The oldest bell

This is the oldest bell in the Hexham Abbey bell tower. Today was the Abbey Christmas fayre, and there was the rare possibility of visiting the bell tower. Inside we saw the room used by the bell ringers and also the internal mechanism of the Abbey clock.

Higher, yet higher, we arrived where the bells are housed. I was fascinated to hear about the technology in use nowadays. Practice can occur silently until a new ringer is competent.

Here the oldest bell in action. You might just be able to make out the date of 1742. Try large. It is upside down. I tried to capture the movement and I hope you can make out the shape of the bell and the tracks of it's movement.

Off to photograph the rugby now.