John Taylor & Co
John Taylor Bell Foundry (Loughborough) Limited, trading as John Taylor & Co and commonly known as Taylor's Bell Foundry, Taylor's of Loughborough, or simply Taylor's, is the world's largest working bell foundry. It is located in Loughborough, in the Charnwood borough of Leicestershire, England. The business originated in the 14th century, and the Taylor family took over in 1784.
The foundry premises in Freehold Street, Loughborough | |
Trade name | John Taylor & Co |
|---|---|
| Formerly | Taylors Eayre & Smith Limited (2005–2009) |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
| Industry | Bellfounding |
| Founded | 1784 |
| Founder | John Taylor |
| Headquarters | Loughborough, England |
Key people | Michael Wilby 2019-2021 (MD) |
| Parent | UK Bell Foundries Ltd |
| Subsidiaries | John Taylor International |
| Website | taylorbells.co.uk |
The company manufactures bells for use in clock towers, rings of bells for change ringing, chimes, and carillons. In 2005, Taylor's merged with Eayre & Smith Limited (bellhangers) and from 2005 until 2009 was known as Taylors Eayre & Smith Limited.
In September 2009, Taylor's went into administration but was bought out of administration by a consortium named UK Bell Foundries Ltd, led by Andrew Wilby, which re-financed the business. Since then, the company has re-established its presence both in the UK and in export markets.
The foundry has a museum of bells and bellfounding, which is the only one of its kind in the UK. It is one of the few Victorian purpose-built manufacturing sites still being used for its original purpose. Its campanile contains the most-pealed bells in the world.