Tower tours

We are always pleased to give non-ringers the opportunity to see the tower and bells and to tell them a little about ringing. During summer months tower tours can be booked on most Saturdays, subject to availability. Further details.

Also, during Heritage Weekend in September, there are additional tower tours for members of the public who have booked through the Events' Office.

Non-ringing visitors are also welcome at the Tuesday practices by prior arrangement with one of the tower officers.

For further information please contact the Tower Captain, Chris Rogers, or the Tower Secretary, Philip Saddleton.

Bell Ringing

The Bells

The Cathedral has 12 bells. The tenor (largest bell) weighs 30 cwt 1 qr 10 lbs and the bells are tuned to the key of D major. All the bells were cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, who also supplied the frame and fittings. The 10 largest bells were opened in 1965 and they were augmented to 12 in 1976. The Cathedral has the only ring of 12 bells in the Diocese.

Photograph of the bells

Photograph of the bellringers

Ringing Times

The bells are rung every Sunday before the 9.45am Eucharist and the 6.00pm Evensong. They are also rung for special services and weddings and to mark special occasions of local or national significance. The ringers practise each Tuesday between 8.00 and 9.30pm. Quarter peals, which last about 55 minutes, are often rung prior to the 6.00pm Evensong on Sundays and once a month on Friday evenings. Peals (comprising over 5,000 changes and lasting about 3½ hours) are sometimes rung on Saturday mornings and for special occasions.

To see a short film of what it is like for ringers complying with social distancing regulations follow the link here.

The Ringers

The Cathedral has a dedicated group of 20–25 ringers, who aim to produce a high standard of ringing. Visiting ringers are always welcome at the Tuesday practices and by prior arrangement for Sunday service ringing.