The sound of Cathedral bells is one of Chichester’s most familiar rhythms - rising above the rooftops on Sunday mornings, practice nights, feast days, weddings, and other celebrations.
High in the Cathedral’s bell tower, a dedicated group of volunteer bell ringers are helping to sustain that tradition. They practice in a centuries‑old ringing chamber reached by a narrow stone staircase.
In recent months, several new ringers have completed key stages of ringing training, mastering skills such as rope handling, control, timing, and ringing independently within a group.
This progress is thanks to a combination of experienced teachers, dedicated learners, and modern developments: a training bell and computer‑based ringing simulators. These aids allow learners to progress onto ringing the real bells with a realistic simulated sound within the ringing chamber. It also allows experienced ringers to practice advanced change ringing with a team of perfect virtual ringers. For a historic tower, it marks a new era in how skills are taught.
Practices are held weekly, and the Cathedral also serves as a hub for ringers from other churches who want to develop further.
Below, new learners, Kirstie Hewett and Amber Evans, share their experience of discovering bellringing and what the practice has come to mean for them.
What made you start bell ringing?
(A1): Essentially, because my mum and stepdad used to live just outside the city walls and it was their favourite thing on a Wednesday evening - to listen to the practice. My mum was quite musical and then they both have their ashes interred in the Cathedral. So, I think every Wednesday and every Sunday, I play for them.
(A2): I assumed that you had to be part of the church to do it, and then I found out you didn't have to be! So, I saw how to contact the bell ringers, and they were immediately like, “yep, come along, give it a go”. It was literally just because I enjoyed listening to them [the bells] that I wanted to come and try it.
When you hear the bells, how does it feel knowing that you contribute to something that's integral to the city?
(A1): It's one of the most exciting things. Right now, my son is playing hockey at the High School and he will be able to hear them. On New Year's Eve, my older son was at the Market Cross with all of the other teenagers, and he heard me ringing. Things really bring it home.
(A2): For me, I really love the fact that it's so historic. In the chamber, there's all the old photographs and you can recognise the stairs in the corner, the door in the background. It's the same steps that we walk up for bell ringing even oday. It's the same bells. You can see when they were installed!
What's it like ringing as part of a band? How has working with everybody influenced your practice?
(A1): It's a cliche, but you know how people say it takes a village to raise a child? Well, it takes a band to raise a ringer. Everybody here, they give their time, they're so experienced. Everybody has given me a piece of advice and encouragement, some recognition, and praise. They're really patient, lovely, and they're so excited when they get someone who wants to learn.
(A2): There's definitely a bond, because you have to watch who you’re following! Also, when you're not ringing, you're chatting, catching up with everyone and obviously you see each other once or twice a week, so it does become really, really nice to see everybody.
What part of the learning process took you by surprise?
(A1): Well, one of our ringers, Mike, told me in my very first week that ringing a bell is like having a wild animal on the end of a rope - and it is! The rope just keeps coming at you. If you don't pull it right, it will go out of control. So that was unexpected to me, but it made me laugh.
(A2): How hard it was! I don't think I expected it to be particularly challenging. I kind of just waltzed in here thinking “yeah, I'll ring the bells”, not realising that it is quite a hard thing to do. So, I enjoy the fact it is more challenging than I originally thought.
What would you say to someone who wants to start ringing a bell?
(A1): Absolutely do it. Try it. Based on my experience here, people are really happy to give you a shot and help you discover if it's the right thing for you. They will invest all of their time and energy into you. Our Bell Tower Open Days are good practice - you get to ring, have a go of the training bell and more.
(A2): I'd say go for it. Definitely get in touch. Come and have a go - you're not committing to anything. See how you feel about it and just come and meet the group. After that, we'll never let you go. You'll be a ringer from that moment on!
Bellringing continues to thrive at Chichester thanks to the commitment of those learning the craft today. Their progress ensures that the sound of the bells continues to be heard.
Those interested in seeing for themselves ringing performances within the ringing chamber and learning more about the ancient art of change ringing, can book onto upcoming Bell Tower Open Days.
Anyone interested in learning to ring should email bellringers@chichestercathedral.org.co to express their interest, and get a fuller understanding of what is involved.