sir Benjamin Hall, a rather large man who oversaw the bell’s installation. I am glad that many still do not believe in it… I so want the name of Big Ben to be born out of something grander.

One can’t measure the value of Big Ben in hours and minutes, but in moments only- it guards memories, holds secrets of heart and stands as a silent witness to our every fleeting moment. To me, Big Ben will always remain the thrill of a first kiss beneath its towering face. Somewhere, it gives me a comforting certainty that no matter how far I wander, I know that if I ever return, Big Ben will still be there—ready to listen to my side as if it had been waiting for me all along..

Big Ben truly helps one realize that time isn’t meant to be chased. It’s meant to be cherished…After all, when time is wrapped in history and emotion, it is never just time- It’s Magic.

And on that note, let’s move on to my next London blog—before reality tries to dull the magic…