THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 The Church Bells of Essex 
 
 THEIR FOUN'BERS, INSCRITTIONS, 
 TRADITIONS, AND USES 
 
 By 
 
 THE REV. CECIL DEEDES, M.A., 
 
 (Prebendary of Chichester, and some time Rector of Wickham St. Pdu/'s, Essex) 
 
 AND 
 
 H. B. WALTERS, M.A., F.S.A., 
 
 [Based on the Collections of Messrs, Tyssen, North, Stahlschmiut, and Wells] 
 
 ll/Tf/ 36 PL.-JTES, JND FACSIMILE BLOCKS /A' TEXT 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE AUTHORS 
 
 1909
 
 THIS EDITION OF 25O COPIES PRINTED FOR THE SUBSCRIBERS 
 
 BY 
 W. JOLLY AND SONS, ABERDEEN.
 
 
 ) To THE REVERED MEMORY 
 
 JOHN CHARLES LETT STAHLSCHMIDT 
 
 THOSE WHO HAVE ENTERED 
 
 INTO HIS LABOURS 
 
 DEDICATE THESE PAGES 
 
 718931
 
 02 
 
 XXV^VH 
 
 
 • (Da.3olll)f»sor,s.
 
 PREFACl^: 
 
 Ik the length of a preface should bear an inverse ratio to the time taken 
 in the compilation of the book, a brief foreword would suffice here, for 
 "The Church Bells of Essex" has been so long upon the stocks that the 
 present Editors are now far removed from those who began collecting 
 the materials. We will conclude that our readers prefer to know something 
 about the genesis of the work, and will briefly touch on the chief points. 
 
 When the Tractarian movement begot in those who came under its 
 influence a new reverence for, and interest in the fabrics of our cathedrals 
 and churches, and a careful study of sacred architecture and art, among 
 the objects which awakened interest were such monumental brasses as 
 had survived the spoliation and carelessness of the preceding centuries. 
 These being on the floors of churches naturally attracted attention much 
 sooner than the bells which hung aloft out of sight. In turning over the 
 pages of the Archaeological Journals, we can trace but few instances of 
 bell inscriptions being reported earlier than the Rev. Wm. C. Lukis' 
 'Account of Church Bells' which appeared in 1857, the first compre- 
 hensive attempt at dealing with the rudiments of the present abstruse 
 science of ca7Hpanobgy. This word does not appear to have been used 
 in its present sense, according to Dr. Murray's Dictionary, before the time 
 of Lukis, for Craik in 1847 defines campanology as ' the art of ringing bells.' 
 Sir J. H. H. Murray defines it ' the subject of bells ; detailed examination 
 of the principles of bell founding, bell rineino-, etc' 
 
 Lukis' book soon set others to work, and the systematic examination of 
 belfries in other districts or counties besides Wiltshire became common. 
 Among early enthusiasts we may notice the Rev. H. T. Ellacombe, a 
 Devonshire worthy who extended his researches into the neighbouring 
 counties of Gloucester and Somerset ; Mr. Daniel Tyssen, who became 
 responsible for Sussex ; Mr. L' Estrange, who investigated the whole of 
 Norfolk; and Dr. Raven, who published Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. Mr. 
 Thomas North of Leicester, beginning with that county, followed on with
 
 VI PREFACE 
 
 Northants, Rutland, Lincoln, and Ikdford, leaving- at his death material 
 for Herts and other counties including Essex. It should be said that Mr. 
 Daniel Tyssen, senior, had been for some years employing agents to visit 
 towers where mediaeval bells were reported to hang, obtaining in this way 
 a large collection of valuable rubbings. These he most kindly placed at 
 the disposal of the various county investigators with a view to the material 
 being used in their respective books. Hence the collection, which at Mr. 
 North's lamented death in 1884, passed into the hands of his recent 
 colleague and assistant, Mr. J. C. L. Stahlschmidt. 'The Church Bells of 
 Hertfordshire' was edited by the latter in 18S6, largely from the material 
 left by the former. The pupil, alas, was destined not long to survive the 
 master. Only five years later, into which years had been crowded an 
 immense amount of campanological work, Mr. Stahlschmidt was taken to 
 his rest on June 26, 1889. An ' In Memoriam ' notice of him will be found 
 in the Transactions of the Essex Arckaeo/oi^ical Society, N.S. iv. 40-44. 
 He had brought out Surrey bells and London bell founders in 1884, then 
 in rapid succession, the Herts book mentioned above in 1886, and Kent 
 in 1887. He had already made large collections for Esse.x which would 
 have come next, and the senior of the present editors, at that time a North 
 Esse.x rector, had collaborated with him in personal visits to many towers 
 between Halstead and the Suffolk border, but during the last two years of 
 his life his health had been failing. .Severe attacks of gout suggested 
 hydropathic treatment, but consequent on this lung trouble developed, the 
 last winter spent in the Canary Islands did him no good, and the end came 
 in the following early summer. His grave, under a marble cross, may be 
 seen in the churchyard of St. Nicholas, Tooting Graveney. 
 
 By his expressed wish his collections for the Essex Bells were handed 
 to his intimate friend, the late Mr. E. J. Wells, at that time secretary of 
 the St. Paul's Ecclesiological Society. Mr. Wells was a keen and earnest 
 archaeologist with a penchant for church bells, but unfortunately he was 
 closely tied by business, and had little opportunity for such original research 
 as was still required to perfect the lists. However he got the material ready to 
 his hand into good order, and a prospectus was put out in his own name, and 
 that of the present senior editor, whom Mr. Stahlschmidt had named as his 
 joint literary executor. The proposal did not receive sufficient support at 
 that time to justify our undertaking the risks of printing, and all that was 
 done down to the inception of our present book was to insert in the Essex 
 Review, notes of the church bells in the archdeaconry of Colchester, being- 
 little more than a list of the inscriptions in each church, tower. After the
 
 PREFACE VII 
 
 death of Mr. Wells the present editors resolved to undertake this Inwy- 
 delayed issue. Mrs. Wells most kindly placed the whole of the material 
 unreservedly in their hands, pains were taken to supply deBciencies and to 
 bring the record of each belfry up to date, and, after some negotiations with 
 other firms, Messrs. Jolly and Sons of Aberdeen undertook the formidable 
 task of printing. It has been a matter of regret to us that there has been 
 so long a delay in the completion of the book, but when our subscribers 
 examine it and see how much fresh type of an elaborate sort has been cast, 
 they may agree that it was better to make the book as perfect as we could 
 than to scamp the work or to fall out with the workmen. We may at least 
 claim that no pains have been spared to make the ' Church Bells of Essex ' 
 a thoroughly good specimen of its class. We should be the last to assert 
 that it is faultless or absolutely complete. No year passes without the 
 subtraction of some bells from the total of the previous year by reason of 
 fracture or otherwise, and the addition of others. The very delay which 
 we regret, and of which some have with good reason complained, has been 
 in the interests of greater accuracy. 
 
 Where errors are found we can but crave the indulgence generally 
 accorded to those who have tried to do their best, and leave our readers, we 
 hope, to enjoy the fruits of our labours, greatly lightened as they have been 
 by the co-operation of many helpers. Among these Mr. C. H. Hawkins 
 has in particular earned our gratitude for the readiness and energy with 
 which he has come to the aid of the editors in exploring distant parts of the 
 county which they were prevented from visiting personally. He is a very 
 painstaking and accurate worker, and it was largely by his help that the 
 work of revising and bringing up to date was accomplished within the 
 space of two years after the death of Mr. Wells. The Rev. H. T. W. 
 Eyre and Mr. Miller Christy have also rendered yeoman service, both to 
 the former and the present editors of the work. The clergy and laymen of 
 the various parishes who kindly sent information about customs and extracts 
 from parochial documents have been too numerous to thank individually, 
 but we trust that justice has been rendered them in the course of the work. 
 Nor must we omit to mention the various firms of bell founders, who with 
 ready courtesy have responded to our numerous requests for information, 
 in particular Mr. Hughes of the Whitechapel foundry. Lastly, we must 
 accord a word of thanks to our printers for the patience and care with which 
 they have attacked a really troublesome task, which, after the initial 
 difficulties were with unavoidable delay surmounted, they have spared no 
 pains to bring to perfection.
 
 via PREFACE 
 
 It only remains to note that the Introduction is entirely the work of 
 Mr. Walters, a statement necessitated by the use of the singular personal 
 pronoun throughout. 
 
 Cecil Deedes. 
 
 Nov. 1909. H. B. Walters.
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 PREFACE V 
 
 CONTENTS ix 
 
 LIST OF PLATES xi 
 
 BIBLIOGRAPHY xiii 
 
 ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA xxi 
 
 PART I 
 
 INTRODUCTION : HISTORY OF THE BELLS AND THEIR FOUNDERS ... I 
 
 RINGING CUSTOMS AND PECULIAR USES I45 
 
 PRINCIPAL RINGS IN ESSEX .... ISO 
 
 PART II 
 
 THE INSCRIPTIONS ON THE BELLS OF ESSEX I'AKLSH CHURCHES, IN ALPHA- 
 BETICAL ORDER OF THE PARISHES, WITH OTHER INFORMATION . .155 
 INDEX 465
 
 LIST OF PLATES 
 
 I. Magdalen Laver and Southchurch (early 14th cent.). 
 
 II. Ingatestonc, Strethall, and Fairstead (Peter de Weston and William Revel). 
 
 III. Ridgewell (Robert Rider and P.W.); William Rufford's stamps. 
 
 IV. Layer Marney ; the Burfords. 
 V. Stephen Norton's capitals. 
 
 VI. Stephen Norton's capitals ; stamps used by the Burfords, Hille, and Kebyll. 
 VII. Stamps used by the Sturdys and Kebyll. 
 VIII. Stamps used by John Langhorne and William Dawe. 
 IX. Stamps used by William Dawe. 
 X. Stamps of Dawe, Wodewarde, and Bird. 
 XI. Capitals used by Walgrave, Danyell, and Jordan. 
 XII. Stamps used by Walgrave, Crovvch, Danyell, Jordan, and Bullisdon. 
 
 XIII. Stamps of William Culverden. 
 
 XIV. Stamps used by Harrys and Lawrence. 
 XV. Leaden Roothing (T. Lawrence). 
 
 XVI. Ashen (Thomas de Lenne). 
 XVII. Stamps of Norwich founders. 
 XVIII. Stamps of the Norwich and Bury founders. 
 XIX. Lettering of Bury founders. 
 XX. John Tonne's stamps. 
 XXI. Stamps of John Tonne and Stephen Tonne I (Felstead). 
 XXII. Magdalen Laver (R. Doddes i>). 
 
 XXIII. Stamps used by Robert Mot. 
 
 XXIV. Little Bentley (Robert Mot). 
 
 XXV. Stamps of Thomas Bartlet and John Clifton. 
 XXVI. Stamps of Stephen Tonne II., Draper and Land. 
 XXVII. Birdbrook cross ; Miles Graye's stops ; Bracker's lettering (Alphamstone). 
 XXVIII. Peter Hawkes' stamps ; Chrishall ; Richard Bowler's stamps. 
 XXIX. Richard Bowler's stamps. 
 
 XXX. Stamps used by Haulsey, Holdfeld, and the Oldfields. 
 XXXI. Stamps used by the Hodsons ; Great Sampford (H. Yaxley). 
 XXXII. Stamps used by R. Keene, M. Bagley, H. Pleasant, and T. Gardiner. 
 
 XXXIII. Stamps used by the Whitechapel foundry. 
 
 XXXIV. Stamps of modern founders. 
 XXXV. Arms of Paul Bayning fLittle Bentley). 
 
 XXXVI. Arms of the Borough of Colchester (Colchester St. James).
 
 BIBLIOGRAPHY 
 
 Our object in this short bibliography is twofold, first to present sufficiently full titles of the 
 county books on bells, which are constantly referred to in the following pages as ' Bucks,' 
 ' Kent,' etc., with further useful information; secondly, to give a list of the books and MSS. 
 relating to Essex, to which we have had occasion to refer. 
 
 It would be desirable to have a general bibliography of bells compiled in continuation of 
 the very considerable attempts made by the late Rev. H. 'I'. Ellacombe in his " Bells of the 
 Church" (Exeter, 1872), and Mr. Sidney Madge in his monograph on Moulton Church 
 (London, 1895), but this is not the time nor the place for such an effort. If any campanologist 
 with sufficient leisure and enthusiasm should care to set about a general bibliography, the 
 present editors would be glad to communicate with him, and to place at his disposal some 
 material which is in their own hands. 
 
 Part I. — GenER.AL Works on Bell.S {topographically arranged). 
 
 Bedfordshire. T. North, The Church Bells of Bedfordshire. London : E. Stock, 
 
 1883. 4°. 
 Buckinghamshire. A. H. Cocks, The Church Bells of Buckinghamshire. London and 
 
 Norwich: Jarrold and Sons, 1897. 
 Cambridgeshire. J. J. Raven, The Church Bells of Cambridgeshire. 2nd edition, 1S81, 
 
 with supplement (1883). Camb. Antiq. Soc. Deighton and Bell, Cambridge. 
 
 King's College, Cambridge. Paper on the old bells by J. \V. Clark, in Camb. Antiq. 
 
 Co7nmunications, iv. p. 223 ff. 
 Cornwall. ^. H.W.Dunkm, The Church Bells of Connvall. Bemrose, 1878. [Reprinted 
 
 from the Reliquary, vol. xiv., etc.] 
 Cumberland. Cumbd. and Wcstmd. Arch. Soc. Trans., vols, vi.-xiv. (1889-1897). Articles 
 
 by Rev. E. Whitehead (Carlisle and Leath Wards, Brampton Deanery, etc. ; 
 
 interrupted by author's death). 
 Derbyshire. The Reliquary, old series, vols, xiii.-xix. and xxi. Articles by LI. Jewitt, 
 
 covering the greater part of the county. 
 
 J. C. Cox, The Chtirches of Derbyshire, 4 vols. (1875-1879) gives inscriptions on 
 
 nearly all the bells. 
 [A published monograph on the bells of this county is much to be desired.] 
 Devonshire. H. T. Ellacombe, The Church Bells of Devon. Exeter, 1867 (Exeter Dioc. 
 
 Archit. Soc. Trans. N.S. vol. i.). With supplement, ' Bells of the Church.' 
 Dorset. J. J. Raven, The Church Bells of Dorset. Reprinted from Transactions of Dorset 
 
 Field Club, vols, xxiii.-xxvi. (1903-1906).
 
 XIV BIBLIOGRAPHY 
 
 Essex. The present publication. 
 
 Colchester Archdeaconry. Essex Review, 1 892-1 898. Notes by C. Deedes and 
 
 E. J. Wells, giving inscriptions by deaneries. 
 
 Ancient Church Bells of Halstead and neighbourhood, by C. Deedes (Essex Arch. 
 
 Soc. Trans., N.S. iii. p. 64 ff.). 
 
 Brief account of some bells in the northern parishes of the county, by J. Clarke, 
 
 F.S.A., (ibid. p. 102 ff.). 
 The Bells of Essex, by J. A. SparvelBayly, F.S.A., op. cif. iv. p. 26 ff. (somewhat 
 
 untrustworthy). 
 [See also Part II. below.] 
 Gloucestershike. H. T. Ellacombe, The Church Bells of Gloucestershire, with supplement . 
 
 Exeter, 1877. (Transactions of Exeter Dioc. Archit. Soc, N.S. vol. iv.). 
 Bristol and Glouc. Arch. Soc. Trans, xviii. p. 218 ff., xx. p. 22 ff. (Supplementary 
 
 papers by H. B. Walters). 
 Hertfordshire. T. North and J. C. L. Stahlschmidt, T/ie Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 
 
 London: E. Stock, 1886. 
 Huntingdonshire. T. M. N. Owen, The Church Bells of Huntingdonshire. Jarrold, 
 
 Norwich, 1899. 
 Kent. J. C. L. Stahlschmidt, The Church Bells of Kent. London: E. Stock, 1887. 
 Kincardineshire. F. C. Eeles, The Church and other Bells of Kincardineshire. W. Jolly 
 
 and Sons, Aberdeen. [1897.] 4". 
 Leicestershire. T. North, The Church Bells of Leicestershire. Leicester, 1876. 
 Lincolnshire. T. North, The Church Bells of Lincolnshire. Leicester, 1882. 
 Middlesex and London. Transactions of St. Paul's Ecclesiological Society, vi. (1907), 
 
 p. loi ff. Paper on London Bells and Bellfounders, by H. B. Walters. 
 Norfolk. J. L'Estrange, T/ic Church Bells of Norfol/:. Norwich, 1874. 
 Northamptonshire. T. North, Tlie Church Bells of Nortlianiptonsliirc. Leicester, 1878. 
 Nottinghamshire. Tlie Reliquary, Old Ser. vols, xiii., xix., xx. Notes by W. P. W. 
 
 Phillimore (chiefly the south of the county). 
 [The county is now being fully investigated by Mr. Phillimore.] 
 Rutland. T. North, The Churc/i Bells of Rutland. Leicester, 1880. 
 Shropshire. Transactions of the Shropshire Arch, and N^at. Hist. Soc, 3rd Ser. vols, ii., 
 
 iv.-ix. (1902, etc.). The Church Bells of Shropshire, by H. B. Walters. In progress 
 
 (to be completed in 1910). 
 Somerset. H. T. Ellacombe, The Church Bells of Somerset, with supplement. Exeter, 
 
 1875. From the Exeter Dioc. Archit. Soc. Trans. N.S. vol. ii. (1873). 
 [Much in need of revision.] 
 Staffordshire. C. Lynam, The Churc/i Bells of Staffordshire. 1887. 
 Suffolk. J. J. Raven, The Church Bells of Suffolt:. Jarrold, Norwich, 1890. 
 Surrey. J. C. L. Stahlschmidt, Surrey Bells and London Bellfounders. London : E. Stock, 
 
 1885. 
 Sussex. A. D. Tyssen, Tlie Church Bells of Sussex. Lewes, 1864. [Reprinted from the 
 
 Sussex Arch. Collections, vol. xvi.] 
 [Much in need of revision. Mr. Tyssen's rubbings are in the Brighton Public Library.] 
 Warwickshire. Transactions of the Birmingham and Midland Institute, ix. (1878), p. 
 
 10 ff., xviii. (1892), p. i-t ff. Papers by Rev. II. T. Tilley.
 
 BIBLIOGRAPHY XV 
 
 H. T. Tillcy and H. 13. Walters, Tlic Church Bells of Warmickshi re . In Uic press, 
 1909. 
 Wiltshire. W. C. Lukis, An Account of Church Bells, 1857. [Includes about half the 
 
 county, chiefly the south and central parts.] 
 Worcestershire. Assoc. Archil. Socs. Reports, xxvi. (1901), p. 549 ff. Paper on the 
 Church Bells of Worcestershire, by H. B. Walters. 
 Archaeol. foiirnal, Ixiii. p. 187. Some notes on Worcestershire Bellfounders, by the same. 
 Yorkshire. East Riding. Yorks. Arch, and Topogr. See. Trans., vol. ii. pp. 82, 216, vol. 
 iii. pp. 26, 403 (inscriptions given by W. C. Boulter; incomplete). 
 West Riding. Op. cif. vol. xvi. p. 46, xvii. pp. i, 192, 434, xviii. p. 88. (Inscriptions 
 
 and notes by J. E. Poppleton.) 
 Holderness. G. R. Park. Church Bells of Holderness, 1898. 
 York City. G. Benson. The bells of the ancient churches of York. York, 1885. 
 
 It may be well to mention here the most important work which has probably yet appeared 
 on the comparative campanology of a single country. It is written by F. Uldall, a Danish 
 architect, with the title — 
 
 Danviarks Middelalderlige Kirkeklokker. 4°. Copenhagen, 1906. 
 
 This is a monumental work. The author spent nearly twenty years in collecting his 
 material, and has produced a book which notices every medieval bell in the country, and gives 
 facsimiles and illustrations of all that is noteworthy. It is in the Danish language, but the 
 preface is also given in German. 
 
 Part II.— Local Literature and other Recoru.s. (i) Inventories. 
 
 The Inventories of church goods made in the sixth year of King Edward VI.,' in October, 
 1552, give among other information the number of bells then or recently existing in the 
 various parish churches of Essex.'* Mr. H. W. King, who published the majority of those now 
 existing in the fourth and following volumes of the Essex Archaeological Transactions, points 
 out that the list is sadly incomplete. No less than seven Hundreds (Barstable, Colchester, 
 Harlow, Hinkford, Waltham, Winstree, and Witham), comprising 136 parishes, are entirely 
 wanting ; eight others (Chelmsford, Dengie, Dunmow, Lexden, Ongar, Rochford, Tendring, 
 and Thurstable) are more or less imperfect, about 100 parishes being omitted.'' 
 
 The Inventories for the hundreds of Freshwell, Uttlesford, and Clavering, have hitherto 
 existed only in unpublished form (except -Saffron Walden). At the time when Mr. King com- 
 piled his papers, their whereabouts were unknown." Having been at some time abstracted 
 from the Record Office, they passed into the Duke of Buckingham's library at Stowe, and thence 
 into Lord Ashburnham's. At the death of the latter in 1883, they were acquired with the 
 other Stowe MSS. by the British Museum, and now form No. 827 in that collection. The 
 entries relating to the bells have now been carefully transcribed from the originals, and are 
 here given for the first time." The number of parishes is complete (40 in all, excluding 
 
 ' In Part II. of this work tliey are referred to under each parish as T. R.E. 
 ''For fuller details see Essex Arch. Trans., iv. p. 197 fi. 
 ^See Essex Arch, Trans., N.S. iii. p. 63. 
 *■ Ibid., p. 37. 
 
 ''A few have been concurrently transcribed by Mr. \V. C. Waller, who has begun the editing of the complete 
 Inventories in the Essex Arch. Trans., N.S. vol. xi. p. 90 ff.
 
 XVI HIHI.IOGRAPHY 
 
 Saffron Walden), but in two cases (Elsenham and Radwinter) the number of bells is not 
 
 given. 
 
 The Inventories of some eighteen Essex parishes in the Hundred of Lexden appear to 
 
 have been kept with those of Suffolk, and when the latter were transcribed and published in 
 
 the East Anglian Notes and Queries, N.S. vols, i.-iii,, these Essex parishes were included 
 
 without note or comment. 
 
 The following list will give the parishes for which the Inventories still exist, and the 
 
 reference for their publication. An asterisk * denotes that no mention is made of the bells, 
 
 or that the document is imperfect. 
 
 Essex Arch. Trans., iv. pp. 215-234, v. pp. 116-134 (Rochford Hundred): Ashingdon, 
 Barling, Canewdon, Eastwood, S. Fambridge, Foulness, Hadleigh, Hawkwell, Hockley, 
 Leigh, Paglesham, Prittlewell, Rawreth, Rayleigh, Rochford, Shopland, Southchurch, 
 Gt. and Little Stambridge, N. and S. Shoebury, Sutton, Gt. and Little Wakering. 
 
 Ibid., V. pp. 219-242 (Dengie Hundred): Maldon All Saints,* St. Peter, St. Mary, Mundon, 
 Latchingdon, Lawling, Mayland, Steeple, St. Lawrence Newland, Bradwell-by-Sea, 
 Tillingham, Dengie, Asheldham, Southminster, Burnham, Cricksea, Althorne, N. 
 Fambridge, Cold Norton, Purleigh, Hazeleigh, Woodham Mortimer, Woodham 
 \\'alter. 
 
 /Zi/V/. , V. pp. 273-280 (Thurstable Hundred): Goldhanger, Heybridge, Langford, Tollesbury, 
 Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Tolleshunt Knights, ToUeshunt Major, Gt. and Little Totham. 
 
 Ibid., N.S. i. pp. 6-32, iii. p. 57 (Tendring Hundred): Ardleigh,* Beaumont, Little Bentley, 
 Bradfield, Gt. Bromley, Brightlingsea, Gt. Clacton, Frating,* Gt. and Little Holland, 
 Moze, Gt. and Little Oakley, Tendring, Thorington, Thorpe, Wrabness, Wix, Weeley, 
 St. Osyth, Dovercourt, Mistley. 
 
 Ibid., N.S. ii. pp. 167-188 (Chafford Hundred): Aveley, Childerditch, Cranham, Rainham, 
 Stifford, West Thurrock, Grays Thurrock, Upminster, Gt. and Little ^Varley, South 
 \Veald, Brentwood, Wennington, N. and S. Ockendon. 
 
 Ibid., N.S. ii. pp. 227-237 (Ongar Hundred): Stanford Rivers, High Laver, Magdalen Laver, 
 Moreton, Bobbingworth, Abbess Roothing, Kelvedon Hatch, Little Laver, Shelley, 
 Chigwell, Lambourne, Theydon Bois, Greenstead. 
 
 Ibid., pp. 237-239 (Dunmow Hundred): Lindsell, Chickney. 
 
 Ibid., pp. 239-250 (Becontree Hundred): Leyton, Litde Ilford, E. Ham, Wanstead, \Valtham- 
 stow, Woodford, West Ham,* Dagenham, Barking.* 
 
 Ibid.. N.S. iii. pp. 38-44 (Havering Liberty): Romford, Hornchurch, Havering. 
 
 Ibid., pp. 44-57, East Anglian N. and Q., N.S. i. p. 81 ff., ii. p. 3 ff., iii. pp. 28, 78 (Lexden 
 Hundred) : Aldham, Gt. and Little Horkesley, Messing, Feering, 1 )edhani, Colne 
 Engaine, Pontisbright (Chappel), Pattiswick, Gt. Bentley,* Wivenhoe,* Gt. Tey, 
 W. Bergholt, Birch, Boxted, Mount Bures, Earl's Colne, White Colne, Copford, 
 E. Donyland, Easthorpe, Fordham, Inworth, Mark.shall, Mark's Tey, Wormingford. 
 
 Essex Arch. Trans., N.S. iii. p. 59 (Chelmsford Hundred): Sandon. 
 
 Ibid., N.S. iii. p. 60, xi. p. 90 ff. (Uttlesford Hundred): Saffron Walden, Newport, Gt. and 
 Little Chesterford, \Venden Parva, Stanstead, Elsenham,* Wimbish. 
 
 Transcribed for the present ivork from Stowc MS. 827 (Uttlesford, Freshwell, and Clavering 
 Hundreds) : Arkesden, Ashdon, Gt. and Little Bardfield, Berden, Birchanger, 
 Hclions Bumpstead, Steeple Bumpstead, Gt. and Little Chishall, Chrishall, Clavering, 
 Dcbden, Elmdon, Farnham, Pladstock, Hempstead, Henham, Heydon, Langley,
 
 BIBLIOGRAPHY XVlt 
 
 Liltlebury, Manuden, Quendon, Rickling, Little Saliiig, (it. and Little Sampford^ 
 Strethall, Takeley, Ugley, Wendeii Magna, \\'endoi-i Lofts, Wicken Bonant, 
 VViddington. 
 Inventories of Essex Monasteries (1536). See Essex Arch. Trims., N.S. ix. p. 274. 
 
 The only instance where ' Great ' bells are mentioned is Leighs ; l)Ut most of the monasteries 
 
 had one or more ' sacring ' bells of trifling value. 
 
 (2) MSS. AND Pkinted Works. 
 
 Beaumont (G. F.). A History of Coggeshall in Essex. London and Coggeshall, 1890. 8". 
 
 Benton (Philip). The History of Rochford Hundred (together with the parishes comprised 
 within the Union). Published by A. Harrington, Rochford. Issued in parts. \q\. i. 
 pp. 1-401, 1867, etc., vol. ii. pp. 402-942, 1873-88. 8'\ 
 
 Bloom (J. H.). Heraldry and monumental inscriptions in the churches, etc., of Harwich, 
 Dovercourt, and Ramsey, in the Hundred of Tendring and county of Essex. 
 Hemsworth, 1893. 4". 
 
 Buckler (Geo.). Twenty-two of the Churches of Essex architecturally described and illustrated. 
 London, 1856. The churches are — Little Burstead, Mucking, Shenfield, Brent- 
 wood, South Ockendon, South Weald, Blackmore, Broomfield, Fryerning, Ingatestone, 
 Margaretting, Mountnessing, Writtle, Wiliingale Doe and Spain, Stebbing, Col- 
 chester, St. Martin, St. Runwald, and All Saints, Stanway, Hadleigh, Little 
 Braxted. 
 [Considering the early date of Buckler's book he deserves high praise for the careful and 
 
 accurate descriptions which he gives of the ancient bells in these churches. In a few cases he 
 
 gives engravings of letters as, e.g. , a crowned capital on the second at Margaretting, and an 
 
 imitation Lombardic letter at Wiliingale Doe.] 
 
 Cole (Rev. Wm.). MS. topographical collections in Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. 5802-5849. These 
 collections w^ere made in the eighteenth century for a history of Cambridgeshire, but 
 the descriptions of some 25 Essex parishes, mostly in the north of the county, are 
 included, and in most cases mention is made of the bells. The list is : Ashdon,. 
 Bumpstead Helions and Steeple, Chesterford Great and Little, Chrishall, Clavering, 
 Colne Earls, Debden, Elmdon, Epping, Hadstock, Halstead, Harlow, Hedingham 
 Castle, Hempstead, Heydon, Littlebury, Manuden, Newport, Black Notley, Rad- 
 winter, Saffron Walden, Strethall, \\'endon Lofts (see Add. MSS. 5804, 5806, 5S11, 
 5830, 5831, 5S32, 5836, 5847). 
 
 CuNNiNGTON (A.). Catalogue of books relating to Essex. Privately printed, 1902. 
 
 Dale (B.). Annals of Coggeshall. Coggeshall, 1863. 8". 
 
 Dale (Sam.). History and antiquities of Harwich and Dovercourt, with copper-plate illustra- 
 tions, pp. xxiv., 464. 4". London, 1730 (2nd edition, 1732). 
 
 Evans (W. J.). Old and New Halstead. 8". Halstead, 1886. 'The bells ' supplied by C. D. 
 
 Fry (Katherine). History of the parishes of East and West Ham. London, 1888. 4°. 
 
 Hale (W. H.), Archdeacon of London. The Domesday of St. Paul's for the year 1222. 
 Camden Society, 1858. 4". 
 
 Hay (Rev. E. F.). Notes on the parish church of St. Mary the Virgin, Kelvedon Easterford. 
 Colchester, 1903.
 
 XVlll lilliLIOGRAPHY 
 
 Hammock (W. G.). Leytonstone and its history. London, 1904. 8". 
 
 Kelly's Directory of Essex. Issued every two or three years (last issue 1908). Frequent 
 
 mention of bells, but often inaccurate. 
 Kennedy (John). A history of the parish of Leyton, Essex. With maps and illustrations. 
 
 Leyton, Phelps Bros., 1894. 8". 
 King (H. W.). Ecclesiae Essexienses. MS. notes, now in the Colchester Museum, relating 
 
 chiefly to churches in South Essex, with descriptions of bells in most cases, made 
 
 about the middle of the 19th cent. 
 EuKis (Rev. W C). An account of Church Bells (see p. xv). On pp. 72, 73, are given some 
 
 Essex inscriptions. 
 Lvsoxs (Daniel). The environs of London. l>eing an historical account of the towns, villages, 
 
 and hamlets within twelve miles of that capital. \'ol. iv. relates to Essex. London, 
 
 1796. 4". 
 ]\IoR.-\NT (Philip). The history and the antiquities of the most ancient town and borough of 
 
 Colchester, in the county of Essex. Adorned and illustrated with sculptures. London, 
 
 Bowyer, 1748. Fol. 2nd edition, London, T. Osborne, etc., 1768. The second 
 
 edition is more than double the size of the first. 
 MoRANT (Philip), M.A. The history and antiquities of the county of Essex. 2 vols. London, 
 
 1 7 68. Fol. Reprinted, Chelmsford, 18 16. 
 [MuiLJL-^N (Peter).] A new and complete history of Essex from a late survey. By a gentle- 
 man. 6 vols. Chelmsford, 1770-72. 8°. 
 [Both Morant, Rector of St. Mary's, Colchester, and Muilman of Castle Hedingham, drew 
 the materials of their respective histories largely from the collections of William Holman, a 
 Congregational minister at Halstead. They state (generally correctly) the number of bells in 
 each church, but very rarely give an inscription. (See for an unfortunate attempt under 
 Stambourne.) Though both give the number reputed to exist in the middle of the i8th 
 century, it must be remembered that they were copying from the above-mentioned collections, 
 and there is very little to suggest that investigations were based as a rule on more than aural 
 testimony or the information of the sexton. Stambourne is a typical instance of how far 
 they could both go astray. See generally on these writers, Essex Arch. Soc. Trans., ii. 
 
 P- 152-] 
 
 Palin (Wm.). Stifford and its neighbourhood, past and present. 4". Privately printed, 187 1. 
 
 More about Stifford and its neighbourhood. Privately printed, 1872. 
 
 [The notes on bells are mostly from H. W. King.] 
 
 Patchett (Alfred). Notes on the pari,sh of Gestingthorpe. London, 1905. 8°. 
 
 Reeve (Rev. E. H. L.). History of Stondon Massey. Colchester, 1901. 
 
 Salmon (N.). The history and antiquities of Essex, from the collections of T. Jekyll, ^Ir. 
 
 Ouseley, and Mr. Holman. London, 1740. Fol. (Incomplete). 
 [A very few notes on bells.] 
 Scott (W. T.). Antiquities of an Essex parish, or pages from the history of Great Dunmow. 
 
 London, 1873. 
 Shawcross (Rev. J. P.). A History of Dagenham in the county of Essex. London, 1904. 
 
 8°. Second edition, 1908. 
 Simpson (Rev. W. S.). Visitation of churches belonging to St. Paul's, Camden Soc, 1895. 
 Tasker (G. E.). Ilford past and present. Ilford [1901]. 8°. 
 Terry (G.). Memories of old Romford. London and Romford, 1 880.
 
 BIBLIOGRAPHY XIX 
 
 TiNDAL (N.). The history of Essex, compiled from materials collected by W. Holman. Nos. 
 i. and ii. London [i 732]. 4". 
 [A few notes on bells.] 
 
 Tuck (E.). A sketch of ancient Barking and Ilford. [1900]. 8°. 
 
 Watson (J. Y.)., F.G.S., J. P. Tendring Hundred in the olden times. Colchester, 1877. 8". 
 
 WiNSTONE (B.). The ancient chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist, in the town of Epping. 
 Privately printed, 1885. 
 
 Essex Air/uicolooicd/ Society, Tnnixiicfioiis of. 1858 etc., in progress. Besides the papers 
 ah-eady mentioned, many others dealing with or referring to bells. 
 
 Essex Review. 1892, etc. Published quarterly. See p. xiv. Many other papers and notes 
 dealing with or referring to bells. 
 
 Geii/leinaii's Magasnie. Occasional references to bells in the earlier numbers {e.g., Quendon 
 in 1806), some of which have been included in E. Stock's reprint {Gen/. Mug- 
 Topography, vol. iv.). 
 
 Home Coiinfics .Magazine, ix. (July, 1907), p. 210, etc. 
 
 A series of notes on the churches of South Essex have been supplied to this and succeed- 
 ng numbers by Mr. C. W. Forbes. He seldom mentions the bells, and where he does, his 
 
 information is inaccurate in at least one case. 
 
 Numerous references in the Essex County Chronicle and other local papers are not worth 
 
 particularising and are often inaccurate. Church Bel/s {iSji, etc., now defunct) and Be// 
 
 AVtm (1881, etc., published at Walthamstow) contain frequent references to ringing records 
 
 and erection of new rings or single bells and other alterations.
 
 
 J) 
 
 -5- 
 
 6, 
 
 )> 
 
 24- 
 
 9, 
 
 3T 
 
 13- 
 
 lo, 
 
 at 
 
 top. 
 
 12, 
 
 line 5. 
 
 12 
 
 at bouom. 
 
 13- 
 
 
 
 ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA 
 
 Page 2, line 7. ' Uninscribed ancient bells.' The number of these is 12 (see list on p. 63). 
 In last line of table for 37 read 35. 
 To list of 'pairs,' add VVillingale Spain. 
 Dele Dorchester, which is by K. Norton of Exeter, and insert a bell formerly at 
 
 Exhall, Warwickshire. 
 Add to list of Revel's bells, 15i.\ley, Norfolk. 
 
 Add to list of P. W. bells one formerly at Preston by Yeovil, Somerset. 
 The site of the Ruffords' foundry has now been shewn by Mr. Cocks to be at 
 
 Toddington, Beds. See Victoria County Hist. 0/ /hn/cs, ii. p. iiS. 
 Add to Stephen Norton's bells, Rotherwick, Hants. 
 William Burford is mentioned in Letter Book H of the City of London, as of 
 
 Portsoken Ward (pp. 251, 270, 281, ed. Sharpe). 
 The Layer Marney cross is Ihu/cs, pi. xi. fig. 3. There was formerly a similar 
 bell at Milden, Suffolk. 
 16. Colchester St. Nicliolas 3rd. The initial mark is wronyly reproduced (see p. 220). 
 
 18. Little Toiham 2nd. The cross is the same as the second on Maldon All Saints 
 
 Sanctus (see p. 17). 
 ig. Little Totham treble. Cross as at Sturmer (see p. 17). 
 
 20. William Powdrell cast a bell for the Abbey of Bury St. Edmunds in 1434 
 (Abbot Curtey's Register, Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. 14848, fol. 168). 
 
 21. After Kelvedon Hatch insert Upminster ist, (facsimile on p. 17). 
 24. William Wodewarde is mentioned in City of London Letter Book H as of 
 
 Portsoken Ward (pp. 251, 270, 281). 
 41, foot note. .A.dd reference to l-Vilts Arch. Mag. xxxv. p. 351 ft', for J. Barber's Will. 
 44. To list of Lawrence's bells add Walton, Suffolk. 
 
 47. To list of Lynn bells add Gayton Thorpe and Babingley (?i, Norfolk ; the 
 
 latter is now at West Newton. 
 4y, line 36. The Redenhall bell has the Gestingthorpe capitals (PI. XIX.). 
 
 53, „ 2 from There was formerly a Bury bell with this inscription at Helion's Bumpstead 
 
 bottom. (see p. 197). 
 
 94, line 17. Add Layer-de-la- Haye 5th. 
 
 104. To list of Holdfeld's bells add Boxworth and Little Gransden (?), Cambs. 
 
 105. The Terrington lettering is an enlarged version of Bowler's Gothic capitals. 
 
 108, lines 17-18. Little Canfiekl. For ist and 2nd, read 2nd and 4th. 
 
 109, at bottom. Dedham 7th. It should be noted that the lettering here is John Hodson's (see 
 
 p. 234;- 
 113. Add to the list of bells cast by Hodson and Whitniore the old treble at 
 
 Horningsea, Cambs., dated 1654. 
 129. JMatthew Bagley cast a bell for Tooting, Surrey, in 1705. Mention should alsO' 
 
 have been made of Julia Bagley, who is said to have cast a bell for .\udley 
 
 End (see p. 381). 
 151. Add to list of rings of eight bells Earl's Colne. 
 
 Dele Aveley from list of heavy rings of five.
 
 >age 
 
 172. 
 
 
 
 
 173. 
 
 line 
 
 15- 
 
 
 197. 
 
 
 
 
 223. 
 
 
 
 
 247. 
 
 
 
 
 257, 
 33S. 
 
 line 
 
 '5- 
 
 XXn ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA 
 
 Belchamp Walter 5th. The lettering is of large size, like Pleasant's. 
 Add Ih'U Nfu's, 4th Nov., 1882, p. 242. 
 Helion's Bumpstead 6th. The date is in low relief, having been scratched in 
 
 the mould. 
 Earl's Colne. Two new trebles added 1908. 
 Epping Town. A tower has recently been added to the church, but we have 
 
 not heard whether any new bells have been placed therein. 
 Add Bell News, 8 Jan., 18S7. 
 
 Littlebury. The inscription on the 2nd line of the 4th ('E.\alted here,' etc.) 
 also occurs at Hanwell, Oxon. (1789), proving that Vico here = ViCARiO. 
 The inscription on the old 2nd is also found at Hanwell. 
 366. Rawreth. Add: 'T.R.E. i Oct., 1552. It'm iij bells in the stepell waying by 
 
 estimacion xxi hundreth.' {Essex Air/i. Trans, v. p. i 16). 
 374, line 17. A Giles Aylett occurs at Sutton (1638). 
 394, „ 8. See Bell A^-cL's, 2 Aug., 1884, p. 208. 
 
 400, „ 12. Mr. Miller Christy calls our attention to a statement in Tindal's Hist. o/Esse.v, 
 p. 103, who, writing about 1732, says there is 'a bell here inscribed /« 
 miiltis aiuiis resoiiet caiiipana Johatmis, the rest having been lately cast.' 
 The latter were probably by Thomas Gardiner. 
 464. Little Veldham. The diameters of the bells are 22i in. and 25 in. 
 
 Mr. Miller Christy mentions the matrix of a brass at Barking, of a civilian and three wives, with 
 the Holy Trinity above and a large bell below, the date being about 1460. It is possible that one of 
 the London founders from Aldgate was buried here, but there is no further clue to his identity. See 
 Ksse.x .Arch. Trans. .^ ix. p. 103.
 
 The Church Bells of Essex. 
 
 Part I. Introduction. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE BELLS AND THEH^ FOUNDERS. 
 
 The County of Essex contains 404 ancient parish churches (i.e. of Pre-Reformation origin), 
 five founded during the period 1550-1800, and about 90 of modern origin (chapels-of-ease not 
 being incUided). In these 499 churches there are roughly about 1730 bells, which maybe 
 classified as follows : ' 
 
 Rings of ten bells 
 
 
 4= 40 
 
 Rings of eight 
 
 
 35 = 280 
 
 Rings of six 
 
 
 56 = 336 
 
 Rings of five 
 
 
 76 = 380 
 
 Rings of four 
 
 
 23= 92 
 
 Rings of three 
 
 
 68 = 204 
 
 Rings of two 
 
 
 53 = 106 
 
 Single bells 
 
 
 179 = 179 
 
 Chimes of small, tubular, or hemispherical bells '^ 55 
 
 Sanctus bells, clock bells, etc. . . 56 
 
 
 
 Total 1728 
 
 To these we may add several bells of interest in secular buildings or in private possession : 
 at the Hyde, Ingatestone, at Guisnes Hall, Tollesbury, at Meadowside, Chelmsford, and at 
 Colchester Town Hall. At Highwood and Moulsham are modern churches in which older 
 bells have been placed. The churches of Little Birch, Little Henny, Little Holland, West 
 Horndon, Lawling, Moze, Snoreham, Stangate, Thunderley, and Bradwell St. Peter, have 
 fallen into ruins or been destroyed. In many cases, as at Brentwood, Chingford, and 
 Loughton, the old church has been replaced by a new one on another site which contains 
 
 ' Modern churches are creJited with one bell where no information of a larger number has been received. 
 ■■'These are at Lexden (12), Great Warley St. Mary (9), Bulphan (5 tubular), Brightlingsea (10 tubular), High 
 Beech (13 hemispherical) and Christ Church, Wanstead (6 do.).
 
 2 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 the old bells or their successors; but at Laindon Hills and Latchingdon the old bells remain 
 in the old churches. 
 
 It is possible to classify these 1728 bells in another manner, according to age, as 
 follows : — 
 
 Fourteenth century or earlier 
 Fifteenth century and Pre-Reformation 
 Uninscribed ancient bells 
 'Transitional' period (1550-1600)' 
 Seventeenth century 
 Eighteenth century 
 Nineteenth century and later 
 Bells of uncertain date or uninscribed 
 
 Total 1 7 28 
 
 The total of Pre-Reformation bells is therefore 165, a remarkably high one compared with 
 most counties, and in point of total numbers Essex stands sixth among the counties of England. 
 The percentage of ancient bells is just under 10 per cent., or including those cast before 1600, 
 1 2 per cent. To these we may add, in order to emphasise the richness of Essex in this 
 respect, 25 ancient bells recast within recent years. Compared with Kent, a county of about 
 the same size and population, and equally affected by its proximity to London, where the 
 percentage is about 7 per cent., the figures are remarkable. 
 
 Of the 165 Pre-Reformation bells 32 are inscribed in Gothic capitals throughout; 115 
 have 'Mixed Gothic' or ' black-letter ' inscriptions ; 18 have no inscriptions or only stamps. 
 There is a complete ring of four mediaevals at Margaretting ; rings of three at Ashen, Cran- 
 ham, and Aythorpe Roothing ; and ten ' pairs ' : Aldham, N. Benfleet, Bowers Gifford, Mount 
 Bures, Chickney, Great Holland, Rawreth, Strethall, Weeley, Wickford. 
 
 In another respect Essex bells are not only of special interest, but of great importance for 
 the study of this subject, namely for the light they throw on the London founders, who are 
 represented far more strongly and exhaustively in this than in any other county. This is true 
 both of the ancient and the more modern founders, and in several cases Essex has yielded the 
 only extant specimens of particular founders' work. The medieval bells are nearly all traceable 
 to London craftsmen, but there are interesting specimens from the Bury, Lynn, Norwich, and 
 Wokingham foundries, and one sixteenth-century group appears to have been actually cast in 
 the county itself; but the reputation of Essex as a bell-founding county is confined to the 
 seventeenth century and the town of Colchester. 
 
 Having regard to its geographical position and the importance of the foundries in London 
 and Colchester, it is remarkable that so many different foundries are actually represented in the 
 county ; the names of over seventy post-Reformation and modern founders, of whom nearly 
 forty are Londoners, will be found in the succeeding pages. 
 
 In most counties of England there are to be found bells of a remarkable elongated form, 
 with more or less straight sides and spreading sound-bow, known as ' long-waisted ' bells. 
 
 ' The usual line of demarcation, but in my opinion an arbitrary one. Some bells cast before this date have 
 much more in common with seventeenth-century bells than with those of the Pre-Reformation period.
 
 EARLY LONDON FOUNDERS 3 
 
 These have always been considered to be of very early date, and that this is the case is attested 
 by the discovery of a few such with inscriptions, such as the uniijue bell at Caversfield, Bucks, 
 of which Mr. Cocks has given an interesting account.' But as a rule these bells are totally 
 devoid of inscription or stamps. They are commoner in the Northern and Western counties, 
 more particularly in Shropshire, but there are two very good examples in Essex, at Little 
 Braxted, described under that heading. Others of ' long-waisted ' form have been noted at 
 Chignal Smealey and Layer Breton. It is difficult to give an early limit of date to these bells, 
 though some may possibly go back to the twelfth century, but on the evidence of the Caversfield 
 bell, which can be placed about 1210, it is safer to suppose that the majority belong to the 
 thirteenth century. The earliest Gothic inscriptions appear on bells at Chaldon, Surrey, and 
 Scawton, Yorks, but even these are partly in Roman letters, and this tendency lingers on into 
 the fourteenth century, more especially in the case of M, N, and T, as will be noted hereafter. 
 With the general introduction of Gothic capitals begin the records of the earliest foundries with 
 which existing bells can be associated, and of these we must give the precedence to London. 
 
 London Founders of the Fourteenth Century. 
 
 The earliest records of London bellfounders go back to about 1290, and thanks to 
 Stahlschmidt's researches, we can now trace the line onwards to the time of the Reformation, 
 though there remain many who are still mere names, and not a few bells whose authorship 
 cannot yet be traced. It is however noteworthy how many fourteenth-century founders placed 
 their names on bells, as compared with those of later date. From records existing at the 
 Guildhall, Stahlschmidt compiled a long list of possible or undoubted founders, and he also 
 unearthed many of their wills, and identified existing bells. His researches must form the 
 basis of any subsequent discussion, but it is possible to add something thereto now that the 
 county has been more completely investigated. Much of what he collected I do not propose to 
 repeat here, but it will be necessary to give an outline in order to preserve continuity and 
 illustrate as fully as possible the history of some of the earlier Essex bells. And first we will 
 deal with a founder who stands more or less by himself, though he is barely the earliest 
 represented in Essex. 
 
 GEOFFREY OF EDMONTON (1303?)- 
 I have spoken of this founder as represented in Essex, but in strict truth this is alas ! no 
 longer the case. Until the year 1890 the tower of Billericay Church possessed as its sole 
 occupant a bell inscribed ►J^ GALFRIUUS : DE : HEDEM TUN : ME : FECIT (see page 5) 
 which in that year was sold for old metal and a new one supplied, on which the inscription was 
 reproduced, but neither accurately nor in facsimile.'^ The cross and lettering are fully illustrated 
 by Stahlschmidt in his Surrey Bells (Plate v). The name of the founder was explained by the 
 same writer (p. 10) as 'Geoffrey of Edmonton,' which may be quite reasonably accepted. In 
 the list of London founders he also found one ' Geoffrey le Porter ' {i.e. Potter), who was working 
 in 1303, and though the chain of argument entails three assumptions, that ' Porter ' = ' Potter,' 
 
 ' Bucks, p. 3. He was wrong in su|)posing that the long inscription was on the recast liell ; it is on the 
 existing one. 
 
 ^ " Is it too much to hope that some day it may lie possible to schedule as an ' Ancient Monument ' at least one 
 example of, say, each fourteenth century licll-founder, as a specimen of Palaeography, if on no other ground ? '" 
 [E. I. W.]
 
 4 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 that 'Hedemtun' = ' Edmonton,' and that the two Geoffreys are one and the same, all three 
 appear to be perfectly justifiable ; at all events there is nothing against them. The Roman 
 form of the M and N certainly points to an early date. 
 
 There is however a bell still existing at 5outhchurch, inscribed simply >^ lOHANNES 
 (see page 5) which from a careful study and comparison of rubbings I am inclined to attribute 
 to this Geoffrey. The cross and lettering (Plate I., Figs. 11-19), are a miniature edition of 
 that at Billericay, and the N is unmistakable ; but the I is not the same.' 
 
 THE WYMBISHES (1290-1320). 
 Stahlschmidt found in the City Records the names of several founders whose surname was 
 de Wymbis or Wymbish, and who were therefore Essex men in origin, hailing from the village 
 of that name near Saffron Walden. There are four in all, the earliest being Richard, described 
 as a 'potter, of Aldgate,' and whose name appears between 1303 and 1315. The others, 
 Michael, Ralph, and Walter, may be briefly dismissed as unrepresented in Essex. Five of the 
 former's bells are known, all curiously enough being in Bucks ; " Ralph is mentioned in Riley's 
 Memorials (p. 64) as a potter, c. 1308 ; and Walter cast the treble at Kingston-by-Lewes, Sussex 
 still existing. 
 
 EICHARD DE WYMBISH. 
 
 Richard de \\'ymbish, whose name appears on six bells (one recast), appears to have been 
 the most flourishing founder of the four, from the variety of alphabets he used, and also from 
 the fact that we can probably trace other bells to his hand, which do not bear his name. The 
 bell which has disappeared is unfortunately an Essex example, formerly existing at Berechurch, 
 which was inscribed >i> RICARDUS : DE : WIMBIS : ME : FECIT (see page 5). The 
 other five are respectively the 4th at Goring, Oxon ; the 2nd at Burham, Kent, the ist at 
 Great Bradley, Suffolk, the sanctus at Slapton, Northants, and one at Catesby in the same 
 county. We find on these no less than four distinct sets of lettering ; three sets, with their 
 corresponding crosses, being illustrated by Stahlschmidt on Plates, II, III, and VII, of his 
 Surrey Bells; the fourth set, that used at Berechurch, is given on our Plate III., l'"igs. 1-7. 
 
 Dismissing briefly the Great Bradley lettering {Surrey, pi. Ill), which is not found else- 
 where, we may take the others successively, and see to what extent they can be traced on 
 other bells. 
 
 The Surrey, Plate II. lettering is found at Goring, and is used on two occasions by later 
 founders (pp. 6, 9), but otherwise I cannot discover any further instance of its use. The Goring 
 bell, it may be noted in passing, proves that Richard Wymbish was founding earlier than the 
 records shew, as it bears a prayer for Peter Quivil, Bishop of Exeter, who died in 1291. As 
 the prayer is not for his soul, it may reasonably be inferred that the bell was cast during his 
 lifetime. 
 
 The third set of lettering {Surrey, Plate VH) is not so rare. It is used by three later 
 founders (pp. 6, 8), and we find it on the 2nd at Chalk, Kent; but there the accompanying 
 cross (Plate VII., Fig. 6) is one used by later London founders of the fifteenth century, the in- 
 scription is more characteristic of the second half of the fourteenth (cf. Layer Marney, p. 13, and 
 Cranford, Middlesex), and the letters of each word are set closely together without stops. It is 
 
 ' The lettering of llie 3rJ bell al Cropwell Bishop, Nulls., rec.isl by T.iylor in 1905, was similar in character 
 to that at Southchurch. 
 Buds, p. 6.
 
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 b THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 therefore certainly not a Wymhish bell. Stahlschmidt suggested Thomas de Weston (1369) 
 as the founder, but this was a mere guess. 
 
 We may however mention here a group of four bells on which we find a lettering which 
 although presenting close affinities with those of Richard \"ynibish (Surrey, Plates II and VII) 
 is yet clearly different. There is first, the 2nd bell at Magdalen Laver, which is inscribed 
 IN : HONORE : SANCTE : lOHANNES (see page 5) the cross being the same as at 
 Goring, while the crown which appears four times on the shoulder was used by two later 
 London founders (pp. 12, 21); see Plate I., Figs. i-io. The form of the inscription appears 
 to be an early one (cf. the bell at Caversfield, Oxon), and the bell may be placed early in the 
 fourteenth century. Of similar character (as regards cross and lettering) is the 3rd at Iwerne 
 Minster, Dorset. But I do not think we should be justified in assigning these to Richard 
 Wymbish, although the A is certainly his, if none of the other letters. 
 
 In the same alphabet, and in other respects similar to this, is the treble at Westminster 
 Abbey, inscribed 
 
 ♦I4 Xee : pUDI : UOS 
 
 and here again the brevity and simplicity of the inscription, the use of the Wymbish cross, and 
 the style of the lettering, lead us to place the bell early in the century, and in close connection 
 with the Wymbishes. Lastly, there is a bell at Bisley, Surrey, with a remarkable inscription on 
 the crown, the lettering on which is illustrated by Stahlschmidt {Surrey, Plate XI), and seems 
 to have affinities with that at Magdalen Laver and Westminster. 
 
 Other bells which must, I think, be considered in connection with the Wymbish group 
 are (i) the 2nd at Kingston-by-Lewes, where the cross is Surrey, Plate II, and the lettering 
 bears a strong resemblance to Surrey, Plate VII, but is somewhat larger. (2) The 7th at 
 Dorchester, O.xon, where the cross is Surrey, Plate II, and the lettering, though of the same 
 character as those already discussed, apparently unique. (3) a bell at Sawtry, Hunts, and 
 another formerly at Thnrning in the same county, both of which may be by Walter \\'ymbish. 
 (4) the 5th at Peter's Marland, Devon, inscribed in the lettering, Surrey, Plate II. 
 
 JOHN DE HADHAMl?). 
 
 There remains the Berechurch lettering (Plate III., Figs. 1-7), which has a curious history. 
 It occurs again on two Essex bells, which must follow on here, though in one case we certainly 
 anticipate chronology. Firstly, it is found on the smaller bell at Rawreth, with a plain cross 
 {Herts, fig. 3): lAM : TEMPVS : EST (see page 5) and here again the character of the 
 inscription and the shape of the bell both point to an early date. The larger bell in the same 
 tower is not inscribed, but from its shape and mouldings is clearly by the same founder. 
 
 We should not hesitate to assign these two Rawreth bells to Richard Wymbish, were it not 
 that we have to reckon with a very similar bell, the ist at Clot hall, Herts, with the same cross 
 and the curious inscription (in the same lettering) 
 
 y^ fe!piii5 : ffie : lopnries 
 
 The CAi.iT has hitherto baffled interpretation, and Stahlschmidt's suggestion that it might 
 be for calefecit, i.e. "cast," can hardly pass. But in any case it would seem that in iohannes 
 we must look for the founder's name. 
 
 Who then was this founder John? In Stahlschmidt's list there are no less than six with 
 this Christian name between 1330 and 1350; but one, Johannes de Aleyn, is otherwise known 
 from a bell at Southease, Sussex, and I think a more likely candidate is John de Hadham, a 
 Hertfordshire man, who was working in London between 1330 and 1339. To him then we 
 may assign the Rawreth and Clothall bells.
 
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 -f^ Q 
 
 w « 
 
 C3 
 
 3^ u 
 
 Q 
 
 a 
 
 < 

 
 8 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 It is worth noting that on these three bells there is a peculiar broad flat moulding above 
 the inscription-band, which seems to be characteristic of London-made bells of this period. It 
 occurs on the uninscribed treble at Little Hallingbury, on the first and second at Kingston by 
 Lewes, and on a bell by William Revel (p. 9) at St. Lawrence, Norwich ; it is not therefore 
 peculiar to one founder, though it may be permissible to assign the Little Hallingbury bell by 
 means of it to our last-named artificer. 
 ROBERT RIDER. 
 
 Finally we have the Berechurch lettering on another Essex bell, the third at Ridgewell, 
 which bears (with the same cross) the simple name of its founder ROBERTUS RIDERE (see 
 page 5). Robert Rider, 'potter and brazier' occurs in the records between 1357 and 1386, and 
 his name is also found on bells at Ford, Sussex, and Hartley, Kent.' The Ford bell is apparently 
 in the same lettering as Ridgewell, but at Hartley a smaller set appears {Surrey, pi. IX). 
 
 There is a group of bells in West Sussex, at Birdham, Bramher, Clapham and Madehurst, 
 of which the second is inscribed : HI^OLipS CQG FC^I©. This group is 
 interesting from the similarity of the lettering to that at Rawreth, etc., but we cannot be 
 certain that ' Nicholas ' was a Londoner ; they are all too near to Chichester for us to venture 
 to place the founder away from that city. He may however have cast them on a temporary 
 migration ; and there is a Nicholas le Rous, Uving in 1315, who would suit admirably for the 
 one in question. 
 
 Before passing to another important group of London founders we must mention here the 
 sanctus at High Laver, a bell so diminutive that it is surprising to find an inscription upon it. 
 It bears the following : XPE : AVDI : NOS (see page 7). The lettering seems to have .some 
 affinity with that used by Rider at Hartley, but the cross so far as can be seen is more like 
 that on a former bell at Caversfield,- repeated on another pretty little sanctus bell, hanging 
 in its original cote at Idbury, Oxon., and on the old sanctus of Dunstable Priory, Beds., now 
 at the Town Hall there. The lettering however is so small that it is difficult to dogmatise 
 about it. Proximity to London argues in favour of its origin in the Metropolis, and that is all 
 we can say. 
 
 PETER DE WESTON ( 1336- 1 347)- 
 
 The earliest mention of this founder in the city records is in 1336, and his will is in 
 existence, dated 1347" ; he is described therein as " Peter de Weston ollar'." He appears to have 
 possessed three sets of lettering, all of which appear later (c. 1356) in the hands of another 
 founder, William Revel. Two bells in Essex bear his name, each in a different set of lettering. 
 In his smallest set (Plate II., Figs. i-8. — Bucks, pi. VIII) is a bell in possession of Mr. E. N. 
 Disney at the Hyde, Ingatestone, inscribed PETRVS : DE : VESTON : ME : FECIT (see 
 page 7). The sanctus bells at Tattenhoe, Bucks, and Anibrasden, Oxon, are similar. 
 
 A larger version of this, with a corresponding plain cross (Plate II., Fig. 16), is found at 
 Kingsbury, Middlesex ; this is virtually identical with Richard Wymbish's third set (Surrey VII), 
 and is used by Weston's successor, William Schcp, (1347-49) on a bell formerly at Garboldis- 
 ham, Norfolk.' 
 
