Lean times for Big Ben

Associated Press

LONDON

Big Ben has a little bend.

Experts say the neogothic clock tower — one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks — is gently leaning to one side. Documents recently published by Britain’s Parliament show that the top of its gilded spire is nearly 18 inches out of line.

The 315-foot tower is leaning in the northwest direction at an angle of 0.26 degrees, according to a report from 2009 that was recently obtained by the Sunday Telegraph through a Freedom of Information request.

But there’s no cause for alarm, experts said. It would take thousands of years before the London landmark’s tilt matches that of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The clock tower — colloquially known as Big Ben after its massive bell — has been slightly off-center since it was erected in the mid-19th century.

Like many old buildings, its position has been shifting imperceptibly for years due to environmental factors such as seasonal temperature and moisture level changes.

“We’re talking about unbelievably small movements,” said John Burland, an engineering professor at Imperial College London.

“At the present rate, it will be 10,000 years before we reach that,” he added, referring to comparisons with the tower in Pisa, Italy.

According to Parliament’s website, foundations for the clock tower were first laid in 1843 and the project was completed in 1859.