Britain's Big Ben clock tower has sounded its iconic chime for the last time in four years as the 158‑year‑old structure undergoes maintenance.
The London landmark, which sits on the northern end of Britain's Houses of Parliament in the heart of the UK capital, is one of the most recognisable symbols of the country and news that its bell would not sound for years elicited a wide variety of responses ‑ some more melancholy than others.
Thousands gathered near Westminster Palace on Monday to watch as the tower's bells rang out for one last time ‑ even though it will still sound to mark events such as Christmas Day and Remembrance
