Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace, London

 This evening, I am focusing on Buckingham Palace, the principal residence of the British Monarchy and a major tourist attraction. Here are some key facts:

• Originally built 1705 for the Duke of Buckingham.
• Acquired by King George III in 1761.
• Enlarged in 19th century by architects John Nash and Edward Blore.
• Became an official Royal residence on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.
• Queen’s Gallery was built and opened in 1962.
• Located at opposite end of the Mall from Admiralty Arch and close to a triumvirate of parks: Green Park, Hyde Park and St James’s Park.
• Open to the public during August and September each year.
• The famous Changing of the Guard  ceremony takes place at 11.30am every day in summer and on alternate days during winter.

A visit to the Palace and/or Changing of the Guard  is almost  mandatory in course of a tour of  London.

Big Ben, London, England

This evening, I am focusing on Big Ben, one of London’s most famous landmarks. Technically the name ‘Big Ben’ relates to the 13 ton Great Bell which strikes the hour but the name has been expanded to include the tower, bell and clock. A brief history of Big Ben is as follows:

• The concept of a clock was added to a design for the re-build of the Palace of Westminster in 1836.
• Construction commenced 1843.
• Edmund Dent was appointed to build the clock in February 1852.Dent died 1853 and work was completed by his stepson Frederick in 1854-at cost of GBP2500.00
• The clock was installed 1859, upon completion of the Clock Tower, and began keeping time  May 31st 1859.
• The clock was fitted with a revolutionary ‘Double Three-Legged Gravity Escapement’ which ensures accuracy and subsequently fitted in clocks around the world.

Big Ben, London, England

Big Ben is difficult to avoid when touring central London