Happy Birthday Big Ben

Here in historic riverfront Petaluma, the Victorian era was just the beginning of anything more industrious than indigenous tribal activity of local native Americans.

And as we're celebrating this little city's 150th anniversary this year, there's been a lot of interest in the life and times of those early days in Gold-Rush California and beyond.

I have to confess to having been completely unaware until today of the quirky co-incidence that we Petalumans share our celebratory year with our friends in the UK. For Big Ben (which is in fact, the world-wide nick-name for The Great Bell)is having a sesquicentennial birthday, too!

According to international news reports, the monumental neo-gothic 15-ton bell that marks the hours at Britain's Houses of Parliament turned 150 this week.

Manufactured by Britain's oldest bell builders, the Whitechapel Foundry, Big Ben is brother to Philadelphia's Liberty Bell and the post September 11th New York Bell of Hope, which was given as a gift to New York from the people of London.

Designed by Charles Barry, Big Ben has suffered many episodes of silence due to London's infamous inclement weather, occasional accident and mechanical failure. Stoic and silent for its big birthday, The Great Bell will no doubt be back in full bong before long.

Perhaps my favorite tale of Big Ben's 150 years has been its symbolic role as bastion of all things British during the Blitz of World War II. And, of course, the timeless image of Peter Pan and Wendy in starry night-flight across the face of the world's favorite time piece.

Comments

[mum]

big ben seen today,as the turning point for the last leg of the marathon run on tv for 5hours of emotional effort by so many.well done everyone,rain sleet and some sun!!100 odd years ago the first run was organized by 30,or perhaps 35! drinkers welcomed by Queen Victoria. not sure where they started and finished though, think it buckingham palace but to where?