The Bell Tower

The Bell Tower

The landmark towering glass spire of The Bell Tower, which was opened in 2000 as Western Australia’s Millennium project, is home to the Swan Bells. The Bell Tower is one of the largest musical instruments on earth and was custom built to house the historically significant bells of Saint Martin in the Fields Church, the parish church of Buckingham Palace in Trafalgar Square, London. These bells date back to before the 14th century! As one of Western Australia's unique attractions, The Bell Tower offers tourists fascinating displays on these famous bells and the ancient art of bell ringing, as well as stunning 360 degree views of Perth city skyline and the Swan River from the sixth floor open air observation deck. The Bell Tower is the only place in the world where you can view bell ringing in action or where you can even have a go at bell ringing yourself in one of their interactive demonstrations. Located where the City of Perth meets the Swan River in Barrack Square, just a short five minute stroll from the city of Perth.

June 2011Showing 1-86 of 8612140 visitsAlbum by gladysclancyPhotos by Gladys

1 The Bell Tower viewed from The Esplanade	2 Approaching the Bell Tower	3 Lower section of the Bell Tower
4 Northern side of base in detail	5 Northern side, looking upwards	6 Waiting in the queue to gain entry
7 Welcome to the Swan Bells Please enlarge to read.	8 The ceiling of the foyer	9 Building Directory
10 The Mark Creasy Turret Clock Information in next photo.	11 The Mark Creasy Turret Clock Please enlarge to read.	12 The Oldest Bell in Australia Cast in approximately 1550, this bell was once one of four that rang out from the tower of the parish church at Upton Grey in Hampshire, England.
13 The Oldest Bell in Australia The old timber headstock bears the carved date of 1763. The bell weighs 459 kg, it has a mouth diameter of 920 mm and its original note was approximately A natural.	14 The Oldest Bell in Australia Please enlarge to read.	15 Bell Display in Glass Cabinet
16 Asian Astrolabes	17 Crotal Bells	18 Crotal Bells
19 Cup Bells	20 Cup Bells	21 Turret Clock from an English Country Estate This small turret clock movement is believed to have come from the stable block of a country house in the South of England. More information in next photo.
22 Turret Clock from an English Country Estate Please enlarge to read.	23 Turret Clock from St Ethalburga's Chruch, London This clock has a remarkable history and comes from one of the most interesting churches in the City of London - St Ethelburga the Virgin, in Bishopsgate. More information in next photo.	24 Turret Clock from St Ethalburga's Chruch, London Please enlarge to read.
25 Large Bell on display	26 View of Swan River from Level 2	27 Shadow of the Bell Tower from Level 2
28 Grandfather Clock This original Grandfather clock manufactured in 1902 by Dent and Company is a very rare example of their work.	29 Grandfather Clock Detail of clock face. More information in next photo.	30 Grandfather Clock Please enlarge to read.
31 Bell Display and Singing Bowls	32 Buddhist Temple Bells	33 Buddhist Temple Bells
34 Buddhist Temple Bells Please enlarge to read.	35 Elephant Bells and Crotals	36 Elephant Bells and Crotals
37 Hindu Temple Bells	38 Hindu Temple Bells	39 Asian Bells
40 Asian Bells	41 Asian Bells Please enlarge to read.	42 Polyphon Disc Musical Box
43 Polyphon Disc Musical Box	44 Polyphon Disc Musical Box	45 Level 4 close up viewing of Bells in Belfry The Bells hail from one of London's most famous churches, St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square.
46 St Martin-in-the-Fields Bells The twelve bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London were given to the people of Western Australia to commemorate Australia's bicentenary in 1988.	47 St Martin-in-the-Fields Bells These twelve bells were cast between 1725 and 1770. An additonal five specially cast bells were also presented, including one from the City of London, with help given by the City of Westminster and three bells bestowed by a consortium of British and Australian mining companies.	48 St Martin-in-the-Fields Bells Completing the ring of eighteen, a sixth new bell was commissioned by the WA Government. This completed the Western Australia's Millennium Project, the Swan Bells.
49 Barrack Street Jetty viewed from Level 4	50 Swan River viewed from Level 4	51 The Bells of the Royal Ascot Clock Level 5: The four smallest bells were used to sound the Westminster Quarters and the largest to strike the hours.
52 The Bells of the Royal Ascot Clock Please enlarge to read.	53 Climbing up to Level 6	54 Bell Tower Carillon The Bell Tower carillon consists of 26 English and European style bells tuned to concert pitch and are operated by internal electrical hammers controlled by a coin operated computer.
55 Bell Tower Carillon Please enlarge to read.	56 Open Air Observation Deck Level 6: Steel walkway with 360 degree view, coin operated telescope, and Carillon.	57 View across the Swan River from eastern side
58 View along Riverside Drive	59 Perth Skyline beyond Supreme Court Gardens	60 View up Barrack Street to the north
61 Perth Skyline beyond Riverside Drive	62 Riverside Drive with Kings Park on horizon	63 Barrack Square and Swan River
64 Swan River with Kings Park on horizon	65 Barrack Street Jetty and Narrows Bridge	66 Barrack Street Jetty viewed through tinted glass
67 Swan River viewed through tinted glass	68 Bell Tower Wings above Carillon	69 Sunlit Glass Spire
70 Glass Spire towers above	71 Open Air Observation Deck	72 Bell Tower Wing
73 Open Air Observation Deck	74 The downward descent from Level 6	75 Underneath the spiral stairs
76 Looking down into the foyer	77 Perth from ground level	78 A small section of the waiting queue
79 Bronze Swans in surrounding gardens	80 Two live Black Swans too!	81 Bronze Swans from a different angle
82 Southern side of the Bell Tower	83 Water feature	84 Northern side, looking upwards
85 North-facing base with surrounding moat	86 A parting shot of the Bell Tower