3 & 4 bell towers visited.

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Key to abbreviations used.

GF - ground floor.
RR - Ringing room.
Int - intermediate (chamber).
N - North, S - South, E - East, W - West.
SW - South west, SE - South east, NE - North east, NW - North west.
A/C - Anti-clockwise rope cirlce



England -
Berkshire - Barkham (4), Chaddleworth (4), Lower Basildon (4), Stanford Dingley (4),
Ufton Nervet (4)
Buckinghamshire - Chearsley (3), Halton (4)
Cambridgeshire - Abbotts Ripton (3), Broughton (4), Bury (3), Bythorn (4), Conington (4), Covington (3), Ellington (4), Eltisley (4), Graveley (4), Hail Weston (3), Landbeach (4), Orton Waterville (4), Southoe (4), Ufford (4)
Cornwall - Colan (3), Egloskerry (4), Feock (3), Otterham (3), Philleigh (3), Quethiock (3), St Levan (3), St Allen (3), St Erth (4), St Gennys (4), St Gerrans (4), St John in Cornwall (3), St Just in Penwith (3), St Michael Penkevil (4), Sithney (3)
Cumbria - Barbon (4), Great Urswick (4), Lazonby (4)
Derbyshire - Allestree (3), Beeley (3), Cubley (4), Egginton (3), Foremark (4), Marston Montgomery (3), Marston on Dove (4), Morley (4), Newton Solney (3), Norbury (3), Radbourne (3), Snelston (3), Sutton Scarsdale (4), Taddington (4), Thorpe (3) Tissington (3) Weston on Trent (3)
Devon - Brendon (4), Bondleigh (4), Dunterton (3), Highampton (3), Meeth (4), Northleigh (4), Southleigh (4), Torbryan (4)
Dorset - Church Knowle (3), Fifehead Magdalen (3), Ryme Intrinseca (3), Margaret Marsh (4), Winterbourne Zelston (4)
Durham - Aycliffe (3)
Gloucestershire - Bagendon (5), Clearwell (4), Coln Rogers (3), Daglingworth (4), Duntisbourne Abbotts (3), Duntisbourne Rous (2), Eastleach Martin (3), Eastleach Turville (2), Elmstone Hardwick (4), Farmington (3), Great Badminton (3), Highnam (3), Notgrove (3), Pauntley (3), Sapperton (3), Sevenhampton (3), Stanway (4), Staverton (3), Syde (3), Tibberton (3), Westcote (3), Wyck Risssington (4)
Hampshire - Breamore (4), Compton (3), Farleigh Chamberlain (3), Greywell (3), South Wanborough (3)
Herefordshire – Bacton (4), Leysters (3), Middleton on the Hill (3), Monkland (4), Richards Castle (3), St Margarets (3), Vowchurch (3)
Kent - Alkham (4), East Langdon (4)
Lancashire - Barnoldswick (3), Bolton by Bowland (4)
Leicestershire – Catthorpe (3), Long Whatton (3), Orton on the Hill (4), Peatling Magna (4), Sibson (4), Worthington (3)
Lincolnshire - Binbrook (3), Grainthorpe (3), Hougham (4), Healing (4), North Killingholme (4), North Somercoates (3), North Thoresby (3), Old Clee (3), Scartho (3), Stallingborough (4), Stamford SJB (4), Tealby (4), Theddletorpe St Helen (3), Trusthorpe (3), Winthorpe (4), Wootton (4),
Norfolk - Bradwell (3), Bramerton (3), Gimingham (3), Great Massingham (4), Surlingham (4),
Northamptonshire - Achurch (4), Barby (4), Cold Ashby (4), Draughton (4), Fawsley (4), Kilsby (4), Lamport (4), Lutton (4), Pilton (4)
Northumberland - Matfen (3)
Nottinghamshire - Laneham (4), Normanton on Soar (4)
Oxfordshire - Buscot (4), Chesterton (3), Claydon (3), Drayton (3), Finmere (3), Fritwell (4), Moulsford (3), Sparsholt (4), Stoke Lyne (3)
Rutland - South Luffenham (4)
Shropshire - Beckbury (3), Bourton (4) Kemberton (4)
Somerset - Bathealton (4), Bawdrip (4), Berkley (4), Bicknoller (4), Biddisham (4), Brean (3), Clatworthy (4), Donyatt (4), Elworthy (4), East Quantoxhead (4), Farleigh Hungerford (4), Kittisford (4), Lovington (3), Middle Chinnock (3), North Wootton (3), Oare (3), Orchard Portman (4), Otterford (4), Otterhampton (4), Pitcombe (3), Priddy (3), Rodney Stoke (4), Shepton Montague (3), South Barrow (3), Stoke Pero (3), Thurlbear (4), Walton St Mary (4), West Chinnock (4), Withiel Florey (3), Withycombe (4), Yarlington (3)
Staffordshire - Adbaston (4), Blore (3), Chebsey (4), Denstone (4), Drayton Bassett (4), Harlaston (3), Whitmore (3)
Suffolk - Campsea Ashe (4), Ringsfield (4), Stowlangtoft (4)
Warwickshire - Ashow (4), Bishops Tachbrook (3), Churchover (4), Ettington (4), Fenny Compton (3), Lea Marston (3), Lighthorne (4) Middleton (3), Newbold Pacey (4), Newton Regis (3), Priors Hardwick (3), Preston on Stour (3), Radford Semele (4), Seckington (4), Tidmington (3), Whatcote (3), Wishaw (3), Withybrook (4)
West Sussex - Trotton (4)
Wiltshire - Baverstock (3) Donhead St Andrew (4), Langley Burrell (4), Little Bedwyn (4), Monkton Farleigh (3) Netherhampton (3) Yatton Keynell (4)
Worcestershire - Defford (4), Dormston (3), Doverdale (3), Eastham (4), Hampton Lovett (3), Kington (3), South Littleton (3), Spetchley (4) Wichenford (3), White Ladies Aston (3)
East Yorkshire - Goodmanham (3), Long Riston (3), Nafferton (3), Wetwang (3)
North Yorkshire - Allerston (3), Barton (4), Brompton (3), Broughton with Elslack (3), Clapham (3), Crathorne (3+1), Danby Wiske (3), East Layton (4), Ebberston (3), Fewston (4), Ganton (3), Horton in Ribblesdale (4), Kellington (3), Kettlewell (3), Kirby Malham (3), Kirby Overblow (3), Kilburn (3), Kirkby Knowle (3), Leathley (4), Manfield (3), Melsonby (4), Middleton (3), Newton Kyme (3), Nunnington (3), Old Malton (3), Pickhill (3), Rylstone (3), Saxton (3), Seamer (3), South Cowton (3), Spofforth (4), Stillington (3) Well (3), West Witton (3), Winksley (4), Wistow (3) Womersley (3)
West Yorkshire - Aberford (4), Badsworth (4), Ledsham (3), Thorp Arch (3)
Wales -
Dyfed - Bosherston (3), Llanarthney (4), Llangadog (4)
Gwynedd - Clynnog Fawr (3), Llangefni (3)
Gwent - Llangym Uchaf (3), Mitchel Troy (3), Panteg (3), Penrhos (4) Rockfield (3), Wolvesnewton (3)
West Glamorgan - Cilybebyll (3), Ilston (2), Laleston (4), Llangennith (4) Llangyfelach (4), Rhossili (3) St Mary Hill (4)
Powys - Guilsfield (4), Llanfihangel Tal-y-llyn (4), Llangasty Tay-y-llyn (4)
Scotland -
Lothian - Colinton (3)

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List of 3's & 4's visited in chronological order


4.1 Taddington, St Michael, Derbyshire, 11/08/84, 4, 6cwt GF
Small West tower and spire. Ropes were very long. All Blews 1876, rehung M&S 1928

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3.1 Llangefni, St Cyrgan, Gwynedd, 29/05/85, 3, 7cwt
Hung side by side in centre of tower. Access via vertical ladder. All William Blews of Birmingham 1868. Rehung by E&S 1982.

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3.2 Staverton, St Catherine, Gloucestershire, 13/07/85 (visited 09/03/02), 3, 9cwt GF
South tower. Swing chimed only as tenor hits something if rung too high. Hung for full circle ringing. Old loose Frame. Treble gear 19th cent, 2&3 18th cent
1) 1420-80 Bristol Foundry, 5.5cwt, 31.5in
2) 1771 Thomas Rudhall, 7.75cwt, 36in
3) 1721 Abraham Rudhall, 9.5cwt, 38.25in
Bells probably all swing N-S side by side, tenor in middle roped opposed.

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4.2 Stanway, St Peter, Gloucestershire, 13/07/85, 15/09/01, 28/10/01 (QP), 01/01/06 (QP), 4, 12cwt in F#.
Hard work and loud, Dark ringing room.
Cotswold church next to a big house. W tower, access to upstairs RR by spiral staircase in N face of tower. Ladder access to intermediate chamber and belfry. Bells hang in a wooden 5 bell frame. The clock weight shaft is next to where the ladder comes through the trap door. 3rd & tenor sound ok but treble & 2nd sharp.
1) James Keene Woodstock? 1625 6.25cwt, 32.5in 1048Hz, C+2, 77cents # (B+26)
2) Bond Burford,1904 6.5cwt, 33in, 973Hz, B-26, 48cents # (Bb+26)
3) John Rudhall Gloucester, 1826, 9.75cwt, 37.5in, 840Hz, Ab+19, 6cents b (Ab+25)
4) unknown, 1638, 12cwt, 42.5in, 751Hz, F#+26
Frame for 5, pits 1 3 4 5 occupied, although spare seems the largest in size. Bond 1904. 1&2 mouth to mouth N-S in centre, 3&4 mouth to mouth N-S in E. The garter holes are very low, almost on the horizontal wheel spokes. The pulley’s are tucked well under the wheels. 2 long pits side by side, no bracing between the pits.

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3.3 Sevenhampton, St Andrew, Gloucestershire, 13/07/85, 25/05/02, 3, 7cwt in A, GF, tuning 1-3 of 4
Central tower. Rung from chancel crossing. Went well and newish ropes. Tenor had very long sally. A little village church set away from the village down a dead end lane. The church is quite small and cruciform in shape with a central tower, although the transepts are slightly off set to the W. The RR is in the middle of the church , the light lantern creating a lot of light as it would otherwise be quite dark inside. The bells hang above the vaulted ceiling of the light lantern, the ropes fall through a rope guide and the old holes are evident in a straight line on the W side. The bells go ok although some frame movement can be detected especially on the 2nd when 1&3 ring. All ropes were long, the treble had a normal rope, the 2nd had a long 5-6ftoot sally and the tenor a new normal sally length (blue & white colours). The bells sound ok although the hum of the 1&2 seemed opposed.
1) John Pennington 1650 30.25in 5cwt
2) Gloucester foundry 15th cent 32.5in 6cwt
3) A Rudhall I 1718 34.25in 7.5cwt
18th cent bellframe and modern gear according to CboG Sharp/Bliss

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4.3 Clatworthy, St Mary M, Somerset, 31/03/86, 16/02/02, 4, 13cwt in F#, GF
White washed West tower. RR open to back of church. Went ok.
Church in the centre of a small village on the edge of the Brendon Hills/Exmoor and reached down narrow Somerset lanes. The W tower is rendered and may have been white once, but is now very grey. The RR is open to the back of the church. Bells go ok, plain bearings and sound good. Not rung very often according to the tower correspondent. Didn’t make a note of tower access but could well have been a ladder in N of RR.
1) 1599 G Purdue
2) 1684 W Purdue
3) 1635 Robert Austen
4) 1635 Robert Austen.

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4.4 Bawdrip,St Michael AA, Somerset, 05/04/86, 15/02/02, 4, 8cwt in Bb tuning 1-4 of 5.
Central tower. Access to RR from N of church emerges on W facing platform overlooking nave. Door in W of tower enters RR. Ladder to bells above. A small village church of cruciform shape with central tower. Entrance to tower in NW corner of transept/nave. Steps come out in church on an open platform/balcony. Enter the tower above the crossing arch through a doorway. Small RR with clock on half floor above. Bells go well and sound ok. RR quite dusty and with a little used feel about it. Treble rope drawn away from E wall

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3.4 Cilybebyll, SJB, West Glamorgan, (Visited 1984), 02/05/86, 29/04/89, 3, 7cwt GF Unusual tuning.
Hung 1985/6 in a new frame. Previously only one was hung with a lever, the other 2 sat on the floor. Short West tower.

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4.5 Llangyfelach, Ss David & Cyfelach, West Glamorgan, 05/05/86, 12/04/03, 4, 8cwt in A, GF, Detached tower south of church. Longish draught of ropes.
A solid tower approx 30metres S of the chancel. The churchyard is on the side of a hill so the tower is also higher than the church. The RR is quite dark with a blocked arch on the E wall, also visible from the churchyard. Two low int chambers (about 8 feet high) and ladder access to belfry. A plaque on the wall says the tower and bells were restored in 1914. A wooden frame in good condition for 6, wooden headstocks and plain bearings. 3&4 swing mouth to mouth in the E of the tower with 1&2 swinging side by side at right angles to the 3rd in the N of the tower. 2 spare pits in the S and space for trap and walkway in W.

