LONDON – The Big Ben tower at the Houses of Parliament had been damaged more severely than previously imagined by the German bombs during World War II, according to experts.
The bill for the restoration of Big Ben has risen by approximately 20 million pounds.
The 177-year-old tower has been scaffolded for over three years now for the refurbishment of its stonework and its 12-tonne clock.
On a closer examination of the 96-metre long tower, other problems like damage caused as a result of pollution and asbestos have been recognised.
The Commissions of the House of Commons and House of Lords said that in order to restore the tower to its splendour hiking up the budget from 61.1 to 79.7 million pounds.
Understanding the full extent of the damage to the tower was impossible until the scaffolding was up.
Ian Ailles, Director General of the House of Commons
Along with the other problems, bomb damage to the tower from the Second World War was found to be more extensive than previously believed.
The tower did survive the Nazi bombing but its roof and dials were damaged in an air raid in May 1941 destroying the main chamber of the House of Commons.
The newest refurbishment project is expected to be completed next year.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.