Big Ben to be silent until 2021

Big Ben will become silent from the beginning of next week until 2021 to allow essential repairs to take place, BBC reports.

The Great Bell has rung on the hour for 157 years.

It last fell silent in 2007, and before that between 1983 and 1985 due to major restoration taking place.

The clock’s keeper, Steve Jaggs, said Big Ben falling silent was a “significant milestone” in the project to restore the tower.

The latest restoration will include new amenities in the tower, including a lift, toilet and kitchen.

Essential maintenance will also be carried out and the building will be made more energy efficient.

The famous clock will be dismantled piece by piece and repaired, as well as The Ayrton Light on top of the tower that is on during parliamentary sessions.

BBC-4, the channel that broadcasts the Big Ben’s chimes has made the decision to keep traditions going by playing a prerecorded sound.

It will still sound for important events including New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Sunday.