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4.- St Gerrans, S Gerran, Cornwall, ?/10/88, 4, 6cwt
West tower and spire. All Lewellyn & James, Bristol 1880 cast from 2 earlier bells. Rehung in 1978 by Arthur Fidler with ellacombe chiming apparatus. Tower partitioned off from rest of church, GF chamber had no rope holes in ceiling and ellacombe apparatus on the S wall. Ladder up to trap along N wall. Probably no int chamber as louvres aren't that far above W window.
1). 2-3-15,
2). 3-1-6,
3). 3-3-10,
4). 4-3-8
retuned Whitechapel and hung dead 1978.

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4.6 St Michael Penkeval, St Michael, Cornwall, 02/11/86, 07/06/03, 4, 10cwt in G
Huge brick tower and spire. Upstairs RR is about 5.5 metres square. Bells immediately above. All by C&G Mears 1866 hanging in a large wooden 8 bell frame and tuned approx to 1 3 5 7 of 8. Wooden HS and plain bearings.
1) 4-2-25.
2) 5-2-6.
3) 7-0-18.
4) 10-1-21.

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3.5 Brean, St Bridget, Somerset, 09/05/87, 3, 6cwt GF, Rung from porch.
Small Southern saddle back tower which is also the porch entrance. Quite hard work. Augmented to 5, with 2 bells from (Bishopstoke?) as trebles (?). Now 5, 8-2-3 in A

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3.6 Clynnog Fawr, S Beuno, Gwynedd, 27/10/87, 3, 18-0-5 in E, GF.
Huge church with equally large tower. Access to which is up a ladder. New Teak frame in 1924. Approx tuning 1 3 5 of 6
1) 1624 5cwt B
2) 1623 8.75cwt G
3) 1924 18-0-5 E Taylors of Loughborough.

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3.7 Rhossili, St Mary, West Glamorgan, 14/08/88, 3, 3cwt GF
Western saddleback tower. Access by ladders. Intermediate chamber. Hung side by side on a grillage with levers. Warners? Wooden HS check photo

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4.7 St Erth, S Ercus. Cornwall, 28/10/88 (and 2000 as 6), 4, 7-3-10 in A, GF.
Western tower with newly hung and augmented 4 by Taylors.
1) 3-3-8 D John Taylor 1983 (recast)
2) 4-2-14 C# Taylor 1897 (redundant bell used to aug old 3)
3) 5-0-22 B unknown 1820
4) 7-3-10 A John Taylor 1983 (recast)
Augmented to 6 in

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3.8 Middle Chinnock, St Margaret, Somerset, 27/03/89, 3, 4cwt GF
Small western tower. Hung side by side Access up spiral staircase in NE. Easy going.

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4.8 West Chinnock, St Mary, Somerset, 27/03/89, 4, 6cwt
Quite tall western saddleback tower. Access to RR up a near vertical steel ladder. Carpetted RR. Easy going.

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4.9 Rodney Stoke, St Leonard, Somerset, 08/04/89, 21/04/92, 4, 8cwt in Ab
West tower with dark RR reach via NE spiral staircase. Ropes fall in a straight line across the tower N-S. All 4 hang side by side in an old wooden frame with 2 spare pits at right angles to the east. The bells are all pre reformation and very loud in the RR. Gaps between the boards in the RR ceiling aid this and you can see the bells whilst ringing. The tenor drops and all are quite odd struck. The treble rope was very long.

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4.10 Biddisham, SJB, Somerset, 08/04/89, 21/04/92, 4, 8cwt in A, GF, tuned 1-4 of 5.
A small western tower with a pyramid cap and a strange lean. Tower in 2 stages, bottom stages leans westward and top stage is vertical. Hard work to ring although restored in 1990. Treble rope fall right in the NW corner of the tower. RR open to back of church.

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4.11 Llangasty Tal-y-llyn, St Castyn, Powys, 17/06/89, 4, 9-2-15 in A, GF AC.
Western Tower to church overlooking Llangorse lake. Rehung by G&J in 1931. Go well and sound good.
1) 1714 (+ inscription) 5-2-1 D
2) 1878 J. Taylor, Loughborough, 5-2-1 C#
3) 1674 (+ inscription), 5-2-9 B
4) 1674 recast G&J 1931, 9-2-15 A

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4.12 Llanfihangel Tal-y-llyn, St Michael, Powys, 17/06/89, 10/04/03, 4, 11-2-19 in G GF
Western Tower. Hard work to ring and 2 very oddstruck.
A solid W tower to a small single width nave church, just n of the main road through the village. Between my visits the bells had been unringable, although I don’t know for what reason.. They are still hard work and the treble does something odd when holding up at backstroke in changes, it feels like its bouncing off the stay, but it doesn’t do it in rounds! The 2nd is still very oddstruck, usually quick at hand but this does seem to vary. Notice in porch says 2 are from 1678.

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3.- Llangym Uchaf, S Heirome, Monmouthshire, 24/04/89, GF,
Church in poor state and redundant. North tower and SE spiral staircase. Very old wooden frame, all 3 swing side by side.
1) 1677 4cwt 28.5 in
2) 1677 IP 5cwt 30in
3) 1611(or 77) 6cwt 32.5in
no sliders, Double sided stays, huge warped wheels, 2nd is 78inch diam. Thick cart ropes. Totally unringable and very dilapidated. Presumed all contemporary 1677.

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4.13 Clearwell, St Peter, Gloucestershire, 30/09/89, 4, 7cwt in B, GF
Church built 1866. NW tower and spire. Hard work, recorded in 1988 G&B report as 14cwt but only go like that!
1) John Warner, London 1869, 4.75cwt 28.25in
2) John Warner, London 1869, 4.75cwt 28.5in
3) John Warner, London 1869, 5cwt 30.25in
4) John Warner, London 1869, 7cwt 33.25in
Access to tower by vertical pole ladder in place of spiral staircase. 1&3 swing N-S, 2&4 E-W. Presumably a classic 4 bell frame with central void. Declared unringable in mid 90’s. Gudgeon problems.

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4.14 Bathealton, St Bartholomew, Somerset, 16/04/90, 4, 10cwt
West tower in a filthy condition. Upstairs RR directly under bells. Very loud. Wooden frame for 4 fills tower. 2nd rope drawn in RR quite a bit to avoid clock.

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4.15 Kittisford, St Nicholas, Somerset, 16/04/90, 29/08/02, 4, 7cwt in Bb, tuning 1-4 of 5.
West tower. Go well.
A SW porch leads into the church and have to walk up the S aisle to get into the nave to walk back to the tower. The base of the tower is up a couple of steps. The spiral staircase in the NE corner of the tower leads to a bare and dusty RR full of dead flies! The bells are only on the next level above. The treble is Taylors 1908, the rest could be older. The floor looked dodgy/rotten make inspection difficult. Wooden frame which blocks the doorway from the staircase. Plain bearings, wheels painted red, clappers blue. A splice on the 2nd rope caught on the ground pulley making it a little jumpy at handstroke.

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4.16 Bicknoller, S George, Somerset, 28/04/90, (29/07/93 as 5) 4, 10-2-6 in F#.
West tower of reddy Quantock Hills stone. Upstairs RR fairly tidy. Bells go well having been rehung and retuned from a “mournful” minor key in the 80’s. In a frame for 5 or 6. Augmented to 5 in 92 using old 2 of 8 from Bath Larkhall. Keltek website says augmented in 1994!

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4.17 Withycombe, St Nicholas, Somerset, 28/04/90, 28/07/93, 4, 15cwt, tuning 1-4 of 6.
A huge squat S tower with white washed walls. The base of the tower is the porch with access to RR via wooden stairs. Go well and sound good despite not being tuned in major scale.
1) 1619 G Purdue Taunton, 6.25cwt
2) 1719 T Wroth Wellington, 8cwt
3) 1648 W Purdue Bristol, 12cwt
4) 1742 W Evans Chepstow, 15cwt

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4.18 East Quantoxhead, BVM, Somerset, 28/04/90, 4, 17-0-8 in E, tuning 1-3 & 5 of 6 (Declared Unringable, tower unsafe in 93)
The west tower outside appears to be smaller than it actually is and certainly not big enough for a heavy 4. The bells are hung in a wooden frame for 5 and are very hard work. The upstairs RR is quite dark and immediately below the bells.

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4.19 Brendon, S Brendan, Devon, 20/05/90, 4, 9cwt in Ab, GF, tenor semitone flat.
A remote church up on Exmoor. West tower. The bells were rededicated on 20/05/90 following rehanging and the bellhanger was also asked to quote for adding ball bearings after the dedication. The bells were quite hard work to ring.
1) D 1617 Thomas Pennington
2) C# 1904 M&S (recast after being cracked for 50 years)
3) B 1553 Thomas Jeffries
4) Ab 1560-90 Roger Semson Ash Priors
A 4 here since 1553 by Thomas Jeffries. Rehung in 1904 by Harry Stokes and then £7000 spent on another rehang in 1989 by Jack Wonnacott. Remained on Plain bearings although talk at the rededication was to add ball bearings

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4.20 Guilsfield, S Aelhaiarn, Powys, 29/06/90, 4, 6-1-26 in Bb
A short western tower with a small spire. Upstairs RR reached by spiral staircase. Rehung and augmented in 1967 in a metal frame for 6 with enough room in the tower for 2 more pits. They go well and sound good too.
1) 4-1-7 Eb Thomas Rudhall Gloucester 1782
2) 4-2-26 D Thomas Rudhall Gloucester 1781
3) 5-1-12 C M&S 1966 (new)
4) 6-1-26 Bb Poss Rudhall 18th cent

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3.9 Bramerton, St Peter, Norfolk, 13/08/90, 3, 5-1-10 in C, GF Also 5 chiming bells.
The small western tower has 8 bells in total of which the back 3 are hung for ringing. They go very well although the locals were worried about the condition of the stays and so we weren’t allowed to set them. Back 3 are Taylors 1925 the 5 chiming bells Taylors 1928.

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4.21 Ringsfield, All Sts, Suffolk, 15/08/90, 4, 2-3-0 in D, GF.
A small W tower with a brick parapet. The bells go well although a longish draught makes them a bit flighty. All hung in a metal grillage with 2 side by side swing mouth to mouth with the other 2. A relatively recent augmentation from 3.

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3.10 Bradwell, StNicholas, Norfolk, 14/08/91, 3, 12cwt GF
Round tower and largish church. Bells went relatively well and local band and practice night. All 3 were 1450 , one since recast in 1919.

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3.11 Gimingham, All Sts, Norfolk, 16/08/91 ( //00 as a 5), 3, 8-1-25 in Ab GF.
Western tower. Good sounding bells and go very well having been rehung in 1990. 1) 5-1-20 C 15th cent Bury St Edmunds foundry
2) 6-1-3 Bb 1616 Wm Brend Norwich
3) 8-1-25 Ab 1568 John Brend I Norwich
Augmented to 5 in 1992/3 Using 2 bells from old Gosport 8.

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4.22 Eltisley, SJB & Pandionia, Cambridgeshire, 17/08/91, 4, 11.75cwt, tuning 1,3-5 of 5. Ropes fall in the order 1324
A west tower and spire. Upstairs RR. Not easy to ring and a lot of creaking and groaning to be heard when ringing. Declared Unringable in late 90’s. Turned up to look around church and there just happened to be a branch practice/meeting about to start!
1) 6.5cwt Wm Day & Joseph Eayre, St Neots 1766
2) 8cwt Brasyer Foundry Norwich 15-16th cent
3) 9.5cwt Kebyll(?) late 15th cent
4) 11.75cwt Newcombe of Leicester 1608

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4.23 Torbryan, HT, Devon, 27/10/91, 23/08/04, 4, 14-2-6 in F#
A redundnant church with a tall white wqashed W tower. The Spiral staircase turret goes up the middle of the S face of the tower. Very impressive sounding and go well. The upstairs RR is very bare and has a pepparing of holes in it, presumed for ventilation. The spiral stair case emerges at a doorway above the bells.
1) 15th cent Exeter Foundry
2) 16th cent unknown
3) 15th cent Exeter Foundry
4) Robert Norton Exeter, 1430, 14-2-6 in F# +40
A complete rehang in 1968 on new metal fittings. Go very well and sound good considering their age. Rang with bats in the belfry and RR in 2004.

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4.24 Orchard Portman, St Michael, Somerset, 25/04/92, 4, 5cwt
West tower. Upstairs RR. Bells sound good and go well. They were rehung in the early 80’s on new wooden headstocks and bearings in the old wooden frame by Bob Parker.. They feel heavier due to being hung out on their stocks. 2 & 4 still retain their canons.

