Bells
The church is famous for its 8 bells due to the famous song "The Bells of Shandon" by Francis Sylvester Mahony. The largest weighs a little over 1 and a half tons and were created by Rudhall of Gloucester. To reduce vibration, they were placed in a fixed position. They first rang on December 7, 1752. They have been recast twice: both in 1865 and 1906. Today, visitors can climb to the first floor and ring the bells themselves.
The original inscriptions are retained on each bell:
- When us you ring we'll sweetly sing - God preserve the Church and King - Health and prosperity to all our benefactors - Peace and good neighbourhood - Prosperity to the city and trade thereof - We were all cast at Gloucester in England by Abel Rudhall 1750 - Since generosity has opened our mouths our tongues shall sing aloud its praise - I to the Church the living call and to the grave do summon all
Read more about this topic: Church Of St Anne (Shandon)
Famous quotes containing the word bells:
“The bells discuss the hour’s gradations,
Dusty shelves hold prayers and proofs:
Above, Chaldean constellations
Sparkle over crowded roofs.”
—Philip Larkin (1922–1986)
“See the wild birds on the wing,
Hear the bells that sweetly ring,
When you feel like singin’, sing—
Keep a-goin’!”
—Frank Lebby Stanton (1857–1927)
“Now Lady Maisry is gone home,
Made him a winding sheet,
And at the back of merry Lincoln
The dead corpse did her meet.
And all the bells of merry Lincoln,
Without men’s hands were rung,”
—Unknown. Hugh of Lincoln (l. 61–66)