In the coming months, the bells – including Big Ben itself – will be connected to the clock mechanism and will ring out permanently,' Lorcan O'Donoghue, a U.K. 'The conservation project remains on schedule. RECORD WINDS TOPPLE TRUCK, KNOCKDOWN CHURCH SPIREĬrews recently connected the tower's final dial to the giant clock mechanism, and all four sides are now believed to be functioning properly. Pollution is also blamed for even eroding away intricate carvings by one of the tower's original architects.ĭuring the multi-year project, officials estimate more than 700 pieces of stone were replaced in the London landmark. In addition to Mother Nature, pollution is also said to have taken a bite out of the tower's luster over the decades.Ī parliament spokesperson created air pollution for eating away at the tower's original limestone, which caused the need for hundreds of pieces of replacement stone.

Experts say the replacement of more than 400 cast iron roof tiles, as well as other masonry work in the 315-foot structure, should help prevent future water intrusion.

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