“TURN AGAIN WHITTINGTON.”

Waikato Independent, Volume III, Issue 167, 14 December 1905, Page 8

“TURN AGAIN WHITTINGTON.”

FAMOUS CHIMES RUNG AFTER A SILENCE OF 250 YEARS.

Having been unheard since the Great Fire of London, nearly 250 years ago, the old “ Whittington Chimes ” were rung again recently from the historic steeple of Bow Church, Cheapside. The old City tune has been recast by Sir Charles Yilliers Stanford, and the melody is divided into four parts—the quarter, half, three-quarters, and the hour. At the first quarter the bells chime “ Turn again,” and these notes are added to for the next chime, which says “ Turn again, Whittington,” followed later by “ Turn again, Whittington, turn again,” while at the striking of the hour the full chime is given, “ Turn again, Whittington, turn again, thrice Lord Mayor of London.” To those waiting to hear the new chimes the Rev. A. W. Hutton told the City’s most cherished legend, how Dick Whittington went on Highgate Hill, heard the Bow bells, and returned to fame and fortune ; but the rector thought that at far-way Highgate the chimes would scarcely be heard, and if the femous Richard had heard anything it must have been the deep-toned curfew bell.