Whitechapel Bell Foundry

The Whitechapel Bell Foundry is a business in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and is the oldest manufacturing company in Great Britain. The bell foundry primarily makes church bells and their fittings and accessories, although it also provides single tolling bells, carillon bells and handbells. The foundry is notable for being the original manufacturer of the Liberty Bell, a famous non-religious symbol of United States independence, and Big Ben which rings from the north clock tower at the Houses of Parliament in London.

The Whitechapel premises are a Grade II* listed building. The foundry will close in May 2017, after nearly 450 years of bell making and 250 years at its present site. The building is to be sold, and owners Alan and Kathryn Hughes are looking for a buyer who could continue operation at another site.

The Whitechapel Bell Foundry company dates back to 1570. The present premises at 32–34 Whitechapel Road, backing on to Plumbers Row, dates from 1670 and was formerly a coaching inn called "The Artichoke" which had been damaged in the Great Fire of London. The Artichoke ceased trading in 1738 and the following year the Whitechapel Bell Foundry moved into the premises. The foundry will remain at the site until May 2017, its future uncertain. It is one of only two bell foundries left in the UK and has been in continuous production for almost 450 years. The Master Founders (bell makers) of Aldgate and Whitechapel, however, can be traced back to 1420. The three bells manufacturer's mark can be seen on the bells and the three bells sign hangs over the door. According to present owners Alan and Kathryn Hughes, the foundry has been a family-owned company throughout its history continuing when Alan Hughes's grandfather bought the company in 1904.

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