The initial job for the foundry men was removing the slag from the furnace before they turned up the heat again and returned to their chairs in front of the heater at the other end. Not long after, they returned to the furnace, tuned off the heat and began to pour the molten iron into the ladle. Unlike my last visit to an aluminium foundry, there was more visual drama, with sparks flying everywhere which necessitated the foundry men wearing face visors and heavy coats, something that Keith didn’t need when pouring aluminium.

Pouring the iron into the ladle – these photos look better in colour!

The traveling crane then transported the ladle up the foundry to where the moulds had been prepared.

Pouring the iron into the mould. Iron isn’t used for bells, it’s used for other parts of the assembly such as the headstocks and hammers. Have a look at these videos to find out more about this fascinating place!