Big Ben's bongs to fall silent until 2021 for repairs

Big Ben's famous chimes will fall silent from next week until 2021 to allow essential repair works to take place.

The bongs will sound for the final time at midday on Monday before being disconnected to allow the clock and surrounding tower to be restored.

The Great Bell has sounded on the hour for 157 years.

It last fell silent in 2007 and before that, for major refurbishments between 1983 and 1985.

Parliamentary authorities said stopping Big Ben - the commonly used name for the Palace of Westminster's Elizabeth Tower - would protect workers carrying out the repairs.

It will still sound for important events including New Year's Eve and Remembrance Sunday.

The clock's keeper, Steve Jaggs, said Big Ben falling silent was a "significant milestone" in the project to restore the tower.

"This essential programme of works will safeguard the clock on a long term basis, as well as protecting and preserving its home - the Elizabeth Tower," he added.

Big Ben basics

The Great Bell forms part of the Great Clock in the Elizabeth Tower - commonly known as Big Ben
It weighs 13.7 tonnes and the Elizabeth Tower stands 96m (315ft) tall
Every hour it strikes an E note, and every 15 minutes four "quarter bells" chime
To stop the chimes, the striking hammers will be locked until 2021

The landmark Elizabeth Tower is said to be the most photographed building in the UK.

Scaffolding is up and repair work has already started.

The project's principal architect Adam Watrobski told the BBC the works would install new amenities in the tower, including a lift, toilet and kitchen.

Essential maintenance will also be carried out and the building will be made more energy efficient.

As well as conservation work to the tower, the Great Clock will be dismantled piece-by-piece and its four dials will be cleaned and repaired.

The Ayrton Light, which shines when Parliament is sitting, will also be renovated.

Parliament's Elizabeth Tower landmark and the famous clock are showing signs of wear and tear

During the repair work, an electric motor will drive the clock hands until the main mechanism has been restored, so it will continue to tell the time.

However, the faces will need to be temporarily covered while the clock is undergoing maintenance.

The wider Parliamentary estate is also in need of repair, and a multi billion-pound programme involving MPs temporarily relocating has been put forward.

Meanwhile BBC Radio 4, which broadcasts the chimes of Big Ben live, has announced it will broadcast a recording when the bells fall silent.

Head of station management Denis Nowlan told the Today programme that various alternatives were considered, including the bells of Nottingham Council House.

"We came very close to using the sound of Nottingham's bells," he said.

However, a spokesperson confirmed: "After considering various options, we've decided that pre-recording Big Ben's chimes offers the most reliable and resilient option whilst the Palace of Westminster carries out its repairs."