LONDON’S ICONIC BIG BEN TO FALL SILENT FOR FOUR YEARS London’s iconic landmark Big Ben will fall silent on Monday (August 21, 2017) for renovations for four years. And Londoners are not too happy about it, for it will be the longest time that the Big Ben has been silenced in its 157-year history. In keeping with health and safety rules, the 13-ton bell will go in silent mode to protect the hearing of construction workers on site while extensive repairs are done on Westminster. The last time the Elizabeth Tower (fondly known as Big Ben) got some major TLC was over 30 years ago, and authorities think it will not need any more attention for at least 60 years after the £29 m renovations. The Big Ben is a favourite tourist attraction and efforts are being made to ensure that at least one working clock face is visible as work goes on. Tours to the Elizabeth Tower (not open to overseas visitors but they do involve 334 steps for UK residents!) will be suspended for the