By Ellie Jones, Cathedral Archivist
The earliest references to bells at the Cathedral occur in Bishop Leofric’s time during the mid-11th century. Various re-castings, additions and matters of maintenance are recorded in the archives from 1372 onwards.
The oldest surviving bell still in use is known as ‘Birdall’. Cast in bronze in Exeter in 1616 by John Birdall of St Thomas, it hangs in the South Tower belfry. It has a diameter of 34 ¾” (a little over 88cm), and is tuned in the key of C.
In February 1615 there was a hearing before His Majesty’s Commissioners for Causes Ecclesiastical at Lambeth regarding the sale of bell metal. The commissioners included the Bishops of London, Ely, Rochester, Coventry, Lichfield, and others. The report stated that – contrary to the wishes of the Archbishop of Canterbury -–John Sprott, the sub-dean, and others did “sell away 1,700-pound weight of very pure and fine bell metall, being the remaynder of three unserviceable bells… broken and imployed to the new casting of the greatest bell… called Peter.” The Dean, Chanter, Chancellor and residentiary canons had admitted this and had agreed in May or June 1612 that “the ring of eight bells in the south tower (then and now untuneable and imperfect)” should be made perfect and tuneable at the Dean & Chapter’s expense. John Birdall was to be employed to recast four of the eight bells, and the new bell metal was to be paid for within six months. In April 1616 it is recorded that John Birdall was to be paid £38 6s 8d to “newe cast and make tuneable” the bells.