The idea of installing a carillon in Bournville came to George Cadbury on a visit to Belgium in 1906. When he heard the famous carillon at Bruges, which dates from 1675, he was impressed both by the sound of the musical instrument and also the obvious high regard in which it was held by its citizens. It had also impressed previous English visitors such as Longfellow who wrote his famous poem The Belfry of Bruges in 1842.

 

So George Cadbury ordered 22 bells from the bell foundry of John Taylor & Co in Loughborough and in 1906 they were installed in a small stone belfry on the northwest corner of the tower of the new village school in Bournville. Only one of the original 22 bells - the largest - still remains but other bells have been added throughout the years, mainly donated by George Cadbury's wife and son in memory of the chocolate maker's death in 1922.

 

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The Carillon's future is in good hands. After the 'Friends of Bournville Carillon' was established, the committee are passionate about ensuring George Cadbury's legacy and precious gift has a bright future.

 

Plans have been approved to replace xx bells and an order to cast the bells has been passed to John Taylor foundary who were the original suppliers.

 

25 bells are being cast at the foundary