Overview
- Staff spotted the damage on Halloween morning after finding large stones near the base, with scuffs on the bronze and fractures in the marble and concrete mounting.
- Christ Church reported the incident to the National Park Service Police, who are conducting an investigation.
- Officials say the bell will remain outdoors for public viewing, as the mounting took the brunt of the damage and the bell itself appears largely intact.
- The church is preparing a restoration plan and will invite public support, while also pursuing area cleanup and better lighting to deter future vandalism.
- Cast in 1702 at London’s Whitechapel Foundry, the 350-pound bell predates the Liberty Bell by roughly 50 years and returned to Christ Church in 2011 after stints at other local sites.