What is the origin of the popular chime melodies played by clock mechanisms?
Chime melodies and bell strike mechanisms were first introduced to public and then domestic clocks so that the time could be broadcast to a community or a household. The world’s most famous chime is the Westminster chime associated with “Big Ben”, the bell in the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament in London. The melody evolved from a phrase from the fifth bar of Handel’s Messiah, ‘I know that my redeemer liveth’ and was originally played by the clock of Great St. Mary’s Church in Cambridge, England. In 1764 St. Michael’s Church was built in Charleston, South Carolina USA. The chime from the clock became known as the St. Michael’s Chime. The bells used were cast in London. The famous Whittington Chime is derived from the Church of St. Mary’s le Bow in Cheap Side, London. Legend has it that Dick Whittington, running away from ill treatment as a house waif, seemed to hear the chimes say “Turn again Whittington Lord Mayor of London Town”. He turned back and later served three terms as
