Big Ben’s iconic chimes celebrated 100 years of live radio broadcast by the BBC on New Year’s Eve 1923. The UK’s famed chimes rang out to mark the occasion.
The UK’s most famous chimes of Big Ben were first broadcast live by the BBC on New Year’s Eve 1923.
A tradition took root, resonating with the regular broadcast of the chimes, which soon became synonymous with the BBC.
As part of an extensive restoration effort, new microphones have just been installed.
Effortlessly, the sounds of Big Ben now reach the homes of BBC Radio 4 listeners, but this smooth process wasn’t always the case.
Back on December 31, 1923, BBC engineer AG Dryland had to scale a rooftop across from the Houses of Parliament to capture the chimes because access to the clock tower was prohibited.
He carried a microphone, broadcasting the live sound.
Although Big Ben had chimed since 1859, it marked the initial occasion its iconic “bong” resonated beyond Westminster’s immediate vicinity.
The inaugural transmission captured considerable traffic noise due to its remote recording location.
However, it established a precedent for routinely broadcasting the chimes, a practice that endures today.
The significance of listening to the bells has been immense for numerous generations throughout the years.
The resonating chime of Big Ben has historically signaled pivotal moments, including the onset of World War Two.
Described as a poignant emblem of freedom by Parliamentary Estates historian Mark Collins, the tolling bells conveyed a message of liberty during wartime. They became an enduring symbol, encapsulating the essence of freedom for those who heard them amid the turmoil of the era.
Today, these iconic bongs are an integral part of BBC Radio 4’s daily news broadcasts, echoing twice a day at the commencement of the 18:00 and midnight bulletins, and thrice on Sundays. They resound on special occasions like Armistice Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, connecting the present to tradition and history.
However, there have been instances when the bells were absent. In World War Two, for security reasons, recorded substitutes were discreetly used without public knowledge. Other unforeseen circumstances, such as the chiming mechanism breaking due to metal fatigue in 1976, led to the bells being replaced by pips on Radio 4.
In 2017, a recorded version of the bongs stood in for the live chimes due to extensive renovation work on the iconic Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben and its accompanying quarter bells.
The extensive renovation and conservation project, the most significant in the building’s history, involved enveloping the exterior in scaffolding and muting the bell itself.
With costs soaring to £80m and a timeline extended by a year, Charlotte Claughton, the House of Commons’ senior project leader, emphasized the necessity of restoring the building for future generations. The deterioration of stonework and the clock’s neglect for over three decades prompted this action.
Ms. Claughton highlighted the infrastructure’s modernization during the process, which included installing new lighting and microphones.
The project has concluded, and in November, the live bongs resumed airing on Radio 4’s news bulletins. As New Year’s Eve approaches, additional microphones are brought in for broadcasting the midnight countdown.
The day holds significant importance for the clock mechanics responsible for Big Ben, such as Andrew Strangeway.
“On the day, we’ll ensure the clock runs precisely,” Mr. Strangeway explained. “We’ll monitor time throughout, making slight adjustments to the pendulum to ensure midnight strikes as expected.”
For further details on the 100th anniversary of Big Ben’s bongs on the radio, visit the History of the BBC and BBC Oral History Collection.
There’s something magical about the sound of those bongs ringing out to signal the start of a new year. For generations, people have gathered around the radio or tuned in from afar to be part of this timeless countdown. The history and significance of this event are truly remarkable, and it’s amazing to see how it has endured through the years. Whether you’re in London or listening from across the globe, the Big Ben bongs on New Year’s Eve unite us all in a shared moment of anticipation and excitement. As we approach this historic milestone, let’s take a moment to appreciate the tradition and the memories it has created for so many. Here’s to another 100 years of Big Ben bongs ringing in the new year with joy and hope. Wishing you all a wonderful and bong-filled New Year’s Eve!
Source: BBC News
Disclaimer:
This content is AI-generated using IFTTT AI Content Creator. While we strive for accuracy, it’s a tool for rapid updates. We’re committed to filtering information, not reproducing or endorsing misinformation. – Jomotoday for more information visit privacy policy
Leave a Comment