London ( CNN ) -- British lawmakers want to rename one of London 's most famous landmarks -- known to tourists around the world as `` Big Ben '' -- after Queen Elizabeth II , for her Diamond Jubilee . The Queen marks 60 years on the throne in 2012 , and politicians believe that naming St. Stephen 's Tower , the clock tower at the Houses of Parliament , in her honor would be a fitting tribute to her years of service . `` Not many kings and queens have served for such a long time , '' Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood , who is leading the renaming campaign , told CNN . `` Only two have celebrated their Diamond Jubilee -- Queen Elizabeth II , and Queen Victoria . `` The other tower at the Palace of Westminster is named in honour of Queen Victoria ; the clock tower has lots of nicknames -- Big Ben , St Stephen 's Tower , or just the Clock Tower -- but no official name . `` It seems a superb way to honor a very distinguished life , and the many years of service she has given to the country . '' Ellwood said his plan had the support of MPs from across the political spectrum , and that he hoped they would back his bill to officially name the tower after the Queen in the coming weeks -- in time for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June . `` Of course , if it does go ahead it will mean that the next time a monarch reaches their 60th anniversary we 'll have to build another tower -- but I do n't suppose we 'll have to worry about that for a while , '' he joked . `` Big Ben '' is officially the name of the 13.5 ton bell inside St Stephen 's Tower , and not the name of the tower itself . The bell rang out for the first time in July 1859 -- but cracked two months later . Its chimes were silenced for the next four years , until a way was found to make it peal again in 1863 ( by turning it slightly ) , however , the crack is still visible . Today it rings -- in the key of E -- each hour , while a series of quarter bells chime every 15 minutes . It remains unclear whether the new name -- Elizabeth Tower -- will capture the public imagination , or if they will continue to refer to it as `` Big Ben '' . However , jokers have already suggested a new nickname : `` Big Beth . ''
British lawmakers want St Stephen 's Green to be renamed in honour of Queen Elizabeth II . Clock tower is one of London 's most famous landmarks , home to ` ` ' Ben '' bell . Queen celebrates her Diamond Jubilee -- marking 60 years on the throne -- this year . Other tower at Houses of Parliament named after long - reigning monarch Queen Victoria .