The Mears foundry was established in Essex Street, Whitechapel, in 1570, (under a different name), moving to 32-34 Whitechapel Road in 1738. The founders were recognised as masters in the production of bells, and in their catalogue of 1920 list many famous examples of their work. These include Big Ben, the 13 ton bell in Saint Stephen's Tower at Westminster; the Great Bell of Montreal Cathedral; the Great Peter of York Minster; the Great Tom of Lincoln Cathedral; and the Clock Bells of Saint Pauls Cathedral, London.