In medieval times Christians travelled throughout Europe ringing bells while spreading the news of the risen Christ, and summoning people to congregate. Eventually, large bronze bells were cast and towers were constructed to house them. At first these towers were built apart from the church; then belfries were added above the church structures.

When several bells are hung in a belfry, they can be rung together, or one after another. This group of bells is known as a peal and consists of up to twelve bells tuned to different notes of the scale. By the 1700s tower bell ringing had become a very popular pastime throughout the British Isles.

In order to practise bell ringing away from the exposed bell tower, hand-held bells were made. In 1660 William and Robert Cor of Wiltshire cast the first set of tuned bronze hand bells.

These handbells were used to practise the musical changes for the tower bells, but ringers soon became interested in using the bells to ring melodies. Simple arrangements of hymns and folk songs began to appear, written for newly formed bell choirs. By the end of the eighteenth century, nearly every village in England had its own handbell choir. 

The art of English handbell ringing is  recognized as both an excellent tool for music education and as a delightful group instrument, providing fun and a challenge to all who play. Many community bell choirs, like the Blackpool Bells, have been formed, providing people with the opportunity to ring outside the church or school setting.

You may be surprised to know that there are literally hundreds of bell teams across the country and many, like ourselves, are members of THE HANDBELL RINGERS OF GREAT BRITAIN which is an association that has been set up to promote and support the art of Handbell tune ringing.