The Westminster Chime is the famous "Big Ben" melody that's played by the clock tower, Elizabeth Tower, in the House of Parliament in London. Westminster Quarters is now the most popular tune for church bells and can be heard all over the world.
The melody was inspired by a phrase from Handel's "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth". The words and music were arranged by Williams Crotch in 1793 and are still popular in churches today.
Here are just a few of the places you can hear the tune:
Great St Mary's Church, Cambridge – the original home of the chimes
The Peace Tower in Ottawa, Canada
The San Francisco Ferry Building clock tower
Schools in Japan, China and Taiwan, which often use the tune as school bells to signal the beginning/end of lessons
Most traditional grandfather, wall and mantel clocks play the Westminster Chime.
Ye Olde Clock and Gift Shoppe, in Dallas, Pennsylvania, is a family owned business since 1968.
We have been a destination in the Back Mountain since August of 1972. Tom and Rebecca, along with our amazing team, select all of our clocks, watches, fine collectibles, jewelry and gifts from craftsmen around the world. We feature handmade gifts from the best local artists. We provide old fashioned customer service, where the customer comes first. We gladly accept special orders and ship everywhere. Please visit us today.