Will iconic Guildhall bell toll in time for Flora Day

For nearly 200 years iconic bronze town bell has faithfully tolled the hours and marked special occasions in Helston.

But sadly, last summer, after rusting ironwork took its toll, shattering the historic bell the historic bell fell silent.   

The 200 year old bell tolled for the last time in 2023 (Image: Helston Town Council)

Now with just three weeks to go until Flora Day, the council have revealed that they have been working tirelessly with Taylor’s Bellfoundry in Loughborough – one of the last remaining specialists in the craft to create brand new replacement bells – to have new bell installed and ready for Wednesday, May 8.

The council said that they are putting pressure on for the bell to be completed on time to start the Flora Day Dances but have admitted that a contingency plan is in place for an ‘alternative bell-ringing method’.

Taylor’s Bellfoundry has been working with the council to get the new bell up and running before Flora Day (Image: Helston Town Council)

However, casting a new bell is not as easy as it sounds.

The council explained how much detail goes into the installation. They said: “Did you know that after casting, bells undergo a turning process to achieve the perfect sound? It’s a delicate art, requiring adjustments to volume and note.”

For hundreds of years, the Guildhall bell has become an iconic feature on Flora Day.

Large crowds are usually seen outside the Guildhall to hear the bell toll at 7am to get the day going, and later on to mark the start of other dances.

With their fingers crossed, the council will share updates on the bell's progress on its Facebook page.