Our History
Image: Taylor’s Casting Hall c.1920
Moulds are being prepared for Casting.
Our History
John Taylor arrived in Loughborough in 1839 with a vision that would shape the soundscape of communities worldwide.
The Beginning: A Vision for Bellfounding Excellence
The Taylor family’s journey in bellfounding began in the mid-18th century, rooted in a tradition that stretches back to medieval times. Robert Taylor began an apprenticeship with bell founder Edward Arnold of St Neots around 1754. He completed his training and took ownership of the foundry by 1784. The business expanded so much that he and his two sons opened additional foundries in Oxford in 1821 and Buckland Brewer, Devon, in 1825, building the family’s reputation for craftsmanship.
In 1839, the Taylors brought their expertise to Loughborough, establishing a new foundry to cast a heavy ring of bells for the parish church. These were so well received that John Taylor’s reputation spread widely and orders poured in. By 1859, the business had grown so much that a much larger foundry was needed, and John built the world’s largest purpose-built bell foundry in a cherry orchard on the town’s edge. As business grew, Taylor’s became not only a centre of innovation and excellence, but also a vibrant part of the local community.
Challenges and Near Closure
Despite its remarkable history, the foundry faced increasing challenges in the 20th century. Years of financial strain left the infrastructure in a state of disrepair, with leaking roofs, crumbling brickwork, and outdated machinery threatening its future. The situation worsened in 2009 when the then-owners went into administration. With the company on the brink of closure, the centuries-old tradition of bell-making at Loughborough was at serious risk of being lost forever.
With the company on the brink of closure, the centuries-old tradition of bell-making at Loughborough was at serious risk of being lost forever.
A Community-Led Rescue Effort
Recognizing the dire situation, a consortium of dedicated individuals from the bell-ringing community and industry experts rallied together to save the foundry. They knew that if they didn’t act, an irreplaceable piece of history would be lost. The business was rescued, and the historic name of John Taylor & Co. was reinstated. The first crucial step was restoring the bellfoundry’s operations, ensuring financial stability, and securing its future as a working foundry.
Restoration and Preservation
The foundry’s survival was only part of the battle—the Victorian-era buildings themselves had suffered decades of neglect. In 2014, English Heritage provided an emergency repair grant of £1 million to stabilize the structures and prevent further deterioration. However, the most significant milestone came in 2020 when the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust secured an almost £4 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This marked the beginning of the most extensive investment in bell-making heritage in history. To reach the total £6 million restoration cost, additional funds were raised through generous donations from bell ringers, supporters worldwide, and various grant-making bodies.
The Bellfoundry Today
Today, the John Taylor Bellfoundry site is home to two distinct yet closely connected entities. John Taylor & Co. continues its centuries-old craft, restoring and casting bells for churches, cathedrals, and customers worldwide. Alongside it, the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust, established in 2016 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), preserves the historic buildings, archives, and museum collections. This partnership has been essential in securing funding to restore the foundry’s Grade II* listed buildings, removing them from the Heritage at Risk register.
While John Taylor & Co. operates as a working foundry, the Trust manages the site’s heritage aspects, ensuring its history is safeguarded for future generations. The two work hand in hand, allowing visitors to witness both the ongoing craft of bellfounding and the remarkable legacy behind it. This unique combination makes John Taylor & Co. not just the country’s last remaining bellfoundry, but also a living link between tradition and innovation in bellmaking today.
John Taylor & Co. is not just the country’s last remaining bellfoundry, but also a living link between tradition and innovation in bellmaking today.
Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust Working Archive
The Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust houses an extensive working archive, an invaluable resource for both the Trust and John Taylor & Co. This archive holds detailed records for over 10,000 church towers and continues to play a vital role in our ongoing projects today.
For those interested in the history of their bells, the archive offers a wealth of information. It provides insights into the craftsmanship of John Taylor & Co. and the stories behind the bells we have cast. Beyond individual bells, the archive also reveals fascinating aspects of social, cultural, and architectural history.