 ' Dr. Raven in 1898 found a bell at Hayling Island, Hants, wliich he claims as Rider's work. The letters 
 are very small, as at Hartley. 
 ' Bucks, pi. I. 
 ^Hnrrey Bells, p. 17. 
 * The ' ring ' with inscription was in possession of the late Dr. Raven.
 
 PETER DE WESTON AND WILLIAM REVEL 9 
 
 Tlie third and largest set, of a very ornate character, with double-lined letters, accom- 
 panied by a cross with floriated arms (Plate II., 17-20), is found on the third at Fairstead : 
 VOCOR : lOHANES : PETRVS : DE : WESTON : ME : FECIT (see page 7). 
 
 The 3rd at Nortt'ich, St. Lauiyfiice (by Revel) is very similar to this. The same lettering 
 also occurs on the sixth at Great Waltham, inscribed HOC : SIGNVM : SERVA : XPE 
 MARIA : THOMA (see page 7) but as this set was also used by Revel we have no means 
 of knowing which of the two actually cast it. 
 
 WILLIAM REVEL (c i3So-i3<''o). 
 
 Passing over the intervening founder, William Schep, who does not concern us in Essex, 
 we come to William Revel, who succeeded to Peter de Weston's plant, though perhaps not 
 directly to his business. We have five bells still bearing his name, together with record of a 
 sixth recast ; and as we have seen, he uses the same three sets of lettering as his predecessor. 
 
 The smallest set is found at Longfield, Kent, and Rowdham, Norfolk (ist bell); the 
 medium set at Hassingham, Norfolk; the largest only at Norivich, St. Lawrence (3rd), which 
 bell, as we have noted, closely resembles Peter de Weston's at Fairstead. But on the smaller 
 bell at Strethall, inscribed WILELMVS : REVEL : ME : FECIT (see page 7) we 
 find a reversion to the Wymbish lettering (Plate II., Figs. 9-15 = Sio-c^j, pi. II), which 
 occurs at Goring. The cross is a plain one of a double-lined type, like the letters ; the inscrip- 
 tion, as so often on early fourteenth century bells, is set high on the crown, and is consequently 
 not easy to 'rub' satisfactorily. The recast bell was at Stanford in Kent. 
 
 There is also a list of some half-dozen bells which are inscribed in the largest of these 
 three sets of lettering, but bear no founder's name ; they are presumably either by Weston or 
 Revel, but there is nothing whatever to allow us to give either the preference. These bells 
 are Heckfield, Hants, 3rd; Bethersden 4th, and Sutton-at-Hone late 3rd, Kent; Batheaston, 
 Somerset, 4th; Assington late 3rd, and Monks Elegh 5th, Suffolk. To this list must be 
 added the 6th at Great Waltham, which has been provisionally attributed to Peter de Weston 
 (supra) but the only ground for the preference in this case is that he is found in the neigh- 
 bouring tower of I'airstead. The inscriptions at Great Waltham and Assington are exactly 
 alike. 
 
 We now conic to a very puzzling group, which in some ways would be less so if it were 
 not represented in Essex. There are fifteen bells, of which seven are found in West Sussex, 
 two in the Isle of AVight, two in Dorset, two in Wilts, and one in Essex, all inscribed in the 
 same lettering, with a plain cross, an enlarged version of that used by Peter de Weston with 
 his smaller set.' They fall into two groups, distinguished by different initials placed below the 
 cross, and it may be as well to give the list in full* 
 
 (i) Founder's initials, P. W. 
 
 Ridgewell, Essex, 5th, inscribed 
 
 >i> jan(jce lORsnnej ors pro noBis 
 
 PUJ 
 
 Cf. .Siiney />V/A, p. 20.
 
 lO THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Whitwell, Isle of \Vight . . . 3rd. 
 
 Applcdram, Sussex . . . . ist and 2nd. 
 
 IJroadchalke, Wilts .... 6th. 
 
 (2) Founder's Initial R. 
 
 Osmington, Dorset . . . . ist. 
 
 Milton Abbas, Dorset . . . ist. 
 
 Chale, Isle of Wight . . . . ist. 
 
 Beeding, Sussex .... ist and 2nd. 
 
 Washington, Sussex . . . . ist and 2nd. 
 
 \'apton, Sussex .... 4th 
 
 ])o\vnton, AVilts .... 3rd. 
 
 The lettering (Plate III., Figs. 8, 9, 12), is of a new tyi)e altogether, thin i)ut graceful, and 
 characterised by the curious g , which is only paralleled in the alphabet of the earlier Bury 
 founders (see below). The inscriptions are also of a new type ; for instance the formula ora 
 pro nobis appears for the first time at Appledram and Ridgewell. 
 
 Now the initials P. W at first sight naturally point to Peter de Weston ; but in other 
 respects there is nothing to suggest that the bells are his. In the first place it is hardly likely 
 that he would have possessed more than three sets of lettering (the three already mentioned 
 are all of the same character, though differing in size) ; secondly, the geographical distribution 
 of the bells is— or rather would be, but for the Essex example — decidedly against their being of 
 London origin. Southampton is a much more likely centre ; and it is possible that more may 
 yet turn up in Hants. The Ridgewell bell is certainly difficult to account for, but it is just 
 possible that it is second-hand, and was cast like the others in Wessex. 
 
 All this is merely conjecture, and it is possible that these bells are really Londoners ; but 
 they have nothing in ^-ommon with other undoubted London bells, such as the Chichester 
 group has, of which we have spoken above (p. 6). Stahlschmidt suggested that the correspond- 
 ing initial R might stand for ^Villiam Revel, or Raughton, another contemporary founder ; but at 
 that time of day a single letter is much more likely to represent a Christian name than a 
 surname, and if we are to select any London founder from his list, a much more likely 
 candidate is Roger de Kyrhehy (1347-56). 
 
 We have already dealt out of his turn with Robert Rider, and thus have reached the 
 end of the list of what may be termed the early group of London founders ; our next subject is 
 not certainly a Londoner, though for convenience he may be included here, and in any case he 
 introduces an entirely new set of marks and lettering, which have no connection with other 
 Londoners. He must therefore form the subject of another section. 
 
 ROYAL HEAD BELLS ; WILLIAM RUFFORD. 
 
 The use of certain stamps, known as "Royal Heads" from the fact that they represent (in 
 two varieties) heads of Edward III. and his queen I'hilippa, is characteristic of two groups of 
 bells found chiefly in the south-eastern Midlands, and traditionally, though on somewhat slight 
 grounds, associated with London. These stam[)s are not found in Essex, except in one case 
 of ' survival,' to be noted later, but as they accompany a set of lettering which appears on 
 one bell in our county, tliat must form an excuse for introducing a brief outline of the 
 subject.
 
 OTHER FOURTEENTH-CENTURY BELLS II 
 
 Of the two groups here dealt with, the uarHer consists of twenty-tlirce bells, found in Beds, 
 (3); Bucks (3) ; Cambridge (4); Hants (2); Herts (2); Huntingdon, Leicester, Lincoln, 
 Northants (4); Rutland, and Suffolk ; more may yet turn up in Berks or Oxfordshire. As all 
 but one of these counties have been published, the group is a familiar one'; but its founder has 
 not yet been identified. Inasmuch as some of them bear tiie royal heads, and a certain John 
 de Riighfoid or Rufford was appointed Royal bellfounder in 1367, Messrs. Cocks and 
 Stahlschmidt agree in attributing the group to him, assuming that this privilege e.xtended to a 
 permission to place royal effigies on his bells. 
 
 The second group, associated by means of cross (Plate \\\., Fig. 13) and lettering, as 
 well as by a more general use of the royal heads,'^ consists of ten bells : two in Beds and Herts, 
 three in Northants, and one each in Bucks, Hunts, and Essex. The last-named is at Little 
 Sampford, where the only bell is inscribed 
 
 m UR : mARlA : ORA : PRO : OOBIS 
 
 Now of this gruuj) the key, so to speak, is the 4th at Wcstmill, Herts, inscribed 
 
 m UilLLGLrnVS : ROFFORDG : me : FGi^IT 
 
 and we may have little hesitation in attriiiuting our Essex example to the same founder. 
 Whether all of them are Rufford's work is open to question ; but the coincidence of his 
 name with that of the last founder mentioned, and the use in both groups of the royal heads 
 seem to point to a succession of father and son in the two groups, of which that represented 
 by William is certainly the later. 
 
 It should also be mentioned here that the royal heads appear, with a set of letters very 
 like William Rufford's, and the same cross, on a group of East Anglian bells, one of which 
 bears the name of Ueruv as its founder. Stahlschmidt bethought him of Henry Derby of 
 London, described as an 'ironmonger,' c. 1362 ; but the group is too circumscribed to have 
 come from anywhere but East Anglia, and everything points to Lynn Regis' as its centre. 
 Four are in West Norfolk, two in Cambridgeshire, and one in West Suffolk. Probably this 
 Derby's stamps came into the hands of William Rufford. 
 
 Assuming then, as we may fairly do, that these two groups were the work of John and 
 William Rufford respectively, their dates being about 1367 and 1380-go, what evidence have 
 we of their place of abode ? That they were Londoners is not impossible, but seems to me a 
 matter for very grave doubt. The great argument against it is the very sound one of 
 geographical distribution ; and it may be noted that every London founder whose works exist 
 in any number is equally well represented all round London ; Essex, Kent, and Sussex being 
 the most favourable hunting-grounds in every case. But here we are met with the remarkable 
 fact that not a single bell in the groups under discussion is to be found within twenty-five 
 miles of St. Paul's ; the nearest are at Ardeley and Westmill in Herts. There are none in 
 
 ' See Camhs. p. 13, and Bucks, pi. iv. p. 10. 
 
 -These vary slightly from John Ruffonl's ; but probably represent the s.ime kinc and queen (see Plale III. 
 Figs. 10, II ; Bucks, p. 11 ; and Cam/is. p. 16). See for the letlering Suirey, pi. x. ; Bucks, pi. iv. 
 "For the early Lynn foundry see below.
 
 12 CHURCH REI.LS OF ESSEX 
 
 Kent, Surrey, Sussex, or Middlesex, or so far as I know in Berks, and only one in North 
 Essex. This seems to me almost fatal to the idea that they were cast in London. 
 
 With the exception of the two in Hants, and the one in Lincoln, which is a second hand 
 hell, they are all contained within a circle of forty miles radius, of which almost the exact 
 centre is the town of Bedford. We do not, it is true, know of any evidence for a mediaeval 
 foundry here, but it is quite possible that such may yet turn up. Meanwhile Mr. Cocks has 
 called my attention to one Johannes de Offorde living at Newport Pagnell in 1327, wlio may 
 possibly be the father of John Rufford. 
 
 To return to the Royal Head stamps, their later history is so curious that it demands a 
 few words. In the fifteenth century we find them used on a large group of bells centring 
 round \\'orcester, ten of which are in that county ; one at Bittcrley, Salop, can be dated about 
 1415, by the name of its donor, Alice Sturey.' They are here accompanied by the .same cross 
 and by an almost identical set of lettering. Two other Worcester founders use them 
 occasionally ; and then in the si.xteenth century we find them in the possession of the 
 Nottingham foundry, which had previously (before 1480) acquired the variant set occurring on 
 John Rufford's bells. With the Nottingham men they found favour right down to the end of 
 the seventeenth century, and even a hundred years later we find them used (in 1788) by 
 Hedderley of Bawtry on bells in Derbyshire and Lincohishire. But this is not their final 
 appearance; for on the 2nd at Waltham Abbey, cast in 1806, we find John Briant of 
 Hertford using the stamp of Edward HI'-s head (Plate HL, Fig. 10) which John Rufford had 
 been using 450 years previously at Cherry Hinton and elsewhere. 
 
 We have now to take up the history of a long line of London founders, extending from 1380 
 to 1530, who for a time almost hold the entire field in the Home Counties, though in Essex 
 they had rivals at Bury St. Edmunds, as on the western side at Wokingham. The elucidation 
 and classification of their bells presents great difficulties, as in no single case do their names 
 appear on them (contrary to the practice of the fourteenth century), while the marks and lettering 
 which they use are constantly interchanged and handed down from one to another. A strict 
 chronological treatment is impossible, nor can we draw a hard and fast line between the fourteenth 
 and fifteenth centuries, or between the use of Gothic capitals and black letter, or mixed Gothic ; 
 but there is distinct evidence of two main lines of succession, one extending down to about 
 1480, the other to about 15 10. 
 
 We will" begin by considering the shorter and less important of the two, which may be said 
 to begin about 1370. 
 
 The series of stamps and lettering which are found on the bells of the first line of succession, 
 can be traced back in the first instance to a founder who was probably not a Londoner. This 
 is Stephen Norton, who styles himself 'of Kent,' and cast a bell for Dover Castle in 1380-81. 
 There are four bells by him still in existence, two in Kent, one in Somerset, and another from 
 Worcester Cathedral at Didlington, Norfolk (in the possession of Lord Amherst of Hackney). 
 His inscriptions are in handsome highly ornamented crowned capitals (Plate V., Plate VL, 
 Figs. 1-4), accompanied by a cross of four fleurs-de-lys in a square also crowned. He does 
 not immediately concern us, but must be mentioned here in order to account for the appear- 
 ance of his stamps subsccjuently, in conjunction with those originated by the first founder of 
 this line, whom we must now turn to discuss. 
 
 'See Assoi. Arch. Soi\ Kcporl, xxiv. (1901), pp. 555, 564 ; Salop Airli, Soc. Tram. 3rd. scr. iv. pp. 22, 
 xiii ; Archaiol. Journal, 1906, p. 1 88.
 
 WIl.I.IAM liURKORD 
 
 13 
 
 WILLIAM BURFORD. 
 
 Tlie name of this founder was with much ingenuity and practical certainty connected by 
 Stahlschmidt with a large group of bells in the Home Counties, evidently dating from the latter 
 part of the fourteenth century. His theory rests on the following grounds : 
 
 The crosses and ca[)itals found on this groui) (Plate IV., Figs. 11-15) ^""e also found on 
 another group, the founder of which used black letter smalls ; consequently this founder was 
 later, and was working aliout 1400-1420, the earlier one from 1370 to 1400. Now in the 
 Guildhall Records, Stahlschmidt found the names of two bell-founders, William and Robert 
 Burford, father and son, whose respective dates are 1373-92 and 1392-1418. As there is no 
 similar pair, there is no reason to doubt that his theory is correct. 
 
 William Durford is only represented by four bells in Essex, the 2nd at Bowers Qifford 
 SIT4.NOMEN4.DOMINI4.BENEDICTVM (see page 7), the 2nd at Dovercourt 
 
 ((^ in-i- jiiixxihi^ 4- jinniB 4- :Ryimsm'h 4- cjijiifji:i):ji 4- 
 
 and the 2nd and 3rd at Eastwood 
 
 ^SIJJKTBJJ 4- itJlBUj^IfiJi 4- QSKJi 4- fm 4- :O.QMS 
 
 all of which bear the cross, PI. IV., Fig. 13,' the first three having a fleui:-de-lys as stop. His letter- 
 ing is plain, but not difficult to identify. Occasionally (as at Fairlight, Sussex) he uses the crown 
 which we have already met with at Magdalen Laver (p. 6). Some sixteen of his bells exist in 
 other counties, five in Sussex, four in Kent, three in Somerset (Charlynch, Chiselborough), and 
 the rest in Cambridgeshire (Croxton), Herts, Middlesex (Cranford), and Surrey. There is also 
 one at Didlington from Worcester Cathedral, dedicted to St. Wulstan. The Bower's Gifford 
 bell gives his favourite form of inscription ; and the invocations to saints at Eastwood are note- 
 worthy as almost the first instances on London bells of the Ova Pro Nobis formula. 
 
 We must turn aside here to mention two Essex bells which are not easy to identify, but 
 seem to belong to this period. These are the late 2nd at Layer flarney. inscribed 
 + xee B Bie B Biios a fflfii^ie 
 
 (a formula used by William Burford at Cranford), and the tenor at Little Baddow : 
 
 ^AmiA mARIA ORA PRO DOBIS 
 
 The latter is a very bad casting, and the inscription is not easy to make out ; but the A seems 
 to resemble that on the treble at Little Totham (see below, p. 19). The alphabet at Layer 
 Marney (Plate IV., Figs, i-io) is small but neat and effective; it also occurs on the late 3rd 
 at Ringwould, Kent, where it is described as a smaller edition of Burford's^ Mr. E. J. Wells 
 thought he recognized it at Southchurch (cf. p. 4), but the bell there must be of earlier date, 
 and in my opinion the lettering is not the same. It however occurs on the crown of a fifteenth 
 century London bell, the 4th at Piddlehinton, Dorset (together with the Layer Marney cross 
 
 ' There are two varieties of this cross, one having smaller points than the other. See A'eiil, p. 21. 
 -See A'cnl, p. 20. It is a nialter for great regret that both the Layer Marney and Ringwould bells have been 
 recast.
 
 14 CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 and stop) ', and seems to be the same as that adopted by the later founders of this hne as their 
 'smaller set' {Bucks, xi. h; see p. 19). The founder of these bells may ha.\e been William Bur- 
 ford, hut at any rate must have had some connection with him and the Sturdys. 
 
 ROBERT BURFORD. 
 
 Robert Burford is well rejjresented in Essex, and his bells are in fact almost confined to 
 this county and Kent. He uses, in addition to his father's cross, one which we have already 
 seen on a London bell (Plate VII., Fig. 6), and another somewhat similar, which was used by 
 several subsequent founders (Plate VII., Fig. 5). His bells are somewhat dull and featureless, 
 and there is not much variety in his inscriptions. In Essex for instance, on thirteen bells we 
 only find three varieties : — 
 
 ^il l?.amcii ;Domiiit .6fitftiif.tt|«t 
 
 Occurs on Little Bromley 4th with crosses PI. IV. 13 and PI. VII. 6 
 Margaretting 3rd „ PI. IV. 13 „ I'l. VII. 5 
 
 ,, Mount Bures 2nd ,, PI. IV. 13 „ Kent 511 
 
 Rayleigh sth „ PI. IV. 13 „ PI. VII. 5 
 
 In jlZullJs Jiituts :%fouqI Catitjiaiia Toljauuis 
 
 „ PI. VII. 5 
 K.iuctiv ;l\atcrimt Ota J\o JZobis 
 
 Dedham 
 
 6th 
 
 )J 
 
 PI. VII. 6 
 
 Lindsell late 
 
 3rd 
 
 )1 
 
 PI. IV. I ; 
 
 North Benfleet ist and 
 
 2nd 
 
 PI. IV. 13 , 
 
 , PI. VII. 6 
 
 Bowers Gifford ist 
 
 
 PL IV. 13 , 
 
 , Kent 5(1 
 
 Little Bromley 3rd 
 
 
 PI. IV. 13 
 
 
 Faulkbourne 2nd 
 
 
 PI. IV. 13 
 
 
 Great Kenny ist 
 
 
 PI. IV. 13 
 
 
 \Veeley ist 
 
 
 Kent 5« 
 
 
 It will be noted that he adheres to his father's preference for the first formula; his 
 c-xclusivc devotion to St. Katharine is interesting, because in his will he makes provision for 
 the erection of an aisle and chapel in the church of St. Botolph, Aldgate, dedicated to that 
 saint, who was always a favourite with bell-founders, and must have been his especial patron. 
 He died in 14 18, leaving behind him j)roperty in the parishes of East and West Tilbury in 
 this county.^ Of his other bells, six are in Kent, three in Lincolnshire, one each in Gloucester, 
 Herts, Suffolk, Surrey, and formerly Bucks. 
 
 We may trace a connection (in the use of cross and lettering) between the Burfords and 
 the next founder in point of date, Richard Hille, who was founding between 1420 and 1440. 
 But there is a group of bells which seems to be intermediate between the two, and which 
 
 '.Sec Tiaiti. Dorset Field Club, .\xiv. p. 133. 
 
 ^See below, p. 19; Surrey Bells p. 42; Essex Anh. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 238. Tliis will gives llie earliest 
 instance of ihe use oi campaiiaritis for a bell-fuunder.
 
 THE EURFORDS 
 
 15 
 
 includes two Essex specimens, the Ardleigfh nnd Roinford tenors. These bells are actually 
 attributed to Robert 15urford by Mr. Cocks, though souiewhat tentatively ; I have however 
 little doubt that he is right. The group is not a large one, being limited to seven, with three 
 recast. The most notable feature about them is that they are all of large size. On none of 
 them do we find any of the marks used by the ISurfords, or indeed by later founders, but it 
 seems quite possible that Robert had two sets of stamps, one of which he reserved for his 
 large bells. None of those already attributed to him are of exceptional size. We shall see 
 later that other London founders adopted this principle, which after all is a fairly obvious one. 
 We have certainly no known name of a founder to whom we can attribute these bells. 
 Stahlschmidt thought, from the style of the 'smalls,' which are in some cases of a rough and 
 debased character, that these bells belonged to the sixteenth century ; but on the whole the 
 evidence points the other way. 
 
 Three varieties of initial crosses are used, and the lettering is in the form of large, bold 
 black letter with large ornamented capitals {Bucks, pi. IX; see Plate VL, Fig. 6). The 
 inscriptions are limited to three, distributed as follows : — 
 
 In GQultls pnnis I^cfonct (saiiipaiia lobannis 
 
 Bristol St. Werburgh 
 
 5 th 
 
 (jQissI De ^elis YjaHo nomcn Gabrklis 
 
 Shenley, Bucks 5th (The capitals here are slightly smaller; see Bucks, pi. X). 
 
 Gloucester Cathedral old 7th 
 St. Alban's Clock Tower 2nd 
 Warminster, Wilts old 5th 
 
 Sum FJofa ©ulfata CQundl (Qaria Uocara 
 
 Ardleigh, Essex 
 
 Romford, Essex 
 
 Sth with crosses 
 
 ■Ti'' ^v^^' (^'^'^ P' 7)' 
 
 Sth with cro.s ^J^ only (I'lato VL, Fig. 5). 
 
 Gloucester Cathedral 6th 
 
 Sudbury All Saints, Suffolk 6th 
 Limpsfield, Surrey old 6th 
 
 Two interesting instances of ' survival ' in the c.-\se of this lettering and cross are noted 
 below under Robert OldfielJ of Hertford. 
 
 ' I-'iir ihe crosses cf. Glo:i(tsh'ishife, Figs. 26, 58. Thfv .ire iiractic.illy ciilirged versions of ihc two crosses 
 I'lale \1I., Figs. I, 5.
 
 1 6 CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 RICHARD HILLE. 
 
 We have already made some allusion to Burford's successor, Richard Hille, a founder 
 ingeniously unearthed by Stahlschmidt. He first appears in the Guildhall Records in 1423, 
 and his death took place in 1440. Twenty-five bells by him remain, extending from Rutland 
 to Cornwall ; we also know of five more which have been recast. Of these Essex possesses 
 three, all differently inscribed : — 
 
 Colchester 5t. Nicholas 3rd : — 
 
 ;,'- S.imrtc I.uohc Ova Sro Robis 
 
 Castle Hedingham 5th : — 
 
 + + In Multis Annis Resonet Campana lohannis (seep. 17). 
 East Mersea Bell : — 
 
 Sum Pvofa I^ulfatii GQuu^i fflaria Uorata ♦^ 
 
 Hille's distinctive trade-mark, known as the ' cross-and-ring ' shield (Plate \l., Fig. 8) 
 appears on all of these, on the two latter in conjunction with the Burfords' cross and a new 
 one introduced and only used by him {Surrey 168 = Kent, 20). At Impington, Cambs., and 
 elsewhere he introduces another new cross, which became the regular mark of his successors, 
 the Sturdys (Plate VII., Fig. 1). The lettering at Colchester is a small set which goes with 
 the small cross (Plate \T., Fig. 7); on the East Mersea and Castle Hedingham bells he uses 
 Stephen Norton's capitals (p. 12) but without the crowns. 
 
 In all he uses no less than six crosses and five sets of capitals: Stephen Norton's with 
 or without crowns ; the Burford set ; the large set used by Robert Burford ; and the small 
 set as at Colchester {Bucks, \\, h), which we have seen (p. 13) to be identical with a smaller 
 set used in the fourteenth century at Eayer Marney. With the large Burford set he uses the 
 corresponding cross (at Thornton, ]5ucks); elsewhere he uses Plate VII., Fig. 5 or 6 
 (introduced by Robert Burford), or the new cross of four fleurs-de-lys in an octagon 
 (Plate VII., Fig. 1). 
 
 JOANNA HILLE. 
 
 Our interest in Hille is however quite eclipsed by the remarkable history of his wife 
 Joanna. A lady bell-founder is not, I believe, unique, though we only hear of one or two 
 others ; but Joanna was not only the wife of two bell-founders and the mother-in-law of a 
 third (see below), but she also continued founding on her own account after the loss of each 
 husband ! 
 
 Among the many ingenious discoveries which we owe to Stahlschmidt, none is more so 
 than his unearthing of Joanna Hille's chequered history, and his elucidation of the bells to be 
 attributed to her and her husbands. The clue was given by the records of the town of 
 Faversham in Kent, which contain two contracts for bells, one with 'Johanne Hille of 
 Londone, widewe,' the other with 'Johane Sturdy of Londone, widewe'. The connecting link 
 between the two widows was furnished by the discovery of a founder John Sturdy who used
 
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 1 8 CHL'RCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 the crosses and lettering formerly belonging to the owner of the ' cross-and-ring ' shield. It was 
 observed that on a certain group of bells the initials I.S. appeared with a coin between ; on 
 others the same marks, but with a lozenge (the heraldic mark of womanhood) above the 
 coin ; and when other bells came to light with the lozenge above the ' crossand-ring ' shield, 
 the chain was complete. 
 
 To sum up briefly, we have 
 
 (i) Bells with cross-and-ring shield, by Richard Hille. 
 
 (2) Bells with do. and lozenge, by Joanna Hille. 
 
 (3) Bells with initials I.S. and coin by John .Sturdy. 
 
 (4) Bells with do. do. and lozenge, by Johanna Sturdy. 
 
 The same marks and lettering being repeated on all these bells, there is no longer any 
 doubt as the correctness of our predecessor's brilliant suggestions. 
 
 Joanna Hille was apparently not allowed to bear that name long. We do not know in 
 what year she married John Sturdy, but the fact that only six bells can be traced to the period 
 of her widowhood seems to imply that it was a brief one. These six bells are found at 
 Castlethorpe, Bucks; Manaion, Devon (2); Norton, Herts; East Preston, Sussex; and at 
 Colchester St. Nicholas, where the tenor is inscribed almost exactly like the tenor at 
 Castle Hedingham with the addition of the lozenge ; the capitals are not crowned, and appear 
 to be Burford's. 
 
 JOHN STURDY. 
 
 It may be presumed that during John Sturdy's lifetime his wife sank her individuality, and 
 that certain marks now appearing for the first time {Bucks, xi, 3-6) were the former's original 
 property. About twenty bells in all can be attributed to him, besides four or five now recast. 
 They are pretty evenly distributed over the east and south of England, Essex claiming half-a- 
 dozen, of which three have recently passed into the melting-pot. 
 
 Of these the late 2nd at Lindsell was inscribed : — 
 
 Sit riomcn Domini Bcuciictum I ^ S 
 
 with the crowned capitals (reproduced on the new bell), and the typical Sturdy cross (Plate 
 VII., i). Of the others 
 
 Good Easter old 3rd has : — 4- + Sancte Thoma Ora Pro Nobis I S (seep. 17). 
 
 Great Totham old ist:— WM Siiuctc f^nirca Ora Svo Hobis I # S 
 
 Little Totham 2nd ;— wS« ^antta fflavia Ora Sro Hobis ^ I (^ S 
 
 and Sturmer isl has simjily 
 
 Sancte ("labriel (see p. 17). 
 
 The first and last are in the small alphabet, with crosses Buchs xi, 5 (at (Jood Easter only) 
 and Plate VI., 7 ; Little Totham has the large crowned capitals with Bucks xi. 5 (small version 
 of Plate VH. 5), and Plate VII., i, but the small set of minuscules (Plate VII., Fig 8-io);
 
 THE STCRDYS 1 9 
 
 Cleat Totham is in the large set, with the cross PI. VII. Fig. i and a coin. The sanctus at 
 rialdon All Saints bears tlie names of its donors (neither of whom is otherwise known) : 
 
 + + lohaimes Suauu et I'^irarbiis I-£unu iHe Hccit (sec j). 17). 
 
 and has for crosses, Fl. XL, 7, I'l. \'II., 6, llie lettering licing the small set. ' 
 
 About the remaining bell, the treble at Little Totham, I am somewhat doubtful. It is 
 .nscribed in the small set (Biiiks \i, h) with the small cross (Plate \'I., 7,) which is u.sed by a 
 ounder named \\'illiani I'owdrcll, at Ston'tiiif;, Kent.'' The inscrijition is :^ 
 
 Sanctc lactic Om l^io Robis ^ fl 
 
 and Mr. Wells thought the letter A might stand for the name of Agnes, the latter's widow." 
 The treble at Sturmer, attributed above to John Sturdy, might on the same grounds be 
 assigned to William or Agnes Pou'dvell (by preference the former). The cross certainly came 
 from i'owdrell to Sturdy, but we have no evidence that this lady followed the examjjle of 
 her contemporary and solaced her widowhood with the profits of the founder's art. On the 
 other hand there are not a few bells which bear the various crosses used by Sturdy, without 
 his initials, and the fact that the 2nd in that tower is certainly his, argues for his claims to the 
 treble. Another doulitful nuantity is the old tenor at Runwell, inscribed: — 
 
 i-ij ^ij \ij kij ^ij 
 
 Sanctf Sftic Oni t?ro I^obis 
 
 the crosses being Plate VII., Fig. 5, 6, with the large crowned capitals. Mr. Wells attrilmted 
 this to Kebyll, Joanna's final successor, but here again the distinctive trade-mark of that 
 founder is wanting. These two crosses are not found in combination except on Robert 
 Burford's bells, but as he did not use Norton's capitals, the bell cannot be his. It is a nice 
 puzzle. 
 
 Mention should also be made here of a bell of Sturdy's at Pichllfliinloii, Dorset, on the 
 crown of which appears the inscription : — 
 
 (jQpyssei^ SfjotQps F^pi^iiooj 
 
 The capitals used, as noted above (p. 13) are the same as at Layer Marney, apparently 
 the set Bucks xi, h. 
 
 JOANNA STURDY. 
 
 John Sturdy died in 1458, and his widow survived him for three years, during which lime 
 she seems to have been fairly energetic ; ten of her bells still exist besides three recast. Of 
 these three are (or were) in Essex ; — 
 
 ' I think it is open to some qiieslion wlietlier this bell does belong to the Stmcly group. The capil.nls do not 
 appear to reseml)le e.xactly those of the smaller Sturdy alphabet ; yet there is no doubt about the crosses. The 
 names are more likely to be those of donors than founders in spite of the /ecti (but see Part III., s.t.) Compare 
 the Sanctus bell at Fladbury, Worcs. {Assoi. Arch. Socs. Report, x.\iv., p. 571). 
 
 ' Kent, p. 42. 
 
 ■• This A is from the small set Ihicks, xi, /'.
 
 io ■ Church bells oP essex 
 
 Langford okl 3rd. 
 
 S.indc E?;tulc Or;t gro Hlcihio ^ I (^ S 
 Layer de la Haye 4th. 
 
 vij :WAi ^n vjj \Aj \ki /I'T T^ £) 
 
 III fflultis ^uius l^csoiut (s.imp.ui;) lohannio \*/ I *!^ S 
 
 Wormingford 3rd. 
 
 + Sit Nomen Domini Benedictum 4- I ^' S (see p. 17). 
 
 The Langford bell had two crosses (Plate VI., 7, and Buds xi, 5) and the small letter- 
 ing, the other two have the cross Plate Xll., i, and the crowned capitals, with the initials 
 betokening their authorship; the Wormingford bell has also Plate VII., 5. Throughout, her 
 bells possess the same characteristics as those of her husband, and are in fact only to be 
 distinguished by the lozenge. 
 
 (WILLIAM POWDRELL). 
 
 There are no bells in Essex which we can trace to this founder, but he is worth considering 
 in view of the fact that he seems to be a connecting link between the two parallel lines of 
 founders at this time. At his death, in 1439, his stamps seem to have been separated, the 
 initial cross which he used (Plate \T., 7) coming into the possession of the Sturdys, while his 
 capital letters are eventually found in the hands of Henry Jordan of the other line, to whom 
 they must have come througli Powdrell's legatee Robert Crowch (see below). 
 
 Only one of his bells now exists, the 2nd at Stowting, Kent, and that only has the cross 
 and a fleur-de-lys, and his initials. P.ut there was formerly also one at Shipboiirnc, in the same 
 county, with a full inscription, for which the flat capitals were employed. I have already noted 
 the suggestion tliat the bells at Sturmer and Little Totham might be, if not his work, that of 
 his widow Agnes ; and the same would ap]jly to another bell with the same marks (cross Plate 
 \I., 7, lettering Bucks xi, b), the 4th at Saxmnndham, Suffolk. But before this attribution 
 can be held to have any weight, we must have some grounds for supposing that the set of 
 capitals Bucks xi, b, belonged to him, and in view of the fact that they were previously used 
 by Hille, I do not think this can be the case. 
 
 JOHN KEBYLL. 
 
 After the year 1461 we find the Sturdy's marks and lettering in the hands of an unknown 
 founder whose distinguishing trade-mark was a shield with three mullets in chief, and a crescent 
 within a chevron in the base (Plate VI., 9). As this .shield is identical with the arms of the 
 Keble or Kebyll family, it is generally supposed that that was the founder's name. We also 
 find that in 1480 jjayments were made by the churchwardens of St. Stephen, ^^■albrook, 
 London, to one Jolin Kebyll, Wheelwright, lor bell-hanging. This does not prove that he was 
 also a founder, but the date suits well ; our founder, over thirty of whose bells remain, must 
 have been more than a mere wheelwright. However, the name may be accepted provisionally 
 till more evidence supervenes. It may be noted in passing that the late Dr. Raven's acute 
 eye detected in the shield a rebus on the name, the bar and chevron forming a K, and the 
 crescent an E ; but the absence of any ' bell ' or ' bill ' spoils the rebus.
 
 JOHN KKBYLL 
 
 21 
 
 Essex contains a large projiortion of these hells, namely eight, with one recast, all bearing the 
 shield, with various crosses and other marks, new and old. ^V'ith one exception, all have 
 Stephen Norton's crowned capitals. 
 
 Four are dedicated to .Saints, with the usual formula : — 
 
 Fyfield old 3rd : — 
 
 Samta IDiirgcrctii Oni Sro Hobis 
 Kelvedon Hatch 1!. 11 :— 
 
 \nT\ Saiicte fintircc Om gro riobis A 
 
 Wickford 1st :— 
 
 ^'^ Saiuia t\atcvina Ont gro liobis 
 Two, Prating 3rd and Wickford 2111!, have the formula: — 
 
 Sit riomcu Domini Bcuciiitum 
 
 ♦ 
 
 
 W f 
 
 with the addition of the fleur-de-l)s below the crown at f'rating. At Colchester St. Leonard 
 we find on the -jrd 
 
 S 
 
 •g 
 
 ♦ 
 
 In iDullis ^nnis l^cfc.ict feamp.in.t Ioh,inni'3 
 and of the two bells at Chickney the larger is inscribed : — 
 
 ^ fib ©rli Sijua Pcrbucal Tios (@atrrin« 
 
 the smaller has only the shield, ami a medallion whieh 1 have only elsewhere found 'it 
 Margaretting (see Plate XI\'., Fig. 6 and below, under Thomas Lawrence). The Kelvedon 
 Hatch bell is in Sturdy's smaller set of lettering. 
 
 Of crosses we find Plate VII., 6 on Chickney 2nd, and Plate VII., 5 at Upminster ; the 
 latter bell has also Stejihen Norton's cross of four fleurs-de-lys in a square crowned (Plate VII., 3). 
 The same cross of four fleurs-de-lys occurs without the crown at Colchester, Fyfield, and Kelve- 
 don Hatch, and in a lozenge at Frating and Wickford (.see Plate VII., 4). It has already been 
 noted that the Runwell old tenor may also be the work of this founder. He revives two marks 
 which we have already encountered, William Burford's fleur de-lys at Kelvedon Hatch, and the 
 same founder's crown at Wickford and Frating (cf. p. 13). 
 
 WILLIAM DAWE AND HIS ASSOCIATES (1385 1420). 
 
 It is now necessary to retrace our steps for about a century, in order to take up what Mr. 
 Cocks rightly regards as 'the main line of English bell-founders, working in Aldgate and 
 Portsoken Wards, London.' And in so doing we must go back into the fourteenth century, 
 and — as regards Essex — deal with some half-dozen bells still inscribed wholly in Gothic 
 capitals. The succession starts almost contemporaneously with the other, about 1370, but 
 lasts apparently some thirty years longer, (down to 1510) tliough there is a temporary gap
 
 22 CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 towards the end of the fifteenth century. The marks and lettering are throughout almost 
 entirely distinct from those which are used by the other group of founders. 
 
 The first known name in this second and more important group is that of 
 
 WILLIAM DA WE 
 
 also known as William Founder, whose date is approximately 13S5-1418. He marks the 
 period of transition from inscriptions in capitals to those in l)lack-letter smalls with initial 
 capitals, or 'Mixed Clothic,' one of his inscriptions being in the former style; and there is 
 also a small group of bells, if not two, with inscriptions in capitals throughout, which 
 immediately precede those which can be definitely assigned to this founder. They will be 
 seen to be connected with him, both by marks and lettering. 
 
 Before dealing with Dawe himself we must therefore consider these preceding bells. I 
 propose to lake these and the later 'Mixed Cothic' bells, group by group, showing how they 
 may be respectively distinguished or connected by the marks or lettering, e.specially the 
 cros.ses ; it will then be seen to what extent a chronological sequence can be traced, and the 
 bells allotted to their respective founders. The total number witii which we have to deal is 
 about 140, and as almost every group is represented in Essex, we can take the bells in that 
 county in detail as we proceed with the investigation. There are 33 examples altogether in 
 this county, of which four have been recast. It will further save trouble if we note that there 
 are three and only three varieties of capital letters found on these bells,' and that these three are 
 all of the same type, but of varying size. We will name the smallest (A) as it is the one 
 earliest in use ; the medium set, which appears next, (B), and the largest set, (C). 
 
 JOHN LANGHOENE. 
 
 I. (a). Bells henriiifi the cross Herts fif^. 7, with inscriptions in capitals. (See Plate 
 VIII., Fig. 1-4). 
 
 The bells which bear this cross (a small one of four fleur-de-lys with dots between the arms), 
 and the set (A) of the capitals are also distinguished by the use of a small stoj) in the form of 
 a wheeP (Plate VIII. Fig. 5). There are three in Essex, besides one recast in 1876 and one 
 in 1S80, and others at Brent Tor, Devon, SkapK'icJ;, Dorset (3rd), Little Horniead, Herts, 
 and Finckley St. Paul, Middlesex (from Ilatford, Berks). The former comprise 
 
 Little Chesterford bell recast ; 
 
 Great Holland, ist. 
 
 ^ offim-:s ® spnssi © oi^pst: © mio ® rouis @ fimen 
 Thorpe-le-Soken, old 5th. 
 
 Tolleshunt flajor, 2nd. 
 
 uox © GDUHnDi @ SOUS© ® m ® pui^e ® dgi 
 
 ' With the exception of n small group in Sussex un which we find Stephen Notion's capitals (see p. 12). 
 
 "A similar stop accompanies lettering which, strange to say, closely resembles our set (B) on a group of hells 
 cast at Bristol aliout the same time. Examples are I'itchcombe, Gloucs. ; Loxton 3rcl, Somerset ; Buscot, Berks ; 
 Whissett, Suffolk.
 
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 24 
 
 CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Willingale Spain, 2nd. 
 
 lOHANNES CRTSTI CARE DINGNARE PRO NOBIS ORARE (see p. 23). 
 
 The bells at Brent Tor and Tolleshunt are further distinguished by bearing on the crown 
 a shield with a chevron between three laver-pots (Plate X., Fig. 6), with which, in two sizes, 
 we shall meet again throughout the series ; it is rare at first but almost invariable in the latest 
 group. It should be noted that at Willingale Spain the wheel-stop is replaced by repetitions of 
 the initial cross. 
 
 None of these bells can be assigned to Dawe, and we do not know of any earlier founder 
 with whom he was connected; but Stahlschmidt's list is available, and it is perhaps permissible 
 to select the most likely candidate therefrom. This would seem to be John Langhorne, brazier 
 (1379-1406),' who indeed overlaps for some years with Dawe, but tJiis difficulty is not 
 insuperable ; it is probably to be explained by the existence of five Mixed Gothic bells with 
 similar stamps, which will form our next sub-division. John Langhorne apparently died in 
 1406, his will being dated in January of that year.' In it he desires to be buried at St- 
 Michael's, Cornhill, and leaves his property to his wife Alice. 
 
 I. (bj. Bells with cyoss Herts 7 and (A) capitals ; Mixed Gothic. 
 In this group, which I take to be John Langhorne's work during the years 1395- 1405, 
 there are two Essex bells : 
 
 Colchester Town Hall bell : 
 
 + Thomas Marie Sonat In Ethere Clare (see i). 23). 
 
 Steeple, disused bell: 
 
 ^ Sc.i luliana 
 
 The others are the 2nd and recast treble at St. Bartholomew the Less, Smithjield, 
 London, and the bell at Folkington, Sussex. The wheel-stop has disappeared, but all have 
 the Maver' shield. A duplicate of the 2nd at St. Bartholomew's is to be found in the bell at 
 Mundon, inscribed : — 
 
 ►l< Uiuccntius rjcboat V.t 6uutii Ho.xi.i iSoll.it 
 
 but with one important exception, that we have here an entirely new and apjwrently unicjue 
 cross, a plain Maltese in a lozenge. Apart from the cross, the similarity of this bell to the 
 others seems to justify us in including it with this group. It has the three laver shields above 
 the inscription. 
 
 WILLIAM WOODWARDE. 
 
 II. (a). Bells with cross Plate X., 4 ; inscription in capitals. 
 
 The only bell answering to this description is the former trel)le at Cuxton, Kent, which 
 bears in addition the laver-shield ; wc pass on to the corresponding bells in Mixed Gothic. 
 
 (h). Bells with cross Plate X., 4; inscriptions in Mixed Gothic. 
 
 The bells in this group, wiiich includes eight examples, are inscribed in all three sets of 
 lettering (as regards the capitals, to which the 'smalls' do not always corresjiond, lacing 
 
 ' He was executor to William Burford in 1393. 
 'Sharpc's Calendar of London Wills, ii. p. 363.
 
 WILLIAM DAWE 
 
 25 
 
 sometimes larger in proportion), and most of them bear the ' laver ' shield. Of the three 
 Essex representatives, the 3rd at Little Hallingbury, and the former 2nd at Great Braxted 
 are virtually duplicates, both inscribed : — 
 
 + Eternis Annis Resonet Campana lohannis (see p. 23). 
 
 the capitals being set (A). The bell at Little Warley has (with three shields above) 
 
 
 lobann^s gristi ©are Dianare i?ro nobis orare 
 
 with (B) capitals and large effective minuscules ; it is a duplicate of one at St. Paul's Cray, 
 Kent. The introduction in this group (at Mclhury Sampford, Dorset) of the set (C) seems 
 to betoken a new founder in connection with this cross, and this was Stahlschmidt's conviction. 
 He assigned the group to William Wodewarde, an associate of Dawe ; and in this I am quite 
 inclined to agree with him. I would go a step further and allot to Wodewarde three fine 
 bells, the 5th at South Lopham, Norfolk, the 6th at Alfriston, Sussex, and the 7th at Clare, 
 Suffolk,' which have the set (C) of capitals and sundry other marks, which are not found in 
 Essex. All these being large bells, I suspect that they represent Wodewarde's pieces-de- 
 resistance, just as Robert Burford rose to the occasion when it befell him to cast large bells. 
 But in regard to the cross Plate X., 4 we must not ignore the fact that it appears twice 
 on bells which for other reasons we must assign to Dawe himself (see below). 
 
 WILLIAM DAWE. 
 
 Before we treat of the bells which are undoubtedly this founder's own work we must 
 consider a group with inscriptions in capitals connected with him by the initial cross, but 
 probably preceding him in point of time ; it is doubtful if they can be his work, but on the 
 other hand we are not justified in assigning them to Langhorne or \Vodewarde. 
 
 III. ((?). Bells with cross Plate A'., Fig. 2;' capitals set B, {Plate IX., Figs. 1-9) 
 used throughout. 
 
 This group includes six bells, two of which are in Essex. The laver shield occurs on 
 none of them, but three have the wheel stop, and two others a quatrefoil stop (Plate VHI., 
 Fig. 7) not found elsewhere. In Essex we have the Bradfield bell : 
 
 I @ ^ffi ® KO^ ® ^-^P ® ^f?IS ^ ¥-liO(& ® Vs3\(Q ® GljOPJfl 
 
 ® SIBI ® DOffline 
 
 and Leyton tenor : 
 
 e© ^- ©Lt^ffloi^ @ j^eus .^ fiD .^ se % uenifi© 
 
 'The first two are in capitals throughout, the third is in Mixed Golhic. 
 
 ''The cross figured by Stahlschmidt {Kent, fig. 9 = Plate IX., Fig. 12) appears to be in some c.ises an 
 inaccurate version of this, in others the same cross Init in a lozenge instead of an octagon. 
 
 4
 
 26 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 The others are the treble at Herriard, Hants {stop Hnnts, Fig. lo), the 5th at Dcopham, 
 Norfolk (wheel stop) and the 4th at Shapunch, Dorset (wheel stop). To these we must add, 
 although it has a new medallion (Plate VIII., Fig. 7) in place of the cross and stop, the larger 
 bell at East Ham : 
 
 m'LCIS SISTO MELIS CAMPANA AOCOR GABRIELIS (see page 23) 
 
 It will be noted that all these bells have interesting inscriptions ; tiiose in English at 
 Bradfield and Shapwick are exceptionally quaint (see below, p. 28), and all are remarkable 
 for their length. They are clearly a homogeneous group, and it is just possible that they 
 represent Dawe's earliest efforts." 
 
 III. (i) We pass on to the consideration of \\'illiam Dawe's own bells," which are marked 
 by the following characteristics : 
 
 Cross Plate IX., Fig. 12 or "K. Fig. 2; capitals set B ; laver shield ; and the founder's 
 oii'n medallion or trade-mark {Plate IX. Fig. 10), vscd as a stop. 
 
 The list is a long one, comprising 24 bells, of which Essex claims six : 
 
 Aldham 2nd and Netteswell 2nd, in-scribed: 
 
 Sum p.osji ©nbain ffljtnbi KnlrrJim Uociitii (see page 23) 
 
 Brightlingsea bell : 
 
 ^ Diikis @ sisio ^ fficlis ^ uurnr ^ (Siintpaita ^ a}ifl|nrli$ 
 
 Netteswell 3rd. 
 
 (Inscription reversed and inverted; it is Galiiis Vocor Ego Solus Super Omnia Sono ; 
 see Plate VIII., Figs. 6, 9, 10 and facsimile on page 23). 
 
 Pleshey and. 
 
 ^ DJitti' @ G150 ® s!)i:iuiii5 ^ ©ri$ti ^k iciiu$ ^ e$( ^ 
 
 Pleshey 41I1 : 
 
 orn ^ fflciilr ^ E?iit 
 
 Sonus ^ omns 
 
 E?ro ^ m^m A ulrgo ^ CQnria 
 
 The lavers are only found at Aldham, where we have the large variety; and here also the 
 " smalls " ar§ large and fine in character, as on Bird's bells (see below). The Netteswell 3rd 
 is distinguished by having the inscription set backwards and upside down, and sunk in the 
 bell, it having been set in relief the right way in the mould. . The inscription finds parallels at 
 Norwich All Saints, and on the Bradfield bell. A general peculiarity is that the black letter 
 S is always reversed, so that on Netteswell 3rd it is placed the right way. The founder's 
 medallion, which proclaims all these bells as indubitably his, has the device of two birds on a 
 plant, round which are the words William fOUn^Or IIIC fCCtt (Plate IX., Fig. 10.) 
 
 ' Slahlschmidt, writing to Kaven, about 1888, was of the same opinion. 
 
 = On Stalikchmidl's ingenious identificalion of William Dawe, sec h'ail, p. 25.
 
 JOHN RIRD 27 
 
 The medallion which is found on all these bells has been generally cegarded as marking 
 Dawe's work exclusively ; whether this is so is doubtful ; but only so far that we are not justified 
 in claiming bells as his on which it is not found. On the other hand, we have to note that it 
 occurs on the 2nd at Downe, Kent, and at Ufford, Suffolk, in conjunction with Wodewardc's 
 cross; as however the ist at Uowne has the cross Plate X. 2 with the medallion, the 2nd 
 appears to be a mere aberration, or else we must assume a joint founding with Wodewarde. 
 Further, we have in the 2nd at Abbotsham, Devon, a bell with Dawe's medallion, but the 
 inscription is in capitals throughout, as in group III(«); this is obviously Dawe's earliest 
 production, but we cannot on that account assign all the III (a) bells to him. 
 
 These considerations affect a large group of bells which have : 
 
 III. (c) Cross Plate X., Fig. 2 ; capitals set B ; laver shield ; hut no medallion. 
 
 The question whether they are Dawe's work or not, as we had seen, is not easy to answer. 
 They are more likely to be his than Wodewarde's, and there is no reason why they should not 
 be his ; but we cannot tell why he should have omitted the medallion in such cases. The 
 group comprises eighteen, of which only one is in Essex, the treble at Fratinj^,, inscribed : 
 
 ia|amif$ est noiiirii ejus 
 
 Here we have in addition to the laver-shield one with three trefoils, which is of much rarer 
 occurrence, and is never found, as Dr. Raven has pointed out, in conjunction with Dawe's 
 trade-mark, an additional reason for attributing the Frating bell to Wodewarde. The trefoils 
 have been recognised as the arms of the Underbill family, but we do not know why the shield 
 was adopted by this foundry. 
 
 JOHN BIRD. 
 
 In this next group we are on much firmer ground; it is so homogeneous that all the bells 
 must be by the same founder, and that this founder was not William Dawe is clear from the 
 total absence of his medallion. It may also be reasonably inferred that the whole group is 
 later than Dawe's bells ; Stahlschmidt assigned it to Wodewarde, but in any case we must 
 distinguish the founder of this group from that of group II, and as Wodewarde has 
 been satisfactorily accounted for, I think we find a very suitable founder in the person 
 of John Bird, who seems to have succeeded to William Dawe's stamps, and was a founder of 
 some importance. It will be seen that he introduces an entirely new cross (in two 
 varieties) and that he uses exclusively the set (C) of capitals, which afterwards passed into 
 Walgrave's hands. A larger version of the laver shield is also not uncommon. 
 
 IV. Bells with cross Plate X., Fig. 3 ; laver shield thrice on crown almost invariable ; 
 (C) set of capitals {Plate X., Figs. 5, 7, 8) with fine 'smalls.' 
 
 We have then a group of nearly fifty bells, of which no less than ten are to be found in 
 Essex. Of these four are similarly inscribed; Little Bardfield 2nd; Great Braxted old 
 3rd; Copford 2nd; Laindon Clays 4th : 
 
 Sum PJojjii ^iilDita CQiindi Ix'i^fi''"'^ Uocaiju^eep. 29) 
 
 Pebmarsh tenor has in place of the layers a medaUion of six fleurs-de-lys in an octagon
 
 28 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 (Plate VIII., Fig. lo), and /TBai'ia instead of Katerina ; at Little Bardfiuld there is only one 
 laver shield, at the end of the inscrijition. 
 
 The others are Belchamp Walter old 7th. 
 
 Sanda I(atcrina Oi;a ^ijo nobifi 
 
 High Easter 4th. 
 
 l7ac In (soiulauij Gabriel ll\\\\f[ ls?an0e Suaiii* Vf 
 
 Little Horkesley 5111 (also with the I'ebmarsh medallion): 
 
 €tfi;nifi pimifi I^cjonct (sainpaua Iol|annis 
 
 Halstead 6th. 
 
 Dulqifi Sifio (Delia (Sampana Uoror Gabrijilia 
 
 and Laindon Clays 3rd, and Stondon Flassey 2nd. 
 
 lohanncf) (arifiti dare DiDiraiie^ ^r^o Hcrbifi Orare 
 
 All these it will be seen are very uniform in character ; almost the only variation is in the 
 use of the medallion with six fleurs-de-lys at Pebmarsh and Little Horkesley in place of the 
 laver shields, which at Halstead, Laindon, and Stondon Massey appear three times on the 
 shoulder of the bell. The large variety of this shield occurs at Halstead and Stondon Massey. 
 
 The single bell at Twinstead [irobably belongs to this group ; it has no marks except the 
 three laver shields, here on the inscription band. I have notes of some fourteen other bells 
 which have only the laver .shield, and may probably also be attributed to John Bird. 
 
 We must not pass from this group without alluding to some of the magnificent bells which 
 it includes, notably the 8th and 9th at Christchurch, Oxford, which are supposed to have come 
 from Oseney Abbey, and the old tenor at Brailcs, Warwickshire, one of the largest 
 medieval bells in existence before it went to the melting-pot. It w'as recast by Blews of 
 Birmingham in 1877, the inscription, a beautiful fragment of an old Ascension hymn, being 
 admirably reproduced. A description of it is given by Ellacombe in his Supplement to 
 Somerset, p. 135. 
 
 A noteworthy feature of this whole group of bells, from Langhorne to Bird, is the 
 character and variety of the inscriptions which are found throughout. Many are peculiar to 
 this group, and many again are unique. Special attention should be called to the inscriptions
 
 «^ 
 
 C<5 
 
 ^ 
 
 s 
 
 
 «52 
 
 
 ■»; 
 u 
 
 o 
 
 Q 
 
 g 
 
 < 
 .J 
 
 Q 
 
 < 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 u 
 
 s 
 
 Q 
 
 PO 
 
 <! 
 
 PS 
 O 
 
 <iO 
 
 PR 
 
 VM 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 ^ JXi 
 
 
 w 
 
 !]? 
 
 li^ 
 
 <2 2 
 
 o 
 
 H 
 in 
 
 H 
 •< 
 
 Ed 
 Pi 
 
 O 
 
 ^ 
 
 ts> 
 
 
 3© S 
 
 SM^W
 
 3° 
 
 THE CHURCH HELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 at Bradfield, Leylon, and Shapwick, Dorset,' two of which arc in English, the other two 
 remarkable for their length. Nearly all the rest are examples of leonine hexameters, of varying 
 merit. The most popular is that found at Thorpc-le-Soken, Aldham, and five other places in 
 Essex, where we must note the substitution of St. Katharine for the name of St. Mary, wliich 
 occurs in the similar formula affected by Robert Burford and Richard Hille (see p. 15). 
 This is curious, because St. Katharine seems to have been Burford's especial patron saint. 
 
 The inscriptions at Pleshey (2nd) and Willingale Spain appear to be peculiar to this 
 foundry. Unusual invocations to .saints are at Tolleshunt Major (St. Edward), Steeple 
 (St. Juliana) and Mundon (St. Vincent). Other peculiarities of inscription have already 
 been noted in passing. I may conclude with one other unique example which is worth 
 recording as having been preserved by an eighteenth century enthusiast : " 
 
 o ©rtful mt nkolM nobis fflifcvcre 
 
 This was on one of the old bells at St. James, Clcrkenwell, recast in 17S8, and is 
 reproduced in the Gentlemen's Magazine for that year (pt. ii. p. 853, pi. 2), together with a 
 drawing of the medallion which clearly proclaims its founder. 
 
 JOHN WA-fcGRAVE. 
 
 Parting from William Dawe and his associates, we begin to find ourselves on firmer ground. 
 We have in the fifteenth century a long list of bells, all of which bear the same types of 
 lettering, both capitals and smalls, but which fall into five main groups by the evidence of 
 other marks found on them, in particular the foundry-shields. Besides the lettering there is 
 one cross (Plate XII., Fig. 5) which is common to all the group; not invariably used, it is true, 
 except by two of these founders ; but serving to connect them, just as the shields serve to 
 differentiate them. 
 
 Now two of these groups have been ascertained by external evidence to belong to the 
 middle of the century or later, while a third belongs to the beginning of the sixteenth. There 
 remains therefore a blank between 1420 and 1450 or thereabouts; and it is reasonable to 
 suppose that the other two groups fill up this gap. They are distinguished by the use of two 
 different foundry shields (Plate XII., Figs, i, 3), though in both the cross Plate XII., 5 occurs 
 invariably ; one shield has the initials R.C., which give a clue to the founder's name ; the other 
 is of the " merchant's mark " type,^ with the letter S in black-letter. This doubtless indicates 
 the initial of the founder's Christian name ; it will be noted that there is a W at the bottom of 
 the shield, which probably, though not necessarily,^ refers to his surname. 
 
 There is however a known founder of the period whose initials were J. W., and he is 
 practically the only candidate ; for there only remains John Bird, whom we have already 
 accounted for. This founder is John Walg'rave, who is described in the will of John Plot 
 (dated 1408) as 'servant of William I'ounder,' i.e. probably his foreman. Thus we get the 
 
 ' Sec for these, with full illustrations. Trans. Dorset Field Club, xxv. p. 127, anJ .xxvi. p. 204 (Ur. Raven's 
 Bells of Dorset). 
 
 • The same inscription is found on one of Brasyer's bells at Burlingham St. I'eler, Norfolk. 
 
 'On merchants' marks %<ti Journal of Bril . Arch. Assoc, xlix., p. 45 ; Bristol and Clone. .Irc/i. Soe. Tram. 
 xvii. p. 271. 
 
 *The shield which Mr. Cocks {Binis, p. 53) traced to Roger Landen of Wokingham, is a case in point ; it 
 has the same W in the base without any apparent: significance.
 
 JOHN WAI.GRAVE 3 I 
 
 connection with William Dawe. Stahlschmidt ingeniously suggested that Dawc left his stamps 
 to Wodewarde (or rather I should suggest, to JJird), and his business to Walgrave. This 
 would explain the fact that there is no trace of any of the Uawe stamps on the bells with the 
 Walgrave shield, or on any later bells with one or two (non-London) exceptions. On the 
 other hand the fine capitals (Plate X., 5, 7, 8), which we find on the bells by John Bird, were 
 sometimes used both by Walgrave and by his successors. 
 
 There are about forty of John Walgrave's bells still remaining in England, besides a few 
 recently recast. Essex possesses seven, Kent nine, Bucks four, and Herts, Hunts, and 
 Lancashire each three. There are none in Surrey or the three East Anglian counties. It is 
 strange to find three in Lancashire ; they are all in the same tower {Dowiiham near Clitheroe), 
 and may possibly be second-hand bells. They were first noticed by the Rev. T. M. N. 
 Owen.' 
 
 The Essex bells present two or three peculiarities which will be duly noted ; the list is as 
 follows : — 
 
 South Benfleet 3rd. 
 
 l?.omcn Jllao^ilcnc Campana Gcrit )i\ioMc 
 
 Burnham 3rd. 
 
 Sancta i^atciina Gim Cro Oobis \JI 
 
 Great Burstead 4th. 
 
 Toy J-liu3U6tini ^Sonct Tn flmx :Dci \S) (see page 29) 
 
 riargaretting 4th. 
 
 ^ In CQuItis puniG l^cfonct (sampana lohannui 
 
 Navestock 3rd. 
 
 5aiKta J^aterina ©ra Pro S^obie 
 
 Great Waltham 4th. 
 
 fiomcn A^ao^alcnc Gcrit Cainpana ji?cloMc I4/ 
 
 Abbess Roothing ist. 
 
 # lbs (Jj 
 
 In all these cases except Margaretting and Abbess Roothing he uses the very excellent set 
 of capitals which were first fully illustrated by Mr. Cocks (Buc!cs'p\. xii.= Plate XL, Figs. 1-7), 
 and with them two or three different sets of 'smalls,' one of a rather inferior type. At Mar- 
 
 ' Hunts, p. 12.
 
