The Carillon

Concerts are heard regularly on Parliament Hill from the Peace Tower carillon. The 54-t (60-ton) instrument, developed from the 17th century chiming clocks in Dutch and Flemish cities, contains 53 bells, ranging in size from the 4.5 kg (10 lb.) A-bell 16.6 cm (7 in.) in diameter to the 10,160 kg (22,400 lb.) bourdon tuned to E. It is the bourdon that strikes the hour.

The carillon is played from a large keyboard similar to that of an organ. To play, the keys are usually struck with the closed fist, but in the case of the heavier bells, which are fixed, the carilloneur must use his feet. Connected wires swing the clappers against the bells.

Musicians come from all over the world to study this superbly tuned carillon. The Peace Tower contains one of the earliest and finest carillons in North America.