Big Ben

I stand very tall next to a long, sparkly river in a busy city. I have four big, round faces that shine day and night. My long black hands point to the numbers to show you the time. Do you know my most important job? It is to sing a special song for everyone in the city to hear. I love to sing loudly so everyone can hear me. My voice is deep and friendly. It goes BONG. BONG. BONG. When you hear my song, you know what time it is. It's a happy sound for a happy city.

Hello. I am the Great Bell, but all my friends call me Big Ben. I live inside a beautiful, tall home called the Elizabeth Tower. A long, long time ago, in the year 1859, some very clever people built me. They wanted me to be the city's special timekeeper. It was hard work. They used strong ropes to lift me up, up, up into my tower, like pulling a heavy toy to the top of a shelf. Now, I have the best job in the whole city of London. I get to tell everyone when it's time to wake up, time for fun and games, and time to snuggle into bed for a good night's sleep.

I love my job so much. Every time you hear my BONG, it’s like I am waving a big, friendly hello. I ring for happy holidays when everyone is celebrating. I ring for special days to make them even more special. My voice even travels all over the world on the radio, so people far away can hear my song. My chime is a sound that brings everyone together. It reminds us that we all share the same time, no matter where we are. I will be here to ring for you for a long, long time.