What Happened to London's Famous Bells of St Martin in The Fields?
What Happened to London's Famous Bells of St Martin in The Fields
?For over 5 centuries the bells of St Martin in The Fields, one of London's most famous churches, rang out over London's Trafalgar Square announced to the people significant events in British history. These included the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, the coronation of every British monarch since 1727, the World War 2 victory at El Alamein in 1942 and Captain James Cook's return to England in 1771.
They rang in the new year at Trafalgar Square for 275 years.
Then they were silent.
They were dismantled, stored and sent to a land on the far side of the earth.
Why were they sent there and where did they go?
Fast forward to 1988.
In that year, the bells were presented to Western Australia to help commemorate the Australian Bicentennial. They are one of the few sets of Royal Bells and the only ones known to have left England.
They now sit in their new home in the state's sunny capital city, Perth and were officially opened on December 10 2000 to commemorate the new millennium.
But it's not just any old home.
A special bell tower was built to house them and this impressive steel, glass and copper spire sits in a commanding position at the end of a tree lined avenue overlooking the city's majestic Swan River. The bell tower houses one of the world's biggest sets of change ring bells.
Appropriately they were renamed the Swan Bells and the tower is now one of Perth's major landmarks and tourist attractions in an area known as Barrack Square. From the viewing gallery at the top of the tower, visitors have spectacular views of the city and the river stretching in the distance to the port of Fremantle.
The tower has become a popular attraction for visitors to Perth (particularly those from Britain) and at certain times during the day the chiming of these bells can be heard through the city and across the river.
A few months ago my wife and I visited the bell tower and we were impressed by the amazing views from the top level and the stirring deep tones of the bells heard from close quarters. It reminded us of Rome where the pulsating sound of church bells is heard throughout the city.
Inside the tower is a viewing platform to the see the bells and the bell ringers at work. While there, I spoke to 2 visitors from England and I casually asked them:
"What significant victories or events should the bells celebrate in 2010?"
Without hesitation, one replied:
"When England wins the World Cup Soccer in South Africa or when Andy Murray wins Wimbledon or when England beats Australia in the test cricket test "ashes" series in Australia next summer."
Incurable optimists these Brits!
Footnote.
Since 1891 England and Australia have competed for a famous cricket trophy called "The Ashes". The competition is always fierce and national pride is at stake. Winning the Ashes is considered a famous victory. England currently holds "The Ashes" and they will be "defending" this trophy in a series of test cricket matches held in Australian capital cities in late 2010 and early 2011. Overview on Coal Mining in Different Countries Christmas Candle Holder Wonderful Tourist Attractions in Central America New Old Vallarta Budget Hotel Options As Well As Genuine Views For Tourists Don't Forget to have Mobile Phone Accessories while Travelling Gay Travel In 2010 To Ecuador An Introduction to African Instruments Enjoying the World Cup Soccer Festival Graham Christmas Pudding London Cleaning Companies at Their Best Driving Restrictions in Australia for a Perfect Holiday Remove Belly Fat: 5 Tips And Hints On How To Strip Away Belly Fat! Car Hire Brisbane Will Add Fun To Your Holidays