UK's Big Ben tower more badly damaged by Nazi bombs than thought

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

WORLD NEWS FEBRUARY 12, 2020 / 8:06 PM / UPDATED 2 HOURS AGO

UK's Big Ben tower more badly damaged by Nazi bombs than thought

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain’s Big Ben tower at the Houses of Parliament was more badly damaged by German bombs during World War Two than originally thought, experts said on Thursday, as the bill for its restoration rose by nearly 20 million pounds ($25 million).

The 177-year-old tower has been swathed in scaffolding for the past three years as craftsmen refurbish its stonework and famous 12-tonne clock.

Being able to get close to the 315-foot (96m) tower has allowed them to spot other problems like damage caused by pollution and asbestos.

The House of Commons and House of Lords Commissions said they had been told that to restore the tower to its previous splendor, the budget would need to rise from 61.1 million to 79.7 million pounds.

Ian Ailles, Director General of the House of Commons, said the task of restoring the tower had been more complex than anticipated.

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Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-bigben/uks-big-ben-tower-more-badly-damaged-by-nazi-bombs-than-thought-idUSKBN20700G

[defacto7]

1. It's called Elizabeth Tower.

Before 2012 it was St. Stephen's Tower.

[abqtommy]

2. Maintaining cultural infrastructure is a tradition I can support. While we're at it how about

refurbishing the cells in The Tower by putting down a fresh layer of straw so BOJO and his cultists
can be comfortable there.

[3Hotdogs]

3. I think you mean a different tower.

The Tower of London is where prisoners were kept and/or executed.

If you plan to go to London, write to the Yeoman Warder of the Tower of London and ask for tickets to see the Ceremony of the Keys.

[abqtommy]

4. Of course The Tower Of London is what I was referring to. I know its history and I think it'd

be a perfect place to put BOJO.