 32 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 garetting we find the fine set of Wodewarde-Bird capitals (Bucks, pi. xiii), which he also used 
 on the late 4th at Ilarpcnden, Herts;' at Abbess Roothing tliLre is only IbS- The cross 
 Plate XII., 9 occurs on all; at Great Walthani (and at Twywdl, Northants) we have William 
 Burford's fleur-de-lys (p. 13), and at Navestock and Downham, Lanes. (2nd bell) another cross 
 of a florid ar.d French type (Plate XII., Fig. 8), which, as we shall see, was adopted and almost 
 invariably used by one of his successors. 
 
 ROBERT CROWCH. 
 
 We have just mentioned that one founder of this period used a trade-mark bearing his 
 initials, namely R. C, and for the ownership of these there are two candidates : Richard 
 Cresswell and Robert Crowch. Stahlschmidt declined to draw invidious distinctions between 
 them, but Mr. Cocks is bolder, and definitely declares for Crowch, who is mentioned as the 
 legatee of another founder, William Powdrell, who died in 1439 (see p. 18). 
 
 Crowch does not seem to have been in a very large way of business, or else his bell-founding 
 life was a short one. Only thirteen of his bells now remain, and we have records of three 
 others. This being the case it is singular that only four are to be found in the Home Counties 
 (besides one recast), whereas Cornwall possesses two, and others are found as far afield as 
 Worcestershire, Salop, and Cheshire. The remaining examples are in Bedfordshire, Bucks, 
 Hants, and Northants. In Essex he occurs at Little Clacton, where the 2nd is inscribed. 
 
 _8ancta :A^.aroarcta 0ra Cro Sobis 
 
 His bells are singularly uniform in character, all bearing the cross Plate XII., 5 and his shield 
 (Plate XII., 3); all but two have in addition a shield with the three leopards of England 
 (Plate XII., Fig. 2), and in two cases these stamps alone occur without any inscription. The 
 lettering is invariably Bucks pi. xii. 
 
 Crowch's bells being so rare, and several of them little known, it may not be amiss to give a 
 complete list. They are as follows : 
 
 Bedfordshire Cople, 4th. 
 
 Buckinghamshire Hardmead, ist. 
 
 Cheshire Pott Shrigley, one bell. 
 
 Cornwall Landewednack, 2nd. 
 
 St. Clement, 2nd. 
 
 Essex Little Clacton, 2nd. 
 
 Hampshire Hartley Wespall, 1st. 
 
 Kent Denton, 2nd and 3rd. 
 
 London St. Bartholomew-Less,E.C. 
 
 Northants Twywell, 2nd. 
 
 Shropshire Oldbury, Bell. 
 
 Worcestershire Birtsniorton, 3rd. 
 
 To which may be added : 
 
 Bedfordshire Willington, old sth. 
 
 Kent Ryarsh, old 3rd. 
 
 Wiltshire Swallowcliffe, old 3rd. 
 
 ' Tes/e Slahlschmidt. I found the liell recast when I visited the tower in 1899.
 
 JOHN DANYELL 33 
 
 JOHN DANYELL. 
 
 We have now to deal witli Iwo very important founders, who seem to have been con- 
 temporaneous, and about whom a good deal of information can be gathered. Seeing that over 
 a hundred bells by each of them still remain, it may perhaps be a matter of doubt how far 
 they were contemporaneous, but they certainly overlapped. Their names are [John] Danyell ' 
 and Henry Jurden or Jordan. Jordan is dated 1442-1468 by Stahlschmidt from the evidence 
 of City Records, but nothing can be gained from that source concerning Danyell. We only 
 know that he was founding in 1460. For several reasons it will be convenient to discuss him 
 first. 
 
 In 1460 ' Danyell Founder' appears as the maker of a new ring of five at King's College, 
 Cambridge,^ replacing the one originally put up in 1443 ; it was not a success, however, and in 
 1463 his colleague Henry Jordan was called in to recast the lot. In the Muniment Room of 
 King's College a very careful drawing of the inscriptions and marks on the five bells, made 
 before their removal in 1756, has been preserved, and this is reproduced by Mr. Clark and Dr. 
 Raven. As this drawing is so important for the light it throws (in conjunction with the 
 documentary evidence) on Danyell and Jordan, it must form the text here for a brief disquisi- 
 tion on the two founders. 
 
 The treble bell was inscribed 
 
 In jl?-ultis Tennis JRefonct Cainpana Tobannis T M .0 
 
 the cross being presumably Plate XII., 9, which we already know. The same collocation of this 
 cross with the Royal Arms and the initials I. D. is to be found on the 2nd at Cranham, and 
 also on the ist at Torksey, Lincolnshire. The cross and initials alone are found on the treble 
 at Great Maplestead, and in three other instances. On two others we find the cross Plate 
 XII., 9 replaced by an elaborate medallion with the words i[)U tUd'CV? laM bClp between 
 the arms of a cross (Plate XII., Fig. 5). 
 
 All these bells are clearly by a founder whose initials are I.D., and the same founder is 
 connected with Jordan by the fact that the latter constantly uses the ibu niCfCV medallion. 
 It is therefore a reasonable inference that the initials represent [John] Danyell and that the 
 treble consequently remained from his original ring at King's College. We pass on to the 
 tenor. 
 
 Here we find a remarkable initial cross and a large medallion with a representation of the 
 Crucifixion, together with the same Royal arms, the inscription being 
 
 Trenetate Sacra Fiat Hec Campana Pieata (see page 29) 
 
 The Crucifixion medallion is found on a bell certainly by Jordan at Tarring Neville, Sussex, 
 ai.d on the strength of this and the evidence of his recasting in 1465, Dr. Raven and 
 Stahlschmidt assign the King's tenor to that founder. But the double difficulty remains that 
 except the unique stamp of the Crucifixion none of the marks occur on any of Jordan's bells, 
 and conversely none of the four stamps, which as we shall see he invariably used, appear on the 
 
 ' The name John is purely cujijecUiral, but we can gather that his initial was J. from evidence discusse.l below. 
 '■^Sce Mr. ]. W. Clark's valuable paper in Cambridge Aiitiijuarian Communua/ions, iv. p. 223. 
 
 5
 
 34 
 
 THE CHLRCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 King's bell. On the other hand, the Royal arms occur on most bells of the ])anyell group, 
 while the initial cross so far is only known in three other instances,' where again the other 
 Hiarks are in each case characteristic of Danyell. 
 
 It will be seen therefore that neither the treble nor the tenor appear on the evidence of the . 
 drawing to be Jordan's bells.. Wc should rather assume that both are by Danyell. If that is 
 so, how IS the recastmg in 1465 to be accounted for? It seems to me that it can only mean 
 that Jordan recast the inner three, though it is curious that these three all required recasting 
 again shortly afterwards. The entry in the College Mundum books does not decide the point, 
 for it merely says 'Item sol' Henrico Jurden ... in partem solucionis de xl. li. . . pro 
 campanis.' We do not know what proportion of the whole sum this represents, or whether it 
 is sufificiently large to imply a ring of five rather than three. It was at all events a heavy ring, 
 the tenor weighing over two tons. 
 
 The bells which bear the various stamps characteristic of Danyell fall into several distinct 
 groups or rather sub-divisions, which may or may not represent a chronological succession. 
 Those three sub-divisions which are marked by the initials I.D. have already been discussed, 
 but may be recapitulated here for the sake of clearness and completeness, in dealing with the 
 Esse.\ examples (eleven in number). 
 
 The sub-divisions then are as follows : — 
 
 I. Initials I.D. 7!'ith cross Plate XII., 9. 
 Great flaplestead ist. 
 
 2. Initials I.D. with cross Plate XII., 9 and Royal Arms. 
 Cranham 2nd. 
 
 To^annco .TI0; ;I?.omen Eiue .T 
 
 .D 
 
 D 
 
 3. Initials I.D. with Royal Arms and 'IHU mercy' medallion. 
 
 [None in Essex] 
 4- Royal Arms with ' IHU mercy' medallion and cross Plate XII., 8. 
 
 Great Easton sth. 
 
 In Multis Annis Resonct Tampana lohannis (see page 29) 
 Theydon Bois 2ntl. 
 
 ^ancfa JPargarc a Ova fvo Pofito 
 
 \^^ 
 
 'VVingrave, Bucks, disuse.l tenor; West M.mckion, .Someiscl, 61 1, ; <,K1 l,dl from Worcester Calliedral at 
 Didlington, Norfolk.
 
 HENRY JORDAN 
 
 35 
 
 Qreat Wiffborouffh rst. 
 
 "Comcn jHag^afcnc Campana Gcv.t )12efo6ic 
 
 Wix 2nd. 
 
 Bit P.omcn Homini ricnciicfmit 
 
 5. Royal Anns wilh crosses Plate XII., 8, 9. 
 Cranham i.st. 
 
 To^anni^ Hot ;l?.omcn Kme (see page 29) 
 
 Heybridge rst. 
 
 A'or Hugueftnt Sonet Tn Kurc Oct ^ 
 
 Sible Hedingham 2nd. 
 
 Bancfd iWerina Ora pro Pofito 
 
 VVoodham flortimer 2nd. 
 
 lo^annce T^ei Pomen .Hiue 
 
 6. Cross Plate XII., 9 ;.:'i^/j Royai Arms. 
 Qreat Holland 2nd. 
 
 Vojc T-Tuguefini Soncf Tn Hurf X'^d 
 
 Another group not represented in Essex has the large initial cross already mentioned 
 {Bucks, p. 35). 
 
 The pedigree of the cross Plate XII., 8 is interesting ; we have first seen it used by 
 Walgrave, and it also turns up on a group of bells in the succeeding century (p. 38) ; in the 
 seventeenth century it appears to have found its way to Salisbury, and occurs together with the 
 crowned Royal Arms at Boyton, Wilts, on a bell of 16 16 by Roger Purdue. It may be noted 
 that it is not found in conjunction with the initials I.D. The sub-division adopted above will 
 amply elucidate the distribution of the various marks on the Danycll bells in Essex ; and it 
 only remains to note that the lettering in all cases is Plate XI., 1-7, with the exception of the 
 tenor at Cireat Easton, where the fine set of Wodewarde-Bird capitals (Bucks, pi. xiii) is 
 employed. The use of the Royal Arms by a bell-founder is almost peculiar to Danyell. 
 Stahlschmidt suggests that he adopted them on the strength of having cast the ring for the
 
 36 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 royj.1 foundation at Cnibridjc after the m inner of the modern tradesman. It should be 
 noted that this stamp occurs in all but the first group ; it may be regarded as Danyell's typical 
 mark. The list of his bells amounts to sonic 90 in all ; they are very widely distributed 
 all over England from Durham and Lincoln to Cornwall. 
 
 HENRY JORDAN. 
 
 More is known from contemporary records about Henry Jordan or Jurden (there appears 
 to be authority for both spellings of the name). One interesting point is that he is connected 
 with the other line of London bell founders by his marriage with Joanna, daughter of 
 Richard and Joanna Hille. This lady brought him a dowry of 200 marks, but ap[>arently he 
 had no business connection with her family, as none of their stamps or lettering occur on his 
 bells. 
 
 Stahlschmidt collected much interesting and curious information relating to his parentage 
 and posterity, which there is no occasion to repeat here. His life does not appear to have 
 been a long one, though the number of his beautiful bells still remaining, and the extent of 
 their geographical distribution shews that he must have attained to considerable fame and 
 position in his business. His will is dated 146S, and was proved in 1470, and he probably 
 only survived Danyell by a few years. 
 
 One of his two foundry-shields (Plate XH., Fig. 4), as Stahlschmidt has pointed out, clearly 
 establishes Jordan's claim to its ownership. The cross-keys and dolphin ;;(n'((»7 are the arms 
 of the Fishmongers' Company to which he belonged, and which he made his sole legatee'; the 
 garb or wheatsheaf was the cognisance of the family of Harleton, from which he was 
 descended on his mother's side ; while the bell and laver-pot are obvious references to his 
 trade. From a strictly heraldic point of view the whole forms a somewhat incongruous 
 combination. The other shield (Plate XH., Fig. 6) is of the ' merchant's mark ' type, and is 
 usually known as the ' banner ' shield. Mr. A. D. Tyssen ' has suggested that it represents 
 ' Yordan,' i.e. ' Yard-n ; ' but this does not account for the T. However, as noted under Wal- 
 grave, much dependence cannot be placed on the letters occurring in these merchant's marks. 
 
 We have over 100 bells by Jurden still remaining in England, extending from Yorkshire to 
 Cornwall; in Essex there are sixteen, besides one recast. They are of a very uniform 
 character, the normal type having the two shields already .spoken of, with Danyell's i|)U 
 IllCrCg medallion between them, at the end of the inscription, which is in about half the whole 
 number in the ordinary medium set of capitals (Plate XL 1-7). Occasionally he uses the large 
 set (Bucks pi. xiii), and the remainder have a set of flat capitals (Plate XL, F'igs. 8-12) origin- 
 ally in the possession of William Poicidrcll, and used by him on a bell formerly at Shipbournc, 
 Kent. Some bells have only the three stamps without any inscription ; in other cases (about 
 a dozen) the cross Plate XIL, g is substituted for the medallion, plis bells are mostly excellent 
 castings and of good tone; the inscriptions are varied but exhibit no originality. 
 
 The Essex examples may be grouped as follows : — 
 
 I. With two shields and medallion ; (a) Capilals as Plate XL, Figs. 1-7. 
 Colchester St. Leonard, 2nd. 
 
 ikMicMctum .^it Vomcn Oonuiii 
 
 ^ Archaeol. fournal, xlviii. (1891), p. S6.
 
 HENRY JORDAN 
 
 37 
 
 Wakes Colne 2nd. 
 
 Tt(oj: Huouftinc Sonet In Jiiiuc Dei l»g. 
 
 Lindsell 2nd. 
 
 Sancta i^atcrina Ora Pro Vobis |^j 
 
 (i) 'Fowdi'ell ' capitals (Plate XI., 812). 
 
 Ashen 3rd, Newport 3rd, and Thorington 5th. 
 
 8tt Ronien Domini Bcne^ictnm w 
 
 Little Baddow 2nd. 
 
 Sanctc Tonia Bra pro nobis if 
 
 Basildon 3rd. 
 
 Sancta TWarGarcta Gra pro nobis 
 
 West Bergholt Recast bell. 
 
 VOoic Ruonstini Sonet |n Rnie Dei (see page 39) 
 
 riount Bures ist. 
 
 Sanctc Recolae 0ra pro Robis 
 
 Great Easton 4th. 
 
 ^ 
 
 Romen TVlao^alene Ganipana Gcret 7Vlelo&ie ^ 
 
 je 
 
 Pitsea 3rd. 
 
 Sancte petre era pro nobis 
 
 I. {c) Without inscription. 
 
 Buttsbury Bell. W. 
 
 ^
 
 38 
 
 THE CHURCH HEI.I.S OF ESSEX 
 
 Copford isi. 
 
 Woodham Walter 2iid {no 'Cross-keys' shield). 
 Two shields taith cross, Plate XII. g. 
 Cranham 3rd. 
 
 Sanctc I'ctrc ora Pio P.obit? 
 
 Tillinsham 2nd. 
 
 Tobnnnce l^st Pomcn l^ius 
 
 After Jordaii'.s death it would seem that the Aldgate foundry fell into temporary disrepute. 
 At any rate it is a curious fact that very few bells can be assigned to the period between 1470 
 and 1510, while of the only two founders whose names belong to this time one has no 
 apparent connection with the Aldgate foundry ; the other so far has had no bells traced to him. 
 The former will be shortly discussed ; the latter's name was William Chambeylayne ; he was 
 a witness to Jurden's will, and presumably his successor. In 1497-98 he appears as a 
 member of the Founders' Company, but up to the present it has not been possible to attribute 
 any bells to him. 
 
 THOMAS BULLISDON 
 
 With our next founder, Thomas Bullisdon, we bring to an end the consideration of the 
 Aldgate foundry, the fortunes of which he apparently restored after an interval. The stamps 
 which he uses shew clearly that he was connected with the Walgrave-Danyell line, though he 
 also introduces some new ones, including his own special trade-mark in two varieties (Plate 
 XII., Figs. 7, 10). The identification of his bells admits of little doubt, as the initials T.li. 
 appear on this shield, and the name of Bullisdon occurs in the Churchwardens' accounts of St. 
 Mary at Hill, London, for 1508-1 1.' Here he cast bells in conjunction with two other founders, 
 William Smyth, of whom nothing more is known, and William Culverden, of whom we shall 
 presently treat. It is true that no Christian name is given, but the Thomas seems a fair 
 assumption. His surname appears to have caused some perplexity to the local scribe, as it 
 appears in the forms boilisdo, billisdo, and bylisdone. For casting the great bell he received 
 the sum of 29s. 4d. 
 
 Between thirty and forty bells liave been identified as lUiUisdon's by means of the 
 shield bearing a bell with the initials T. B. It is usually of the normal form, but a more 
 rectangular variety is found at Mountne.ssing, at Castle Ashby, Northants, and Noy thill, Beds. 
 Additional evidence of his date is furnished by the 2nd at Weeley in this county, which bears 
 a prayer for two donors whose date is about 1510; and this of course is an additional 
 argument for associating these bells with P.ulhstlon. 'I'he Weeley bell is inscribed : — 
 
 San etc Gliluavtic Ora l2?io I^obis 
 
 ^ Ear/y En^. Text Soc. No. 12$ (1904), pp. 270, 275.
 
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 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 f^raj Tor \>ffam f5rooRc Kna TTgnco jUe TtTpff 
 
 'I'he other Essex examples, fi\c in number, are as follows : 
 Aldham ist. 
 
 ^Sancfa jllat^avda Qva Cvo :D.o6t0 (see page 39) 
 
 Rayleigh 5th, similarly inscribed, with the characters 3bUS 011 the shoulder,' and IHOS for 
 
 IRobis 
 
 Dengie 2nd. 
 
 (^ §^cncta Jl?.arta Ova Pro P.ofiie 
 ^ur c?3otna0 jllor^e C(eftcrg 
 
 where 'ClChCrii? is presumably for ' Vicar ' *" 
 Grays old 2nd. 
 
 Saiuia flnna Oua Sro Uobis 
 
 Mountnessing bell 
 
 Sanctc lacobc Ora ^vo Hobis ^ 
 
 At Dengie and Weeley we find respectively the two crosses, Plate XII., 9 and 8, (the 
 latter also at Rampton, Cambs.), but none of the others have any cross; at Grays, Mount- 
 nessing and Weeley (upper line) he uses the large crowned set (Bucks XIII) ; in all other cases 
 the regulation medium set (Plate XL 1-7). At Northill, Beds, we find him using the Powdrell- 
 Jordan flat capitals. 
 
 It will be seen that they form a very interesting group, [jarticularly in respect of the 
 internal evidence they afford for dating. The rest of his bells are widely distributed, from 
 Suffolk and Warwickshire to Cornwall. They include the complete ring of five at St. Bartho- 
 lomew-the-Great in London, whither they were brought from the neighbouring priory in 1539, 
 the first five of an original ring of eleven ; and a very remarkable bell at 5^ Mary, Bedford, 
 which has no inscriijtion but bears four shields : the trade-mark, the Edwardian rose-en-soleii, 
 the Plantagenet three leopards used by Crowch, and a Merchant's mark with a large monogram, 
 which we shall meet with again later. Another remarkable specimen is the tenor at Wroxhall, 
 Warwickshire, inscribed in the Bucks XIII set which all these founders seem to have made use 
 
 ' I am not clear whether ihis is meant for 3bC0ll0 or for Arabic nuttier.ils 1508. 
 
 'There is here unfortunately no evidence of date, as no Sir Thomas Morris appears to have held a cure her« 
 or elsewhere in Essex at ihat time,
 
 THOMAS HARRYS 
 
 41 
 
 of on their larger bells ; it came from the ring in the old Abbey there, and is inscribed like the 2nd 
 at Takeley (below, p. 43). 
 
 With Bullisdon the history of the Aldgate foundry appears to be finally closed ; but there 
 yet remain three London founders of the Pre- Reformation Period whose work is represented in 
 Essex. 
 
 THOMAS HARRYS. 
 
 We hear of Thomas Harrys as being called in to recast the second bell at King's College, 
 Cambridge, in 1478, and he is described in the College accounts as ' de London belfounder.' 
 But we know nothing more about him except that he received ten pounds odd for his labours, 
 and consumed five pennyworth of wine on the occasion. In 1598 this bell was exchanged for 
 another. 
 
 There is however a small group of nine bells which bear the initials T. H., and accord 
 very well with this date : Nettleden, Bucks, 3rd ; Blatherwyke bell and Potteyspury 2nd, 
 Northants; Limpsfield, Surrey, 3rd; Hove, Sussex, bell; Lillington, Warwick, ist; Hampton 
 Court, clock bell; and the 2nd at Althorne and 4th at tienham in this county. On all, 
 except at Nettleden and Limpsfield, we find a coin and a large Maltese cross (Plate XIV., 
 Fig. 1); the Nettleden bell can be identified by the likeness of the lettering {Bucks, pi. XIV) 
 to that at Hampton Court; and other distinctive marks are a rose (Henham, Limpsfield, 
 Hampton Court) and a fleurde-lys (Nettleden, Hampton Court). As to the lettering of the 
 Limpsfield bell I have no information; that at Hove has initials only, in the Nettleden 
 alphabet. But at Althorne and Henham and on the Warwick and Northants bells we 
 find an entirely new set of crowned capitals (Plate XIV., Figs. 2-4), which have no con- 
 nection with London but have migrated from the west of England, probably from 
 Salisbury. 
 
 The inscriptions are as follows : 
 
 Althorne : 
 
 ►J< Vo.\- Auguftinc Sonet In Rmc Dei ^ T f) 
 
 ^ $it riomcn Domini Bcnc^icinm ^H® T R 
 
 Henham : 
 
 Now these capitals are found on a group of bells in Wilts and neighbouring counties, in 
 company with a cross well known in that part of England which is figured in Ellacombe's 
 Gloucester (No. 99). One of these bells, at Chiitern, Wilts, is inscribed 
 
 IHON BAR BVR ME MADE (see p. 39) 
 
 and we can locate this John Barbur at Salisbury by means of his will, which Mr. A. D. 
 Tyssen is publishing.' He died in 1403, and was buried in St. Edmund's church in that city. 
 He also had some connection with the mediaeval foundries at Bristol and Worcester, which 
 has not as yet been fully worked out. But the fact remains that his stamps — at least the 
 alphabet which he used — found their way into Harrys' possession. 
 
 ' See Raven, Belh of England, p. 150. 
 
 6
 
 42 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 We see then that Harrys was not connected by stamps or lettering with any other known 
 London founder, though he undoubtedly worked in that city. It may be worth noting that the 
 Hampton Court bell must have been a second-hand one, as the Palace was only built by 
 Wolsey in 1536. 
 
 WILLIAM CULVERDEN. 
 
 Bullisdon's contemporary, William Culverden, also appears, as we have seen, in the 
 Accounts of St. Mary-at-Hill for 1508. He certainly does not belong to the Aldgate line of 
 founders, with whom his stamps have nothing in common, although he was actually founding 
 in the same parish of St. Botolph (i.e. in Houndsditch) ; but his ordinary cross is one used by 
 Robert Burford and the Sturdys (Plate VH., Fig. 5), and this seems to imply that he succeeded 
 — longo intervallo — to their business. About thirty of his bells remain, which were ingeniously 
 identified from his foundry-shield by Mr. A. D. Tyssen and Dr. Raven. This .shield, one of 
 the most remarkable and elaborate which has come down to us, bears inter alia a rebus on his 
 name, a ' culver ' or pigeon preceded by his initial W, and followed by the letters de' (Plate 
 XIII. Fig. i). The word 'culver' for a pigeon is a good old English one, on which Dr. 
 Raven expends much erudition, and though the species of the bird on the shield is not 
 accurately defined, the identification is as certain as any which has as yet been made. 
 
 Culverden's bells, though comparatively few, have a very wide distribution, occurring not 
 only in Staffordshire and Northumberland (at Neivbiirn) but in the far-away little village of 
 Tough in Aberdeenshire, where Mr. F. C. Eeles unearthed one a few years ago. There are 
 four in Middlesex county, but Essex possesses the largest number, six (besides two recast in 1875 
 and 1889). All bear the same marks, the cross Plate VII. 5 (which occurs in a larger version 
 at Elsenham), one or two coins and the foundry-shield. Occasionally we also find a 
 curious device something like a badly-shaped black-letter p. Several of these bells have no 
 inscription beyond these stamps, but the majority bear invocations to saints, in particular to 
 St. Anne, to whom he shews especial devotion; the ora pro nobis is in some cases, as at 
 Wicken Bonant, omitted. He uses an entirely new type of lettering, with exceptionally large 
 capitals, broad and flat, but by no means ineffective (Plate XHI. Figs. 4-7); they also occur in 
 a smaller variety, and at Elsenham we find a type which does not occur elsewhere in Essex 
 (Plate XIII. Fig. 3). The Essex list is as follows : 
 
 Aveley 4th : — 
 
 Sancte Petre Ora Pro Nobis (see page. 39) 
 
 riargaretting 2nd : — 
 
 Santta % ffiarqareia 
 
 W 
 
 Ora 
 
 XXUt 
 
 Hobifi 
 
 Matching old 2nd : 
 
 \XtMJ 
 
 MXAt 
 
 UJU/ 
 
 \iXJj \iJtU 
 
 Sanrta .^ pnna # Ora ^ ^ro Robifi 
 
 Matching old 3rd : — 
 
 txXU UJ!A/ Xilfc*/ XiXU 
 
 Sanrte ©homa Ora ^ro Uohifi f^
 
 WILLIAM CULVERDEN 
 
 43 
 
 Tillingham 2nd and Wicken Bonant 2nd, bolli alike:' 
 
 Sauctc m J^um # 
 
 
 Takeley 2nd. 
 
 and Elsenham ist, which has merely 
 
 The cross at Elsenham is Plate XIII. Fig. 2, an enlarged version of Plate VII. 5, 
 intermediate between that and the somewhat similar but larger cross, Clones. 58, which occurs 
 on Robert Kurford's bell at Ardleigh (see p. 15); this cross and a similar but smaller crowned 
 S are found on two other bells by Culverden at King's Ripton, Hunts. 
 
 The inscription at Takeley which we have already seen used by BuUisdon, is taken by 
 Dr. Raven to denote his first essay, and the historian of the Suffolk bells discourses learnedly 
 and pleasantly on the use of this and similar phrases in mediaeval and later times. He points 
 out that the text In d'no confido ^ which appears on the foundry-shield was used in a like 
 connection, and may have been suggested to the designer by the culver or pigeon which is 
 represented as 'fleeing to a hill.' The monogram at the base of this shield has not so far 
 been explained, but the letters round the bell are apparently the first four of ' fow'der ' (sc. 
 ' founder '), and the Rev. T. M. N. Owen has ingeniously suggested that the trefoil is 
 emblematic of the Trinity, his business premises being held on lease from the neighbouring 
 Priory of the Holy Trinity, Aldgate. In his will he described himself as of St. Botolph's 
 parish ; but being contemporary with Bullisdon he must have been independent of the old 
 established business there. One of Culverden's bells, the treble at Kcncotc, O.xfordshirc, is of 
 such exceptional interest that, as it is so far unknown to campanists, I make no apology for 
 introducing it here. On the waist is a long inscription in minuscules : 
 
 tbcsc lii bc[l9 witb tbc stcplc aiiD porcbc 
 of tbts cbircbe of hcncotc been of tbe oifte 
 ant> coste of robeit westoii merecr of lon^on 
 ant> maroaret bis w^fe. 
 
 It would be interesting to know something of Robert Weston and his connection with 
 the place. 
 
 THOMAS LAWRENCE. 
 
 In Culverden's will, which is dated 1522, and is printed in full in Dr. Raven's 
 Cambridgeshire, we read that he appointed John Tynny and Thomas Lawrence as his 
 
 'The Tillinijliiim bell also has the cross Plate VII., Fig. 5. 
 = /V. XI. I. See Suffolk, p. 38.
 
 44 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 executors. We have another reference to the latter as a founder (noted by Mr. A. D. Tyssen), 
 in the Receiver's Accounts of Cardinal College, Oxford, for 1525 . . . . 'and of 13 /. 6 s. 
 8d. likewise rec'' of Thomas Laurence bell-founder for the price of bell.s sold him at Begham.' ' 
 The appearance of a gridiron (Plate XIV. Fig. 8) on two bells, the 3rd at Tojt, Cam- 
 bridgeshire, and the treble at Margaretting, permits us to identify these as Thomas 
 Lawrence's work. The Toft bell has besides the gridiron only two coins and Thomas 
 Harrys' fleur-de-lys on an inverted shield. The Margaretting bell is of considerable interest 
 and is inscribed : — 
 
 SANCTE lOHANNES O NOBLS (see page 39) 
 
 The stamps on the crown are alternately a rosette within a dotted ring, which we have 
 already met with at Chickney (Plate XIV. Fig. 6; see p. 21), and an oblong with a figure of 
 St. John the Baptist (Plate XIV. Fig. 7); the capitals are those used by Powdrell and Jurden, 
 which connect Lawrence with the Aldgate line. The figure of St. John further enables us to 
 attribute to him two other bells on which it occurs, one at West Cliffe in Kent, the other the 
 tenor at Leaden Roothing with an inscription in lettering of two sizes (see Plate XV.). 
 Continuing the chain we find the Leaden Roothing lettering again on the treble at 
 Doddinghurst, and the cross and a shield on the latter bell reappear on the larger of the 
 two bells in the old church at Laindon Hills. Lastly, the old 2nd at Great Totham 
 was inscribed in the smaller Leaden Roothing lettering with the Doddinghurst crosses, and 
 at Portsladc in Sussex we find the same crosses with the larger Leaden Roothing letters. 
 
 'I'hese are all the bells — different in type but connected by slender links — which can be 
 attributed to Lawrence. He appears to be an eclectic founder, using up odds and ends of 
 stamps which came in his way, and moreover he uses on two of the three last named bells a 
 from of lettering which give them a decidedly ' archaistic ' appearance. " At Leaden Roothing 
 the inscription is in English, the bell being the earliest dated in Essex : 
 
 lOHN AYLET GAVE ME IN THE VORCHYPE OF THE TRINITE A" 1523 (see p. 45) 
 At Great Totham we have : — 
 
 ♦J* ^ Ave PLenA grai^ia 
 
 at Doddinghurst : 
 
 SANCTE NICOLAI ORA PRO NOBIS (see page 4S) 
 
 and at Laindon Hills the same two crosses and shield without any inscription. The shield 
 (Plate XIV. Fig. 5) is one used by Bullisdon at St. Mary's, Bedford, " and bears a broad T 
 crossed by an S, with a V in the base ; it has no apparent meaning, but is of the ' merchant's 
 mark ' type. The first cross resembles that used by Richard de Wymbish and his successors, 
 though this may be accidental ; the other is quite plain in character. Lawrence's capitals sub- 
 
 ' Perhaps liayham Abbey in Sussex ; the name was formerly so spelled. — C. D. 
 ''See Stahlschmidt's remarks on the West Cliffe bell, Kent, p. 51. 
 • Norlh's version is in.-\ccurate.
 
 Jo 
 
 (o 
 
 to 
 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 > 
 
 O 
 
 u 
 
 2 
 
 X 
 H 
 
 o 
 
 
 CI 
 
 fe 
 
 <o 
 
 
 W 
 o 
 
 S 
 a 
 o 
 a 
 
 ts^ 
 
 
 j^ 
 
 S3 
 
 I© 
 
 • • 
 
 O 
 
 to 
 
 ti 
 
 :5 
 
 o 
 
 1^ 
 
 03 ^ 
 
 M 
 
 J© 
 
 IM 
 
 |j5 
 
 I 
 
 s 
 o 
 
 g 
 
 a 
 u 
 s 
 
 ►J 
 
 CO 
 
 M 
 
 tf> 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 3IC 
 21$ 
 
 •J 
 _) 
 
 o 
 
 H 
 
 H 
 
 cA 
 
 O 
 U 
 
 r/l 
 
 Z 
 
 5 
 o 
 
 ^ 
 
 |sg
 
 ^6 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 bcqucntly came into ihc hands of Joseph Carter of Reading, wlio uses them on a bell at 
 llnrley, Berks, and elsewhere (see Coeks, Bucks, p. 86). 
 
 THE WOKINGHAM FOUNDRY. 
 
 It is .somewhat surprising to find a Ijell from this foundry so far afield as East Anglia; the 
 nearest known is at Biishey, Herts, though Cambridgeshire has a bell from Reading. But 
 rhcre is no doubt that the 3rd at Sible Hedingham must be an early example from this 
 important foundry, dating about 1400; the only question is whether it may not be a second- 
 hand bell. 
 
 It is inscribed in fine crowned Gothic capitals 
 
 AVE MARIA (.see page 45) 
 
 with the Wokingham cross of four fleur-de-lys under a coronet moulding, and the typical stop, 
 coin, and lion's head stamp; the former tenor at Chilton, Berks, appears to have been 
 exactly similar. The cross must be carefully distinguished from that used by Kebyll, e.g. at 
 Chickney, the fleurs de-lys of which it is composed pointing inwards, not outwards. 
 
 Mr. Cocks' exhaustive researches have told us all that is to be known about this foundry ; 
 but even he has failed to find any names of founders for the earlier bells with inscriptions in 
 capitals.' We may in passing add to his list a bell at Eastleach Martin, Gloucestershire, 
 which has no in.scription, but only stamps. The well known R. L. shield associated with this 
 foundry subsequently betokens one Roger Landen, who belongs to the middle of the fifteenth 
 century. 
 
 THE LYNN FOUNDRY ; THOMAS DE LENNE. 
 
 This foundry, wliirli sprang into importance at an earlier date than most of which we know 
 in medieval times — proliably owing to its facilities for water-communication — has left but few 
 examples of its work at the present day ; but among them are two fine bells at Ashen, the first 
 and second of a pre-Refoniiation ring of three. They are inscribed respectively : — 
 
 ALICIA 
 
 AVE : MARIA : GRA : PLENA : DNS : TECUM (see page 45) 
 
 THOMAS 
 
 and IHC . NAZARENU : REX : JUDEORUM (see page 45) 
 
 From a careful reproduction made liy L'Estrange of a bell formerly at Wood Rising, 
 Norfolk,' (recast in 186 1,) there is no ditificulty in assigning the two Ashen bells to the Thoma.s 
 DE Lenne whose name appears on the former. The cross and lettering are identical, and so is 
 the latter part of the Wood Rising inscription with that on Ashen 2nd. The letters (Plate XVI) 
 are of early character, especially the Roman M, and the U recalls an early 14th century group 
 
 ' Theie nunibcr six in all; the others are at North Murcton, Ikrks ; Shcrlioriie St. John, Hants; 
 Dorchester, Oxon ; Chertsey, Surrey. Sec Bucks, p. 51 ff. for all further details. The capitals are illustrated 
 there on Pis. XV, XVI. 
 
 -See his Norfolk, plate opposite p. 201.
 
 LYNN AND NORWICH FOUNDRIES 
 
 47 
 
 in Sussex (see above, p. 8) ; several of them are reversed. The practice of placing an inscrip- 
 tion on the crown also appears to be early ; cf. the treble ,it Cherry Hinton, Cambs. 
 
 Besides the Lynn founders whose names occur on bells there are also several known from 
 documentary evidence, among them a Thomas Bcllyctcrc, al)out 1333, and another about 1440. 
 I think we may safely identity the former with ' Thomas de Lenne.' The list of known Lynn 
 founders appears to be as follows : 
 
 Names on Bells. 
 Magister Joh.\nnes Riston (Bcxit'cll, Norfolk). 
 Johannes Godvnge de Lknne (Woriingion, Suffolk). 
 Thomas de Lenne {Ashen, Trunch, Wood Rising). 
 John de Lenne (West Sotiicrtoii, Norfolk). 
 Edmund de Lenne {Sail, Norfolk). 
 
 Documentary Names. 
 1299. Master John 
 
 1310 
 
 1333 
 1340 
 
 1353 
 1417 
 1440 
 
 Thomas Bellvetere 
 
 Edmund Bei.yetere. 
 Edmund Belyeter 
 Thomas Bei-leyeter 
 
 The bell at Worlington, Suffolk, by Johannes Godynge de Lenne is inscribed in the 
 same alphabet as that at Bexwell ; it is possible therefore, that this is by ' Master John ' or an 
 immediate successor of his. Another at West Somerton, Norfolk, with the name of John de 
 Lenne more resembles the bells of Thomas and Edmund, and must be by a John intervening 
 between the two, about 1343. L' Est range refers bells at Wendling and Hales in the same 
 county to the Lynn foundry, and the old tenor at West W ratting, Cambs., recast in i860, 
 was by Thomas de Lenne. The founder Derby, to whom allusion has been made above 
 (p. ii), must be intermediate in point of time between the two Edmunds (1353-1417). 
 
 THE NORWICH FOUNDRY. l. 
 
 We first hear of bell-founders in Norwich in the 14th century, in the person of a William 
 de Norwyco who was working about 1360, and has left several l.iells in his county, besides one 
 in Cambridgeshire.' The next name which comes under our notice is that of 
 
 THOMAS POTTER 
 
 ' Brasyer,' who was admitted to the freedom of tlie city in 1404. His name appears on the 
 tenor at St. John Sepulchre, Norwich ; the stop (a lion's face, Plate XVTIL Fig. 1) and the 
 initial cross (Plate XVIL Fig. i) allow other bells to be identified as his. Among them may 
 be included the tenor at Qosfield in this county, inscribed 
 
 g Svtplex Herrona ©linitas Uwm Gauliia 
 
 Dona 
 
 The stop after (SflUMa is the lion's face ; the capitals are in the alphabet used by Potter at 
 Great Plumstead, Norfolk, illustrated by L'Estrange (see Plate XVIL Figs. 2-5). There the 
 inscription is in capitals throughout ; the letters are of very elaborate character, being orna- 
 mented with grotesque faces and other devices. Dr. Raven has noted the similarity of our bell 
 to one at 5/. Giles, Noriench, of which L'Estrange has given a full illustration, hut the 
 similarity really only extends to the form of inscription ; the cross is different, and the letters 
 at St. Giles', found with the same cross on the 6lh at Boxford, Suffolk, are of a larger type. 
 
 ' L'Estrange, Norfolk, p. 26.
 
 48 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Thomas Potter also uses a three-legged pot, a favourite device with those of his craft ; his 
 other bells in Norfolk are at Eaton, Illington, Framingham Earl, Norwich St. Swithin, Weston 
 and Witton-by-Norwich. He is also found at Boxford and Market Weston, Suffolk ; but the 
 third at Ampton in that county which bears his cross and the words ^I^OfflflS CQG P€I©I© 
 is of earlier date and possibly by a I^ynn founder (see above). 
 
 Continuing the history of the foundry, which was so laboriously and successfully traced 
 out by L'Estrange, we come to Richard Baxter (1416-1424), who at St. Giles, Norwich, on the 
 bell already referred to, used an initial cross which three hundred years later we shall find in 
 the hands of the Sudbury founder Gardiner. His bells do not occur in this county ; but it must 
 not be ignored that he sometimes uses the smaller set of capitals belonging to Thomas Potter, 
 as at Kctteriiif^liaiit, Norfolk, and it is not therefore impossible that the Gosfield bell is his 
 work. Otherwise he uses a different and larger, though equally ornamented set (Plate XVHI. 
 Figs. 6-9), which was regularly employed by his successors, and afterwards passed into the 
 hands of a London founder in the latter part of the i6th century (Robert Mot). A yet larger 
 variety of this alphabet, often found on Norwich bells, similarly passed into the possession of the 
 Leicester foundry at that time. 
 
 THE BRASYERS (1424 1513)- 
 
 Ba.xter was succeeded by a Richard Brasyer, who was admitted to the freedom in 1424, is 
 described as a bell-founder in 1450, and died in 1482 ; his son, Richard Brasyer H, was ad- 
 mittedin 1478, and died in 15 13, l)eing buried in St. Stephen's church. The name of Richard 
 Brasyer only appears on one bell, the 4th at -S^ Pctcr-pcr-Mountergate, NorKnch, and here it is 
 in company with a sprigged shield charged with three bells and a crown (Plate XVHL Fig. 2), 
 whereas about three quarters of these bells in Norfolk bear the .same shield ermine. But it 
 hardly seems possible to build any theory on the divergence. Dr. Raven regarded his own 
 tenor at Fressingfield as forming a link between the Brasyers and their predecessors, whose 
 cross it bears in conjunction with the ermine shield. 
 
 To one of these two we may assign the 3rd at Wickham St. Paul's, inscribed : 
 
 Uivijiilis Cgvegic gi Uocov (sampaua CQavic 
 
 The shield is of the .sprigged kind ; the capitals are those mentioned as introduced by Richard 
 Baxter (Plate XVHL, Figs. 6-9); and the lion's face stop here is Plate XVHL, Fig. 3, com- 
 bined with an initial cross of peculiar type, with a grotesque face in the centre. 
 
 A surprisingly large number of these beautiful Brasyer bells, mostly with the same marks 
 as at Wickham St. Paul's, are to be found in East Anglia. In Norfolk, out of over 300 
 ancients, at least 137 are by these two founders, and in Norwich alone there are 20 out of 35, 
 including four in the Cathedral tower. Dr. Raven reckons about 100 in Suffolk, and there are 
 two in Cambridgeshire, and one at Ford Abbey, Dorset. There was also another at Chrishall 
 in this county, which was recast in 1869.' 
 
 ' Cam/is., p. 30.
 
 THE BURY ST. EDMUNDS FOUNDRY 49 
 
 It is impossible to ascertain any chronological sequence in these bells ; they are mostly 
 very similar, and are distinguished by the variety and comparative merit of the leonme 
 hexameters found upon them, in which the caesura is always marked by the lion's face stop.' 
 
 Subsequently we find two names, those of William Barker (1530-1538), whose will is in 
 existence, and Thomas Lawrence (1541-1545), who has u.sually been identified with the London 
 founder (see above, p. 44). Their names do not appear on Norfolk bells ; but there is a group 
 of seven in that county and four in Suffolk, which are of late and ' transitional ' character, though 
 all have the Brasyer shield and lettering. These I think may quite possibly be Barker's 
 handiwork. Several of them have portions of the alphabet. The list is : Norfolk : South Burgh ; 
 Colton 3rd; Fritton 2nd and 3rd; Martham 6th; Norwich St. Lawrence 5th; and Great 
 Plumstead 3rd ; Suffolk: Barsham ; Brad well 3rd ; Rushmere (Lowestoft) ist ; Southwold 6th. 
 
 THE BURY ST. EDMUNDS FOUNDRY 
 
 The existence of a group of over 100 black-letter bells, more or less of similar 
 character, in the Eastern counties, coupled with the fact that nearly all of these bells bear a 
 shield with (among other devices), the crown-and-arrows, leaves little room for doubt that we 
 have here to deal with the product of a Bury foundry; and additional confirmation is given by 
 their geographical distribution. More than half are in Suffolk, those in Norfolk are all in the 
 south of the county, and those in Essex all in the north. The shield (Plate XVIIL, Fig. 11) 
 bears, in addition to the crown and arrows, a bell and crossed keys, a cannon with a ball 
 issuing from the mouth, shewing that the founder was also a gun-maker, and the initials lb S, 
 presumably those of the founder to whom it originally belonged. That all the bells are not 
 his work is proved by variations in the character of the inscriptions, as well as by the fact that 
 we have records of at least three bell-founders at Bury between 1480 and 1535. 
 
 Hitherto researches among the Bury archives, which were said by Dr. Raven to be in a very 
 chaotic state, have not yielded very much information. We are still in the dark as to who 11) S 
 was. The only man with those initials whose will has been discovered is one Henry Smyth, 
 who died in 1476, and his will contains no indication that he was a worker in metal. There 
 is a hiatus valde deflendus (to quote Dr. Raven), in the wills between 1482 and 1491, and it 
 is possible that H. S. died in that period. The fact, however, that there is one Bury bell in 
 existence inscribed in capitals throughout, implies that the foundry dates back as far as 1400 
 at least, and as this bell does not bear the foundry shield, we may assume that H. S., the 
 inventor of the shield, had a predecessor. L'Estrange says that the King's Arms public house 
 in Brentgovel Street is believed to stand on the site of the ancient foundry. 
 
 We have further evidence on the dates of the Bury bells from the 3rd at Isleham, 
 Cambridgeshire, which bears a prayer for the soul of one Thomas Peyton, who died, as his brass 
 in the church shews, in 1484. It is probably about 1490. Further, the tenor at Redenhall, 
 Norfolk, is known to have been cast not earlier than 15 14 (see below); Dr. Raven regards this 
 bell, (which weighs 24 cwts.), as the finest product of the foundry ; but it has a close rival in the 
 7th at All Saints, Sudbury, which weighs about a ton, and has the same remarkable capital 
 letters as the old tenor at Gestingthorpe (see below). 
 
 But while these pages were passing through the press, an entirely new complexion has 
 been put upon the enquiry by the opportune appearance, in the Proceedings of the Suffolk 
 Arch. Soc. (Vol. XII., part 3, p. i ff.), of a list of Bury wills, edited by Mr. V. B. Redstone. 
 
 1 See Siifoli, p. 22 ff.
 
 JO THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 An application on the part of the present writers to that gentleman has resulted in the supply 
 of more detailed information, for which our most cordial thanks are due to him. These data 
 we will endeavour to summarise briefly, so far as they relate to bell-founders, certain or 
 conjectural. 
 
 The first name with which we meet is that of 
 
 1355. Adam k Brasyiere (Book I. fol. 3). 
 
 He was buried in the cemetery of King Edmund, parish of St. James, and in liis will he 
 bequeathes two hand bells (campanas manuales) to his parish church, and two to that of St. 
 Mary. The will is dated on St. Matthew's day 29 Edw. III. and was proved shortly after- 
 wards. In the course of the next 120 years we find the following : 
 
 1390. Thomas Rose, potter (Book I. fol. 59). 
 
 1408. IVii/iam Rose, hra.ys\er (Book I. fol. 122). 
 
 1425. /o/in Rofhe or Roche, brasyer (Book I. fol. 173). 
 
 1438. Nicholas Cratfield, lattoner. 
 
 1468. John Brasyer and Mag. Stephen Bras I'er (Book In, fol. 115). 
 
 1471. /ohn Cheney, brasier (Book la, fol. 137). 
 
 1475. John Oivey, brasyer, mentioned in will of John Rothe as his apprentice. 
 
 (Book Li, fol. 212). 
 
 None of these men of course were undoubtedly bell-founders, and the three last must 
 perhaps be discounted on the ground that they belong to the period when the original H. S. 
 was at work. But with the next name we are on much firmer ground. 
 
 REIGNOLD CHIRCHE 
 
 or Reginald Church (the names are variously spelled) ' appears as executor to the wills of John 
 Cheney and John Owey already mentioned in 147 1 and 1475.'' He was a burgess of the town 
 and died in 1498. Extracts from his will, which was executed by his son Thomas Churche 
 (or Chirche) and John Smith, mercer, have already been given by Dr. Raven, but we may add 
 the following from Mr. Redstone's transcripts : — 
 
 To his son Thomas a tenement in Southgate Street, also a capital tenement in the said 
 street for life, after to his godson Reignold Church or his younger brother Thomas ; " to my 
 son Thomas all my moolds, toolys, and instruments y' be p'teyning or longyng to my craft that 
 I used." To Margaret wife of his son Thomas and their daughters Joan and Alis, other 
 bequests, and " three tennentries in Reyngatestreete shall remain Almesis housis forever." 
 
 Though it is not directly implied in the will, we know that he was a bell-founder from the 
 record of his having cast five bells for Bishops' Stortford church in 1489. Details from 
 Glascock's transcription of the Churchwardens' Accounts are given by Stahlschmidt in Herts 
 (p. 140 ff.), but, though interesting, are too lengthy to be repeated here. We may further 
 assume that he was the founder of the Isleham bell mentioned above. 
 
 'A probable progenitor of the family is Johannes atte Churche, living about 1375. There are also in 
 existence the wills of Reginald alte Cherche, cordwainer ; Kobertus atte Cherche, smylh ; and the latter'a widow, 
 Alicia (Bk. I. foil. 72, 194, 213). 
 
 'May not this be regarded as evidence that these two were actually bell-founders?
 
 THOMAS CHURCH £1 
 
 THOMAS CHURCH (1498 1527) 
 
 As the text of Reginald's will indicates, he was succeeded by his son Thomas, who in 
 1500 recast the second bell at King's College, Cambridge, as we learn from the Mundum books ; 
 he also supplied the college, in his capacity of potter, with various culinary utensils. The entries 
 in the books are as follows : — 
 
 Item xij" die Februarii Sol' thome chyrche de bury in 
 
 partem Solutionis secunde campane de novo fuse x« 
 
 Item xviij" die Aprilis Sol' thome chyrche de bury in 
 
 partem solucionis secunde campane de novo fuse x' 
 
 Item xij° die Septembris Sol' thome chyrche de bury in 
 
 plenam solutionem secunde campane de novo fuse iiij" 
 
 Item xv° die Septembris Sol' thome chyrche de bury pro 
 vna olla pro coquina pond' iij quart' of C & v li cum 
 cambio antiqui metalli pond' j quart' of C & vj li 
 et pro ij ladylls xvj* 
 
 It' iiij'° die novembris Sol' iiij'"' carpentariis per iiij"' dies 
 
 v' iiij'' et pro le hangyng secunde campane ij'' vij" iiij'i 
 
 This was exchanged for a blank bell in 1598, and may, for all we know, be hanging in 
 some East Anglian tower still. In 15 14 he was employed at St. Mary the Great, Cambridge, 
 and the church accounts speak of ' an obligacyon for The. Church bellfounder of bery.' ' 
 The Redenhall tenor, as already noted, must be Thomas Church's work, for in 1514 Thomas 
 Bayly of Harleston bequeathed 6s. 8d. ' to the church of Rednall to the yotyng of the gret 
 belle.' It was therefore cast about the same time as the one he made for St. Mary's, 
 Cambridge. 
 
 Mr. Redstone has also communicated the following extracts from the Rental of Abbey 
 Property in Bury St. Edmund's in 1527 : 
 
 Of Thomas Chirch thelder belle founder for a Ten't 
 late Nicholas p'eyvall between the Ten't of the 
 said Thomas on the north and the ten't of the 
 said Thomas on the south ij 
 
 Of Thomas Chirch thelder for ij ten'ts late Reginald 
 Chirch between the ten't of Thomas Curteys on 
 the south gate and the ten't of Edmund Lee, 
 gent on the north gate viij'' 
 
 Of Thomas Chirch thelder for a ten't late Reginald 
 Chirch between the Ten't of the said Thomas on 
 the south gate and the Ten't of John Lowton on 
 the north gate vj'' 
 
 Of the same Thomas Chirch for an hed'mes' late 
 Reginald Chirch lying between the ten'ts of the 
 said Thomas on both p'ts ij* ix"* 
 
 ' See the recent publication by the Camb. Antiq. Soc, p. 16.
 
 52 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 In reference to this he says : " It appears that the tenements held by the Chirche family 
 were held by copy at an annual rent which was received by the Sacristan. If the rentals of 
 Bury Abbey could be inspected it will probably seem that the bell founders held the same 
 tenements from the earliest times. I have a copy of the Bury Rental for 1297 and find in 
 that year the Sacristan held four tenements in ' Le Herbor rowe ' and one ' pentyes ' adjoining 
 the ' schoppe ' of Hugh Rosshbrok. Of the eight tenements held by the Hostelarius one was 
 occupied by Roger Latonnere." 
 
 Thomas Church's will is dated 12th July, 1527, and is similar in its purport to that of 
 his father; he describes himself therein as a bell-founder. It has been given in part by 
 Dr. Raven,' but we may note in addition that he mentions a tenement in Southgate Street, 
 late Katerine Chirche's, his mother-in-law. This gives us the additional fact that his father 
 was thrice married. He also mentions his grandsons Reynold and Thomas Chirche. 
 
 Mr. Redstone has drawn up from these two wills the following tentative pedigree : — 
 
 Alice = Reginald Church = Katherine 
 
 1 
 Thomas = Margaret 
 
 Thomas Reginald Joan Alice 
 
 Thomas Reginald Thomas 
 
 In 1523 we have the will of John Howton, brasyer, in Southgate Street, witnessed by 
 Thomas Chirche senior and junior (see also the extract given above). 
 
 ROGER REVE. 
 
 Finally we have Roger Reve, who in 1533 cast the 'meane' bell at Debden in this county — 
 a bell no longer in existence — the bond or ' obligacyon ' for which is quoted in full under that 
 heading in Part II. He is there spoken of as a ' clothear ' which L'Estrange thought to be 
 intended for clochear(ins), but the assumption is unnecessary. John Danyell was a vintner, 
 and bell-founders often combined other trades, with their own. 
 
 Dr. Raven notes that no old guns with the Bury stamp exist at Woolwich or elsewhere ; 
 also thai in St. Mary, Bury St. Edmunds, there was formerly a brass to a citizen and his wife 
 on which bells were represented. 
 
 Of the works of these founders about one hundred and ten remain in addition to ten 
 which have been recast. Of these no less than 69 are in Suffolk, 19 in Norfolk, 13 in Essex 
 (three recast), 16 in Cambridgeshire, two in Northants, and one in Herts. To disentangle 
 these various bells and arrange them in chronological groups, if not to assign them to the 
 respective founders, should not be an impossible task, but is at present hardly feasible without 
 exhaustive personal investigation. These bells have not in fact had proper justice done them 
 up to date, L'Estrange for instance giving no indication of any marks used on Norfolk bells, 
 except the 1f3 S foundry-shield, and in the other counties differences of types and marks cannot 
 always be readily ascertained. 
 
 ^Camb!., p. 37, Suffolk, p. 72.
 
 BURY BELLS IN ESSEX 
 
 53 
 
 As we have seen, there are at least four founders among whom the bells may be distributed, 
 but the only indications of chronological sequence visible at present are that (i) the tenor at 
 Coton, Cambs., is inscribed in capitals throughout, and probably belongs to the end of the 
 14th century; having no shield, it is presumably earlier than H. S. ; (2) the Redenhall 
 tenor being attributable to Thomas Chirche, it follows that any similar bells may be dated as 
 late as 15 15 ; (3) there is an obviously later group of eighteen bells which have inscriptions in 
 black letter smalls without capitals, or are marked by the use of a distinctive cross 
 not of the usual Bury type. This group, which must be discussed in detail subsequently, may 
 therefore be assigned to Roger Reve, the latest founder of the four. 
 
 In view of the fact that complete data are not at present to hand, I shall confine myself to 
 the Essex representatives, and endeavour to see what evidence they yield by themselves. 
 
 Four of these are inscribed in an identical manner, with cross and stop Plate XVIII., 
 Figs. 4, 9 : 
 
 Alphamstone 3rd. 
 
 Fingringhoe 2nd. 
 
 5halford old sth. 
 
 Great Horkesley 4th. 
 
 Hancta 1 J12arta i Ora i fro 8 1^-obis 
 
 The old tenor at Gestingthorpe had the same inscription, cross, and stops, but the capitals 
 were of a different character, being very bold and effective (Plate XIX., 4-7). They are also 
 found on the 7th at All Saint's, Sudbury. The other capitals are given, Plate XVIII., 10, 
 Plate XIX., 1-3. 
 
 The same cross, stop, and lettering as on the first four, but with different dedications 
 appear on Alphamstone ist : 
 
 ancte i ©orge i ©va g J?ro g J?.obis 
 
 and Liston ist (cross Plate XVIII., 5) : 
 
 Jancta 1 l^atertna S ©ra 1 fxo » P.obis 
 
 but at Liston the absence of the shields is to be noted. The 5 th at Ashdon has the shields, 
 but a more elaborate oblong stop Plate XVIII., 6 or 7 and an inscription 
 
 klrgo ^ Coronata |l f)uc ^ Q-os S ^^ § ^eona ^ :6eata 
 
 which is confined to the Bury founders, and appears on the tenor at Coton, Cambs. All these, 
 it will be seen, are in ' Mi.xed Gothic,' and there is no indication of any chronological sequence
 
 54 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 or differentiation of founders; but the remaining" five all have inscriptions in ' smalls ' throughout, 
 and may be regarded as later in date. We have first Tend ring old 3rd : 
 
 03i&u5 M celt M tacbai'bara M crcmiiia ^ C^cli 
 
 with the shields, cross, and the double stop as at Ashdon, this inscription again being a 
 characteristic Bury formula. Next, the bell at Guisnes Court, Tollesbury (formerly the 
 sanctus or clock bell at St. Peter, Colchester), which has the cross and single stop but no 
 shields. The inscription 
 
 marc 5C0 Pbt& (see page 45) 
 affords a fine scope for the ingenuity of the anti<iuary, but the letters are too plain to admit of 
 any variant reading. 
 
 Finally there is a group of three, connected by the use of a cross to which allusion has 
 already been made, of a much plainer type than that in use on most of the Bury bells. 
 
 Great Chesterford clock bell : 
 
 ^ auc H maita g oracta 1 plena 
 
 Great Horkesley 6th (with three shields on shoulder). 
 
 U^ uiroo M ties ^ aQ ^ rcoiia M coronata M Quc ^ qeata 
 
 Radwinter 6th (shields as last). 
 
 sancta M mavia M ova M pvonociis M 
 
 At Great Chesterford the cross is placed diagonally in a square (Plate XVIII., S), in the other 
 cases it is in an octagon (Plate XVIII., 12). The first-named has the single stop and only one 
 shield. The double stop seems to be another indication of late date ; its use on the Reden- 
 hall tenor is to be noted, and I suspect it to have been introduced by Thomas Chirche. From 
 similarity in marks and lettering the Ashdon 5th, and also the Tendring bell, may be assigned 
 to the same period and founder. 
 
 The group of bells with the plain cross ' I would assign to Roger Revc, who may in 
 fact be the author of all the bells with inscriptions in smalls ; but this is only a guess. 
 
 Returning to the older group of bells, the Coton tenor stands quite by itself, and the rest 
 may be regarded as forming a "mixed Gothic" group, covering the period 1400-1520, the 
 work of H. S. and Reignold Church ; the Ashdon and Tendring bells may be assigned 
 definitely to Thomas ; but further than this we cannot go at present. 
 
 'Examples in Suffolk arc Badlcy isl, Hinderclay 3rd, Saxmundliani 3rd, SlicUcy 3rd, Tostock 2nd and 3rd, 
 and Westhorpe 4th, as I learn from Mr. C. 11. Hawkins.
 
 JOHN TONNE 55 
 
 We may note the remarkable fondness of the Bury men in general for certain inscriptions, 
 notably the invocation to the Virgin as at Alphamstone, etc., which occurs in all about 50 
 times, as well as in the Virgo Coronata formula and the Salutation ; next in popularity are St. 
 Anne, St. Katharine, St. Thomas, and St. Peter. St Edmund is invoked with surprising 
 rarity, being only found at Elmsvvell and Risby, Suffolk. St. Barbara's popularity has also been 
 noted, ' and in general the fondness of the Bury founders for female saints is remarkable. 
 Another typical inscription is GClt ;Oet jl?.UnUS QUi i^Cgnat ."Et 'A'nUS the Trimis 
 being invariably omitted. A smaller variety of the foundry-shield occurs in a few cases, 
 usually on bells of small size. 
 
 JOHN TONNE. 
 