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3.12 Quethiock, S Hugh, Cornwall, 25/05/92, 17/04/04, 3, 5-3-7 in B Approx tuning 1-3 of 5, GF
Tall slender W tower that almost looks like a chimney. A stair turret goes up S side of tower to intermediate chamber. Rope guides. Bells go and sound ok.

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3.13 Kettlewell, St Mary, North Yorkshire, 28/07/92, 3, 10cwt GF
A short W tower that doubles up as the local fire service store. S entrance into tower and one way door from church to tower. The bells were quite hard going and probably needed some oil, but sounded good. A quarter peal was attempted but due to the humid conditions and the increasing difficult going of the bells it was aborted half way through.

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3.14 West Witton, S Bartholomew, North Yorkshire, 29/07/92, 3, 6-1-5 in B GF
A short W Tower. Bells go very well and sound good. Not much handstroke on tenor. Hung in a metal frame from about 1910, all 3 side by side set diagonally in the tower. Hastings stays. Access to tower is via a vertical wooden “ladder”, foot holes cut into a vertical plank of wood.

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4.25 Churchover, HT, Warwickshire, 02/08/92, 01/01/93, 4, 7cwt in Bb, GF, tuning 1-4 of 5.
The bells are hung in the base of the spire of the W tower. Go ok but not easy, quite a draft of rope. Rehung in 1991 with new fittings having been unringable.
Rehung by J Over of Rugby in 1803/4
1) Hugh Watts, Leicester, 1622 3cwt
2) Hugh Watts, Leicester, 1622 4.5cwt
3) John Briant of Hertford 1803 5cwt
4) Newcombe Leicester c1600 7cwt in Bb

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3.15 Priddy, St Lawrence, Somerset, 03/04/93, 3, 9cwt, GF
A short sturdy W tower in a village on top of the Mendips. The bells go and sound ok. Hang in a large wooden frame. Access by spiral staircase in NE?. Augmented to 5 in 1996/7 with a redundant bell and the old 5th from Gosport. Now 5, 10-3-18 in F#

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4.26 Surlingham, SMV, Norfolk, 11/07/93 (visited 13/08/90), 4, 6cwt in C, tuning 1-4 of 5, GF
A round W tower. Bells go ok but tenor very oddstruck. Very interesting ring, hung on patented fittings by Holmes Moore and Mckenzie of Norwich 1883, including central stays, roller pin sliders and non conventional clappers. New ropes recently fitted. Earlier visit with permission to ring found ropes pulled up to intermediate chamber and note saying missing stay. When we started to raise a local came a made us stop. The missing stay seemed to be the only reason!
1) 1718 John Stephens
2) 1584 unknown
3) c1380 unknown
4) c1400 William Dawe
Augmented to 6 by E&S in 1998 By adding a treble and tenor and old 4 sympathetically restored. Now 6, 7-3-11 in Bb

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4.27 Elworthy, St Martin of Tours, Somerset, 28/07/93, 4, 9cwt GF, tuning 1245 of 5
A redundant church with W tower. GF RR open to church and very bare. Bells seemed to be relatively tuneless but went ok.

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4.28 Fritwell, S Olave, Oxfordshire, 03/08/93, 4, 7cwt in Bb
West tower and spire, upstairs RR. Quite nice sounding easy going ring,

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3.16 Stoke Lyne, St Peter, Oxfordshire, 02/09/93, 3, 8-3-8 in A
South tower and pyramid cap behind parapit. Bare RR but went well and sounded ok.

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4.29 Ettington, HT & St Thomas of Cant, Warwickshire, 04/09/93, 4, 10cwt
Tall NE tower of a Victorian church. Bells very loud in RR and groaned quite a bit whilst ringing, but seemed to go ok. RR must be right under bells. The bells are now in their third tower. Until 1803 in mediaeval church in Ettington park, then moved to St Thomas’ new church built 1795-8 of which the tower still remains. In 1909 they were removed to HT which was built in 1903-8.
1) Edward Newcombe Leicester 1595 5.5cwt
2) Edward Newcombe Leicester 1595 7cwt
3) Richard Purdue 1624 8.25cwt
4) John Briant Hertford, 1803, 10.5cwt in G
Frame and fittings are John Walters of Kings Sutton 1803, overhauled and partly renewed in 1909 when George Day of Eye transferred them to the present tower. Now declared unringable in 2002.

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4.30 Lower Basildon, St Bartholomew, Berkshire, 03/01/94, 4, 10cwt in G GF
Redundant church. West tower. Went well and sounded ok.

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4.31 Ufton Nervet, St Peter, Berkshire, 03/01/94, 4, 4cwt
Slender W tower and spire. Small upstairs RR with clock in. Rope circle very compact. Go and sounded good though. Plans in 95/6 to move the bells to another church.

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4.32 Wyck Rissington, S Lawrence, Gloucestershire, 23/07/94, 4, 6-3-26 in B, GF
A small W tower with RR open to back of church. Not overly easy to ring but sounded ok.
1) Bond Burford 1888, 25.5in, 3.5cwt
2) Thomas Mears London 1844, 28.5in, 4-3-17
3) Thomas Mears London 1844, 30.5in, 5-3-10
4) Thomas Mears London 1844, 33in, 6-3-16 in B
1,2,3 side by side E-W, 1 opposed, 4 N-S in E

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4.33 Landbeach, All Sts, Cambridgeshire, 31/07/94, 4, 10cwt in Ab, GF
West tower and spire to church in a quiet village. Relatively long draft of rope but went well. Sound very good and very loud outside. Peal here in 1993.

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4.34 Great Massingham, St Mary, Norfolk, 03/08/94, 06/06/02, 4, 9-1-14 in G, GF
Church with W tower set in a picturesque village with green and pond. A huge Norfolk church and tower. Very long draft of rope with rope guides although these are quite low. Go and sound very good, being all Taylors 1903 in a metal frame for 6. Inside the bells are very quiet and distant. Massive W tower in 4 stages, W window pierces 2nd stage. Intermediate chamber for clock. Bells behind louvers. Very long draught but go surprisingly well, sound good too, although much louder outside. The RR is behind a screen at the W end of a lofty Norfolk church. Guides just above cill level of W window. Bells frame and fittings all Taylors 1903.

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4.35 Barkham, St James, Berkshire, 02/01/95, 4, 4.5cwt in Db, GF
Small S tower & spire. Rung from porch entrance although moved to ring upstairs in 1996. Go well and sound good. Notice in RR complete M&S (I think!). Now listed as 3-2-13 in C and no longer GF

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4.36 Radford Semele, St Nicholas, Warwickshire, 28/01/95, 4, 10cwt, tenor semitone flat.
W tower and balcony RR. Short near vertical ladder goes to trap in middle of RR. Tidy and carpeted! Bells ok, sound a bit mournful. To be augmented soon. Augmented to 6 in 1998, details now;
1) Taylors 1998 4-0-16
2) John of Gloucester c1350 4-0-12
3) Hugh watts II Leicester1636 5-3-26
4) Taylors 1998 6-2-14
5) Henry Bagley Chacombe 1641 7-3-21
6) Hugh Watts II Leicester 1636 9-3-19
The old 2nd of 3 from Atherstone on Stour was used as the 2 to augment to 6.

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4.37 Berkley, St Mary, Somerset, 01/04/95, 4, 8cwt
A lovely small Georgian church with W tower. Bells very hard work and only just ringable. Ropes fall one in each corner of the tower very close to the walls. The best way to ring was all facing outwards! Didn’t ring changes as were advised not to. Have been QP’ed in early 90’s. A visiting band had recently managed to get the 2nd out of its pit damaging the gudgeons and wheel. Declared unringable in late 90's?

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4.38 Farleigh Hungerford, S Leonard, Somerset, 01/04/95 (20/10/02 as a 5), 4, 6cwt GF
Slender W tower with pyramid capped roof behind flat parapet to church near the castle. Bells sound ok but don’t go too well. Quite a long draft of rope. Restored in 1990. Rehung and augmented to 5 in 1999 by Matthew Higby. Now 5, 4-3-3 in C, 4th is heavier at 4-3-27

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3.17 Chesterton, St Mary, Oxfordshire, 04/08/95, 3, 10cwt
West tower to village church just outside Bicester. Very good sound and go. Upstairs RR also used for Sunday school as full of toys and paintings.

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3.18 Kirby Malham, St Michael, North Yorkshire, 26/08/95, 3, 20cwt, GF
Huge church and W tower in small village. Bells hung in L shaped frame on N and E side of tower. Tenor recently rehung having jumped its bearings. Not easy to ring but sound good. Fundraising going on for rehanging in frame for 6 and possible augmentation to 4. Rehung and Augmented to 8, 17-2-16 in E in 2002
1) 1617 William Oldfield York
2) 1785 R Dalton
3) 1602 William Oldfield York
Post rehang and augmentation weights are 10-3-16, 13-0-7 and 17-2-16

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3.19 Rylstone, St Peter, North Yorkshire, 26/08/95, 3, 7-2-20
Small W tower with upstairs RR. Bells sound good and go well. Local band 1995

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4.- Walton St Mary, St Mary, North Somerset, 04/11/95, 4, 7cwt in Bish, tuned 1-4 of 5, Unringable.
West tower with tracery louvers overlooking the Bristol channel and now swallowed up as a part of Clevedon.Spiral staircase in NE of towerleads up to first floor RR with ellacombe apparatus in SW corner. In the belfry the frame blocks the doorway from the staircase so need to clamber over the frame to get in. The bells hang in a wooden 5 bell frame, possibly all beels and frame are Lewellyn and James 1870’s. All quite dilapidated and unringable although I believe they were rung in the 1970’s. Very little shrouding on any of the wheels and metalwork quite rusty from close proximity to sea. Only wire netting covereing tracery. Wide wooden headstocks, plain bearings sunken in frame sides. All bells have canons and don’t sound too good, quite tuneless. The spare pit seems larger and was intended as a tenor, it has a piece of wooden wedged horizontally across the pit where the bearings would be. In 1996/7 the bells were replaced by a brand new Whitechapel 6, 6-3-14 in Bb by Whites of Appleton. All on one level, 4 in a line side by side and 2 at right angles swinging mouth to mouth.

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4.39 Defford, St James, Worcestershire, 27/05/96, 4, 6cwt in C, GF
Small Black and White timber W tower and spire. Bells go ok but not brilliantly. Ropes very long.
1) Charles Carr Smethwick, 1908
2) Henry Farmer Gloucester, 1604
3) Matthew Bagley Evesham, 1689
4) Charles Carr Smethwick, 1903, 6cwt in C
Frame composite wood and cast iron frame sides 1903. Now declared unringable.

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4.40 Drayton Bassett, St Peter, Staffordshire, 22/06/96, 08/12/01, 4, 6-0-11 in B
West tower. Bare upstairs RR. Bell go very well and sound excellent. Rehung in 1964 in metal frame for 6. Back 3 are Taylors 1964 and the treble is an older bell. Plans to augment in late 90’s were abandoned.
1) 2-2-6 1713 Joseph Smith
2) 3-3-17 1964 John Taylor
3) 4-2-4 1964 John Taylor
4) 6-0-11 1964 John Taylor


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4.41 Breamore, St Mary, Hampshire, 29/07/96, 14/12/02, 4, 12-1-10 in G, GF
An old saxon cruciform church (N transept missing) with chancel crossing tower. The stone tower barely rises above nave roof before its capped by a pyramid roof. This then has a secondary wooden stage rising out of it in which the bells are hung. They are very loud in the church but sound excellent and go well too. The ropes have short 2ft sallies and the relatively long draft has vertical guides. Access to tower is via an interesting wooden stairs, landings and the first one is from the S transept through an arch in the tower wall. Complete Taylors 1922. Front 3 have normal length sallies in 2002. Access up tower is via a ladder in S transept, through an arch in SW of tower (8ft high) to a platform along one of the beams spanning N-S, then a ladder up to trap into bells.

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4.42 Cold Ashby, St Denys, Northamptonshire, 19/10/96, 08/02/03, 4, 7cwt in Bb, GF
Small W tower. Bells rung from behind organ. Sound and go ok. Ropes fall in an arc. Entrance to tower through a small W door in the tower and up several steps inside. I made the tenor note nearer A than the Bb given in Dove. TheNe part of the RR taken up with stairs to a balcony or organ loft through a door in the E of the tower. Another door below leads through into church.

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4.43 Halton, St Michael, Buckinghamshire, 15/02/97, 4, 8cwt in A
A small W tower to a Victorian church. Complete M&S 1889 tuned to a strange musical scale. Using the handbells hanging on the wall they seemed to be approx 1,2,3b,5 of a 5.Go well enough.

