The Chimes of Christ Church: A Dublin Tradition
The bells of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin have been an integral part of the city's Christmas and New Year celebrations for centuries. But it's not just the festive season that these bells mark; they also accompany everyday life, thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers who ring them.
The light tenor bell, one of 19 in the cathedral, chimes on the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, its solemn yet beautiful sound echoing through the city. This is the soundtrack to many special occasions in Dublin. The Guinness family donated bells from St Patrick's Cathedral, but not those of Christ Church. Instead, we owe a debt of gratitude to Henry Roe, a Dublin whiskey distiller who donated £230,000 in the 1870s for the cathedral's restoration.
The chimes of Christ Church Cathedral are a joy to hear, a plaintive and powerful sound that has become a beloved part of Dublin life. In a fast-changing world, these bells remain a reassuring constant. But this sweet music wouldn't be possible without the bell ringers, a group of 14 volunteers who dedicate their time to this tradition.
The ringing master, Raymond Cregan, is a jovial man with a passion for ringing. He explains that Christ Church is unique, with 19 bells for full-circle ringing. This involves raising the bell into a vertical position, tipping it over, and allowing it to fall, rotate 360 degrees, and then tip back down. The effort is in giving the bell enough energy to come back up.
Bell ringing has a long history at Christ Church, dating back to its founding as a Viking church in 1028. The cathedral has been Protestant and Catholic at different times and now welcomes people of all creeds. Raising bells for full-circle ringing began in the 17th century, and mathematicians have since marked patterns of ringing, many of which are still in use.
The oldest bell in Christ Church was installed in 1738 in the belfry above the bell room, a round stone-walled space reached via two sets of stone spiral staircases. The room has remained largely unchanged since the 1870s, and the sound of the bells is not overwhelming because the noise echoes outward.
The ropes of the 19 bells hang with sally sections to avoid rope burn. On Friday evenings, members of the guild gather to practice, with the youngest member aged 14 and the eldest in their 80s. The camaraderie is a highlight for many.
Sara Woods, a Christ Church bell ringer, joined while pregnant with her daughter, Delilah. The bells seemed to help with the birth, as she was ringing on a Friday and Delilah arrived the following Tuesday. Delilah seems unfazed by the sound, only crying when the ringing stops.
Vyvyenne Chamberlain, a city centre resident, has been ringing the bells for 55 years, starting at age 15. She enjoys the social aspect, the music, and the sense of competition. Bell ringing also keeps her fit, as it involves repeatedly raising her hands, which may lower blood pressure and provide a stress release.
Cregan emphasizes that Christ Church is a modern, open community, always welcoming new bell ringers. However, they ask that new members respect the tradition. The real party is on New Year's Eve when the bell ringers gather to mark the start of the year, sharing food and drink and creating a unique, special atmosphere.
For more information, visit christchurchcathedral.ie.
