Bell Ringing at Merton College, Oxford

Half a lead of Bristol Major, and a lower on these, the oldest complete ring of eight by one founder. They were cast by Christopher Hodson in 1680, replacing a slightly earlier octave (cast by Michael Darbie in 1657 - then only the second time an eight had been cast together). These bells in turn had replaced an older 5. They were rehung by White's in 1982, when they were retuned; other than that, they remain as Hodson cast them. Merton bells are most famous, however, for the unique ringing environment; the bells being rung from an open gallery, itself installed with the bells in 1680. This gallery is some fifty foot from ground level, with an opening in the middle of around twenty foot square. This certainly makes ringing here quite daunting, and one has to have a head for heights! However, they handle nicely and sound excellent for their age, giving off a superb old-fashioned boom. Quite an experience! Tenor 25-1-10 in Eflat http://dove.cccbr.org.uk/detail.php?s...