The Sound of John Taylor & Co.

This page offers a rare opportunity to hear the living legacy of Taylor bells, recorded in situ at some of Britain’s most remarkable churches and cathedrals.

From the thunderous voice of Great Peter at York Minster, to the intricate rhythms of Stedman Triples, to the unexpected journey of the Nelson chime, and the expressive elegance of a modern carillon, each recording showcases the unique tonal beauty and enduring craftsmanship that define a Taylor bell. The final piece, performed on handbells, is a specially composed anthem by Sophia Dady, celebrating the spirit and story of John Taylor & Co. in music.

Great Peter

Over the past century, more than 200 bells weighing over 2 tons each have been cast by Taylor’s, one of the most renowned bell foundries in the world. Among these giants is the magnificent Great Peter of York, which was cast in 1927 and tips the scales at an impressive 11 tons. This monumental bell is hung for slow swinging and also serves a prestigious dual role: it is the hour bell of the grand clock chime at York Minster. Notably, this chime boasts the deepest tone of any clock chime in Great Britain, adding a powerful and solemn resonance to the historic cathedral’s soundscape. Great Peter remains both a marvel of craftsmanship and a cherished symbol of York’s rich musical and architectural heritage.

Stedman Triples

Here we hear Stedman Triples being rung on the largest eight bells of the magnificent peal at York Minster. These bells, cast by the renowned John Taylor & Co. bell foundry in 1925, are celebrated for the exceptional richness and clarity of their tone. As a method of change ringing, Stedman is one of the oldest and most enduring patterns, originating in the 17th century. It has been performed by skilled teams of ringers for over 350 years, requiring precision, rhythm, and deep coordination. When executed on the York Minster bells, the resonant harmony of Stedman Triples combines historical tradition with acoustic beauty, echoing through the vast gothic space in a display of both musical and architectural grandeur.

Bells on the Move

These hymns are being rung on a historic chime of bells originally cast by Taylor’s in 1933 for St Mary’s Parish Church in Nelson, Lancashire. Interestingly, before being installed in the church tower, the bells were temporarily loaned to the famed showman Billy Butlin. They were hung at his newly opened holiday camp in Skegness, Lincolnshire, where they featured in vibrant carnival celebrations held in September 1933 — a unique detour in their journey. After their return and installation at St Mary’s, the bells served the parish for several decades. When the church eventually closed, the bells were purchased and brought to York Minster, where they continue to sound out across the city, preserving their legacy in a new sacred setting.

Carillon – La Vie en Rose

Here, La Vie en Rose is performed on the York Minster carillon by Eddie Marien of Mechelen, Belgium — a city renowned for its carillon tradition. The foundation of this instrument is the original Nelson chime of eleven bells, cast in 1933 by Taylor’s. In 2007, an additional 24 bells were commissioned and cast by the same foundry to expand the instrument into a fully chromatic carillon of 35 bells. This blend of historical and modern craftsmanship allows for both traditional hymns and expressive melodies like La Vie en Rose to resonate through the Minster’s vast stone spaces — a fusion of English bell-ringing heritage and European carillon artistry.

John Taylor Bell Foundry Anthem

When the major renovation project was completed in 2024—thanks to the National Lottery and other generous donors—a unique anthem was specially composed for John Taylor & Company: the John Taylor Bell Foundry Anthem. It marks the first time the bellfoundry has had its own dedicated anthem—history in the making for this historic place!

Composed by Sophia Dady, she writes: “It has been such a pleasure and an honour to be asked to create this very special piece. I hope, as a listener or player, you can feel the magic of this remarkable foundry as the bells proudly call out to all, near and far.”