Klokkekilder

Klokkekilder is a term that appears in a limited set of Dutch- and Scandinavian-language sources and is generally used to refer to the makers or sources of bells—i.e., bell-foundries and the craftspeople who cast and finish bells. In practice, the expression is often historical or regional, and its exact sense can vary depending on the text.

Bell founding is a specialized craft centered on producing bells for churches, towers, ships, and carillons. Bells are typically cast in bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, commonly around 77–78 percent copper and 22–23 percent tin. The process involves creating a mold, pouring the molten metal, and allowing the bell to cool. After casting, the bell is cleaned and tuned, a procedure that may involve removing metal from the rim or interior to adjust pitch and overtones. The final shape, size, and weight determine the bell’s tone, with larger bells producing lower pitches.

Historical context shows that bell-foundation flourished across Europe from the medieval period onward, with important centers in various towns and regions that produced church bells, ship bells, and, in some places, carillons. The craft required expertise in metallurgy, acoustics, and precise metalworking, and individual bell-foundries often kept detailed records of their work.

Modern usage notes indicate that klokkekilder is not common in contemporary dictionaries. In current practice, more common terms in Scandinavian languages include klokkeverksted (Norwegian/Danish for “bell workshop”) or klokestøperi; in other contexts the phrase may appear mainly in historical writings.

See also: bell foundry, bell metal, carillon, church bell.