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Time has taken it's own toll over the Swan Bells. If you are just
fresh from reading our article on the
Foundation of Perth, you would
have figured the bells have seen a heap more historical action than
our city. There is a simple answer to this historical time
twister. The Swan Bells include the twelve bells of
St-Martins-in-the-fields. They were originally housed in the
St-Martins-in-the-fields Church, in Trafalgar Square London, where they
rung in the New Year for over 275 years. The Church of
England traded up to a new set in 1988, and gifted the old bells to the City of
Perth, as part of Australia's bicentenary celebrations that year.
Gee, thanks guys.
Six
additional bells were cast to bring the total up to eighteen. With
a full set of bells and no where to go, the Swan Bell Tower was
constructed. Now housed in this spectacular structure, the bells
continue to ring, and be enjoyed to this very day. |
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There is nothing like
the "peal" thing. |
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History
records the existence of the bells before the 14th century, and being
recast in the 16th century by Queen Elizabeth the 1st. The bells
were again recast between 1725 and 1770. They rate a mention in
the classic nursery rhyme, "Oranges and Lemons": "You owe me five
farthings say the bells of St Martins". |
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The Swan Bells
- So this is what all the noise is about. |
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TThe Swan River and Kings
Park as viewed from the Swan Bell Tower. |
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The Swan Bell Tower is situated on the Barrack Street Jetty, and
overlooks the Swan River. The observation deck provides
panoramic views across
Perth Water, and the city skyline. The
serenity of this beautiful vista, is occasionally broken by the noise
from those #*!@ bells. Just joking. |
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The serenity of the view
is occasionally shattered by the noise from the bells. Always check
the
ringing times prior to visiting. |
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It is even possible to view the bell ringers in action.
Unfortunately the viewing window is so heavily tinted, they appear as
shadowy figures, in a sea of darkness.
The Ringers at work.
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View of
the Barrack Street Jetty looking across
Perth Water
to the residential suburb of South Perth. |
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The Swan Bell Tower is one of the largest purpose built musical
instruments in the world. The tip of it's towering glass spire
rises a lofty 82.5 metres above the Swan River. The Swan Bells are
hung for "change ringing", meaning it is not possible to play any tunes.
Each bell is rung by a person, in a sequence determined by the
conductor. You only need to do the maths, to appreciate the number
of ringing orders possible.
Bell ringing is a serious business.
The St Martin's Society of Change Ringers, welcomes change ringers from
all over the world, to have a friendly tinkle while visiting Perth.
So why not give us a ring, or two. |
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One of the World's
Largest Musical Instruments, and it still can't play a tune. |
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