About same time, the Chapel bell, which upon investigation bears the words J.S. Doyle 1890 – (probably the maker) was secured for a nominal sum from St. Colomban’s College, Dublin, Eire, through the efforts of W.T. Keble of the staff of S. Thomas’ from the Headmaster, Mr. Sobey, who was a friend of his. The only stipulation made for the acceptance of the low payment was that the bell should not be rung for any Roman Catholic service. When it was installed and rung the sound made in the Chapel was so deafening that a wooden platform was constructed just below it to muffe the peal and give relief.
Throughout the years, the more daring schoolboy has defied the authorities at one time or another to climb to the platform in the belfry, that is reached by way of the spiral staircase to the organ loft and from there by a very narrow bamboo ladder with a few and precious rungs. Their names and those of the workmen who had been up there could be seen carved on the walls of the tiny cell that houses the bell. A peep through the wooden lattice of the cell window provides a most spectacular view of the campus.