Washington National Cathedral Kibbey Carillon, D.C. - Carillon on Waymarking.com

The Kibbey Carillon is a Grand Carillon, meaning it has extended bass bells. The Kibbey Carillon is one of the largest sets of bells to be cast at one time. This gives the bells a uniform sound, and so the Kibbey Carillon is considered to have the most exacting tune out of the top three Carillons by weight.

The resident Carillonneur is Edward M. Nassor, and he performs once a week.

The Cathedral is the only place in North America that houses both Carillon Bells, and Peal Bells. The Peal Bells are rung by the Washington Ringing Society twice a week, and also by the National Cathedral School for Girls.

Both the Carillon and the Peal Bells are best heard from the Bishop's Garden, directly to the East of the Cathedral.

Both the Carillon and the Peal Bells are played on special occasions, mostly holiday performances. Occasionally, they will be played together.

From the website:

"The Cathedral’s Kibbey Carillon is the third heaviest in the world. Given by Miss Bessie J. Kibbey in memory of her grandparents, the 53 bronze bells of the carillon were cast at one time and installed in the early 1960s. The carillon was manufactured by the John Taylor Bellfoundry of Loughborough, England, and dedicated on September 22, 1963.

The smallest bell of the carillon weighs 17 pounds. The largest weighs 24,000 pounds, or 12 tons, and measures eight feet, eight inches in diameter. The carillon is played via a keyboard and pedals, situated high in the Cathedral’s central tower (150 feet above the nave floor) and directly amid the bells. The keyboard controls a mechanical tracker system (similar to a tracker organ) that uses transmission wires to move the clappers. The bells remain stationary while a metal clapper strikes the inside of the casting."

For even more interesting history about the Kibbey Carillon: "A Grand Carillon"

More info about the Cathedrals Peal Bells: "About the Cathedral’s Peal Bells"

Location: 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW D.C., USA 20016-5098 Who controls the carillon?: Washington National Cathedral Number of bells: 53 Schedule of regular public performances: Carillon: Saturdays, 12:30pm Except the Saturday before Easter Peal Bells: Sundays, 12:30pm Tuesdays, 7pm See website for special performances Year of construction: 09/22/1963 Structure: At the top of the Cathedral's central tower, “Gloria in Excelsis”, 150 feet high. Location web page: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
An original photograph of the carillon is required. One of you and your crew doing your very best imitation of Quasimodo and/or Esmeralda will be most appreciated.

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