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Big Ben – which is the bell itself rather than the Elizabeth Tower with which it is often confused - fell silent on August 21 last year as part of a major refurbishment and conservation work at the Palace of Westminster.

The 13.5 ton Great Bell had been ringing every 15 minutes since May 31 1859, but early in the bell’s life a crack developed in the cast iron.

The bell was revolved and a lighter hammer mechanism fitted and the Big Ben continued to ring out almost without pause until late last year.

Now it has been revealed the majestic bell is to finally be fixed – by FRENCH Bell makers.