Founders of the World's Finest Bells

Handbells & Small Bells

Although not a part of our business that receives much publicity, we have a steady stream of work casting or restoring handbells and other small bells (e.g. longcase & bracket clock bells) At present we are manufacturing a new town crier’s bell for the City of York. The photograph opposite shows newly cast “blanks” waiting […]

Transferring molten bell metal from one of the furnaces to the crucible prior to casting. Visitors are able to watch from the specially constructed viewing gallery safely well above ground level.

What we do

Peals of bells from our bell foundry ring out from towers all over the English speaking world, with many of the world’s most experienced change ringers regarding them as the finest instruments of their kind ever to have been created.

Our Projects

With modern computer profiling we can, and do, cast bells of the same shape as bells produced by any bell founder. So if you want a Gillett & Johnston or Whitechapel bell, or one produced by Dobson of Downham Market or any other founder, just ask and we'll cast and tune it for you and it'll be a perfect match.

The Taylor's Foundry sign on the outside wall.

History of the Foundry

John Taylor & Co. continues a line of bell founding which has been unbroken since the middle of the 14th Century, when Johannes de Stafford was active only 10 miles from the site of the present foundry.

The Great Peter of York arriving at York Cathedral.

For the Enthusiast

Taylor Bell Foundry has probably cast more large bells than any other bell foundry in the history of bell founding. Unlike some other English Bell Founders, who contracted out the casting of large bells whilst putting their name on them, all the bell we list have been cast in Taylor's own foundry.