Bell Ringers

The Wellington ringers have their own website - you are invited to visit it.

As you arrive at a service at the Wellington Cathedral, you will hear the majestic bells ringing out in welcome.

Wellington Cathedral has 14 bells, ranging in size from Little James, weighing in at 4 cwt (200 kg) to the People’s Bell at 27¾ cwt (1,400 kg). The bell tower and bells were installed in 1984. Seven of the bells were already 100 years old at that stage, being recycled from the demolished St Edmund’s Church in Northampton, England.

The Cathedral bells are hung for English Change Ringing. This is one of only seven towers in New Zealand where change ringing takes place. Change ringing is an ancient craft, dating back to 17th century England. Each bell is swung by a long rope, by a bell ringer in the ringing chamber below. The bells are sounded in sequences called methods. Methods are usually rung on 6, 8, 10 or 12 bells, depending on the number of ringers available.

You are invited to visit the bell tower while we are ringing on Sunday mornings: just take the lift to the 3rd floor. The bells are rung before Sunday services (9.00 – 10.00am and 3.00 – 5.00pm). They are also rung for other special occasions, such as weddings, funerals and at times of national celebration.

Visiting ringers are welcome to Sunday ringing and to Tuesday night practice, from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Look at the Wellington Ringers web site for more details.