Plain Bob Major at St Clement Danes, Westminster, Greater London

Photo credits to Dickon Love and Alan Taylor.
An excerpt from a quarter peal of Plain Bob Major was rung at St Clement Danes on Sunday, 14th July 2024. The church boasts a ring of ten bells, with nine cast in 1955 by Mears and Stainbank and the tenor cast in 1979 by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. These bells are known for their lush, boomy, and powerful sound. Despite the slight disappointment in the tenor bell’s punch compared to the others, the overall acoustic effect outside is superb, creating a rich auditory experience. Inside the ringing chamber, however, there is an imbalance of sound, with some bells being too loud and others too quiet.
The bells at St Clement Danes are highly rewarding and musical when rung well, particularly at a fast speed. The ropes handle very well, making them learner-friendly and contributing to an enjoyable ringing experience. This makes the practice of ringing both satisfying and accessible, even for those still mastering the art.
The history of St Clement Danes is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Danes in England. In the 9th century, the Danes are believed to have colonized the village of Aldwych, situated between the City of London and Westminster. The church was potentially named after St Clement, the patron saint of mariners, reflecting the Danes' seafaring nature. Another theory suggests that after Alfred the Great drove the Danes out of the City of London, they were required to accept Christianity, and the church was subsequently built.
The church has undergone several reconstructions over the centuries. Originally built by the Danes, it was first rebuilt by William the Conqueror and later in the Middle Ages. A significant renovation occurred between 1680 and 1682, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, which included incorporating the existing tower and recladding it. This new structure was constructed from Portland stone, with an apse at the east end, and featured a steeple added in 1719 by James Gibbs.
The interior of St Clement Danes is ornate, with galleries on three sides supported by square pillars that continue above gallery level as Corinthian columns, under a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Large round-headed windows on the upper level allow ample light to fill the space. This architectural design was replicated by Wren in St James's Church, Piccadilly.
St Clement Danes also has a notable educational connection through the St. Clement Danes School, initially opened in 1862 and now located in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire. Additionally, the church was almost destroyed during Luftwaffe bombing raids on 10 May 1941 during the Blitz. The outer walls, tower, and steeple survived, but the interior was gutted by fire, and the bells fell to the ground. After the war, the bells were recast, and the church underwent a comprehensive restoration funded by the Royal Air Force. In 1958, the church was reconsecrated as the Central Church of the Royal Air Force in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
The inscription added during the rebuilding under the restored Royal coat of arms commemorates these events: "Christopher Wren built it 1672. The thunderbolts of aerial warfare destroyed it 1941. The Royal Air Force restored it 1958." Despite a minor error in the inscription's date (it should read 1682 instead of 1672), this inscription encapsulates the resilience and historical significance of St Clement Danes.

[@noraedwards3419]

Beautiful. Thank you. I always love the tour and the church history is very much appreciated.

[@Dzwonek05]

They sound fantastic

[@TheConsettonian1987]

They sound quite identical to the back 8 at Hexham Abbey in Northumberland.

[@RingerOliver59]

Such lovely bells, must ring here one day.

[@RingerThomas]

You should!