The bongs are wrong on London's Big Ben

The Great Clock that towers over the British parliament is out by up to six seconds, with its keepers admitting the cherished national icon is "a little temperamental" at 156 years old. - AFP/File / Ben Stansall

London (AFP) - The most famous clock in the world is wrong: the bongs of London's Big Ben have been mysteriously running fast over the past fortnight, clocksmiths admitted Tuesday.

The Great Clock that towers over the British parliament can be out by up to six seconds, with its keepers admitting the cherished national icon is "a little temperamental" at 156 years old.