Place    From 1570 

Whitechapel Bell Foundry

Categories: Commerce, Engineering

This foundry is the oldest manufacturing company in the UK and is still making bells at 32/34 Whitechapel Road. Probably their most famous creation is Big Ben (we thank Alice, a member of a children's history club, for providing this excellent link). The history pages of our picture source are extensive (but, 2022, defunct).

2016: Sadly we learnt that this foundry is due to close May 2017 and the building will be sold. UCL published a good history of the foundry. Save the Foundry!!

2021: The long campaign to save the Foundry is over - it will become a bell-themed boutique hotel.

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Whitechapel Bell Foundry

Commemorated ati

Borough Market Bell (1)

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall carried out the first ringing...

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Mile End mural

Murals are often rather fun puzzles so do have a go identifying what you can ...

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St Mary Matfelon

Our picture comes from Google satellite view and shows, better than can be se...

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This section lists the memorials created by the subject on this page:
Whitechapel Bell Foundry

Creations i

2012 Olympics Bell

The quotation, from Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', was spoken by Kenneth Branag...

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Other Subjects

Bromley Market House

Bromley Market House

A market has existed in Market Square since at least 1205. From Bromley Borough Local History Society: "The Bromley Market House, in the Market Square was a timber building with a red tile roof. Th...

Building, Commerce

1 memorial
Hanseatic merchants

Hanseatic merchants

See the Steelyard.

Group, Commerce, Germany

1 memorial
Dorsett Hospitality International

Dorsett Hospitality International

From their website: "Dorsett City is the perfect choice for business and leisure travellers seeking a 4-star hotel where British Charm meets Asian Hospitality" etc.

Group, Commerce, Food & Drink

1 memorial
Laing Homes

Laing Homes

A building group which was a division of John Laing plc (a company which was founded in the 1840s). It was eventually purchased by the Wimpey group.

Group, Architecture, Commerce

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Portman Square Garden

Portman Square Garden

W1, Portman Square

This rather dull plaque is in the garden close to the Hamilton fountain.

4 subjects commemorated
Glaziers Hall

Glaziers Hall

SE1, Montague Close

The Glaziers Hall The land in this area formed part of the site of the cloisters of the Church of St Mary Ouverie, now Southwark Cathedra...

7 subjects commemorated, 2 creators
Charles Booth

Charles Booth

Philanthropist and shipowner. Born 27 Bedford North Street, Liverpool. On his father's death he took control of the family shipping business and extended it to include steamships. Following his inv...

Person, Philanthropy, Social Welfare

2 memorials
Philip Jones

Philip Jones

Trumpeter.  Born in Bath into a family of musicians.  Came to London with his family in 1933.  Founded the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and pioneered brass chamber music.  Died at home, 14 Hamilton ...

Person, Music / songs

1 memorial
The staff

The staff

Part of the force commanded by Havelock.

Group, Armed Forces

1 memorial