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:
“You owe me ten shillings,
Say the bells of St. Helen’s.
When will you pay me?
Say the bells of Old Bailey.
When I grow rich,
Say the bells of Shoreditch.
Pray when will that be?
Say the bells of Stepney.
I am sure I don’t know,
Says the great bell of Bow.”
—Unknown. The Bells of London (l. 13–22)
“The bells, I say, the bells break down their tower;
And swing I know not where.”
—Hart Crane (1899–1932)
“The bells discuss the hour’s gradations,
Dusty shelves hold prayers and proofs:
Above, Chaldean constellations
Sparkle over crowded roofs.”
—Philip Larkin (1922–1986)