Did You Know?

The order for the bell was given in 1751. In August, 1752 the bell arrived, it appeared to be in good order. But during testing of the bell it cracked by a stroke of the clapper. It could not be sent back, as the captain of the vessel who had brought it over could not take it on board. Two skillful men undertook to recast the bell. But it was also found to be defective. The original bell was considered too high, and a quantity of cooper was added to the composition, but too much copper was added. There were a great many criticisms on account of the second failure, and the ingenious workmen undertook to recast the bell, which they successfully did, and it was placed in conditions in June, 1753.

On Monday, the 8 th of July [not the 4 th ], at noon, true to its motto, it rang out the memorable message of “Liberty throughout the land”.

For fifty years the bell continued to be rung at every festival until it eventually cracked.

An attempt was made to keep it serviceable. This attempt failed.

It was removed from its position in the tower to a lower story, and only used on occasions of public sorrow, such as the death of ex-presidents and statesmen.