Palace of Westminster

Elizabeth Tower

The Elizabeth Tower, or Big Ben, is the most famous clock tower in the world. 

The last major repair works to the tower which required scaffolding were carried out in the early 1980s. Several aspects of the tower’s original design require the tower to be scaffolded approximately every 25 years, including redecoration of the cast iron roofs, maintenance of the clock and stone repairs.

As part of our ongoing restoration and conservation of the palace, we have completed the restoration of the iconic clock tower.

From the gilt cross and orb at the top of the tower to the bottom of the 334-step staircase, our specialist team led the works through the largest and most comprehensive conservation project in the tower’s history. A specialist team of clock mechanics carried out essential work to the clock, the pendulum, and minute hands on each clock face.

A new lift has been created within the vent shaft, giving access to all floors and providing a solution to the tower’s previous logistical and access issues.

It is the first time BIM (Building Information Modelling) has been used by Strategic Estates as part of the ongoing conservation programme for the Palace of Westminster and Purcell brought their unrivalled expertise in HBIM to this landmark project.

Fabric of the Building

Pollution and lack of maintenance is causing significant decay to the stonework.

The palace was built using Anston limestone because it was cheaper and ideal for elaborate carving. The stone quickly began to decay and little was done to prevent its decline in the 19th century.

There are 3,800 windows, from basic casements in rooms and corridors, to ornate glass panels used in many hallways and chambers. This vast amount of glass, much of it set in bronze framework, no longer provides weather resistance and generates significant heat loss.

Purcell are responsible for the conservation and restoration of these bronze windows.