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3.20 Chearsley, St Nicholas, Buckinghamshire, 15/02/97, 3, 10-0-10 in A GF
West tower. Bells go well and sound good considering their age, 1) 16th cent, 2)17th cent, 3) 18th cent. Tuning 1-3 of 4 Bells rehung and retuned by Whites of Appleton in 2004, now 3, 9-3-9 in ?

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3.21 Greywell, St Mary, Hampshire, 31/03/97, 3, 5cwt, GF
Wooden on stone W tower. Sound good and go well. All 3 ropes fall in a straight line along the S wall about a foot from the wall. The easiest way to ring seemed to be shoulder to shoulder facing the wall!

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3.22 South Wanborough, St Andrew, Hampshire, 31/03/97, 3, 6cwt, GF
Wooden W tower over Nave. The RR is open to church on all sides. Very good go and sound.

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4.44 Laleston, St David, Mid Glamorgan, (visited 29/04/89) 26/04/97, 4, 12cwt
A tall W tower. Hung in metal frame. Sound good and go well. RR is also used as the vestry In 1989 all had ellacombe hammers in use and clock chimed on them. Tower is 4 floors. GF at back of church. Choir vestry and RR, intermediate chamber and Belfry. All roped on wheel but 3 were coiled on floor in intermediate chamber only 2nd dropped in RR as chiming bell. A cupboard had been installed where tenor rope would fall. Removed by 1997.
1) 5-2-14 31.5in 1719 E Evans Chepstow
2) 7-2-18 34.5in 1380 Bristol foundry
3) 9-3-12 38in 1647 Thomas Stone (itinerant)
4) 12-3-27 41in pre-ref recast Taylors 1947
Were rehung by Lewellyn & James in 1904 in new metal frame with plain bearings and wooden stocks. Bells to be restored and augmented to 6 in 2002/3 by adding 2 more pits to existing frame.

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4.45 Spofforth, All Sts, North Yorkshire, 03/05/97, 10/10/98, 31/05/03, 4, 12-3-22 in E
A very tall, large W tower wich you think would have more than 4 in. Go well and sound very good. Belfry door locked but ropes fall in a large square so probably a normal 4 bell frame. A lot of erosion of sandstone especially in spiral staircase above RR.
1) 7-1-18 Taylors Loughborough 1960
2) 9-3-0 Robert Mellours Nottingham c1500
3) 11-0-5 William Oldfield Nottingham 1609
4) 12-3-22 William Oldfield Nottingham 1609
Rehung by Taylors in 1960 in new metal frame
The large W tower consists of 4 stages, GF back of church 1st floor RR, 2nd floor not complete floor clock room, and then bells. RR is very dark with one small window. Guides below part floor. Belfry still locked but from photos in church of restoration of tower you can see metal frame, metal headstocks and ball bearings, traditional stays and sliders. All 4 swinging side by side E-W.

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4.46 Sibson, St Botolph, Leicestershire, 10/05/97, 4, 12-2-6 in F#
Georgian style brick W tower. The bells hang in a metal frame for 6, the having been added or recast this century. Sound excellent and go well too. Clappers were half muffled very securely with buckles and string. The bells were rehung as a gift from a villagers will in the 80’s.

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4.47 Withybrook, All Sts, Warwickshire, 10/05/97, 4, 8cwt in Ab, GF
A huge square NW tower to a church set in a lovely location down a dead end lane. A stream runs along side the path to the churchyard. Bells sound good and go well. Hang in a huge 4 bell framefilling the tower. Each swings perpendicular to the next. Central void. Rope marks/grooves in the keystone of the archway into the tower.
1) James Barwell Birmingham, 1907 4cwt
2) ) James Barwell Birmingham, 1907 5.5cwt
3) ) James Barwell Birmingham, 1907 6cwt
4) Newcombe Leicester 1612 8cwt in Ab
Rehung in 1907 by Barwell in old frame.

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3.23 Broughton with Elslack, All Sts, North Yorkshire, 24/05/97, 3, 7cwt, GF
A small W tower to a church set almost alone in a quiet spot only a mile from the A59.. The bells go well and sound good. They are hung in a 3 ball frame side by side in the middle of the tower. Sound proofing boards in louvers can be removed and concrete ring beam.

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3.24 Horton in Ribblesdale, St Oswald, North Yorkshire, 24/05/97 (as 3), 28/07/03 (as 4), 3, 10-1-24 in G, GF, Augmented to 4 1999
Wide West tower, Lovely sounding bells which have recently been rehung by Fred Pembleton. Possibility of augmentation soon.
The low roofed church is in the centre of the small village set in a large valley. The bells were rehung by Pembletons in 1995 having previously been unringable. The original oak frame was by Thomas Mallaby of Masham 1880 as were some fittings, the rest were Warners fittings. The RR is at the back of the church and screened off to the full height of the arch with Perspex. The spiral staircase in the NE corner leads to intermediate chamber with no ceiling so you can see the bells above, then continues up to the belfry level. They were augmented to 4 in 1999 and hang in a galvanised metal frame for 6 with all modern fittings. Although very quiet outside they sound good and go excellently.
1) Former 1/8 from South Petherton, located through Keltek trust.
2) 1770 George Dalton York, 32in, B
3) 1776 George Dalton York, 35.5in, A
4) 1614 William Oldfield York, 38in G

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3.25 Clapham, St James, North Yorkshire, 24/05/97, 3, 8cwt , GF
A large church with short W tower in a picturesque village. Sound very good and go well although the tenor is slightly oddstruck.

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4.48 Barbon, St Bartholomew, Cumbria, 24/05/97, 4, 7-1-25 in A
A tall central tower and upstairs RR. The bells are very loud in the RR and quite a draft of rope.. The ropes fall in a semi-circle with the clock on the open side. The tenor has an unusual locally made RSJ headstock. Augmented to 6 by E&S in 2003 Using a newly cast bell as the treble and a Trinity House bouy bell cast Taylors 1964 as the 2nd.

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4.49 Winthorpe, St Mary, Lincolnshire, 28/06/97, 4, 12-3-6 in E
West tower with RR on balcony overlooking church. The bells go we;; and sound good. Wooden frame for 4 set diagonally in tower as can see frame ends under louvers. Also the ropes fall in a perfect square, each one half way along each of the tower walls.
1) 6-2-5 1595 Oldfield Nottingham
2) 6-2-8 14th cent unknown
3) 12-0-5 1604 Oldfield Nottingham
4) 12-3-6 1604 Oldfield Nottingham

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4.50 Northleigh, St Giles, Devon, 25/07/97, 28/08/02, 4, 8cwt in Bb, GF
Small whitewashed W tower. Bells go well enough and sound ok. All mediaeval castings. The RR is behind a screen that fills the tower arch. The door opens into the rope circle. The bells would be very quiet if the trap in the ceiling wasn’t jammed open. Intermediate chamber. Rope guides. Tenor pitched by organ.
All 15th cent Exeter foundry. Front 3 by Robert Russell. Rehung by Harry Stokes in ?

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4.51 Southleigh, St Lawrence, Devon, 25/07/97, 28/08/02, 4, 7cwt in A, GF
Small W tower. Bells go quite well and sound good. Treble 15th cent, rest 1549 by church guide.
The RR is behind a screen that is only about 7feet high. The bells must be in a 6 bell frame as the ropes fall in an arc chaped rope circle. The tower door was locked, access in NE of tower. Rope guides.
1) 15th cent Exeter foundry
2) 1881 Taylors recast
3) John Pennington
4) 1718 Thomas Wroth Wellington

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4.52 Winterborne Zelston, St Mary, Dorset, 16/08/97, 4, 9cwt in A, GF
Lovely little church in lovely setting with W tower. Bells sound good outside although in RR the tenor is very loud. Local said they were hung on 3 levels(?). Despite being rehung in 1905 there was a notice appealing for donations for rehanging the bells.
1)1640 William Purdue
2)1815 James Wells
3) Pre-reformation
4) Lewellyn & James 1905
The tenor was recast and the rest retuned in 1905 and hung on new fittings in the existing frames.

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4.53 Little Bedwyn, St Michael, Wiltshire, 04/10/97, 4, 9-0-3 in Ab, tuned 1-4 of 5
A small church next to the railway and canal. A west tower with little spire. Unusual access to upstairs RR by means of outside stairs up the N side of the tower. Bells sound and go ok. Belfry quite clean, wooden 4 bell frame (probably 1897), Plain bearings. 2,3,4 swing E-W side by side and treble swings N-S E of other 3. All 4 ropes fall quite close to walls. Details of bells on notice on wall.
1) 4-3-10 Db M&S 1867
2) 5.5cwt C
3) 7cwt Bb
4) 9-0-3 Ab M&S 1887

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4.54 Badsworth, SMV, West Yorkshire, 07/11/97, 4, 13-0-24 in E, tuned 2-5 of 8
Quite a large church with a tall W tower. Bells hang in a metal frame from the early 1900’s for 6. 3&4 swing mouth to mouth whilst 1&2 swing at right angles to 3rd.Rehung on ball bearings in 1991. Local band and practice night in 1997. Since Augmented to 5 in 2001 (surplus bell from Plymouth St Andrew) and then 6 in 2004 (with second hand bell from the Keltek trust).
1) 6-1-18 A# Robert Mellours Nottingham, c1510
2) 8-0-19 G# Samuel Smith I York, 1675
3) 11-3-9 F# Hugh Oldfield Nottingham, 1669
4) 13-0-24 E Godfrey Heathcote Chesterfield 1667.
Rehung in a new frame and on new fittings by Taylors 1916

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4.55 Penrhos, S Cadoc, Monmouthshire, 08/11/97, 27/4/02,4, 8-2-9 in A, GF
Small church with W tower. Bells go ok and sound ok although ropes were quite old and worn. The 3rd rope had to be spliced whilst we were there as had broken on ground pulley. Bells hang in a metal H frame by Taylors, early 1900’s all swinging at right angle to the next bell forming a perfect rope circle. Treble and tenor cast or recast when frame installed. 2nd certainly older and possibly 3rd too. Access to bells is by 2 vertical ladders, the upper one coming up in the void in the middle of the frame.

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4.56 Great Urswick, St Mary, Cumbria, 29/11/97, 4, 8-2-19 in G#, GF
A short by large W Square tower. The RR is cluttered with church junk, lawnmowers, plant stands etc. Bells go very well and sound good too. A local band in 1997.
1) 4-1-12 C# J Taylor 1907
2) 6-1-19 B# A Rudhall 1711
3) 7-1-10 A# Unknown
4) 8-2-19 G# J Taylor 1955
Presumeably rehung in 1907 or 1955. Rope circle indicates they are in a frame for 5 or 6.

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4.57 East Layton, Christ Church, North Yorkshire, 20/12/97, 4, 8cwt
A medium sized central tower. RR is directly below the bells and they are very loud. All the ropes fall close to the walls and all tend to drop a bit. Warners 1895. Wooden frame. 3&4 swing mouth to mouth E-W, 1&2 swing at right angles to the 3 and to the S. Wooden spiral staircase comes up in the empty space. Bells sound ok though.

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4.58 Melsonby, St James Gt, North Yorkshire, 20/12/97, 4, 6cwt tuning approx 1,2,4,5 of 8
A huge W tower, over 20ft square internally. Wooden frame built in Masham in 1875 and is completely lost in the centre of the tower. All the bells swing N-S side by side, 1&2 roped opposed, 3&4 opposed. The clock occupies the NW corner of the tower up to the tenor pit. 1&4 Warners 1875, 2 14th cent, 3 18th cent. Sound terrible but go well.
The bellringing episode of All Creature Great and small was partly filmed here, the rest was at Grinton!

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4.59 Barton, St Cuthbert with St Mary, North Yorkshire, 20/12/97, 4, 6-3-27 in Bb
A small SW tower, the base of which is the porch. The bells are all Taylors 1920 in a metal frame for 6 with ball bearings. 3&4 swing mouth to mouth N-S, 1&2 swing side by side E-W perpendicular to the 3. Sounds and go very well. Wheels were lashed to the frame for chiming when I visited.

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3.26 Manfield, All Sts, North Yorkshire, 20/12/97, 3, 6-2-26
Medium W tower Upstairs RR. Stone barrel vault between RR and belfry. Large clock in RR. Wooden frame. Bells had Taylors Headstocks and ball bearings. All swing side by side E-W and ropes fall in a straight line. No stay on tenor when I visited.
1) G&J 1920, 2) 1700’s, 3) Taylors 1938.
The pulley’s had little bobbins on to align the ropes for clocking .

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3.27 South Cowton, St Mary, North Yorkshire, 20/12/97, 3, 8cwt, tuned 1-3 of 4, GF.
A redundant church reached down a long unmade road. Medium W sized tower. RR open to back of church. The bells hang in a wooden 3 bell frame on plain bearings. 1&2 swing N-S side by side roped opposed, 3 swings perpendicular to the N.
1) & 2) 1700’s York Foundry. 3) 1883 Warners recast of 1400’s York foundry.

