Westminster Abbey Bells: History & Traditions Explained

What are Westminster Abbey bells?

Westminster Abbey’s bell ring is currently made up of ten bells. The earlier bells at Westminster Abbey were overhauled in 1971. Out of the eight bells, the two oldest bells were retained for the new ring.

Additionally, there are two service bells, two unused bells (cast in 1320 and 1742), and a small silver “dish bell” in the Abbey’s collection. These bells, aside from the one cast in 1742, are stored in the refectory and the Church Buildings Council of the Church of England has noted these bells as having historical importance.

About Westminster Abbey

History of Westminster Abbey bells

1250: The first recorded information of the Westminster Abbey Bells was found in the Close Rolls of King Henry III, in 1250. The king instructed Edward of Westminster to construct a bell bigger than what he had ever built before.
1251: In 1251, Edward was instructed to make a smaller bell that was to be in tune with the great big bell.
1255: According to the records of chronicler Matthew Paris, there were five bells in use at the Abbey in the year 1255.
1310: A bell that was cast in 1310 by Richard de Wimbis (Wymbish) bearing the inscription "Christe Audi Nos" can still be found in the new Jubilee Galleries at Westminster Abbey.
15th to 20th century: From the late 15th century to the 20th century, Westminster Abbey’s bell ring remained constant at six bells.
1918: During the Armistice in 1918, it had become challenging to ring the bells because of the dilapidated condition of the bell frame and fittings. Consequently, the Abbey bells underwent restoration.
1919: In 1919, with King George V and Queen Mary in attendance at London's Whitechapel Bell Foundry, the Westminster Abbey bells were recast, and two new bells were added to form a ring of eight.
1937-1953: The eight bells continued in use for 52 years ringing out in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI, in 1953 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and on May 8, 1945 for Victory in Europe Day.
1971: In 1971, Dr. Eric Perkins, the brother of a former reverend at the Abbey, enabled a ring of ten bells to be cast. The two oldest bells - one from the 16th century and the other from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I - of the eight bells were retained as part of the new ring of ten bells.

Westminster Abbey history

The Old Bell Tower

A separate bell tower was erected on the north side of the Abbey in the 13th century and the abbey bells rang from there for 300 years. This bell tower or campanile was constructed around the time that King Henry III commenced the rebuilding of Westminster Abbey in a Gothic style. About 75 feet square and 60 feet high, the remains of this old bell tower were demolished in 1750.

Westminster Abbey architecture

Westminster Abbey bells in the North West Tower

Bell installation

Six bells were installed in the incomplete northwest tower during the 16th century. The incomplete towers were finally finished in the year 1745, five centuries after the reconstruction of the abbey first began under King Henry III’s reign. During this time, the towers were raised to their present height and the bells were moved to a higher belfry in the northwest tower.

Bell ringers

The Brethren of the Guild of Westminster was established in 1255 and the members were responsible for ringing the bells for an annual fee of 100 shillings. Dean Ryle organized the Westminster Abbey Company of Ringers in 1921, following the spirit of the old Brethren. They are a volunteer group that comprises a principal, a supernumerary, and honorary members.

Ringing occasions

The bells are rung on all major church festivals, Royal and Abbey anniversaries, saints’ days, civic events, and special services. The ringing takes place at the end of every service; when the Monarch is in attendance, the bells are rung beforehand as well. The bells are rung half-muffled during solemn occasions wherein a leather pad is strapped to one side of the clapper ball.

Westminster Abbey services

Peals

A peal is rung to mark significant events and anniversaries - royal, national, or relating to the Abbey. This peal includes a minimum of 5000 different changes (sequences) and it’s performed without any break. One peal takes more than 3 hours to complete. Peal boards inscribed with the event, the ringers, and other information are mounted on the ringing chamber walls.

Westminster Abbey coronations

Sister Rings

Two other rings of bells were cast with the same specifications. A set of bells, cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, was gifted by the English Ditchley Foundation to the US Congress in 1977 for the Old Post Office Tower in Washington. Each bell is inscribed with the Great Seals of the US and the UK. Westminster Abbey's coat of arms is cast on the headstock of each bell.

Other bells

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries has a medieval cymbalum (bell without a clapper). This was outside the refectory in the south cloister and was struck to announce meal times to monks. Another bell, with the inscription “Thos. Lester made me 1742”, which used to hang in the gable of the south transept is a part of this collection, along with a large 14th-century bell.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Westminster Abbey bells

When were the Abbey's bells first installed?

The original bells were installed several centuries ago, but the current set was recast and rehung over various renovations, most notably in the 1970s.

What is the largest bell in Westminster Abbey called?

The largest bell in the Abbey is known as the "Great Bell" or "Big Ben's cousin," and it is used primarily for marking the hour.

What is the weight of the heaviest bell in the Abbey's belfry?

The heaviest bell in the belfry weighs approximately 30 hundredweights (about 1,500 kg).

Do the bells have any unique inscriptions?

Yes, several bells in Westminster Abbey feature inscriptions that often include dedications, historical dates, or quotations relevant to their casting.

Can the public view the bells?

Public access to the bell tower is limited and usually part of special guided tours that must be pre-booked for safety and operational reasons.