Built in 1854 Big Ben the landmark clock in London is still among the largest mechanical clocks in the world. The clock got its name after the 13-ton bell that is hung within was named after Sir Benjamin Hall who was the first commissioner of works. The design of the clock was by Edmund Beckett Denison who had studied law.

Denison worked closely with Edward John Dent who was the constructor of the clock but died before its completion. At this  point Frederick Rippon who was Dent's nephew changed his name to Frederick Dent and took over from where his uncle left off.