- Number of bells: 39 (three and a bit octaves, omitting the lowest two semitones)
- Heaviest bell: tuned to C, 43 cwt (2190 kg)
- Transposition: Concert, no transposition (C)
- Construction: 1920, J. Taylor & Co.
- Practice clavier: Unknown
- Address: St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, 41 Cathedral Rd, Armagh BT61 7QX (view on Google Maps)
- Technical information about the bells: See relevant Dove’s Guide entry
Recitals
The carillon is not currently played regularly.
History
In 1920 the present 39-bell Taylor carillon with a bass bell of 43 cwt (2190 kg) in C was installed in the north west tower of the cathedral. It is now the oldest surviving complete Taylor carillon.
This instrument has had a chequered history; in its early years it seems to have been quite well used, but by the late 1940s it had fallen into disuse. Substantial work was carried out by the firm of Armitage Clock & Bells during 1985 and 1986 which made it fully playable again and may well have saved it from total collapse and redundancy. Unfortunately, there was still very little interest in playing the carillon regularly.
In 2003 Taylor’s carried out a renovation of the carillon which included new clappers and crown staples throughout and new headstocks for the fourteen smallest bells, new wiring, springs and carriers, new wire steadiers, adjusters and weatherboard. At the same time a new clavier (North-American standard) was supplied. Due to the extreme weather conditions and years of neglect, the old clavier needed replacement.
The existing frame and rollerbars (not original) were retained in accordance with the procedures regulating restoration of historic buildings in Ireland. Furthermore every part of the mechanism was cleaned and lubricated and the frame re-painted. Louvres were also installed in the bell chamber windows. The fine-tuning of the installation was supervised by Gideon Bodden from the Netherlands.
History courtesy of the World Carillon Federation.