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3.28 Danby Wiske, Parish Church, North Yorkshire, 20/12/97, 3, 5-2-5 in B
A very tall slender W tower. The stair case is unusual in having a lot of head room, the steps are quite steep. Everything Taylors 1940’s in a metal frame on ball bearings. All swing side by side N-S, 2 roped opposed. Bells go very well and sound good too despite being a bit too loud in the RR.

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3.29 Brompton, St Thomas, North Yorkshire, 20/12/97, 3, 8cwt in A
A medium SW tower with spiral staircase to RR and wooden ladders to clock room and bell chamber. A wooden frame for 3, 1&2 swing side by side E-W, roped oppsed, the 3 perpendicular to the E. Clock mechanism is next to treble pit and can walk around it.
1 old, 2 & 3 Taylors, 3 early 1800’s.

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3.30 Kirkby Knowle, St Wilfred, North Yorkshire, 20/12/97, 3, 1-2-0 in A tuning 1,2,4 of 4.
A small slender SW tower, the base of which is the porch, with vertical metal ladder to RR. Another ladder in middle of RR comes right up under 2
1) 0-3-6 “Old”
2) 1-0-5 Taylors 1874
3) 1-2-0 Taylors 1874
All swing N-S side by side in a wooden frame. 2 opposed. Installation completely fills the tower. Recently restored, 2nd headstock plated and wheels re-shrouded. Pulley’s rebuilt and new ropes fitted. Go and sound ok.

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3.31 Kilburn, BVM, North Yorkshire, 20/12/97, 14/10/00, 3, 12-0-22 in F#, GF
A short but quite big W tower. Ladder access to bells through a clock room. All are Taylors 1925 in a metal frame for 6. 1&2 swing mouth to mouth N-S in western pits. Eastern pits for 4 bells to swing side by side E-W. The tenor occupies the second pit from N wall. Ladder comes up in what would be the treble of 6 pit. Lovely sounding bells and very good go. Some very good music box here.

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3.32 Whitmore, St Mary & All Sts, Staffordshire, 28/12/97, 3, 3-2-0 in D
A small black and white tower over W end of church. Rehung in 1953 when Taylors replaced the 2nd. Old old bell is still in the church.
1) 2-0-12 1655 George Oldfield I
2) 2-3-13 1953 Taylors
3) 3-2-0 1655 George Oldfield I
The wooden frame fills the tower for all 3 swinging side by side E-W and the ropes falling in a line to E of tower. The 2 looks to have been opposed by evidence of rope hole. But when the clock was installed in 1897 this may have been changed. The clock occupies half of the RR. Wooden stocks on 1&3, metal on 2, all on ball bearings. Go and sound good.
Augmented to 6 in 2004 by shifting the old 3 over in their pits and 3 trebles sharing the existing pits. Is the clock still there?

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4.60 Langley Burrell, St Peter, Wiltshire, 29/12/97, 4, 10cwt in F#
Large S tower, well kept. Bells go very well and sound good. Couldn’t get access to belfry. Wooden 4 bell frame, bells dated from 1607 (4) to 1628 and were probably all cast by Roger Purdue of Bristol.
Since augmented to 6 in 1999/2000 using newly cast bell as new treble and surplus bell from Stratford sub Castle (1767, Robert Wells) as 2nd. The 2 new trebles share the old treble pit, the old treble is now in the old 2nd pit and the old 2nd has been hung above the others.

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4.61 Yatton Keynell, St Margaret, Wiltshire, 29/12/97, 27/10/2001, 4, 9cwt in Ab, GF, tuned 2-5 of 8 Tall slender W tower in 4 stages.
1) Recast G&J 1885(?)
2) “old” 1700’s
3) “old” 1700’s
4) 1638 38inches diameter
1&2 swing side by side, roped opposed E-W with 3 perpendicular to the E. The tenor also swings E-W but across the end of the 3rds pit. Wooden frame. Bells go relatively well but don’t sound too good. Front 3 are nice alone. Ladders up through all floors, come up in SW corner of tower in tenor pit.

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4.62 Ufford, St Andrew, Cambridgeshire, 03/05/98, 4, 11-1-18 in G#, GF
A large church set back from the road overlooking lowland to the N. A tall W tower, bells rung from GF in a good “circle” with plenty of spacebetween them. Bells sound good and went ok. Quite slow turning. Access to tower by spiral staircase in N side of tower but locked by a large padlock.

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3.33 Womersley, St Martin, North Yorkshire, 10/10/98, 3, 9-3-16 in G
A huge but squat central tower with spire. Bells hand in the base of the spire and are rung from the top of the tower. Go and sound ok. Rehung in new frame and fittings by Taylors 1896.
1) 4-2-18 B Samuel Smith I York, 1702
2) 6-1-16 A William Oldfield Nottingham, 1634
3) 9-3-16 G John Taylor Loughborough 1870

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3.34 Kellington, St Edmund, North Yorkshire, 10/10/98, 3, 8-3-14 in G, GF, swing chime by levers.
West tower and long draught of rope. Rehung on RSJ’s by Taylors 1963.
1) 5.75cwt B Henry Oldfield II Nottingham 1600
2) 7cwt A c1440
3) 8-3-14 G A Smith York? 1638

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3.35 Ledsham, All Sts, West Yorkshire, 10/10/98, 3, 8-1-25 in A, GF, approx tuning 1-3 of 4
A small Norman W tower and spire. Bells go ok but don’t sound too good. Very approx scale would be front 3 of a 4. In actual fact 2nd is 42 cents sharp
1) 4-1-23 Selioak family Nottingham, c1500
2) 6-0-27 Selioak family Nottingham, c1500
3) 8-1-25 Samuel Smith II York, 1718
Rehung by Taylors with new fittings in 1949

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4.63 Aberford, St Ricarius, West Yorkshire, 10/10/98, 01/06/03, 4, 5-1-0 in C, GF
A small W Norman tower with spire. Very long draught of rope except the 2 which comes through the clock case. Go and sound good. Rehung by Taylors in 1957.
1) F M&S London 1879
2) 3-2-3 E Taylors Loughborough 1957
3) D William Oldfield Nottingham, 1618
4) 5-1-0 C M&S London 1879

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3.36 Saxton, All Sts, North Yorkshire, 10/10/98, 3, 10-3-0 in A
A tall W tower, built of quite white stone. Upstairs RR with clock. Ropes were really long and bells quite light set.
1) 6-2-3 C# Sucessor of John Danyell London c1480
2) B Sucessor of John Danyell London c1480
3) 10-3-0 A Sucessor of John Danyell London c1480
Rehung by Taylors in 1982. Sound and go ok

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3.37 Wistow, All Sts, North Yorkshire, 10/10/98, 3, 12-1-5 in G
A tall W tower with big louvers. Upstairs RR. Bells hung side by side tenor in S and treble in N, in a huge wooden frame. Metal Headstocks and ball bearings.
1) 6-1-25 B Taylors 1924
2) 8-2-4 A Taylors 1924
3) 12-1-5 G Taylors 1924
Complete Tatylors except for frame. Sound excellent but go a bit heavy.

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3.38 Newton Kyme, St Andrew, North Yorkshire, 10/10/98, 3, 4-0-9 in D, GF
A small W tower, quite tall but thin. New ropes but cupboards in RR are a bit in the way. Go and sound very good. Rehung by Taylors in an older frame in 1938. To get to church you have to walk through a field past a big house.
1) 2-3-8 J Taylor, Loughborough 1938
2) 3-0-24 George Dalton York, 1768
3) 4-0-9 George Dalton York 1768

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3.39 Thorp Arch, All Sts, West Yorkshire, 10/10/98, 3, 5-0-3 in C, GF
A small W tower. Ropes fall in a line along S side of tower. Go and sound very good. Ellacombe chiming apparatus. The ropes were a bit old and tatty and the 2nd snapped whilst on visit. Complete Taylors 1938 including frame.
1) 2-3-13 J Taylor L’boro 1938
2) 3-3-7 J Taylor L’boro 1938
3) 5-0-3 J Taylor L’boro 1938

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3.40 Kirkby Overblow, All Sts, North Yorkshire, 10/10/98, 3, 10cwt in G, GF, tuning 1,2,4 of 4.
A quite large but average height W tower with a clock. Rope guides to GF RR. Tuning is 1,2,4 of 4 and space in rope circle for the missing 3 of 4. Sound good and go ok but the tenor dropped slightly at handstroke. Hung in a metal frame for 4, with a space for a 5th pit on N side of the tower and more room to the E. Treble and tenor swing mouth to mouth N-S in W of tower.2nd swings E-W perpendicular to other two. Empty pit beside it to S and perp to tenor. 2nd frame side has double bearing plate for 5th pit.
1) 32 in, William Oldfield Nottingham 1634
2) 35in, Pack & Chapman London, 1769
3) 37.75in
Tenor not Taylors 1973 as Andrew Aspland believed before visit, definitely an old bell, being long waisted with canons. Metal frame, wooden headsocks and hastings stays.

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3.41, Aycliffe, St Andrew, Durham, 11/10/98, 3, 3-2-9.
A large W tower with upstairs RR, access by a near vertical ladder up W wall of church. Intermediate chamber above RR. Bells hang in metal frame side by side in centre of tower swinging E-W. Treble in S tenor in N. Plenty of room around frame, easily enough room for one more pit each side of current frame to N & S and ample space E & W too. One is 1869, the other two 1664 and have been rehung this century.

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3.42 Matfen, Holy Trinity, Northumberland, 14/10/98, 3, 4cwt, (intended) GF.
A tall W tower and spire. The bells hang in the base of the spire and the RR is GF! Huge length of rope from bells through floor directly below through a further 3 floors to the GF RR. This visit was made to ascertain the possibility of moving the RR up the tower. After first testing them from GF the RR was moved up 2 floors in the room with the clock pendulum, there still being the clock room above before the belfry. All internal access by ladders. Bells and fittings are complete Mears 1861 in a wooden frame. 2&3 swing E-W side by side with the treble swinging perpendicular to them to the W. 2nd gudgeon pin loose or broken as makes a lot of noise. Also the stays are small metal pegs which obviously due to long draught of rope and bumping of stays has caused wooden headstocks to become cracked. Wheels are also loose on stocks. The frame moves noticeably with only 1 bell ringing and this seems to be due to the fact that the supporting beams have rotted where entering the tower walls and have been supported on RSJ’s. There however seems to be little tie-ing/bracing between the frame and wooden supports and the RSJ’s

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4.64 Donyatt , BVM, Somerset, (visited 10/11/98), 27/12/98, 4, 12cwt in G,
A tall W tower with tracery belfry windows. The RR with clock in it is directly below the bells, the tower only having 3 levels, GF, RR and belfry. The ropes fall in an arc. The bells hang in a wooden lowside frame for 5, probably Harry Stokes Woodbury, from 1902. Clock chime on tenor. 2,3,4 swing side by side E-W, treble perpendicular to 2 to N swinging N-S. Spare pit perp to tenor and mouth to mouth with current treble. Gallow ends on treble and spare pit ends. Approx 1metre wide walkway to N of mouth to mouth pits. Go well enough and sound ok although treble not as good as others
1) W Purdue Closworth, 1584, 78cm, 5cwt
2) Lewellyn & James 1876, 84cm, 7cwt
3) Thomas Knight at Thomas Purdue’s foundry 1692 97cm, 9cwt
4) Thomas Purdue, 1678, recast M&S 1902, 107cm, 12cwt
Augmented to 5 using surplus bell from pre 2002 8 at Coggleshall in 2002.

