St James' Old Cathedral

Melbourne's first peal of bells - six of them - were hung in St James' Cathedral in 1853, replacing an old ship's bell. (Two more were added in 1885.)

 

A group of miners banking their profits from the goldfields saw the bells being hung and resolved to stay in town to form a team of ringers.

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You can read more at the State Library blog here.

 

A vital part of Melbourne's living heritage, the bells are still rung today on many Sunday mornings before worship, at weddings and at funerals. They are usually rung on the first, third and fifth Sundays of each month from 9:15am-10:00am.

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The team of ringers practice on Friday nights, from 7:00-8:30pm, and they welcome people interested in learning the art of campanology.

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To visit the tower or find out more about bells, ringing, or learning to ring, please contact Bill Cook on 0419 540 581 or Laura Goodin on 0432 695 505, or visit the tower's web site at www.sjocbellringers.org.