Description: This bell was returned to Haddington from Thurso Museum in 1970 and the Education Committee transferred it to the keeping of Haddington Library where there was a small collection of historic objects. It is believed to be the bell from Haddington's old grammar school, which closed in 1879. This copper alloy bell has an iron loop handle, which passes through to an eroded iron clapper at a welded joint; these parts may not be original. The exterior is embellished with geometric decorations and a text HADINGTOUN ANNO 1680. Bells were used to gain the attention of children as the beginning of a school day drew near and to signal lesson changes throughout the day. Traditionally, the ringing of the bell was a signal for classes to assemble in the playground before an orderly entry to their classroom. Accession Number - A109
