Our Carillon

The carillon in Bishop Cross Tower is one of very few in the Pacific Northwest. Its 49 bells, ranging in size from 17 to 5,000 pounds, were cast and installed by John Taylor and Sons of Loughborough, Leicestershire, England, in 1969.

The bells, which are fixed in place, are sounded by mechanical operation from a clavier, or keyboard. The batons, or levers, of the clavier are played by both the feet and the lightly-cupped fists of the carillonneur. Stainless wires and turnbuckles link each baton to the clapper of a single bell and activate the clapper to create the sound.

Carillon concerts call us to worship each Sunday morning, starting at 10:15am. Additionally, longer concerts are played on the Fourth of July, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and on various other occasions.

There is no public access to the tower. The carillon is heard best from the lawns surrounding the cathedral.

For a video tour of the carillon, click here.