Pulling power of Durham Cathedral bells
Oct 22 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal
VISITORS with a head for heights and a robust constitution can see – and hear – at first hand a North East landmark on Saturday.
Durham Cathedral is to open its bell tower and belfry to anybody capable of climbing the 325 steps to the ringing room.
Anne Heywood, the cathedral’s Chapter Steward, said: “The climb is arduous, as Durham has the second highest bell ringing chamber in England.
“We are beaten by Liverpool cathedral, but they have a lift. Once there, and with their breath back, visitors will be given a short talk by members of our loyal, hardworking and fit team of ringers, after which people can visit the actual bell chamber.
“Earplugs are required to hear the sound of bells being rung and we certainly don’t use the loudest of them for this demonstration.”
Visitors to the Cathedral will be able to see at close hand a chunk of the region’s history.
Ms Heywood said: “Most of the current bells date back to the late sixteen hundreds, although the history of bells in Durham goes back to the 11th Century. Restoration work in the late 20th Century allowed two extra bells.
“The bells are certainly not an ‘easy ring’, due mainly to the height of the tower, but meeting this challenge is very rewarding.”
Twice every day of the year, without fail, one or more of the Cathedral’s 10 bells is heard being rung across the City.
On Sundays, feast days and Thursday evenings, the sound of all 10 bells echoes across the peninsula and beyond.
Between 1.30pm and 4pm on Saturday, people will be able to visit parts of the Cathedral usually hidden from public view to see how one person pulling on a rope can turn a large piece of metal, hundreds of feet up in the air.
The usual entrance fee to the tower continues (adults £3, children under 16 £1.50 and a family ticket £8) but with the added extra of a visit to the bells. Cathedral staff want to encourage local people to come and see the bells, hoping the visit will inspire them to learn how to ring either in the Cathedral or at their local church.
Durham Cathedral bells are rung by the Guild of Bellringers, the official name for the Cathedral band, who ring the bells for Sunday services, other special services, and on Thursday nights for practice. They range in age from 10 to 60 plus, and, while some of them have been members for over 30 years, the team has started training half a dozen new ringers in the last year.
Chance to visit
VISITORS who want to climb to the bell chamber, which is not normally accessible to the public, should go to the cathedral between 1.30pm and 4pm on Saturday.
The usual entrance fee to the tower continues (adults £3, children under 16 £1.50 and a family ticket £8) but with the added extra of a visit to the bells.
Anybody in doubt should call at the cathedral Information desk where stewards will be delighted to point them in the right direction.
