Bells
The sound of the bells of St Mary's is credited with having persuaded Dick Whittington to turn back from Highgate and remain in London to become Lord Mayor.
Traditionally, distances by road from London are now measured from Charing Cross but before the late 18th century were, for instance, measured from the London Stone in Cannon Street, or the "Standard" in Cornhill. On the road from London to Lewes the mileage is taken from the church door of St Mary-le-Bow. To emphasize the reference used, mileposts along the way are marked with a cast-iron depiction of a bow and four bells.
The church is also immortalised in the nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons which ends aside from the chopping couplets in many versions with I do not know, says the great bell of Bow.
Details of the bells:
| Bell | Weight | Nominal | Note | Diameter | Cast | Founder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5-3-21 | 1565.6 | G | 27.75" | 1956 | Mears & Stainbank |
| 2 | 5-3-10 | 1389.5 | F | 29.00" | 1956 | Mears & Stainbank |
| 3 | 6-1-7 | 1298.5 | E | 30.00" | 1956 | Mears & Stainbank |
| 4 | 6-2-17 | 1170.0 | D | 32.00" | 1956 | Mears & Stainbank |
| 5 | 7-3-27 | 1046.5 | C | 34.00" | 1956 | Mears & Stainbank |
| 6 | 8-3-27 | 978.5 | B | 35.00" | 1956 | Mears & Stainbank |
| 7 | 10-0-20 | 869.0 | A | 38.00" | 1956 | Mears & Stainbank |
| 8 | 12-1-11 | 778.0 | G | 41.00" | 1956 | Mears & Stainbank |
| 9 | 17-3-17 | 694.0 | F | 46.00" | 1956 | Mears & Stainbank |
| 10 | 21-2-23 | 649.5 | E | 49.00" | 1956 | Mears & Stainbank |
| 11 | 29-1-5 | 585.0 | D | 54.00" | 1956 | Mears & Stainbank |
| 12 | 41-3-21 | 521.2 | C | 61.25" | 1956 | Mears & Stainbank |
Read more about this topic: St Mary-le-Bow
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)
“The bells, I say, the bells break down their tower;
And swing I know not where.”
—Hart Crane (1899–1932)
“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)