21st August Advanced English Practice (C1/C2) - Big Ben

Today's article is about the very famous bell in London and when it stopped ringing. Listen here to find out more about it. If you want to read along with the audio find the article at ⁠ESL Reading Practice (onepawinthesand.com)⁠ Please help support the production of this podcast and the written articles by joining me on Patreon. This can be done for as little as £1 per month. Without your support, we won't be able to continue. Click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ for more details. If you want more information about private lessons at whatever level you need email me at [email protected] Check your understanding What iconic structure in London stood tall for over 150 years, symbolising timekeeping and national heritage? Why were the chimes of Big Ben silenced for four years from 2017 to 2021? What is the Great Bell and what are its notable characteristics? How did the clock's escapement regulate the ticking of the clock's four faces, and why is each face a visual focal point of the cityscape? What were the primary reasons behind the decision to temporarily halt the chimes of Big Ben in August 2017, and what was the controversy surrounding this decision?