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| The Bells of St Paul's Pro-Cathedral Valletta | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The spire of the neo-classical style Cathedral rises to over 200 feet above Valletta. Below this spire is the belfry in the detached tower at the northwest corner of the building, and here the
six bells, which were cast by C and G Mears of London (now known
as the Whitechapel Bell Foundry) in 1845, are hung in a probably locally made wooden frame. It appears that the bells were
originally hung so as to allow them to be rung full circle, as is the
case with many Anglican churches in the UK. The bells are complete with
headstocks, clappers and rollers, but have no wheels, sliders or stays
(except a stay on the heaviest bell). It is unknown what happened to
these items, as they certainly would have been supplied when the bells
were installed in the tower.
At some time a chiming apparatus has been fitted and the bells are now sounded by means of wires attached to the clappers and connected to a home made keyboard situated in the ringing chamber. This keyboard is operated by volunteers from the Cathedral congregation. Visitors (especially bell ringers) are welcome to visit the tower when the bells are ringing, before the 11.00 Sung Eucharist on Sunday.
Weights of bells are given in the manner traditional among ringers. The inscription on each of the bells is: C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1845  HISTORICAL FOOTNOTE ~ C & G MEARS At
9'-0" diameter, 7'-6" high, and weighing in at 13 tons 10 cwts 3 qtrs
15lbs (13,760 Kg), the hour bell of the Great Clock of Westminster -
known worldwide as 'Big Ben' - is the most famous bell ever cast at
Whitechapel.
George Mears, then the master bellfounder and owner of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, undertook the casting. Big Ben was cast on Saturday 10th April 1858, and William T. Kimber, was the head moulder responsible for casting the bell. |
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In 2006 an independent group of ringers were formed on Gozo (Ghawdex), Malta. The late Mike Thomas & Mrs Margaret Thomas who had purchased 24 handbells (2 octaves), (now increased to 26) brought the group together from members of the Anglican Congregation, and others living on the island interested in ringing for secular & non secular occasions. Persons interested in joining either tune ringing and/or change ringing groups are always welcome. The Tune Ringers and Change Ringers are available to play for various functions including weddings The handbells can also be available to ringers visiting the island Contact: Margaret Thomas email: margaretthomas@keyworld.net |
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