 It has been noted that one of the executors of Culverden's will (p. 43) was a John Tynny ; 
 Dr. Raven has with some probability identified this man with a certain John Tonne whose 
 name appears on bells in Essex, Sussex, and other south eastern counties. We have no 
 evidence that he was a Londoner, apart from this possible connection with Culverden ; and in 
 fact our evidence points the other way. That he was of foreign extraction was long ago 
 pointed out by Mr. Tyssen on the following grounds : his habit of 'signing' and dating his 
 bells, the decidedly foreign character of his ornamentation, shewn in the use of medallions 
 and a large ornate cross on the waist of the bell, and lastly his name which seems to be a 
 corruption of Antoine (cf. ' Tony '). Mr. Redstone has however discovered a John Tone, 
 "harbour" of St. James' parish, Bury St. Edmunds, whose will is dated 1354 (proved July, S), 
 and he may possibly be an ancestor of our John. 
 
 He first appears in 1522, when he cast the treble at Sullington, Sussex (with the date 
 upon it), and in succeeding years down to 1536 he cast the following Sussex bells in 
 addition : — 
 
 Beddingham 3rd 
 
 Botolphs all three — dated 1536 
 
 Finden 3rd 
 
 Keymer 2nd 
 
 Lewes Market Tower 
 
 Rotherfield 3rd (recast) 
 
 Twineham ist and 3rd 
 
 Also the sanctus at Arreton, Isle of Wight, and a bell, now disused, at Tangley, Hants, 
 inscribed SUfflC lUailG SCfVlrC J*CO, and resembling one at Stoke near Clare in Suffolk. 
 Where these were cast we cannot say ; probably at Lewes or Chichester. 
 
 But his name or his marks also appear on a group of a dozen bells in Essex, with a few 
 others in adjoining counties, and as one of these bells is dated 1540, and another can be 
 dated by external evidence in 1542, it is clear that they are later than the Sussex group. 
 The list is as follows : — 
 
 Essex Belchamp Otten 2nd 
 
 Great Hallingbury 3rd Cast in 1542 
 
 Hempstead 3rd 
 
 Littlebury clock 
 
 1 Cf. Sufo/i, p. 67.
 
 56 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Stanstead old 4th Dated 1540 
 
 Bocking clock 
 
 Little Easton ist 
 
 Aythorpe Roothing all three 
 
 Great Canfield and Doubtful 
 
 Canibs. Balsham 4th 
 
 Herts. Sawbridgeworth old 51!) 
 
 Suffolk Stoke-by-Clare ' clock 
 
 Little Wratting Bell 
 
 All these bells, it will be noticed, fall within a fairly circumscribed area, a circle of some 
 24 miles' diameter, of which Thaxted is the exact centre. It is probable that Tonne was 
 working either at that place or at Saffron Walden during the few years to which this group is 
 limited. But there is indirect evidence that the Great Hallingbury bell may have been cast at 
 Stanstead Mountfitchet, for there is an entry in the interesting churchwardens' accounts of the 
 former parish, which runs as follows : — 
 
 1542. Itm remanynge to the cherches welth in the custody 
 
 cS; kepyng of old want (?) of Stansted in bell niettall cccxxviij" 
 
 \T/iis cnlry was subscquenlly erased\ 
 Itm Receyued of tonney for bell mettalle iij" vij* 
 
 It may be assumed that as the metal of the old bell was sent to Stansted it was utilised there 
 by the founder ; but we cannot be absolutely certain, and it would not prove that all the other 
 bells were cast there. At all events we may fairly claim Tonne as an Essex founder. 
 
 The limits of Tonne's sojourn in North West Essex are defined firstly by the date of the 
 latest Sussex bells, 1536, secondly by the appearance of Stephen Tonne in 1544 (see below). 
 The Essex bells appear to fall .into two groups, of which Nos. 1-3 (see below) appear to be 
 the earlier ; at all events, the marks and lettering permit us to classify them roughly in the 
 following order : — 
 
 I. (i) Bocking clock bell : 
 
 £ noinen ^ ef ^ bucria ^ qufue ^ vococ ^ ipfe ^ cicardus 
 
 {an oval medallion here) 
 
 (2) Little Easton ist : 
 
 S voj I Clara ? ccce I Intonat I campana 
 
 X !^ 
 
 {Coin) 
 
 13ol)aiine5 tonne me fecit 
 I'oEsibly by Stephen Tonne (see p. 59).
 
 JOHN TONNE 57 
 
 (5) Aythorpe Roothing: 
 
 i-t- S dc ^g^ cclU' fig®] mfflisi |j3gt) iiomcii fig^j bnlKo [i^g^l ciabilclie 
 
 
 {Royal nrm.'! i>t hcart-sJiapcd fyavic) 
 
 2n.i. £ viriiinis [$gi^| ato \^SS\ niatri reeonct !g:g?J cainpana [^^ iiiaiic 
 
 1* 
 
 {R oval arms ui lu-ai t-shaprd frai>U') 
 
 "Sobannes tonne m« fecit 
 
 ■'"'■ 5 hoc [^^ fratris ^^ eliiioiiis |^§] aiiDicc l^ggi] noincn [j^g?] habcto 
 
 
 (Royal anus hi hcayt-shaped fiaiiie) 
 
 "Johannes tcnnc mc fecit 
 
 II. (4) Belchamp Otten 1st and 2nd : 
 
 ^4w0^ 
 
 Hohanncs tonne mc fecit 
 
 (.U>07'(- the [., m,-<iallion 7vilh fi(:,i<rc of knii^ht) 
 
 (5) Littlebury clork hell :
 
 58 
 
 THK CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 (6) Hempstead jrd 
 
 Ivn-bnra • 'eirenum • melosi • ^ulcc^ine '• vinco 
 
 
 "Johannes tonne m« fecit 
 (l>// Ti'if/.i/, /tiV) tneit<tllioiis 'ivitit knight, as Bekliavip 0/len). 
 
 (7) Stanstead old .4th (dnted 1540) : 
 
 hcc 5f tua ¥ i?it ¥■ Mcta 
 
 *t 
 
 s'cte -jt campaiia • loF)C3 ^'J4t 
 
 ^*^ 
 
 Hohannes lonne me fecit 
 
 (8) Great Hallingbury 3KI ([542): 
 
 bee 
 
 111 
 
 lauC'e 
 
 
 tui I^ rcsoiict Is baptiijta ^ iobanncs 
 
 {Royal anus in lieart-sltapcd frame) 
 
 ^otjannes tonne me fecit 
 
 {Belo'd\ medallion ivi/li l-nee!i>ig figure) 
 (9) Great Canfield 2nd : 
 
 9 ^initiate bomimun be cclis iCauliatc cum in ex Ciflsis 
 
 The first five bells are all inscribed in small type without capitals, and all, it should be 
 noted, have unusual inscriptions, the same feature being characteristic of his Sussex bells. 
 They have as initial cross a small Calvary cross, and the stops at Aythorpe Roothing are in the 
 form of a knot, which re-appears on the waist of the Little Easton bell ; on the latter the stop 
 is I (found in Sussex) ; at Bocking the stop is ®. All except Bocking and Littlebury have 
 on the waist the large cross (Plate XX. Fig., i) at the foot of which is the inscription on a label 
 3E0banilCS tonne nie feeit, in the French fashion; at Aythorpe Roothing and Great 
 Hallingbury we also find a large representation of the Royal Arms, and at Bocking two medallions 
 — a bust of Henry VIII (Plate XXI. Fig. 2) and a full-leiigth figure of a knight — appear on the 
 waist. These two medallions, with the large cross, are repeated at Belchamp Otten, where the two 
 bells have no inscription except the founder's name ; we also find the bust at Littlebury, the 
 full-length figure at Hempstead, and a medallion with a kneeling figure at Great Hallingbury. 
 
 The next three bells are distinguished by the use of a new cross (Plate XX. Fig. 2), together
 
 STEPHEN TONNE I. 
 
 59 
 
 with new stops, and the inscriptions arc in larger type except at Oreat Hallingbury, (where the stop 
 arc Plate XX. Figs. 3, 4). At Stanstead the stop is a star (Plate XXI., 7), and we also find a 
 crown on the waist in addition to the large cross ; at Hempstead the stop is simply three dots. 
 'I'he large cross also occurs here, and at Hallingbury, where we also find the Royal Arms on 
 the waist. 
 
 The Great Caniield bell I have reserved for separate treatment, as I think it is exceedingly 
 doubtful that it is 'Ponne's work at all. The cross, it is true, is the same as at Bocking ; but 
 not only is the inscription more of a post-Reformation type, but the initial capitals — which, by- 
 the-bye, Tonne never uses elsewhere — are decidedly Elizabethan in character, much like those 
 used by John Dier (see below), and I think the bell is equally likely to be the latter's work. 
 
 Of the bells in other counties, those at Bahham and Li tile Wi'atting resemble most closely 
 the Great Hallingbury bell, and may be assigned to the same year; Stoke-by Clave on the other 
 hand, is more of the Bocking typo. 
 
 STEPHEN TONNE I. 
 
 The discovery (which we owe to Mr. C. H. Hawkins), of the remarkable clock-bel at 
 Felstead helps to support the conjecture, made by Dr. Raven a propos of similar bells in Suffolk 
 and Cambridgeshire, that there may have been two founders of the name. The later bells by 
 Stephen Tonne are all of different character from those we are about to discuss, and range in 
 date from 1559 to 1587. Apart from the interval to be bridged over between 1546 and 15591 
 the earlier group so closely resembles John Tonne's bells, that we are almost compelled to 
 assume that they are by a different founder from the later, and further, by one standing in close 
 relation to John. The latter's bells, we have seen, give no e\idcnce of a later date than 1542, 
 (assuming that year for the Great Hallingbury bell), and we have three bells dated 1544, one 
 at Stanstead, Sufiblk, two at Wood Ditton, Cambs., all'of similar type, but with the name of 
 Stephen in place of John. They bear the latter's cross and stops (Plate XX. Pigs. 2-4,), as well 
 as the large cross on the waist and (at Wood Ditton), the Royal Arms. The inscriptions in each 
 case are of pre-Reformation type.' 
 
 The Felstead bell is similar only so far as the large cross, founder's name, and Royal Arms ; 
 on the other hand, it reproduces other characteristics of John Tonne, as we shall see. The 
 inscription and marks are as follows : — 
 
 B furoc I maiie I fcivlve i &eo 
 
 1* 
 
 {poitcullis) 
 
 Stcfljene tonn« mc fecit 
 
 (/««) 
 
 {Royal arms) 
 
 ' See Suffolk, p. 7S, Cambs. , p. 63. In the forme r work Dr. Kaven corrected lii.s misreading of the Wood Ditton 
 dates as 1588 and the theories based thereon.
 
 6o 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OK ESSEX 
 
 immediately below wliich comes the date, in quasi-Arabic numerals as above', 1546. The in- 
 scription with its initial cross obviously recalls the bell at Stoke-by-Clare, which Dr. Raven 
 assigned to John Tonne, but which })iiiy, on this evidence, be Stephen's work ; the cross and 
 stop we have seen at Little Easlon. 
 
 On the waist is a remarkable congeries of marks, new and old. The latter include die 
 crown as at Stanstead and the bust of Henry \TII as at Belchamp Otten. In addition, we have 
 on the left of the large cross a rose and a pair of pincers, on the right a portcullis, a tun 
 (obviously a rebus on the founder's name), and a flower on a stalk. The rose and portcullis 
 are of course Tudor emblems. See Plate XXI., Figs. 4, 5, 6, cS. 
 
 Where this Stephen Tonne was founding, we cannot of course tell ; that his successor was 
 estabhshed at Bury St. Edmunds admits of no doubt, though he does not state the fact on his 
 bells until 1564; but the probability is that the elder Stephen tocjk uj) the business of John, 
 whose younger brother he probably was, and carried it on for a lew years at the same 
 unknown place in North-NN'est Essex. The later fortunes of the family at Bury will be told on 
 a future page ; and so with this account of our only medieval Essex foimdry we close our record 
 of the pre-Reformation l)ells, and pass on to a less interesting stage of the founder's art. 
 
 LIST OF PRE-REKOR^L'\TION HELLS IN ESSEX. 
 
 
 
 U' 
 
 Denotes a complete 
 
 medieval ring.] 
 
 
 
 
 
 FOL'.NDER. 
 
 rjicnic.vTioN. 
 
 .STYLE OF LElTERINl 
 
 
 .\ldham '■■ 
 
 1st 
 
 T. Biillisdon 
 
 St. Margaret 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd 
 
 \V. Da we 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 Alphamstone 
 
 1st 
 
 {/ii'>y) 
 
 St. George 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 Do. 
 
 3rd 
 
 Do. 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 Althorne 
 
 1st 
 
 T. Harrys 
 
 St. Augustine 
 
 Do. 
 
 6. 
 
 Ardleigh 
 
 8th 
 
 r: Burford 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Do. 
 
 7- 
 
 Asbdon 
 
 5th 
 
 T. Church 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Do. 
 
 ii. 
 
 Ashen '•' 
 
 1st 
 
 Tliomas de Lenne 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 9- 
 
 Do. 
 
 Jiul 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd Pers. Trin. 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 10. 
 
 Do. 
 
 3rd 
 
 H. Jordan 
 
 1st Pers. Trin. 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 1 1. 
 
 Aveley 
 
 3rd 
 
 W. Culverden 
 
 St. Peter 
 
 Do. 
 
 12. 
 
 Baddow, Lit. 
 
 2iul 
 
 H. Jordan 
 
 St. Thomas 
 
 Do. 
 
 IS- 
 
 Do. ' 
 
 4th 
 
 r 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 M- 
 
 Bardfield, Lit. 
 
 2nd 
 
 J. Bird 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 'S- 
 
 Baaildon 
 
 3rd 
 
 fl. Jordan 
 
 St. Margaret 
 
 Do. 
 
 16. 
 
 Uclchanip Otten 
 
 ist 
 
 J. Tonne 
 
 — 
 
 No Inscription 
 
 17- 
 
 Do. 
 
 2 ml 
 
 Do. 
 
 — 
 
 Do. 
 
 18. 
 
 Benfleet, N. - 
 
 1st 
 
 K. Burford 
 
 St. Kutliarine 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 19. 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd 
 
 Do. 
 
 St. Kalliarine 
 
 Do. 
 
 20. 
 
 Benfleet, S. 
 
 3'd 
 
 J. Walgrave 
 
 St. Mary Magd. 
 
 Do. 
 
 21. 
 
 Becking 
 
 Clot 
 
 k J. Tonne 
 
 St. Richard 
 
 Black letter 
 
 22. 
 
 Bowers Gilford '■■ 
 
 1st 
 
 R. Burford 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 23- 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd 
 
 \V. Burford 
 
 1st Pers. Trin. 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 24. 
 
 Bradfield 
 
 Bell 
 
 W. Dawe .' 
 
 — 
 
 Do. 
 
 25- 
 
 Brightlingsea 
 
 Bell 
 
 W. Dawe 
 
 St. Michael 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 26. 
 
 Bromley, Lit. 
 
 3'd 
 
 R. Burford 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Do. 
 
 27- 
 
 Do. 
 
 4th 
 
 R. Burford 
 
 1st Pers. Trin. 
 
 Do. 
 
 28. 
 
 Bures, Mount ■■■ 
 
 1st 
 
 H. J Did an 
 
 St. Nicholas 
 
 Do.
 
 LIST OF MHDIAILVAL BELLS IN liSSEX 
 
 6i 
 
 
 
 
 nuNDi-.k. 
 
 iii:uic.\-noN. 
 
 .Sl\ I.K OF l.KITERlNf 
 
 -9- 
 
 Buies, Mount 
 
 2nd 
 
 1\. lUufoiil 
 
 1st I'ers. Trill. 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 3°- 
 
 liunilKim 
 
 ;,,d 
 
 J. Walgrave 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Do. 
 
 3i- 
 
 Bursle;ul, Cireat 
 
 4lh 
 
 J. W'algrave 
 
 St. Augustine 
 
 Do. 
 
 32- 
 
 Hultsbury 
 
 Bell 
 
 H. Jordan 
 
 — 
 
 No Inscription 
 
 33- 
 
 Can field, C\eM 
 
 2nd 
 
 J. Tonne ? 
 
 — 
 
 Black letter 
 
 34- 
 
 Cliesterfoid, (ne.-it 
 
 Clocl 
 
 c R. Keve 
 
 St. NLary 
 
 Do. 
 
 35- 
 
 Chickney ■ 
 
 1st 
 
 Kebyll 
 
 — 
 
 No Inscription 
 
 36. 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd 
 
 Kebyll 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 37- 
 
 Clacton, Lit. 
 
 2nd 
 
 R. Crowch 
 
 St. Margaret 
 
 Do. 
 
 3«- 
 
 Colcliester St. Leon: 
 
 ud 2nd 
 
 H. Jordan 
 
 1st Pers. Trin. 
 
 Do. 
 
 39- 
 
 Do. 
 
 3rd 
 
 Kebyll 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 40. 
 
 Col( hester St. Niclio 
 
 las 3rd 
 
 K. Hille 
 
 St. James 
 
 Do. 
 
 4'- 
 
 Do. 
 
 61 h 
 
 Joanna Hille 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 42. 
 
 Colchester Town 11, 
 
 dl ISell 
 
 J. Langhorne 
 
 SS. Thomas anc 
 
 1 .Mary Do. 
 
 43- 
 
 Colne, Wakes 
 
 2nd 
 
 11. Jordan 
 
 St. .\ugListine 
 
 .Mixed (iothic 
 
 44- 
 
 Copfonl 
 
 i->t 
 
 Do. 
 
 — 
 
 No Inscription 
 
 45- 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd 
 
 J. Bird 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 .Mi.xed Gothic 
 
 46. 
 
 Cianliam ■ 
 
 1st 
 
 J. i:)anyell 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 47. 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd 
 
 Do. 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 48. 
 
 Do. 
 
 3rd 
 
 IL Jordan 
 
 St. Peter 
 
 Do. 
 
 49. 
 
 Dedliani 
 
 6th 
 
 R. Burford 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 50. 
 
 Denyie 
 
 2nd 
 
 T. BiiUisdon 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Do. 
 
 5'- 
 
 Doddingluiist 
 
 1st 
 
 1'. Lawrence 
 
 St. Nicholas 
 
 triothic caps. 
 
 52. 
 
 DovercoLiit 
 
 2nd 
 
 W". Burford 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 53- 
 
 Easter, High 
 
 4th 
 
 J. Bird 
 
 St. (iabriel 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 54- 
 
 Easton, Great 
 
 4tli 
 
 H. Jordan 
 
 St. Mary Magd. 
 
 Do. 
 
 55- 
 
 Do. 
 
 5th 
 
 J. Dunyell 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 56. 
 
 Easton, Lit. 
 
 1st 
 
 J. Tonne 
 
 — 
 
 Black letter 
 
 57. 
 
 Eastwood 
 
 2n<l 
 
 W. Burford 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 58. 
 
 Do. 
 
 3"^1 
 
 Do. 
 
 St. Gregor)- 
 
 Do. 
 
 59- 
 
 Elseuhain 
 
 1st 
 
 W. Culverden 
 
 — 
 
 No Inscription 
 
 60. 
 
 Fairstead 
 
 yd 
 
 1'. de Weston 
 
 St. John 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 61. 
 
 Faulkbourne 
 
 2nd 
 
 R. Bmford 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 62. 
 
 Felstead 
 
 Clock S. Tonne (1546) 
 
 — 
 
 Black letter 
 
 63- 
 
 Fingrinyhoe 
 
 2nd 
 
 (h'ltiy) 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 64. 
 
 Frating 
 
 1st 
 
 \V. Dawe? 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 65. 
 
 Do. 
 
 3rd 
 
 Kebyll 
 
 1st Pers. Trin. 
 
 Do. 
 
 66. 
 
 Gosfield 
 
 3rd 
 
 T. Potter 
 
 Trinity 
 
 Do. 
 
 67. 
 
 Hallingbury, Great 
 
 3rd 
 
 J. Tonne 
 
 St. John Bapt. 
 
 Black letter 
 
 68. 
 
 Hallingbury, Lit. 
 
 3r<l 
 
 W. Wodewarde .' 
 
 St. John 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 6y. 
 
 Halstead 
 
 6th 
 
 J. Bird 
 
 St. Gabriel 
 
 Do. 
 
 70. 
 
 Ham, East' 
 
 Uell 
 
 \V. Dawe ? 
 
 St. Gabriel 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 7(- 
 
 Hediiighain, Castle 
 
 5lh 
 
 R. Hille 
 
 St. John 
 
 Mi.xed Gothic 
 
 7-- 
 
 Hedingham, Sible 
 
 2nd 
 
 J. Danyell 
 
 .St. Katharine 
 
 Do. 
 
 73- 
 
 Do. 
 
 3rd 
 
 ( / / 'o/:in}(/iai)i) 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 74- 
 
 Hempstead 
 
 31.1 
 
 J. Tonne 
 
 St. Barbara 
 
 Black letter 
 
 75- 
 
 Henham 
 
 4th 
 
 T. Harrys 
 
 1st Pers. Trin. 
 
 Mi.xed Gothic 
 
 76. 
 
 Henny, Great 
 
 1st 
 
 R. Burford 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Do. 
 
 77- 
 
 Heybridge 
 
 :st 
 
 J. Danyell 
 
 St. Augustine 
 
 Do.
 
 62 
 
 THE CHURCH BKLLS OF ESSEX 
 
 
 
 
 FOUNDER. 
 
 UEDltATION. 
 
 .STVI.K (IF I.ETTF.RINO. 
 
 78. 
 
 Holland, deal ■■ 
 
 1st 
 
 J. Langhorne 
 
 All Saints 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 79- 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd 
 
 J. Danyell 
 
 St. Augustine 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 80. 
 
 Ilorkesley, r.re.U 
 
 4th 
 
 (Iliiry) 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Do. 
 
 81. 
 
 Do. 
 
 6th 
 
 R. Reve 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 r)lack letter 
 
 82. 
 
 Horkesley, Lit. 
 
 5th 
 
 J. Bird 
 
 St. John 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 83- 
 
 IngalestoneCriie Hyd 
 
 le; Bell 
 
 P. de Weston ' 
 
 — 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 84. 
 
 Kelvedon Hatch 
 
 Hell 
 
 Kebyll 
 
 St. .Andrew 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 85. 
 
 Laindon Clays 
 
 3'd 
 
 J. liird 
 
 St. John Ev. 
 
 Do. 
 
 86. 
 
 Do. 
 
 4th 
 
 J. Bird 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Do. 
 
 «7 
 
 Laindon Hills 
 
 2iul 
 
 '1'. Lawrence 
 
 — 
 
 No Inscription 
 
 88. 
 
 Laver, High 
 
 liell 
 
 ? 
 
 2nd Pers. Trin. 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 89. 
 
 Laver, Magdalen 
 
 2nd 
 
 R. Wymbish ? 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 90. 
 
 Layer-de-la- Ha ye 
 
 4th 
 
 Joanna Sturdy 
 
 St. John 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 91. 
 
 Leyton 
 
 6th 
 
 W. Dawe ? 
 
 — 
 
 Do. 
 
 92. 
 
 Lindsell 
 
 2nd 
 
 H. Jordan 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 93- 
 
 Listen 
 
 1st 
 
 {B,ay) 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Do. 
 
 94- 
 
 Litllebiuy 
 
 Clock J. Tonne 
 
 — 
 
 No Inscription 
 
 95- 
 
 ^L1ldon All Saints 
 
 Sanct 
 
 :. J. Sturdy ? 
 
 — 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 96. 
 
 Maplestead, Great 
 
 1st 
 
 J. Danyell 
 
 St. Margaret 
 
 Do. 
 
 97- 
 
 Margaretting ■•■ 
 
 1st 
 
 T. Lawrence 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 98. 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd 
 
 VV. Culverden 
 
 St. Margaret 
 
 Do. 
 
 99- 
 
 Do. 
 
 3rd 
 
 R. Burford 
 
 1st Pers. Trin. 
 
 Do. 
 
 100. 
 
 Do. 
 
 4th 
 
 J. Walgrave 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 lOI. 
 
 .Mersea, East 
 
 Bell 
 
 R. Hille 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Do. 
 
 102. 
 
 Mountnessing 
 
 Bell 
 
 T. r)nllisdon 
 
 St. James 
 
 Do. 
 
 ■03 
 
 Miindon 
 
 Bell 
 
 J. Langhorne ? 
 
 St. Vincent 
 
 Do. 
 
 104. 
 
 Naveslock 
 
 3rd 
 
 J. Walgrave 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Do. 
 
 105. 
 
 Nettesvvell 
 
 2nd 
 
 W. Dawe 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Do. 
 
 106. 
 
 Do. 
 
 3rd 
 
 Do. 
 
 — 
 
 D.i. 
 
 107. 
 
 Newport 
 
 3rd 
 
 H. Jordan 
 
 1st Pers. Trin. 
 
 Do. 
 
 108. 
 
 Pebmarsh 
 
 3>d 
 
 J. Bird 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Do. 
 
 109. 
 
 Pitsea 
 
 3>d 
 
 H. Jordan 
 
 St. Peter 
 
 Do. 
 
 1 10. 
 
 Pleshey 
 
 2nd 
 
 W. Dawe 
 
 St. Thomas 
 
 Do. 
 
 III. 
 
 Do. 
 
 4th 
 
 W. Dawe 
 
 St. ALiry 
 
 Mi.xed Gothic 
 
 1 12. 
 
 Radwinter 
 
 6th 
 
 R. Reve 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Black letter 
 
 '13- 
 
 Kawreth ■■• 
 
 1st 
 
 J. de Hadham ? 
 
 — 
 
 Gothic caps 
 
 114. 
 
 Kayleigh 
 
 5 III 
 
 T. liullisdon 
 
 St. Margaret 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 115. 
 
 Do. 
 
 6th 
 
 R. Burford 
 
 1st Pers. Trin. 
 
 Do. 
 
 116. 
 
 Ridgewell 
 
 3rd 
 
 R. Rider 
 
 — 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 117. 
 
 Do. 
 
 5th 
 
 P.W. 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 118. 
 
 Romfortl 
 
 8th 
 
 R. Burford 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 119. 
 
 Roothing, Abbess 
 
 I St 
 
 J. Walgrave 
 
 — 
 
 Do. 
 
 120. 
 
 Roothing, Aythorpc 
 
 '' 1st 
 
 J. Tonne 
 
 St. Gabriel 
 
 Black letter 
 
 121. 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd 
 
 Do. 
 
 St. ^Llry 
 
 Do. 
 
 122. 
 
 Do. 
 
 3rd 
 
 Do. 
 
 St. Andrew 
 
 Do. 
 
 'J3- 
 
 Roothing, Leaden 
 
 3nl 
 
 T. Lawrence (1523) 
 
 Trinity 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 124. 
 
 Sampford, Lit. 
 
 Bell 
 
 W. Ruftbrd 
 
 St. ALary 
 
 Do. 
 
 125. 
 
 Southchurcli 
 
 Bell 
 
 G. de Edmonton ? 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 126. 
 
 Steeple 
 
 Bell 
 
 J. Langhorne ? 
 
 St. Juliana 
 
 Mixed Gothic
 
 MEDIAEVAL REI.I.S IN ESSEX 
 
 63 
 
 
 
 
 FOUNDER. 
 
 DKtJICATION. 
 
 STVI.K OK LKTTKRINl 
 
 127. 
 
 Stonclon Massey 
 
 2nd 
 
 J. Bird 
 
 St. John Ev. 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 128. 
 
 Strethall - 
 
 1st 
 
 \V. Revel 
 
 — 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 129. 
 
 Stunner 
 
 1st 
 
 J. Sturdy? 
 
 St. Gabriel 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 130. 
 
 Takeley 
 
 2nd 
 
 \V. Culverden 
 
 St. l\Lary 
 
 Do. 
 
 '3>- 
 
 Theydon Bois 
 
 2nd 
 
 [. Danyell 
 
 St. Margaret 
 
 Do. 
 
 >3" 
 
 Thoringlon 
 
 5th 
 
 J. Danyell 
 
 1st Pers. Trin. 
 
 Do. 
 
 '33- 
 
 Tillinghani 
 
 2nd 
 
 W. Culverden 
 
 St. Luke 
 
 Mi.xed Gothic 
 
 '34- 
 
 Do. [Court) 
 
 3rd 
 
 H. Jordan 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 135- 
 
 Tollesbury (Guisnes Bell 
 
 {Bioy) 
 
 — 
 
 Black letter 
 
 136. 
 
 Tolleshunt Major 
 
 2nd 
 
 ]. Langhorne 
 
 St. Edward 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 ^37- 
 
 Totham, Lit. 
 
 1st 
 
 J. Sturdy? 
 
 St. Peter 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 138. 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd 
 
 J. Sturdy 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Do. 
 
 139- 
 
 Twinstead 
 
 Bell 
 
 W. Da we or liird 
 
 — 
 
 No Inscription 
 
 140. 
 
 Upminster 
 
 1st 
 
 Kebyll 
 
 St. Gabriel 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 141. 
 
 Walthani, Great 
 
 4th 
 
 J. Walgnive 
 
 St. Mary Magd. 
 
 Do. 
 
 142. 
 
 Do. 
 
 6th 
 
 1'. Weston or W. 
 Revel 
 
 Christ, SS. !\Lary 
 and Thomas 
 
 Gothic caps 
 
 143- 
 
 Warley, Lit. 
 
 Bell 
 
 W. Wodewarde ? 
 
 St. John Ev. 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 144. 
 
 Weeley ^■■ 
 
 1st 
 
 R. Burford 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Do. 
 
 145. 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd 
 
 T. Bullisdon 
 
 St. Edward 
 
 Do. 
 
 146. 
 
 Wicken Bonant 
 
 1st 
 
 W. Culverden 
 
 St. Luke 
 
 Do. 
 
 147. 
 
 \Mckford - 
 
 1st 
 
 Kebyll 
 
 St. Katharine 
 
 Do. 
 
 148. 
 
 Do. 
 
 2nd 
 
 Do. 
 
 ISt Pers. Trin. 
 
 Do. 
 
 149- 
 
 Wickham St. Paul 
 
 3rd 
 
 R. Brasyer 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 Do. 
 
 150. 
 
 Wigborough, Gt. 
 
 ISt 
 
 J. Danyell 
 
 St. Mary Magd. 
 
 Do. 
 
 151. 
 
 Willingale Spain 
 
 2nd 
 
 J. Langhorne 
 
 St. John Kv. 
 
 Gothic caps. 
 
 152. 
 
 Wi.x 
 
 Bell 
 
 J. Danyell 
 
 1st Pers. Trin. 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 153- 
 
 Woodhani Mortimer 
 
 2nd 
 
 J. Danyell 
 
 St. John 
 
 Do. 
 
 154. 
 
 Woodhani Walter 
 
 2nd 
 
 H. Jordan 
 
 — 
 
 No Inscription 
 
 155- 
 
 Wormingford 
 
 3rd 
 
 Joanna Sturdy 
 
 1st Pers. Trin. 
 
 Mixed Gothic 
 
 The following bells, though uninscribed, are undoubtedly ancient : — 
 
 Little Braxted 
 
 1st and 2nd. 
 
 Chignal Smealey 
 
 Bell. 
 
 Debden 
 
 Smaller Bell. 
 
 Little Easton 
 
 Sanctus. 
 
 Little Hallingbury 
 
 ISt. 
 
 Layer Breton 
 
 Bell. 
 
 Layer Marney 
 
 1st. 
 
 Lexden 
 
 Clock bell. 
 
 Rawreth 
 
 2nd. 
 
 Strethall 
 
 2nd. 
 
 Willingale Spain 
 
 ISt. 
 
 Ilie following medieval bells have been recast wilhiii the last fifty years : 
 
 1884 Asheldhani Bell Unknown. 
 
 1871 Belchamp Walter 7th J. Bird. 
 
 1876 Berechurch Bell R. Wymbish. 
 
 Bergholt, West 
 
 Bell 
 Bell 
 
 H. Jordan.
 
 64 
 
 THE CHURCH REI.I.S OF ESSEX 
 
 1890 
 
 Billericay 
 
 Bell 
 
 (i. de Edmonton. 
 
 1883 
 
 Braxted, Great 
 
 2iid and 31'd 
 
 John Bird and \V. Wodeward 
 
 1876 
 
 Chesterfoid, Little 
 
 2 lid 
 
 L Langhorne. 
 
 1S69 
 
 Chrishall 
 
 41I1 
 
 lirasyer. 
 
 1 886 
 
 Easter, Good 
 
 3rd 
 
 L Sturdy. 
 
 1863 
 
 p-yfield 
 
 J'd 
 
 Kebyll. 
 
 1901 
 
 Gestingthoipe 
 
 6lh 
 
 [Bury). 
 
 1883 
 
 Grays 
 
 2nd 
 
 T. Bullisdon. 
 
 1881 
 
 Langford 
 
 3rd 
 
 Johanna Sturdy. 
 
 1S99 
 
 Layer Mamey 
 
 2nd 
 
 Unknown (see p. 13). 
 
 1902 
 
 Lindsell 
 
 2nd and 3rd 
 
 J. Sturdy and U. riurford. 
 
 •1889 
 
 Matching 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 W. Culverden. 
 
 1870 
 
 Ramsden Grays 
 
 1st 
 
 Unknown. 
 
 1889 
 
 Runwell 
 
 4th 
 
 J. Sturdy (?). 
 
 1886 
 
 Slialford 
 
 5th 
 
 \lhay). 
 
 1902 
 
 Stanstead 
 
 4th 
 
 J. Tonne (1540}. 
 
 1864 
 
 Tendring 
 
 3rd 
 
 T. Church. 
 
 1866 
 
 Thorpe-le-Soken 
 
 I St 
 
 J. Langhorne. 
 
 1878 
 
 Tolham, Great 
 
 1st and2nd 
 
 J. Sturdy and T. Lawrence. 
 
 Sixteenth Century Foundkie-s. 
 
 When we reach the middle of the Sixteenth century, we may consider that the Reformation 
 has become an accomplished fact, with all its renunciation or transformation of niedi;"eval taste 
 and thought ; and one of the results of this u|)heaval is that the bell-founder'.s art suffers com- 
 mercially as well as from an artistic point of view. This period of gradual change is generally 
 known as the Transition Period, and extends from about 1550 to 1600. In Essex we can 
 draw a fairly sharp line between bells of pre-Reformation and post-Reformation character, with 
 perhaps one or two exceptions, though this is not the case in many other counties. 
 
 The spoliation of the monasteries caused, among other things, a general distribution of 
 second-hand bells over England, the results of which may be traced in not a few cases at the 
 present day'; and all over the kingdom traditions are current of parish church bells having 
 been obtained from some neighbouring or distant abbey. The Land Revenue Records of the 
 end of Henrv \'in's reign contain many allusions to the sale of bell metal at this time ; and we 
 have many more in the Inventories of Church Coods temp. Edward VI, of which there are 
 examples in Rochford Hundred and other parts of Essex, as will be noted under the various 
 headings of the parishes.'^ 
 
 At Norwich, Gloucester, and elsewhere there can be observed a district lull in the activities 
 of the foundries, while in London the saine conditions prevail even more markedly. To deal 
 first with that centre, we have the names of some half dozen founders working during the sixty 
 years 1540-1600, but the bells that can be attributed to them are (with one exception) very few 
 in number. Excluding for the present the great Whitechapel Foundry supposed to have been 
 started by Robert Mot about 1570, the following names here demand our attention. 
 
 'There is no example in Essex, except possibly (lie Wokinglmm bell ;it Siblr Hcdinghani. 
 'See also II. \V. King in Essex Arch. Trans, iv. p. 215 ff., anil succeeding volumes.
 
 SIXTEENTH CENTURY FOUNDERS 65 
 
 THE OWENS. 
 
 In 155 1 we learn that at a sale of church goods at St. diles' ( 'ripplcgate, ' vijc of Bell 
 niettair were .sold to 'one Owen }5elfoimder ' ; and at St. Katharine Christ Church one lohn 
 Owen is mentioned in a similar connection'. Dr. Raven has also shewn that this John Owni 
 was a gun-maker, and gives some extracts from his will", in which are mentioned his natural 
 son Samuel and his brother's son of the same name. Now at Thorington in Suffolk there i.s a 
 bell inscribed 
 
 <^ ^amlucll : (Olucu : i\\\\^z : ittc : foi : luansteb : 1596 
 
 which as the inscription shews, has a special interest for us. A\'e do not know that Samuel 
 Given was a bell-founder (apart from this bell) nor can we certainly identify him with either of 
 John Owen's relations of that name. He iiiiglit have been the original donor of the belli') 
 Wanstead, but in any case Dr. Raven has shewn' that it was given to 'I'horington in 1598 by 
 ' ye Right worshipful Edward Coke Esciuire Attourney generally to the Queenes most excellent 
 maiestie and Bridgett his wife' on condition that it shoul<l not be sold but retained 'for 
 seemely vses.' One would be glad to he able to trace its history i)re\ious to that year. 
 
 There is however another point about this bell which seems to deser\c consideration. 
 The lettering is extremely like that used by the contemporary founder John Dier ; the 
 stop is also one used by him, and the pentacle at the beginning of the inscription is 
 associated with another founder of the period, John Clarke, who was connected with 
 Dier. We must then accept one of two alternatives : either that the bell was cast by Dier, 
 Samuel Owen being the donor, or that it was cast by Owen and that the latter had some con- 
 nection with Dier which would account for the use of similar stamps. 
 
 JOHN HARDING 
 
 This founder was unearthed by Stahlschmidt, who found in the churchwardens' 
 accounts of Barnes, Surrey, for 1550, a payment to 'John Harding, bell founder.' There is 
 a curious bell at Navestock with the initals I II which appears to belong 
 
 to this time ; it has no inscription, ^ but only the initials in a sort of 
 
 monogram, surrounded by coins, thus ^ ® iS ^ I'l'^ letters ap[)ear to have been pro- 
 duced meich'bv scratching in the mould, and are somewhat vague ; the coins too 
 are indistinct, but are said to be Henry ^^ VH's. Similar bells occur at Loose., 
 Kent; Sproughton, Suffolk ; and Great Aiiiwell, Herts (one in the parish church, another now 
 at a mission church), and all are poor castings. They may fairly be ascribed to Harding, and 
 we may ])ossibly also be able to assign to him the bell at Highwood in Writtle parish, but a 
 more probable attribution is given hereafter. 
 
 LAWRENCE WRIGHT, HUGH WALKER AND VALENTINE TREVOR. 
 
 I mention these three London founders here, although we cannot trace them in I'.ssex, 
 because there are three bells which at present lack an author : Latton 4th inscribed 
 
 A n a o I 1 7 9 
 
 ' Biitks, p. 4C. 
 ''Suffolk, p. 104. 
 Ihid. p. 106.
 
 66 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Takeley ist with date only, in similar figures, and flucking ist with the same date but in 
 different figures, and three fleurs de-lys. Whether they can he assigned to any of these three 
 is quite uncertain. \\'right is the only one whose bells we know, and his foundry stamp at 
 Thitrnham, Kent, is illustrated by Stahlschmidt (p. 62); but his lettering on the Thurnham bell 
 is of quite different character. Botli he and Trevor were men of dubious reputation : the latter 
 is only known as having cast a ring of liells for St. Margaret's Westminster, in 1592, which were 
 very ' falsely and deceitfully made' ' Hugh Walker appears in the Churchwarden's Accounts 
 of St. Marlin-in-lhe-Fields in 1580, and in those of St. Mary Woolnoth in 1584, as a bell-founder. 
 Wright also did a considerable amount of work for City and other churches, notably St. 
 Michael, Cornhill, where he cast the great bell ' Rus ' in 15S7, but it onl_\' lasted for a year. 
 
 THOMAS KEMPE AND ROBERT DODDES. 
 
 We now come to two names of founders who must be mentioned here for their possible 
 connection with the Whitechapel Foundry, the history of which will next demand our attention. 
 Of these Thomas Kempe is onl\- known from an entry in the registers of St. Hotoliih, Aldgate, 
 where his death is recorded as occurring in 1574. 
 
 Contemporary with him was Rohcrt Dodcfes, to whom a sum of jQ^. 14s. was paid in 1567 
 for casting a bell at St. Michael, Cornhill.^ Otherwise we have no record of him, as no bells 
 can be certainly traced to him. But there is a group of some half dozen bells, with inscriptions 
 in rough ill-shaped capitals of a transitional character between Gothic and Roman, styled by 
 Stahlschmidt 'rustic' Two of these, both in Esse.x, bear date 1567, one 1575, and the 
 remaining three are of uncertain date ; they must be by a London founder of the period, and 
 Kempe is excluded by reason of his death in 1574. The lettering and marks on these bells 
 were used occasionally by Robert Mot of the Whitechapel foundr\- between 1572 and 1604, 
 and on one occasion by his successor Joseph Carter. 
 
 It is of course conceivable that Mot is the founder of these bells, but I do not think it 
 likely, and it seems on the whole more reasonable to suppose that they are the work of another 
 founder, such as Robert Doddcs, who seems to suit very well. Whether he was actually 
 working at Whitechapel cannot be ascertained, nor do we know the exact year in which Mot 
 started work. But it is to be noted that the latter's earliest bell, the 2nd at Dovercourt, which 
 is dated 1572, and bears his initals R. M., is very similar in character to the group above 
 mentioned. I think therefore that it may fairly be suggested that Doddes was the original 
 owner of the foundry, that he was working it from 1567 to 1575 (the date of Mot's next 
 bell), and that Mot cast the Dovercourt bell as his foreman, placing on it his initials only. 
 
 The details of the six bells are as follows, taking the Essex examples first : — 
 
 Hagdalen Laver, ist (see Plate XXII.) 
 
 \U7 
 
 e © 
 
 ' Lukis, Church Bells, p. 18. For Wright's lapses from commercial morality sec Kent, p. 63 ff. 
 'See Overall, Chunhwatden's Accts. of St. Miihael, ]<. 161.
 
 ROIiERT DO DDES gy 
 
 Theydon Bois 3;d : exactly similar, Init without the iirll.' 
 Wimbish -nd ■■ ^ M: ^ M 
 
 \Vi)iil>l(iio)i, Surrey, 4tli : 
 
 PRAYSE <^ YE '<5*' THE *^ L.ORDE ^ AN" 157 i 
 
 Little HiidliaiH, Herts, 3rd : 
 
 ^ s.mct.i ^ g.iLiirl ^ nra pro ^ nnliici 
 
 Prcston-by-raversham, Kent, 2iid : 
 
 LOYE GOD IS-rS 
 
 The absence of the last figure from the date at Wimbledon is much to be regretted, as it 
 might have furnished important evidence. The Little Hadham bell was taken by Stahlschmidt 
 to be pie-Reformation, but the use of the same cross stop as on the other bells shews it to 
 belong to this class. This stop occurs in two varieties (Plate XXII., 9, 1 1), as .seen at \\iml)ish. 
 The lettering at Preston is a reduced variety of the other set. 
 
 Finally the Dovercourt bell may be given here ; — 
 
 * PRJ182:E * THE * LORDE 
 
 The shield is the well-known Brasyer one from Norwich (see p. 48). 
 
 For some reason these marks and lettering were scarcely used again by Mot tor some years, 
 but he breaks out in them again at Little Bentley in 1599 (see below), at Rainham and 
 Fawhham in Kent in 1601-04 'I'ld at Heine! Hempstead, Herts (1604). Finall}' they apjiear on 
 three bells cast by Joseph Carter in 1607 for Sedlescomhe, Susse.v. 
 
 Li 1575 we have two bells, the former 2nd at Danbury, inscribed RobCVtUO ti^OtUO 
 mC fecit 1575,' the other the 7th at Barnes, .Surrey : 
 
 ©Ins ^ bell ^ rast ^ ]Bl' ^ ^x\^zx ^ 0f <^ T'lO'Hiis ^ Sinijthc gi I j75 
 
 Here we have mixed lettering ; a Brasyer T and a Roman T and S, and R and O from the 
 ' rustic ' set ; the fleur-de-lys and crowned bell are the same as at Dovercourt. As Mot 
 invariably places his name or trade-mark on his bells I am not sure whether this is not really to 
 be assigned to Doddes ; it has more in coinmon with the latter's work, and is the last instance 
 of the crowned bell, which we may regard as Doddes' trade-mark. It may therefore have been 
 cast under the same conditions as that at Dovercourt, just before Doddes' death, and thus 
 the Danbury bell will be the first undoubted Mot of which we have a record. 
 
 ' See for this stamp, with ciown above, Suryey Bells, p. 93 ; cf. Uovercouil, Iielow. 
 ' Ex iiiforin. A. D. Tyssen, Esq.
 
 68 THK CHURCH BELLS OK KSSKX 
 
 THE WHITECHAPEL FOUNDRY, I. i:.7.". ITOii. ROBERT MOT. 
 
 Wc now proceed lo (.liscuss Robert Mot and his uoiks aUliough us we liave seen it is not 
 absolutely certain that he was actually the first owner of this famous foundry, or in what year 
 lie first assumed sole management. However a descent of at least fue generations can be 
 traced directly from him, from 1575, the date at which we start, down to the end of the 
 Seventeenth century, when a new chapter in the history of the foundry opens. It may be 
 found convenient to anticipate chronology, and before discussing the other sixteenth century 
 founders, some of whom overlap the 1600 limit, to continue the history of \\'hitechapel down 
 to the first real break in 1700. 
 
 The foundry was originally in Essex Court, in the |)arisli of -St. Mary Matfelon, on the 
 north side of the High Street (now Tewkesljury Court). Stuhlschmidt thought that Mot was a 
 a native of Kent ; he certainly had a close trade-connection with that county, as no less than 
 2 1 bells by him still exist therein, besides 13 recently recast, lie is also strongly represented in 
 Essex, where there are fifteen (not counting Uovercourt) ; but this record is almost equalled by 
 Middlesex, which still possesses ten, all but one in London itself. Besides these bells (his total 
 number is 80) there are frequent references to him in the Parish books of City churches, 
 such as St. Botolph, Aldgate, and St. Michael, Cornhill. The Essex list is as follows: — 
 
 1575. Danbury old 2nd. 
 
 1578. 1 )oddinghurst 3ril. 
 
 1581. Cil. Waltham 5th. 
 
 1583. UiMuinster 2nd. 
 1 5 88. Laindon Clay 5th. 
 
 Stondon Massey isl. 
 
 Thundersley 2nd. 
 
 1590. High Easter 6th. 
 l''ryerning ist. 
 
 1 59 1. Runwell ist — 3rd, 
 1599. Little ]5enlley 2nd — 4th. 
 
 From the details given l)elow and by comparison witii other bells of Robert Mot's 
 we may gather that tiie ordinary form of inscription is : 
 
 Robfiluc mot me ffcit 
 
 with date and trade-mark and an extraordinary variety of ornamental slo])s (see Plate XXIII.) 
 between the words; the date is in Arabic numerals (except at Cheat Waltham, where it is 
 MDLXXxi); the only capital used is the R, of more Roman type tlian the 'rustic' set, and the 
 black-letter smalls are thick, of a rather elaborate type. 'I'he trade-mark (Plate XXI II., I"ig. 12), 
 which was adopted by his successors with the necessary variations, does not occur on the earlier 
 examples ; it consists of a circular wreath enclosing three bells, the upper one crowned, with 
 the initials R M in Roman type and the monogram IHS. 
 
 The 'rustic' capitals are used both for R and M at Doddinj^hurst ; another \ariety occurs 
 at Laindon Clays in 1588, where the i)cll bears a pre-Reformation inscription, for whicli Mot 
 required capitals tlTroughout. The insci iption is : 
 
 ilulcio J ^ioto J^ P4cli£i ^ V)ocov ^ (Ciimpana Jbr fTjicaelie 158S @
 
 ROBERT MOT 69 
 
 A yet more remarkable example is tlie L;roup of three bells at Little Bentley,' dated 1599. 
 'I'hey are inscribed alike, with minor variations in the use of stops : 
 
 (^ ^aul m Banning of i] lionbon ii fl[(tcnniin 1 Oluctli M this Bdl 
 J^arfc in ittan m anno r^^ J ^ ^^ # 1^ @ CQ 
 
 On the shoulder of each bell is the 'sprigged' bhield wiili three bells which was formerly the 
 property of the Brasyers of Norwich (Plate X\'III., Fig. 2) repeated three times, and on the 
 waist the arms of Alderman Bayning (Plate XXXV.) ; at the beginning of the inscrip- 
 tion a crowned lose not occurring elsewhere (Plate XXR^, Fig. 4). 'I'he ordinary sto]) 
 between the words is a rosette formed of simple dots, in a lo/enge J^, and on the 2nd 
 and 4th there is a larger and more elaborate stoj) (Plate XXIV., i), which appears to be identical 
 with a cross sometimes used by the Brasyers on large bells {e.g. the tenor at Fressingfield ; 
 «ee Suffolk, fig. 49). Like the Brasyer shield, this cross is also found in the hands of the 
 Leicester founders. 'J ogelher with these we also find used as stops the two crosses (Plate XXIL, 
 figs. 9, n) which occur (e.g. at Wimbish) on the group of bells assigned to Mot's piedeccssor 
 (p. 67). Lastly, the capital letters provide (as at Barnes, see p. 67) a remarkable combination 
 of two sets, ' rustic ' capitals like those at Laindon Clays being varied with specimens of the 
 Brasyers' beautiful lettering as at W'ickham St. Paul's (Plate XVII)-. 'I'he occurrence of 
 these Norwich stamps and letters in Mot's hands concurrently with their use by the Leicester 
 founders is at first sight very remarkable, but it is clear from a comparison of Plate XX. and 
 XXIII. in Cocks' Bucks that the two sets are not absolutely identical, the Leicester lettering 
 being larger and more ornate than that u>,ed by Mot and Carter. 1 have also found the larger 
 letters on a bell by William Clibury of ^Vellington, Salop, at Cliinbury in that county, dated 
 1620,'' at a time when they were certainly being used by Watts of Leicester. 
 
 For elaborate capital letters and variety of stops none of Mot's bells come up to the 
 Little Bentley trio except two in tin- tower of Westminstei' Abbey, the third dated 1583 : 
 
 Gainpanie Paticni lau&ntc {Q Sonantibus? Rltuin 
 ^abricll -»^ ^oo'^ man <J5 Dccan : VOcstmons (J!^ 
 
 I 5 8 5 © 
 
 ' For facsimile leproduclions of the llnee inscriptions, see Pan II., s.!\ IllusUaiions of ilie inaiks and 
 lettering are given on Plate XXIV. 
 
 -The Brasyer capitals also occur at Raiiiham and Smarden in Kent, and the shield at Kelcham, Surrey. 
 'Salop Anh. Trans. 3rd .Ser. v. (1905), pi. 11, p. 6.
 
 70 THE CHURCH RKLLS OF ESSEX 
 
 and the fifth dated 1598 
 
 Ganipaniti -iZ^ Paticm +S^ Cau^atc c{p Sonantilni6 Rultmii 
 <aaln-icll ^ooi> C*p JJian ♦ Dccanuc^ 1598 (^ 
 
 (■onsidcring the iiuerval of date, the similarity of the two inscriptions is curious. On these it 
 will be seen that he uses no less than six different stops ; and his other Essex bells yield at 
 least half-a-dozen additional examples. .Specimens are given on Plate XXIII., and the 
 following list of the Essex inscriptions (apart from those already given), will further illustrate 
 the varieties employed. 
 
 Doddinghurst 3rd. 
 
 Robert ^ Mot ify- uia^c 4' nic ^ 1576 ♦ cHp 
 
 Great Waltham jih. 
 
 <5 Roberto i"c>t 5 J^ 5 ma^e ^ me Qmd.lxxxix^X 
 
 Upminster 2nd. 
 
 ^ Robert ^ mot maDe O me ♦ I 5 8 3 @ 
 
 Stondon flassey ist. 
 
 RobertUii ^ mot ^ me ® feeit § I5SS @ 
 
 Thundersley 2nd. 
 
 Robertus mot -*5^ me ^ teeit + 15SS ^ 
 
 Fryerning ist. 
 
 Robertas 4^4- mot ^ me -^y- feeit ^ 1500 @
 
 JOSEPH CARTER 7 1 
 
 High Easter 6tli. 
 
 Robcrtue c^ mot 4^+- nic A> fecit ^i^ 1500 @ 
 
 Runwell isi. 
 
 Robcrtue mot mc ♦ fecit 1501 @ 
 Robeitu5 mot me ( fecit 1591 @ 
 Robertu6 ♦ mot ^ me ♦ fecit c?b 1501 @ 
 
 Mr. A. D. Tyssen has collected from the parish documents of Whitechapel a few- 
 particulars relating to Mot and his family, which have not, I think, previously been published. 
 
 1582. Joseph Moote buried. 
 
 „ Robert Mote buried ( ? an uncle) 
 „ Margaret Mote buried. 
 1603. .August 15. Robert Mott, buried of the plague. 
 These are from the registers. The last entry, however, can hardly refer to our Robert, 
 seeing that two bells by him arc dated 1604, and he turns up at Reading in 1605.' Perhaps 
 the date should be 1608. 
 
 In the \'estry minutes we read : 
 
 1580. June 16. (Thirteen new people admitted into the Vestry, among whom is 
 
 Robert Mott). 
 15S2. Nov. 7. (Robert Mot present at a Vestry). 
 
 1583. Aug. 29. Robert and W. Mott churchwardens. 
 
 1584. Aug. 3, 
 
 1 60 1. July 2. A rehearsal of the names of " those that be of the \'estry " including 
 
 Robert Mott. 
 1603. Dec 16. The name of William Mott appears as a Vestryman. 
 
 JOSEPH CARTER (1607- 1609). 
 
 Mot was succeeded by Joseph Carter, to whom he sold his business in or about 1607. 
 The latter had already been established at Reading since 1578, but the connecting link 
 between him and his predecessors there is not quite clear. There may have been an 
 intervening founder between him and the last known one, Welles." Into his career at 
 Reading we need not however, enter fully, as it has been discussed in detail by Mr. Cocks in 
 his Bucks. About forty-five bells by him are known in the surrounding counties, from 
 
 ' Biuks, p. 79. 
 - Burks, p. 81.
 
 72 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 C.loucester to Sussex, all of which may be referred to the Reading foundry. They range in 
 date from 1579 at Pamber, Hants, to 1607 at Little \\'ittenham, P.erlcs, when his migration to 
 London took place. 
 
 Up to the year 1607 we find him using aUogcthcr five successive varieties of lettering,' 
 which do not concern us here, except that we may note his use with one set of the IJrasver 
 ihrec-bcU shield. With his removal to London, however, comes a further change in the style 
 of his lettering, he ha\ ing taken on the smaller Hrasyer set of capitals from Mot, and these he 
 uses almost invariably. They occur at Wingrave, Bucks, in K'loS, and we may surnii.se that 
 this bell was cast in London and not at Reading. 
 
 The only bell by Joseph Carter in Essex is tlie treble at Stanford Rivers, inscribed in the 
 Brasyer lettering : 
 
 The list being short, we way gi\c lii^ other l.diidon-cast bells also: 
 
 1607. .Sedlescombe, .Sussex, ist,, ^rd., " Rustic " capitals. 
 
 1608. Walton on-Thames, .Surrey :;nd. Hrasyer lettering. 
 Wingrave, Bucks, 3rd ,, ,, 
 
 1609. Gt. Finborough, SulTolk, ist. Small Roman letters with ff mark. 
 Wittersham, Kent, ist., 31 d. Krasver lettering. 
 
 To this list maybe added the former 2nd at .\11 Hallows Staining, London, recorded 
 by Mr. Tyssen as inscribed : 
 
 laocphus (9.u-tcv inc fecit UW 
 
 The Sedlescombe l)ells are interesting from their use of the " rustic "' letters and the 
 accompanying cross-stops (Plate XXIIL, Figs. 9, 11), while the second has the crowned bell. 
 The fourth of that ring, dated 1606, seems to have been cast by him at Reading,' and it may 
 be inferred that Carter kept on his business there conctu'rently with that in London. He 
 was not, however, destined to retain the latter long, for he died in May, 1609, leaving his 
 son William in charge of the London foundry, while that at Reading went to his son-in-law 
 William Yarc ; Mr. Cocks has given the text of his will and various liiograi)hical notices of his 
 family.^ 
 
 WILLIAM CARTER (1609 1616). 
 
 William Carter had only a brief career, and has lel't aliout thirteen bells covering a 
 period of eight years, of which three are to be found in Essex. 
 
 High Ongar, 
 
 2nd. 
 
 i6ro. 
 
 Willingale Doe, 
 
 2nd. 
 
 1610. 
 
 Stapleford Tawney, 
 
 2nd. 
 
 161 I . 
 
 ' See Bucks, p. 85. One of these wns the set of Thomas Lawrence's capitals (Plate XIV'. ; see above, p. 46). 
 'Cf. the 4th at Weston Turville, liucUs, and the old 4th at Drayton, Berks, 160S. 
 'See Burks, p. 91.
 
 :,ni. 
 
 Rom 111 (■i;)il:il.s. 
 
 5th. 
 
 ISiasyer. 
 
 5 th. 
 
 )T 
 
 I St. 
 
 IJlack K'ttt-r, 
 
 3rd. 
 
 lUasyer. 
 
 2nd. 
 
 »» 
 
 2nd. 
 
 1) 
 
 THOMAS BAKTI.KTT 73 
 
 All .similarly inscribed in the Kiasyer smaller a'p'ialx'l : 
 
 H^WJlJiaT^ (|^^(5jn^ m ^TOG'^S (n-i.h the date). 
 The list of his l)ells in other euunties is as follows : 
 
 1610. .Southfle.rt, Kent, 
 
 Micklehani, Surrey, 
 Walton-on-'riiames „ 
 
 1612. Halstead, Kent, 
 
 1613. Ridge, Herts. 
 I'.anstead, .Surrey, 
 
 I fi I 4. \Ve.st Molesey „ 
 
 W'eybridge ,, Recast 3rd. „ 
 
 1(115 Stourmouth, Kent, 3rd. 
 
 1616. .Southgale, Middlesex, Sanctus Roman capilaN. 
 
 On the Halstead bell occurs a mark ]f lornud by scratching in the co|ie, which had also been 
 employed by Joseph Carter at (Ireat hinborough (se: above), an 1 whicli appears again at 
 Stapleford Tawney. But it is not until we come to the Sonlh-^'.it: i)ell that we see its 
 meaning. This interesting little relic of the old Weld (:ha])el. biill about 16 16, demands .soine 
 attention though not an " East -Saxon." It is inscribed : ' 
 
 GOD BE MY G00D SPEED W C 1616 
 
 THE GYIFT 0F THE LaDYE lOAiVE BR00Ka 
 
 Here we have not only the mark (m two sizes), but m coniiei ti;)n therewith the initials TB, 
 obviously those of Thomas Bartlet, the Carters' foreman and successor. It is clear that he 
 placed this, his private mark, on bells which he actually moulded himself; liut he also used it 
 afterwards when founding independentU . 
 
 There is no record of the date of W illi im Carter's death, Inil ii may be presumed 
 to have taken place in 1616. Mr. Tyssen has in his possession an e.xtract from the 
 Whitechapel Parish Books which relates to his being called in to recast five bells there in 
 16 14. But this is all we know about him. 
 
 THOMAS BARTLETT (1616 1631). 
 
 Thomas Bartlett's career extends from 1616 to 1631, while the foundry remained in the 
 hands of his family down to the end of the century. Mr. Cocks thinks that he came w-ith Joseph 
 Carter from Reading; we have already seen that he was acting as foreman in 1609. His list 
 of bells numbers over thirty, confined to the four counties of Middlesex, Essex, Herts, and 
 Kent. The activity of the Knights at Reading and the Eldridges at Chertsey no doubt hemmed 
 him in on the western side ; but we might have expected at least one in Surrey. The Essex 
 examples, eighteen in number, are all from the south or south-west of the county ; and here 
 
 ' Cf the 2nd at Shenlej-, Hens, Bartlet's earliest independem production. 
 
