Britain’s oldest manufacturing business, a London bell foundry that made Big Ben, could be sold after its owner decided to vacate its historic East End premises.
The Whitechapel Bell Foundry began life in 1570 during the reign of Elizabeth I. It moved to its site on Whitechapel Road in 1739 and has traded from the building since.
The Guinness Book of Records lists the foundry, one of only two left in the UK, as Britain’s oldest manufacturer – having traded continuously for 446 years.
The foundry has been owned by the Hughes family since 1904. Alan Hughes and his wife Kathryn have sold the grade II-listed building on Whitechapel Road and are considering options for when the foundry leaves in May 2017.
Alan Hughes said: “We have made this decision with a heavy heart, but in response to the changing realities of running a business of this kind. The business has been at its present site over 250 years so it is probably about time it moved once again. We hope that this move will provide an opportunity for the business to move forward in a new direction.”
Property prices in Whitechapel have soared in recent years because the area, once infamous for the Jack the Ripper murders, is close to the capital’s financial district and is a favourite spot for growing technology companies.
The foundry’s owners are considering a sale that could keep it operating from new premises.
In 1752, the foundry cast the Liberty Bell for the city of Philadelphia, which became a symbol of US independence. In 1856, it made Big Ben, although the bell cracked while being tested and was recast in 1858.
Ringing the changes
Ringing the changes
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”
Re: Ringing the changes
I don't believe I've ever seen a photo of Alan Hughes but his name rings a bell...
Re: Ringing the changes
Two cracked bells. Is that supposed to be good selling point?Gob wrote: In 1752, the foundry cast the Liberty Bell for the city of Philadelphia, which became a symbol of US independence. In 1856, it made Big Ben, although the bell cracked while being tested and was recast in 1858.
A friend of Doc's, one of only two B-29 bombers still flying.
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Bicycle Bill
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Re: Ringing the changes
I guess sometimes there's a good reason that they don't make 'em like they used to.MGMcAnick wrote:Two cracked bells. Is that supposed to be good selling point?Gob wrote: In 1752, the foundry cast the Liberty Bell for the city of Philadelphia, which became a symbol of US independence. In 1856, it made Big Ben, although the bell cracked while being tested and was recast in 1858.
-"BB"-
Yes, I suppose I could agree with you ... but then we'd both be wrong, wouldn't we?
Ringing Endorsement
I guess they could peal the decision if necessary.
“In a world whose absurdity appears to be so impenetrable, we simply must reach a greater degree of understanding among us, a greater sincerity.”
Re: Ringing the changes
Yeah yeah yeah, blah blah blah...The Guinness Book of Records lists the foundry, one of only two left in the UK, as Britain’s oldest manufacturer – having traded continuously for 446 years.
But does it have proper wheel chair access?
Re: Ringing the changes
LOL! 
Your collective inability to acknowledge this obvious truth makes you all look like fools.
yrs,
rubato
Re: Ringing the changes
MGMcAnick wrote:Two cracked bells. Is that supposed to be good selling point?Gob wrote: In 1752, the foundry cast the Liberty Bell for the city of Philadelphia, which became a symbol of US independence. In 1856, it made Big Ben, although the bell cracked while being tested and was recast in 1858.
Two in 446 years is damned good I'd say.
yrs,
rubato