ST. MICHAEL CHIMES

Via Terry

The Clock Shop Of Vienna

One of the few chimes with a history based in the United States. Although the bells for this chime were cast in London, they were installed in St. Michael's Church in Charleston, South Carolina in 1764. During the Revolutionary War, the British captured the city and the bells were returned to England as spoils. After the war, a London merchant purchased them and returned the bells to Charleston, where they were re hung amid great rejoicing. 

In 1823, cracks were discovered in the bells and they were again returned to England to be recast. During the Civil War, the bells were removed to Columbia for safekeeping, but were ruined in a fire set by Sherman's Army. Only fragments of the bells were found. 

After the war, the remains made a third trip to England (where the original molds still stood) for restoration. They were once again installed in the Charleston church steeple in February 1867, where on March 21, 1967 they joyously rang out:

Home again,
Home again
From a foreign land.

Listen to St. Michaels Chimes:

Floor Clock (Rods) • Floor Clock (Tubular Bells) • Mantel