Whitechapel Bell Foundry

 Thursday 16th June 2016

Another extremely popular event for the Ward Club was this trip to see the 'Whitechapel Bell Foundry'. Behind the unassuming frontage of 32-34 Whitechapel Road, lies the UK's oldest surviving manufacturing company. Established in 1570, this business has been involved in many important activities (such as the creation of Big Ben) and has obviously seen many changes over nearly 450 years.

Due to some fairly cramped conditions in this building, only 40 members and guests could be accommodated. Nevertheless, o wner of the Foundry, Mr Alan Hughes, provided us with a most interesting and enjoyable guided tour. His enthusiasm for the craft and encyclopedic knowledge of the operation, the industry and the history of bell founding, was obvious and much appreciated.

It is a working foundry (workmen having put down their tools and vacated the area just minutes before we arrived) and is dirty, dusty and full of trip hazards, low ceilings and pointed objects. Thankfully, everyone seemed to avoid any major injury.

At the conclusion of the tour, we enjoyed a splendid buffet supper in the upper rooms of the foundry house. A very plentiful supply of food and wine made a perfect end to our visit. 

Here are a few photos, click on an image to expand it.

Supporting Information

Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as Britain's oldest manufacturing company the Whitechapel Bell Foundry was established during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1. Famous bells include Big Ben at the Palace of Westminster and the original Liberty Bell. Situated in Whitechapel Road the foundry is about ten minutes walk from Aldgate (District, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City Lines) buses 25, 254 and 205 stop very close.

Arrival time is 5.30pm ready for our "Cripplegate only" tour of the foundry starting at 6pm. This will last about one and a half hours & will be followed by a "convivial" buffet supper hosted by the family owners. The evening is expected to finish about 9.30pm