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Big Ben: Saving the World's Most Famous Clock

Season 1
Presiding over the House of Commons, Big Ben is the most iconic sonic landmark on London’s skyline. Now, the greatest clock tower in the world is about to undergo the most extensive renovation in its history. As the chimes fall silent for just the third time in its history, this documentary will capture in intricate detail the £29 million, three-year restoration of this world-famous structure.
20224 episodesTV-G
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Episodes

  1. S1 E1 - 2017: Saving the World's Most Famous Clock
    November 11, 2017
    59min
    ALL
    London’s iconic Elizabeth Tower will see its bells silenced for four years. This innovative documentary goes behind the scenes of this massive renovation project and meets the three clockmakers who have the challenging task of taking the gigantic clock mechanism apart for the first time in nearly 160 years. Can Big Ben be returned to its former glory?
    Free trial of BBC Select
  2. S1 E2 - 2018: Countdown to New Year
    December 29, 2018
    47min
    ALL
    As the multi-year renovation of Big Ben continues, key personnel working to maintain the iconic tower reveal the project’s progress. A foundry owner charged with making the new ironwork for the clock tower explains his process. And modern technology unearths long-buried secrets in the structure’s original design, including a mystery at the very pinnacle of the tower.
    Free trial of BBC Select
  3. S1 E3 - 2021: Restoring the World's Most Famous Clock
    October 2, 2021
    47min
    TV-G
    For the first time since the clock tower was built in 1859, the iconic structure of Big Ben is undergoing a massive renovation. Every element of this London landmark will be cleaned, repaired or replaced. It’s a massive undertaking involving skilled craftspeople attempting to replicate the work of Victorian workers. But can modern methods restore this esteemed building to its former glory?
    Free trial of BBC Select
  4. S1 E4 - 2022: Big Ben Restored: The Grand Unveiling
    December 10, 2022
    47min
    TV-G
    The massive restoration project renovating London’s iconic Big Ben clocktower is finally nearing completion. With unique access, this documentary goes behind the scaffolding to tell the extraordinary story of the build. As Big Ben rings out once more, a close-up view of all the vibrant new details are revealed, while inside the belfry, the famous bells have been recalibrated.
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Details

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Subtitles
None available
Directors
Jenny Dames
Studio
ITN Productions
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