BellBoard

(Aris's Birmingham Gazette, Mon. 23 Feb. 1789; extract kindly provided by John Eisel)

An attempt was made last Monday by eight Birmingham youths, some of whom are under twenty years of age, to ring 15120 changes in bob majors; but after they had exerted themselves upwards of eight hours, it was doubtful whether the desired period could be perfectly attained; on which account it was thought prudent to have the bells brought round the first favourable opportunity by the caller, which was done by omitting a bob; and instead of effecting their first intention, they made 14224 changes complete, such as would stand the strictest criticism of every judicious hearer. This is the most extensive number ever completed by any one set of performers whatever; and had their aim been successful, the whole 120 seven-eights would have been introduced without a single. The time that was engaged in the execution of the above was eight hours and forty-five minutes.

BN 02.0160 (list); the conductor was Charles Shuter; more details are anticipated.