Casting Bells Underground !

Traditionally bell moulds were made from clay and were buried before casting to protect the founder from the molten metal should the bell mould burst. In the mid 19th century, with the introduction of cast iron copes, this danger virtually disappeared and most bell founders cast their bells above ground.

At Taylor's we still dig a pit and bury our moulds prior to casting because this slows the rate of cooling and we believe gives the bell a better molecular structure. Our bells are the evidence for this approach - Taylor bells are known for their resonance and purity of tone.

Photo: One of our bells being dug up after cooling for nearly a week - the steam shows it is still quite hot!