Big Ben is cast in 1856

Back in November of 1978 I spent time on a long North Atlantic cruise in the Navy. It was a supendous time of of traveling in 80 degree rolls and icy watches at the target designation transmitters and liberty to never be forgotten.

My boon companion and closest friend, the late Jerry Landry of Barnstable Massachusetts were frequently found together on liberty visiting those places we spoke of during casual conversation aboard ship. One of our excurions was from the port a Portsmouth when we took the train into London and had a grand time at Trafalgar Square feeding pigeons and eating steak and kidney pie across the street from Big Ben. I enjoyed the pub at which we ate for the tea was hot and they had varieties and cream and cinnamon and other things into which I doctored my cups each and every one ...

'twas a magnificent meal and tip to go with it for sure.

Big Ben is the nickname for the 13.7 ton Great Bell of the Great Clock of Westminster, the clock of which is strikes with five bells. It stands 316 feet tall and is magnficent to behold during the dawn hours when London arises to face her day. Previously known as the "clock tower" it was renamed in 2012 for the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. It is now known as the Elizabeth Tower.

It was one of the most wonderful days in my life.

On this day in 1856 The Great Bell called 'Big Ben' was cast for the Great Clock of Westminster in London, Great Britain.

Long live the Queen.