Bong! Big Ben to ring once more as restoration ends

Early next year the bells, including Big Ben, will be reconnected to the original Victorian clock mechanism

(Picture: AP)

Big Ben will ring again from early next year as the restoration of Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower nears completion.

The refurbishment of the Westminster landmark, which has already spiralled to at least £80 million, was originally expected to be finished this year but was delayed as the Covid-19 crisis held up work.

Early next year the bells, including Big Ben, will be reconnected to the original Victorian clock mechanism “and will ring out across Westminster once again”.

Then the gantry, which has protected the Palace of Westminster throughout the works and supported the complex scaffolding structure, will be removed before the site is fully cleared ahead of summer next year.

Big Ben has been largely silent since 2017 due to repairs on the clock and Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower.