Ian Westworth, one of Parliament`s three clocksmiths, told the BBC the clock had become "a little temperamental" with age.
"Imagine running your car for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for the last 156 years," he said.
Parliamentary officials said Tuesday that mechanics had corrected the clock to within "normal parameters" — within 2 seconds of the right time. They will continue to adjust it by placing pennies on the pendulum — or removing them — to fine-tune its speed.
Parliament`s neo-Gothic clock tower is one of London`s most recognizable landmarks, and its bell is one of London`s characteristic sounds. The famous bongs echoed through the city without fail through World War II bombing raids, though they have been silenced a few times for repairs, and by accident or the weather.
Although the clock tower is popularly known as Big Ben, the name actually refers to the 13 ½- ton Great Bell inside. The tower was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II`s 60 years on the throne.
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