The bell is is not a national instrument, but ringing changes on tuned Church bells emerged in England, although you can now hear change ringing around the world. A trip to Whitechapel Bell Foundry is worth it to anyone interested in bells and that sort of thing. I wouldnt want to dance with a church bell strapped round my ankle though, and I dont think the church bell would make a very good accompaniament to folk songs, would it?