 |
|
Standing higher than the Washington Monument, the Cathedral
crowns fifty-seven acres at the city’s highest point, a living symbol of
our country’s heritage of religious freedom and faith. Here you will
experience a place of spiritual inspiration and beauty with attention to craftsmanship
and artistic detail second to none.
Total Ground Area: 83,012
square feet
Total Weight: 150,000 tons
Ringing Chamber: 586.5 feet above sea level
Videos
|
|
 |
Introduction: The Bells (large)
|
In October 1963 the peal bells were installed in
the central tower of the cathedral by Harry Parkes from the Whitechapel
Foundry in England. Not until they were installed, however, did it
become apparent that no one knew how to ring such bells. After the
installation Parkes extended his stay in order to train a group of
adults at the cathedral and students from St. Albans School. A book
was provided but more instruction was essential. In May 1964, a
group of ten ringers from England came to Washington to ring the
dedication peal and give instruction to the local ringers. |
 |
About The Bells (medium)
|
The bells are rung in the traditional English style known as
"change ringing". Because of their great momentum, bells
take about two seconds to rotate, so they can not be used to play ordinary
melodic music. However, they can be made to follow one another in precise
order each ringing once before the first rings again. The order in
which each bell rings can be constantly changed, thus the name
"change ringing". |
|
|
