07 February 2006

The Origin of "Plantagenet" and "Big Ben"

This is really interesting (at least to me): Plantagenet (a royal line including Richard III) comes from planta (sprig) and genista (broom plant) in reference to the sprig that Geoffrey IV (1113-1151) of Anjou always wore in his cap.

Big Ben: named after Sir Benjamin Hall (commisioner of works). 13.5 ton bell first rang out in 1859.

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