You Rang, M’Lord? School Uncovers Wall Of Downton Abbey Style Servant Bells

Hearing a bell at school is nothing new - how else would pupils know when it’s lunchtime?

But one school has just been giving a ringing endorsement after staff discovered a hidden wall of no fewer than 63 servants’ bells.

The ringers wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of Downton Abbey, and were concealed behind a panel at Westonbirt School in Gloucestershire.

The school was originally a country mansion owned by a millionaire and the Grade 1 property was connected by servants’ bells linking the rooms.

Each bell makes its own distinct sound so servants could know which room was ringing. Many of the bells still work.

Westonbirt House was built between 1863 and 1870 and was originally the home of landscape architect Robert Stayner Holford.

The property became an independent girls’ school in 1928. It charges up to £33,000 a year for boarding pupils.

Westonbirt Headmistress Natasha Dangerfield said: “Longer serving members of staff had heard rumours of bells hidden behind wood panelling in one of the lower corridors.

“Intrigued by this suggestion, the school maintenance team were delighted to uncover a wall of 63 perfectly persevered bells during the half term break.

“Staff and students at Westonbirt have always appreciated the impressive and inspiring heritage of the environment in which we work.

“To uncover such a gem, particularly as Downton reached a crucial time on the television, has caused much interest and excitement.”

(Pictures: SWNS)