New bells which were cast to replace some of the most famous in the United Kingdom have arrived at the University of Cambridge.

The 12 bells, which have been installed at the University Church, Great St Mary’s, have been cast to mark the University’s 800th anniversary.

They will replace a much older set, which includes the five bells on which the famous “Cambridge Chimes”, which later became the chimes for Big Ben and churches around the country, were written. The original five will still ring out the tune for years to come, but they are so worn it was necessary to withdraw them from general use.

The new bells were cast at Taylors, Eayre and Smith in Loughborough in April this year and installation began last week. All 12 are now in place.

“After planning this project for such a long time, it was very exciting to see the new bells come down King’s Parade and then watch them being lifted into the tower,” the Reverend Canon John Binns, Vicar of Great St Mary’s, said.

The “Cambridge Chimes” were written in 1793 by the Reverend Dr Joseph Jowett. They were later renamed the Westminster Chimes after being copied for Big Ben.

The full set of bells is in almost constant service. They are used up to three times on Sundays and on Monday, Tuesday and Friday nights for practice and teaching sessions. They are also used to mark University Sermons, for weddings, funerals, memorial services and at New Year.

As a result, during the last 300 years, the old bells needed to be re-cast, re-tuned, replaced and even welded back together. Structural problems, including the sway of the church tower, also made ringing them difficult.

The new peal was made possible through a generous donation by Dr. Dill Faulkes, a bell-ringer and member of the University 800th Campaign Board. The project has been in the works for more than two years.

Dr Faulkes said: "As a bell-ringer and benefactor, I am delighted to help Cambridge University and Great St Mary's sustain their important and historic partnership in this 800th anniversary year. It gives me great pleasure to know that these new bells will be enjoyed by everyone in Cambridge for many hundreds of years to come."

 

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