 10
 
 74 
 
 THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 again he found rivals in Miles Oraye on the north-eist and Oldlidd on the noilh. 
 as follows : — 
 
 . . 3r<l. 
 
 I St. 
 
 . . 5th. 
 
 I St. 
 
 2nd. 
 
 Bell. 
 
 1st and 2nd. 
 
 4th. 
 
 2nd. 
 
 3rd. 
 
 2nd. 
 
 I St— 4th. 
 
 They are 
 
 1617. 
 
 C'orringham . 
 Ramsden Grays 
 
 
 I6I8. 
 
 Aveley . 
 Rainham 
 
 
 i6ig. 
 
 Laindon Clays 
 
 
 1620. 
 
 Rochford, Corn 
 
 Exchange 
 
 1621. 
 
 East Horndon 
 West Tilbury 
 
 • 
 
 1626. 
 
 Shenfield 
 
 
 1628. 
 
 Chadvvell 
 
 
 1629. 
 
 Corringham . 
 Fobbing 
 
 
 etween 1620 
 
 and 1629. Great Warley. 
 
 .63,. 
 
 Willingale Doc 
 
 . 
 
 n.d. 
 
 Little Parndon 
 
 . 
 
 Recast bell. 
 
 3rd. 
 Hell 
 
 They do not call for much discussion, being almost without excejitiuii iiLseribed in small plain 
 letters 
 
 THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 
 
 On Corringham 3rd and at Ramsden Grays we note the use of the mark ( Plate XXV., Fig. t) 
 which also occurs at Little Parndon. The latter bell has no date or inscription, only an orna- 
 mental border which occurs on a fine bell at the Charterhouse, London (1631) ; the other two 
 are both inscribed like the Southgate bell above, god be mv good speed 1617. 
 
 It is, as Stahlschmidt notes, a curious fact that there was another Thomas BartUt, 
 contemporaneous with this one, who lived at Durham and ilied there in 1632. A bell of his, 
 dated 1624, remains at St Margaret's church in that city. 
 
 Our Thomas Bartlet was elected parish sidesman of Whitechapel, April 24th, 162 i. There 
 is no actual record of his death, but his son Anthony does not make his appearance until 1647. 
 Curiously enough, this blank does not seem to have been noted hitherto, and most writers have 
 assumed that Thomas died in 1647. 
 
 I had long suspected that 1631 was the year of his death, and only recently received un- 
 expected confirmation of my theory. An entry in the Churchwarden's Accounts of St. Martin's- 
 in-the-Fields ' runs as follows : — 
 
 March 20, 1632. Paid to Ellinor Bartlet, widow of Thomas Bai tlet, for casting the said second Bell 
 weighing 7 Hundred a quarter and 4 lb. at 15.1'. a Hundred, and every pound of new metal at I2d. a 
 pound, as by bill and acquittance appears 5/- i6.v. 4ii. 
 
 But how is the gap of sixteen years to be fdled uj)? We have no reason for .supposing 
 that Mrs. Bartlet carried on the management of the foundry for the whole of that time, and 
 Anthony must have been quite a child at the time of his father's death. There is, I think, a 
 founder who exactly fills up the lacuna, and although very little is known of him, there is good 
 reason for supposing that he was a Whitechapel man. 
 
 ' (luoletl in the Athcnarutii, 31 Aiii;., 1901.
 
 JOHN CLIFTON J ^ 
 
 JOHN CLIFTON (le,-,:! 1640). 
 
 This man is folm (lirton, liy whom twelve hells in Soiilli Essex still remain, together with 
 lour in Herts, one in \'orkshirc, and records of others in Middlesex and Surrey. That he was a 
 Londoner at any rale can therefore hardly lit" (juestioned : hut that he was a \\'hili-( hap.l man 
 is clearly indicated hy the following fact. 
 
 The 2nd hell at Lambourne hears |ohn ( liflon's name followed hy the initials A II with 
 Thomas Bartlet's circular foundry mark (Plate XXV,, Fig. 2) in hetween. It is dated 1640, 
 and there can he little doubt that Anthony I'artlet was on this occasion acting as Clifton's 
 foreman, while the latter could hardly have u.sed the Whitechapel foundry stamp if he had 
 nothing to do with the foundry. It is true that his lettering is not the same as tho.se used by 
 the Bartlets. But there can be little doubt that during these eight years he was acting as 
 Regent in the foundry until young Bartlet attained his majority. It is a matter for regret that 
 Thomas Bartlet's will has not turned up to throw some more light on the matter. 
 
 John Clifton's Essex bells (a curiously large proportion of the whole number', are as 
 follows : — 
 
 ist — ^r.l. 
 2nd. 
 1st. 
 . old 3rd. 
 2nd. 
 ,vd. 
 2nd. 
 Hell. 
 Bell. 
 5th. 
 2nd. 
 They are mostly inscribed in [jlain Roman capitals of medium si/.e, usually : 
 
 lOHN CLIFTON MADE ME 
 
 with the date. Little liurstead and Stifford ist have only the initials I (' with the date ; Sutton 
 bell is inscribed in a smaller type : 
 
 1 C GILES AYLEIT CHVKCH WARDENS 163S 
 
 which lettering I also recognise on a bell of the same date at Frichlcy, near Pontefract in 
 Yorkshire, inscribed I C 163S.' At Leyton he used the Latin form ioh.\nks, and also an 
 ornamental border of an effective kind. The West Thurrock bells have only churchwarden's 
 names, but the lettering is evidently his ; on these three bells he uses two very ornamental 
 arabesque borders (Plate XXV., Figs. 3, 4), which, like that at Leyton, are quite unicjue. At 
 Horndon=on-Hill we find Bartlet's foundry-stamp again, but without the initials as at Lam- 
 bourne. 
 
 I am indebted l^i Mr. J. E. Popiileloii fur details. 
 
 .632. 
 
 West Thurrock . 
 
 1633- 
 
 Little Burstead . 
 
 
 Stifford . 
 
 1634- 
 
 Leyton 
 
 
 Willingale Doe . 
 
 1935- 
 
 East Horndon . 
 
 
 Stifford 
 
 
 Theydon Mount 
 
 1638. 
 
 Sutton 
 
 1640. 
 
 Horndon-on-Hill 
 
 
 Lambourne
 
 y6 THE CHl'RCH lihLLS OK ESSKX 
 
 The other bells by Cliflon, so far as known, arc as follows : 
 
 Layston, Herts .... ist— 4th— 1633. See Herts, p. 47- 
 
 Bromley St. Leonard, Middlesex- . old 3rd — 1638. 
 
 Lambeth, Surrey .... old sanctus— 1639. 
 Fricklev, ^■orks., W.R 1638. 
 
 ANTHONY BARTLET (i64(m675). 
 
 Anthony Bartlct was in charge of the \Vhite'ihapel foundry from 1640 or thereabouts until 
 1675, when he was succeeded by his son James; but lie ajipears to have done very little 
 business except during the last few years of his life, when the resurrection of the London City 
 churches after the Great Fire proved a favourable opportunity for him. In any case, there was 
 not inuch demand for bells between 1642 and 1650, and doubtless he found the Hodson firm 
 (see below) very formidable rivals. His earliest known bell, the former tenor at All Hallows Stain- 
 ing, London, was dated 1647, and he cast five bells for St. Olave, Hart Street, in 1662, and eight 
 for various rebuilt Citv churches. His Essex list amounts to sixteen (e.xcluding Lambourne) : — 
 
 i"55- 
 
 Hutton . 
 
 1657- 
 
 (Jhingford 
 
 1662. 
 
 Stanford Rivers 
 
 
 Wennington . 
 
 1664. 
 
 South Hanningfield 
 
 
 Shen field 
 
 
 South Weald . 
 
 1672. 
 
 Chipping Ongar 
 
 i'''73- 
 
 Burnham-on-Crouch 
 
 
 North Weald . 
 
 1674. 
 
 Hornchurcli . 
 
 
 Little Laver . 
 
 1675- 
 
 Toppesfield . 
 
 1. 
 
 Recast 4th (now 51I1). 
 
 2nd. 
 
 1. 
 
 1 '> 
 
 1 , - . 
 
 5- 
 
 clock. 
 
 I. 
 
 2, 3. 4- 
 
 None of them call for particular remark, except the clock-bell at liornchurch, which is 
 chiefly interesting for the Latinised name of the village thereon : — 
 
 DONVM THOMAE BRANDON ECCLESIAE CORNVTAE IN COM ESSEX 
 
 MAII XXIX MDCl.XXIIII {^. 
 
 Most of them are inscribed in plain medium letters, 
 
 ANTHONY BARTLET MADE ME 
 
 tht- n's being usu.ill\ re\eiscd; then follow the tiate and Thomas Hartlet's trade-mark, with 
 tli.it lounder's name still upon it. Where his name is not given, his initials often appear on 
 either sid(! of this stamp. .\t Little Laver we find : 
 
 ALL GLORY BE TO GOD 1674 1^ 
 
 His olhcr l)ells are distributed over London (16), Kent, (six and two recast), Herts (three), 
 Cambridge (two ("oUege Chapel Bells), and Bedford, Northumberland and Sussex, one apiece, 
 making a total of forty-nine.
 
 JAMES nARTI.ET 
 
 11 
 
 JAMES BARTLET (1675 17..,.). 
 
 lames EaitUu, Anthony's son, was in possession of tlic foundry forever a quarter of a 
 century, dying in January, 1701. As earl)' as 1665 he was working for liis father, as may be 
 gathered from the churchwardens' accounts of Aylesford, Rent. '{"hanks to Mr. Tyssen's 
 researches, we know more of his personal history than is the case with his predecessors. From 
 the \\'hitechapel X'estry Books we learn that he was a public-spirited parishoner : 
 
 M'' that Mr. James Bartlet by reason he att his oinie cost did new cast the Tennour and 'I'hird 
 bell, was to be forever excused uoni serving of any parish offices, agreed to by us whose names are 
 subscribed the 23 of December, 1686. 
 
 In the Registers for 20 Jan. 1700, occurs the entry ; 
 James Bartlet Ijell founder from y High Street. 
 We also have a record of his administration of his estate to his widow ; and Stahlschmidt ' 
 ascertained that he was a member of the Founders' Company, in which he served various offices 
 from 1 69 1 to 1696. 
 
 His bells are much more numerous than those of his predecessors. I have notes of over 
 eighty still remaining, with others that have disappeared. While Middlesex and London have 
 no less than thirty-one (mostly in the rebuilt City churches), Essex has only ten, an unusually 
 small proportion. The fame of the Hodson firm seems to have declined after about 1680, as 
 did that of the neighbouring foundries at Chertsey, Reading, and Ulcombe, so that he had 
 more scope for his business. He is also found in Bucks, Cambridge, Herts, Kent, Norfolk, 
 Oxford, Suffolk, and Surrey, but in no case have we now a complete ring from his hands. 
 
 In Essex we have 
 
 1682. Hocking ...... 6. 
 
 1684. Hockley 
 
 Lambourne . 
 
 Soutbminster 
 1688. Boreham 
 
 Broxted 
 1692. Aveley. 
 
 Coggeshall . 
 1699. Maldon St. Peter 
 
 Of these unquestionably the finest a 
 
 2. 
 2. 
 5 and clock. 
 
 5- 
 4. 
 
 4- 
 . Recast 6. 
 I. 
 
 d most interesting is the gift of l)r. Plume to Maldon 
 
 THIS BELL WAS NEW CAST AT TME CHARGE OF THOMAS PEVME D D 
 ADN OF ROCHR' AND MN!* OF 
 
 GREENWICH 1699 lACOBVS BARTLET ME FECIT 
 
 Barllet's lettering is similar to that used by his father, but if anything plainer ; his bells are 
 devoid of all ornament except the trade-mark. 
 
 •rUli BURV FOUNDRY, II. 
 
 STEPHEN TONNE XL (i5S9 'jS;) 
 
 On a previous page we have shewn that there was probably a Stephen Tonne founding in 
 
 ' h'tiii, p. 96.
 
 yg THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 N.W. Essex about 1542-46, who is to be distinguished from a later' founder of that name 
 residing, as he himself tells us, at Bury St. Edmunds. We fust meet with this individual in 
 1559, when he appears at Rdplium, Norfolk. Here the inseription, (in Roman letters), is a 
 quotation from Ps. 84, 4, and the stops are a fleur-de-lys and a erown pierced with two arrows 
 in saltire (Plate XX\"I., Figs. 4-6) On the waist is a medallion with the Crucifixion, and 
 below, the words : 
 
 DE BYlil artNTE EDMONDE STEFANYS TONNI ME FECIT 
 
 This bell then introduces us to a series extending from 156;, to 15S7, in which tlie 
 inscription on tlu^ waist pf the Reepham bell is repeated round the shoiilder, with the crown- 
 and-arrows and fleur-de-lys stops. We have at all events no hesitation in locating this Ste])hen 
 Tonne at Bury St. Edmunds : the crown and arrows would be sufficient proof without his 
 explicit statement. 
 
 Mr. Redstone, to whom we have already proved ourselves so greatly indebted, .sends the 
 following notes relating to Stephen Tonne II., extracted from Bury records : — 
 
 Admons. & Allegations. Bk. I. 1 577-151/), fol. 45. 
 Tonev at Golibett. 1 5 Ap. 1 5S3. License to solemnise matrimony between Stephen Timney {sic) 
 of Bury St. Edmunds, bell founder, and Margaret Gobbett of Occolde, directed 
 to the Rector of Occold. 
 
 Ibict., fol. 211. 
 .Administration of the goods of Stephen Tonnye of Bury St. Edmunds, 22nd 
 Oct., 1595, directed to Margaret his relict. 
 llnd., fol. 2\b. 
 Smyth et Tonnye. 6 Mar. 1595. License &c., between Robert Smyth of Lavenham and Margaret 
 Tonnye, wid., of Bury St. Edmunds, directed to all clergy, etc. 
 
 I/nd., fol. 264. 
 Will of Margaret Smyth proved 27th ^Lay, 1620. 
 
 Stephen Tonne's name also occurs in a document dated 23 June, 28 Elizabeth (1585-1586), 
 which forms the cover of a MS. sermon of 1670 now at Theberton Hall in Suflblk.' 
 
 Stephen Tonne's bells are found in the four counties of Essex, Cambridge, Norfolk and 
 Suffolk. In the last named there are thirty-three, (and five recast), in Norfolk three, in Cam 
 bridge eight (and two recast), while the Essex examjiles number five : — 
 
 1574. Borley . . . . . . . ist. 
 
 1575. Hempstead ...... 5th. 
 
 1579- \Vickham St. Paul ..... 4th. 
 
 1581. (;estingthor[)e .... foinicr 5th. 
 
 1584. Wickham St. Paul 2nd. 
 
 The first and the last three arc inscribed alike, except for date (sec Plate XX\'I., I'igS. 1-;,). 
 
 DE jIc BvrI ^ 2aNT[ i EDMONDI + 2T£fANV2 ip 
 
 ToNNi ip r^?. ip Fecit ^ %\7^ ^ 
 
 but the Hempstead tenor has in addition 
 
 ^ FIIaI\7 -^ V!RSIJ<I1^ -t- MHKIH -V bii"! -^ J<iOBl^ + (SSVDIS 4- VI^IH' 
 
 ' Ex injorm. ilie late Dr. Raven, July 1906. -Cf. also the tenoi at Chcdiston, Suffolk.
 
 STEPHEN TONNE H. 79 
 
 which seems a distinct return to the Wood Ditton and Stanstead type of inscription (p. 59): 
 s ich mediaevalisms are however by no means unknown on post-Reformation bells. A bell at 
 Oxburgh, Norfolk, is inscribed in the same large capitals with vv. 8, g of the Te £)««»«, dated 1582. 
 On many of Tonne's bells, e.;^. at (restingthorpe and Wickhani St. Paul, the initials W. 1-. 
 ajjpear at the end of the inscription,' and more rarely as at Whatfield, Suffolk, we fuid T. 1). in 
 the same place. These denote respectively two founders named William Land and Thomas 
 Draper, who were acting as assistants to the Bury founder. They must be considered 
 .separately ; hut meanwhile we may note three bells which they seem to have cast together at 
 Bury, for they are inscrilied in Tonne's lettering : 
 
 1574. Copford ;;rd. 
 
 DT -^LW ^ DOG ^ FEARE I i Z V g 
 
 1574. Stanway old ist. 
 
 4. FEARH ^ir.OD ^ WL S ID ^ 1574 
 
 1575. lialstead Sth. 
 
 TD WL 
 ^ OMNIA lOVAM m LAVDANT s ANIMANTIA ^ 1575 
 
 They may, of course, have been actually cast under Tonne's superintendence, as the type 
 and stops are still his. There are three similar bells in Suffolk, one with Stephen Tonne's name ; 
 one at Brettenham has W. L. only. 
 
 With the death of Stephen Tonne in 1595, there comes a gap in the Bury foundry, 
 and its later seventeenth century representatives are not found in Essex, with one exception, with 
 whom we may deal here, though not in strict chronological sequence. 
 
 JOHN HARDY. 
 
 The modern church of Highwood, a parish taken out of Writtic in 1842, has in its turret 
 a bell inscribed : 
 
 I H IS 
 
 which was formerly the clock bell at West Stow Hall near Bury St. Edmunds. The character 
 of the lettering suggests the seventeenth century, and we may assume that I H are^or at all 
 events may be — the founder's initials. Now there was a bell-founder of Bury St. Edmunds 
 named John Hardy who died in January, 1657,'' and whose will has been preserved, though 
 hitherto no bells by him have come to light. He lived near the Risby Gate, and his brother- 
 in-law, Abraham Greene, was al.so a bell-founder. It is natural to suppo.se that the clock bell of 
 a private house would be supplied by a local man, and therefore it seems very probable that 
 
 ' There are twenty-two instances in Suffolk. 
 ^ .See Suffolk, p. 1 20.
 
 8o THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 we have here a specimen — the only knuwii specimen — of this John Hardy's work. West 
 Stow Hall was built as a residence for Sir John Croftes, a member of the household of Charles 
 Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, in the sixteenth century ;' but the Rev. H. M. llurgess, \'icar of 
 Highwood, informs me that it was occupied by new tenants of the name of Seiger about the 
 middle of the seventeenth century. In that case the SIS has some allusion to them, and the 
 bell was put up by them when entering on occupation. It is just possible however that the 
 I H might stand for lohn Harding (see p. 65), the letters not being unlike his at Navcstock, in 
 whicli case the bell would date from the time of the'Croftes tenancy. 
 
 THOMAS DRAPER OF THETFORD. 
 
 'i'homas Draper, whom we have seen at Bury in 1574-75 was a native of Thetford in 
 Norfolk. He was Mayor oJ' that ])lace in 1592 and died there in 1595, being buried in St. 
 Cuthbert's church. L'Estrange gives the text of his will. ' There are about twebe bells by 
 him in Norfolk, five in Suffolk, three in Cambridgeshire, and one, strange to say, at Huttoii 
 Forest, Cumberland. There is also one in Essex, the 4th at Stambourne, which bears merely 
 a fleur-de-lys and the date 1584, Init is recogni.sable as his work by the former mark (Plate 
 XXVI., Fig. 9). ■* Thomas Draper also uses the Bury crown and arrows with top of the 
 stamp cut off. His independent Ijells cover the period 1577 1595, so we may a.ssume that 
 his foundry at Thetford was an off-shool from liury, started under his auspices, the mutilation 
 of the foundry-stamp being perhaps due to a desire to mark the severance of the business. 
 He was succeeded by his son, John Draper, whose bells are not found in Essex. 
 
 WILLIAM LAND. 
 
 The history of this name is somewhat puzzling. Bells with the name or initials extend 
 from 1572 to 1637, but as there is a distinct gap between 1587 and th\:. it appears 
 tolerably certain that there were two founders of the name, the first of whom was, as we have 
 seen, Stephen Tonne's assistant at Bury, the second either an itinerant or perhaps a Londoner. 
 With the first-named then we have already dealt sufticiently ; he may have been the son of one 
 William Lawnd, who in 1548-9 purchased 'a crose of copper and other oldc mettyll of lattyn ' 
 from the churchwardens of St. Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey. ' 
 
 \\'e now turn to \Villiam Land 11. His bells are widely distributed, but from the church- 
 wardens' Accounts of Eltham, Kent, we learn that in 1617-18 at any rate he was living in 
 Houndsditch, London. The entries run : 
 
 payed tow Rechard Cleaywood the ij day of April 1618 for carreiny 
 and fetching of the great bell tow and from Howenesdich x* vjd 
 
 Aprill 1618 pfl to Wm. Land belfounder in full payment 
 
 of v /. for casting the great bell v'' 
 
 And in the accounts of the (,"harterhouse, London, for 1613 we read 
 To Wm. Land for two brasses for the bell vveying xxv"' at xljd the ii. 
 
 (For so small a job a local founder would naturally be employed). 
 
 ' See /iiiry and iV. Suffolk Anh. Jinl. ii. p. 148. 
 'Norfolk, p. 44. 
 
 *L'Estrange's representation is not as accurate as Dr. Raven's in Cambs., p. 65, fig. 77. 
 
 ^Suffolk, p. 98. There is also in the accounts of St. Mary Woolnolh, London, for 1564-650 payment of 
 v* vjd to a bell-founder ' in houncdiche' for trussing the hells. This may he the same man.
 
 WILLIAM LAND 8 1 
 
 (For so small a job a local founder would naturally be employed). 
 The Essex bells of this period are ten in number. 
 
 n.d. Great Veldham 5th. 
 
 1615. Ramsden Bellhouse ist. 
 
 1 618. Greenstead by Ongar Bell. 
 
 1624. Little Bardfield ist. 
 
 Great Sampford I-3.4. 
 
 1632. Mucking 2nd. 
 
 1634. Basildon 2nd. 
 
 1637. Hutton 3rd. 
 
 Most of them are inscribed in plain, rather rough letters 
 
 WILLIAM LAND MADE ME 
 
 but at Ramsden Bellhouse we have 
 
 Guliclmbs Tian^ jVx Tetit 1618' 
 
 and at Great Yeldham, in the same lettering 
 
 n?c inabc the lumb of luilliain laanb ^jj^ I m % 
 
 This bell though undated is evidently contemporaneous with the last. For the ornaments and 
 initials, see Plate XXVI., Figs. 7, 11-13. Other bells of his that may be mentioned here are 
 Northolt, Middlesex, 2nd (161 7); Kirkoswald, Cumberland, 2nd (1619)'; Fetcham, Surrey 
 (1613); Barnes 6th, formerly ist (1616); Dulwich College Chapel (1633); Wilmington 
 Kent, ist (1636). 
 
 In the middle of his career he seems to have returned to the paternal haunts, for we find 
 three bells in Cambridgeshire covering the period 1622-24, and the Little Bardfield and 
 Great Sampford bells doubtless emanate from the same quarter. The 3rd and 4th at 
 Stapleford, Cambs., bear his initials, and on the 3rd are also those of John Draper of Bury, 
 with whom he seems to have been temporarily associated, as were their respective sires. In 
 1624 he cast the 'Silver' bell for the gateway of St. John's College, Cambridge. 
 
 In 1900 the British Museum acquired a mortar of bell-metal, round the upper part of 
 which is inscribed 
 
 WILLIAM LAND MADE ME 1612 I L 
 
 The same initials occur at Great Yeldham, and must in both cases denote a John or 
 other Land acting as his foreman. This mortar gives the earliest recorded date for William 
 Land II. 
 
 The Norwich Foundry II. 
 
 JOHN BREND (1564 S2). 
 
 We have already traced the history of this important foundry in mediaeval times, and 
 have seen that the Brasyer dynasty came to an end in 1513, between which time and 1564 we 
 
 ' I am told that this bell has been lately recast. See Cumber/and a»J ll'titm. Arch. i>of. Trans, xiii. {1895), 
 p, 210.
 
 §2 TH^ CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 meet with two more names : William Barker (1530-38) and Thomas LawreiHL- ( i 541-45). Sub- 
 sequently it is possible that Austen Bracker (see below) fills the gap. 
 
 From 1564 onwards the foundry was in the hands (.f the Brend family whose history has 
 been carefully worked out by L'Estrange {Norfolk, p. 34 fl.) John Bread's initials occur on 
 bells between 1564 and 1582, but his name never appears in t'liU. As these bells are usually 
 inscribed simply anno domini in Roman ca])itals with the date in Arabic numerals, we 
 must probably assign to him the tenor at Birdbrook, inscribed 
 
 ANNO ►!- DOMINI 1570 
 
 There is at all events no other candidate for this distinction. The initial cross is given on 
 Plate XXVII., Fig. i. 
 
 OTHER FOUNDERS OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURN' Ol' UNCERTAIN 
 
 LOCALITY. 
 
 I. AUSTEN BRACKER. 
 
 This founder has long vexed the souls of comparative campanists. Canon Ellacombe 
 apparently confused him with William Dawe, and this led to the notion that he was a London 
 founder. Inasmuch as he uses the rose-en-soleil which was once the property of Bullisdon 
 (p. 40) he may possibly have been, at least in origin ; but the locality of his bells is not in 
 favour of it. They are by no means common. L'Estrange found some half dozen in 
 Norfolk ; there are two or three in Suffolk which escaped the eye of its learned historian ; two 
 in Cambridgeshire ; one each in Leicester and Lincoln ; and finally one in Essex. Geo- 
 graphical evidence therefore points to Lynn or Norwich for his foundry, preferably the former. 
 
 His chief peculiarity is his mediaevalising tendency both in stamps and alphabets, and in 
 the form of his inscriptions. As however his only dated bells (at Islington, Norfolk) are of the 
 year 1556, this may be explained by the supposition that he was a follower of the Marian 
 regime. But he evidently had a weakness for picking up old lettering and stamps, for 
 obtaining which at this time there seems to have been every facility. 
 
 The Essex specimen is at Alphamstone (the 2nd), and is inscribed in bold Gothic 
 capitals : 
 
 At first sight a good fourteenth century bell, and at one time thought to he from the 
 Lynn foundry. But careful comparison of the rubbing with others of his bells will shew that 
 the alphabet (Plate XXVII., Fig. 4-9) is merely an enlarged version of his usual type, e.g. 
 at Newton, Cambs. The cross too (Plate XXXIL, Fig. 7) is one not found on any mediaeval 
 bell ; it was afterwards used by Gardiner of Sudbury (see below). Some of the letters, such as 
 the A, are like one of the mediaeval Norwich sets, and altogether he seems to have been a sort 
 of eclectic in taste.
 
 GRENE AND DIER 
 
 83 
 
 I append a list of bells which appear to be Austen Hracker's work : 
 
 Cambridgeshire : 
 
 Newton 
 
 2nd. 
 
 
 Harston 
 
 4th. 
 
 Essex 
 
 Alphamstone 
 
 2nd. 
 
 Leicester 
 
 Catthorpe 
 
 1st. 
 
 Lincoln 
 
 Six Hills 
 
 3rd. 
 
 Norfolk 
 
 Islington 
 
 2nd. 
 
 
 Shouldham 
 
 3rd. 
 
 
 Long Stratton 
 
 clock 
 
 
 Newton by Castle-Acre Bell. 
 
 
 Sprowston 
 
 3rd. 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Little Cornard 
 
 5th. 
 
 
 Sotterley 
 
 2nd. 
 
 
 Little Welnetham 
 
 ISt. 
 
 Lettering like Alphamstone but smaller. 
 Cross ; small lettering 
 Dated 1556. 
 
 Brasyer shield. 
 
 Lettering as at Alphamstone. 
 
 Lettering a smaller version of Alphamstone. 
 
 2. JOHN GRENE am. JOHN DIER (1575 1600). 
 
 Of these two men, who may be associated from the similarity and distribution of their 
 bells, and who were very likely both itinerants, John Grene need not detain us long. \Ve 
 have now only three specimens of his work existing : the 2nd at Ahbotsley, Hunts, the 2nd at 
 Kimholton in the same county, and the tenor at Elsenham. There were also formerly two at 
 Harpenden, Herts, recast in 1898. The Elsenham bell is inscribed 
 
 Jo^anea grene me feci( anno 6n 1572 
 
 and at Kimbolton he attempts an ambitious hexameter 
 
 J^ie irtfiue ^anc formam (BR^TlllS 6e5i( <xtU Joanee 1372 
 
 We know nothing more of him, though there was a family of Greenes founding at Worcester 
 between 1530 and 1650 ; but the name is too common for this to be more than a coincidence. 
 John Dier's bells are much more numerous ; eleven in Essex, ten in Bedfordshire, one 
 each in Cambridge, Bucks, and Suffolk, eleven in Herts, and two in Hunts. The Essex list is 
 as follows : 
 
 1577- 
 
 Stock 
 
 
 3rd 
 
 1580. 
 
 Broomfield 
 
 
 old ISt 
 
 
 Corringham 
 
 
 ISt 
 
 1588. 
 
 High Easter 
 
 
 2nd and 3rd 
 
 1594- 
 
 Berners Roothi 
 
 ng 
 
 ISt : 
 
 30un 
 
 ♦ D^fF- 
 
 M 
 
 npatjf 
 
 1598. 
 
 Paglesham 
 
 
 ISt : 
 
 lue I ^ 94 
 
 Jo^annee bier ^anc uivurctuiv? fecif 
 
 1600. Elsenham 2nd ; 
 
 j[o3n: 5ier: tma^e: f^ie fieff: 
 
 n.d. Barling ist 
 
 Little Baddow 3rd 
 
 Fyfield old 2nd
 
 84 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 It will be seen that they are entirely confined to the south and west of the county, all but one 
 being in the Archdeaconry of Essex. They are usually inscribed in coarse black-letter: 
 
 3oiin: muYi maUc: «nf* 
 
 and there is usually a double stop before or after each word on the same patera. The Stock 
 bell is a remarkable exception. Here the inscription, in plain Roman letters, is incised on the bell 
 
 lOHN CIAR ANO RObERT WICKES MADE THIS bELL 1577 
 
 Who the Robert Wickes associated with Dier in this instance may have been we have no other 
 evidence to shew. Three other exceptional ones have been given in the list above. 
 
 It is possible that the 2nd at Qreat Canfield, (see above, p. 59) although it bears 
 John Tonne's initial cross, may be Dier's work. The inscription 
 
 )£aiii)atc bomiiuim be alio Ituiibatc cum in c.\ crisis 
 
 is not of a pre-Reformation type, and the capital L is certainly Elizabethan, from the 
 same fount as Dier's capitals. And we have already seen (p. 65) that there are good grounds 
 for attributing to this founder a bell at Thorington, Suffolk, originally cast for Wanstead. 
 
 JOHN CLARKE (1599 i62>)- 
 
 Stahlschmidt {Herts, p. 32) mentions a bell-founder named Clarke living at ' Thes 
 thewurth ' (Datchworth) in that county in the reign of Queen Mary, and describes a liell 
 at Braughing dated 1562 with initials i C- Further, he finds a John Clarke living at Datchworth 
 1572-1582, whose son John was baptized 1575. Now we have about a dozen bells, no less 
 than six of which are in Essex, the others widely scattered, ranging in date from 1599 to 162 i, 
 all of which bear the name of John Clarke. It seems fair to assume, as our predecessor did 
 somewhat hesitatingly, that we have a father and son of the same name, both bell-founders, 
 but there is no evidence that the son carried on business at Datchworth as his father 
 apparently did. His other bells are at Flitwick, Beds., Eastwick, Herts., \Velney on the 
 borders of Cambridge and Norfolk, Cold Brayfield, Bucks, Northington, Hants., Wrentham 
 Suffolk, and Rumboldswyke, Sussex, ranging from 1601 to 161 1. A bell at VVormington, 
 Gloucestershire, has been attributed to him by previous writers, but, I think, on insufficient, 
 authority; it merely bears the name John Clark in plain Roman letters. 
 
 In Essex his bells exist at 
 
 1599. Wimbish ist 
 
 3obanc8 Clavhc Ibanc fecit Campanani 1500 ^ 
 
 1620. Little Burstead ist 
 
 lOHN CLARKE MADE THIS BELL I620 
 /V\ASTEK WILLIA/n SAME'S ESJVYEK
 
 PETKR HAWKES gr 
 
 1 62 1. Downliani 2nd 
 
 \61\ 
 
 lOHN CUARKE mADE THIS BElili R S 
 
 1621. RoxwL'll 3rd 
 
 MKDE THIS 
 BELl I 6 2 I 
 
 16— Tiltybell: 
 
 lOHH CliARKE mADE mE 16 
 
 The old bell at Chignal St. James was also by Clarke, the inscription being given by a 
 writer in the Gfiitleman's Magazine for 1786, p. 1009. The date of the Tilty bell is 
 incomplete. As may be seen {e.g. at Roxwell) the inscriptions vary in type, being either in 
 black-letter of the style affected by Dyer, or in heavy flat Roman letters of a kind characteristic 
 of this period, and often employed by the itinerant founders of the time, as aiso by the 
 Purdues of Taunton and Bristol (see also below). 
 
 PETER HAWKES (16081612). 
 
 Another founder of unknown locality, though certainly working in Essex, was Peter 
 Hawkes,' of whose bells only six remain, four in the county, one just over the border, at 
 Poslingford in Suffolk, and another known only from a rubbing. 
 
 The Essex examples are Birdbrook 1612, Ingatestone 1610, Shopland bell 1608, and 
 the bell of Little Stambridge Church, now preserved at Great Stambridge Rectory. They 
 are all inscribed in very elegant black letter (Plate XXVIII., Figs, i, 2) : — 
 
 pclrr i^aiukcs ntahc mc 
 
 the date at Little Stambridge being omitted. At Birdbrook and Ingatestone we have the 
 figure of a bird (Plate XXVIIL, Fig. 3), perhaps with reference to the founder's name. 
 
 The sixth example is known from a rubliing which the present writer owes to the 
 kindness of Mr. F. C. Eeles, who unfortunately has no recollection whence he obtained it. 
 It differs from the others in one respect, that it has on the waist in addition to the usual 
 inscription three stamps associated with the mediaeval Bristol foundry. These are a crown, a 
 ship, and a hand, all figured in Ellacombe's Gloucestershire (Figs. 31, 41, 34), as occurring at 
 Wapley in that county. The ship was adopted by a fifteenth century founder of that city 
 (probably John Gosselin who lived about 1450), as occurring in its arms. The crown is one 
 (the earliest) of three varieties used by that foundry. 
 
 So far we have no evidence to show where Hawkes resided, but he may have 
 itinerated about the county. I suspect that he hailed from Braintree, where the name 
 frequently occurs in the Registers between 1670 and 1812. Unfortunately they do not go 
 further back than 1660. 
 
 ' See on this founder, Eail An^t^lian N. and Q., N.S., i. p. 31 1.
 
 86 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 SEVENTEENTH CENTURY FOUNDRIES. 
 
 The Colchester Foundry. 
 RICHARD BOWLER (i5<S7-i6o3). 
 
 'I'lic Colchester foundry is associated pre-eminently with the name of (iraye, but at an 
 earlier date there appears a founder whose bells occur in north-east Essex, south Suffolk, and 
 Cambridgeshire, named Richard Bowler. " All agree," says Dr. Raven,' " in placing him at 
 Colchester, though there is nothing but tradition for it." This town certainly suited the 
 evidence of the geographical distribution of his bells as well as any other ; and we are now, 
 thanks to the researches of the late Mr. Charles Golding, in a position to prove the 
 certainty of the conjecture.' The proof is in the following extract from a bond dated 1600 : — 
 
 xxvj die Octobr. before Robt. Mott and Thomas Heckford, Bailiffs. 
 Ambrose Gilbert, of Colchester, in xl lb. (^40). 
 Matthew Browne - - in xx lb. 
 
 Lawrence Browne - - in xx lb. 
 
 bound to appear before the Justices and produce Ambrose Gilbert, for tliat he did grevouslye 
 hurte and wounded one Richard Bowler of Colchester bell founder soe as U is thought the said 
 Richard is in greate daunger of Dethe. 
 
 This " grievous hurt," however, he survived for at least four years. Mr. Golding also 
 noted that Richard Bowler of Colchester, Belfounder, was tried at the Gaol-delivery on 
 November 24th, anno quadyagesimo (sc. EUsabetkac, 1598), for allowing cattle to stray on to 
 lands of Reginald Oldfield. We do not know the result. During the subsequent century the 
 name of Bowler occurs not infrequently in the roll of free burgesses and elsewhere; but we do 
 not meet with the name of Augustine Bowler, who was a founder in Lincolnshire between 1627 
 and 1647." The name of Bowler does not occur in the Registers of St. Leonard Hythe, 
 which the late Dr. Raven thought the most likely parish for a bell-founder, nor so far has it 
 turned up in any other. 
 
 Bowler's bells range between 1587 at All Saints, Colchester, and 1604 at Little 
 Williraham, Cambridgeshire, and include fourteen in Suffolk, six (three recast) in Cambridge- 
 shire, and thirteen in Essex, which are as follows : 
 
 1587. Colchester All Saints 3rd. 
 
 RICKARDE □ BOLER c=] ME □ FECIT cd 1587 □ 
 
 {Below is a rou' of arcading ; above and below the inscription, cable monldings). 
 1589. Halstead 3rd. 
 
 <i> RICHARD BOWLER ME FECIT 1589 
 
 I 591. Birdbrook ist. 
 
 •J- RICHARD 4" CH 4" BOVVI.HR •{" C^ 4" '^'■- 4* dl FRCIT 4* CTI \f^\ U3 
 
 ''Suffolk, p. 104. 
 
 ''Essex Review, 1895, p. 30. 
 
 "Noitli, C.B. of Lines, p. 139.
 
 RICHARD BOWLER 
 1 59 1. Woruiingford ist. 
 •Jf FIERI • FECF.RVNT • VKNKRABILIS *. (iVLIKLMVS i WAI.DEQRAVK 
 UVLIELMVS '. LININH • UhNEROSV.S . \r9\ 
 
 87 
 
 MILES . ET 
 
 1591. W'oriiiingfdrd iiid. 
 
 Flfcllil 
 
 pesei^urj© 
 
 ueneFjfiBiiils 
 
 (^yuieLtffliis 
 
 TOfiLcDeGi^fiue : iKiijes 
 
 es Q GuuiGhfflys Q uinn& Q GerjGFjosus Q] i59i Q 
 
 flUGUS© i i Q 
 
 (The St mil p here is Plate XXVIII, Fig. S). 
 1595. Tolleshunt Knights 2nd. and Markshall bell, both inscribed: 
 
 "J" RICARDVS BOWLER ME FECIT iS9S 
 
 1600. Ridgewell ist. 
 
 RICARDVS BOWLER ME FECIT 1600 
 
 1601. Fairstead 4th. 
 
 I^KslpI^DUS BOraiiGI^ me PG(sI© I60I 
 „ Ridgewell 2nd. 
 
 leSUS Be OUP, Seeoe ricardvs bowler me fecit 1601 
 ,, Shalford 3rd, 
 RICARDVS <$• izn 4< BOWLER -J- izn -^ ME 4- c^ 4- FECIT -^ 1601 4< cu 4< CZl •$• 
 „ Shalford 4th. 
 
 »!• i^i©f7fii^D : Bi^3©orj : finu _ Sf^oujfis ' • eye '• gf?ui^<if? : 
 
 ra^I^DeRS 1601 
 
 RICARDVS BOWLER ME FECIT 
 
 „ Witham 3rd. 
 
 feU eitooui DCDi©! i^enouf^sfi yose Dosep.e laoi ^ 
 
 RICARDVS BOWLER HE FECIT (M"
 
 68 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Witham 4th. 
 
 DG© U sonieuffl y, ©LtenucQ £ 1176: [!€©[] fflODuupcQen | 
 
 RICARDVS BOWLBR HE FECIT 
 
 There are also fourteen in Suffolk (and one recast), ami in Camhridgeshire six, of which 
 no less than three have been recast. The list is as follows : 
 
 1589. Suffolk 
 IS9I- " 
 
 1592- 
 1598- .. 
 
 »> n 
 
 1600. ,, 
 
 I 60 I. 
 
 i6o; 
 
 1604. 
 
 Cambs. 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 J) 
 Cambs. 
 
 Stratford St. Mary 
 
 East Bergholt 
 
 Little Cornard 
 
 Great Wenham 
 
 Cookley 
 
 Ilketshali St. Andrew 
 
 Greeting St. Peter 
 
 Depden 
 
 Freston 
 
 East Bergholt 
 
 Campsey Ash 
 
 Wickhani Market 
 
 Barton 
 
 Cambridge St. Peter 
 
 Newton 
 
 Lavenham 
 
 Withersfield 
 
 Histon 
 
 Little Wilbraham 
 
 5 th 
 
 Sanctus 
 4th 
 3rd 
 
 old I St 
 old 4th 
 
 I St 
 
 3rd 
 Bell 
 
 3rd and old I St 
 
 4th 
 5 th 
 
 old 4th 
 Bell 
 
 I St 
 
 4th and 6th 
 
 2nd 
 
 old 3id and 4tli 
 
 3rd 
 
 Ornamental borders. 
 
 (iothic capitals and R.H. 
 mark on 3rd, as Witham. 
 
 (jOtliic capitals. 
 
 X'arious devices on 6th. 
 
 Richard Bowler was evidently a founder of artistic sympathies, for most of his bells are 
 ornamented with arcading, running borders, and a variety of stops (Plate XX\'1IL, I'igs. 7, 8, 
 XXIX., Fig. 8). He uses three alphabets, a larger and smaller of plain Roman type, usually 
 preceded by a plain cross (Plate XXLX., Fig. i), and also a very effective set of sprigged 
 Gothic capitals (Plate XXIX., Figs. 2-7, which we find at \\'itham, Wormingford, and elsewhere. 
 On the two Witham bells, and also at East Bergholt, Suffolk, we find a circle enclosing the 
 letters R.H. with an arrow between (Plate XXX., Fig. 11).' The occurrence of this stamp 
 seems to imply a connection with Richard Holdfeld (see below) from its similarity to the 
 latter's foundry shield which occurs on the tenor at Upminster. Holdfeld's bells are all 
 later than Bowler's with the e.xception of two in Bedfordshire, which are dated 1599, and as 
 the Witham and I'.ergholt bells are dated 1 601, it is (|uite possible that he was in that year 
 working at Colchester with Bowler. The Upminster bell, being dated 1602, also precedes 
 Holdfeld's Cambridgeshire bells, and may possibly have been cast at Colchester, which is 
 
 ' See North's Beds. p. 68.
 
 MILES GRAVE 89 
 
 nearer than Cambridge. Subsequently we shall see that Hoklfekl used Bowler's Gothic 
 capitals. 
 
 The originality of some of Bowler's inscriptions is worth noiing, esi)e<'ially tl osc at 
 Witham and Wormingford ; but the majority bear only his name and the date. 
 
 MILES GRAVE I. (1600-1649). 
 
 We have now to take up the tale of a genuine ' Essex worthy ' whom- Dr. Raven styles 
 ' the prince of founders,' the great Miles Graye. And if any founder was justified by his works, 
 it is surely he, as the lengthy list of bells cast at Colchester in the first half of the seventeenth 
 century, and still hanging in so many towers in East Anglian and other counties will prove. 
 His masterpiece our Suffolk historian claims to be the tenor at Lavenham, which weighs over 
 a ton, and has a justly-earned reputation. But before we discuss his bells in detail we must 
 .see what is known of his personal history and that of his family. 
 
 And to elucidate this has hitherto proved a singularly ditificult ta.sk. The problem is not 
 so much to find documentary notices of the Graye family, as to disentangle those which have 
 come to light, and dovetail them together. For a long time the Registers of Colchester had 
 been sought in vain, but Dr. Raven, aided by Dr. Henry Laver, at last turned up some of tlie 
 Graye family in St. Mary-at- Walls parish,' and since then the researches of the late Mr. Charles 
 Golding in 1894 have brought to light some additional (fata of great value. Miles' will was pub- 
 lished by Stahlschmidt in the Essex Archaeological Transactions (n.s. iii. p. 74), and will bo 
 printed in extcnso further on. As he therein describes himself as 'crazed with age' in 1649, 
 and his earliest bell is dated 1600, we may assume that he was born not later than 1580. 
 
 From a note kindly communicated by the late Dr. Raven, we learn that under the 
 Colchester Highways Rate ' Miles Graye in St. Marie's parishe ' was assessed at ij* on Feb. ist, 
 9 Elizabeth {sc. 1567). This we may fairly assume to be his father. Another reference which 
 we owe to the same source is given in East Anglian N. and Q. (viii. p. 54) : 
 
 Feet of fines for Essex, No. 2, Part II. .Mich. 3 James I. (1605). 
 
 " Sir Miles Graye Knt. and Edward Abdey, Mary his wife Thomas May — mess : in Colchester." 
 
 So far no light has been thrown on this sudden rise in the social scale of the family, but it 
 should be possible to ascertain the identity of the worthy knight. He is not mentioned by 
 Morant or in the Visitations of Esse.x. 
 
 The first undoubted notice of the bell-founder of this name, is, we regret to say, in a way 
 that is by no means creditable to him : — 
 
 The xamynacion of Miles Graye of Colchester belfounder taken before Rycharcl Symnell and 
 Robt. Wade Baylifes of the said towne of Colchester the xj'^ daye of November, 1 598. 
 
 The upshot of this examination was that Graye made voluntary confession concerning a child 
 that Alice MuUynges was expecting to bear, acknowledging his paternity, and that they had met 
 in the house of Richard Bowler (who may at that time have been his master, as we do not find any 
 bells by him before 1600). To this examination they each atifixed their mark. Miles' being a 
 rude W (see below). 
 
 The next document discovered by Mr. Golding proves almost beyond question that Miles 
 made reparation to Alice by acknowledging her as his wife. In all probability she had been 
 
 'The Registers here are very defective. There are no burials between 1642 ind 1653 and no marriages 
 
 after 1648 (dieywere then solemnized at Holy Trinity). 
 
 12
 
 90 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Bowler's domestic servant while he was apprentice there, and we may suppose his age at the 
 time to liave been about rive-and-twenty. This document, dated 1622, mentions both in the 
 following way : 
 
 xvj" die julil 1622 rorani riionia Thurston \ no (?Jno) ball etc. Roble Harris aged xxxij yeres 
 laborer beinge exa ronfesseth and sayelli that he being att worck yesterdays at Robte humber- 
 stones in makinge of morter for the Masone their laye in the Warehouse wheir he made the 
 morter twoe or three petes of lielniettle which he tooke vpp and carried to Miles Grayes the Relfounder 
 and sold it to his wift' for three shillings and ther was Tenn pounde weight of yt. 
 
 Signed Robte 
 
 harris \ lecogn. 
 R(jblus hund)ston carrier x'' I 
 
 Alice the wift' of Miles Graye saith that yeslerdaye Roble harris did bringe vnto lier house Tenn 
 poundes weight of liehnettle w''' she bought for iij^ ij"* and he did tell her that he bought it of A 
 Stranger whome he knewe not. 
 
 One of the witnesses at the Sessions is given as " Grace Graye " who may have been Miles' 
 tlaughter, perhaps the child unlawfully born to him in 1599, unless that was the one mentioned 
 in the next docunietU, one of 1629. Here we come upon the name of Miles Graye Junior. 
 
 xv° die Martii 1629 coram ])'sentes ballys. 
 
 George NVyatl of Colchester Joyner aged xviij yeres or their aboute examined confesseth and 
 saietli that sone after Christmas last he did take one Iron Rarre out of the ft'urnis of Miles Graye 
 Jun'', and sold that one Iron barr to phineas Burlinghani, which weyed Si.-ce pounde weight, for vj'^, 
 and about a fortenighl after he tooke awaye another barr that wayed six pounds and sold it to 
 liurlinghaiii for vj'' and the last Wednesdaye att nlghte he tooke awaye one other Barr of Iron which 
 weyed Seaven pounds ; and that Burlinghani stoode and did not paye him for that, and kept it vntill 
 Satterdaye morninge last before he made it known to Graye or Thomas Coop the M^ of this exat. 
 
 Miles Graye Jun'' examyned confesseth and saieth that about three weekes since he did aske 
 phinies Burlinghani if noe bodie did bringe twoe or three barrs of Iron of about 2 ffoote or 20 Inches 
 longe he told him llial he hail not anye but iffanyr cam he wold tell him of it. 
 
 Georgius Wyatt xx'i ^ 
 
 Thomas Coop Joyner \x'' j ''^^og" 
 Miles Greye Jun' belfounder xx'' recog". 
 
 The fact that the furnace and iron are liere described as Miles Graye Junior's property, 
 seems to imjily that he was working more or less independently of his father. We never find 
 their names together on any bell, but it will be sliewn below (p. 95) that there is a group 
 covering the period 1632 to 1642 which certain slight variations allow us to dissociate from 
 the others of that period in old Graye's ordinary style; these may quite possibly be the work 
 of the younger Graye, and as they are all confined to one district, he may have been his father's 
 agent in those parts. They will be discu.ssed in detail further on. There are also various bells 
 cast in the years 1633-37 which have a ^ scratched l)efore the date or on the waist.' This 
 may well be an indication of the younger Graye's intervention (see below, p. 95).' 
 
 There is yet a third Miles (iraye to be dealt with, and he, as we learn from the Registers 
 of St. Mary-at-Walls, was born in 162S, so that at all events he was not the hero of the episode 
 recorded above. The entry runs : " .\Iyles, son of Myles Graye and — his wife, bapti.sed 
 
 ' Fordliam, GosfieUl, Sible llcdingham, Great Ix-iglis, M.ildon St. Mary, Navcitook, Litde Oakley, rc-nlluw, 
 I'lirleigli. 
 
 ' For fuller discussion of ihcsc theories sec £sstx A'eview, 1895, P- ?■(•
 
 THE GRAVE FAMILY 
 
 91 
 
 September 1 9th." The Register is certified by " Moyles ( 'iraye " as churchwarden. It remains 
 an open question whether the father in this case is old Miles Graye, or his son ; both are 
 equally possible. Another son or grandson of Miles ( 'irayc, who afterwards became a bellfounder, 
 was Christoi)her, son of Miles and Jane (".raye, ba[)tised 29 Jan. 162^ ; he did not work al 
 Colchester, and his bells arc not found in Essex.' Numerous drayes are mentioned in the 
 li.st of free burgesses of Colchester between 1620 and 1705, but the only one likely to be 
 connected with this family is a Miles admitted in r''i94. He must have Ixcn the foiirili of the 
 line. 
 
 It will Ije seen that the genealogy of the Ciraye family is exceedingly puzzling, and we 
 cannot as yet draw up a pedigree, but the following seems to be a rough outline of tlie family 
 history according to the most probable estimate : — 
 
 I. Miles Graye, temp. Elizabeth, a householder in 1567. 
 II. His son, MILES GR.WE I. Horn about 1575. IJellfounder 1600- 1648 ; apprenticed 
 to Richard Bowler up to 1600; married Alice Mullings 1598-9; [2ndly, in 162.V4. 
 Jane .... (?) ;] died 1649. 
 III. His .son MILES GRAVE II. 15orni599(?) Ucllfounder 16 - -1642 ; [married 1624 or 
 earlier, Jane ....(?);]; died 1 666 (?)." 
 
 IV. MILES GRAVE III. (son of II. or III.) Horn 1628; bellfounder 1649- 1686 ; died 
 1686. 
 
 V. Miles Graye, admitted burgess in 1 694, presumably son of W. 
 Further, we may divide the bells bearing the name of Miles Graye as follows : * 
 (i) Those cast by Miles Graye I. alone (1600-16 18). 
 
 (2) Those cast by him with William Harbert as foreman, (i6i8-i62cS). 
 
 (3) Those cast by him alone or with his son's assistance (1622-1637). 
 
 (4) Those cast by Miles Graye II. (1632-1642). 
 
 (5) Those cast by Miles Graye I. alone (1638-1648). 
 
 (6) Those cast by Miles Graye III. (1649-1686). All these are quite uniform and must all 
 be by one man; it does not therefore seem likely that Miles Graye II. kept on his trade 
 after 1642. 
 
 Old Miles Graye died in 1649, being then, as his will expresses it, "crazed with age and 
 weak in body." Privations in the siege of Colchester and the destruction of his property by 
 fire may have broken down the old man, wearied out with the troubles and misfortunes of his 
 latter years. His bells during the last ten jears of his life arc very rare. The text of his will 
 is ])rinted herewith. 
 
 In the Name of God. Amen. The seavcnteenth day of May in die ycarc of our Lord God one 
 thousand six hundred fortye and nine I Miles Gray of Colchester in the Countye of Essex lielfounder 
 beinge weake in body and erased w''' age but yet in p'fect mind and memory (praysed be Go<l) doe 
 make and ordayne this my last will and Testament (revokinge all other former wills) disposing in 
 manner and forme following First I commit my Soule into the hands of the .Mniiyhtie God my 
 Creator and to Jesus Christ my nicrcyfull Saviour and Redeemer trusting that through his merritts 
 
 ' See Raven's Cambs. p. 89. 
 ■■'See Essex Revitw, 1895, p. 36. 
 
 'We must not omit to mention a tradition that our founder was at one time working at -Sudlnirjf, and that he 
 there supplied two bells for All Saints' Church,
 
 92 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 and passion to have a most glorious Resurrection And my body to the Earth from whence it was 
 taken ther to be disposed of in Christian buriall at the discretion of my Executrix heer under named 
 And as for mv worldly goods «•■='' it hath pleased God to bestow upon me I dispose of them as 
 followeth viz I give and bequeath unto Dorothy my loving wife all my goods chatties and impliments 
 of household stuffe and w"^'' concerns my trade whatsoever that I have nowe remayninge in mine oune 
 possession Item I doe give and bequeath unto the sayd Dorothy my wife all my rents issues and p'fits 
 cominge growinge and arisinge out ol the East End of the Capitall messuage or tenement lately burned 
 downe scituate and beinge below Headgate in Colchester aforesayd commonly called or knowne by 
 the name of the Swann w"' two neckes and alsoe one working house and Clay house w'h one Orchard 
 and the use of the Well and yard to hir the sayd Dorothy my lovinge w ife and to hir heyres for ever 
 Item I give and bequeath unto my sonne Miles Gray twelve pence to be i)ayd w''' in one twelve 
 months after my decease Item I give and bequeath unto my sonne James the West End of the ground 
 w^^ I now have in lease w'^'' was latley in the tenure and occupac'on of Robert Shercrofl to him and 
 to his heyres for ever Item I give and bequeath to Ann Darbye and Mary Starlinge my two daughters 
 twelve pence a peece w"'' in one month after my desease And I make and ordaync the sayd Dorothy 
 my wife the sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto 
 set my hand and seale the day and yeare above written — The mark of Miles + Graye — 
 Sealed and deliv^ in the p''sence of us 
 
 Barnaby Gilson 
 James Tonstall 
 
 Probatu apud Colc'i 23° Junii 1649 no'i'e Dorothie Gray 
 
 Relic' E\''s primitus de bene &c. jurat. 
 (Extracted from the Principal Registry of the Probate Divorce and Admiralty Division of the High 
 Court of Justice : in the Archdeaconry of Colchester). 
 
 It will be seen that one of its chief features is that his son was literally cut off with a 
 shilling. "He was then," says Dr. Raven, "just of age, and as he had time to consider the 
 disposal of his wealth, it is to be hoped that he made a proper use of it ! " ' Another significant 
 l)oint is that he speaks of his " lovinge wife Dorothy." Now we have already seen that there 
 was a Mrs. Alice Graye, and a Mrs. Jane. Was this then a third wife, or does it afford 
 additional evidence that Jane was the wife of Miles II? If so, then Miles III is Miles H's 
 son, and it was the latter, not the more youthful representative of the name, who was cut off 
 with a shilling. We have noted that no bells by Miles II can be traced after 1642 ; can it be 
 that there had been some quarrel with his father at that time and that he had retired from the 
 trade altogether in consequence? Lastly we may note the mention of "my daughter Ann 
 Darbye " who, according to Dr. Raven, had probably married the Ipswich bellfounder of that 
 name (see below). 
 
 We now come to the consideration of the Miles Graye bells in detail.'- Those actually remain- 
 ing number 415, besides 36 recast or of which we have record; of these 147 (with 10 recast) 
 are by the younger Graye, cast after the death of the old Miles, and marked off from his by the 
 use of different lettering, and these we may ignore for the present. We have then to deal with 
 a series of 268 (with 26 recast), of which 134 are in Essex, 91 in Suffolk, and the rest distri- 
 buted as follows: Cambridgeshire 24, Herts 26, Bedfordshire 9, Hunts 2, Norfolk 5, Sussex i, 
 and the old tenor at Newcastle Cathedral.' We may also include one that he cast for All 
 
 ' Paper read at Cl.ire Ijeforc the Canib. Antiq. Soc, June 1887. 
 'For a complete list see below, p. 97 d". 
 'Arch. Acliana, N.S, ii. p. 19.
 
 MILES GRAVE S EARLIEST BELLS 93 
 
 Hallows the (Ireat in London in 1616, wiiich is mentioned in the churchwardens' accounts of 
 that parish. 
 
 It will be convenient to deal with these bells in tlie chronological groups into which they 
 fall by variations of lettering, formulae, or otherwise, and in so doing we shall naturally notice 
 Essex examples by preference, though not ignoring other counties. As the majority of the 
 bells are of a very similar character, only varying in the date, a complete list is relegated to an 
 appended table. 
 
 The earliest bell which bears the name of Miles Graye is the late 2nd at Bulmer, which 
 was quite unique. It was inscribed ; 
 
 MILES CRAIE MADE ME 1^00 
 
 in medium-sized plain, rather rough lettering, each word on a separate patera. This lettering 
 does not occur again, but a slightly enlarged version is found on a series of bells between 1602 
 and 1 6 1 2 : 
 
 1602. Great Bardficld 2nd, 6th, and old 3rd. 
 
 1603. Colne Engaine late 4th. 
 
 1604. Tollesbury 3rd. 
 
 1607. Panficld 2nd and old 1st. 
 Tilbury by Clare 2nd. 
 
 1608. Kelvedon 5th. 
 
 1609. Bradwell by Coggeshall 2nd. 
 
 t6io. Colchester All Saints ist and 2nd 
 
 Stan way Bell. 
 
 16 1 2. Little Oakley ist. 
 
 Woodham Mortimer 3rd. 
 
 In Suffolk: 1605. Ipswich St. Mathew 4th. 
 
 1607. Ipswich St. Mary le Tower 7th. 
 
 1608. Thrandeston 3rd. 
 
 And five others probably similar (see list on p. 97). 
 All of these are inscribed (with small date figures) 
 
 MILES GRAIE MADE ME' 
 
 After 161 2 he adopts a larger and more effective type, with square and well- formed letters, 
 to which he adheres almost exclusively for the rest of his career. From this time right 
 onward to his death in 1649 the character of his inscriptions seldom varies from the formula: 
 
 MILES GRAYE MADE ME 
 
 with the date in corresponding figures. There are however peculiarities occurring from time 
 to time, which must be considered. We may note in passing that his bells are found in Essex 
 in every year throughout this period except 1614, 1630, 1639-40, and the stormy years 1642- 
 
 ' This spelling of the name should not be overlooked. Taken in conjunction with the use of a differtnt 
 lettering from the later bells, it paves the way for the conjecture that the bells of i6oo-i2 are by another earlier 
 Graye.
 
 54 THE CHURCH BKLLS OF ESSEX 
 
 44 and 1646. The Suflfolk bells continue pretty steadily down to 1641, after which there is 
 only one, in 1646. In 16 15 he first occurs in Bedfordshire and Herts, but in Cambridgeshire 
 not until 1627. The Newcastle tenor was cast in 1615, and his solitary specimens in Norfolk 
 (SwaftTiam 3rd, 4th, 6th — 8th) and Sussex (Chiddingly ist) in 1634. There is no reason to 
 su])pose that any of these were cast outside Colchester. 
 
