Interview with the Clock Tower Guide

Terry Eiss is the current Clock Tower Guide and Chapel Verger. We talked to him about his role.

What's your full job title?


How did you get the job?


Can you clear up the Big Ben/Clock Tower confusion?


How do people get onto a tour?


How many steps do you climb per tour?


Is there a prison in the Clock Tower?


How far away can you hear Big Ben?


Who maintains the Tower?


What do you enjoy most about your job?


Read part two of our interview and find out if Big Ben is cracked, what the Double Three-Legged Gravity Escapement mechanism is, and Terry's most memorable tour.

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Related information

Climb the Clock Tower

UK residents can arrange a tour through their local MP or a member of the House of Lords.

Facts and figures

  • the Clock Tower is 96m (314 ft) tall
  • Big Ben weighs 13.5 tonnes
  • there are 393 steps to the top

More facts and figures

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