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Contents
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 AbbeyThe 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 architectureWestminster 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.
