bells

HISTORY

While the public use of bells, in various forms, dates back to The Middle Ages, the first recorded use of church bells is thought to be attributed to Paulinus, the bishop of Nola in Campania, Italy, around the time of 5th century. Historical writings document the appearance of church bells throughout Europe over the course of the next several centuries.

Some of the oldest church bells still in existence are located in Europe, including the Bell of St. Patrick in Belfast, Ireland. The earliest examples tend to be square, constructed of hammered iron plates, riveted together. Early church bells were much smaller than bells cast in more recent years. For example, a bell made for the church at Orleans, France in the 11th century was considered large at a weight of 2600 lbs. By the late 19th century, much larger church bells were being commissioned, such as the fifteen ton bell cast for St Francis de Sales in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The first church bell foundries were located in monasteries. Eventually a professional business emerged in Europe, and the construction process was perfected and refined. As records indicate the purchase of church bells in areas where no foundries were located, it is believed that many early bell artisans traveled about setting up temporary foundries as needed.

The impact of church bells throughout history extends from their community and religious use to the influence they have had on church architecture. Some of the most beautiful and awesome towers in the world were constructed to house church bells.