Town Hall Bell Tower

Guelph’s Town Hall was built in 1856-57. The original building was designed by well-known Canadian architect William T. Thomas in the Renaissance Revival style and included an elegant clock and bell tower.

Displayed here is the original bell from that tower. Manufactured in 1857 by the Meneely Bell Company of West Troy, New York, the bell was cast in bronze, weighs about 2,000 pounds and hangs from a rotating yoke. The Town Hall Bell Tower was replaced in 1869 by a much taller structure.

For over 100 years, the bell signaled the time and was rung for significant community events. In 1961, the tower was removed from City Hall, and the bell was displayed on a cairn in Riverside Park until 2000 when it was placed in storage.

The bell was installed at City Hall in August 2023.