Practised by thousands across the country, and heard by many, many more, bell ringing is quintessentially English and has changed little over the centuries.

The bells ringers use are ‘hung’ for what’s known as ‘full circle’ ringing. In a form developed over 400 years ago, they are hung in special frames which allow them to pivot and rotate, and they have a large wooden wheel on the side from which the bell is controlled.

Every time the bell rotates the ‘clapper‘ in the centre swings and strikes the side of the bell, making it sound.

The bells can weigh up to 3 tonnes but rotate (or ‘swing’) easily and smoothly with the good technique of a bell ringer.

Rope is wrapped around the wheel and then drops down to the ringing ‘chamber’ where the ringers stand.

The Sound

The sound that you hear can be made up of any of a variety of named patterns. Most ringers begin bell ringing by ringing what’s known as ’rounds’, which is the typical ringing tune many people associate with ringing.

There are then other patterns which can be ‘called’ by a conductor of the ringing but most ringers use methods which are a series of patterns of changes that are remembered by the ringers.

Bell ringing provides non-strenuous physical exercise, a level of mental challenge that’s suited to you as well as helping to preserve an ancient tradition and opening up a whole new world of friends.