" GREAT TOM - " • OF - OXFORD [TO the Editor - of
the SPECTATOR.] have always. understood that the cathedral bells (whether transferred from Oseney Abbey or not is immaterial) were. removed duriog the restoration of the church under Dean Liddell from the old tower, probably owing to that tower becoming unsafe, and placed in the new so-called Wolsey Tower, being enclosed in the " meat safe " which was the
object of so much satire. .
The peal consisted of ten bells_(tenor D fiat), and two trebles were added in 1897, making the present ring of twelve. That " Great Tom " ever hung in the cathedral tower, that he was ever swung, or that he ever formed part of the above peal, I can hardly believe.
But if " Great Tom " was cast in 1611,. and if he was not in the cathedral tower, the question arises, where was he between that date -and the erection by Wren of his present home over the gateway ?
It would be Very interesting if light could be -throWn on this matter.--I am, Sir; &c.,
SAYERS, Formerly Chaplain of Christchurch.
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