12 Ringing Myths Busted
Ringing certainly is an unique hobby with lots of (mostly untrue) myths! We’ve put together a list of 12 common myths about bell ringing, and the truth behind them.
Will I be taken up by the rope?
This is the biggest myth. It can happen, but it is so rare that most ringers have never seen it, let alone done it. When properly handled, a bell is perfectly safe – just like any other heavy equipment.
Ringers need to be strong?
Not at all! Bells are carefully balanced, so they can be controlled with just a gentle pull. It’s more about technique and timing than brute strength.
Have to be religious?
Not at all, lots of bell ringers aren’t religious. Bell ringing is a social activity enjoyed by people of all beliefs and backgrounds.
Bellringers are responsible for clock chimes?
No! The sound you here when the clock strikes is controlled by a separate mechanism. Bellringers only ring the bells for services, special occasions, and practices. We don't keep someone in the tower 24/7 to ring the clock!
Nerdy Ringers?
Ringers are often keen and passionate about what they do, as with lots of hobbies! But they come from all walks of life, and have a wide range of interests outside ringing. If you want to see how sociable ringing can be, come along to a practice (or pub trip) and see for yourself!
A dying art?
In some areas ringing is thriving, especially in universities where new ringers are joining all the time. There are challenges, but ringing is far from dying out!
Campanologists?
Ringers rarely call themselves campanologists! Campanology is the study of bells, we normally just call ourselves ringers.
Dangerous?
Compared with most activities, ringing is very safe. Ringing societies can get very good rates for accidental insurance cover for their members, because the risk is so low.
Not the right type?
Ringers come in all shapes and sizes, from all backgrounds. If you can pull a rope, you can ring a bell! Think you are too short/too tall/too young/too old? Don't worry, ringing is for everyone.
Complex Maths?
If you can count to twelve, you can ring! The maths behind some ringing methods can be complex, but as a ringer you don't need to understand it all any more than a driver needs to understand how an engine works.
Aren't Bells Rung by Machines?
Apart from a few tunes and clock chimes, English bells are hardly ever rung by machine. When you hear English style ringing, there is a band of skilled ringers in the tower, helping to carry on a 400 year old tradition and bring you that special, unique sound.
Is ringing hard work?
Ringing is a physical activity, but it's not particularly hard work, unless the bells are very heavy or there is something wrong with them. Watch a skilful ringer, and you will see a smooth, almost effortless performance.
What next?
Whether you want to learn a bit more or you’re ready to get involved, here’s where to go next.
Find out more about bell ringing
Discover how bell ringing works, why it sounds the way it does, and what to expect when you start.
Learn more about bell ringingConvinced you to give it a go?
Find your local university bell ringing society and see when you can come along to a practice.
Find your societyWant to know why you should learn?
Look at our top 7 reasons to learn bell ringing, and see if it’s for you!
Reasons to learn bell ringing