One of the quarter chiming bells can be seen in the foreground. Notice the black rubber buffer which holds the bell hammer a short distance away from the bell, allowing it to resonate clearly when struck. The Big Ben bell can be seen in the background. Notice how the hammer is pivoted at the top of the bell and the thick actuating cable running back down to the clock room to the left of the bell. Notice also how the hammer of the Big Ben bell moves back a considerable distance from the bell ready for striking. This facilitates the first blow being struck exactly on the hour as it eliminates the delay in raising the hammer. (Do not confuse the hammer with the stirrup in which it moves.)