Visit the World Famous Whitechapel Bell Foundry
Operator
Whitechapel Bell Foundry
Description
An entry in the Guinness Book of Records lists the Whitechapel Bell Foundry as Britain's oldest manufacturing company, having been established in 1570 (during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I) and being in continuous business since that date. In 1970, therefore, the Foundry celebrated its quatercentenary.
It had for some time been thought that the company may in fact have a longer history, and shortly after this celebration of 400 years, a link was indeed established through the research of bell historian George Elphick back to one Master Founder Robert Chamberlain, thus tracing an unbroken line of founders in Aldgate and Whitechapel back to the year 1420 (in the reign of Henry V, and 72 years before Columbus sailed for America). Biographies of some of our past founders can be found elsewhere on this site, as can a guide on How to Identify Old Tower Bells.
Whitechapel Bell Foundry's business has always been, and still concentrates solely on, the manufacture of bells and their associated fittings. The manufacture of large bells for change ringing peals in church towers, single tolling bells, carrillon bells, and their complete range of accesories such as framework, wheels, clappers and their assembly in Church towers accounts for approximately four-fifths of the company output. The other fifth of the business lies in the manufacture of handbells for tune and change ringing, and other small bells of many shapes and sizes.
Whitechapel's famous bells include the original Liberty Bell (1752), the Great Bell of Montreal and, probably best known of all, Big Ben at the Palace of Westminster. Cast in 1858, this is the largest bell ever cast at Whitechapel, weighing 13½ tons. To this day, a cross-section of the bell surrounds the entrance door to the Foundry.
If you are touring the area, feel free to visit the museum displays in our foyer and the Foundry store, which sells bells and a range of Whitechapel merchandising. This is open Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 4.15pm.
What to Bring
We recommend that sensible strong, shoes (no sandals) should be worn by all visitors.
Special Notes
We can provide ground floor access for the disabled with assistance and using portable ramps. There are two short flights of narrow stairs to ascend and descend during the tour and we are unable to offer assistance in providing access to the floor these serve due to the age of the building and the physical restrictions of the site. We do, however, provide photographic books describing these two floors for anyone unable to access these workshop areas.
In accordance with the law, Whitechapel Bell Foundry Ltd operates a no smoking policy throughout its premises.
It should be noted that there are no refreshments available on site although there are a number of cafes and public houses in the area, which are open on Saturdays.
Tours for 2009 are now open for booking. We will be taking bookings for 2010 from 1st September 2009.
Regretably, insurance restrictions mean we cannot show around young people under the age of 14. This age-limit has to be strictly enforced, with no exceptions.
Booking Notes
Tours of the foundry are not available during working hours due to the confines of the site and also Health & Safety regulations.
Visits are therefore confined to selected Saturdays with tours commencing at 10.00am and 2.00pm prompt (no late admission). NB: The doors open at 9.30am and 1.30pm, and visitors should aim to arrive 15 minutes before tours commence.
All tours have to be pre-booked, whether individually or as a party, and bookings are often made up to a year ahead. To ensure your preferred date early booking is therefore advised.
There is a charge of £10.00 per person, which is payable in full at the time of booking. A ticket will be issued which must be presented at the time of visit to gain entry on to the tour.
See our web site for a table which gives the dates on which tours will take place.
Since places on tours are booked on a 'first come, first served' basis, it is vital to check availability with the Foundry before making further arrangements. The maximum number of persons in any one party is 25. Bookings from smaller groups and individuals are welcome, and some spaces for fewer persons may be available at short notice - please enquire for details.
Last Updated:
January 19, 2009
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