Video gives a glimpse inside the Queen's Tower as bells peal for Queen's 90th

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A 360 degree video shows the strength, agility and timing of a team of 10 bell ringers as Imperial marks the Queen's birthday.

The 287 feet tall Queen's Tower is at the heart of Imperial's South Kensington campus and its bells are rung on nine occasions throughout the year, including the Queen's birthday.

Its belfry contains the Alexandra Peal of bells, consisting of 10 bells and named after Alexandra, the Princess of Wales. Each bell is separately named after members of the Royal family - Queen Victoria, her three sons, her daughter-in-law Alexandra and her five Wales grandchildren.

The regular ringers who ring at the tower, relish the particular challenge faced when ringing at the Queen’s Tower

– James White

Bell ringer

Over the years, various recordings have been made of the bells being rung but this is the first time the ringers have been captured in 360 degrees. Viewers can click and drag the video to alter the perspective and watch each of the ten bell ringers in action.

Bell ringer, James White said: “We were very pleased to have the video team up the tower yesterday to record and transmit some of our ringing, and the result is absolutely fabulous.

“The regular ringers who ring at the tower, relish the particular challenge faced when ringing at the Queen’s Tower, which is that the tower movement makes controlling the bells very difficult.  Fortunately the bells have a magnificent sound which provides the reward for our efforts.

“The Queen’s birthday is one of nine regular ringing dates each year - comprising seven royal anniversaries and two college events - following a tradition to ring for royal anniversaries as requested by the donor of the bells, Mrs Elizabeth Millar, in 1892.

“We hope that everyone in and around College enjoys the ringing!”

Reporter

Kerry Noble

Kerry Noble
Department of Surgery & Cancer

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Contact details

Email: press.office@imperial.ac.uk
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