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4.65 Sutton Scarsdale, St Michael &AA, Derbyshire, 28/11/98, 4, 7-3-10 in Ab, GF.
A small W tower to the church next to the roofless shell of the Hall. The bells were rehung in 1990 in the old wooden frame by Taylors with new fittings. Clappers repaired by Pembletons in 1997. Go very well despite old frame. Traditional 4 bell frame, each swinging perpendicular to next with central void. 1&3 N-S, 2&4 E-W. 4 along S wall, 3 along E wall, 2 along N wall & 1 along W wall. Entrance to GF RR through a kitchen in the church. Stair case to balcony on N&E wall of RR. Spiral staircase in SW corner. Sound quite nice outside.
1) 4-3-6, Ralph Heathcote Chesterfield, 1558-77
2) 4-3-18, George Oldfield Nottingham 1666
3) 6-1-6, Selok family Nottingham, 1490-1510
4) 7-3-10, Paul Hutton (founder at Oldfield foundry) Nottingham, 1623
Also given as 3-2-4, 4.5cwt, 6-2-9, 7.5cwt

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3.43 Beeley, St Anne, Derbyshire, 29/11/98, 3, 6-0-11 in A, GF.
A small low W tower. Bells go very well but very quiet in the church. Sound quite old bells. Internal access. Rope of 1 falls in SW corner, 2&3 on E of tower in arch to church.
1) 3-2-18 Heathcote? c1550
2) 4-3-27 Heathcote c1550
3) 6-0-11 in A Heathcote c1550
Frame by Taylors 1939

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3.44 South Littleton, St Michael & AA, Worcestershire, 28/12/98, 3, 8-1-1 in A.
A medium sized W tower the base of which is used as the vestry. First floor RR, access via ladder in NW corner. All ropes fall in NW corner, 1&2 very close together (less than 2 foot apart). 1&2 against W wall of tower over trap, 3 against N wall beside clock. The clock occupies E part of tower and about a third of it with weights dropping to GF in SE corner. Ladder to belfry against S wall, trap in SW corner. Bells hang in 2 tier metal frame 1960’s Taylors, H frame supporting lowside on top for 6 (3 on 3). Treble and tenor hang in lower frame swinging side by side N-S both roped to N. Spare pit perpendicular to the S. 2nd on upper frame swings E-W roped to W side. The two spare pits being perpendicular to the 2nd to the S. Bells quite old, at least one was 1400’s. Go very well, on ball bearing and sound ok. Tenor doesn’t have much “hum”.
Rehung J Taylors 1966
1) 4-0-17, medieval Worcester foundry c1410
2) 6-0-0, J Taylors Loughborough 1901
3) 8-1-1, medieval Worcester foundry c1410

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3.45 North Wootton, St Peter, Somerset, 05/04/99, 3, 7cwt
A small W tower. Access to RR up a very narrow claustrophobic spiral staircase. The ropes fall very close to the walls and the bells are very loud. Access to belfry is up a ladder through a trap. Ceiling quite low, only about 8foot above floor. Supposedly in a 5 bell frame.

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4.66 Marston on Dove, St Mary, Derbyshire, 04/06/99, 4, 8-1-22 in G, GF
A small church totally surrounded by fields. Short but quite large tower with tall spire. Church and tower all appear to be well looked after. Treble ,2nd & 3rd ropes fall practically in a straight line on N side of tower (W-E) with the tenor in the SW corner
1) 4-1-13 C John de Stratford pre-ref (1366 ish)
2) 5-2-16 B Henry Oldfield 1621
3) 8-1-18 A Thomas Hedderley 1756 (recast 1896)
4) 8-1-22 G George Oldfield 1654
Rehung in a metal frame in 1949 on ball bearings by Taylor (notice in tower). Rehung on metal beams by Taylors 1896 (church guide). It also said in church guide “We have celebrated the centenary of this event by deciding not to have any more of them!”. They are hung in a 6 bell frame and go very well. Though they do sound old from outside.

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3.46 Well, St Michael, North Yorkshire, 24/07/99, 3, 13-3-7 in F
A massive W tower to a medium sized church. The upper stage has double louvre openings. The RR is reached from a W door in the churchyard up a rickety wooden stairway. The RR wwas very dusty. The ropes fall in the W of the tower. Another rickety ladder leads up to the clock room and another to the belfry. A thin wooden L shaped frame, clock hammer to tenor, metal stocks and ball bearings. Room in tower for 3 more pits. Treble and 2nd swing mouth to mouth N-S in W of tower, tenor swings E-W perpendicular to 2nd. Tenor roped to W side of pit, 2nd to S, treble to N.Go well and sound very nice. Ropes were a bit tatty and old.
1) 1617,
2) 1656 recast 1893,
3) 1656.

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3.47 Pickhill, All Sts, North Yorkshire, 24/07/99, (as 6 29/05/03) 3, 9cwt in G, GF.
A medium W tower. GF RR open to back of church with very long draught of rope. Access via spiral staircase, intermediate chamber (old RR) and belfry. The bells hang in a huge wooden frame and originally were hung in the centre of it. At some point they have been all moved to the W end of the frame. A walkway has also been installed across the E end of the frame to aid access to the roof. All bells swing E-W side by side, treble in N tenor in S, 2nd roped opposed. The 2nd is also drawn northwards considerably in intermediate chamber to avoid rope falling in font!
1) 1656,
2) 1584,
3)1868 Warners.
The bells are not particularly easy to ring, especially the 2nd and very difficult to hear in RR, bells quiet and lots of rope/pulley noise.
Augmented in 2002 to 6, 8-1-20 in G, using 3 Whitechapel trebles in new frame in int chamber, still GF with rope guides.

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4.67 Laneham, St Peter, Nottinghamshire, 28/07/99, 4, 10-3-4 in E
A medium W tower, upstairs RR, access to which is through the vestry up a wooden staircase. Very Bare RR with freshly creasoated floor. Access to bells is up a diagonal wooden ladder which has a metal ladder laid on it. The wooden one looks unsafe! The trap comes up in the NW corner of the tower under the spare pit (which looks a bit flimsy). The bells hang in a wooden frame, presumably by James Harrison, Barton on Humber 1812, the same as the bells. Treble and 2nd swing N-S side by side in NE of tower. 3rd swings E-W across the S side of the treble and 2nd pits in SE of tower. Tenor swings N-S in SW of tower, perp to 3 and adjacent to treble. Spare pitis to N of tenor pit and perp to both treble and tenor. Frame moves a bit when ringing and 2nd especially drops. Bells are all shirt and fat, hence unusual note for 10cwt bell. Rehung on ball bearings in 1937. Bells go ok (except 2) and sound quite dead, not much hum.

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4.68 Hougham, All Sts, Lincolnshire, 30/07/99, 4, 9-2-19 in G, GF (also 9-2-26)
A large church with tower hidden down a lane behind trees. The RR is GF and behind the organ. A spiral staircase in SW corner of tower to Intermediate chamber and belfry. Door is at top of frame level so enter above bells. Hung in a metal lowside frame for 6. 3&4 swing mouth to mouth E-W in N of tower and 1&2 swing N-S side by side perpendicular to 3rd in SW corner. All on ball bearings and Hastings stays. “nd stay broke on visit, was previously cracked but broken (bizarrely) when ringing up! Bells go very well and sound good too. All retain their canons.
1) 1694 William Noon Nottingham
2) 1607 Henry Oldfield II Nottingham
3) 1618 Henry Oldfield II Nottingham
4) 1618 Henry Oldfield II Nottingham.

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4.69 Stamford, SJB, Lincolnshire, 31/07/99, 4, 7cwt in A
One of Stamford’s many churches! Adjacent to All Sts (the ringable 8) and across the Market Place. A large church with NW tower. Spiral staircase to RR, then intermediate chamber and belfry. Bells hang in a perfect square 4 bell frame with central void. Treble on N wall swinging E-W, 2 on E wall swinging N-S, 3 on S wall swinging E-W and tenor on W wall swinging N-S. All but treble wheels on outside of frame roped to centre of each wall face. Treble on inside of frame/pit. The frame is old and wooden and most of the fittings seem to be too. The bells were restored to a ringable condition in 1996. Not easy bells to ring, especially tenor which drops. Sound ok but all quite old.

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4.70 South Luffenham, SMV, Rutland, 31/07/99, 4, 5cwt in C, GF, tuning 1-4 of 5.
A small church with W tower and spire. GF RR with spiral staircase in NW of tower up to intermediate chamber and belfry. Bells hang in a metal A frame for 5. Treble and 2nd swing E-W mouth to mouth on S side of tower. 3rd and tenor swing side by side N-S with spare pit beside present tenor and perp to treble. The 3rd swings into doorway of staircase hence it shouting when ringing. According to the local there is evidence of a 5th bell and it was allegedly donated for the war effort by the village. The 3rd is a Taylors bell from 1861, the rest appeared older, the treble having canons and the canons having been removed from the tenor. The 2nd was obscured by the 3rd (up at the time). Bells go very well and sound good despite not being a major scale. Sound deeper in pitch than C though.

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3.48 Church Knowle, St Peter, Dorset. 21/08/99, 3, 5-2-0 in C, GF
A small W tower, although church and tower were covered in scaffolding and polythene on visit so was hard to see it! No access to tower, looked like needed a ladder. Treble rope fell in NW corner, 2 on E wall (in doorway to church), tenor in SW corner of tower.

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3.49 Ryme Intrinseca, St Hippolytus, Dorset, 21/08/99, 3, 8cwt, GF
Another small W tower. Bells went well but quite new stretchy ropes made things a little tricky. Couldn’t get access up the tower. Tenor in NW corner, 2 on N wall (in centre) 1 on E wall (in centre).

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4.71 Crathorne, All Sts, North Yorkshire, 12/02/00, 4, 6-3-3 in C, GF
A small W tower with pyramid cap. Ropes fall in a straight line between pews. 2 in E tenor in W. Treble is really a sanctus hung for full circle with no stay or slider. Its ropes falls in the pews N of 3 of 4, a 13th century very long bell. Frame is metal, Taylors 1887 when tower was built. The back 3 swing N-S side by side, tenor in W in southern half of tower. Sanctus is at right angles, swings E-W across 2&3 of 4. Bells rehung by Taylors, new headstocks to back 3 and stays etc. Back 3 sound good and go well. Sanctus goes well too (despite short swing chiming rope and sally) but sounds 13th century! It doesn’t clapper right and double strikes one stroke. Can’t really be described as a ring of 4, more like 4 ringable bells.

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3.50 Wetwang, St Nicholas, East Yorkshire, 06/05/00, 3, 7-0-12 in A, GF, AC.
A short but quite sturdy looking W tower. RR behind a screen at the back of the church. Quite an excessive draught of rope, being longer than the height of the tower arch. Bells are immediately above. No intermediate chamber, only 2 storey tower. Access is via a spiral staircase in the SW corner of the church and is steep and pitch black near the top! Bells hang in a wooden 4 bell frame. Tenor swinging E-W in S of tower, treble swings N-S in E of tower and 2 swings N-S in W of tower. Empty pit N-S in middle of tower between 1&2. All on metal stocks and plain bearings. Ladder to tower roof had to be removed to allow treble to swing. It was sitting on S side of pit. Wooden steps from Spiral staircase to frame height in SE corner of tower. The tenor pit not quite reaching the E wall. In RR clock weights wooden screen is very near to the ropes of 1&2. The 2nd only 6 inches away from it. Go well and sound good despite the long draught.
1) Taylors 1895 29.5 in
2) Samuel Simth York
3) York foundry pre-ref. 7-0-12 in A
Cast iron headstocks, plain bearings, locally made pine frame 1895.

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3.51 Long Riston, St Margaret, East Yorkshire, 07/05/00, 3, 6cwt, GF
A small W tower to a Victorian church with RR at back of church. The bells go well and sound good. Probably all 3 swing E-W, treble in S, tenor in N, 2 roped opposed. Didn’t go up to bells. Some probably Taylors turn of the century. A bell is said to have come from Rise when they had their new 5 in 1901/2.

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3.52, St Levan, S Levan, Cornwall, 27/07/00, 3, 5cwt, GF
A small church with classic Cornish looking 3 stage W tower at the end of a dead end road. Sally of treble was very high and had to be rung stood on top of the safe which was fixed and directly under the rope. Treble couldn’t be rung up, it just wouldn’t go. 2nd was loose on its headstock and was hard to set. When set it bounced alarmingly as tenor was rung up. Tenor seemed ok! Needed to remove furniture to get to ropes of 2&3. As a result were only high swing chimed. On inspection upstairs up the spiral staircase (through cobwebs and darkness) the treble stay was found to be a recent replacement and was probably too long so was hitting the floor directly under frame. Its slider was sat on the side of the frame anyway. All 3 swing E-W side by side, treble in N, tenor in S. 3 roped opposed to 1&2. Wooden frame seemed a bit wobbly, also wasn’t attached to wall in SW corner due to spiral staircase. All on ball bearings and wooden stocks. Were QP’ed in 1992!

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3.52 St Just in Penwith, Cornwall, 27/07/00, 3, 8-3-27 in G, GF.
A largish 3 aisled church with tall W tower, set back from the “square” in the village (which is triangular!). The RR is open to the back of the church and the ropes fall in a straight line along the W wall of the tower with a long unguided draught. The sally’s were also very low and the 2nd had no slider (as discovered when rung up as was let over). Spiral staircase in NW corner leads to intermediate clock room and belfry. I went up to re-rope it and it was let over a second time when rung up. I went back up again to re-rope 2nd and moved all ropes up on wheels to make handling easier. The bells hang in a much corroded metal frame, Taylors 1972, when tenor was added to old 2. Tenor certainly on metal stock, 1&2 on wooden ones I think. All swing side by side E-W roped unopposed, Tenor in N, treble in S of tower. The frame is in the W half of tower with easily room for 3 more if not 5 more. In the E side of the tower in the belfry was a strange 6 foot deep pit with no obvious access or purpose. Bells hung at louver level and doorway from staircase is at this level too. Clock in E part of tower in clock room with hammer to tenor, but wire seems to have snapped within the clock so no means of releasing it in the RR. Had to be tied off.
All metal work in belfry was surprisingly corroded, especially the frame if only 20 years old. Alternatively the old 2 could have been rehung earlier and then the tenor added in 1972. How accurate is a church guide? Tenor actually Taylors 1937.