 Between 161 8 and 1622 we find on eight Essex bells a large W between the ME and date, 
 which having only been scratched in the mould is in thin and faint relief It lias generally 
 been thought that this W represents the first inital of the name of his foreman William Harbert, 
 of whom more anon ; but in view of the document quoted above, it is open to question 
 whether it may not be ' Miles Orayc his mark,' perhaps conceived as an inverted M. The 
 bells on which this mark is found arc at Farnham (3rd, 161 8), Langham (4th, 161S), Sheering 
 (island 3rd, 1619), Manuden (3rd and 4th, 1620), Newport (2nd, 1620), and Layer de la 
 Haye (5th, 1622). 
 
 The last named bell introduces us to a new jihenomenon. On this and some half-dozen 
 other bells cast in 1622 (aitd only on those of this year) he breaks out into two large and 
 ornamental stops like elaborate crosses (Plate XX^TI., Figs. 2, 3). These arc also found at 
 Colchester St. James (ist and 2nd), Danbury (5th), Great Wigborough (2nd), and also at 
 Stowmarket, Suffolk, and perhaps elsewhere in that county.' One stop consists of a square of 
 diaper pattern, the other of an elaborate diagonal pattern. 
 
 The 1st at St. James, Colchester, may serve as a speiimen of this variety :' 
 
 MILES HGR AYE H MADE 
 ME 
 
 The old tenor at Roydon dated 1625, and the 3rd at Boreham, dated 1626, are inscribed 
 in Miles Graye's lettering but without his name, instead of which appear the initials \V. H. as 
 on the bell at St. James, Colchester. The same occurs at Ci'cnt Wratting, Suffolk, in 1625. 
 As to the meaning of these initials we arc left in little doubt by reason of the ist at Moreton, 
 
 cast in the following year, being inscribed : 
 
 MILES GRAVE ET WILLIAiVl HARBERT ME FECIT 1627 
 
 Similar evidence comes from the 4H1 at Braughing (1628) and the 4th at Great Hormead, 
 Herts (1626), and the old four at Barrington, Cambridge (1627), whicii latter were inscribed 
 like the Moreton treljle. William Harbert was clearly Graye's foreman or agent at the time. 
 To this period also belongs the treble at Sible Heding^ham, inscribed : 
 
 WHEN 4 YOW 4 HEARE ^ THIS 4 THEN ^ DOE ^ V5 
 
 ♦ BLESE 4 f/c: 1627 
 
 Between 1632 and 1642 a change comes over the Graye inscriptions, and the usual formula 
 is converted into Latin, at first without success, as we get 
 
 MILONEM GRAYE ME FECIT 
 
 ' See Dr. Raven's list, Suffolk, pp. 116, 118, 
 
 -for the rest of the inscription see und^r this heading in I'jrt II,
 
 MILES CRAVE II 
 
 95 
 
 Ijut he was soon put right, and MII.O duly lakes its place. The conjecture is a tempting one, 
 that these bells are due to the second Miles, son of our founder, of whose existence we have seen 
 that there is documentary evidence (apart from the Miles who succeeded him in 1649), and 
 there are three small points which favour the suggestion. In the first place the MILO or 
 MILONEM bells arc chiefly found in Herts, Bedford, and (Cambridge, there being but one in 
 .Suffolk and only four in Essex. Secondly, Miles (Iraye bells with the ordinary formula are 
 found during these years in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Sussex ; and thirdly several of the 
 latter bells have a large M scratched on the waist or before the date just like the W previously 
 mentioned. We are therefore led to suppose that Miles (Iray was employing his son at this 
 time as his agent in tl^e three counties first named, where he had established a good connec- 
 tion, and that his son had succeeded Harbert as his foreman in general, whence the M on 
 other bells. The younger Miles Graye of 1649-86 is out of the question, as it has been shewn 
 that he was still a child (p. 90). 
 
 The list of these bells is as follows : — 
 (i) MiLONEM Grave: 
 
 1632. Eyworth, Bedfordshire 
 
 Comberton, Cambridge 
 
 Harslon, Cambridge 
 
 Great Canfield, Essex 
 
 Weston, Herts 
 (2) MiLO Grave (also Grav, Graie ) 
 
 1634. Brent Pelham, Herts 
 
 Conington, Cambridge 
 
 Cheshunt, Herts 
 
 Foxearth, Essex 
 
 Helions Bumpstead, Essex 
 
 Henham, Essex 
 
 1634. 
 
 1635- 
 1636. 
 1640. 
 1 64 1. 
 
 1642. 
 
 Barnardiston, Suffolk 
 Kelshall, Herts 
 
 2nd. 
 
 
 
 2nd and 
 
 3rd 
 
 . 
 
 I St. 
 
 
 
 I St. 
 
 
 GRAV. 
 
 3rd. 
 
 
 Do. 
 
 I St and : 
 
 •nd. 
 
 
 3rd. 
 
 
 
 I St. 
 
 
 GRAV. 
 
 old 7th.' 
 
 
 
 3rd. 
 
 
 GRAIE. 
 
 3rd. 
 
 
 GRAIE. 
 
 ist and : 
 
 md 
 
 GRAIE. 
 
 2nd, 4th, sth. 
 
 GRAIE. 
 
 (3) Bells with scratched M : 
 
 '634- 
 
 '635- 
 1636. 
 
 1637- 
 
 n.d. 
 
 Little Oakley, Es.sex 
 
 Great Leighs, Do. 
 
 Swaffham, Norfolk 
 
 Pent low 
 
 Maldon St. Mary 
 
 Purleigh 
 
 I'ordham 
 
 (Josfield 
 
 Navestock 
 
 Sible Hedingham 
 
 3rd. 
 
 1st— 5 th, 
 
 Sth. 
 
 3rd. 
 
 4th. 
 
 and — 5ih. 
 
 2nd. 
 
 2nd. 
 
 2nd and 5 th. 
 
 Clock. 
 
 It is possible that we may also attribute to Miles Graye II the tenor at Little Bentley 
 (1626) and the first three at Broxted (1632), which are all inscribed in the small type char- 
 acteristic of Miles Graye III. (see below, p. 96). 
 
 ' This bell ha^l a floral stop Ijelween the words (see part II.)
 
 C)6 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 During the last ten years of his life Miles Graye, as we have already noted, found the 
 world go very hard with him, and only eleven bells can be assigned to the period 1642-49. 
 They are all of the normal type, and we must pass over the old man's declining years in 
 silence. Finally in 1649, worn out with business troubles and the privations of the civil war, 
 he passed away, leaving his son a shilling on which to start again afresh ! 
 
 MILES GRAYE III (1650 16S0). 
 
 Miles (Iraye III was, as we have seen, born in 162S and succeeded his father or grand- 
 father in 1649. He seems to have done little work at first in Essex and Suffolk, and on the 
 other hand a consideraI)le amount between 1650 and 1656 in Cambridge, Uedford, Herts, and 
 Hunts. In fact it is doulitfi;! if he was working at Colchester at alt during these first few 
 years; he seems rather to have been trying to establish a connection in other parts. Rut the 
 4th and 5th at Great Clacton, his earliest productions (1649), must be from the old foundry. 
 
 Of the 157 bells wiiicli we have noted as bearing his name or attributable to him 71 are 
 in Essex (6 recast), 39 in Suffolk (3 recast), 28 in Cambridgeshire (i recast), 8 in Herts, 7 in 
 Beds, 3 in Hunts, and i in Norfolk. For the thirty-six years his record is almost as good as 
 his father's, but none of his productions equal the other's best performances, such as the 
 Lavenham tenor. 
 
 He discards (though not entirely) his father's large bold type, replacing it by a much 
 smaller one, each word being placed on a separate palcra, followed by a {juatrefoil stop,' thus 
 
 '^'LE5'+ GRAVE* MADE* ^^ * 
 
 Each figure of the date is on a separate patera. The larger type is used for initials of 
 donors, etc., and throughout in one notable instance, on the 3rd at Great Horkesley, where he 
 bursts into rhyme as follows: 
 
 lOHN : BALL : AN : lOHN • DAMYON : OF : HORSLV : 
 
 • • • • • 
 
 CHVRCH '. . WORDNS \ I : SAY : CAV5E : ME : TO : BE 
 : CAST BY COLCHESTER \ \ \ 
 
 GRAVE 1679 
 
 Similarly the treble at Qestingthorpe, which bears the name of its donors, is inscribed in large 
 type (the date is 1659, with 5 reversed) : 
 
 MESTER^ PETER ♦ ELLISTON 4. AND 4 IVDETH ^ HIS 
 ^ WIFE ♦ M ♦ G ♦ i6l9 
 
 liut these are isolated instances of his atl(in]jting anything beyond his own name. 
 
 We have no details of his life Ijoyond those already recorded, nor do any of his bells call 
 for further comment ; a full list of them will be found appended. It will be seen that from 
 1667 onwards they are with one single exception confined to the counties of Essex and Suffolk 
 Ho must have found John Darbie a formidable rival, as were the Hodsons and Bartlets in the 
 south of the county. 
 
 'This stop was not his invention. Miles I uses it at Sible Iledingliam in 1627, and it also occurs at Little 
 Bentley and Broxted (see above).
 
 LIST OK BELLS RY THE GRAVES 
 
 97 
 
 He died in i6S6, and the text of his will is appended herewith (extracted from the 
 Principal Registry of the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty Division of the High Court of 
 Justice : in the Archdeaconry of Colchester) : — 
 
 In the name of God Amen the nynlh day of June Anno que D'ni 1686 I Myles Gray of Colchester 
 in the county of Essex Belfounder being sick and weake in body but of a sound and p'fect mind and 
 memory (blessed be God) doe therefore make and ordayne my last Will & Testament in manner 
 & forme following (viz') Inp"' I commend my soule to God and my body to the Earth to be decently 
 buried And as to that worldly estate which God in His Mercy hath lent me 1 dispose of as followeth 
 viz'. Item I give and bequeath vnto my six children Samuel, Francis, Myles, James, Martha, and 
 Jane, the su'me of one shilling a peice. Item all and singuler the rest & residue of my goods and 
 ch'les whatsoever and wheresoever I give and bequeath unto my loveing wife Elizabeth Gray whome I 
 doe make whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will & Testament desiring her to pay my iust 
 debts ix funerall charges soe revoking all former Wills I ordayne this to be my last Will witnes my 
 hand & seal the day S: yeare first above written 
 
 Myles Gray 
 
 Sealed & published in p'nce O'"" John Clyatt, Samuell Tanner, Peter Clark. 
 
 On June 17, 1686, "Elizabeth Gray E.xecutrix of Myles Gray late of St. Hottolphs in Colchester 
 was sworne well & truely to execute y'' same." 
 
 LIST OF BELLS BY THE GRAVE FA^^LY 
 
 L Miles Cr.we I and II. 
 
 1600 
 
 Essex 
 
 Bulmer 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 1602 
 
 51 
 
 Great Bardfield 
 
 2nd, 6th, old 3rd 
 
 1603 
 
 ,, 
 
 Colne Engaine 
 
 old 4th 
 
 1604 
 
 ii 
 
 Tollesbury 
 
 3rd 
 
 1605 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Ipswich St. Matthew 
 
 4th 
 
 1607 
 
 Essex 
 
 Panfield 
 
 2nd and old ist 
 
 
 )» 
 
 Tilbury-by-Clare 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Ipswich St. Mary-le-Tower 
 
 7 th 
 
 1608 
 
 Essex 
 
 Kelvedon 
 
 5th 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Thrandeston 
 
 3rd 
 
 1609 
 
 Essex 
 
 Bradwell (Coggeshall) 
 
 2nd 
 
 I6I0 
 
 )» 
 
 Colchester All Saints 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 
 )» 
 
 Stanway 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Ipswich St. Mary-Ie-Tower 
 
 nth 
 
 
 J) 
 
 Earl Soham 
 
 1st 
 
 
 J) 
 
 Wolverstone 
 
 Recast bell 
 
 I6II 
 
 ji 
 
 Harkstead 
 
 3rd and 4th 
 
 
 J) 
 
 Wickhambrook 
 
 4th 
 
 1612 
 
 Essex 
 
 Little Oakley 
 
 1st 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Woodham Mortimer 
 
 3rd 
 
 I6I3 
 
 Broomfield 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 
 )) 
 
 Peldon 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Ipswich St. Mary-at-Elms 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 }} 
 
 „ St. Mary-at-Quay 
 
 4th 
 
 *3
 
 98 
 
 THE CHVRCH BELLS OK ESSEX 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Kenion 
 
 1st 
 
 
 )j 
 
 Stradbroke 
 
 4th 
 
 1614 
 
 >» 
 
 Copdock 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 I6I3 
 
 Becifoidshire 
 
 Stotfold 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Farrih.im 
 
 4th 
 
 
 }i 
 
 Little Horkesley 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 I) 
 
 Kelvedon 
 
 4th 
 
 
 »» 
 
 Little Oakley 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Hertfordshire 
 
 lirauyhing 
 
 6th 
 
 
 Northumberland 
 
 Newcastle Cathedral 
 
 Recast tenor 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Ashbockinj; 
 
 1st 
 
 
 )» 
 
 Copdock 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 j» 
 
 I|)s\vi«h St. Mary Stoke 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 7» 
 
 Wilby 
 
 5th 
 
 I6I6 
 
 Essex 
 
 Sible Hediiigham 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Westmill 
 
 5th 
 
 
 Middlesex 
 
 All Hallows (;t., London 
 
 Recast bell 
 
 1617 
 
 Essex 
 
 Sturnier 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Little Stonhani 
 
 3rd 
 
 I6IS 
 
 Essex 
 
 Farnhani 
 
 1st 
 
 
 1) 
 
 Langham 
 
 4th 
 
 
 •J 
 
 Tendriny 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 I'elhani Furneaux 
 
 5th 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Bromeswell 
 
 old 1st 
 
 
 )J 
 
 Melton 
 
 1st 
 
 
 H 
 
 Nettlestead 
 
 Bell 
 
 1619 
 
 Essex 
 
 Sheering 
 
 1st and 3rd 
 
 
 »> 
 
 Bulnier 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 
 Suliblk 
 
 Combs 
 
 3.d ' 
 
 1620 
 
 Essex 
 
 Colchester All Saints 
 
 4th 
 
 
 ., 
 
 ^L^nuden 
 
 3rd and 4th 
 
 
 » 
 
 Ncwjwrt 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 )) 
 
 I'leshey 
 
 1st 
 
 i6;i 
 
 )» 
 
 Bradwell (Coggeshall) 
 
 1st 
 
 
 jt 
 
 Colchester St. Runwald 
 
 liell 
 
 
 n 
 
 North Ockcndon 
 
 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Chattisliani 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 )) 
 
 Ipswich St. Helen 
 
 1st 
 
 
 JJ 
 
 Newbourne 
 
 Recast bell 
 
 1622 
 
 Essex 
 
 Colchester St. James 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 
 » 
 
 Uanbury 
 
 5th 
 
 
 )j 
 
 Layer-de-la-Haye 
 
 5th 
 
 
 )i 
 
 Great Wigborough 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Stowniarket 
 
 8th 
 
 
 99 
 
 Stradbroke 
 
 5th 
 
 
 1* 
 
 Wherslead 
 
 2nd 
 
 1623 
 
 Essex 
 
 Great Baling 
 
 1st 
 
 
 »» 
 
 'ierling 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 »i 
 
 Wetherslicld 
 
 6th 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Great Hormead 
 
 5th and 6th
 
 BELLS I!Y MILES GRAVE I 
 
 99 
 
 1624 
 
 162 
 
 1626 
 
 1627 
 
 1628 
 
 1629 
 
 1630 
 
 1631 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Hucklesham 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Colne Engaine 
 
 3.d 
 
 
 ji 
 
 Feering 
 
 4tli— 8th i'3th recast) 
 
 
 ?» 
 
 Tcndring 
 
 1st 
 
 
 jj 
 
 Ugley 
 
 3.d 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Sandon 
 
 5th 
 
 
 Huntingdon 
 
 Offord Cluny 
 
 old 4th 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Capel St. Mary 
 
 4th 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Farnhani 
 
 5th 
 
 
 )> 
 
 Fingringhoe 
 
 1st 
 
 
 ») 
 
 Roydon 
 
 old 6th (\V. Harbert's initials on 
 
 ly/ 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Lavenhani 
 
 8th 
 
 
 )» 
 
 Nacton 
 
 1st 
 
 
 J) 
 
 Great Wratting 
 
 Bell (W. H. onlv) 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 lielchamp St. I'aul 
 
 5th 
 
 
 i> 
 
 Little Bentk-y 
 
 5th (small type) 
 
 
 » 
 
 Boreham 
 
 3rd (W. H. only) 
 
 
 )) 
 
 Hockley 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 »» 
 
 Great Tey 
 
 7th 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Great Hornicad 
 
 4th 
 
 
 )» 
 
 Therfield 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Sufiblk 
 
 Great Bealings 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 
 »» 
 
 Somersham 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Cambridgeshire 
 
 Harrington 
 
 old 2nd— 5th 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Sible Hedingham 
 
 1st 
 
 
 » 
 
 More ton 
 
 1st 
 
 
 » 
 
 Tendring 
 
 4th 
 
 
 » 
 
 Witham 
 
 5th 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Felixstowe 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Felstead 
 
 1st 
 
 
 J) 
 
 Pentlow 
 
 4th 
 
 
 )) 
 
 Theydon Gernon 
 
 1st — 4th 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Firaughing 
 
 4th 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Hasketon 
 
 1st — 5th (2nd and 5th recast) 
 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Little Eversden 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Great Tey 
 
 8th 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Aston 
 
 2nd, 3rd, 5th 
 
 
 )» 
 
 Little ^[undcn 
 
 1st 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Shelley 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Bedford 
 
 Henlow 
 
 1st 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Bennington 
 
 5th 
 
 
 )T 
 
 Standon 
 
 2nd and 4th 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Ipswich St. .Margaret 
 
 1st — 6th 
 
 
 )) 
 
 „ St. Nicholas 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 »i 
 
 „ St. Peter 
 
 6th 
 
 
 »» 
 
 „ St. Stephen 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 >» 
 
 Kenton 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Whittlesford 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Ovington 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Braughing 
 
 8th 

 
 lOO 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 
 SufTolk 
 
 Martlesham 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 )» 
 
 Monk Soham 
 
 1st 
 
 1632 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Duxford St. John 
 
 4th 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Bradwell (Coggeshall) 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 )T 
 
 Broxted 
 
 1st — 3rd (small type) 
 
 
 >» 
 
 Fyfield 
 
 old 1st 
 
 
 » 
 
 Moreton 
 
 5th 
 
 
 )) 
 
 White Notley 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 JJ 
 
 Little Waltham 
 
 1st 
 
 
 Huntingdon 
 
 Bluntisham 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Bramford 
 
 2nd— 6th 
 
 
 Bedford 
 
 Eyworth 
 
 2nd 
 
 1633 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Comberton 
 
 2nd and old 3rd 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Colchester Holy Trin. 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 » 
 
 Halstead 
 
 4th 
 
 
 » 
 
 Little Oakley 
 
 3rd 
 
 1634 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Harston 
 
 1st 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Canewdon 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 » 
 
 Great Canfield 
 
 1st 
 
 
 » 
 
 Great Leighs 
 
 1st— 5th 
 
 
 « 
 
 Pattiswick 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 ■» 
 
 Little Waltham 
 
 4th 
 
 
 Hertford 
 
 Brent Pelham 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 
 1) 
 
 Weston 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 Norfolk 
 
 Swaffham 
 
 3rd, 4th, 6th— 8th 
 
 
 Sussex 
 
 Chiddingly 
 
 1st 
 
 1635 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Conington 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Pentlow 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 )> 
 
 Springfield 
 
 5th 
 
 1636 
 
 )} 
 
 Little Baddow 
 
 1st 
 
 
 jj 
 
 Henham 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 )i 
 
 Maldon St. Mary 
 
 4th 
 
 
 11 
 
 Purleigh 
 
 2nd — 5th 
 
 
 1) 
 
 Romford 
 
 4th, 6th, 7th 
 
 
 « 
 
 Steeple 
 
 1st 
 
 
 )j 
 
 Ulting 
 
 1st 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Cheshunt 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Baylham 
 
 2nd — 4th 
 
 1637 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Queens Coll. Chapel 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 u 
 
 Long Stanton AH Sts. 
 
 1st — 3rd 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Fordham 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 )} 
 
 Gosfield 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 »> 
 
 Navestock 
 
 2nd and 5th 
 
 
 >» 
 
 Shenfield 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Brent Pelham 
 
 4th 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Bedfield 
 
 1st 
 
 
 )» 
 
 Brandeston 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 j» 
 
 Monks Eleigh 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 )) 
 
 Hollesley 
 
 old 1st 
 
 
 !> 
 
 Monewdon 
 
 ?nd
 
 BELLS BY MILES GRAVE I 
 
 lOI 
 
 163S 
 
 Bedford 
 
 Eversholt 
 
 1st, 4th, old 2nd 
 
 
 »» 
 
 Hcnlow 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Fordham 
 
 2nd — 4th 
 
 
 » 
 
 Kirtling 
 
 I St, 2nd, 4th, 5th 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Althorne 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 )} 
 
 Felstead 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 }) 
 
 Langford 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 
 )» 
 
 Ramsey 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Monks Eleigh 
 
 2nd and 4th 
 
 
 » 
 
 Felsham 
 
 2nd and 4th 
 
 
 1) 
 
 Kersey 
 
 6th 
 
 
 >j 
 
 Winston 
 
 3rd and 5th 
 
 '639 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Great Eversden 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Felsham 
 
 6th 
 
 
 »j 
 
 Orford 
 
 1st 
 
 1640 
 
 Essex 
 
 Foxearth 
 
 old 7th 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Clare 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 » 
 
 Edwardstone 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 n 
 
 Eye 
 
 6th and 8th 
 
 
 n 
 
 Preston 
 
 4th 
 
 I64I 
 
 Essex 
 
 Helions Bumpstead 
 
 3rd (also 5th undated) 
 
 
 )i 
 
 Henhani 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 1) 
 
 Kirby-le-Soken 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 J) 
 
 Wickham St. Paul 
 
 old 1st 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Barnardiston 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 
 M 
 
 Culpho 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 » 
 
 Edwardstone 
 
 4th 
 
 
 )l 
 
 Parham 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 » 
 
 Sudbury St. Peter 
 
 7th 
 
 
 » 
 
 Wickhambrook 
 
 1st 
 
 1642 
 
 Herts 
 
 Kelshall 
 
 2nd, 4th, 5th 
 
 1645 
 
 Essex 
 
 Colchester St. Martin 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 » 
 
 Danbury 
 
 3rd 
 
 1646 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Stradishall 
 
 4th 
 
 1647 
 
 Essex 
 
 Blackmore 
 
 1st, 2nd, old 5th 
 
 
 » 
 
 Helions Bumpstead 
 
 1st 
 
 1648 
 
 jj 
 
 Blackmore 
 
 II. Miles Grave III. 
 
 4th 
 
 1649 
 
 Essex 
 
 Great Clacton 
 
 4th and 5th 
 
 1650 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Bassingboume 
 
 1st— 5th 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Baldock 
 
 Sth 
 
 
 ») 
 
 Cottered 
 
 5th 
 
 
 J) 
 
 Ickleford 
 
 4th 
 
 I65I 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Wilburton 
 
 1st 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Cottered 
 
 4th 
 
 
 It 
 
 Hinxworth 
 
 2nd and 3rd 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Brantham 
 
 Bell 
 
 1652 
 
 Essex 
 
 Little Clacton 
 
 1st 
 
 
 II 
 
 Great Henny 
 
 3rd
 
 102 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Little Oakley 
 
 4th 
 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Stansfield 
 
 1st — 5th 
 
 
 1653 
 
 Bedford 
 
 Flitwick 
 
 4th 
 
 
 
 )) 
 
 Old Warden 
 
 1st 
 
 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Gamlingay 
 
 1st — 3rd, 5th 
 
 
 
 )j 
 
 Wimpole 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Braughing 
 
 7th 
 
 
 
 Huntingdon 
 
 Abbotsley 
 
 4lh 
 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Aldeburgh 
 
 old 6th 
 
 
 1654 
 
 Bedford 
 
 Eaton Socon 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 
 » 
 
 Flitwick 
 
 5th 
 
 
 
 ji 
 
 Staugliton I'arva 
 
 1st and 5th 
 
 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Foxton 
 
 1st, 2nd, 5th, late 
 
 4tn. 
 
 
 » 
 
 Sutton 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 
 Huntingdon 
 
 Buckden 
 
 4th 
 
 
 1655 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Oakington 
 
 I St and 3rd 
 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 (jreat llenny 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 1656 
 
 Bedford 
 
 Tempsford 
 
 1st and 3rd 
 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Panfield 
 
 old 3rd 
 
 
 
 Herts 
 
 Therfield 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Cockfield 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 1657 
 
 Essex 
 
 Colchester St. Giles 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 
 5) 
 
 Goldhanger 
 
 3rd and 4th 
 
 
 
 )> 
 
 Woodham Mortimer 
 
 1st 
 
 
 I65S 
 
 )) 
 
 Gestingthorpe 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Chilton 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 
 ») 
 
 Newton (Sudbury) 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 
 1659 
 
 Essex 
 
 Gestingthorpe 
 
 1st, 2nd, 4th 
 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Acton 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 
 1> 
 
 Glemsford 
 
 2nd and 3rd 
 
 
 1660 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Dullinghani 
 
 5th 
 
 
 
 )j 
 
 Wicken 
 
 5th 
 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Ingatestone 
 
 5th 
 
 
 
 j» 
 
 Great Yeldham 
 
 3rd and 4th 
 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Great Thurlow 
 
 1st 
 
 
 I66I 
 
 Essex 
 
 Sturnier 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 
 n 
 
 ToUesbury 
 
 5th 
 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Clare 
 
 5th 
 
 
 1662 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Hinxton 
 
 1st 
 
 
 
 Essex 
 
 Wakes Colne 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 
 »j 
 
 Mayland 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 
 »» 
 
 White Notley 
 
 1st 
 
 
 
 SufTfolk 
 
 Stanstead 
 
 3rd and 4lh 
 
 
 1663 
 
 Essex 
 
 Abberton 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 
 >» 
 
 Easthorpe 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 
 )» 
 
 Frating 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 
 
 j» 
 
 St. Osyth 
 
 3rd— 6th 
 
 
 
 )) 
 
 Little Tothani 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 Acton 
 Edwardstone 
 
 3rd 
 5th 

 
 BELLS BY MILKS GRAVE III 
 
 103 
 
 1664 
 
 1666 
 1667 
 
 166S 
 1671 
 1672 
 
 1673 
 1674 
 
 1675 
 1676 
 
 1677 
 
 Cambridge 
 Essex 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 1665 Cambridge 
 
 Essex 
 
 Cambridge 
 Essex 
 
 Suffolk 
 Essex 
 Suffolk 
 Essex 
 
 Norfolk 
 Essex 
 
 1678 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 1679 
 
 Essex 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 I6S0 
 
 » 
 
 i68i 
 
 Essex 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 1682 
 
 Essex 
 
 
 i» 
 
 16S3 
 
 )» 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 
 }) 
 
 1684 
 
 )» 
 
 168; 
 
 n 
 
 1686 
 
 Essex 
 
 Linton 
 
 and 
 
 BeauchamiJ Roothiny 
 
 I St — 4th 
 
 Tolleshunt Knights 
 
 1st 
 
 Wickham Bishop's 
 
 Disused Bell 
 
 Great Cornard 
 
 3rd 
 
 Newton-by-Sudbury 
 
 5th 
 
 Wiston 
 
 2nd 
 
 Hinxton 
 
 2nd 
 
 Milton 
 
 1st 
 
 Orwell 
 
 3rd 
 
 Ashdon 
 
 6th 
 
 Foxearth 
 
 6th 
 
 Pebmarsh 
 
 old 1st 
 
 Pentlow 
 
 2nd and 5th 
 
 Hauxton 
 
 1st — 3rd 
 
 Sible Hedingham 
 
 2nd 
 
 L.iwford 
 
 1st 
 
 I'atliswick 
 
 1st 
 
 Assington 
 
 1st (Recast?) 
 
 Leigh 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 Long Mclfurd St. Catherine 
 
 Bell (from Parish Church 
 
 Layer-de-la- Haye 
 
 3rd 
 
 Leigh 
 
 3rd 
 
 Little Yeldhani 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 Bressinghani 
 
 4th 
 
 Colne Engaine 
 
 old 3rd 
 
 Little Leighs 
 
 Bell 
 
 Lis ton 
 
 2nd 
 
 South Benfleet 
 
 4th 
 
 Chappel 
 
 1st and old 2nd 
 
 Colne Engaine 
 
 old 1st 
 
 West Hanningfield 
 
 I St — 4th 
 
 Woodhani Walter 
 
 1st 
 
 Downham 
 
 4lh 
 
 Moulshani 
 
 Bell (from Rettendon) 
 
 Hadleigh 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 Great Horkesley 
 
 3rd 
 
 Hadleigh 
 
 3rd 
 
 Hadleigh 
 
 8th 
 
 Coggeshall 
 
 4th 
 
 Sonierton 
 
 3rd 
 
 Belchamp St. Paul 
 
 2nd and 3r(l 
 
 Colchester All Saints 
 
 5th 
 
 Great Bentley 
 
 6th and oUl 4th 
 
 Bildeston 
 
 3rd 
 
 Hawkedon 
 
 1st— 5th (4th recast) 
 
 Stutton 
 
 1st — 3rd 
 
 Acton 
 
 5th 
 
 Little Horkesley 
 
 2nd 
 
 Stow Maries 
 
 Bell
 
 i04 
 
 the church bells of essex 
 Undated Bells : 
 
 Bedford 
 
 Upper Gravenhurst 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Trumpington 
 
 Essex 
 
 Sible Hedingham 
 
 1st, 2nd, 4th] Probably Miles 
 
 3rd I Graye III 
 
 Clock Certainly by Miles Graye 
 1 or 1 1 
 
 THE CAMBRIDGE FOUNDRY. 
 RICHARD HOLDFELD (1599 161 2). 
 The tenor at Upminster is inscribed in .small thick capitals 
 
 ffl GOD SAVE OVR NOBEL QVEENE ELISVBETH 1602 ^ 
 
 with a foundry shield curiously like that used hy Robert Oldtield (see below) but with the initials 
 R. H. The cross is quite plain, but with the aid of this and the lettering we are able to 
 identify the founder as Richard Holdfeld of Cambridge, whose name occurs on a bell at 
 Everton, Hunts. The similarity both of name and stamp to those of the Hertford founder 
 are remarkable. The cross, shield, and date are illustrated on Plate XXX. Figs. 6, 8, i o. 
 
 Dr. Raven prepared the way for an elucidation of this founder, whose works in his 
 native county can be shewn to be more numerous than its historian imagined ; Mr. Owen 
 has done yet more on Holdfeld's behalf, but did not work him up thoroughly. The complete 
 list, so far as I have been able to ascertain, is as follows : 
 
 Bedfordshire 
 
 Eaton Socon 
 
 4th 
 
 1607 
 
 
 .Shelton 
 
 I St 
 
 1599 
 
 
 Studham 
 
 3rd 
 
 1599 
 
 Cambridgeshire 
 
 Balsham 
 
 2nd,3rd,5th 
 
 1609 
 
 
 Barton 
 
 ist,2nd,3rd 
 
 1608 
 
 
 Cambridge St. Benet 
 
 3rd 
 
 1607 
 
 
 I! )1 
 
 5th 
 
 1610 
 
 
 St. Mary 
 
 
 
 
 Less 
 
 Bell 
 
 n.d. 
 
 
 Trin. Coll. 
 
 Clock 
 
 1610 
 
 
 Chesterton 
 
 I St, 2nd 
 
 1612 
 
 
 )> 
 
 3rd 
 
 1606 
 
 
 Girlon 
 
 4th 
 
 1617 
 
 
 Grantchester 
 
 I St 
 
 1610 
 
 
 Landwade 
 
 I St 
 
 1602 
 
 
 Little Shelford 
 
 3'cl 
 
 1612 
 
 
 Stetchworth 
 
 I St, 2nd 
 
 1608 
 
 
 West Wickham 
 
 2nd, 3rd 
 
 1606 
 
 Essex 
 
 Prittlewell 
 
 old 2nd, 3rd, 4th 
 
 1603 
 
 
 Upminster 
 
 3rd 
 
 1602 
 
 Hunts. 
 
 Hilton 
 
 late 1st 
 
 1604 
 
 
 Little Stukeley 
 
 4th 
 
 1607 
 
 
 Woodstone 
 
 I St 
 
 1608 
 
 Date only
 
 RICHARD HOI.DFKLn 
 
 105 
 
 
 Little Paxton 
 
 ISt 
 
 1610 
 
 
 Everton 
 
 3rcl 
 
 if) I I 
 
 
 W'ylon 
 
 2n(l 
 
 1612 
 
 Northants 
 
 Harringworth 
 
 2nd 
 
 1 60,^ 
 
 There are also further traces of him in Essex and Suffolk. On tiic .?rd and 4tli at Witham, 
 and on the 3rd at East Bergholt, Suffolk, all by Richard IJowlcr (soc above, \>. 8.S) tlic 
 Upminster stamp occurs in a circle (I'late XXX., Fig. 1 i ). That the three old bells at Prittlewell 
 were also by him we gather from the inscriptions as reproduced,' liearing the shield with his 
 initials, the date 1603, and a fleur-de-lys which he fre(iuently used. 
 
 He does not confine himself to jjlain Roman cajjitals, such as we fmd at Upmiiister, and 
 at Grantchester, Cambridgeshire; but at Chesterton and C.irton in the latter county we find 
 Bowler's Gothic letters (sec above, p.88), and at Kvcrton and Little Stukeley in Hunts, a 
 smaller similar set of capitals which do not seem to have come from Bowler. His favourite 
 inscriptions are 
 
 GOD SAVE THY CHVRCH 
 
 SONORO SONO MEO SONO DEO 
 
 OMNIA FIANT AD GLORIAM DEI 
 
 NON SONO ANIMABVS MORTVOR\'M SED .W'RIBVS \'I\'ENTI\M 
 
 the last-named described by Si)erling as "a fling at the old faith.'' 'I'hj 2nd at 1 1 nrriiii^wnrth 
 has the circular R. H. stami), and is inscribed 
 
 NVNC •$« lACOBVS -^ EGO 4> CANO -^ VOBIS -^ ORE 4. ROTVNDO 
 
 which may perhaps give a clue to two Norfolk bells which puzzled L'Estrange, the 4th at 
 Terrington St. Clement (1595) and the 3rd at Walpole St. Andrew (1603) ; both are similarly 
 inscribed. But without seeing the lettering it would l)e dangerous to assign them to Holdfcld 
 on this ground. 
 
 We have already called attention to the similarity of his foundry-shield and Robert 
 Oldfield's, and a further connection is implied by their conmion use of the two crosses, Herts, 
 Figs. 39, 40, as well as the .sonoro song meg inscription. But they overlap by several years 
 and must have been working independently. Holdfeld seems to have been at Colchester with 
 Bowler from 1600 to 1603, and then to have settled down at Cambridge. 
 
 THE ST. IVES FOUNDRY. 
 
 WILLIAM HAULSEY (1617 1629). 
 
 Dr. Raven when he published his Camhridgeshii'e book, noted the name of William 
 Hausley on a bell at Fen Ditton, and recognised his handiwork at Shepreth and Graveley in the 
 same county, by means of his characteristic H. But he did not go as far as he might have 
 done, and although North was able to correct his reading of the name to Hatilsfv by 
 
 ' They are also preserved in drawings by Mr. Kimber, now in the possession of Messrs. Mc.irs and .Slani'ianl;. 
 
 The lettering was like that at Upminster. 
 
 '4
 
 I06 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 means of a bell at Dunton in Bedfordshire,' it was reserved for Mr. Owen to " properly base " 
 this founder in his Iluntingdonshire Bells. The latter gentleman gives a list of eighteen bells in 
 Hunts and over twenty in Cambridgeshire which may be attributed to him on certain grounds, 
 and there are five more in Beds, and two in Northants (Cranford St. Andrew 2nd and 4thi 
 1624). In Esse.x we have only one, the 3rd at Chrishall, which is inscribed with one t)f his 
 characteristic verses : 
 
 •f 
 
 NON CLAMOR SED AMOR CANTAT IN AVRE IDE 1621 
 
 'I'lie i)lace of his foundry was established at St. Ives by means of the Churchwardens' 
 Accounts of Shillington, Beds. (Owen, p. 26). Besides his characteristic H, he also uses a 
 peculiar form of E (Plate XXX., Fig. 2). His initial cross (Plate XXX., Fig. i) resembles that 
 used by Robert Oldfield (p. 107). Occasionally he uses other ornaments, as at Little Abington, 
 Cambs., where elegant flowers on stalks form the stops.' 
 
 WILLIAM OLDFIELD OF ^ORK (?). 
 
 The bell at East Tilbury bears a shield on which are the words wiLLiANr oldfield 
 M.\DE MEE (Plate XXX., Fig. 9), with the inscription : 
 
 SOLI a DEO ^ GLORIA a |629 HF 10 (^nd hne) 
 
 Now the only known William Oldfield was one founding at York about this time (see 
 Poppleton in Yorks. Arch. Journ. xviii, 1904, p. 96). Mr. Poppleton knows no instance of the 
 use of this shield, but has often come across the ornamental border, and the lettering and 
 date figures are also common in West Yorkshire, in conjunction with a plain cross. He has 
 not been able to identify such bells as certainly William Oldfield's ; but the Tilbury bell may 
 give the required clue. It might of course have easily been brought by water; but reasons are 
 given in Part II for supposing it to be a second-hand bell. 
 
 THE BORDEN (KENT) FOUNDRY. 
 
 JOHN WILNER (161S-1639). 
 HENRY WILNER (16291644). 
 
 Stahlschmidt noted the curious circumstance that while Thomas Gardiner of Sudbury 
 once penetrated to the south of the Thames, at Hoo St. Werburgh,' the Wilners of Borden 
 also found their way over in the reverse direction. They are represented in three Essex towers : 
 
 ( |ohn and Henry) 
 
 (John) 
 
 (John). On ist : i w; on 2nd: 
 
 lOHM WFLMAR ♦ 1636 
 
 ' Church Bells of Bedfordshire, p. 68. 
 
 'For further details see Owen's Hunts, p. 27 and .\ppondi.v, 
 
 '■'Kent, p. 107 ; see also Ijelow. 
 
 South Benfleet 
 
 S- 
 
 1636 
 
 Hadleigh 
 
 I. 
 
 1636 
 
 Pitsea 
 
 I. 2. 
 
 1636
 
 The wilnf.rs and rrvan eldridck 167 
 
 I>ittle is known of this foundry (Borden is near .Sittinghourne), but it seems to have 
 been a flourishing one; there are 74 of their bells in Kent (only two by Henry), and two by 
 Henry in Sussex. Their bells are inscribed in flat broad Roman letters of a type common at 
 that period, especially in the south of England. These letters are very slightly raised, and 
 in Mr. 'I'yssen's opinion not i)roduced from the ordinary stamps, but from thin letters cut out 
 of card or sheet tin. None of the Essex bells bear any inscription beyond the founder's 
 names or initials. There is a mortar of l)ell-metal bearing John Wllnar's name in the Museum 
 at Colchester Castle. 
 
 THE CHERTSEY FOUNDRY : BRYAN ELDRIDGE. 
 
 Mr. C. H. Hawkins informs us that there is a bell at Bell House, Dunmow, to which he 
 has not been able to gain access, by liryan Eldridge of Chertsey. This founder worked 
 between 1640 and 1661, and his bells are well known in the Southern counties. His tale has 
 been fully told by Stahlsehmidt (Surrey Bells, p. 114). That one of his bells should occur in 
 Essex need occasion no surprise, as I have come across him so far away as Standish, Gloucs., 
 Tamworth, Staffs., and in several parishes in Warwickshire, where his bells are all dated 
 1657-58. He seems to have made a tour in the Midlands about that time. 
 
 THE HERTFORD FOUNDRY AND THE OLDFIELDS. 
 ROBERT OLDFIELD (1605.1638). 
 
 The frequent occurrence of this surname among bell-founders has struck most writers on 
 the subject, though at present it is by no means certain to what extent, if at all, they were 
 connected with one another. There was of course the important firm at Nottingham who held 
 the foundry there from about 1560 to 1715, represented first by Henry, then by two Georges, 
 and it is possible that some of the others were members of the same family. Then there was 
 a William Oldfield at Canterbury about 1550, another at York, about eighty years later — 
 (see above) — an R. Oldfield working in the ^\'estern Midlands about 1605- 1640, and 
 finally Robert Oldfield, whom Stahlsehmidt was able to locate at Hertford, and whose bells 
 are numerous in Essex. 
 
 Curiously enough he is not to be traced in the Hertford Parish Registers ; but just about 
 the time of Stahlschmidt's death his Administration Bond turned up at Somerset House, 
 dated 7th May, 1650. He is there described as of St. Andrew's parish, Hertford.' The only 
 other documentary evidence is in the parish accounts of Shillington, Beds., for which place he 
 cast a bell at Hertford in 1638. As might be expected, his bells are numerous in Herts, 
 amounting to nearly fifty ; in Bedfordshire there are two, Shillington treble and Luton priest's 
 bell (1637); in Cambridgeshire, three at Melbourne dated 1615-16, and the rest, twenty-four 
 in all, are to be found in Es.sex. It is interesting to note that they fall into two chronological 
 groups, clearly distinct. In the earlier (1607-16 16) the bells are inscribed in thick medium- 
 sized letters, with a plain cross crosslet very like that used by Haulsey (Plate XXX. 5, Herts, 
 Fig. 40): in the later (1616-1640) the lettering is thin and somewhat larger, and the cross is 
 usually Herts, Fig. 39, resembling Austen Bracker's ; between 1616 and 1621 he sometimes 
 uses a plain cross (Herts, Fig. 41), with this lettering. The list is as follows 
 
 ^Hiiiks, p. 163.
 
 io8 
 
 The church hells of esse)C 
 
 (i) Thick Utters ; cross crosslct. 
 
 1607. 
 
 'I'akeley 
 
 
 old 3rd 
 
 
 1608. 
 
 
 
 4th" 
 
 
 161 1. 
 
 K])ping 
 Latton 
 
 
 5'1> 
 3rd 
 
 
 I6I2. 
 
 T.attoii 
 Ugley 
 
 
 I St 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 Uuj,. 
 
 lierdcii 
 
 
 .v-d 
 
 
 
 [Gt. Duiimow 
 
 5tl> 
 
 
 
 (;t. Pariid 
 
 on 
 
 4th and old 
 
 ist and 31 
 
 1614. 
 
 While K( 
 
 Dlhing 
 
 3rd 
 5 th 
 
 
 ■ 6,5. 
 
 Matching 
 
 
 4U, 
 
 
 Cross wanting ; two sizes of type. 
 Two varieties of type. 
 
 See helow for this hell.] 
 'l"\vo varieties on 4th. 
 
 Two varieties of type : cross on a 
 shield. 
 
 (.:) Tliin htttrs : plain cross: dflcnoiirds Herts, ]'"ig. 39. 
 
 1 6 1 6. 
 
 Radwintcr 
 
 4tli 7th 
 
 I () 1 7. 
 
 Little Canfield 
 
 1st 
 
 
 M 
 
 2nd 
 
 1621. 
 
 Loughton 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 l(>2(). 
 
 ( 'hingford 
 
 2nd 
 
 1627. 
 
 Latton 
 
 2nd 
 
 1629. 
 
 Radwintcr 
 
 5tli 
 
 1630. 
 
 Stapleford Tawncy 
 
 1st 
 
 1640. 
 
 Matching 
 
 dill 
 
 Plain cross ; unii|ue sto]) on 4th. 
 
 Plam cross. 
 
 Cross Herts, Fig. 39. 
 
 Plain cross. 
 
 Herts, Fig. 39. 
 
 I )o. 
 
 Do. 
 
 1 )o. 
 
 Do. 
 
 \\ f note- ilu' U-.C of an uiuisiial mark ( I'lale .XX.X., l''ig. 7), on Kadwinter 4lh; anil the slh 
 at (jreat Duiimow i-i in every way a rcniarkalilc hell. The inscription 
 
 ^ W^ VESONITV DISCORS PVLSAT CAMPANA 
 
 REFECTA ^ 
 
 VNPTIBVS ViJlNDREE EST mHRYSOCVNES 
 
 QVE IeNOVR 16 1 3 
 
 is in the smaller thick t)|)c lound at I'akeley, etc., with five large initial letters of (Gothic type. 
 These together with the cross (Plate \'l., Fig. 5) are of the same type as those used by 
 Robert liurford at .\rclleigh and Romford (p. 15). This cross and lettering were also used on 
 the 7th at Lincoln Cathcdntl, dated i6od, which we may asstnne to be Oldfield's work. It
 
 ROBKRT OLDFIKl.D AND JOHN DARRIE IO9 
 
 is inscribed Sinii Rosa rulsata etc., like the Ardlei^li and Romford hells.' Oti the crown of 
 the Dunmow bell are the arms of Jeiiour impaling Smythe. 
 
 All his bells bear the shield with an arrow in pale and initials R. C). (Plate XXX., Fig. 3), 
 which as already noted he seems to have borrowed from Holdfeld. It is interesting to 
 note that a very similar shield was used by his contemporary namesake in the West 
 Midlands.- 
 
 His stock of inscriptions is decidedly limited, and with the exception of (Ireat Dunmow, 
 only four varieties are found on the Essex bells. Out of twenty-three examples no less than 
 thirteen are inscribed 
 
 GOD SAVE THE KING 
 
 including three at Latton, two at Takcley, and two at Matching ; seven have 
 
 PRAYSE YE THE LORD 
 
 two (Loughton old 2nd and Radwinter 7tli) 
 
 SONORO SOXO MKO SO'^0 DKO 
 
 and one, the old ist at ("ireat I'arndon 
 
 lESVS BE OVR SPEDE 
 
 Beyond these we only lind occasional names of vicar or church-wardens, as at White 
 Roothing and Takeley. We should also note his use of a Gothic form of Ci and sometimes also 
 of a Q for T) of a similar characler. 
 
 JOHN DARBIE <>f U'swini (1656. 16S5). 
 
 Some twenty Essex bells, ranging in date iietween 1671 and 16S5, bear the name of John 
 Darbie, an Ipswich founder, of whose personal history little is known, though his bells may be 
 described as common. Dr. Raven gives a list of no less than 160 in his native county of 
 Suffolk, -^ and L'Estrange reckoned 25 in Norfolk; there are also eight in Cambridgeshire, two 
 in Kent (Frindsbury 2nd, 1656, and Rodmer.sham 3rd, 1657), and four at St. Vedast, Foster 
 Lane, London. 
 
 The Essex list is as follows : — 
 
 
 
 167 I. 
 
 Great Dunmow 
 
 I St 
 
 
 Great Tey 
 
 3rd 
 
 1673- 
 
 Great Dunmow 
 
 3rd 
 
 1674. 
 
 Do. 
 
 4th 
 
 1675- 
 
 Ardleigh 
 
 4th 
 
 
 Denhani 
 
 7th 
 
 ' See Nortli's f.in.s. Figs. 186, 187. 
 
 -See Trans. Salap Arch. Soc. 3rd Ser. iv. p, 15, plati.- 14. 
 
 "See list in .Suffolk, p. 122.
 
 110 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEJ^ 
 
 1676. 
 
 Ardleigh 
 Ramsey 
 
 
 3rd 
 
 5 th 
 
 
 1679. 
 
 Colchester St. .M 
 
 ary 
 
 Hell. 
 
 
 1682. 
 
 l?ocking 
 Leigh 
 Great Tey 
 Prittlewell 
 
 
 3- 4- 
 old 6th 
 I. 2. 
 old 6th 
 
 
 164S. 
 
 Heybridge 
 Tillingham 
 Great Waltham 
 
 
 2nd 
 4.6. 
 old 3rd 
 
 
 1685. 
 
 Booking 
 
 
 5il> 
 
 
 r6— . 
 
 lieaumont-cum-Moze 
 
 2nd (Date figures 
 
 partly erased.) 
 
 To these may be added, 
 
 (with 
 
 some hesitation) 
 
 
 ifi5>- 
 
 Romford 
 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 'I'hey all bear in jilaiii larg<- capitals, much like the older Miles Graye's, the words 
 JOHN DARBIE MADE ME, usually with a running border between them at each 
 end of which is a mark ^ . In some cases church wardens' or benefactors' names are added 
 
 in a smaller and more ornamental type, with a jieculiar A. The most notable instance of 
 this type is on the treble at Dunmow, inscribed : 
 
 THE COMORO OF MENS ^ MIND PRODVCED ME LICME 
 
 TO ITSELFE PERFECT IN HARMONY ^ 1671 I D 
 
 The second al Romford is inscribed in the same lelleiinij,: 
 
 VPON ^ THE ^ ACCOM PT | | OF T ] ROBERT ! J^l GRAFTON fl 
 AND Q ISAAC Q FENINGE Q BATCHELOVRS ^ IN ^ ROMFORD 
 WAS Q THIS in BELL Q HERE PLACED ANNO DOMINI 1651 
 
 but il will be observed that il bears no name, and that the date is five years earlier than any 
 other of his bells. 'I'here is no other founder to whom we c-an assign it, and as we know so 
 little of Darbie's career there would really be no reason for rejecting his claim to it (supposing 
 him to have madi' one). It may furtlier be noted that a head which occurs as a stop on this 
 bell is also found on the 5th al Ramsey. The only other mark used by Uarbie which calls 
 for comment is a crown with C R (for Carolus Rex) surrounded by mantling, which occurs at 
 Colchester St. Mary and Tillingham, and was also on the old bells at I'ritllewell and Great 
 Walthan). 
 
 L'Estrange found evidence of his being at Ipswich in 1669 and 1677, in the latter case 
 associated with Christopher Graye, Miles' son, as his foreman. Dr. Raven thought that he 
 married Miles' daughter Ann. A bond of administration in his name is dated 1686, January 
 17, and this is at present the extent of our knowledge of him. Whether Michael Darbie (see 
 below) was his brother or any other relation is quite unknown. It is worth nothing that the 
 name John Darbie occurs as donor on a bell of 1607 (the treble) at Sedlescombe, Susse.N, and 
 it is just possible that this was his grandfather.
 
 HENRY YAXLEY I I I 
 
 MICHAEL DARBIE (16511675). 
 
 Michael Darbie, who cast the 5th at Stanstead Mountfitchet in 1C171, was an itinerant 
 founder, of somewhat invidious rc[)utati()n. Dr. Raven says "one specimen of his casting seems 
 to have been enou^ii for a neighbourhood," and quotes Antony h. Wood's account of his 
 'knaveries ' at Oxford in 1^157 in connection with Mcrton College bells. I have only seen 
 one specimen of his work, but that is bad and ugl)- enough in all conscience. He uses large 
 clumsy Roman letters. 
 
 ^\'e hnd him first at work in Kent, where he cast ten bells in 1651-52' and also 
 ' devilled ' for .Vnthony Hartlet on one occasion. His foundry at that time seems to have 
 been in Southwark. He seems to have been at Oxford from 1654 to 1657, casting bells still 
 existing in that county at Headington (1654), Stanton Harcourt (i'')56) and Stanton St. John 
 (1656), also one at King's Sutton near Banbury in 1655. In 1661 he was in Norfolk, where 
 he cast two more; in 167 1 somewhere near Cambridge, where he cast a ring of five for 
 Whaddon, Cambs., and the Stanstead bell. The only remaining exam[)lcs known are at 
 Withyhani, Sussex (1674) and Yatton Keynell, Wilts (1675). He also did some work for St. 
 Margaret's, Westminster, in i67o,-' which was soon supplanted by Samuel Knight. Whether he 
 was a brother or other relation of fohn Darbie is quite uncertain. 
 
 HENRY YAXLEY. 
 
 The 2nd bell at Great Sampford is inscribed : 
 
 RieHT^RlDE FREMT^N GT^BRElaLi ERY eHVRCH 
 
 W7KR1DEN 1©84 
 
 and on the waist are the Royal Arms (Plate XXXI. 5) and a bust of Charles II crowned (Plate 
 XXXI. 2) Neither lettering nor marks occur elsewhere in Essex, but the treble at ]\'yvcystoiie, 
 Suffolk, inscribed HENRY YAXLE MADE ME 1674, has on the waist the Royal Arms and 
 the initials C. R. Dr. Raven also attributes to this founder three out of the eight at Ilorhini:, 
 which are dated 1672-73 and have a stamp of a crown, which it is to be noted we have on 
 the Great Sampford bell. In the absence of other evidence and of any other founder to 
 w^honi it can be attributed, I think it may be assumed that this bell is also by Henry Yaxley. 
 
 Nothing more is known of him except that the trel)le at Fritton, Norfolk, also bears his 
 name, together with the Brasyer ermine shield {Suffolk, fig. 52) and a coat of arms (a chevron 
 between three mullets) which occur at Wyverstone. The use of the Brasyer shield suggests 
 that he was a Norwich man, but their shield was used by so many founders (.\usten Bracker, 
 the Wattses of Leicester, Robert Mot, and Gardiner of Sudbury) that its use is hardly evidence 
 of locality. 
 
 WILLIAM LAMBERT. 
 
 "A small London founder" as Stahlschmidt describes him, was William Lambert, who 
 cast the 2nd at Ramsden Bellhouse in 1638. It is inscribed in very rough plain letters; 
 
 ' A'titi, p. 91. 
 
 '' EUacombe, Supplement lo Gloiics. p. 149.
 
 112 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 RICHARD CROSSE lARVAS AIERST CHVRCHWARDENS 1638 W L 
 
 A\'ithout the name in full it might not have been easy to identify the bell as his, and the 
 lettering is not unlike \\'illiam Land's at Hutton (1637). But fortunately the bell was known 
 to Stahlschmidt, and by comparison with the 2nd at Bcchcnham, Kent,' dated 1640, he was 
 able to identify the founder. On the Beckeiiluuii IilH his name was given in full. Lambert 
 was admitted to the Founders' Company in 1611, i)y whom he was pensioned in 1679 at the 
 age of ninety. But he does not seem to have done much in the way of bell-founding, and the 
 only other trace we have of him is on the .jlh at Kichmond, Surrey : 
 
 LAMBERT MADE ME WEAKE NOT FIT TO RING 
 BVT BARTLET AMONGST THE BEST DID MAKE ME SING 
 
 An unenviable way of being transmitted to posterity, which may be compared with .-Xbel 
 Rudhall's unkindly gibe at Alexander Rigby, who incurred the wrath of Badgworth ringers 
 till he was improved off the face of the earth. • 
 
 THE HODSONS' FOUNDRY (1653 i093)- 
 
 'I'his important London foundry, which lasted for about forty years, seemed to have been 
 situated in the parish of All Hallows, London ^Vall, but its exact locality is uncertain. From 
 1657 to 1685 it did a larger business even than the Whitechapel firm, especially in Kent, and 
 it is remarkable for the large number of bells that issued from it during the 'close' time of the 
 Commonwealth. 
 
 WILLIAM WHITMORE (1647 1657). 
 
 Before treating of the Hodsons however, we have to deal with a founder named William 
 Whitmore, who had a close connection with their foundry, though he does not seem to have 
 actually worked there. It is a name which occurs more than once in bell-founding records ; 
 there are bells at Bred on, Worcestershire, dated 1624, by one \Villiam Witmore, who can 
 hardly have been our man. The next instance of the name is at Froccstcv, Cloucestershire, 
 where there are bells by William Whetiiiore dated if'iji). I thought at one time these must be 
 by the same man as Bredon (the two places are not far distant), and Mr. Cocks {Bucks, p. 
 249) was also doubtful about them ; but an inspection of the rubbings from Frocester in 
 Ellacombe's collection in the liritish Museuui' shews that Ihe lettering is certainly that of the 
 other Whitmore. These, then, are his earliest performances, and we may assume that he was 
 a son of the other founder, and migrated from Gloucestershire about 1640-45. 
 
 We next find him at A I den ha in, Herts, where the priest's bell, dated 1647, bears a lozenge- 
 shai)ed stop also used by Iiim at King's Langley in the same county in 1657. That he was 
 now resident at \\'atford in Herts I shall shortly hope to shew, but his bell-founding was not 
 all done there, and he ' itinerated ' more than once. 
 
 'Recast, I believe, in 1903. 
 - Ellacomhe, Clones, s.z'. 
 » Aild. MSS. 33203.
 
 WILLIAM WHITMOBK 
 
 I '3 
 
 In 1649 he cast three bells for Langley Marish, Bucks, and in 1650 two for the Curfew 
 Tower at Windsor Castle,' either at Watford or on a journey. In the latter year we find iiim 
 in Essex, where he cast a bell of some historical interest for the chapel in Eppin^ Town (see 
 Part II). It hears the name of the then Lord of the Manor: 
 
 WILLIAM LORD GRAVE Of WAKKE 1650 
 
 in his usual fiat plain capitals. In 1651-52 there are no hells hv him, hut in 1653 he was 
 evidently spending some time at Chelmsford. 
 
 And now for his connection with the Hodsons, or rather with John, the head of the firm. 
 In the neighbourhood of the last-named town there are or were seven bells, besides one further 
 distant, which bear the name of John Hodson as maker, with the initials W. W. or a single \V. 
 appended. These are all inscribed, not in Hodson's lettering, but in W hitniore's, which is very 
 flat but well-formed, and easily to be recognised ; it is also characterised by a curious stoj) 4. 
 They are all dated 1653, and the list is : 
 
 Boreham ist and 6ih : 
 
 CKATIOK A LONGE SONVS ♦ 1653 ♦ W W ME FECIT ♦ 
 
 THOMAS TENDKING ♦♦♦ RICHARD EVERARD ESQ* 
 iOHN HODSON MADE ME ♦ AND W ♦ WHITMORE* 
 1653 ♦ rOR ♦ CHVRCHWARDEN. 
 
 Steeple Ikinipstead rst [\n \\ hitniorcs letterings, but only Hodson's nanieV 
 
 Good Easter old ist andsth (I. H. on ist; W. VV. on 5th). 
 
 Sandon ist and 2nd (Hodson's name on both, with \V on 2nd) 
 Springfield 3id do. do. 
 
 The connection is even more strongly emphasised by a bell at Ilcrtiiigforcihury, Herts, 
 inscribed : 
 
 ICEPE DVLCE SEQVAR W WHITMORE FOR IOHN HVDSON 1656 
 
 Mr. Cocks' view seems to be a sound one, that W'hitmore was mainly an itinerant, and that 
 Hodson made use of him as Anthony IJartlet did of Michael I>arbie to undertake commission. 
 Among his other bells may be mentioned one at liovingdon, Herts, (1654), another at 
 Eaton Bray, Beds. (1656), two in .Middlesex, (Harrow 3rd and Northolt ist, i')56), and King's 
 Langley 3rd in 1657. The researches of the Rev. J. H. Stamj) at W'althani .\bbey have 
 further brought to light the fact that he cast a ring of six bells there in 1656, and that he was 
 then at " Woolford," {sic) in Hertfordshire. This can only mean Watford, and as nearly all his 
 bells (except the Essex group) are in the neighbourhood of that town, it was clearly his 
 headquarters from 1647 to 1657. 
 
 JOHN AND CHRISTOPHER HODSON- 
 
 We must now return to the Hodsons, of whom there were two, John the father and Christopher 
 the son. The list of John's bells is a very long one, so long that one is almost inclined to 
 assume two Johns. But the limit of forty years is not really too long for one founder : a 
 
 ' /.V</!->, pp. 249, .■50. 
 
 15
 
 1 14 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Bells by John and Christopher. 
 
 Bolls with John's name alone. 
 
 Bells with Christopher's name alone. 
 
 contemporary of his, John Martin of Worcester, was working almost continuously from 1644 to 
 1693. They fall into six groups : 
 
 (i). Bells by John with the initials W. H. (4). 
 
