Little Ben Clock: London's Charming Miniature Timekeeper
Discover Little Ben, London’s charming miniature clock tower echoing Big Ben’s grandeur and symbolizing enduring Franco-British friendship.
Little Ben is a cast iron miniature clock tower located at the junction of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Victoria Street in London, near Victoria Station. Erected in 1892 as a smaller homage to the iconic Big Ben, it symbolizes Franco-British friendship and has a unique history of removal and restoration. This charming landmark features a distinctive inscription and stands as a quaint yet significant piece of London's urban heritage.
A brief summary to Little Ben Clock
- 2 Wilton Rd, London, SW1V 1AN, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the clock’s intricate cast iron details and inscription.
- Combine your visit with a walk along Victoria Street to see the contrast between Little Ben and the distant Elizabeth Tower.
- Look for the poetic couplet on the base to understand the clock’s unique time-setting history.
- Check out nearby Victoria Station and the surrounding area’s redevelopment to see how the clock fits into modern London.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Victoria Line to Victoria Station, which is a 5 to 10-minute walk to Little Ben. The station is well-serviced with frequent trains, and the area is fully accessible. Tube fares range from £2.50 to £4.90 depending on the time and ticket type.
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Bus
Several bus routes stop near Victoria Station, including routes 11, 24, 148, and 211. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point and traffic. Single fares cost £1.75 with contactless payment or Oyster card.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare to Little Ben from central London locations typically takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Fares generally range from £8 to £15. Note that traffic congestion can increase travel times during peak hours.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby, walking to Little Ben is pleasant and takes about 10 to 15 minutes from central Victoria. The route is mostly flat and accessible, passing through lively urban streets.
Little Ben Clock location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Little Ben Clock
A Petite Tribute to Big Ben’s Grandeur
Little Ben is a small-scale cast iron clock tower that stands proudly at the intersection of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Victoria Street, just a short walk from London’s bustling Victoria Station. Erected in 1892, it was designed to echo the famous Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, located at the opposite end of Victoria Street. Though much smaller in stature, Little Ben captures the essence of its larger counterpart with its ornate Victorian Gothic design and four clock faces, serving as a charming urban landmark.Historical Roots and Symbolism
Commissioned by the Vestry of St. George's Hanover-Square, Little Ben was originally installed to assist Victorian-era travelers who often did not carry watches, providing a reliable public timepiece outside the busy station. The clock tower also carries a deeper diplomatic significance, symbolizing Franco-British friendship. This is highlighted by the poetic inscription on its base, which reads: “My hands you may retard or may advance / My heart beats true for England as for France.” This couplet references the clock’s unique practice of being set permanently to daylight saving time, aligning with French time during winter and British time during summer.Trials, Restoration, and Preservation
Little Ben has experienced several removals and restorations throughout its history. It was first removed in 1964 during road widening works around Victoria Station and was nearly lost to history. Thanks to a generous donation from the French oil company Elf Aquitaine UK, it was restored and reinstalled in 1981. The clock was again removed in 2012 due to major redevelopment works in the Victoria area but was refurbished and re-erected in 2016, preserving its status as a beloved heritage piece. In recognition of its cultural and architectural value, Little Ben was designated a Grade II listed structure in 1987.Architectural and Cultural Significance
Manufactured by the renowned Croydon firm Gillett & Johnston, Little Ben exemplifies Victorian craftsmanship with its cast iron construction and elegant detailing. Unlike Big Ben’s stone and brick tower, Little Ben’s compact size and intricate metalwork make it a unique urban jewel. It also holds cultural resonance beyond London, inspiring replicas such as the silver-painted Lorloz clock in Victoria, Seychelles, commemorating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.Visitor Experience and Urban Context
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Victoria’s busy streets, Little Ben offers visitors a quaint pause amid the urban rush. Its presence near Victoria Station makes it a convenient and intriguing stop for those interested in London’s layered history and architectural quirks. The clock’s distinctive appearance and poetic inscription invite reflection on time, history, and international friendship, making it a subtle yet meaningful landmark.Enduring Charm in a Modern City
Despite its modest size, Little Ben endures as a symbol of London’s Victorian heritage and the city’s ability to blend tradition with modernity. It stands as a reminder of the past’s presence in the contemporary urban landscape, charming locals and visitors alike with its timeless appeal and historical narrative.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Little Ben Clock
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Discover Little Ben, London’s charming miniature clock tower echoing Big Ben’s grandeur and symbolizing enduring Franco-British friendship.
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
