The Loughborough Bell Foundry
Every year Taylor’s supplies a small number of bells to Hindu Temples in Sri Lanka. It is usual for them to be hung on arched headstocks for slow swinging, and it is traditional that they are finished in gold. The inscription in Tamil poses quite a challenge for our craftsmen who have to press it […]
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We have two large pits under the Works floor where we store bells that are with us for long periods – sometimes many decades – some bell fittings may also be stored if they are destined for re-use. It is rare for the pits to be opened – usually only when a bell needs retrieving […]
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Every now and again we receive an order to cast a ship’s bell with a requirement for a highly polished surface that sailors continue to polish daily throughout its life. This one is in the final stages of preparation before being dispatched.
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Just dug up from underground, this photograph by Paul Grover shows our Foundry Master Anthony Stone with a replica Liberty Bell for export to the USA. The bell is a full sized replica, and weighs approximately 18 cwts. It was ordered by a private customer and will be shipped once fettling and tuning has been […]
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In previous centuries bells were always cast underground for reasons of safety. Ramming up earth around the bell mould added to its strength and protected the bell founder from the potential danger of death or serious injury should the bell case split during casting. From the mid 19th century bell moulds have been made inside […]
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The Gatehouse Tower at Auckland Castle housed a large early medieval bell previously unknown to conservationists, but with building restoration underway its secret is out. The bell dates from circa 1180 and was cast using the long abandoned “Cire Perdu” or lost wax method. The long waisted bell has a diameter of 28″ and weighs […]
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It is rare nowadays to get an order for a really large bell, although we have cast one five tonner within the last year. Over the years many large bells have been cast, and we still retain the ability to cast more if orders are placed. The mould is built up from a base plate, […]
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The carillon tower, which was built in the back garden of Foundry House adjoining the works in 1905, housed the worlds first harmonically tuned carillon to be cast and tuned to equal temperament. a total of 40 bells were cast and hung between 1905 & 1912 – the bass bell at this time was less […]
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