The National Carillon was a gift from the British Government
to the people of Australia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Capital.
Queen Elizabeth II accepted the National Carillon on behalf of Australians on 26 April 1970.
It comprises three angular, concrete columns clad in polished quartz and opal chip.
The maximum height of the tower is 160 feet from ground level.
The first floor is approximately half-way up the tower
and contains the chamber for the clavier which operates the bells,
a practice clavier for recital preparation
and a shower and dressing room for the carillonist.
An aperture had to be left in the centre of the floor to allow the biggest bells
to be hoisted to the carillon chamber, since they were too large to pass up
any of the three columns.
Above this is the carillon chamber itself, and lastly,
at a height of 120 feet above ground level,
is a small viewing room with three windows and external balconies,
each with a different aspect.
Carillons have a minimum of 23 bells.
With 53 bronze bells the National Carillon is large by world standards.
The pitch of the bells ranges chromatically through four and a half octaves.
The bells each weigh between seven kilograms and six tonnes.
This photo is taken from underneath the tower looking directly up towards the first floor.
