Who presented Britain’s Bicentennial Bell during the 1976 anniversary that preceded America250?

Queen Elizabeth II presented Britain’s Bicentennial Bell during the 1976 anniversary that preceded America250. She gave the replica to the United States on behalf of the British people during a visit to Philadelphia.

The bell commemorated the United States Bicentennial, marking 200 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted. It was cast at the same Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London associated with the original Liberty Bell.

The Bicentennial Bell carried a different inscription: “For the People of the United States of America from the People of Britain 4 July 1976 LET FREEDOM RING.” Its presentation reflected the historical relationship between Britain and the United States.

The gift is easy to confuse with the original Liberty Bell, which remained the historic Philadelphia symbol. The 1976 object was a commemorative replica created specifically for the Bicentennial.