A lamp at the top of the Big Ben tower, which is switched on in the evening whenever Parliament is sitting, will be switched off for the first time in more than 70 years, authorities announced on Saturday.

The Ayrton Light, located above the Great Bell, needs to be fully dismantled and restored. A temporary light will replace it.

Installed in 1885, it was previously turned off only during both the World Wars.

The light is said to have been installed at the request of Queen Victoria.