Cathedral Bells

The new bells of St Patrick’s cathedral, Bunbury, combine tradition and science

The bells were made under the supervision of an English company.

The bells were produced using lost-wax casting, a method originally defined by the thirteenth century Benedictine monk Walter de Odyngton of Evesham Abbey. This process sees the creation of a wax model of the bells which is surrounded by a mould. Moulten Brass (a mixture of copper and tin) is then poured into the mould, melting and replacing the wax. The interaction of the wax residue and the bells gives the bronzed bells a sheen.

The science of precision engineering ensured the bells where in tune with the bell tower, before they had been installed.

The Cathedral’s bell tower itself is a musical instrument. The bells have been strategically placed within the tower to give the best sound across the city with the tower affecting the quality of the sound and where it’s heard.

The eight bells which have been installed in the new Cathedral were donated to the diocese.

A mass was held early in 2012, to bless the bells and thank the generous donors for their contribution to the Cathedral. Some of the photographs of this celebration are included below: