How Bells are Made
Bells are made of Bell Metal, a type of bronze made from approximately 77% copper and 23% tin.
The earliest bells were cast locally, often in the churchyard or nearby field, with the casting being a huge local community celebration.
This is why there are many pubs called ‘The Bell’ or ‘The Ring of Bells’ or similar, and other local names such as ‘Bell Lane’ or ‘Bell Field’.
There were many bellfoundries and local bellfounders across the UK, such as the Heathcote family in Chesterfield, which cast bells between 1525 and 1623.
As transport became easier, the number of bellfoundries reduced.
Loughborough Bellfoundry
Taylor’s Bellfoundry at Loughborough is now the largest bellfoundry in the UK, and is open to the public!
It’s close enough to Derbyshire to make a fabulous day out.
Click here to find out more and book your visit.