England’s World Cup fever has managed to make its way to Westminster after it was announced Big Ben will have St George’s Crosses painted onto its clock face.
The House of Commons authorities revealed on the same day that England’s football team takes on Croatia in the World Cup semi-final that the St George’s crests will be repainted as part of its original Victorian colour scheme.
But according to Parliament, the timing of the announcement was just a coincidence and had nothing to do with the England’s first World Cup semi-final in 28 years.
Elizabeth Tower
The landmark, which is actually called Elizabeth Tower (the bell is known as Big Ben) is currently undergoing a four year renovation and experts have decided to restore the original designs by architect Charles Barry.
It comes as England is gripped by its best display in the World Cup since Italia ‘90, with the phrase “It’s Coming Home” becoming an internet meme.
According to the Commons authorities, the row of six shields above each dial will display the St George’s coat of arms, with a red cross on a white background.
The floral emblems of all four parts of the United Kingdom are represented elsewhere in the coloured decoration: the rose, thistle, shamrock and leek, Parliament officials state.
Adam Watrobski, Parliament’s Principal Architect said: “Using historic paint analysis and references including Barry’s original design watercolour, contemporary illustrations and archival photographs, we have recreated the original colour scheme.
“The dials and clock hands are Prussian blue and gold and the adjacent areas make use of the red, white and blue colours of the Union flag, along with the detail colours used for heraldic shields for each part of the United Kingdom.”
And he added: “ This will very much be the crowning glory of this important project and will certainly serve to reinforce the symbolism of the Tower in its international representation of the United Kingdom.”
UK heritage
Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake and spokesperson for the House of Commons Commission, said: “The Elizabeth Tower is a symbol of the UK’s democratic heritage and I’m thrilled to see these vital restoration works return the clock tower to its former glory.
“It is crucial that these conservation works now continue so we can ensure the long-term sustainability of Big Ben and safeguard it for future generations to enjoy.”
More on England v Croatia:
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