Post date: Sep 28, 2015 7:7:17 AM
The Traditional:
When you think of bell towers most people think of large pillars that extend towards the sky, usually attached to a chapel or other ornate building. Traditional bell towers have a base, a shaft, a belfry, and a ceiling. Within the belfry is usually one or two large bells that can have various set ups as discussed in the previous blog.(See figure 1)
The Carillon:
This type of bell set up can be housed in the traditional tower as described above, or sometimes can be seen free standing on its own. A carillon is a cluster of bells,usually at least 23 of different sizes that are rung synchronously to form a melody of some sorts. These bells can be found in many universities, such as WPI, and in most cities around the world. The bells can be played with a keyboard like an instrument or preset using computer programming or a player piano style roller. Some bells have been replaced with speakers that mimic the traditional sounds produced but have much lower cost of maintenance and set up. ( See figure 3,4,6)
Bell-Gable
Simplest of the structures, usually replaces a traditional bell tower. The bell is simply hung from the top of a structure with a gable, or arch, on top of the building. Cheaper than traditional towers and gets the same task accomplished. Very common in Spain and other Hispanic countries. (See figure 5)
Avela:
Also known as Roman bell towers, they are arches with bells that hang from the apex. They are very common in Italy and other Romantic Nations. Also cheaper and easier to maintain than towers. Especially for when they were constructed, before modern materials allowed for easier tower construction.
Clock Tower:
Like a bell tower, but with a clock on it. Common in older cities as was a center piece to a town, allowed for the telling of time anywhere within eyesight of the tower. Very helpful before the development of cell phones or the wide spread use of watches. (see figure 2)