Quarter bells
Encyclopedia
Quarter bells are the bells
that the clock
mechanism strikes on each passing quarter of the hour
. Often, as in the case of Big Ben
, a different tune is played for each quarter. This enables people to be able to tell the time, without actually having to be within sight of the clock face.
Bell (instrument)
A bell is a simple sound-making device. The bell is a percussion instrument and an idiophone. Its form is usually a hollow, cup-shaped object, which resonates upon being struck...
that the clock
Clock
A clock is an instrument used to indicate, keep, and co-ordinate time. The word clock is derived ultimately from the Celtic words clagan and clocca meaning "bell". A silent instrument missing such a mechanism has traditionally been known as a timepiece...
mechanism strikes on each passing quarter of the hour
Hour
The hour is a unit of measurement of time. In modern usage, an hour comprises 60 minutes, or 3,600 seconds...
. Often, as in the case of Big Ben
Clock Tower, Palace of Westminster
Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, and is generally extended to refer to the clock or the clock tower as well. It is the largest four-faced chiming clock and the third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world...
, a different tune is played for each quarter. This enables people to be able to tell the time, without actually having to be within sight of the clock face.