“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 here at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in East London. Mark Backhouse, the Foundry manager, showed us the process of making bells -- from giant church bells to little handbells.

It takes several weeks to make a massive bell. We had timed our visit perfectly and were able to see one of the coolest parts of the process. We saw molten metal, which was more than 2,000 degrees fahrenheit, being poured into a small hole in the top of the bell mold. This is such a unique process that people will travel from all over the United Kingdom to see the bells they have ordered being poured.

The metal sparks and flares when it is being poured, making it a bit dangerous to film and very hot to stand near. Fortunately, Jenny has a steady hand and was able to get very close.

A funny note for today: Jackie got her hands dirty in the clay mixture that encases the bell, called loam. It is an important part of the bell making process, but let’s just say it’s not very pleasant. Find out why by watching the video. Don’t worry, though, Jackie showered and washed her hands thoroughly before dinner.

Your fearless explorer,

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

Copyright © 2009 ProjectExplorer, LTD. All Rights Reserved.