Little Ben

Little Ben is a cast-iron street clock in the City of Westminster, London, standing on a traffic island where Victoria Street meets Vauxhall Bridge Road, a short step from Victoria station. It is a Victorian scale model of the Palace of Westminster's famous clock tower, about nine metres tall.

What is Little Ben?

The clock dates from 1892 and was made by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon. Its outline copies the Elizabeth Tower, the tower everyone calls Big Ben, hence the nickname. The real thing stands at the far end of the same street, so the two clocks are linked by a walk straight through the heart of Westminster.

Little Ben is protected: Historic England lists it on the National Heritage List for England at Grade II (listed 1987).

What is its story?

The listing records that the clock was taken down in 1964 during road widening and rebuilt in 1981, as an inscription on the base states. The restoration was sponsored by Elf Aquitaine together with Westminster City Council. Redevelopment work at Victoria station led to another removal, around 2012, and the clock sat in storage until it was reinstalled on 28 February 2016.

What will you see?

A slim, decorative tower with a clock face and Gothic-style detailing inspired by Pugin's design for the original. A short rhyming inscription about daylight saving time is carved into it. There is no interior to visit, so this is a quick stop of a few minutes, best combined with a walk to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

How do you get to Little Ben?

Take the Tube or a train to London Victoria (Victoria, District and Circle lines). The clock is a minute or two on foot from the station, across the busy junction. You can also walk from Westminster Abbey along Victoria Street.

When should you go?

It stands on the street, open at all hours and free to view. Daylight gives the best photos, when the sun hits the iron clock face. The junction is busy, so shoot from the pavement and cross only at the signalled crossings.

Frequently asked questions

Is Little Ben a copy of Big Ben?

Yes. It is a miniature cast-iron replica of the Elizabeth Tower, built at a much smaller scale.

Do you need a ticket?

No. The clock is in a public space and can be viewed free at any time.

Where exactly is it?

On a traffic island at the junction of Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road, near Victoria station.

Is it in its original spot?

Not exactly. It was removed after road widening in 1964, then rebuilt, and after a further spell in storage it was reinstalled near its former position in 2016.