Big Ben's iconic bell sounds for last time for four years

Kim Hjelmgaard | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Hear Big Ben's last chime until 2021 Big Ben is undergoing a $38 million renovation and will remain silent for four years. It will be the longest stretch the iconic London landmark hasn't chimed since its first bell ringing in 1859.

LONDON — Big Ben's iconic bell sounded the hour for the last time Monday before it went silent for nearly four years of repair work.

After 12 deep bongs at noon (7 a.m. ET), the bell began its longest period of silence since it first rang out in 1859 from its famous perch over the British Parliament.

A $38 million renovation will last until 2021, though the bell will be heard on special occasions such as New Year’s Eve.

Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock in the Elizabeth Tower of the Palace of Westminster in London. It is one of London's best-known sounds and is popular with visitors. Lawmakers, tourists and passersby assembled Monday in Parliament Square to hear the bell's final chimes before the conservation work starts.

The decision to silence Big Ben is not without controversy. Some members of Parliament — including Prime Minister Theresa May who said "it cannot be right" for the bell not to chime for four years — object to the cost and time of the renovations. A parliamentary committee has vowed to review the repair plan.

More: Live stream: Big Ben chimes one last time before repairs