Towering above the London skyline in the majestic belfry of St. Paul’s Cathedral hangs Great Paul, the largest bell in Britain. It was cast in 1881 by John Taylor & Co, weighing in at an incredible 16.75 imperial tons (nearly 17K kilograms) and carries an unmistakable E-flat. A sound that once tolled daily, marking significant moments in the Capital’s history.
The reason for Great Paul arose as part of the Cathedral’s grand refurbishment in the late 19th century, and under the guidance of Sir Christopher Wren’s architectural legacy. He had envisioned a tower to house bells. Sadly, his plans didn’t materialize in his lifetime. By the late 1800’s, St. Paul’s looked to commission a bell that would surpass all others in the country; not just in size, but in grandeur.
John Taylor’s was chosen to undertake this immense task. With the casting process a sheer feat of craftsmanship, requiring precise metallurgy and innovative engineering. When complete it measured over 8 feet in diameter, a monster that would demand intricate planning for its transport and installation.
Originally, Great Paul was rung daily by an automatic chiming mechanism. However, over the years problems with the system led to its silence. It remained an immobile giant in the tower as an historical relic. Fortunately, in recent years, efforts to restore it have had a successful conclusion. And so today it is once again being rung manually on special occasions.
Although often overshadowed by Big Ben, Great Paul still holds a distinct place in Britain’s bell history. Its lasting presence being not merely architectural; it carries a legacy of craftsmanship, engineering mastery and ceremonial grandeur. When rung, so much more than a sound, its a living connection to the past, being a reminder of the Cathedral’s enduring significance.
Whether heard during major services or historical commemorations, Great Paul stands as a testament to this country’s enduring tradition of bell-making and timeless artistry that gives metal a voice.
-Rob Boneham