Can you tell me why, w'hen it is announced on the radio, the time is X O Clock, why does Big Ben not chime the number of hours that it is. For example if it is six o clock why does Big Ben not chime six times, and the same for seven, eight or nine o clock.

Thanks in anticipation
Ray:

I don't know if this helps any

Westminster Quarters - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Chimes)