Mid-Town Brandywine in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Tatnall Bell, 1800
This bronze bell originally hung in the cupola of Old Town Hall (across the street) from 1800 until 1875. Old Town Hall was built in 1798 and served the city until 1916.
The bell, cast in England, was purchased by Joseph Tatnall (1740-1813), a prosperous miller and merchant who also purchased the clock for the building. As one of the tallest buildings in Wilmington for almost a century, the Town Hall and its tower became an important community focal point. The bell worked with the clock to strike on the hour but could also be rung manually as a fire alarm, to summon the citizenry to meetings, or to mark a period of public celebration or mourning.
The bell was removed when the original cupola was replaced by a larger one in 1875. The bell then passed to the Phoenix Fire Company before being donated to the Delaware Historical Society by the heirs of Joseph Tatnall in 1933.
Erected by Delaware Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.
Location. 39° 44.49′ N, 75° 33.042′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and on the Delmarva Peninsula. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cook-Simms House, 1778 (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Willingtown Square (a few steps from this marker); Jacob and Obadiah Dingee Houses, 1771 and 1773 (a few steps from this marker); Jacobs House, 1748 (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Lodge of Delaware A.F.&A.M. (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Town Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Coxe Houses, 1801 (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilmington Historic Trail (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Willingtown Square (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 18, 2022
2. Tatnall Bell, 1800 Marker
The bell stands behind the fence.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 553 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 19, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
