2006-08-12 00:45:04 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
They are not bells - they are are decorative bollards to protect corners against vehicles jumping the kerb. Look around for old factories, railway stations, goods yards, fire stations and the like that would have had horse-drawn traffic and you will find granite pillars embedded in the ground to protect the gate posts. As a child (not that long ago!) I can remember old smooth-bore cannons being set into the ground, muzzle up and with an over-sized cannon ball stuck in the top for the same purpose.
2006-08-12 02:38:52 · answer #1 · answered by Jellicoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
large lorries have trouble judging corners and sometimes they hit the curb. The Bell is to push the back wheels into the road away from predestians. The Bell would be only on sharp narrow roads.
2006-08-12 07:59:39 · answer #2 · answered by j_emmans 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi! They are commemorative Bells to mark where a lot of old churches used to be - as in the Rhyme Oranges & Lemons - say the bell of St Clements.. etc etc..
2006-08-12 07:56:58 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to agree with Jellicoe. You can find lovely examples of the cannons and cannon balls in Hampstead. Also to the person who said about the 'oranges and lemons' song. As far as the population of London is concerned, the church of Saint Clement Danes is still standing and its bells are chiming their faithful tune to anyone who wishes to pass!!!
2006-08-12 12:22:57 · answer #4 · answered by samanthajanecaroline 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dates back to Victorian times when people would need to be notified to 'Bring Out Your Dead'.
Disease control.
2006-08-12 07:57:11 · answer #5 · answered by Vix 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is in case a lorry cuts the corner to protect pedestrians
2006-08-12 07:50:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
bow bells for the cockneys hear
2006-08-15 06:46:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It goes back to the time of disease..when they brought out their dead
2006-08-12 08:41:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it has something to do with The Plague or Black Death.
2006-08-12 17:17:04 · answer #9 · answered by monkeyface 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just think yourself lucky theres not big bows too
2006-08-12 07:47:07 · answer #10 · answered by Homer Baby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