Big Ben is the name commonly used for the Great Bell in the Elizabeth Tower, which is attached to the Palace of Westminster. It’s thought to be named after Sir Benjamin Hall , the First Commissioner for Works while the bell was being cast and tested. Big Ben weighs 13.5 British tons — about the size of two large African Elephants. It is 2.2 meters high and has a diameter of 2.7 meters. Big Ben first chimed the hour on 11th July 1859.