Big Ben: Damage to the clock mechanism 5 August 1976

This image shows Big Ben's damaged clock mechanism in 1976.

 

At first thought to have been caused by a bomb, the damage actually resulted from the sudden fracture of the flyfan arbor of the chiming train. Consequently, there was no check on the 11/2 ton weight of the chiming mechanism, and wheels, gears, cams and clicks were flung at high speed around the clockroom, and even through the ceiling. No one was hurt, because the accident happened at 4am.

 

This image is subject to parliamentary copyright.

 

Visit the Parliament website for more information about the Clock Tower.

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