Bow bells

American  

[boh] / boʊ /

plural noun

1. the bells of Bow church, in the East End district of London: traditionally, a true Cockney is born and raised within the sound of Bow bells.

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Etymology

Origin of Bow bells

First recorded in 1590–1600

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Bow bells

Traditionally, a Cockney is anyone "born within the sound of Bow bells" - the bells of St.Mary-le-Bow church in the heart of medieval London.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 20, 2012

Being a cockney is not simply about being born within earshot of Bow bells.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 26, 2012

She calls herself "a true cockney" – she was born in Barts hospital on a Sunday morning to the sound of the Bow bells.

From The Guardian ● Mar. 20, 2011

By tradition the true London Cockney was "horn within sound of Bow bells" ringing from the tower of St. Mary-le-Bow Church in Cheapside.

From Time Magazine Archive

"No family or school-room within, or indeed beyond, the sound of Bow bells, should be without this merry manual."

From Cat and Dog Memoirs of Puss and the Captain by Julia Charlotte Maitland

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