Types of Bells

Westminster Chimes.

Many simple melodies have been composed for bells, and the Westminster Chime has endured as the world’s most popular. This chime requires four properly tuned bells, the lowest of which marks the hour and quarter hour.

The bells are tuned to the key of F major with the hour bell (Big Ben) sounding note E.

Hour Strike..

A striking clock is a clock that sounds the hours audibly on a bell or gong.

Peal.

A peal is two or more bells swinging in an organic, random pattern, with the larger, heavier bells moving more slowly than the smaller, lighter ones. This “pealing of the bells” typically celebrates weddings and other joyous occasions.

Bell Swinger.

The ringing of a single bell traditionally called people to church. At the pull of a bell rope, the bell swings back and forth, causing the clapper inside to strike it. The change in tone and volume as the bell moves toward and away from the listener creates the familiar sound, “Ding Dong.”

THE ANGELUS

The Angelus, long part of the Catholic tradition, is recited three times each day – morning, noon, and evening – to the sound of bell patterns coinciding with the three Hail Marys and the ending prayer. The Angelus can be rung using a single bell or a group of bells; the most famous is the St. Anne de Beaupre three-bell Angelus.

DE PROFUNDIS

The slow, solemn, measured toll of the bourdon bell marks the end of the day at 9 p.m. The name comes from the first two Latin words of Psalm 129, meaning “out of the depths.” This prayer for the departed was a common community evening prayer.

TOLLING BELLS

A stationary bell struck by a heavy striker produces an even, stately sound. Large bells are “tolled” slowly in this manner during funeral processions and solemn occasions.