Latest episode of Big Ben documentary to air on Sunday 3rd October

Episode Three - ‘Big Ben: Restoring the World's Most Famous Clock’ - follows the clock mechanics, engineers, scaffolders, glasscutters and historians of the Elizabeth Tower as they continue the most significant programme of works in its 162-year history.

Presented by Director of the Landmark Trust Dr Anna Keay and filmed over the last four years, the latest episode sees the project deal with the impact of coronavirus and illustrates how Parliament’s teams have got the site back up and running again, making it COVID-19 secure.

Viewers will also be able to see the intricate work carried out on the tower’s roof and spire – first unveiled in 2020.  Extensive restoration has transformed this area of Elizabeth Tower, including the 3,433 roof tiles and the spire with its gleaming flowers, cross and orb.

And with Big Ben ringing out for Armistice Day and New Year’s Eve, cameras go behind-the-scenes to capture the work of Parliament’s team of clock mechanics as they prepare the bell for these important national moments.  

The Elizabeth Tower conservation project is due to complete in 2022 and a number of important milestones on the project are expected to be reached in the coming months. These include the removal of further scaffolding, the re-installation of the Great Clock and the return of Big Ben’s world-famous chimes.

Big Ben: Restoring the World's Most Famous Clock will be broadcast on Channel 4 on Sunday 3rd October at 7PM. Viewers in the UK can also watch the latest instalment, as well as the previous two episodes, on ‘All 4’ - Channel 4’s on demand service.

Big Ben is coming back. For the latest updates, visit the website or subscribe to the Elizabeth Tower newsletter.  

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