It’s an iconic timepiece, possibly the best known in the world. Looked to me like the paint job had been touched up for the coronation.

Everyone calls it Big Ben, but that’s not it’s formal name. It’s actually the Great Clock of Westminster. And the Great Bell is what makes the memorable sound.

The tower, originally the Clock Tower was renamed the Elizabeth Tower for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. I suspect most people still think of it as the Clock Tower.

For any tourist though is so much going on in the area by the banks of the Thames river that it would seem to be impossible to visit London without gazing on Big Ben. The London Eye is across the river, St. Paul’s and Westminster Abbey are close by, as is 10 Downing Street and numerous other tourist destinations.

I have walked past this clock dozens of times during my various trips to England over the years. After all, Parliament is where the action is. For political junkies like me anyway.

So it is no surprise that I paused and snapped a couple of photos when I was there last year. Just like all the other tourists.