How Halifax craftmanship has helped restore iconic national landmark Big Ben
A Halifax firm has played a key part in the restoration of one of Britain’s most well-known landmarks.
Cast iron from Hargreaves Foundry was used throughout Big Ben, including in its gutters and roof tiles.
Representatives from the firm were recently invited on a tour of the famous clock tower – officially known as the Elizabeth Tower -by Halifax’s MP Kate Dearden so they could see first-hand the results of the restoration project.
They were also able to see for themselves the Hargreaves Foundry ‘HF’ stamp on metalwork throughout the tower.
The Halifax firm has a long-standing heritage in iron casting, with their work gracing other iconic sites including Buckingham Palace, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood House, St James’s Palace, RMA Sandhurst, and many more.
"Having visited Hargreaves Foundry in Halifax, it was really special to see first-hand the culmination of their skill, talent and expertise,” said Ms Dearden.
"With Hargreaves Foundry's HF logo embedded across the Elizabeth Tower, the incredible work of a Halifax business will be cemented in this iconic piece of British architecture for generations to come."
Michael Hinchliffe, from Hargreaves Foundry, said: "We're proud to have been chosen to work on this historic, iconic and world renowned building.
"The project has been one of the highlights of our careers."
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