Major refurbishment of the Grade I listed Elizabeth Tower restored historic fabric, upgraded clock and services, and improved efficiency, securing its future.

The Elizabeth Tower – most commonly know as Big Ben, after the great bell responsible for its iconic ‘bongs’ - is the Grade I-listed clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. It is the most famous clock tower in the world and has been the public face of British democracy for over 160 years.

Historically, the tower has been scaffolded and repaired roughly every 30 years since the first major repairs were undertaken in 1934. Prior to our project, the last repairs carried out between 1982 and 1985, comprising of stone repairs and redecoration.

Our recently completed major refurbishment of the tower is the most comprehensive in its history, with the intention that the next repairs will not need to be undertaken for 50 years, preserving the tower for the benefit of future generations.

Works included comprehensive repairs to the clock’s face, mechanisms, and decorative elements; redecoration and re-gilding of the cast iron roof tiles; and extensive stone repairs. In addition, the original appearance and materiality was reinstated to match the originally intended finish, the brick stair enclosure was replaced with a glass enclosure, protecting against driving rain and water ingress whilst retaining the view of Big Ben at the top of the spiral stair and all M&E systems were replaced, including new LED lighting to the clock dials and Belfry and the addition of humidity-controlled conservation heating, improving the energy efficiency of the historic clock tower.

The completed project has seen the celebrated tower rejuvenated, restored, and brought into the 21st century with modernised facilities, ensuring it will continue to bring joy to its many visitors.