On the 21st January 2026, 22 members of Soar Valley u3a attended the John Taylor Bell Foundry for a tour and to discover how bells were made and how the Loughborough bell foundry was born.
It all started in the 18th century when Robert Taylor started his apprenticeship at a bell foundry in St Neots were he eventually took over the foundry and cast the first Taylor ring of bells in 1786. He had two sons, William and John, and on his death in 1830 he passed on the business to them, starting a family dynasty that would endure for two centuries.
They moved to Oxford, and eventually finished in Loughborough in 1839. This was due to the need for the bells in All Saints Loughborough needing recasting. John won the contract and leased some run-down buildings in Pack Horse Lane near the town centre.
In 1850 John bought land in Loughborough and the rest is history.
Our tour guide talked us through the fascinating production process including how the bells are tuned.
Taylor’s bells can be seen and heard not just locally but worldwide, a proud heritage. A tour to be recommended.
Many thanks to Sid for organising the visit and the excellent lunch beforehand.