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What types of chimes are available? There are two main types of clock chime in use today, The Westminster (Cambridge) Chime and Whittington Chimes. Whittington Chimes Whittington Chimes are the older of the two and date back to the time of the penniless Dick Whittington leaving London in 1392. Leaving London in search of work he past Highgate Hill and heard Bow Bells at St Mary le Bow ringing out and seemingly saying “Turn Again Turn Back Again Dick Whittington”. With this he turned back to London, made his fortune and became Lord Mayor of London three times. The Whittington Chimes are less well known than the Westminster Chimes, despite being much older. It wasn’t until Victorian times this melody was given the name “Whittington Chimes”. Westminster Chimes Westminster Quarters is the most common name for a melody used by a set of clock bells to strike the hour. It is also known as Westminster Chimes, or the Cambridge Chimes from its place or origin. The chime is believed to have come from Handel’s Messiah. Written in 1793 for the University of Cambridge’s University Church, it was believed to have been written by Revd Dr Joseph Jowitt, who was ably assisted by the Professor of Music John Randall. In the mid 19th century the chime was adapted for the Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster. Since this time its fame spread to where it is possibly the most famous clock chime in the world. According to tradition, the tune has words: "O Lord our God/Be Thou our guide/That by thy help/No foot may slide." An additional rendering of the lyrics changes the third line: "O Lord our God/Be Thou our guide/So by Thy power/No foot shall slide." A variation on this, to the same tune, is sung at the end of a Brownie meeting in the UK. "Oh Lord our God/Thy children call/Grant us Thy peace/And bless us all".
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