“We have heard the chimes...” (from Shakespeare’s King Henry IV, Part 2)

What do the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Big Ben in London, England have in common? Well, they were both made at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry.

The Whitechapel Bell Foundry is Britain’s oldest manufacturing company. The foundry began making bells in 1570. They make giant church bells and small handbells.

We got to see how bells are made. The process starts by making a mold for the bell out of loam. Loam is a very important part in making a bell, but the ingredients are a bit gross. Our tour guide, Mark, let Jackie mix some loam with her hands. (Learn about loam in the video.)

We were very lucky and got to see some of the large bells being poured. The liquid metal glowed and sparked as it was poured into the mold. It was a bit scary to be so close to hot metal.

Very few people get to see this part of the process because it is dangerous. I am glad we filmed this for you to see up close.

Awe-struck,

Have you worked up an appetite?: It’s snack time!

Copyright © 2009 ProjectExplorer, LTD. All Rights Reserved.