Big Ben to be renamed Elizabeth Tower in honor of the Queen

PanARMENIAN.Net - It follows a campaign, backed by most MPs and the three main party leaders, to rename the tower in recognition of the Queen's 60 year reign.

At present the famous central London landmark is described by the Palace of Westminster as the Clock Tower. The House of Commons authorities have now agreed the change.

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood originally proposed the idea an early day motion which was backed by 40 MPs.

This is not the first time a part of the Palace of Westminster has been renamed in honour of a monarch.

When the Palace was rebuilt in 1860, the west tower, then known as the King's Tower, was renamed the Victoria Tower to commemorate the long reign of Queen Victoria. She is the only other monarch to complete 60 years on the throne.

The clock and tower at Westminster is commonly known around the world as Big Ben - which was the nickname originally given to the 13.5 tonne bell within the tower.