 (2). Bells by John with initials C. H. and \V. II. (5). 
 (3). Bells by John with initials C. H. (6). 
 
 This order is roughly chronological, except that class (5) extends over the whole duration 
 of the foundry, showing that John was always its head and mainstay, except between 1683 and 
 1688, during which time Christopher's name generally occurs alone. The initials W. H. stand 
 for the foreman, William Hull, who about 1672 dissociated himself from the firm, and set 
 up business at South Mailing in Kent. Subsequently he was in Sussex, for which county he 
 cast many bells between 1676 and 1687. 
 
 Their Essex list is a long one, though far eclipsed by Kent : — 
 
 1657. 
 
 Hockley 
 
 3rd 
 
 Small type 
 
 
 Rayleigh 
 
 7th 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 Little Waltham 
 
 2nd 
 
 Do. 
 
 1663. 
 
 Gt. Waltham 
 
 8th 
 
 Largest type 
 
 1664. 
 
 South Benfleet 
 
 1st 
 
 Medium type 
 
 
 Gt. Canfield 
 
 3rd 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 White Roothing 
 
 1st, 4th 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 Gt. Sanipford 
 
 5th 
 
 Do. 
 
 1665. 
 
 Gt. Easton 
 
 1st — 3rd 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 Mucking 
 
 3rd 
 
 Do. 
 
 1665. 
 
 Abbess Roothing 
 
 3rd 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 White Roothing 
 
 2nd 
 
 Do. 
 
 1666. 
 
 Barling 
 
 2nd 
 
 Do. 
 
 1669. 
 
 Gt. Braxted 
 
 old 1st 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 Witham 
 
 old 1st 
 
 
 1670. 
 
 Rainham 
 
 2nd, 3rd 
 
 Medium type 
 
 1678. 
 
 Canewdon 
 
 1st 
 
 Small type 
 
 
 Hempstead 
 
 4th 
 
 Medium type 
 
 
 South Ockendon 
 
 old bell 
 
 Small type 
 
 I68I. 
 
 Gt. Chesterford 
 
 Former Sanctus 
 
 
 A total of twenty-four, four of which have disappeared. The finest is perhaps the tenor at 
 Great Waltham, but they are always good bells. Several fine bells remain in the City of 
 London to attest the excellence of their work, notably those of St. Martin Orgar and All 
 Hallows the Great, the latter cast, as the churchwardens' accounts shew, at St. Mary Cray in 
 ■ Kent. Nor must we forget that Christopher had the honour of casting the famous Great Tom 
 of Christ Church, Oxford, as well as the fine ring in Merton College Chapel. 
 
 The Hodsons used three alphabets, a large and effective set of letters about ij in. high, 
 usually interspersed with fleurs-de-lys, rosettes, and a lozenge-shaiied stop, of which a larger 
 variety occurs, e.g., at Great Waltham, (Plate XXXL, Figs. 4, 6), and a smaller and plainer set, 
 with the lozenge stop and reduced versions of the rosette and fleurs-de-lys. The latter is used 
 on the bells of 1657 and 1678 only (see list). They were also fond of impressions of coins 
 of Charles II., and the length of their inscriptions is remarkable. Names of founder and 
 churchwardens and initials, with the stops and coins, almost always run into two whole lines.
 
 THE HODSONS I [^ 
 
 The three most interesting ones are here given in full : — 
 Great Waltham tenor : 
 
 Ahoi'e, a border of flcnrs-dflvi all round. 
 
 4. • lOHN f HODSON CojMADE •!• MEr£, 1663 4. lOHN r?»BOOSEY 4- 
 
 2,ui /u,e:-^) NICKLOS MILES ^ CHVRCH t'ol WARDENS ^ lOHN 
 [a:^/,t coi>,s] EVRIET .53R«»E-i.W»B t'-i 
 
 T,rJ line : -) W H 
 
 White Roothing 2nd : 
 
 WH ^ HI ♦ MADE ♦ ME 1665 ♦ THIS ♦ BELL ♦ WAS ♦ 
 
 GIVEN ♦ BY ♦ 
 2W//W.-) SEVERALL ♦ PARSONS ♦ HENRY ♦ BANCKES ♦ 
 
 WC ♦ C ♦ W 
 
 South Ockendon old bell : 
 
 • t THIS ♦ BELL ♦ WAS ♦ GIVEN ♦ BY ♦ RICHARD ♦ MVLFORD ♦ SEX 
 
 STONE ♦ OF ♦ THIS ♦ 
 2,!,/ /n,e:~) ♦ PARISH ♦ AND ♦ HEARE ♦ PLASED ♦ TH ♦ IL ♦ THEN ♦ 
 
 CHVRCH ♦ WARDENS ♦ • • • ♦ 
 3/v/ ////^.•— ) • lOHN ♦ AND ♦ CHRISTOPHER ♦ HODSON ♦ MADE ♦ ME ♦ 1678 
 
 Not much is known of their personal history. The registers of All Hallows, London Wall, 
 contain the entry of the !)irth of a Christopher Hodson in 1629, but our Christopher does not 
 seem to have started work before 1669, so it may be a namesake. A John Hodson of St. 
 Botolph, Aldgate, administered his property to his widow in 1666, but it seems probable that 
 our John outlived the whole time of the foundry. He became a nieml)er of the Society of 
 College Youths in 1649. 
 
 About 167S Christopher appears to have set up an independent business at St. Mary 
 Cray, and carried it on till 1687 ; but as they cast eighteen bells for that county out of twenty 
 in 1672-77, and all those cast in 1683-87 were for that county, and again as we know that 
 John was there in 1670, it seems likely that they had a branch establishment there for some 
 twenty years.' It only remains to mention the curious coincidence, paralleled by the case of 
 two Thomas Bartlets, that a Christopher Hodson appears between 1693 and 1696 as a founder 
 in Northumberland and Durham. It is just possible that our man migrated to the North after 
 his lather's decease. 
 
 WILLIAM AND PHILIP WIGHTMAN (1680-1702). 
 Overlapping with the Hodsons are two founders, William and Philip Wightman, whose 
 
 ' See generally AV«/, p. 99.
 
 tl6 THE CHCRCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 rcsidenix- was. ccrlainly in London, apparently on Windmill Hill, (^IcrkenwcU.' I'hey cover a 
 I)eriod from 1680 to 1702. From 1680 to 1684 William was working alone; in 1685 he took 
 Philip into partnership, and they were together till William's death in 1693, which Philip 
 survived for nine years. I have notes of about eighty bells, mostly from complete or nearly 
 complete rings, of which eleven are to be found in Essex, the hst being as follows : — 
 
 Wll.l.lAM \\'u;ii r.MAN. 
 
 1682. Little llallinybiiry 2i-.d Lart;e type. 
 
 .Slieerini,'. 2nd Small type. 
 
 Wll.l.l \\l AMI I'lllMl'. 
 
 1685. Grays Tluinock 
 
 1686. Gt. Chishall 
 
 1691. lierden 
 
 1692. .South WeaUl 
 
 old 1st 
 
 Small type ; date only. 
 
 ist-4th 
 
 Large type. 
 
 1st 
 
 Small type. 
 
 6th 
 
 Medium type. 
 
 ;th 
 
 Small type. 
 
 3'a 
 
 Large type. 
 
 I'llll.lC WlLlllMAN. 
 
 1694. Leyton 
 
 1695. North ( )i:kcndon 
 
 'I'he I'.cnicn treble is inscril)ed (in small type): 
 
 THIS BELL WAS RVNN AT LONDON ATT THE CHARGE OF THE PARRISH AND BY THE 
 HAND OF THOMAS CARR OGTO J69J W AND P WICHTMAN MADE ME 
 
 'I'heir bells are not as a rule of great interest, nor do they indulge in much ornamentation 
 beyond an occa.sional scroll-border ; but there are two remarkable exceptions, the tenor at 5/. 
 CUnifiit Dunes, London {1693) and the large bell at .S7. James, Westminster (1686), where 
 they use between the words an i-labor;ite and must clTeclive border, consisting of alternate 
 ([uatrefoils, crosses, and lleiMs dc lys linked b_\' scrolls. I'lu- secmid and third of these motives 
 were afterwards adopted by Richard I'helps of Whitcchapel (see below). 
 
 William Wighlman was made free of the Foiuiders' Company in 16.S6, and is said to have 
 been the Koval bell-louiidLr." In support of the latter statement is the fact that he and his 
 brother cast the bell for Kensington Palace (Jhapel when it was erected in 1690. The Rev. L 
 Christie, formerly curate of St. IJartholomew, Moorfiekls, communicated to Stahlschmidt 
 some additional facts relating to these founders which do not seem to have been published. 
 In 1685 (William) Wightman cast the great bell of St. Ciles' Cripplegate, and in 16S6 the fifth 
 of the same ring. In the register of the same parish is recorded the marriage of the same in- 
 dividual, described as " loundcr. of this parish " to Mary .Maning in 1655. But they must 
 have settled in (."lerkenwell, as indicated above. 'I'he service bell of St. Paul's Cathedral was 
 cast by Philip Wighlman "at his melting house on Windmill Hill " in 1700.' .And a daughter 
 of I'hilip's was buried at P.ethlchem in 1684. 
 
 ' Sec llie Iholiiliinl .\/ei,ury, 31 July, 170O. 
 '.See below for llic Koyal Koundn in Muurliclils. 
 ' 7'nuis. SI. I'iiiifi Ecctes. Soc. 1907, p. 119.
 
 JOHN WOOD AND THE NEWMANS II7 
 
 JOHN WOOD. 
 
 \'cry lluL- is known of tliis founder, whose hells only cover ihe [leriod 1691-1699, and 
 tlious^h a Londoner, he niusl have spent most of his time out of the county. The contract with 
 him for easting the okl treble at Rochester ("atliedral in 1695, which is still preserved, describes 
 him as of Chancery Lane, but anotlier contract of 1691s preserved at Berwick, Sussex, gives his 
 address as "the parish of IJishopsgate in the City of London." 
 
 The solitary bell at Pi'ickh<illou< in the Cambridgeshire Pens is the earliest specimen of his 
 work ; and in 1692-4 we find him concentrating his efforts on the southern extremity of Essex, 
 where he has left traces of his work in tlie treble at Chadwell (1694), the 3rd, the former 
 and, and perhaps also the sih at West Tilbury (1692-4), and three bells of 1694 at 
 Stanford -le- Hope now recast. On the waist of the Tilbury 3rd is inscribed: 
 
 NADE M E Iba a 
 
 in rough slight characters : these three seem to have been cast by hini for James Kartlet, 
 who himself cast the treble. 
 
 In 1696 he cast three bells for Swingfield, Kent, and in 1697-99 nine for Sussex, during 
 which time he must have made Hastings or Lewes his head-quarters, as all the bells are in that 
 neighbourhood. His inscriptions are roughly and carelessly executed, often mere scratches as 
 at I'ilbury, and as often as not placed backwards. 
 
 THE NEWMANS. 
 
 CHARLES NEWMAN (16S4 1709). 
 
 Bells by this founder are found in Cambridgeshire (8), Huntingdon (2), Norfolk (30) and 
 Suffolk (30), as well as in Essex. The list of the latter is as follows : — 
 
 1688. Thorpe-le-Sokeii 4th and old 5th 
 
 1689. Ardleigh 6th 
 
 1690. Shalford 2nil 
 1693. Eastwood 1st 
 
 I'aglesham 2nd 
 
 1695. Riilyewell 4th 
 
 He appears to have been sometliing of a wanderer; as Mr. Owen says, he considered that 
 "if business did not come to him he must go lo the business." And so we first find him at 
 Haddenham in Cambridgeshire, and subsequently at Lynn, where in 1684 he cast a bell for St. 
 Michael's, Cambridge, in conjunction with Christopher, son of Miles Graye. L'Estrange 
 {Norfolk, p. 40) shews that in 1702 his foundry was at Blakeney on the coast of Norfolk, and 
 it has also been thought that he worked at Norwich. But the Essex bells were either cast at 
 Lynn and brought round by water, or perhaps at Bury (see below). 
 
 They are inscribed in medium capitals of varying merit, and there are usually running
 
 Il8 THE CIll'RCH RELl.S OF ESSEX 
 
 borders lietween the words; at Slialford tliere are also stops. His usual formula is: 
 CHARLES NEWMAN MADE MEE 
 
 sometimes with churchwardejii' luimcs. 
 
 I'"or some additional information ahoui Charles Newman we are again indebted to Mr. 
 Redstone, who has unearthed the hitherto unknown fact that his later years were connected 
 with Colchester and Bury, and that he died at the latter i)lace, where his will is preserved. 
 He is described as 
 
 Newman, Clias. of Biuy St. Edmunds, l)ell-f(Hintler. 
 
 He bequeaths to his son Charles when 21 years of age an estate in " Kutoljih " Parish, 
 Colchester ; to his son Thomas " all such working tools as shall be useful for his employment, 
 and he shall choose." The will is dated 10 Sept. 1709, and i)robate was granted 6 Jan. ly'/ij 
 at Bury. 
 
 THOMAS NEWMAN (1710 1744)- 
 
 A son of Charles Newman, Thomas was born at Haddenham in 1682, and married there 
 in 1707. His main place of business was undoubtedly at Norwich, but he worked elsewhere, 
 at Bury, and at .Sudbury with Thomas Gardiner, and in i 723-25 was certainly at Cambridge, as 
 we learn from two of his bells, the second at Furneaux Pelham, Herts (1725) and the tenor at 
 Berden in this county, inscrilied : 
 
 THO = * * * NEWMAN * * * AT • CAMBRIDGE MADE ' ME * 1723 * WILLIAM * * * 
 
 The tenor at Little Easton, with stars as stops and ornamental borders, ^-as also cast at 
 Cambridge. 
 
 His bells are numerous, hut uninteresting ; there are over thirty in Cambridgeshire, three 
 in Beds., two in Hunts, one in Herts, 167 in Norfolk, 65 in Suffolk, and, as we have seen, 
 two in Esse.N. He must have begun work very young, overlapping for some years with his 
 father. 
 
 The Rovston Foundry. 
 RICHARD KEENE (.6991702). 
 
 In or about the year 1699, according to tradition, Richard Keene, a founder who had 
 already done good work at W'oodstock in Oxfordshire,' where he followed his father James, set 
 up his furnaces temporarily at Royston on the border of Herts and Cambs. The reason for 
 his migration is unknown, nor in fact does there seem to be any evidence of it apart from 
 tradition and the testimony of the bells themselves, none of which are found very far away 
 from that spot. The Royston registers do not mention his name ; but he can only have been 
 there a few years at the outside. 
 
 During this time he was fairly active, though his work has not always stood the test of 
 
 ' See jjenerally Biuks, p. 171.
 
 RICHARD KEENE 
 
 119 
 
 time ; of six rings cast for Essex churches not one now remains intact. At present his work 
 exists in ten towers, nearly all in the north-west of the county, the list being as follows : — • 
 
 1699. Heydon 
 High Easter 
 Rickling 
 
 1700. Elmdon 
 Hadstock 
 Rickling 
 Wendens Ambo 
 
 1701. Arkesden 
 Littlebury 
 
 1702. Langley 
 
 Ring of five ; 3rd re-cast 
 
 5th 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 3rd 
 Ring of five ; 1st, 3rd and 4th re-cast 
 
 5th 
 Ring of five ; now re-cast 
 Ring of six ; 2nd re-cast ; 6th in error 1710 
 
 6th 
 Ring of four; 2nd re-cast 
 
 4th 
 
 Sheering 
 
 His inscriptions are not ambitious, many of the bells bearing the date alone, others names of 
 donors or churchwardens ; or they are " signed " with the formula (as at Hadstock) 
 
 RICH KEENE CAST THIS RING 
 
 The only exception is Arkesden tenor, where he adopts Haulsey's formula 
 
 NON CLAMOR SED AMOR CANTAT IN AVRE DEI 
 
 He uses good square Roman letters as a rule; one is given on Plate XXXH., Fig. i, but 
 some of his date-figures are very rough. 
 
 Other bells cast by him at Royston are : 
 
 n Cambridgeshire : 
 
 
 In Hertfordshire : 
 
 
 1699. Duxford St. John 
 
 6th 
 
 1700. Anstey 
 
 1st. 
 
 Horseheath 
 
 3rd 
 
 1701. Gt. Hormead 
 
 1st. 
 
 Shudy Camps 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 
 1700. Horseheath 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 
 
 Shepreth 
 
 1st 
 
 
 
 1 701. Little Shelford 
 
 2nd, 4th, 5th 
 
 
 
 1702. West Wratting 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 
 1703. Burwell 
 
 First four 
 
 
 
 Lolworth 
 
 First three 
 
 
 
 Little Shelford 
 
 1st 
 
 
 
 ek;hteenth century founders 
 
 JOHN WAYLETT (1703 i?.?i). 
 
 We now have to deal with a very interesting founder, who did not confine himself to one 
 locality, as will be seen, though his bells were mostly cast at one permanent centre. This is 
 John Waylett, who first appears as the founder of the former 5th at Stanford -le- Hope in 
 1703. Until the year 17 14 his bells are confined to Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Herts, with the 
 exception of two Suffolk bells cast in 1712 (Little Cornard ist and Great Thurlow 4th, both in 
 the S.W. of the county), and one in North Middlesex (1714). On the two Suffolk bells his 
 name occurs in conjunction with that of John Thornton of Sudbury (see below), so that he must 
 have been (temporarily, at all events) residing in that town. Jiut 1 am inclined to think that hjs
 
 120 THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 regular home was Bishop's Stortford, and that he did most of his founding there throughout 
 his career. At all events it forms a good geographical centre for his earlier bells. Additional 
 evidence comes from Dr. Raven, who has pointed out that in the churchwardens' accounts of 
 Meldreth, Cambs,' for the year 17 i6 Waylett is described as a Bishop's Stortford man. On 
 Oct. 3rd, I 7 15, the 2nd bell was sent to "John Waylett of Bishop's Stortford" to be recast, at 
 a cost of ^6 I2S. 6d. Next year the treble was sent to the same place. We may also note 
 that when the Bishop's Stortford bells were recast by Waylett in 17 13 there is no item for 
 carriage in the parish accounts.' 
 
 He was however apparently of a roving disposition, and as early as 17 14 we find .several 
 bells by him in Sussex, which county he continued to supply pretty regularly for ten years. 
 He is also found in Kent between 17 17 and 1727, in Surrey in 1718, and [wssibly in Berks in 
 1730. These bells must I think have been ca.st by him when itinerating ; he is hardly likely 
 to have been applied to at Bishop's Stortford from the other side of London. Thougli a 
 fairly good founder he was in no way the equal of his contemporaries Phelps and Samuel 
 Knight. 
 
 Mr. E. V. Lucas in his delightful Highways and Byiiuiys of Sussex (p. 399) alludes to 
 Waylett in his description of U'ithyham. He says : " His method was to call on the Vicar and 
 ask if anything were wanted ; and if a bell was cracked, or if a new one was desired, he 
 would dig a mould in a neighljouring field, build a fire, collect his metal, and perform the 
 task on the spot. Waylett's business might he called ' the higher tinkering.' " He also states 
 that in i 724 Waylett was working at Lewes and remedying defective rings of the neighbourhood. 
 Mr. Lucas does not give his authorities, but he seems to be rigiit in the last-quoted statement. 
 
 In 1 72 1 he cast two bells for St. Stephen, Coleman Street, London, but whether in a 
 passing journey or otherwise we cannot say. .\t all events he was certainly in London from 
 1727 to 1731, his latest date, for often bells cast by him during this period no less than seven 
 bear the words iohn \v.\\lett, London. Of these seven two are in i'^ssex (High Ongar 1st, 
 1728, and Felstead 3rd, 1731), four in Herts, and one in Kent. Of the other three, the Berks 
 example is douljtful, the next is the priest's bell at Latton,' and the third is the tenor at 
 Bishop's Stortford (1730), which as we have seen was his original home. He may have been 
 specially called there to recast it. 
 
 It remains then that from 1703 to 1714 he was permanently at Bishop's Stortford 
 (except for his visit to Sudbury in 17 12); lie then spent two years in Sussex, casting nine 
 bells, all in the neighbourhood of Hastings. In 1716 he returned home and entered into 
 some arrangement for working with Samuel Knight, of which more anon, until 1721; during 
 this time and for the next three for four years he seems to have itinerated, as his bells are 
 scattered over the Home counties. All his Kent bells from 1721 to 1724 were cast at 
 Hythe (see below) ; the places where they remain are within easy distance of that town. 
 
 Finally, in 1727, he took up his permanent residence in London, and there spent the last 
 five years of his active life. We cannot say where his foundry was ; Stahlschmidt found traces 
 of him in the records of the iMiunders' Company in i 740, when he was an honorary member, 
 having presumably retired from business. But Mr. 'I'yssen notes an admmistration of John 
 Waylett of St. ("leorge's, Southwark, to Mary his widow, dated 1733; po.ssibly another man. 
 
 'Sec VV. M. ralinct, MrUiitlh faiish Ke.flr.h, |i. ly. 
 
 -Herts, p. 156. 
 
 ■'The small ti.ile figures also occur at I-iulc Hcrkliam|).skail, Herts, on a hell by Wayliii
 
 Little Wakering 
 
 I St — 3rd 
 
 Epping 
 
 1st— 4tli 
 
 Roxvvell 
 
 2nd 
 
 Langham 
 
 6tli 
 
 Aveley 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 North Weald 
 
 3rd and old 2nd 
 
 Gt. Hallingbury 
 
 4th and old 1st 
 
 JOHN WAV1.ETT l^f 
 
 His contieclion with Samuel Knight (p. 150) is as follows: Two bells at Redbourn, 
 Herts, hear his name with date 17 16, while a third, with the same date and lettering bear the 
 name of 11. knicwit (sic). lUit Stahlschniidt declares the lettering on all three to be Samuel 
 Knight's, so that the H must be a mistake. Probably Waylett carried out the order for 
 Knight in the same way that, as we have already seen, AVilliam Whitmore and Michael 
 Darbie executed commissions. At any rate this theory finds additional support from a bell at 
 Stowting, Kent, inscribed SK I \V l''ECri" 1721 ; this, as we learn from the existing agreement, 
 was cast by Waylett while "itinerating" at Hythe in the neighbourhood. 
 
 I have perhaps given Waylett more space than he had a right to claim ; but he seems 
 to have been unduly neglected hitherto. We must now turn to the list of his bells, or at least 
 to the thirty examples in Essex, 'i'hey are : — 
 
 I. Casl at Bishofs St or I ford. 
 
 1703 Stanford-le-Hope old 5th 1707 
 
 1704 Romford 3rd 
 
 1705 Gt. Bardiield 4th (recast) 
 Koydon old 1st, 3rd, 4th 170S 
 
 The tliird here had tlie quaint inscription : 1712 
 
 THO KILL TRYST£ EAST FROM MEE 
 
 Stanstead 4tli 1713 
 
 1706 Horndon-on-Hill 3rd The latter was inscribed : 
 
 1707 Canewdon 5th HALLELUIAH "^ ^ 
 
 1 1 . Duriiii; Itinerancy. 
 
 1716 Stanstead old ist 1724 Fobbing 5th 
 
 III. Cast ill London. 
 
 1728 High Ongar ist 1731 Felstead 3rd 
 
 Latton Sanctus There is also a doubtful example at Paglesham. 
 
 The majority of these bells are inscribed lOHN WAYLETT MADE ME in large 
 
 bold Roman capitals, slightly ornanifiited, with a characteristic ^X and ^^ ; in some cases, 
 
 as at High Ongar and North Weald, he uses a smaller type, and at Latton an even smaller one, 
 necessitated by the diminutive size of the bell. A fieur-de-lys occurs as a stop at Romford, 
 Little Wakering and Great Hallingbury ; but as a rule he is content with the simple JOHN 
 WAYLETT MADE ME, or, as on Little Wakering ist, lOHANNES WAY- 
 LETT FESIT, or names of churchwardens. About 130 bells in all can be attributed 
 to him, the distribution of which has been already indicated. 
 
 The Sudbury Foundrv. 
 
 HENRY PLEASANT (1691-1707). 
 
 The establishment of a bell-foundry at Sudbury is due to Henry Pleasant, whose earliest 
 bell (at Peasenhall, Suffolk) is dated 1691. L'Estrange quotes a writer in the Norwich and 
 Bury Post as stating that he succeeded Miles Graye at Colchester in 1686, and that he 
 "removed his foundry not long afterwards to Sudbury, where he carried on a considerable 
 business between the years 1695 and 1707." It is not clear whether there is definite authority 
 
 16
 
 122 
 
 tHK CHL'RCrt T?EI.LS OF ESSEX 
 
 for this statement, and as a matter of fact i'leasant's earlier bells are all nearer to Sudlmry than 
 Colchester, but though he does not state the fact on any bell, his residence at the former 
 place need not be questioned. Few traces of liim or his family have so far come to light in 
 the Registers of that town, but at All Saints a Pleasant of (Uemsford appears in 1653, at St. 
 Gregory's a Henry Pleasants in 1654, and at St. Peter's (in which parish he appears to have 
 lived, though the foundry was probably in All Saints') we find the following entries : — 
 1673. March 16. Catrina, the wife of Henry Pleasans was buried. 
 1708. Decemb. 20. Henry I'leasants buried. 
 
 In 1705, to cjuote L'Estrange again, he cast a few bells for Norfolk churches (h^arlhani 
 and Norwich St. Andrew) at the Bracondale foundry, Norwich, and in 1703 he did some 
 work for Blickling in conjunction with Charles Newman, as appears from the Churchwarden's 
 accounts. He died in 1707, and letters of administration were granted to his widow 12th of 
 February, 1708. 
 
 About forty of his bells remain in Suffolk, six in Norfolk, one in Cambridgeshire, and 23 
 in Essex, besides five recast. The list of the latter is as follows : — 
 
 1704 
 
 1705 
 
 1707 
 
 1693 
 
 Little Easton 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Lamarsh 
 
 Bell 
 
 1695 
 
 lielchamp Otten 
 
 3rd 
 
 1697 
 
 Castle Hedingham Clock 
 
 Date only. 
 
 1700 
 
 Halstead 
 
 7th 
 
 
 Great Maplestead 
 
 2nd 
 
 i;oi 
 
 Colchester St. Nicholas 
 
 ;th 
 
 
 Ingatestone 
 
 old 4th 
 
 
 Little Tey 
 
 Bell 
 
 1702 
 
 Toppesfield 
 
 1st 
 
 1703 
 
 Great Hentley 
 
 7th 
 
 Earl's Colne 
 
 old 1st, 
 
 3rd, 4th, 6th 
 
 Gosfield 
 
 
 1st 
 
 Earl's Colne 
 
 
 old 5lh 
 
 Kelvedon 
 
 
 3rd 
 
 Stambourne 
 
 
 1st— 3rd 
 
 lUilmer 
 
 
 
 Wakes Colne 
 
 
 1st 
 
 Langford 
 
 
 old 1st 
 
 Maiden All Saints 
 
 
 I St— 4th 
 
 „ St. Mary 
 
 
 3rd 
 
 Tillingham 
 
 
 5th 
 
 As a rule these bells are not good casting, and the marks are indistinct. 
 
 I'leasant's bells are all inscribed in a large plain but imt ineffective typo, and tisually 
 
 have only the formula HENRY PLEASANT MADE ME with dale, and 
 
 sometimes names of churchwardens. ('.osfield treble has the name of the donor; Castle 
 Hedingham clock bell has only the date ; the sth at St. Nicholas, Colchester, only church- 
 wardens' names. But, like Bottom, he could " gleek upon occasion," as we find in the oft- 
 quoted effusions on the first four at Maldon All Saints : '■ 
 
 (■) WHEN THREE THIS STEEPLE LONG DID HOLD 
 
 (2) THEY WARE THREE EMBLEMS OF A SCOLD 
 
 (3) NO MVSICK THEN BVT NOW SHALL SEE 
 
 (4) WHAT PLEASANT MVSICK SIX WILL BE 
 
 or more siiiii>ly but less grammatically at Ipswich SI. Nicholas: 
 
 HENRY PLEASANT HAVE AT LAST 
 MADE AS GOOD AS CAN BE CAST 
 
 "Of. Josejjh .Smith's performunce in 1730 al Xorlhficld, VVorcs. {Assoc. Anli. Socs. Ke/'orl, 1901, p. 587).
 
 THE SUDBURY FOUNDRY 123 
 
 and at Little Tey : 
 
 HENRY PLEASANT DID ME RVNN ANNO 1701.' 
 
 He was fond of stops in the form of small crosses and stars, grouped in various ways: 
 
 -I- 
 at Wakes Colne we find a star ; at Gosfield and at Toppesfield -^ (Plate XXXII., Fig. 9) 
 
 and at Little Kaston, Lamarsh and elsewhere groups of five small crosses forming a larger one : 
 
 + 
 + + +. At Wakes Colne, (Ireat Maplestead, and Halstcad he uses a border of fleurs-de-lys 
 
 + 
 rising from a horizontal stem (Plate XXXII., Fig. 4), and on the last-named bell some curious 
 floral ornaments, formed by scratching in the mould. 
 
 JOHN THORNTON (170S-1720). 
 
 Of this founder little is known, and his bells are not very numerous ; but, says Dr. Raven, 
 " they generally please me." The .same author notes a dozen in Suffolk, and seven in 
 Cambridgeshire, including " a neat little five at Newmarket All Saints;" these are also three 
 in Norfolk (Pulham St. Mary Virgin and Shropham). Of these the bell at Litde Cornard and 
 the late 4th at Great 'Phurlow, Suffolk, were cast in conjunction with John Waylett in 17 12 
 (see p. 1 19). In Essex we have thirteen : 
 
 1710 Stanway old 2nd 1716 Fryerning 2nd, 4th, 5th 
 
 171 1 Layer Marney 3rd 1717 Great Bromley 2nd 
 Pentlow 1st Dedham Slh 
 
 1714 Lawford 2nd and 3rd 1719 Colchester St. Leonard 4th 
 
 1716 Belchamp St. Paul's 4th Hadstock 4th 
 
 None of the inscriptions call for comment. He uses two varieties of type, a large one 
 like Pleasant's, and a smaller version of the same, and he affects similar stops : a star, four 
 
 small crosses + +, or crosses formed of ir, singly or in groups. On the two last Essex bells 
 
 he breaks out into large ornamental capitals by way of initials to the words, the rest of the letters 
 being of medium size and plain. At Colchester we have (on the second line) : 
 
 Remember t My ; Sound- 
 
 L'Estrange, quoting again from the writer in the Bui'y and Noywich Post, says, "The 
 Hospitallers' Yard near Ballingdon Bridge, Sudbury, and Curds or Silkweaver's Lane were 
 uccessively the sites of foundries." As we shall see that Thornton over lapped the next 
 Sudbury founder by about ten years, it is not impossible that Pleasant and he occupied the 
 first-named site, and his successor Thomas Gardiner the second, which he started 
 independently. It is curious that there is no mention of Thornton in the Registers of Sudbury, 
 so far as they have been searched, but in St. Gregory's Parish Books there are payments to 
 him for bells in 1718-19. 
 
 'Cf. ag.iin Joseph Smith at .\lvechurch, Worcs. (loi. cit.).
 
 124 "T"^ CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 THOMAS GARDINER (1709! 760). 
 
 Thomas (iardiner actually started his long and prosperous career just a year after 
 Thornton began his, but as we have seen there is evidence for two sites of foundries in 
 Sudbury, and they seem to have been quite independent throughout. " Like others of the 
 craft," says Dr. Raven, "his first efforts were not fully appreciated," and the tenor at 
 Edwardstonc, Suffolk,' records an emphatic protest in rhyme against the verdict of the local 
 authorities, on his 2nd bell cast in 17 10 (the treble is dated 1709). In 1710 at Ickworth in 
 the same county, and later at Colchester St. Leonard and Colne Eng;aine, he emulates 
 rieasant's Ipswich ditty as follows : 
 
 THO = GARDINER DID ME CAST I WILL SING HIS PRAISE TO THE LAST. 
 
 but his only other effort in this direction is at Great Horkesley in 1747 :'^ 
 
 \VM. SADLER WHO HADE A NEGLIGENT PARTNER •^ CAUSED ME TO BE 
 CAST BY SUDBURY GARDNER 1747 
 
 Of his bells there remain 106 in Suffolk, 47 in Norfolk, 10 in Cambridgeshire, one in Kent 
 (at Hoo St. Wevhiirgh), and in Essex 95, together with some half-dozen recently recast. It is 
 possible to group the bells to some extent according to the marks which are used ; and to do 
 so in the following list will at all events facilitate description. 
 
 We have then (to take Essex bells alone) first a group of nine bells from 1712 to 1717, 
 none of which have the crosses characteristic of later years, but three have stamps which he 
 shortly discarded. 
 
 1713 Belchamp Walter 5th 1714 Maldon St. Mary 5th 
 Moreton 4th 1717 West Mersea ist — 5th 
 
 1 7 14 Boxted 1st 
 
 Of these the two first bear a set of three shields (Plate XXXII. , Figs. 6, 8, 10) in which are 
 crosses heraldically to be described as a plain Greek cross, a cross humctie and a cross pommJ 
 or hotonne; at Boxted the second alone occurs. The other bells have no marks beyond the 
 inscription which is (as on nearly all of Gardiner's bells) : 
 
 THO=GARDlNER SVDBVRY FECIT 
 
 The next group (1721-1725) is marked by the introduction of a very pretty cross (Plate 
 XXXII., Fig. s), a reduced version of one used by the Norwich mediaeval founders (p. 48) 
 as at Boxford, Suffolk, and St. Giles, Norwich ; this is used as a stop (except after the 
 Christian name), sometimes repeated more than once, and henceforth its use is invariable 
 except on a group of bells cast in 1737. The list is : 
 
 1724 
 
 I72I 
 
 Great Clacton 
 
 1st — 3rd 
 
 1722 
 
 Good Easter 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 1723 
 
 Borley 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Buhner 
 
 old 1st 
 
 
 Fordham 
 
 1st 
 
 Terling 
 
 2nd 
 
 Great Burstead 
 
 1st 
 
 Layer de la Haye 
 
 2nd 
 
 Ramsey 
 
 1st and 5th 
 
 Downham 
 
 1st and 3rd 
 
 Fairstead 
 
 1st 
 
 1725 
 
 Grecnstead (Colchester) Bell 
 
 ^ Suffolk, p. 142. 
 
 'This inscription being considered liljcllcius was subsequently filed aw.iy, all bul the l.i.sl four woj'ds
 
 THOMAS GARDINER 
 
 125 
 
 On some of these bells (as at Bulmer and Terling) we find a border of ficurs-de-lys (Plate 
 XXXII., 2), like Pleasant's but more elegant. The only other notable point is the square- 
 shaped |_J which occurs at Good Easter, dreenstead, and Terling. 
 
 In 1726 Gardiner introduced a second cross, used at first sparingly but subsequently 
 (i 734-1 740 and 1 749-1 760) more generally; this is the one employed by .\ustcn Bracker 
 (Plate XXXII., Fig. 7 ; see p. 82). Like the other it is used as a stop, but only supplementary 
 to the earlier one. The bells from this date onward are fairly uniform in style, but it is 
 possible to make three or four sub-divisions. 
 
 1726 
 
 1727 
 1728 
 
 1729 
 
 1729 
 
 1731 
 
 At Great Bromley and Great Waltham the fleur-de-lys border occurs; and on Coggeshall 
 7th yet another mark, the ' much-wandered' Brasyer shield (Plate XVIIL, Fig. 2). The bells 
 cast in 1737 seem to stand alone; none of them have any crosses except the four at Thaxted 
 which may go with the succeeding group. We have then : 
 
 Great Bromley 6th 
 
 1732 
 
 Great Bentley 
 
 8th 
 
 Steeple Bumpstead 3rd 
 
 
 Thorington 
 
 2nd, 3rd, 6th 
 
 (both crosses) 
 
 ■733 
 
 Coggeshall 
 
 6th, 7th 
 
 Tolleshunt Major 3rd 
 
 
 Good Easter 
 
 old 4th 
 
 Ardleigh old 5th 
 
 1734 
 
 Stambourne 
 
 5th 
 
 Great Maplestead 3rd 
 
 
 Ugley 
 
 2nd 
 
 Tollesbury 4th 
 
 
 Wimbish 
 
 3rd 
 
 Little Dunmow Bell 
 
 1735 
 
 East Horndon 
 
 4th 
 
 Kirby-le-Soken 2nd, 4th, 5th 
 
 
 Ingrave 
 
 5th 
 
 Tilbury-by-Clare Bell 
 
 Also 
 
 1st and 3rd? (no 
 
 date ; see below) 
 
 Great Waltham 7th 
 
 1736 
 
 Messing 
 
 3rd 
 
 Great Burstead 5th 
 
 
 Springfield 
 
 2nd 
 
 Birch 
 
 Bell 
 
 Pebmarsh 
 
 Clock 
 
 Cressing 
 
 Bell 
 
 Stififord 
 
 3>-d 
 
 Ingrave 
 
 2nd (also ist and 3rd?) 
 
 South Weald 
 
 4th 
 
 Messing 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 
 
 In these we note as it were a return to the style of his earliest bells, and for U he uses the 
 earlier V. Some of the bells of this date, as at Messing and Ingrave, have rather more 
 interesting inscription.s than usual; two of the Ingrave bells are undated, but [irobably belong 
 to the same casting as the 2nd. We give these as specimens. 
 
 * * 
 
 ist. LAVDATE DEVM IN TYMPANO 
 
 2nd. SANCTE NICHOLAE ORA PRO NOBIS 1737 -^ 4. ^ ^^ ^ 
 
 3rd. ME CLANGENTE DOMVM CONCELEBRATE DEI d^ ^ W^ 
 •' n|« tt^A fSm 
 
 rth «d^ W MVNERA • SACRA ■ SONO ■ FVNERA • LAETA • PRECES • ROB 
 
 lAC ■ PETRE • BARO • DE • WRITTLE • REFUNDENDA CVRAVIT • OPERA • 
 
 THO • GARDINER • DE • SVDBVRY • 1735 
 
 * *
 
 126 THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 The 2nd is obviously a reproduction of a mediaeval bell: the 4th, recast in 1859, was 
 probably also one of Gardiner's. 
 
 In the next group his old style is resumed (1747-1749), and the Bracker cross appears 
 again, but is soon dropped. It comprises : 
 
 1737 Thaxted 4th — 7th lioth crosses Woodham Walter 3rd 
 
 1739 Hadstock 1st Jioth crosses 1745 IJelchamp St. Paul's 5th 
 
 1740 Maiden St. Mary 2nd .S: 6th Both crosses Ramsey 2nd 
 
 1742 Earl's Colne old Sanctus 1747 Great Horkesley 5th 
 
 Only a small plain cross Mistley 2nd 
 
 1743 Great Hromley 3rd 174S Little Clai ton 3rd 
 Witham 6th and old 2nd 1749 Middletcm ist 
 
 None of these call for any comment except Great Horkesley 5th, which has been given 
 above. The Bracker cross is now resumed and appears regularly (i 749-1 760) : 
 
 1749 Little Waltham 3rd 1751 Hempstead 2nd 
 
 1750 East Hanningfield old 3rd 1752 Pleshey 3rd, inscribed: 
 
 1 WAS CAST AT THE EXPENSE OF SAMUEL TVFNELL OF LANGLEYS ESq 
 ANNO 1752 SLIAVITER SONANS |^ 
 
 1754 Dedham ist — 5th 
 
 1755 Colchester St. Leonard ist and 5th 
 Halstead 3rd 
 Tolleshunt D'Arcy 4th and 5th 
 
 1756 Elmstead ist 
 
 1757 Coggeshall 5th 
 
 Gardiner uses a plain thin type of lettering about ij- in. high, in which the only variations 
 are in the case of I, which is sometimes of quasi-Gothic type I (as at Pleshey, Springfield and 
 
 Ugley), and the U, Ij, or V, which has already been noted. He has a great fondness for 
 impressions of coins, mostly those of Queen Anne, which are found on the majority of his 
 bells, following the date ; in some cases we find impressions from the gold coins of John V of 
 Portugal, which are also used by Lester at Southminster (p. 135). His date-figures are always 
 smaller than his letters. 
 
 As with Pleasant and Thornton, researches have so far unearthed little from the 
 Sudbury Registers, though the name is exceedingly common in the neighbourhood, especially 
 at Ballingdon. A Thomas Gardiner was buried at All Saints in 1654; but at the beginning of 
 the eighteenth century there are gaps in those registers. 
 
 However at St. Peter's we find the following : 
 
 1721. July 25. Sarah Gardiner buried. 
 1762. Dec. 3. Thomas Gardiner buried. 
 
 There is no certain proof that these were our Thomas and his wife or mother, but it is 
 extremely probable that the 1762 entry refers to the former. 
 
 Gardiner did not apparently work exclusively at Sudbury; in 1 719 we find him in con- 
 junction with Thomas Newman (Newmarket St. Mary 5th), and a further possible connection 
 with that founder is .shewn Ity his being at Norwich in 1740 and 1745 ; bells at \Vesthorpe, 
 
 1759 Boreham 
 
 4th 
 
 Danbury 
 
 1st and 4th 
 
 1760 Steeple Bumpstead 
 
 4th 
 
 Colne Engaine 
 
 6th 
 
 Springfield 
 
 4th
 
 NiEWTON AND PEELE 127 
 
 Suffolk, aiul Tiliuy All Saint's, Norfolk, in those two years are inscribed "Tho. Gardiner 
 Norwich." In 1739 he cast a hell for (Ireat Chesterford at Ingatestonc (see Part II.), and 
 though just at that time his bells are rare in South lissex, they are on the whole sufficiently 
 common to lead one to suppose either that he " itinerated " from lime to time or that he set 
 up a temporary branch establishment in that part of the county. 
 
 LoNUON Founders of the Eighteenth Century. 
 
 There is in all cases a distinct break between the seventeeth and eighteenth centuries in 
 the list of London founders ; in hardly any case do they overlap. The great Whitechapel 
 foundry takes a new lease of life in 1701 with Richard Phelps, who may be said to have laid 
 the foundations of its fame ; but its continuity from that time to the present day renders it 
 more convenient to reserve its history for the present, and in order to adhere more strictly to 
 chronology I begin with various foundries of lesser importance. 
 
 One of the most noteworthy features of the history of bell-founding during this century is 
 the tendency, even more conspicuous in the nineteenth, which in scientific phraseology is 
 know as the "survival of the fittest." In other words, while the number of founders and 
 foundries in the seventeenth century is larger than at any other period of history, the eighteenth 
 shews a gradual tendency of the smaller foundries to drop out and become e.xtinct, while certain 
 others, notably those of Whitechapel and Gloucester, gradually " wax mightier and mightier," 
 often actually absorbing the business of their less influential brethren. In the nineteenth 
 century this tendency became so strong that at its close the business of church-bell founding in 
 England might almost be regarded as the monopoly of three firms, two of them in London 
 itself. Naturally increased facilities of communication have contributed more than anything 
 else to this result. We shall therefore find that when we have surveyed the course of bell- 
 founding during the eighteenth century we are left at the close with only three or four foundries 
 of any importance at work throughout the whole of England. 
 
 SAMUEL NEWTON AND JOHN PEELE. 
 
 Between the years 1701 and 1708 the names of two founders appear, Samuel Newton and 
 John Peele, whom it seems possible to link together, with yet a third, Isaac Hadley, who does 
 not concern us here. Records of all three exist anterior to this time, but none of their bells 
 go back to the seventeenth century, so that they fairly fall in the period under consideration. 
 
 Samuel A^CiVton's foundry, says Stahlschmidt, was in the parish of St. C">iles, Cripplegate, 
 the site being denoted by a court called I''ounder's Court, on the south side of Fore Street. It 
 is not impossible that he succeeded the Wightmans here (see p. 116). He was made free of the 
 Founder's Company in 1690, and became master in tyii. He died in 1716. John Peek was 
 bound apprentice to him in 1693-4 for eight years, was admitted to the Founders' Company 
 about 1705, and became master in 1721. As the two names appear together after he was out 
 of his articles in 1704, it seems likely that he was then taken into partnership. He was alive in 
 1752, but there are no more bells by him after 1708. 
 
 These two in conjunction cast the present tenor at Rettenden, inscribed : 
 
 5 NEWTON I PEELE MADE MEE 1704 
 
 in good but plain lettering. The former 3rd in the same tower, recast in 1883, bore the name 
 of John Peele alone, but with the same date.
 
 128 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Their bells being few in number it may be of interest to give the full list : 
 
 1701 St. Nicholas, Deptford, Kent. A ring of eight ; Isaac Hadley's initials 
 
 appear with Newton's on tlie 7th.' 
 
 Peele. 
 
 1704 
 
 St. Matthew, Friday St., 
 
 , London.- 
 
 Bell. 
 
 Newton and Peele. 
 
 
 St. Alban, Wood St., London. 
 
 2. 
 
 Peele. 
 
 1705 
 
 Aldington, Kent. 
 
 
 
 Former ring of five. 
 
 
 West Farleigh, Kent. 
 
 
 3- 
 
 Newton and Peele. 
 
 1707 
 
 Totteridge, Herts. 
 
 
 2. 
 
 Newton. 
 
 1708 
 
 Kingsbury, Middlesex. 
 
 
 3- 
 
 Newton. 
 
 
 Kelsale, Suffolk. 
 
 
 4- 
 
 Peele. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 
 6. 
 
 Newton and Peele. 
 
 There is also a bell at Si. J nines, Isle of Grain, Kent, inscribed : 
 WILLIAM O WRI O SAMVEL O LONDON 
 wiiich may possibly be Newton's work, unless it is Samuel Knight's (see ji. 130). 
 THE BAGLEYS (1690 1717). 
 
 1 )uring the greater part of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries there was a very 
 flourishing foundry at Chacombe, Northants, near Banbury, with offshoots in other places, 
 managed by a family named Bagley, whose history is a long and complicated one. As usual, 
 Mr. Cocks' patience and ingenuity have done much towards unravelling their tangled genealogy, 
 and I must refer the reader to his full and excellent account, especially to the pedigree, Bucks., 
 p. 219. Their bells, extending in date from 1631 to 1782, cover a wide area in the Midlands, 
 from Lancashire and Cheshire to Gloucestershire and Hants. As Mr. Cocks remarks, it is 
 possible that when Oxfordshire is investigated, yet more light will be thrown on their history. 
 
 Mr. Cocks states that in 1687 Matthew Bagley, one of the partners in the firm, left 
 Chacomb and settled in London. He did not find any of Matthew's bells in the Midlands later 
 than 1686; but there is a ring of six by him at Creat ("omberton, Worcestershire, dated 1687, 
 and there are two possible instances of 1 689 at Defford and Wythall in that county." However, 
 there is (or was) a tombstone in St. Lawrence Church at Evesham with the name of Matthew 
 Bagley, bell-founder, dated 11 June, 1690;* and so we are forced to the explanation that this 
 Matthew left Chacomb about 1687, and worked at Evesham until 1690, while the Matthew 
 Bagley of London was an independent person, whose connection with the Chacomb family has 
 not yet been traced. 
 
 Our Matthew first aj)pears in 1693, when he sent two, the 3rd and 4th, to Chigwell. 
 Stahlschmidt ascertained that he set up his London foundry on Windmill Hill, in the parish of 
 Cripplegate, where is now the Wesleyan Tabernacle. As the Wightmans appear to have had 
 their foundry here, it looks as if there was some connection ; moreover, as noted below, 
 Matthew Bagley's foundry bore the name of the " Royal Foundry, Moorfields," which was also 
 the title of the Wightmans'. But Matthew cannot have succeeded the Wightmans until after 
 
 I See A'eii/, p. 103. 
 
 'Now at St. V'edasI, Foster Lane. 
 
 •'I give the Defforci hell on the Vicar's authority; but I myself read ihe date as 1680. I believe it has been 
 reccnlly recast. The Wylhall bell, which I have not seen, has only W G M B 1689. This Matthew also cast 
 bells for Studley, Warwickshire, at Evesham in 1688. 
 
 * Given by Ur. Praltinton in his MSS (at the Society of Antiquaries).
 
 Matthew bagLey ti9 
 
 the death of PhiHp in 1702, and we have seen that he began work in 1693. We do not, 
 however, hear of him again until 1708, and my behef is that the two Chigwell bells were a 
 ballon d' essai before he had settled down, and that he did succeed the Wightmans 
 subsequently. 
 
 These two bells are both inscribed simply : 
 
 MATTHEW BAGLEY MADE MEE 1693 
 
 in plain letters with coins as stops. His next performance was the priest's bell at Woodford, 
 inscribed : 
 
 CAPT : lOHN . NICHOLSON : CHVROH ; WARDEN 1708. 
 RICHARD . MASTER . RECTER MATH . BAGLEY . FECIT : 
 
 in somewhat neater and less plain letters. We also hear of him in Kent, in 1708 at 
 C.oodnestone by Sandwich, in 1709 at Old Romney and Addington. In 1710 he took his son 
 James into partnership, and together they cast the 4th bell for Rochester Cathedral, guaranteed 
 for a year and a day. The said James cast a bell for St. Michael Bassishaw (now at St. 
 Etheldreda, Fulham) in 17 10, and two bells for Acton, Middlesex, in 1712. Meanwhile 
 Matthew cast a ring of five for Northbourne, Kent, in 17 11, and in 17 15 we find him again at 
 work in Essex. There is the 4th at Shenfield, inscribed i 
 
 «S5 MATTHEW t'oi BAGLEY r£. MADE fo» MEE c?; 1715 C£i ® .3 
 
 in the Woodford lettering, with a rose (Plate XXXI., Fig. 3) for stop ; and the single bell at 
 Hatfield Peverel, with a similar but lengthier inscription : 
 
 ^ DANIELL Toi COYRTMAN »"Si SEN" '^o? SVRVP 'a* FEOFEE OF ^J 
 THE fj. CHURCH Cft LAND 
 
 C£i OF f^o» HATFIELD [£> PEVERIEL ty MATTHEW cj; BAGLEY c^j MADE 
 J?, MEE r;» 1715 :•: 
 
 In 1 7 16 he and his son Matthew met their death by a lamentable accident,' vividly 
 described in a contemporary journal, owing to the bursting of a mould at " the Royal Foundry, 
 Moorfields." His name occurs on the books of the Founders' Company between 1686 and 
 
 1 7 15. James Bagley, who survived him, did not apparently remain long in London, but 
 returned to Chacombe. Before he departed however, he cast the 2nd at Doddinghurst in 
 
 1 7 16, and one for Woodmansterne, Surrey, in the following year. The former is inscribed ; 
 
 RICH -"i NICHOLES '' AND \l GESSE 7. GRAVE ::»:« CHURCH 
 WARDENS Z JAMES -f^V^Nr'^/' BAGLEY % FECIT J 1712 f^^< 
 with pairs of stars as stops. 
 
 ' A'eMt, p. lOl. 
 
 17 
 
 nr
 
 1 30 'HIE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 SAMUEL KNIGHT (1710 173S). 
 
 Samuel Knight, who has aheady l^een mentioned in connection with \Vavlett, was, like 
 Joseph Carter, originally a Reading founder, (1684-1710) who left that town to find a more 
 lucrative position in the Metropolis. Here he originated a business which extended over three 
 generations, lasting nearly to the end of the century, from 17 10 to 17S1. That he was a 
 founder of considerable repute is clear not only from the long list of his bells, but from the fact 
 that he cast several of the more important rings in London. There are about 90 of his bells 
 in Kent alone, but, strange to say, only four in Essex, and these belong to the extreme end of 
 his career, the treble at Chigwell and the 3rd, 4th, and 5th at West Ham, all dated 1737. 
 
 His foundry appears to have been in Shoe Lane, and he certainly lived in the parish of 
 St. Andrew, Holborn, as appears from his will, given by Mr. Cocks ; ' but the 5th at Edmonton, 
 Middlesex, was on its own testimony "made at Stepney" in 1734. He died in 1739. 
 Business appears to have been slow and intermittent during the first few years of his London 
 life, but in 17 12 he established a Sussex connection, and from 1716 to i 721, as we have already 
 noted, (p. 121) entered into an arrangement with Waylett. Erom 1721 to 1732 he cast aljout 
 eighty bells exclusively for Kent. The last seven years of his life were busy ones in London, and 
 include the rings at Edmonton, St. Saviour's, Southwark, St. Margaret, Westminster, and St. 
 Sepulchre's, Holborn, the three latter of which are deservedly famed even at the present day, 
 though they have all undergone alteration. In his latter years he did not pay much attention 
 to inscriptions, though his Reading bells had often been much ornamented, and is content with 
 his initials and the date, as at West Ham. It is remarkable that his bells are so excellent in 
 tone, as they are often rough castings. 
 
 ROBERT CATLIN (i739 i750- 
 
 Knight's executor and sole residuary legatee was Robert Catlin, who had already been 
 working under him, and acted as his foreman for the St. Sepulchre's ring, as the 9tli bell there 
 informs us. He well sustained his predecessor's re[)utation, an! during a Ijusiness c.ireer of 
 only twelve years cast over 120 liells of which we have record. His bells are pretty evenly 
 distributed over the Home Counties, with again a curious neglect of Essex, where he is only 
 represented now in three towers. In two of tliese he sui)plemenls his predecessor's work, 
 casting the 2nd at Chigwell in 1743 and the ist, 2nd, 7th, and 8th at West Ham. The ring 
 of five at Bradwell-on-Sea is by him (1744), and he was also the maker of the former ist, 
 4th, and 8th at Barking. He frequently indulges in floral devices or a kind of nail-like object 
 by way of stops (as at West Ham), and there are some peculiarities of lettering which he inherited 
 from Knight, such as the use of a ' lower-case ' m, n, and u in place of capitals. Little is known 
 of his personal history. 
 
 THOMAS SWAIN (1752 17S1). 
 
 Catlin was succeeded by Thomas Swain, whose descent Stahlschmidt traced from the 
 Eldridges of Chertsey,^ and whose family seems to have been connected with Reading. He 
 was however a Middlesex man, resident apparently at Longford, in the parish of Harmondsworth. 
 
 ' Buiks., p. 137. 
 
 * Sur};y /ielU, p. 120.
 
 EIGHTEENTH CENTURY LONDON FOUNDERS I3I 
 
 It is not dear wlietlier he removed his foundry thitlier, or kept up Catlin's place of business in 
 Holborn ; but, at all events, owini^ doubtless to his f;rmily conneetions, his business lay almost 
 entirely to the west of London, tlie only exceptions being three bi-Us in Kent and one in Essex. 
 The last-named, the tenor at Chigwell ( i 7 7 i ) we apparently owe to the originality, in choice of 
 of founders, of the authorities of that parish, all five bells being by men who otherwise hardly 
 occur in the county. There are six in West Middlesex, and the rest are scattered over Berks, 
 Bucks, Hants, and Surrey, making a total of just under sixty. His work is good, but not equal 
 to that of his predecessors; it includes, besides three or four rings, the fine ' knell-bell' at Eton 
 College Chapel. Besides a simple trademark of a liell he introduced a foundry stamp after the 
 Whitechai)el model, with his initials and three bells, below which is a scroll with the words : 
 
 Th. Swain me fecit. 
 
 His death in 1781 brings the foundry to an end. 
 
 ROBERT PATRICK (17S2 17S7). 
 
 Robert Patrick, a cheesemonger in Whitechapel, married Sarah Oliver, a grand-daughter of 
 Thomas Lester, (see p. 136) and thereupon started a rival business to the great local foundry. 
 As might have been expected, it did not greatly prosper, and the bells only extend from 17S2 
 to 1787. But in the year 1782 he appears to have entered into some arrangement with 
 Thomas Osborn of Downham, Norfolk (see below), which resulted in their casting jointly the 
 ring of eight at Hatfield Broad Oak, together with a clock-bell (tenor dated 1783, the rest 1782). 
 The ring at St. Botolph's, Bishopsgate, London, also bears their joint names, as does a bell at 
 St. John Maddermarket, Norwich, these also being cast in 1782. It would seem probable that 
 the Norwich bell was cast at Downham, but the others in London ; 1 but what their actual 
 relation was is not quite clear. At all events the partnership was a brief one, as Osborn's name 
 does not occur again in this connection, and in and after 1783 Patrick was certainly in London. 
 He uses the Whitechapel style of lettering. 
 
 WILLIAM SAVILL (i757 i777) 
 
 Stahlschmidt attributed to this London founder the priest's bell at Stifford, inscribed 
 merely 1762; but not having seen any of Savill's few remaining bells" I do not know how- 
 far his conjecture was justified. The figures are not unlike Lester and Pack's (see p. 135), 
 
 The Downham Foundry (1779-1S33). 
 
 There are only two foundries outside London during the reigns of the two later Georges 
 with which we have anything to do, and these both suffered the same fate of being finally 
 merged into the Whitechapel foundry in the 'thirties, together with that of John Rudhall at 
 Gloucester and that of James Wells at Aldbourne, Wilts. 
 
 THOMAS OSBORN (i779-'8o6). 
 
 Thomas Osborn was foreman to Joseph Eayre, then partner with Edward Arnold in an 
 important foundry at St. Neot's, Huntingdonshire. In 177S or 1779 this partnership was 
 
 1 The Ualfield bells are inscribed ' Palrick and Osliorn of London.'' 
 ' See Kent, p. 105.
 
 132 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 dissolved, and Osborn set up for himself at Downham, Norfolk, his native place, where he was 
 born in 1741. In 1781-83 he was, as we have noted above, associated with Robert Patrick, 
 who was then founding in Whitechapel {supra). They cast the ring at Hatfield Broad Oak, 
 and other bells in London which bear their joint names, as well as one at Norwich. On the 
 Hatfield bells they style themselves Patrick and Osborn of London. Independently and at 
 Downham, Osborn cast the following twelve bells for Essex : — 
 
 7SI. 
 
 Belchamp Walter 
 
 8th. 
 
 .783. 
 
 Newport 
 
 5th. 
 
 » 
 
 Finchingfield 
 
 Ring of 8, (7th 
 
 )} 
 
 Terling 
 
 5th. 
 
 
 
 recast). 
 
 1785. 
 
 Fairstead 
 
 2nd, 
 
 782. 
 
 Belchamp Walter 
 
 3rd. 
 
 
 
 
 He uses a small neat type without any initials, and his inscriptions are characteristic of the 
 time; he is fond of two in particular: CUM voco vbnitb (Belchamp Walter and Finch- 
 ingfield) and PBRCUTE dulck cano (Finchingfield). But as a rule we only find names 
 of vicars and churchwardens. 
 
 WILLIAM DOBSON (18061833). 
 
 Osborn died in 1806, having previously, (in 1800?) taken into partnership his grandson, 
 William Dobson, whose name in fact occurs as early as 1798 at Crimplesham, Norfolk. He 
 kept on the foundry until 1833, when, as his business did not prosper, it was sold to Mears of 
 Whitechapel. After selling his business he removed to London and died there in 1842. He 
 cast several good rings of eight, as at Diss, St. George, Camberwell, etc., but is only represented 
 in Essex by isolated bells : 
 
 1808. Foxearth 
 
 3. 4, 8. 
 
 1820. Chelmsford 
 
 I, 2. 
 
 182 1. Little Waltham 
 
 5th. 
 
 Me uses the same lettering as Osborn, and his only peculiarity is the use of a comma for a full 
 stop ; his inscriptions too are of similar character. 
 
 JOHN BRIANT 01- Hertford (1782-1825). 
 
 The other foundry of this time with which we have to deal is at Hertford, where John 
 Briant, (born 1748) was working from 1782 to 1825. Stahlschmidt described him as ' the Herts 
 founder par excellence,' though as we have seen, he was not the first in the county or even at 
 Hertford. But he was undoubtedly an admirable founder, as is proved by the wide distribution 
 of his bells, and the number of large rings which he cast. Stahlschmidt collected much 
 interesting biographical detail about him, illustrative of his mental capacity, technical skill, 
 and conscientiousness which need not be repeated here (see Herts, p. 56). It is sad to think 
 that this worthy man ended his days in indigence, dying in an almshouse at St. Albans in 1829. 
 His business was sold to Mears in 1825. 
 
