Big Ben silenced for maintenance

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Maintenance work will mean the hourly chimes and quarter bells will cease to ring until September.

The work will include the replacement of the bearings on the strike train which operates the hour bell (Big Ben) and the going train which controls the clock itself.

While the clock will continue to work, those who set their watch by it should be aware that on Saturday it will be stopped for several hours while an alternative system is installed to keep it working while the maintenance work to the bells is carried out.

At 9am on Saturday, a team of specialist "industrial rope access technicians" will abseil down the south clock face, to start a day of cleaning and repair of the clock faces.

This work takes place every five years.

The latest maintenance work is the second and final phase of a programme of planned works prior to the historic clock's 150th anniversary in 2009.

The work is expected to take between four and six weeks.