A-peeling in Perth ...

Wednesday 30th July 2008

St John's Kirk, Perth

www.carillons.org/perth

The Kirk was consecrated in 1242 but there has been a building on the site from well before that time. It stands in the centre of Perth and is a 'working church'. The Kirk is steeped in history not least because it is the church where the reformation started. It also boasts the only example of a medieval wooden spire in Scotland - possibly in the Uk? Most wooden spires were either replaced or burnt down. There are also 5 different levels of bell ringing history to be seen here dating from 1340.

The bell tower was designed to house just four swinging bells not a carillon hence the loovered windows are smaller than you would normally find on a carillon tower.

Team Carillon arrived at St John's Kirk at around 11am and met up with Perth's carilloneur, Ian Cassells. Everyone at St John's was excited to have a guest carilloneur to play a recital and before ascending a very narrow, winding staircase to the clavier room, we were all treated to coffee and cakes by the Beadle, Tom Adam.


St John's Kirk houses more bells than any other building in Britain, 63 in total and Ian showed us a collection of histotic bells (centuries old) which hang on a frame inside the church. It's possible to play a tune on these bells which Ian demonstrated.

Here's Ian leading the way up to the tower through a small door in what looks like one of the Kirk's four main pillars.

This is the porthole through which the bells are lifted into the tower - it's a long way down!

This is the bourdon bell - the largest - which can be played in several different ways including being part of the carillon, the clock chime and can be swung.

The bells with double clappers indicate that they are dual purpose i.e are part of the carillon AND the clock chime. Just as at the previous carillon, the bell tower is owned by the town not the church.

There are 70 steps up to the clavier room, the bells are just above. The clavier is situated next to the clock mechanism just as in the Kirk of St Nicholas.

The clavier is compact and light to play but, according to Caroline, is extra hard work due to the position of the seat to the pedals.

Caroline played a full hour's recital of pieces ranging from hymns to opera.

Down in the church it is difficult to hear the bells when they are being played. Outside, however, the bells have a beautiful bright tone. Ian was particularly pleased to have the opportunity to hear the bells from the outside himself. The Kirk saw a good number of visitors while we were there and the carillon bells were clearly apreciated by those sitting having 'al fresco' refreshements nearby.

After the recital Caroline was able to climb to the very top of the Kirk and walk around outside just below the spire and I thought she couldn't stand heights! Photos of that to follow.

Team Carillon would like to take this opportunity to thank St John's Kirk for such a warm welcome and would particularly like to thank Ian and Joyce for their generosity in providing several hours of excellent hospitality in Perth, fantastic food, drink, conversation and entertainment. A good time was had by all!

The team are now relaxing in Kinross ready for a drive to St Andrews in the morning.