“The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge.”

 

2 Samuel 22:3

 

The Bell Tower

          Whom for do the bells toll?

The tower measures 29 feet by 25ft 6in inside, and has three stages of masonry. There is a large and ancient perpendicular oak door on the West, but this has not been used for many years.

The original four bells, and a small bell for the clock, were installed in 1552. In 1778, the bells were replaced and six new bells installed, cast by Pack and Co. of London. It is likely that the original bells were sold. Many church bells were seized during this time and made into cannons. It is believed that a significant number of church bells were taken into the Low Countries for this purpose – possibly to be used against this country!

In 1951, an additional two bells were added, taking the total up to eight.

Although the new bells were installed, regular bell ringing did not take place until it was re-introduced in 1987, after a gap of 35 years. The bells are now rung on Sundays, and at weddings and other services.

The clock is blacksmith made and dates back to 1552 (or earlier – the precise date is unknown). The winding mechanism was electrified in 1970, prior to which the clock was driven by two large weights which had to be wound back up the 75ft tower every single week.

Access to the bell tower is restricted for safety reasons, but guided tours can be arranged on request.

In addition, there is a video of the bells being rung on one of the touchscreens in the Dawnay Chapel.

Provision of two new bells (1951).
L-R: H. North, L. Holmes, Rev. B. A. Ramsker, Mr. Harrison,
Rev. V. J. Bennett, A. Miller, H. Evans.