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4.72 Bondleigh, St James Ap, Devon, 29/08/00, 4, 9cwt, GF.
A tall pinnacled W tower of 3 stages to a medium church at the end of a dead end road next to a farm yard. Bells go ok but sound pretty awful. The tenor is very sharp resulting in an almost chromatic scale. The hum notes of 1&2 are crossed. RR is behind a screen at the back of the church, a good close circle with rope guides. The bells hang behind the louvers which are boards with small holes set in the window openings at an angle with the bottom overlapping the sill. A spiral staircase in NW of tower leads from RR to intermediate chamber and belfry. The bells hang in a wooden 5 bell frame by Harry Stokes of Woodbury 1904 (carved in N face of frame), on wooden Headstocks and plain bearings (presumed all 1904) all retaining canons. Treble sounds very old. 1&2 swing mouth to mouth N-s in E of tower, roped together. 3&4 swing side by side E-W in SW of tower, roped opposed. Spare pit in NW of tower. A narrow walkway N of frame. All in good condition.
1) 1683 Pennington, Lezant
2) 15th cent Exeter foundry
3) 15th cent Exeter foundry
4) 1656 Pennington, Lezant

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4.73 Meeth, St Michael &AA, Devon, 31/08/00, 4, 9cwt, GF, tuning 2-5 of 8.
A small 3 staged W tower to a small church right next to the A386 main road. The bells go and sound ok. Apparently rung regularly by a local band. Rung from back of church. Spiral staircase in NE leads to first floor, with rope shutes, then ladder in middle of room to bells comes up in the void in the centre of a classic 4 bell frame. Wooden frame by Harry Stokes of Woodbury 1902.Fittings look newer, on ball bearings, with wooden headstocks, probably rehung by Jack Wonnacott in 1990 if I remember the conversation I had with him at Brendon. All well looked after and tidy throughout. 1&3 swing E-W, 2&4 swing N-S. 1 in S with gallow ends in SW corner, 2 N of 1 in W, 3 E of 2 in N and 4 S of 3 in E. All roped to inside of frame to form a perfect “circle” but spread out slightly by shutes in room below. Frame fills all of tower.
2 good 15th cent Exeter bells and 2 by John Stadler 1714. Rehung in a good frame by Harry Stokes in 1902 for £60, 17 shillings.

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3.54 Old Malton, St Mary, North Yorkshire, 14/10/00, 3, 6-1-20 in A tuning 1-3 of 5
A large church that is part of an even larger Abbey that existed. The SW tower appears to be the only survivor of twin W towers, the foundations being present in the churchyard. 3 staged tower, the base being the vestry, access via SW spiral staircase to RR above. A big a airy room with large W window, also has odd step halfway across tower so tenor ringing is higher than 1&2 ringers. Bells hang in a huge wooden frame, the pits of which are long. All swing E-W 1 in N, 3 in centre and 2 in S. Treble roped opposed to 2&3. All wooden fittings and plain bearings. Went and sound ok. 2&3 Samuel Smith of York, 1 possibly different and older. Easily room in tower for a 6 or 8.

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3.55 Ebberston, St Mary, North Yorkshire, 14/10/00, 3, 3-3-27 in D, GF.
A small W tower to a long low church, away from the village, up a pathway off the A170 main road. Quite a remote spot with no other houses around. 3 stage tower, access via ladders but didn’t go up as other already up there. However all hang in a metal frame side by side all swinging N-S, treble in E and tenor in W. Treble and tenor roped to N, 2nd opposed, frame to S of tower with space in N for walkway. Complete Taylors 1913 installation which go very well and sound good too, however a bit cramped in RR. Permanent stairs on W wall, tenor ringer stands half underneath it , also avoiding boiler in centre of N wall. 1&2 are ok bit still space is tight. Had good ropes on them which were knotted up for one person to chime all 3.

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3.56 Allerston, St John, North Yorkshire, 14/10/00, 3, 4-1-20 in C, GF
A large church and tall W 3 staged tower. GF RR in back of church, with huge long draught of rope and two sets of rope guides. The bells hadn’t been rung for a while so they were inspected and the ropes raised about a foot before ringing. There is no intermediate chamber and so the floor of the belfry is the ceiling of the very tall RR. Spiral staircase to belfry. Metal frame, all bells swinging E-W, treble in N and tenor in S. Treble and tenor roped to W and 2nd opposed to E. Wheels all on S side of their pits. Plain bearings and Hastings stays (which were very stiff). 1&2 Taylors 1910, same as frame and fittings, 3 a lot older, probably York foundry and sounds very dull and bucketty in comparison to the other 2. Went well enough though. Could easily fit 10cwt 6 into the tower.

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4.74 Middleton, St Andrew, North Yorkshire, 14/10/00, 4, 5-3-20 in Bb
An old W tower which outside doesn’t look very big, but is quite spacious in the upstairs RR. Access via ladder. Very nice going and sounding bells. Taylor 1926 and possibly rehung then. All 4 swing N-S, 2&3 roped to S, treble and tenor to N to form a square.. Didn’t go up but intermediate chamber above RR.

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3.57 Nunnington, All Sts & St James, North Yorkshire, 14/10/00, 3, 5cwt in D, GF, tuning 1-3 of 5.
A W tower in 3 stages. The RR is at the back of the church. The bells don’t sound too good and considerable bumping can be heard in the churchyard. Don’t go particularly easy either. Vertical metal ladder from RR to clock room, wooden stairs to bells. L shaped wooden frame and plain bearings (which were completely dry!). Treble and 2nd swing E-W, mouth to mouth, roped together in N of tower. Tenor swings N-S at right angles to 2nd in E, roped to side of 2nd. Easily space for3 more in tower. Treble and 2nd were both highly decorated bells around waist with vines etc, apparently a Samuel Smith of York characteristic.

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3.58 Stillington, St Nicholas, North Yorkshire, 14/10/00, 3, 5-3-0 in C, GF, AC.
A largish village church on a prominent position above and to the N of the main road through the village. Tidy and well looked after church. A 3 staged W tower, the top stage being slightly smaller. The RR is at the back of the church and had the appearance as such and not a vestry or junk store. Bells went very well and sounded ok.
1) Taylors recast 1946, originally 1739 3-0-18
2) 14th cent 4-3-0 app
3) 1698 Samuel Smith York, 5-3-0 app
Rehung with new fittings by J Mallaby in 1914. Probably all 3 swing E-W side by side, treble in N, tenor in S, treble & tenor roped to E, 2nd opposed to W.

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4.75 Wootton, St Andrew, Lincolnshire, 01/11/00, 4, 7cwt , GF.
W tower of weathered and worn stone. RR behind organ and very long draught of unguided rope. Treble droppeda lot, others ok. Lots of boiler pipes to be careful of!

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4.76 North Killingholme, St Denys, Lincolnshire, 04/11/00, 4, 9-1-9 in G, GF
A big square W tower. RR open to church and well looked after. Go well and sound good. Sound heavier than they are. Taylors rehang of 1927 of older bells. 1&2 1725, 3&4 Samuel Smith of York.

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4.77 Stallingborough, Ss P&P, Lincolnshire, 04/11/00, 4, 6-2-20
A tall thin brick W tower of a Georgian style church on the edge of the village. Steep wooden ladder to RR which is quite bare. Bells go ok but sound harsh and hums of 3&4seem the wrong way around.

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4.78 Healing, Ss P&P, Lincolnshire, 04/11/00, 4, 7-2-18
A Perpendicular style church with W tower up a little track off the road and surrounde by trees. Ladder to RR with a low ceiling. Go and sound ok. Plans to augment to 6 through Keltek Trust

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3.59 Old Clee, H.T. & St Mary, Lincolnshire, 04/11/00, 3, 13-0-7 in F, GF
A very old church, cruciform in shapre with a small low central tower and pyramid cap. The W tower possibly 11th/12th cent withsmall openings and semi-circle arches.. The RR is at the back of the church through a door. The bells go very well and sound good too, being J Harrison and a 1937 Taylor rehang in a metal frame. Didn’t go up the tower but a photo of them on the wall of the church.

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3.60, Scartho, St Giles, Lincolnshire, 04/11/00, 3, 10-0-5 in G.
Another old tower similar in style to Old Clee. The base of the tower is the porch with a vertical ladder to the balcony RR with low ceiling. Go well and sound good, 2&3 are Taylors 1910.

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3.61 Grainthorpe, St Clement, Lincolnshire, 04/11/00, 3, 15cwt in E, GF
A large perpendicular style church with large W tower. The RR is reached through a deep screen and used as a church store. The bells go ok and sound heavier than they possibly are. George Dawson (who was also there at time of visit) estimated the tenor to be about 14-3-20 using dimensions, founder etc in a computer program, was given as 18cwt on itinerary. Quite a long draught of unguided rope.

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3.62 North Somercoates, St Peter, Lincolnshire, 04/11/00, 3, 9-2-18 in Ab
The church is on the edge of the village with 11th/12th cent style W tower. A modern balcony has been constructed with toilet beneath and a hefty trap door. The bells go very well, being a fairly recent rehang in a frame for 6. Bells sound old though. The stay on the 2nd was a bit dodgy at the time of visiting so it wasn’t set.

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3.63 Theddlethorpe St Helen, St Helen, Lincolnshire, 04/11/00, 3, 12-1-21 in G#, GF
A large church with W tower, right next to the main road with no wall or fence between them. The RR is open to the church and tidy. The bells go and sound good too with a long guided draught of rope. According to the details and picture on the wall they are all 1415 or 1451, rehung completely by G&J in 1927. Could they have been G&J retuned too?

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3.64 Trusthorpe, St Peter, Lincolnshire, 04/11/00, 3, 6-2-0
A small church with quite tall square W tower. Entrance to church from E end. RR is up a set of stairs on an enclosed balcony. The bells go well, although quite a long draught of rope and very loud inside, although very quiet outside.

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3.65 North Thoresby, St Helen, Lincolnshire, 04/11/00, 3, 10-1-2
A small church with W tower on the edge of the village. The tower is separate from the church and used as a vestry. The bells are rung from an odd little balcony, half the width of the tower and less than 8 feet from the ceiling. Would be very easy to bang knuckles on the beams. However go well and sound ok. Have rope shutes so no kick from ropes passing through rope holes.

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3.66 Binbrook, St Mary, Lincolnshire, 04/11/00, 3, 11cwt
A lovely sandy colour church with quite large W tower and spire. External spiral staircase in turret to tower. The bells are horrific in comparison, both in go and sound.. Complete Harrisons bells and frame. Sound very tinny and deep, presumably short and fat bells like Laneham, Notts. The frame walks around the tower and the treble was so light set it was very difficult to set. Very dingy RR.

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4.79 Tealby, All Sts, Lincolnshire, 04/11/00, 4, 12-1-12 in F#
A large village church with a big W tower. Steep wooden steps lead up to the RR. The bells go well and sound good. There are plans to augment to 6 and there is certainly room. Not sure if currently in a 6 bell frame but the rope circle is more of an arc. The future treble of 6 is sat on a pallet at the base of the tower with its headstock. It is a G&J bell from the Keltek trust.

