Who Made the Liberty Bell?

The bell visitors see was cast in Philadelphia by John Pass and John Stow, local craftsmen, and completed in 1753; it carries the mark “Pass and Stow Philada MDCCLIII”. The first bell came from the Whitechapel Foundry in London, ordered in 1751 by Isaac Norris, Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly (NPS).

Ordered1751, by Isaac Norris

First castWhitechapel Foundry, London

Recast byJohn Pass and John Stow

Completed1753, Philadelphia

The London bell was made for the State House, now Independence Hall, and cracked on first use. Pass and Stow melted it down and recast it, and then recast it again, according to Wikipedia. Their names are cast into the bell with the date in Roman numerals. The history page follows the bell from 1751 to its current hall, and the inscription page reads the full lettering.

Frequently asked questions

Who cast the Liberty Bell?

John Pass and John Stow cast the bell in Philadelphia in 1753, after the first bell from the Whitechapel Foundry in London cracked on first use.

Who ordered the Liberty Bell?

Isaac Norris, Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly, in 1751, for the State House bell tower (NPS).

Where was the Liberty Bell made?

The first bell was cast in London at the Whitechapel Foundry; the bell on display was recast in Philadelphia by Pass and Stow. See the history page.