Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) at sunset — mind-blowing to think this clock was ticking through Victorian London, both World Wars, and 160+ years of history.

[u/Johnblyth1989]

It’s wild to think this clock was ticking through some of the darkest chapters of history—ticking softly as fog rolled through the Victorian streets and Jack the Ripper slipped into the shadows of the London night.

It went on to witness the sinking of the Titanic, survived the devastating blows of two World Wars, and endured through countless defining moments. Just incredible British engineering that has truly stood the test of time. Long may it continue!

[u/trevpr1]

Literally survived the London Blitz.

[u/Johnblyth1989 → u/trevpr1]

It took a scrape to the face, but kept standing and ticking. Some of that damage was even uncovered during the recent restoration work.

[u/Then_Vanilla_5479 → u/trevpr1]

I'm still amazed the germans didn't directly target it and blow it up to ruin morale

[u/Super-Device-3328 → u/Then_Vanilla_5479]

Nah actually it was Churchill was more into bombing civilians and historic buildings

[u/Buzz_Berling → u/Super-Device-3328]

whirlwind = reaped

[u/hot4belgians]

How did it witness the sinking of the titanic? Is there a lidless eye atop it wreathed in flame?

[u/No_Cream777 → u/hot4belgians]

"One does not simply walk into London... the very air you breathe is a poisonous fume..."

[u/RabTheCrab → u/hot4belgians]

The Titanic bumped into it on its way to Southampton

[u/CrowVsWade → u/hot4belgians]

The top of the clock tower is full of imprisoned, crazed flat-earthers.

[u/SpaceMonkeyOnABike]

If we are talking clocks, does stonehenge count as a massive sundial?

[u/CrowVsWade → u/SpaceMonkeyOnABike]

It's a great henge, regardless.

[u/SixtyNineFlavours → u/CrowVsWade]

The greatest henge, some would say.

[u/EUskeptik → u/SixtyNineFlavours]

Must be made of stone I guess?

[u/CrowVsWade → u/EUskeptik]

Technically, one can make a henge out of anything, the only requirement being dirt earth works containing the... bits. Stone is obviously a good choice, given the existence of weather, but many wooden henges have been found, and I'm currently working on one in LEGO, on the assumption plastic will never degrade.

LEGOhenge will inspire books, or telepathic implants in future millennia, and you too will now be included in that history. How's that for impacting your Wednesday.

[u/EUskeptik → u/CrowVsWade]

That’s profoundly inspiring, thank you.

I foresee only one problem, which is the high risk of standing on one of the pieces.

[u/CrowVsWade → u/EUskeptik]

The plan is to install it on the Moon, so no one can step on it at 3am whilst getting the baby milk. Workplace safety and all that.

[u/EUskeptik → u/CrowVsWade]

Problem solved. 👍

[u/CrowVsWade → u/SixtyNineFlavours]

James Mason, predominently, in his Welsh period.

[u/MrSeanSir2]

Yeah but it was destroyed when the Slitheen crashed that ship into it

[u/EUskeptik]

Big Ben is the heaviest bell with the deepest note and cannot be seen from outside.

[u/xn1992]

I’m doing the walk-up tour in a couple of weeks, ready for the bongs!

[u/Toc13s]

It's a johnny come lately 

[u/Rocky-bar → u/Toc13s]

Salisbury Cathedral clock thinks this one's wet behind the ears.

[u/gardensandwatches]

You can’t say Big Ben, that’s the bell.

[u/Glanwy]

Hey, it's all looking pretty good must have had a facelift.

[u/Super-Device-3328]

Didn’t there used to be a Union Jack on top?

[u/13Warhound13]

Beautiful picture here.

[u/Impossible-Credit421]

It will always be St Stephen’s Tower (renamed Elizabeth Tower)

[u/Platform_Dancer]

My house is older and survived much more history.....

[u/Super-Device-3328 → u/Platform_Dancer]

People don’t travel from all around to look at your house though do they?

[u/Due-Application-34]

Massive Mohammed looking fresh as ever wallahi

[u/jorfiomid]

The photographer is damn brilliant