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4.80 Peatling Magna, All Sts, Leicestershire, 17/02/01, 4, 13-0-0 in F
A small village but with a large single aisled church with large tower and spire. The vestry is in the base of the tower with near vertical wooden ladder to the RR. This is a balcony, partly overlooking the nave, but is above the spring of the tower arch so only legs can be seen from the church. Another vertical ladder (above the lower one) leads to a very light intermediate chamber in NE corner. Final ladder up to bells in SE corner comes up in empty space of what would be 5th pit. The 3rd, tenor and treble hang side by side swing N-S, 3rd in W, treble in E. The 2nd swings at right angle to 3&4 to the S side of tower swinging E-W. The treble is old with removed canons, 2nd, 3rd and tenor are all Taylors 1906 when probably hung in new frame. Frame is composite wooden cills and heads with metal side castings. Metal headstocks, ball bearings and Hastings stays. Despite reports from previous towers in the day that they were rough they were in fact a very nice ring, going very well and sounding excellent too (as you’d expect Taylors bells from 1906 to!). The 2nd rope broke on a splice in the garter hole whilst here, this was replaced with a handy spare in the RR, being the only object, apart from the bench in the otherwise bare RR

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4.81 Daglingworth, The Holy Rood, Gloucestershire, 16/05/01, 05/06/02 (QP) 4, 7cwt in Bb, AC.
A Cotswold stone village church up a dead end lane next to a big house. The base of the W tower is used as a vestry/storage space and is curtained off from the rest of the church. Access to the first floor RR is by a spiral staircase in the SW corner. The RR is bare apart from a few coat hooks, two ringing rules notices, details of the bell weights and a tall, thin blackboard with changes on it. The walls are white washed and a ladder along the N wall leads up to the bells. No intermediate chamber.
The tower notice gives the details as;
1) A Rudhall 1757 4-0-0
2) A Rudhall 1720 4-2-0
3) Mears & stainbank 1912 5-3-20
4) A Rudhall 1720 7-2-0
Rehung by Llewellyn & James Bristol 1912.
Interestingly in CboG Bliss & Sharp give the treble as J.Warners 1877 and the 3rd as M&S 1887.
The bell frame is sat on RSJ’s (installed 1912?) and appears to be an old 3 bell frame with the treble in an additional frame tacked on. All the fittings appear in good condition, presumably all dating from 1912 but the frame is worn out. The uprights of the frame sides of the tenor have been cut away so much to allow the bell to swing it is only a couple of inches wide in places. The wood is old, grainy and not smooth. The bells are very loud in the RR but probably sound quite nice outside. They don’t go very well and need a bit of effort, 3&4 need pulling all the time and 1&2 drop considerably, have little handstroke pull and are quite light set. Ringing the 2nd after the 3rd caught me out as very different techniques are needed. The bells had only been rung 4 or 5 times since Jan 1st 2000 due to the efforts of Rev Peter Newing.
The louvers on the N side of the tower are on the same level as and quite close to the bedroom windows in the big house next door so care is needed to avoid complaints. These bells were classed as unringable for a long time but the classification seems to have been relaxed slightly and have now been allowed out for special occasions only. As it is they are hard work. Work by Whites in early 2006, now chiming only.

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3.67 Wishaw, St Chad, Warwickshire, 28/07/01, 3, 6-0-6 in Bb
A Warwickshire red stone W tower. Upstairs RR. Bells recently augmented back to 3 with a tenor. Originally 3 but the tenor was sold some time ago (in the mid 1800’s). Metal headstock to tenor with ball bearings, treble and 2nd wooden headstocks and ball bearings(?). Wooden frame for 3. The new tenor originally came from St Michael’s Derby and was installed by Hayward Mills 1998.
1) John Martin, Worcester 1650 4-2-0
2) John Martin, Worcester 1650 5-2-0
3) Thomas Mears Whitechapel 1799 6-0-6
Originally 3, 1 sold in 1830, remaining 2 rehung in 1890.

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3.68 Lea Marston, St John, Warwickshire, 28/07/01, 3, 6-1-8 in B, tuning 1 3 4 of 6, AC.
Church down a dead end road. NW tower, quite thin with a pyramid cap. NW stair turret to RR, ladder to belfry. Sound ok though not tuned to a major scale and go ok considering the wooden frame flexes when bells ring. The RR ceiling is attached to the frame and so creaks and groans when ringing. Quite a long draught of rope. 1&3 Taylors mid 1800’s, 2 no date/founder obvious. Plain bearings. RR very bare.
1) Taylors 1876 5-1-13
2) John Rudhall Gloucester 1791 5-2-0
3) Taylors 1855 6-1-8
Wooden frame 1793, fittings 1907 Barwell

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3.69 Middleton, SJB, Warwickshire, 28/07/01, 3, 8-3-1 in G, GF, Ropes fall in a straight line.
Another Warwickshire red stone church with W tower. Well kept church. Ropes hang at the W end of the tower in a line with guides. The guides were a bit wobbly being a straight bar with 3 rope holes. According to the church guide the bells were all recast in 1826 and rehung in the 14th cent frame. Bells go well and sound very good.
1) Thomas Mears 1826 6-0-23
2) Thomas Mears 1826 6-2-13
3) Thomas Mears 1826 8-3-1 in G
Ancient wooden frame, rehung Taylors 1939

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4.82 Seckington, All Sts, Warwickshire, 28/07/01, 08/12/01, 4, 5-3-24 in Bb, GF
A W tower and Spire. Large louvers covered in netting. The bells go well and sound good. Rope Guides. Rope circle indicates laid out for a 6 bell frame. Probably Plain bearings. The 3rd rope was replaced just before visit and was incredibly stretchy!
1) Robert Mellours Nottingham c1520 3-1-24
2) Taylors 1886 4-2-24
3) Taylors 1886 6-2-27
4) Hugh Watts II Leicester 1640 5-3-24 in Bb
Frame for 2 installed 1883, extended to 4 1886, overhauled 1970.

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3.70 Newton Regis, St Mary, Warwickshire, 28/07/01, 3, 9-0-3 in G
West tower and spire almost identical to Seckington. Upstairs RR, up a ladder from the vestry in the base of the tower. Two beams across RR about 5foot above floor. Clock in W third of tower, the E beams supports the folding down floor for access to the clock. The ropes fall between the beams. Having folded up temporary floor and removed clock hammers these bells were found to be excellent in go and tone. Treble added in 1930 when all rehung in a new frame.
1) Taylors 1931 5-2-17
2) Newcombe Leicester 1602 6-2-19
3) Hugh Watts Leicester 1642 9-0-5
Frame and fittings Taylors 1931.

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3.71 Harlaston, St Matthew, Staffordshire, 28/07/01, 3, 5cwt in Eb tuning 1 3 4 of 6, GF. Ropes fall in a straight line.
A SW tower and spirelet. Stone base to height of church, with pyramid cap and turret on top with clock face. Stone bnase quite large, about 15feet square, with wooden beams inside supprting the roof and bells above. Bells didn’t go too well, dropped a lot, maybe would have helped with some oil. Sound ok though hum of 2&3 opposed.
1&2 ?, 3) Warners1856

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3.72 Newton Solney, SMV, Derbyshire, 28/07/01, 3, 5-3-11 in A
Short W tower and spire.. Upstairs RR quite bare but tidy. Top of W arch between tower and church in wall of RR. Possibly new RR floor recently? Bells go very well and sound excellent. Feel and sound heavier, more like 8cwt. Local band taught for 2000.
1) Henry Oldfield II 1615 5-0-2
2) Leicester foundry c1380 5-2-13
3) George Oldfield I 5-3-11 in A
Cast Iron frame

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4.83 Foremark, St Saviour, Derbyshire, 28/07/01, 4, 8-2-12 in Ab, GF, AC
A big church with 3 staged W tower. Chancel and Nave all the same height. The bell frame is probably a perfect 4 bell frame with central void as each bell seems to shout out of one side of the tower. Bells go well and sound good. The base of the tower is the porch. Old ropes.
1) George Oldfield of Nottingham1668 3-3-10
2) George Oldfield of Nottingham no date 5-1-10
3) George Oldfield of Nottingham 1668 6-3-5
4) George Oldfield of Nottingham 1660 8-2-12 in Ab
Wooden frame, cast iron headstocks

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3.73 Weston on Trent, SMV, Derbyshire, 28/07/01, 3, 5-3-6 in D, tuning 1-3 of 5, GF.
W tower and spire to a short but wide, 3 aisled, church. Reached down a long white road and quite remote from village. Bells go ok and sound ok. Longish draught of rope with guides. Probably plain bearings
1) Taylors 1897 4-1-4
2) T Hedderly 1760 5-1-7
3) T Hedderly 1760 5-3-6 in D
Cast iron H frame arranged so could hold 6

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3.74 Egginton, St Wilfred, Derbyshire, 28/07/01, 3, 7-0-7 in G, tuning 1-3 of 5, GF
A W tower to another short but quite wide church. Chancel roof is higher than nave. The church is tucked behind trees off the main road on the edge of the village.
1) Thomas Hedderly Nottingham 1778 4-2-11
2) Pre 1549 6-1-13
3) Henry Oldfield 1615 7-0-7
Rehung in a new metal frame 1897
RR open to back of the church. Long draught of unguided rope around the font. Go well and sound good for old bells. The ropes were a bit too long though

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3.75 Radbourne St Andrew, Derbyshire, 28/07/01, 3, 3-0-19 in C, GF
A quite small NW tower to a church hidden behind trees, behind houses off the village street. Bells go ok and sound ok but old. Go and sound heavier than 3cwt. Clock and hammer. RR is a cluttered room at the back of the church. Probably wooden frame and plain bearings
2 Taylors 1897, 3 1595

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4.84 Cubley, St Andrew, Derbyshire, 28/07/01, 4, 9-1-18 in F#, GF
A church on the E side of a narrow lane just outside of the village. A large W tower to a reasonably short but 2 aisled church. RR is open to the back of the church and separated by a screen. The large W window provides lots of light. The bells go very well, a longish draught but with guides. Sound very good inside too, very boomy! Almost louder inside than outside, but very good for old bells.
1) 1661 George Oldfield Nottingham
2) 15th cent T Bett Leicester
3) 15th cent T Bett Leicester
4) 1688 Oldfield Nottingham
Ropes fall in almost a perfect circle but not quite! Possibly all 4 swinging side by side E-W?

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4.85 Adbaston, St Michael &AA, Staffordshire, 30/07/01, 4, 8cwt in A, GF
A W tower to a small isolated village church. Most of the village seems to be council or chalet houses. The GF RR is behind a screen at the back of the church. A very long draught of rope, treble and 3rd fall very close to cupboards (so close the sally’s touch when hang down!) The bells sound ok but go pretty awfully. The tenor drops like a stone, treble & 3rd are awkward because of cupboards and long draught but otherwise go ok, 2nd didn’t go too well but not as bad as tenor. Spiral staircase in SW leads to intermediate chamber and then belfry. The wooden frame fills the tower. The sanctus is above the door arch from spiral staircase. Wooden headstocks, plain bearings, unusual double sided stays with a bar support to the curved wooden stays. The lightening conductor had been bolted to a bearing cover of each bell, the cover therefore couldn’t close properly! The treble has no frame end at the W end of its pit. The Frame is also quite rotten on the SW side of the 2nds pit and has been strengthened with angle brackets.
Not surprising they’re hard work really!
1) W & T Clibury 1627 4.25 cwt D 27in
2) Charles Carr 1906 5.5cwt C# 30in
3) W Clibury 1640 6.5cwt B 32.25in
4) W Clibury 1640 8cwt A 35.5in
sanctus 1530 unknown 0.25cwt A 9.5 in
The 2nd was originally William Clibury II 1655 30in. Charles Carr restored the ring in 1906 by rehanging them in the existing wooden frame on plain bearings. The canons from the remaining old bells were also removed.

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4.86 Chebsey, All Sts, Staffordshire, 30/07/01, 4, 8cwt in G, GF
A W tower to a medium church in a nice village. The RR is open to the back of the church. Quite a long draught of rope, but new ropes and obviously well used and looked after. Bells go very well and sound very good too, sound heavier than they are. Possibly in a 6 bell frame because the ropes fall in an arc. The treble occasionally had odd moments as seemed to bounce off the balance when not near setting it! Spiral staircase in the SE corner with access from the W end of the church.
1) T Rudhall 1775,
2),3),4) ?

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4.87 Campsea Ashe, SJB, Suffolk, 30/08/01, 4, 8cwt in G#, tuning 1-4 of 5
A tall slender W tower to a church next to a main road. The upstairs RR is reach ed by a spiral staircase in the SW corner. The RR also has a very high ceiling with wooden rope guides.
1) 4-1-0 J. Brend Norwich 1615
2) 5-1-0 Thomas Gardner Sudbury 1714
3) 6-3-0 Thomas Gardner Sudbury 1729
4) 8-2-0 Richard Bowler Colchester 1601
The bells hang in a wooden frame of 1850 and were rehung on refurbished fittings in 1997 when the cracked 2nd was welded. Only the 2nd is on ball bearings. Ringing was started up again when it was proved the tower wasn’t unsafe as thought. The bells aren’t too musical (not helped by the scale) and the hums of 2&3 are opposed to the strike notes. They are also particularly odd struck and don’t clapper easily when raising and lowering. Go ok otherwise and slight tower movement. Probably a classic 4 bell frame with central void. Stairway access to bells along S & W walls.

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4.88 Stowlangtoft, St George, Suffolk, 30/08/01, 4, 9cwt in G
A tall slender W tower of flint and stone to a large village church. The upstairs RR is reached by a spiral staircase in the SE corner of the tower. Clock in RR. New ropes fitted. Intermediate Chamber. Bells probably hung in wooden frame on plain bearings although didn’t go too badly. The treble and 2nd dropped a little unpredictably but the tenor went well. Ropes hang in an arc as if in a frame for 6. Possibly treble & 2nd swing mouth to mouth E-W, 3rd and tenor side by side N-S but didn’t look to confirm.

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4.89 Lighthorne, St Laurence, Warwickshire, 21/09/01, 4, 6.5cwt in B, AC
A short older W tower to a Victorian church. The roof apex reaches the height of the louvers. The RR is on an enclosed balcony accessed by stairs from the vestry below. The bel