Archive
Image: Taylor’s Casting Hall c.1920
Moulds are being prepared for Casting.
The Archive
Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust Working Archive
The Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust is home to an extensive working archive. This archive is an invaluable resource to the Trust and John Taylor & Co. as it holds details of over 10,000 church towers. The archive is still actively used at the foundry today, supporting ongoing projects.
With its vast collection, the archive offers significant potential for research into the history of John Taylor & Co. and any bells cast here. Researchers can explore the background of different bells while simultaneously uncovering intriguing elements of social, cultural, and architectural history.
Thousands of volunteering hours have been dedicated to the research, digitisation, and preservation of this archive since the Museum opened in 1986, ensuring its accessibility to the public. Fees and donations made for research directly benefit the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust, a registered charity, and these contributions will help preserve the archive for future generations.
John Taylor & Co Staff Photo c.1973
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With its vast collection, the archive offers significant potential for research into the history of John Taylor & Co. and any bells cast here. Researchers can explore the background of different bells while simultaneously uncovering intriguing elements of social, cultural, and architectural history.
Great Paul on its way to London c.1882
Great Paul is the biggest and heaviest bell Taylor’s have cast, weighing 16.75 Tons. The bell was cast in 1881 and lives in St Paul’s Cathedral in London. It is the largest church bell to be cast in the British Isles.
Discover Our Archive Collections
Use the enquiry form below to request access to our extensive archive materials and collections. We look forward to assisting you in exploring the treasures of our archive.
We aim to reply within 3 working days
Archive Form
Donations are vital for us
Monetary donations play a vital role in funding the ongoing maintenance and restoration of the historic foundry buildings and bell-making equipment, ensuring they remain operational and accessible.