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The Bow-Bell Peal on Christmas Eve, 1850. Creator: Unknown
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The Bow-Bell Peal on Christmas Eve, 1850. Creator: Unknown
The Bow-Bell Peal on Christmas Eve, 1850. Illustration to a piece by John Timbs. View of ringers in the belfry in Bow Church, London, during a peal. "...an awful [ie awe-inspiring] thing it is to be in the bell-chamber, and witness the actual ringing of a set of Bells: what with the ponderous masses of metal swinging round and back again, the wheels in perpetual motion, the stunning sound, as the clappers fall, mixed with a constant hurtling humming sound, and the shaking of the tower itself, you might well be excused for feeling a little nervous"...[The bell-ringers] generally ring the peal for pleasure; but, on Christmas Day, and other holidays, they are paid two guineas...They ring once a month for practice and to gratify the neighbourhood. On Christmas Eve they ring at nine; New Year's Eve, from half-past eleven to half-past twelve'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Bow-Bell Peal on Christmas Eve, 1850: An Awe-Inspiring Tradition in Action This image, taken from an 1850 piece by John Timbs published in the Illustrated London News, offers a glimpse into the mesmerizing world of bell-ringing at St. Mary-le-Bow Church in London. The scene unfolds in the dimly lit belfry, where a group of dedicated bell-ringers are in the midst of performing a peal, an intricate and lengthy ringing pattern. The bell-chamber, as described by Timbs, is an awe-inspiring place. The massive metal bells swing back and forth, their wheels in constant motion, creating a thunderous sound as the clappers fall. The air is filled with a deafening mix of the bell's resonant peals and a steady humming from the ropes. The very tower seems to tremble with the energy of the ringing. Bell-ringing is not just a pastime for these men; they generally do it for pleasure. However, on special occasions like Christmas Day and holidays, they are paid two guineas for their efforts. The ringers practice once a month and on Christmas Eve, they start at nine o'clock. On New Year's Eve, they ring from half-past eleven to half-past twelve. This engraving, published by the Cumberland Society for the Preservation of Ancient Monuments, captures the essence of a time-honored tradition that continues to resonate within the hallowed walls of St. Mary-le-Bow Church. The scene is a testament to the dedication, skill, and camaraderie of the bell-ringers, who continue to keep this Victorian-era practice alive.
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