Whitechapel Bell Foundry special opening

Not exactly local, but I know there are a few history buffs on here, so I thought it might be appreciated. And there is a local connection, so stick with it. 

Whitechapel bell foundry is one of oldest manufacturing companies in Britain. It's been going since 1570 and is still casting bells in traditional fashion right in the middle of Whitechapel. They cast Big Ben, the orginal Liberty Bell and that Olympic bell which Bradley Wiggins whacked in the opening ceremony (Wiggo fact, he didn't really hit it - it has an electrically operated clapper).They're not open to the public very often, but for the Olympics, they've exceptionally opened every day for a couple of weeks. They say they're offering self-guided tours, but there were loads of incredibly knowledgeable staff on hand to talk through all aspects of bell making. 

I'm not specially a bell nut, or a foundry nut, but I've always wanted to visit and I thought it was fantastic to see such traditional work still being done. I was awed by the skill and knowledge of the staff (I like a geek, me). It was even a bit thrilling to see the template form for Big Ben hanging on the wall of the foundry, and a bell dated 1537 attached to its original beam with original strapwork lying about waiting for repair.

The tour cost a tenner, but was well worth it I thought, espcially as there's nothing in the little gift shop you'd want to buy (mini bells with the signs of the zodiac anyone?). The special open days finish on Sunday, so if you get a chance to get down there on the 67, I'd thoroughly recommend you do. 

Oh, and the local connection is that they have a certificate on the wall of the office (undecorated since 1820, like something out of Dickens), commemorating the ringing of 5040 Grandsire Triples (no, me neither) on September 5th 1964 at St Anns, Church, Stamford HIll.