Heritage Open Week: Visit the Ringing Chamber for Sunday Ringing (14th Sept) or Come to a Ringing Practice (Fri 19th Sept)

For a truly rare Heritage Open Day experience, climb into the historic ringing chamber at St Michael’s Church and discover the powerful, rhythmic world of English change ringing.

The church’s eight bells, cast by the renowned Taylor Bellfoundry in 1899, were the first in the Black Country to be tuned using the Simpson Five-Tone principle — an innovation that shaped modern bellringing acoustics. Brierley Hill once boasted one of the region’s most outstanding peal bands, and now you have the chance to follow in their footsteps.

Visitors will:

Tour the ringing chamber, rarely open to the public.
Hear the bells in action during a live ringing session.
Try ringing a bell themselves, guided by experienced ringers.
Learn about the fascinating techniques and mathematical patterns known as “methods.”
Discover the unique heritage and dedication behind the art of tower bell ringing.

📅 Two opportunities are available:
Sunday Ringing Session
Date: Sunday, 14th September
Arrival: 09:50 | Ringing: 10:00–10:30

Max: 8 participants
Friday Practice Sessions
Date: Friday, 19th September
Two time slots: 7:30 PM and 8:15 PM (Max 8 per slot)
👉 Booking is essential at www.brierleyhill.net – these sessions fill quickly and are not available throughout the year.