Comments on: The Division Bells Of Westminster

By: Gerry

Gerry — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 22:11:42 +0000

That’s definitely not an old radio in St. Stephen’s Tavern, it’s a traditional division bell that was (is?) used throughout the House of Commons.

Unlike an ordinary electric bell, the sound is quite distinctive (ding-a-ding, ding-a-ding) at about the speed of windscreen wipers or a clock with a short pendulum.

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 10:19:22 +0000

Well, this is the best excuse for a “pub-crawl” that I have ever heard!
Seriously, it is yet another fascinating peek at the eccentricities of the British and probably something that has never before been documented, so well done GA and Adam.
I love the humour in Adam’s maps and I had to smile that he had included a branch of Greggs in close proximity to the Houses of Parliament. Perhaps Greggs needs a division bell – now there is a thought!

By: Georgina Briody

Georgina Briody — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 06:38:22 +0000

I remember these times well. Not bothered about the MPs but another memory of London gone.

By: Mark in Colorado US

Mark in Colorado US — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 15:55:48 +0000

Now this is a quest worthy donig…must plan on it when I am next in London.
Thank you!!!!

By: Adele

Adele — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 14:01:13 +0000

Who knew???? Fascinating!

By: paul loften

paul loften — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 13:31:48 +0000

Personally speaking, I can’t say that I admire any politician that I have seen in my lifetime to the extent of celebrating them with a drink. Although on the other hand its always worth looking for a good excuse for a pub crawl. This was as good an excuse as any, as you were not celebrating the politicians but the bells, and the pubs were absolutely top of the range!
I have been on one or two big, organized pub crawls in London during my younger days. I will not go into the details but I must admit they are amongst the best of my memories . I often wonder how they remained as a memory considering the amount of beer consumed on visiting each pub and the state that we were all in the end.

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 10:58:10 +0000

Will wonders never cease? GA, you’ve introduced me to yet-another intricacy of Life In London.
I had never heard the term “division bell” until today. Since discovering Spitalfields Life, I
have become older……..true…….but so much wiser.

Love the photos, Adam’s maps, the inside scoop, and the whole nine yards.
Riiiiiii-i-i-i-ii-iii-nnnnnng!

By: Jim McDermott

Jim McDermott — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 09:46:40 +0000

It was probably Bellamy’s veal pies (and the port) that made Pitt’s gout so unbearable. I’ve often wondered how many MPs who heard the Division Bell had sufficiently sober legs to carry them back to the Commons (I’m thinking here of the risible example of Mark Reckless in 2010).

By: Andreane Thomas

Andreane Thomas — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 09:16:49 +0000

Fascinating information which I wasn’t aware of but am now. Thank you so much… I love this kind of historical information. Much appreciated. Please don’t stop writing.

By: Greg Tingey

Greg Tingey — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 08:41:12 +0000

No longer one in “The Speaker” on the corner of Gt Peter St & Perkins’ Rents?
SHAME! ( etc. )
I think the “Buck” ( Buckingham Arms ) in Petty France had one, but was lost in the recent refurbishment …