Elizabeth Tower, the 96-metre-tall clock tower that houses London's famous Big Ben, has been encased in scaffolding as workers embark on a major renovation project. The £61 million restoration aims to repair the tower for future longevity, and includes the addition of an elevator and the upgrade of internal facilities. But Big Ben, the world-renowned Great Bell, has fallen silent during the renovation.

Elizabeth Tower covered in scaffolding, image by Flickr user David Holt via Creative Commons

The building's trademark chimes were halted on August 21 and will return to their cycle in 2021. Until then, the bells will only ring to mark special occasions like New Year's and Remembrance Day. Parliamentary officials decided to stop Big Ben's rings to protect the hearing of workers, who would be at "serious risk" if the bells were set off.

One clock face remains exposed, image by Flickr user David Holt via Creative Commons

The 13.7-tonne bell will chime a few times before the year's end. They will be activated once again at precisely 11 AM GMT on November 11 and through the Christmas break, when workers will be off site. Crews will carry out work on lower and quieter levels of the tower when the bells echo during special events. 

A maze of scaffolding wraps the tower, image by Flickr user David Holt via Creative Commons

Recent images from Flickr user David Holt show the south clock face left exposed as scaffolding wraps the majority of the tower. Only a single clock face will be left visible at any given time as the dials and hands of the others undergo maintenance.