The McConnell Chime is a musical instrument composed of 18 tuned bronze bells (spanning one and a half octaves) that are played from a baton keyboard. The chime can be heard across the local area, from up Great Tower Street to the Trinity Square. The chime is played on religious and secular occasions, providing music to the Tower Hill area and its community.
About the instrument and bells
The chime keyboard is located in the tower. The bells are hung stationary in their frame (they do not swing or turn on a wheel), instead being struck by clappers 
which are each connected to a baton on the keyboard. In this style of ringing, the chime is an expressive musical instrument that can play in a diverse range of musical styles and sentiments. The chime is also equipped with an electropneumatic automatic playing mechanism that can produce a small number of musical excerpts.
The largest bell range in diameter of 0.5 to 1.5 m. The largest weighs approximately 2 tonnes.
Getting involved
The chime is played regularly by a small group of people. We are actively seeking to grow this group. Instruction will be provided on playing technique. Those who would be interested to learn to play this unique musical instrument are welcome to contact the church office (020 7481 2928 or email parish@ahbtt.org.uk).
We are particularly encouraging those with a musical foundation upon which to build. This includes ability to read in the treble clef and experience with playing keyboard instruments.
Hearing and visiting the chime
The chime is typically played during the half hour before the Sunday eucharist, from 10:30-11:00. Summer lunchtime recitals are also performed, which will be advertised on the parish website. It may also be heard at ad hoc times.
Visits to see and hear the chime can be arranged for groups up to six for a fee. Please note the chime is accessed via a spiral staircase with several flights of stairs and may not be suitable for people with limited mobility. Contact the church office (020 7481 2928 or email parish@ahbtt.org.uk) for more details.
History
The chime was installed in 1948 as part of the post-WW2 rebuilding of the church. The bells were cast by John Taylor & Co. It is the gift of John Wilson McConnell, a Canadian businessman who made his fortune in sugar refining and publishing before becoming a major philanthropist. The previous bells were destroyed in the Blitz of 1940. The current bells are inscribed to various figures prominent in the history of the church. The largest is inscribed for St Ethelberga, the church’s founding saint, and is the one that is heard as the All Hallows clock chimes the hour.
