The Carillon Tower in Queen's Park, Loughborough was built after the First World War as a memorial to the local men who gave their lives while serving their country.
Plans were finalised in 1919 and, when completed in 1923, it was the first grand carillon in England, the concept being associated with Belgium where so many British servicemen lost their lives during the 1914–1918 Great War.
The Carillon was designed by Sir Walter Tapper and was built by William Moss & Sons Ltd of Loughborough.
Construction ended in 1923 and the 46-metre high tower was officially opened on July 22, 1923. The tower houses 47 bells, crafted by John Taylor Bell Foundry in Loughborough and it is a grade two listed building.
Renowned English composer Edward Elgar composed a piece of music called Carillon Chimes specifically for the official opening. The manuscript, donated to Charnwood Borough Council in the 1950s, was rediscovered in 2012.
The Carillon has 47 bells, all of which were cast at John Taylor Bell Foundry in Loughborough, and the tower is now is now a Grade II listed building.
As Borough Carillonneur for Loughborough, Caroline Sharpe plays regular recitals on the 47 bell Memorial Carillon in Queen’s Park.
Recitals are played every Sunday and Thursday at 1pm from Easter Sunday until the end of September. During the winter recitals are played on the first Thursday of each month. The carillon is played during the Remembrance Sunday Service, on Christmas Eve at 1pm and for other special occasions. Visit the recital programme page to see what music Caroline will be playing.
In the video below, hear from Caroline as she tells us how the Carillon Tower is played and how special it is to be part of the centenary celebrations.
The tower is also home to the Loughborough Carillon Tower and War Memorial Museum.
During 2018, a £280,000 conservation project was carried out by the Borough Council, supported by War Memorials Trust.
Carillon Tower Centenary
The centenary of the Carillon Tower was marked with a series of commemorations on Saturday July 22, 2023, exactly 100 years since the official opening of the Carillon Tower, and on Sunday July 23.
A special recital was performed in Loughborough’s Queen’s Park before a Thanksgiving Service took place on Saturday.
Last updated: Tue 2nd July, 2024 @ 10:11