10-10-2024 - On This Day in Insane History

On the morning of October 10th, 2024, the citizens of Ottery St. Mary, Devon awoke to a most unusual sight. Where their little country church had stood solid for centuries now sat something quite astounding - an exact replica of London's Big Ben, complete with four clock faces and the iconic Elizabeth Tower!

How the 316-foot structure appeared overnight without a single construction vehicle or worker in sight remains a mystery. But appear it did, its deep bongs sounding across the pastoral landscape. Locals rubbed their eyes in disbelief, doubting the elderberry wine at the previous night's harvest festival.

Word spread quick as a hare through the village. Within hours, all of Devon was in an uproar over Ottery's new giant timepiece. The Bishop of Exeter declared the clock tower an "unholy affront to God" and demanded its immediate removal. But as equipment was rolled in to take it down, not a screw or steel beam could be budged - the replica seemed attached to its new plot of soil with more force than gravity alone.

Across the country, scientists, engineers and priests pondered the inexplicable structure. Lacking phones or internet in those prehistoric times, they traveled by horse-drawn carriage to examine the phenomenon. To this day, none can explain its sudden rise. Some say it was summoned by witches, others an alien homing beacon. A few claim the prank of a time-traveling jester.

Whatever its origin, the mini-Big Ben of Ottery St. Mary remains standing as a marvel and mystery for the village. Tourists flock daily to hear its proclamations of the hour, a strange but steadfast reminder that in this world, magic can appear where least expected.