Big Ben will fall silent until 2021 as it undergoes massive repairs beginning later this month.
According to U.K. Parliament officials, the giant bell, which is housed in the Elizabeth Tower in London, is scheduled to undergo major renovations as part of a conservation project.
As a result, the bell's famous striking will be silenced for the next four years in an effort to keep those working in the tower safe.
Keeper of Big Ben, Steve Jaggs, referred to this as a significant milestone forming part of vital conservation to the clock.
"As Keeper of the great clock I have the great honour of ensuring this beautiful piece of Victorian engineering is in top condition on a daily basis," he said in a statement on Parliament's website.
"This essential programme of works will safeguard the clock on a long term basis, as well as protecting and preserving its home – the Elizabeth Tower."
According to Parliament officials, the Big Ben clock will be completely dismantled, with each piece and cog to be inspected and restored.
Additionally, the repair work will be done to the clock's glass while the cast-iron framework is renewed, the four dials carefully cleaned and the hands refurbished.
This will be the first time the bell has fell silent since 2007, when it underwent maintenance. The bell has become a standard part of the day, striking every hour with accompanying four quarter bells every 15 minutes.
However, parliament has assured that Big Ben will still bong on special events such as Remembrance Sunday and New Year's Eve.
The clock will also continue to tell time silently with a modern electric motor driving the clock hands.
Jaggs extended an invitation to members of the public to be part of the moment by joining together in Parliament Square to "hear Big Ben's final bongs until they return in 2021."
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