As is customary during this time of year, Ian Westworth, one of the technicians responsible for the Big Ben clock, is preparing to receive emails from frustrated London residents due to the renowned timepiece being halted for several hours over the transition from summer to winter time.
The sixty-something technician, who has taken care of all the clocks in the Palace of Westminster for more than two decades, explains that “the only two occasions when the clock can be stopped” are when transitioning to winter time and when summer time begins in spring.
The process of adjusting the clock’s hands, which will be paused between 4 PM on Saturday and 2 AM on Sunday, is executed with precision.
There is no room for errors, as the historic clock, weighing five tons and operational since 1859, is considered a vital landmark for the nation.
Throughout its nearly 160 years of operation, the clock has only experienced two major malfunctions: the first occurred shortly after it was unveiled, and the second took place on August 5, 1976, capturing headlines across the country. This repair took nine months.
During World War II, the clock’s lights were extinguished to avoid aiding air raids, but its bells continued to chime.
Currently, as it was during the war, the most crucial operations take place in the “operating room,” which houses the clock’s remarkable mechanism.
Westworth, who oversees the time changes along with his colleague Hugh Smith, states that during the Saturday night adjustment, “we come up here and stop the big clock,” then “turn off the lights on the clock face to inform everyone outside that the time is not accurate.”
Climbing 334 Steps
The clock technicians take advantage of this pause to perform extensive maintenance, engaging four staff members, including Westworth and his partner.
In Westminster, there is a dedicated workshop for manufacturing any necessary replacement parts, as they are often unavailable on the market.
Westworth mentions, “Once maintenance is completed, we set the hands of the clock to midnight.” Following this, the loud ticking resumes, with the lights being restored only at 2 AM.
Among the hundreds of clocks maintained by Westworth and Smith, Big Ben receives the most attention, being inspected three times a week.
This work has historically been challenging, requiring a climb up the 334 steps of the tower, according to Westworth, until an elevator was installed during major renovation work from 2017 to 2022.
Smith expresses, “This has changed my life. At that time, if we forgot any tool, we had to go down and then climb back up. It was tough!”
Nevertheless, climbing the tower on foot remains a favorite activity for tourists, with tours fully booked until January 12.
Additionally, modern LED lights now illuminate the clock face.
Regarding the future of this national treasure, Westworth, who consistently trains students, expresses reassurance and confidence. He states that as long as there is a capable team behind it, this clock, which has already stood for 160 years, can continue “for another 160 years.” He adds, “I won’t be around then, but others will be.”