Big Ben - working around the clock

Available for over a year

BBC correspondent Tim Muffett climbs the scaffolding surrounding London's most iconic landmark, to meet the mechanics working on a repair job like no other. Since 2017, Big Ben has been largely silent, while the tower in which it sits - Parliament's Elizabeth Tower - has undergone a much-needed refurbishment. It's proved a mammoth task and delays, caused by the pandemic, have seen costs spiral to more than £80m. As Big Ben's time to chime moves ever closer, Tim speaks to engineers and historians about the unique challenges - and privileges - of working on this once-in-a-lifetime project. (Image: Carl Court via Getty Images)