Heritage Malta yesterday unveiled three new bells which will be installed in the clock tower of the Royal Naval Bakery, which houses the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa. The bells christened Lorenza, Maria Concetta and Maria Victoria were bought from the UK after almost two years of research by campanologist Kenneth Cauchi

Heritage Malta yesterday unveiled three new bells which will be installed in the clock tower of the Royal Naval Bakery, which houses the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa.

The bells christened Lorenza, Maria Concetta and Maria Victoria were bought from the UK after almost two years of research by campanologist Kenneth Cauchi, when the opportunity to acquire three bells from a ring replacement materialised.

St Mary’s Church in Brittlewell, Essex was to replace its ring of 10 bells by various founders and dates with a set of 10 new bells from Whitechapel foundry. Six of the older bells were by Mears and Stainbank produced between 1865 and 1968. Three of the Mears bells, the third, the sixth and the ninth were similar to those previously found in the Royal Naval Bakery clock tower, mainly the musical tones in keeping with the original British quarters and hour striking. The three bells, dated 1872 and the smallest one 1895, were picked in order to maintain as much as possible the originality of the ensemble.

Besides the clock tower project, other various odd jobs were carried out by Heritage Malta staff and other contracted professionals which included the restoration of the three solid steal beams, new hanging stirrups to traditional designs and the restoration of the inside of the belfry.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, in his inaugural speech described the old bakery as a landmark that represents the Maltese people’s efforts for survival and making a difference in Mediterranean and European history. “This is ‘the real thing’. We are not living in a film set. This is authentic and we are duty-bound to be loyal towards our heritage. These bells are a symbol of our belief in our heritage,” Dr Gonzi explained.

Heritage Malta Chairman Joe Said described the new bells as an important addition to the national collection. He thanked Heritage Malta’s employees for their ability to adapt according to the work required. “Their good will and eagerness to excel must be commended. I must thank them for their dedication,” Mr Said concluded.

The original three bells, the oldest British bells in Malta, suffered extensive degradation through the passage of time and therefore could not be restored, however, they will be exhibited and conserved in the museum as an integral part of the ‘Time Keeping’ display in the Navigation Hall.