On the centenary of the Armistice, bells ring out across the UK in commemoration and rejoicing. From death knells to joyful peals, Mark Tully celebrates the power of bells.

During both World Wars, church bells were silenced. They were allowed to be rung only as alarm bells to warn of an invasion. On Armistice Day, ringers rushed to belfries to sound the bells in relief and jubilation. At St Dunstan’s Church in East Sussex, Mark meets some of those ringers’ contemporary counterparts, and hears how ringing connects them to the past.

Readings from Dylan Thomas, AP Herbert and Carol Ann Duffy show the role of bells in remembrance, celebration and congregation. Music includes pieces which mixes orchestral instruments with recordings of church bells.

Readers: Rachel Atkins, Paterson Joseph and Francis Cadder
Presenter: Mark Tully
Producer: Hannah Marshall
A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4 Show less