 In Essex he cast the excellent rings at Saffron Walden and Waltham Abbey, and others at 
 Great Chesterford and Stisted, and in other counties over twenty rings of five bells and upwards, 
 including Barnstaple, Devon ; Adderbury, Oxfordshire ; Condover and St. Alkmond's, 
 Shrewsbury, Shropshire. He uses a small neat type something like Osborn's, and affected a set 
 of curious little ornaments, consisting of a Calvary cross, a cross patonce, a diminutive bell, and 
 a double triangle. These are best exemplified on the bells at Waltham Abbey, on one of which
 
 JOHN HRIANT AND RICHARD PHELPS 
 
 133 
 
 as already noted (p. 12) he uses a fourteenth century ' Royal Head ' stamp which had somehow 
 come into his possession. 
 
 The Essex list is 
 
 1789. Littlebury 4th and old 2nd. 
 
 1793. Barking old 6th. 
 
 1794. Great Hallingbury 5th. 
 
 „ Great Tey 4, 5, 6. 
 
 1796. Great Chesterford Ring of six. 
 
 1798. .Saffron Walden Ring of eight (3rd 
 
 1799. Stisted 
 
 1802. Ardleigh 
 
 1803. Kelvedon 
 
 1804. Chrishall 
 1806. Coggeshall 
 
 „ Waltham Abbey 
 
 1797 ; 6th and 7th recast). 18 14. Arkesden 
 „ Radwinter 8th. 1S19. Great Bentley 
 
 Of his inscrijjtions those at Littlebury are worth quoting : 
 
 Ring of si.x. 
 
 7th. 
 
 2nd and 4th. 
 
 1st. 
 
 3rd. 
 
 Ring of eight. 
 
 2nd. 
 
 4th. 
 
 Old 2nd: UNTEICNLD I'KAI.SE TO HKAVENS .XLiMIGHTV K1N(; ) HAFX SEXTA ACCESS- 
 
 FOR HEALTH RESTORED TO GEORGE THE THIRD WE SING ( IT A: D: I79o(etC.). 
 
 4th (in 2nd line: — ) exalted here we are on hegh 
 
 EMIiLEMS OF PARISH HARMONY. 
 
 The tenor at Great Chesterford has 
 
 STATUTUM EST OMNIBUS MORI 
 
 But as a rule we only find his name or those of vicars and churchwardens. He has a weakness 
 for spelling his native place Hartford.' 
 
 The Whitechapel Foundry (1700-PRESENT Day). 
 RICHARD PHELPS (1700 1738). 
 
 It is now fully time to resume the history of this renowned foundry, which received a new 
 impetus with the incoming of the century, accompanied by the introduction of entirely new sets 
 of lettering and marks. This was due to Richard Phelps, a native of Avebury in Wiltshire, 
 who took the business over from James Bartlet's sister, Elizabeth Bixon, his administratrix. 
 
 Bartlet, aswe have seen (p. 77), died early in 1 701, but Phelps' earliest bell, at Burham, Kent, 
 is dated i 700 ; so that he may have been working for that founder during his declining years. 
 His career lasted till 1738, and seems to have been a remarkably successful one. In London 
 and Middlesex alone there are 70 bells by him ; Kent possesses 90, Surrey 82, Herts 23, and 
 Bucks 21 (with 6 recast), and there are of course many in other counties. In Essex however, 
 there are only twelve, including a ring of six, with three recast. They are : 
 
 1711 
 
 1721 
 
 1724 
 
 Ramsden Ijellhouse 3rd 
 Little Thurrock Bell 
 
 St. Osyth Recast 2nd 
 
 Woodford 1—6 
 
 Canewdon 3nd 
 
 1732 
 
 Theydon Gernon 
 
 5th 
 
 1734 
 
 Rayleigh 
 
 4th 
 
 1734 
 
 Stanfordle-Hope 
 
 old 4th 
 
 1735 
 
 East Hanningfield 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 1737 
 
 Chipping Ongar 
 
 Sanctus 
 
 ' It used to be so spell by Col, Robertson, the chief Constable of Ihe County, in the middle of last century on 
 official notices.
 
 '34 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Among these there is little that calls for comment, the inscriptions being for the most part 
 featureless, and consisting merely of his ' signature ' or names of vicars and churchwardens. 
 There are a few exceptions such as Woodford ist and 2nd : 
 
 (2) RICHARD PHELPS MADE MR 1721 * * Cb DOMINK SALVUM FAC REQEM * * * 
 
 (2) RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1721 Sb (fc * DhUS BENEDICAT BENEFACTORIBUS NOSTKIS _ J- 
 
 Elsewhere (as at St. Michael, Cornhill, and at Ware, Herts), we find early examples of the 
 characteristic Whitechapel metrical inscriptions, which are usually more remarkalile for their 
 excellent sentiments than their poetry. Many of his single bells are to be reckoned as fine 
 specimens, notably the great clock-bell of St. Paul's Cathedral, cast in 1716; and among his 
 principal rings are those of St. Magnus, London Bridge ; St. Michael, Cornhill ; St. Andrew, 
 Holborn ; and All Hallows, Lombard Street ; all in the City of London. 
 
 Phelps used a variety of alphaliets, of which the earliest or medium set is the most 
 pleasing, the letters being well-proportioned and well-formed ; this was replaced about i 7 1 1 by 
 a similar set but lighter faced. In 1719 or thereabouts he introduced a smaller set of these 
 capitals, which he either used as " smalls " to the former, or independently. For stops he 
 generally uses a colon ;, and at the end of his inscriptions (as at Woodford) he frequently fills 
 in the line with a series of two ornaments alternating : a fleur-de-lys, and a cross with the lower 
 limb dividing into two curved feet, as indicated above. These seem to match with his first 
 set of capitals, and we have already noted that their prototypes are to be found in a border 
 used by the ^Vightmans (p. 116). 
 
 I'l 1735 Phelps took into partnership his foreman Thomas Lester, to whom he betiueathed 
 in his will his business, trade implements, and lease of premises. He died in 1738, in which 
 year there occurs the entry in the Registers of St. Mary Matfelon : 
 
 August 23 Richard Phelps, a man from y"' High Street. 
 
 His last efforts were the re-casting of ' Bow Bell ' and the tenor at Westminster Abbey, on 
 which his name and Lester's appear conjointly. 
 
 THOMAS LESTER (lyjS 1752). 
 
 Lester shortly afterwards moved from the High Street into the Whitechapel Road and built 
 the foundry where it still stands at No. 267, lately re-numbered 34. He was the son of William 
 Lester, a farmer of Brixworth, Northants. The Rev. T. M. N. Owen has kindly communicated 
 the following extract from the Registers, obtained by him from the Vicar of the parish : 
 
 Baptised Anno 1701. Ap. 13 Thomas ye son of William and .\nnie Lester. 
 
 His first performance was a ring of eight for the newly built church of St. Leonard, Shoreditch. 
 But he does not seem to have been in a very large way of business, and his reputation must 
 have been inferior to Phelps'. Robert Catlin was a formidable competitor, as was also Thomas 
 Gardiner as far as concerns Essex ; and even Phelps must have suffered from the rivalry of 
 Samuel Knight and the distant but even greater Rudhalls. 
 
 In Essex we have only nine bells by him, with eight recast : — 
 
 I74I 
 
 Gt. Dunmow 
 
 Recast tenor 
 
 1746 
 
 High Ongar 
 
 4th 
 
 1742 
 
 Stisted 
 
 Ring of five recast 
 
 
 Rayleigh 
 
 4th 
 
 1746 
 
 Boreham 
 
 2nd 
 
 '749 
 
 Southminster 
 
 3- 4- 6
 
 THE WHITECIIAPEL fOUNDRV 1^5 
 
 1750 South Weald old 3rd 1751 Moieton 3rd 
 
 1751 I.exden old bell 1752 Blackniore 4th 
 
 The only ones which pifsent any interesting feature are those at Southminster, which hear 
 impressions of coins of Jolin \'. of Portugal (cf. p. 126). 
 
 He uses Phelps' two later alphabets, retaining his fleur-de-lys and cross-like ornament ; and 
 he introduces several new patterns, such as a succession of concentric or plain rings, and a 
 pattern of diagonal crosses terminating in a \' placed sideways, thus: — <^ x x x x x .... x x x x J> . 
 This latter is clearly the precursor of the well-known " Whitechapel pattern " first used, says 
 Mr. Cocks, in 1749. It is composed of intersecting segments of circles which form alternate 
 loops and lozenges, with \' terminations : — <^';X'S<I>C-'XXX»X:> ■ Phis pattern remained the 
 chief stock-in-trade of the Whitechapel founders down to tlie lime of Thomas Mears the 
 younger (about 1835). Portions of his inscriptions are fretjuently incised (as are his 
 successors'), and he also introduced the practise of incising the weight of a bell thereon. 
 
 With him, says Mr. Cocks, began the had style of inscriptions, such as that found on 
 treble bells : — • 
 
 AT PROPER TIMES MY VOICE I'LL RAISE 
 AND SOUND TO MY SUBSCRIBERS' PRAISE 
 
 hut more frequently he only puts on the names of churchwardens, etc. 
 
 THOMAS LESTER am, THOMAS PACK (1752 1769). 
 
 In 1752 Lester took into partnership Phomas Pack, who had probably been his foreman. 
 This seems to have been the cause of an improvement in the business ; their bells become 
 much commoner in the 'fifties, and the Essex list is quite a long one (39, and four recast). It 
 falls into two groups (1752-1763) and (1763-1769,) the point of division being marked by the 
 discarding after 1762 of the Phelps' lettering and the introduction of a new and more 'up-to- 
 date,' though more common-place, alphabet of two sizes, which was adhered to by their 
 successors with little alteration for many years, down to 1837 (see below.) 
 
 
 
 
 I. J 'helps' 
 
 Letic 
 
 n'/is;. 
 
 
 
 '753 
 
 Barking 
 
 
 7th 
 
 
 1756 
 
 Romford 
 
 1st 
 
 
 Leigh 
 
 
 4th 
 
 
 175S 
 
 1 Barking 
 
 5th 
 
 1754 
 
 Ash don 
 
 
 3rd 
 
 
 
 Ingatestone 
 
 1st, 2nd 
 
 1755 
 
 Roydon 
 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 
 175? 
 
 ) Rickling 
 
 4th 
 
 
 North Weald 
 
 
 1st, 4th 
 
 
 1761 
 
 Rettendon 
 
 3rd 
 
 1756- 
 
 Basildon 
 
 
 1st 
 
 
 
 Vange 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 
 
 n. New 
 
 Lettering. 
 
 
 
 1763 
 
 Steeple Bumpstead 
 
 5th 
 
 
 1765 
 
 Little Bromley 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 
 (All 
 
 siiiall- 
 
 size letters) 
 
 
 
 Purleigh 
 
 1st 
 
 
 Chadwell 
 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 1766 
 
 Finchingfield 
 
 7th 
 
 
 (All 
 
 sniall- 
 
 ■size letters) 
 
 
 
 Great Yeldhan 
 
 1st, 2nd, 6th 
 
 1763 
 
 Colchester St. Peter 
 
 ist-8th 
 
 
 1767 
 
 Burnliam 
 
 5th 
 
 
 Littlebury 
 
 
 1st, 3rd, 5th 
 
 
 
 Hutton 
 
 1st, 4th 
 
 1764 
 
 Little Bentley 
 
 
 1st 
 
 
 1768 
 
 Little Baling 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 Brentwood 
 
 old 
 
 1st and 2nd 
 
 
 
 South Weald 
 
 4th 
 
 
 Felstead 
 
 
 4th 
 
 
 1778 ( 
 
 sic) Kirby-le-Soken 
 
 1st
 
 136 
 
 tHE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 They continue to use the patterns introduced by Lester, together with several new ones ; 
 and on their larger rings we generally find a set of poetical effusions recurring in regular order, 
 a specimen of which has already been given. Another ty[)ical one is on the treble at 
 Ingatestone: — 
 
 Thk Founder hk mas Plavd his Part: 
 WicM sHKWs MiM Master of his Art 
 So Hanu me well and Ring me true: 
 And I WILL SOUND your Praises due 
 Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1758 
 
 This occurs again at Great Baddow in 1782, in company with others of the series (for 
 which see below), not otherwise found in Essex, at least on Lester and Pack's bells ; the 
 Ingatestone quatrain is not however of common occurrence. One other feature of their bells 
 which may be mentioned is their treatment of themselves (per synesin) as a single personality 
 in the invariable formula Lester & Pack Fecit; this practi.se was adhered to by their 
 successors, though not invariably. Ornaments on their bells are rare ; but we find on the tenor 
 at Great Yeldham a scallop-shell, a floral pattern, a heraldic group of a helmet between two 
 birds, and a pattern J)B(J best described as a square surrounded by four loops (see for these, 
 
 Plate XXXIIL, Figs, i, 3, 5, 6). 
 
 Thomas Lester died in 1769, having a short time previously taken his nephew William 
 Chapman into partnership. There are a few existing bells with the names of all three, as at 
 Birmingham, .St. Martin, and Bexhill and Fletching in Sussex. Mr. A. D. Tyssen has collected 
 some interesting facts relating to Lester's will, which he has published in his Sussex, p. 40. 
 Owing to his sudden death it was never signed, but was proved by his executors, James Exeter, 
 Pack, and Chapman; the foundry was left to the first named in trust for Sarah Oliver (see 
 p. 131), but was leased at ^75 a year to Pack and Chajiman. 
 
 THOMAS PACK a^u WILLIAM CHAPMAN (1769 1781). 
 
 Pack and Chapman kept up the foundry after Lester's death for twelve years, and cast 
 numerous important rings throughout the country, such as Aylesbury, St. Michael, Coventry, 
 and St. Mary, Shrewsbury. Their bells in Essex are mostly single ones, the only whole rings 
 l)eing one of five at Nazing and one of eight at Walthamstow (now ten). 
 
 The complete list is: — 
 
 1770 
 
 Maldon All Saints 
 
 5th 
 
 1775 
 
 High Ongar 
 
 5th 
 
 1771 
 
 North Famliridge 
 
 Bell 
 
 1776 
 
 Roydon 
 
 6th 
 
 
 Salcot 
 
 Bell 
 
 1778 
 
 Belchamp Walter 
 
 1st 
 
 1772 
 
 Stabbing 
 
 old 4th 
 
 
 Walthamstow 3-9 
 
 and old 10th 
 
 
 Mark's Tey 
 
 1st 
 
 1779 
 
 Foulness 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 ToUeshunt D'Arcy 
 
 1-3 
 
 
 Hatfield Broad Oak 
 
 Sanctus 
 
 1773 
 
 Prittlewell 
 
 old 5th 
 
 
 Nazing 
 
 ••5 
 
 1774 
 
 Belchamp Walter 
 
 2nd 
 
 
 Gt. Parndon 
 
 old 2nd 
 
 
 Little Chishall 
 
 Bell 
 
 
 Toppesfield 
 
 5th 
 
 
 Iladstock 
 
 3rd 
 
 1780 
 
 Belchamp Walter 
 
 6th 
 
 
 Sandon 
 
 5th 
 
 
 Stabbing 
 
 6th 
 
 
 Springfield 
 
 old 6th 
 
 

 
 WIIITECHAPEL INSCRIPTIONS 
 
 137 
 
 Most of these are, it will be seen, single bells, with merely the founder's name, and some- 
 times those of vicars or churchwardens ; the ornamentation is almost confined to the ' White- 
 chapel pattern ' or the device consisting of four loops arranged round a stjuare used by Lester 
 and Pack (see above). They are much addicted to incising parts of their inscriptions. The 
 Walthamstow inscriptions are worth quoting as specimens of the poetical genius which shed its 
 afflatus over their larger rings. 
 
 3rd (now recast) ; — ALL THOUGH I AM BUT LIGHT AND SMALL 
 I WILL BE HEARD ABOVE YOU ALL 
 
 4th : — 'i'his has only PEACE AND GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD (frc(iuently used by the Rudhalls 
 of Gloucester ; cf. also Chelmsford and Hornchurch). 
 
 5th :— AT PROPER TIMES OUR VOICES WE WILL RAISE 
 IN SOUNDING TO OUR BENEFACTORS PRAISE 
 
 6th :— OUR VOICES SHALL WITH JOYFULL SOUND 
 MAKE HILLS AND VALLEYS ECCHO ROUND 
 
 7th :— WHILST THUS WE JOIN IN CHEAERFULL SOUND 
 MAY LOVE AND LOYALTY ABOUND 
 
 8th ;— YE RINGERS ALL THAT PRIZE YOUR HEALTH AND HAPPINE33 
 BE SOBER MERRY WISE AND YOU'LL THE SAME POSSESS 
 
 9th :— In Wedlock bands all ye who join With hands your hearts unite 
 So shall our tunefull tongues combine To laud the Nuptial Kite 
 
 'J'he tenor (recast in 1852) probably only had names of vicar and churchwardens. These 
 inscriptions recur again at Chelmsford, Creat Baddow, and Hornchurch, all these being bells by. 
 \Villiani Mears (see below). 
 
 WILLIAM CHAPMAN and WILLIAM MEARS (1781 1787). 
 
 I'ack died in i 781, and for one year Chapman was founding alone. There are only a very 
 few instances of a bell bearing his name alone, but we find it on the trelile at St. Osyth, cast in 
 this year ; it also occurs on the tenors at AVillougby, Warwickshire, and Otiey, Yorkshire, the 
 3rd at Durham Cathedral, two bells in Kent, and at Stirling Parish Kirk, Scotland. He is not 
 mentioned in Pack's will, which is dated 15th Jan., 1780, and was proved sth Feb., 17S1, 
 by James Exeter (see above) and Thomas Green, junr. His money was left to Elizabeth 
 Patrick, daughter of Robert the bell-founder, (p. 131) and to one Samuel Sharman, his 
 nephew, also described as a bell-founder of Whitechapel. 
 
 Mr. Tyssen ' has recorded the story of Chapman's visit to Canterbury in 1762, and his 
 taking up the young William Mears there, and it is unnecessary to repent il in full. We find 
 Mears in partnership with him in 1782, and the name has continued in the firm ever since, 
 though there has been no Mears in it since 1865. 
 
 ' Sussex, y. 40. 
 
 18
 
 138 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 But wc have the testimony of several Essex bells to indicate that Mears was founding 
 independently before his alliance with Chapman, from 1777 to 1782, and moreover that he 
 formed himself into a company, styling himself ' Mears & Co.' or ' W. Mears & Co.' He uses 
 the Whitechapel lettering (except that he generally dispenses with larger initials), and also 
 indulges largely in their poetical inscriptions (see above) : but there are a few slight differences 
 in his use of stops, etc. It is clear that he must from the first have had some connection with 
 the original firm. He cast as his first attempt the original ring of eight at Chelmsford, and a 
 single bell at Cireat Saling, both in 1777; these were followed by an addition of four to 
 Gardiner's bells, at Thaxted in 1778 (the first three and the tenor); by a ring of six at Horn- 
 church in I 779 (now increased to eight) ; and finally the ring of eight at Great Baddow in 1781,' 
 where however the tenor was nut added till the following year, when he was in regular 
 partnership with Chapman. 
 
 The rings at Chelmsford, Hornchurch and Baddow all provide us with sets of the 
 characteristic inscriptions already given under Walthamstow. That on the 4th of the latter 
 ring appears on Chelmsford 8th and Hornchurch 4th; Walthamstow 5th and 7th correspond 
 to Chelmsford 5th and Baddow 6th respectively; Walthamstow 8th is repeated as Chelmsford 
 9th and Hornchurch 5th ; \Valthamstow 9th as Chelmsford loth and Hornchurch 7th. Mears's 
 independent contributions are the 4th at Chelmsford ( = Hornchurch 3rd); 
 
 the 6th at Hornchurch 
 
 the treble at Great Baddow : 
 
 IF YOU HAVE A JUDICIOUS EAR 
 
 YOU'LL OWN MY VOICE IS SWEET AND CLEAR. 
 
 YE PEOPLE ALL THAT HEAR ME RING 
 BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR GOD AND KING 
 
 I MEAN TO MAKE IT UNDERSTOOD 
 THAT THO' IM LITTLE YET IM GOOD. 
 
 the 7th of the same ring and the 6th at Chclinsford : 
 
 TO HONOUR BOTH OF GOD & KING 
 OUR VOICES SHALL IN CONSORT KING. 
 
 while the tenor at Baddow repeats the rhyme on Ingatestone treble (p. 136). 
 
 Bells by Chapman and Mears are by no means common, and in Essex we only find them 
 (besides the Great Baddow tenor) at Great Stambridge (4th, 1783) and Sandon (4th, 1784). 
 They also cast a few rings for other counties, e.g. Moreton Corbet, Salop, and King's Norton, 
 Worcestershire. On Chapman's death, in 1784, William Mears continued the business by 
 himself for three years and then joined with his son Thomas. To this period belong Lambourne 
 3rd and Southniinster 1st, both dated 1784, and a few other bells here and there, as Ealing 4th, 
 Middlesex, dated 1785. ^\'e next find the names of William and Thomas combined, in 1787, 
 on the 4th at Ashdon and the third at Great Baddow. In 1788 they cast bells for St. Mary 
 at Hill, London, and Hillingdon, Middlesex, where they described themselves as ' l.\te lester 
 p.\CK AND cH.\i'.M.\N.''^ They preserve the Whitechapel lettering and pattern, but the metrical 
 couplets now disappear, until Thomas subsequently revived the fashion. William Mears' name 
 
 'The 2nd, 31(1, .m^l .(th were subsequently recast. 
 
 -As docs Thomas Mears down t j 1791 (cf. .Moreton, etc.)
 
 THOMAS MEARS I AND II 13^ 
 
 appears as a bell-founder of 267 Whitechapel Road in Lowndes' Directpry for i 789, and also in 
 the Clavis Campaiialonia or a hey to the Art of ringing, in 1788. 
 
 THOMAS MEARS, SENIOR {17S9 1810). 
 
 Thomas Mears I. took sole charge of the foundry on the death of his father, William, in 
 I 791, and died in 1810. During the last three or four years of his life the name of his son 
 (Thomas Mears II.) also appears on his bells, but these are comparatively few in number. 
 His almost invariable form of signature is Thos. Me.ars of London Fecit, the date often 
 preceding this, or worked into the inscription in the case of the tenor, which in many large 
 rings is the only one bearing anything more than the founder's name. lilsewhere he uses 
 THOMAS in full, or more rarely the simple initial. He was a devoted adherent of the ' Whitechapel 
 pattern,' which is seldom absent from his bells ; and among his other marks are a key pattern 
 as at Uagenham, or a row of lozenges as at Hawkwell ; but any further decoration is very rare. 
 He keeps up the same style of lettering, but it is rather broader, and the initials and smaller 
 set more of a size than is the case with those used by his predecessors. 
 
 Another peculiarity of his is his fondness for long inscriptions on tenor bells ; that on the 
 5th at Dagenham probably exxeeds any others in Essex, except perhaps his son's performance 
 on the Writtle tenor ; but it is far outdone by his tenor at Stepney, which gives its own history 
 from 13S6 onwards, and by the well-known tenor at Cllasgow Cathedral', which is also 
 autobiographical. His Essex bells number about 70, including a dozen recasts. 
 
 There are rings of six at Dagenham, and (formerly) Wivenhoe ; rings of five at Orsett 
 (now six) and Great Wakering ; and the rest are nearly all single bells. The names of T. Mears 
 AND Son occur at Prittlcwell, Hawkwell, North Shoebury (1806), Burnham, Great Wakering, 
 Great Baddow, Shelley, and Langham. 
 
 Mr. A. D. Tyssen has in his po.ssession a co[)y of an advertisement issued by Thomas 
 Mears I. shortly before his death ; ^ it is not dated, and has no mention of his son, but includes 
 the Stepney ring and others cast about the same time. It purports to give a complete list of all 
 rings of five or more issuing from the Whitechapel Foundry since Lester's accession in 1738, 
 arranged in a rough chronological order, and amounting to some 285 rings and 1800 bells. 
 Another list is given by the late J. P. Earwaker in Notes and Queries,'' appended to which is 
 a "list of the Peals of Bells hung by Samuel and Robert Turner, hell-hangers to Messrs. I^ester 
 and Pack." 
 
 THOMAS MEARS II {18101843). 
 
 The ^Vhitechapel firm at this time was enjoying almost a monopoly in bell-founding, 
 and Thomas Mears the younger must have found his business pros[iering exceedingly, with 
 a constant supply of bells required for new churches in London and elsewhere. There are 
 altogether 87 bells by him in Essex, (three since recast) the principal rings lieing the 
 well-known eight at Writtle (181 1), one of his first independent performances, another 
 of eight at Harwich (1821), rings of six at Leytonstone (1833) and Bobbingworth (1841), and 
 one of five at Rayne (1841). The others are mostly single bells. 
 
 ' Lukis, C/4. Be//s, p. 134. 
 
 ^ I also possess a copy of this. Tlie three hells engraved at the to|) (the foundry sign) have the mottoes (1) 
 SI DEUS (2) NOBISCUM (JUIS (3) CONTRA NOS.— C. U. 
 '■' 5th Ser. ix. p. 262 (6 Apr. 1878).
 
 140 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSE)t 
 
 In character his bells differ little from his father's ; the chief variation is that in most cases 
 r.p to 1837 he describes himself simply as T. Mears ; from that year onwards he gives his full 
 name tho.mas without using a larger-sized initial T., the larger set of type being after 1838 
 finally dropped by the firm. In 1843 he suddenly breaks out in black-letter with Gothic 
 capitals, at Theydon Bois ; this is doubtless the effect of the Gothic revival. At Writtle he uses 
 a conventional tree (Plate XXXIII., Fig. 2) as a stop. Like his father he very seldom places 
 any inscription beyond his name on the larger rings, except in the case of the tenor (at 
 Harwich it is the 7th). But there are e.xceptions, as notably at Writtle, where the inscription 
 develops from : 
 
 RECAST A.D. 1811 BY Voluntary contkibution and Parish Rate 
 James Camper Wright RoBi Bailey church wardens T. mears Fecit 
 
 on the treble to four lines on the tenor. At Bobbingworth we have extracts from the 96th 
 Psalm. Good as his work is, it hardly has any interest except for the ringer. 
 
 Mr. Cocks has taken the trouble to trace out the different foundries which Thomas Mears 
 from time to time bought up and incorj)orated with his own business. In 1825 he acquired 
 those of John Briant at Hertford (p. 132) and James Wells of Aldbourne ; in 1830 the historic 
 loundry of the Rudhalls at Gloucester, where he himself went for a time to wind up the 
 business (1835-1841)' ; and in 1833 that of Ilobson at 1 lownham (p. 132). 
 
 CHARLES AND GEORGE MEARS (1S44 1S63). 
 
 In 1S44 Charles and George Mears took up their father's business. They made several 
 
 changes in the style of their inscriptions, dropping the old fecit, and dispensing with stops, 
 
 and sometimes even with the date, as the 3rd at Barking. Most of their bells are simply 
 
 inscribed 
 
 C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 
 
 with the date, in a type which has been kept up by their successors There are however some 
 interesting e.xceptions, such as the 4th at Pebmarsh, in Gothic capitals, and the 4th at 
 Belchamp Walter inscribed : — 
 
 C. & G. Mears Fect. j844 •:■ 
 
 The tvpe used here is derived from John Rudhall of (jloucester, and is used by the Mearses 
 also at Broadstone, Shropshire, and elsewhere in the same year. A diminutive variety of the 
 ordinary type occurs at F.nnnanuel, F'orest Gate, and Colchester St. Mary Magdalene. None 
 of the Essex bells bear anything in the way of inscriptions, though two or three rings in London 
 shew influence of the Catholic Revival, with names of saints, etc., and others have appropriate 
 texts from Scri[)ture. The only rings in lissex are two in the modern churches of Greenstead 
 (Jreen (6 of 1845) and Stanway All Saints (3 of 1845); the total number is 36, amongst 
 which we must not omit to mention the tenor at \Vest Ham, tin' largest bell in the county. 
 Charles Mears died in 1855, but the style of inscription is kept up for two years longer, until 
 in 1858 George's initial alone appears, witli the addition of a 'Co.' in 1862. In the following 
 
 ' In 1836 he cast bells for Llanymynec li and Ktlley, Salop, on wliicli lie describes himself as of Gloucester and 
 l.ijnilon, an 1 similarly the 71I1 ai I'eckenliani, Wurcs., was cast by him at Gloucester in 1841.
 
 THE WARNERS I4I 
 
 year George took into partnership Mr. Robert .Stainl)ank, who gave a fillip to the business 
 wliich had been declining, and raised it once again to a high pitch of prosperity, (leorge 
 Mears' name occurs on the original ring of si.\ (now eight) at I'.raintree (1858), and on fifteen 
 other bells, one of which is the fine curfew at Harlow. 
 
 MEARS AND STAINBANK. 
 
 Witli the exception of two bells of 1868, at Chignal St. James and Leaden Roothing, 
 which bear the name of Robert Stainbank only, all bells cast by this firm since 1864 have borne 
 the now familiar name of mears & stainbank. As a matter of fact George Mears died in 
 1873 and Robert Stainbank in 1883, and since the latter year the business has been in the 
 hands firstly of Mr, A. S. Lawson who died in 1904, secondly of Mr. A. Hughes. 
 
 Excluding modern churclies, of which we have not complete information, there were in 
 the county u]) to the end of 1905 over a hundred bells bearing the name of this firm ; these 
 include a ring of eight at Brentwood (1887), rings of six at Great Ilford (1866), Wivenhoe 
 (1905), Tendring (1907), and one of five at Inworth (1877), as well as seven out of ten at 
 I'rittlewell. Like other founders, they have reaped no little advantage from the recent en- 
 thusiasms aroused by the Diamond Jubilee and the accession of Edward \'H. 
 
 THE WARNERS OF CRIPPLEGATE. 
 
 In the eighteenth century a (Quaker known as "old John Warner," son of Jacob Warner, 
 a brass-founder of Wood Street, on succeeding to his father's business, migrated to Jewin 
 Oescent, Cripplegate. Here in company with his brother Tomson Warner, he set up a bell- 
 foundry, where the offices of his descendants exist at the present day, though the works have 
 lately been removed to Spelman Street, Spitalfields. He was made free of the Founders' 
 Company in i 757, and subsequently associated his sons in partnership. The firm then became, 
 for the first time that such a formula occurs in the history of Ijell-founding, " Warner and Son." 
 
 Their business, overshadowed by Whitechapel, was not a large one, and only about 
 twenty of their bells exist, none of which are in Essex; they date from 1788 to 1802. For 
 some fifty years they dropped the business of making church bells, resuming again about 1850, 
 since which time they have enjoyed a great reputation. They now dispute, at all events in 
 Essex, the supremacy of Whitechapel, and their connection with our county always seems to 
 have been a close one ; Mr. Miller Christy informs me that the family originally came from 
 Essex, and tiiis would account for the large number of bells they have sent to the county since 
 1850. They had for a time a branch establishment at Walton on the Naze. 
 
 On their earlier bells, from Margaret Roothing (1853) down to 1866, the lettering is of a 
 simple and effective 'block ' Roman type : but for the last forty years this has been superseded 
 by a somewhat feeble variety of fancy Gothic, in two sizes. On the other hand they have now 
 dropped the odious " patent " which, accompanied liy the Royal Arms, disfigured their bells 
 for many years. 
 
 Their principal rings in F^ssex are : Harking (5 of 8, various dates) ; Broomfield (six of 
 1874); Earl's Colne (six of 1869); Good F.aster (five of rS86 92); Ford End, Great Waltham 
 (six of 1871-82); F"yfield (five of 1862); Galleywood (eight of 1873); Harlow (eight of 
 1883); Havering (six of 1897); Littleheath, Ilford (five of 1872) ; Loughton (eight of 1867- 
 74); Black Notley (five of 1879); Great Totham (six of 1878); Walthamstow St. Saviour 
 (eight of 1874); and Widford (original six 1862). They also cast a good set of clock-bells 
 for Colchester Town Hall in 1900, the hour bell weighing 25 cwt.
 
 142 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 THE TAYLORS OF LOUGHBOROUGH. 
 
 Among the other founders whose names are found on Essex bells of the nineteenth 
 century, are a firm of formidable rivals to the ancient W'hitecliapel foundry, who, if they cannot 
 boast of such a lineage have at least a respectable pedigree. 
 
 The name of Messrs Taylor of Loughborough is as familiar in the campanological world as 
 that of Mears and Stainhank, and their reputation has been greatly enhanced since their 
 production of the great ring of twelve for St. Paul's Cathedral in 1877, followed closely by the 
 arrival of Great Paul in 1881. Their connection has, however, always lain more in the Midlands 
 than the south and east of England, and I have only information of some 40 of their bells in 
 Essex, mostly in the north-west corner of the county. In 1905 they cast a ring of eight for 
 St. Mary Magdalene, Harlow. Those recently supplied to Castle Hedin^ham and Belchamp 
 St Paul's exhibit admirable workmanship, and they have lately taken to adorning their bells 
 . with borders and arcading (Plate XXXI\'., l-'ig. 9) which mitigate in some degree the severity 
 of their up-to-date framework. 
 
 The foundry traces its pedigree from Joseph Eayre who, originally in partnership with his 
 brother Thomas at Kettering, set up an establishment at St. Neot's, Hunts, in 1731 ; he died 
 in 1 77 1, and was succeeded by his cousin Edward Arnold, who bequeathed the foundry about 
 1800 to an old apprentice Robert Taylor. In 182 1 Robert, in partnership with his son John, 
 removed to Oxford, where on Robert's death about 1830, another son William came into the 
 business. William Taylor remained at Oxford till his death in 1854, but in 1837 John 
 migrated to Loughborough and there established the foundry which to-day bears his name. 
 Since his death the firm has consisted of his son, Mr. John William Taylor, who died in 
 November, 1906, at an ad\'anced age, and two sons of the latter, Messrs. J. W. Taylor, Jun., 
 and E. D. Taylor. 
 
 Their earliest bells in Essex are the two at Cold Norton (1854), and two at High 
 Roothing, on which they give their names as tavlor and son ; these, and others at Heydon, 
 \\'icken Bonant, and St. Mark's, Silvertown, are inscribed in a scjuare thick type, which about 
 1865 w'as discarded for a set of plnin narrow letters. Recently they have adopted a more 
 effective style of lettering. We should also mention the fine bell of nearly a ton weight supplied 
 to East Ham Town Hall in 1901, and the chime of twelve small bells put up in Lexden 
 cliurch in 1901. 
 
 BlRMINC.HAM. 
 
 JAMES HARWELL. 
 
 This firm, which has been casting church bells since about 1870, has only su[)plied one 
 bell to Essex, the 3rd at Radwinter, dated 1877. It bears only the name of the founder 
 liARWELL Birmingham. The work of this firm is unpretentious and good, but it is of course 
 more largely represented in the Western Midlands. They use a plain Roman ' block ' type, 
 like Taylor's Ijut smaller. 
 
 Croydon. 
 
 GILLETT & CO. 
 
 This well-known firm only seems to cast church bells spasmodically, and most of their 
 work in tliis line dates about 1884-1SS8. In 1885 they recast the 2nd al West I'illiury,
 
 UNIDENTIFIED REELS I43 
 
 reproducing the old inscription with success. They use a 'fancy' type, something hke 
 Warner's, and in this case an ornamental border •formed of crosses. 
 
 Irswicii. 
 
 H. BOWELL & SON. 
 
 Originally hell-hangers only, this firm took to casting church bells about 1897, and have 
 a growing reputation. Their work, which seems excellent, is to be found at Mistley, Rayleigh, 
 Tollesbury, Little Bromley, Wendens Anibo, Layer Marney, Great Bentley, and Ooldhanger, in 
 the first case in the shape of a ring of five (together with one older bell) ; the others are recast- 
 ings or additions. Wo have also come across instances of their work in Bucks and other 
 counties. Some of the ornaments used on their bells are given on Plate XXXIV., Figs. 3-8. 
 
 Redenhai.l, Norfolk. 
 
 MOORE, HOLMES AND MACKENZIE. 
 
 To this firm we owe the two bells at Great Braxted and the curious and somewhat 
 eccentric-looking ring of six at Stanford-le-Hope, with their original methods of hanging 
 (see under that head in Tart II). Both sets of bells were put up in 18S4. Their trade-mark 
 and a specimen of their lettering are given on Plate XXXIV., Figs, i, 2. 
 
 A few words in conclusion on the bells — happily few in number — which have not so far 
 been indentified with any founder or known group. 
 
 We have already noted (p. 65) the three bells dated 1579 at Latton, Takeley, and 
 Mucking, which may be the work of some London founder of the period (most likely Hugh 
 Walker), but may equally well be b>' an itinerant. 
 
 Next there is the 2nd at Chrishall, which probably belongs to the beginning of the seven- 
 teenth century. It has no inscription, but merely a collection of devices : (i) a fleur-de-lys : 
 (2) a rose in a square ; (3) an ornamental border in which appears a coat-of-arms (Plate XXVIII., 
 Figs. 4-6). These are repeated in the following order: 1-2-3-2-1-3-3. The rose may be recog- 
 nised as identical with a stamp used by Bristol founders of about 1500, and occurring at 
 Swindon, Gloucs. ; Langridge, Somerset; and Littleton Drew, Wilts. It is No. 24 in Ella- 
 combe's Gloucestershire. We have already noted two other instances (pp. 41, 85) of the migra- 
 tion of West Countr)' stamps to the East of England, and here is a third. The border does 
 not seem to have been previously figured. 
 
 The 2nd at Berden, though inscribed and dated (1613) is equally puzzling, the more so 
 as the 3rd in that tower is of the same date, but undoubtedly by a different founder 
 (R. Oldfield). I know of no similar l.tell, nor have I any founder of the period to suggest. The 
 inscription 
 
 + I + AM + THE + GIFT + OF + CHRISTOPHER + PARRIS -h 1613 
 
 is in plain Roman letters with a small plain cross as a stop, but the date figures are not like 
 those of any founder of the time in Essex. 
 
 Lastly, and in point of time longo tnferva//o, there is the single bell at flanningtree, 
 inscribed
 
 144 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 F.B.C. MANNINGTllEE CHUIICH 1860. 
 
 The lettering is plain but good ; possibly the bell is by the well-known firm of Ransome and 
 .Sims at Ipswich, who cast a bell for Tattingstone, Suffolk, in 1853, but it is certainly not from 
 any of the better-known foundries.
 
 RINGING CUSTOMS AND PECULIAR 
 USES OF ESSEX BELLS. 
 
 Of these there are a fair number of survivals in Essex, though the Pancake Dell for 
 instance is no longer heard ; but considering the proximity of the county to London and the 
 rapidity with which old ringing customs are dying out in all parts of the country from various 
 causes, it is a matter for satisfaction that there still remain a sufficient number and variety to 
 justify devoting to them a separate chapter. 
 
 Into the history and meaning of the older customs we do not propose to enter, and they 
 have been ably discussed by our predecessors, more particularly Messrs. North, Stahlschmidt 
 and Cocks. But although full details are given under the heading of each parisli of the uses 
 retained in each individual case, the student of bell-lore will perhaps be grateful for a summary 
 which will enable him to dispense with the necessity of a prolonged search for the information 
 he may require. 
 
 Apart from change-ringing and the recognition of secular anniversaries or festivals, all of 
 which are of comparatively modern introduction, it may be laid down that all ' uses ' of our 
 church bells are originally associated with some religious idea or custom, even though that is 
 not now apparent. 
 
 The Curfew bell, which is popularly associated with the well known enactment of William 
 the Concjueror, and its correlative the early morning bell, are really the survivors of the morn- 
 ing and evening " Ave Peals." Similarly the Pancake Bell was originally associated with the 
 preparations for the Lenten Fast. But it is doubtful whether ringing on the 5th of November 
 can fairly be regarded as coming under the same category ! In the case of .Sunday uses the 
 connection is more obvious, though the original meaning of many customs has become obscured 
 by time and vicissitudes of religious beliefs and practices. Even the Passing Bell, originally an 
 admonition to prayer for the departing soul, is now deferred till some hours later, usually to 
 suit the sexton's convenience, or even combined with the funeral ceremonies. 
 
 In the succeeding account, the reader is warned that it has unfortunately been impossible 
 to obtain complete returns from all the parishes, and that in many cases the information was 
 received some years back, and customs then in use may have since been dropped. But the 
 present editors, having circulated requests for information among more than half the parishes in 
 the county, and having been fortunate enough to secure replies from about two-thirdsof that 
 number, in addition to information previously acquired, trust that enough evidence has been 
 obtained to make their statistics not only reliable but representative. In some cases however 
 the information has been too vaguely expressed to be of much use in detail. 
 
 I. Sunday Uses. 
 
 The normal pre-Reformation arrangement of services was Mattins at 8 a.m. and Mass at 
 
 19
 
 146 THE CHURCH HELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 9 ; but we find in some cases (cf. Kent, p. 122) that the hours were 7 and 8. Traces of the 
 Mattins and Mass bells still exist in some cases,' but the usage has been somewhat obscured by 
 the re-introduction of early celebrations. In many of the returns where a bell at 8 a.m. is 
 reported it is not clear whether this refers to the use of a bell for services only or whether a 
 bell is rung independently. But the following may be noted (apart from ringing on 
 Festivals) : — 
 
 At Roxwell a bell is rung at 7 a.m., at \Vithani, bells are chimed at that hour, and at 
 Manningtree, one ' at an early hour ' (this is not a ' survival,' as the church is of Post-Reforma- 
 tion origin). 
 
 In 29 parishes a bell is rung regularly at 8 a.m., whether there is service or not; in 18 
 more, two or more bells are chimed at the same hour, three bells being used for 15 minutes at 
 Bradwell-on-Sea, two at Roxwell. The same formerly at Leyton and Tillingham. At Berden 
 144 strokes are rung on one bell for celebrations, and at Lindsell the Sanctus bell is always used 
 for this service. At Pleshey the bell has always been rung at 8, but now apparently is only 
 kept up for the villagers to set their clocks right ! 
 
 The old 'Mass bell' at 9 a.m. is still kept up at Ashdon (4th), Kelvedon, Maldon All 
 Saints, Manuden, Rivenhall, Tillingham, North Weald, and Witham (tenor) ; it was formerly 
 rung at Little Easton, Leigh, and Sandon. At Kelvedon it is, according to another theory, 
 only a Sunday School bell. 
 
 A ' warning ' bell is rung at 10 a.m. at West Mersea. 
 
 A bell is rung between Mattins and Holy Communion at Boreham and Pitsea, when there 
 is a late celebration, and at Hatfield Broad Oak the Sanctus bell was formerly rung just before 
 the sermon. This custom would seem to be a relic of the old Sanctus bell at the beginning of 
 the Canon of the Mass. At the conclusion of morning service a bell is rung at Hadstock, 
 Hempstead, and Mistley, in the two latter cases to indicate an afternoon service. At Mistley 
 this is known as a ' Pudding bell' A so-called ' Sermon ' bell is rung at Thaxted at i p.m., 
 and one at Manuden and Great Waltham at two o'clock. At Corringham a bell is said to have 
 been rung formerly every hour on Sunday (now only at 8 a.m.) ; and a Ijcll is said to be rung 
 after Evensong at Woodford. 
 
 l'"or Mattins and Evensong the ordinary usage is of course ringing or chiming for a period 
 varying from 45 to 15 minutes, with, in many cases, 'tolling in ' at the end. Usually the treble 
 is rung for the last five minutes, sometimes preceded by the tenor or two bells for five or ten, 
 or the tenor is tolled for 15 minutes. Ringing on some or all occasions is reported in 42 
 parishes, chiming of two or more bells in 76 others. At Boreham the bells are rung only for 
 Mattins ; at Coggeshall and Saffron Walden only for Evensong ; at Barking sometimes after 
 Evensong. In ten cases the practice is variable or alternating, and at West Ham there is 
 always ringing on ' Corporation ' .Sunday. At Coggeshall and perha])s elsewhere there is 
 ringing for services (and not at other times) on Great Festivals. 
 
 'Tolling-in' in one form or another occurs in 69 instances. At Bulpham the old hell is 
 used in this way, following two sets of chimes on the ' tubulars ' ; at Latton, the ' ting-tang ' is 
 so used. Mr. Cocks {Bucks, p. 275) regards this use as indicating a 'Sermon bell,' even 
 though not so called at the present day. He gives a list of over 20 parishes in Bucks where it 
 is actually known by this name. But wc have not met with any instances in Essex. 
 
 I There are now no instances of llie two being both preserved in any parisli, but the use at Witham comes 
 nearest, and TiUingham had both bells until recently.
 
 RINGING CUSTOMS (fESTIVALs) I47 
 
 Week Day Uses (for services). 
 In regard to ringing for services on week-days there is not of course much to note ; but at 
 Braintree, Halstead, and Lindsell the bells are always chimed, and at Pitsea they are also 
 chimed, after which the day of the month is tolled on the tenor (this is of modern origin). At 
 Borehani a bell is rung before Choir Practices. 
 
 Festivals, Good Friday, and New Year's Eve. 
 
 Special Ringing on the Great Festivals is reported in 5 i instances, usually on Christmas 
 or Easter morning. The hour varies from 5 a.m. to 7.30, and in some cases (as at Laindon 
 Hills and Saffron Walden) it is on the preceding eve ; at Tollesbury both on the eve and in 
 the morning. At some thirteen churches the custom is extended to Whitsuntide ; at Laindon 
 Hills there is ringing on Ascension Eve, and at Peering on Ascension Day, when at Stanford- 
 le-Hope ringing takes place at 4.30 a.m., accompanied by the singing of a hymn on the top of 
 the tower. At Roydon and Willingale Doe ringing begins at 5 a.m. on Christmas morning, at 
 Great Leighs, Pleshey, and Widdington at 6 a.m., and at the same time on Easter Day at 
 ^Vicken Bonant and Widdington ; at Foxearth, Fryerning, and Gestingthorpe at 6 a.m. on all 
 festivals. At Boreham, Castle Hedingham, Stanford-le-Hope, and ^\'rittle, ringing begins at 
 6.30. At Laindon Hills the bells are rung on the Eve of the Dedication Festival, at Barking 
 and Romford on the same Festival, at Feering on All Saints Day (Patronal Festival), at Broom, 
 field on Trinity Sunday, and at Belchamp \\"alter, Colne Engaine, High Easter, Feering, Gold- 
 hanger, Castle Hedingham, Romford and Great Waltham on the Harvest Festival. At Littlebury, 
 peals are rung on the Sundays during harvest, and at Saffron Walden on the first Sunday in 
 September, known as ' Harvest Sunday.' At High Easter there is ringing on the School 
 Anniversary Sunday. 
 
 At Great Waltham a bell is always rung on St. Thomas' Day, and on Christmas Eve in 
 connection with the distribution of charities. 
 
 On Good Friday the following peculiar uses (mostly of modern introduction) are 
 reported: At Tillingham the tenor is tolled from 12 to 3 ; at Ardleigh a bell is tolled at 2.55 
 (at the conclusion of the three hours' service) ; at Laindon Hills the tenor is muffled at 3 p.m. 
 and thirty-three strokes are tolled on it, indicating the years of our Lord's earthly life. At the 
 last place it is customary to use two bells only in Holy Week. 
 
 Ringing in one form or another on New Year's Eve is frequent, though varying in 
 detail ; it is carried on in at least seventy-two parishes. At Widdington peals are rung at 7.0 
 and 11.45, ^^ Moreton they are at 8.30 and 11.30. In some cases, as at Ardleigh, Bulphan, 
 and Earl's Colne a bell is tolled up to midnight, followed by a peal or chime ; in others as at 
 Kelvedon, Stanford-le Hope, Stock, Great Totham, Great Waltham, \\'oodford, and Writtle, 
 a muffled or half-muffled peal is rung up to midnight, and then an open one ; otherwise the 
 bells are rung in an ordinary way both before and after. At Birdbrook, Castle Hedingham, 
 West Thurrock, Wicken Bonant, and Writtle twelve strokes on one bell are given exactly at 
 midnight. But in the majority of cases the exact procedure has not been specified. 
 
 Secular and Socl\l Festivals. 
 
 Under this heading we may include weddings, though religious functions, the ringing on 
 such occasions being a purely personal matter, according to the desire of the parties concerned. 
 In nearly all cases ringing on such occasions is only by request or when paid for. In seventy
 
 148 THF. CIlURCtI nnLLS OF ESSEX 
 
 four parishes ringing or chiming on these occasions is more or less customary. No pecuhar 
 uses are specified except that at Langley chiming is repeated again in the evening, nor is there 
 any instance of ringing when banns are published. 
 
 At Great Leigh, the bells are rung on the occasion of local festivities, such as the 
 Annual Flower Show ; and at other places ringing on special occasions is reported. At 
 Saffron Walden peals are rung on Mayor's Day (November 9th), and on June 27th, the local 
 ringers' festival, which was instituted in 1623 by Thomas Turner (see Part II). 
 
 Royal Anniversaries (Birthdays and Coronation Day) are celebrated by peals at IJarking, 
 Boreham, Broomfield, Harwich, Langley, Manuden (Coronation Day), Romford, Sandon, 
 Stebbing, Waltham Abbey, Great Waltham, and South Weald. 
 
 Ringing on November 5th is now apparently only kept up at Manuden, but formerly was 
 practised at Hals'lead, Sible Hedingham, and Radwinter. On the 29th of May (King Charles' 
 Restoration) peals are rung at Manuden and at \\'iddington (at 4 a.m.), as also formerly at 
 Sible Hedingham. 
 
 FuxERAi. Uses. 
 
 Of all special ringing customs, ancient and modern, these seem to have lieen the most 
 universal, and are the most generally kept up, though not always as carefully as they might 
 be. The uses include the Passing Bell or Death Knell, rung immediately or at a regular 
 interval not exceeding twenty-four hours after death, which usually comprises tolling at 
 intervals of a minute for half-an-hour to an hour, with "tellers" at the beginning and end, or 
 others methods of denoting age and sex. On the day of the funeral itself, the uses are 
 ]5ractically limited to tolling before the ceremony, with occasional chiming or quick ringing on 
 the approach of the procession. This custom, still common in Shropshire, is there known as 
 the joy-bells or ringing home. Sometimes muffled peals are rung for special personages. 
 
 The varieties in the use of the Passing Bell arc very great, but we will endeavour to 
 summarise them as briefly as possible. 
 
 In thirty instances it is rung immediately on the death being made known ; in fifteen others 
 at any time within twelve hours, sc. on the same day; in thirty-four others twelve or twenty- 
 four hours afterwards, depending on the time at which death took place ; in thirty-seven others 
 twenty-four hours afterwards or within that time ; and in ten parishes on the following 
 morning, at 8 or 9 a.m. 
 
 The method of ringing has not always been clearly specified in the returns which have 
 reached us, but the following statistics may be taken as accurate, so far as they go. 
 
 The Passing Bell is tolled only, without tellers to distinguish sex, in twenty-one parishes, 
 for an hour or less. At Great Clacton ten strokes are given within fifteen minutes. In fi)ur 
 of these cases (Ashen, Bobbingworth, Feering, and AVoodham Mortimer) age is denoted by 
 the use of a smaller bell for children. At Little ^\'altham there are no regular tellers, but the 
 age is given by the number of strokes tolled together (see below) and a smaller bell is used for 
 children. Where there are tellers, the intermediate tolling varies from ten minutes to an 
 hour, the latter being the usual time. At Nazing, the bell is tolled for an hour for adults, 
 thirty minutes for infants, (tellers at end). At Stebbing, six strokes are given at intervals (ov an 
 hour, and at West Mersea ten strokes in all, at minute intervals, in both cases with tellers. 
 
 In sixty parishes a distinction is made for age by the use of different bells for the knell. 
 The usual practice is the tenor fi)r adults, and the treble or another bell (in many cases not 
 specified) for children. At Grays, where Ihere are three bells, the tenor is used fi)r men, the
 
 RINGING CUSTOMS (fUNKRAI. I'SIis) I49 
 
 second for women, and the treble for children ; at High Oiigar the same except that the bells 
 are the sth, 4th, and ist; at Hatfield Broad Oak the second is used for those under twelve, 
 the tenor for all over; at Creat Leighs four bells are used for different periods of life and at 
 Southminster and Springfield three similarly : at both the tenor for adults ; at Southminster 
 the fourth for children and second for infants ; at Springfield the third for those between eleven 
 and twenty, the treble for all under eleven. At Writtle the use of the tenor is reserved for the 
 Sovereign, the Vicar, and the Warden of New College (the patrons). 
 
 We now come to the uses of the tellers, for which the normal custom is 3 x 3 strokes for 
 a man, 3x2 for a woman, including children, usually both at beginning and end of the 
 tolling. This we find practised in about sixty-six parishes. Sometimes 3x1 in addition are 
 tolled for a child, and this occurs in thirty six instances. The following are abnormal as 
 regards the number of strokes in each case : 
 
 Arkesden : 4 male, 3 female, 2 child. West Ham : g male, 7 female. 
 
 Broxted : 4 male, 3 female, 3 child. The same at Pitse.i, recently introduced. 
 
 Chelmsford : 3x3 male, 3x4 female. Mistley : reported as 3, 2, and i only. 
 
 Great Hallingbury : ;^ < ^ male, 2x2 female. Sturmer : 9 male, 8 female. 
 
 Wickham St Pauls : 6 male or female, i child. 
 
 At Horndon on the Hill and Tendring the return is 2 x 3 male, ^ x ;} female, but these 
 may be clerical errors. 
 
 At Burnham the ordinary tellers occur at the beginning, and at tlie end nine slow and 
 nine quick strokes are given for male, six and six similarly for female. At Harlow the tellers 
 are given only at the beginning, and the use for a child is a single stroke for a boy and two 
 for a girl. At Finchingfield and Roydon also they are only given at the beginning. At 
 Moreton they are repeated at intervals, at Southminster thrice,'' and also at (keat Braxted 
 and Tolleshunt D'Arcy for one hour ; at Farnham, repeated at minute intervals. At Nazing 
 and East Hanningfield the tellers are at the end only; at (Ireat Totham three strokes for 
 male or two for female are given on each bell, with the ordinary 3x3 or 3x2 at the 
 end. At Stock the tellers are repeated a certain number of times according to the age of 
 the deceased ; and at Tolleshunt Knights three strokes for a man and two for a woman 
 or child are repeated every five minutes. At Lamarsh and Aythorp Roothing 3x3 
 strokes appear to be given for all alike. The length of tolling between the two sets of tellers 
 varies from ten minutes (at West Mersea) to one hour. At Coggeshall, Leigh and Great 
 Leighs the tellers are repeated at funerals. 
 
 The age of the deceased is indicated by strokes in the following parishes : Berden, 
 Colchester St. Peter, Corringham, Dedham (by request), Peering (at beginning and end) 
 Castle Hedingham, Laindon Hills, Maldon St. Mary, Mistley, Panfield, Great Sampford, 
 Southminster, Tolleshunt Major, Great Totham, Wivenhoj, and Woodford ; at Stock by 
 tellers (as above), and at Little Waltham by a different number of strokes for different ages 
 (up to 12, 12 to 25, 25 to 40, etc). 
 
 Tolling at funerals is reported in forty five instances, and chiming also at Panfield, 
 Rainham, and Wickham St. Paul's. At Hempstead the tolling is continued for two hours. 
 At Bobbingworth, Eastwood, Fairstead, Rayne and Great Totham the tolling is ([uickened 
 when the procession arrives, the liell having been previously tolled forty-five minutes at 
 
 -The use appears to be : tellers, tollintj, tellers, age tullecl, tellers.
 
 I50 
 
 THK CHURCH BELl.S OF ESSEX 
 
 Bobbingworth and for twenty minutes in triplets at l-'airstead. Miiflled peals for various 
 personages are customary at Barking, Braintree, Kcering, Harwich, Romford, Saffron Walden, 
 Stanford-)e-Hope, Stebbing, and Thorington, and doubtless also elsewhere. 
 
 MiscEi.i.ANEOUs Uses. 
 
 The Morning P.ell and the Curfew we have already noted as survivals of the old Ave 
 I'eals. They are now rapidly dying out all over the country, and barely survive in Essex. 
 But at Harlow both are rung from November ist to March 25th ; the one at 5 a.m., the other 
 at 8 p.m., anil the bell on which they are rung is known as the Curlew Bell, not forming part 
 of the ring. The hour and day of the month are tolled. Similarly at Harwich a morning bell 
 is rung daily at 9 a.m, the Curfew at 9 p m. from November ist to March 25th. At Dedham 
 a bell is rung at 8 a.m. on Tuesdays. The Curfew is also rung at ^Vicken Bonant at 8 p.m. 
 (on the tenor), and at Thaxted from September 25th to March loth, except between 
 ('hristmas Eve and Plough Monday. Both were formerly rung at IJarking, 5 a.m. and 8 p.m., 
 on the fire bell in the Abbey Gateway ; at Newport (4 a.m. and 8 i).m.), and at Wivenhoe 
 (6 a.m. and 8 p.m.) At Thaxted there was formerly a .Morning IJell, at \\'est Ham and 
 Saffron Walden the Curfew. 
 
 The Pancake Bell was formerly rung on Shrove Tuesday at Hempstead and Saffron 
 \\'alden. 
 
 The Gleaning Bell is still rung during harvest (or was within the last twenty years) in 
 seventeen parishes. At Gestingthorpe and Hadstock the hours are 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ; at 
 Belchamp St. Pauls, Boreham, Bulmer, Cresslng, Great Maplestead, and Stambourne, at 8 and 
 6 ; at Ashdon, ISroxted, Farnham, Hempstead, Henham and Manuden, at 9 and 5 ; at 
 W'endens Ambo at 8.30 a.m.; at Borley and Dedham at times not specified. In thirty-four 
 other parishes it has only been discontinued within living memory. It will be noted that all 
 the survivals are in the north of the county ; an interesting commentary on present agricultural 
 conditions. In any case there are probably more instances in this than most counties; in 
 Shropshire and Warwickshire for instance it seems to have entirely disappeared. 
 
 A bell is rung for Easter Vestry meetings in twenty-nine parishes. 
 
 At Saffron \\'alden and Thaxted, in cases of fire, the ist and 2nd bells are chimed 
 quickly. 
 
 The only other peculiar use to which we have to call attention is at Harwich, where in 
 stormy weather it was the custom — now rarely observed — to ring a bell to i-all the jieople 
 together for S[)ecial prayer. 
 
 I'KiNcu'.M. Rings in Essex. 
 
 Place 
 
 Weight of 
 
 Diani. of 
 
 Din in. of 
 
 Diam. of 
 
 n.ite nmi Koiinder of Tt-n* 
 
 
 tenor 
 
 tenor 
 
 ncM 
 
 treble 
 
 
 (i) RiNc.s OK Ten. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 cwts. 
 
 ins. 
 
 ins. 
 
 ins. 
 
 
 Chelmsford 
 
 22 
 
 49 
 
 44 
 
 28 
 
 Mears 1777 
 
 West I lam 
 
 28 
 
 54 
 
 48 
 
 28 
 
 Mears 1846 
 
 I'rittlewell 
 
 17 
 
 46 
 
 43 
 
 26i 
 
 Mears and S. 1872 
 
 Walthamstow 
 
 192 
 
 48 
 
 43 
 
 27i 
 
 Mears 1852 
 
 * The weights arc taUcn from tlie Keporl of llic Essex Association (1904), correcled in a few cases from tlie 
 founder's li<ls.
 
 
 PRINCIPAL 
 
 RINGS 
 
 IN ESSEX 
 
 
 (2) RiNf.S OK Elf.liT. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ardleigh 
 
 ■4 
 
 42 
 
 39 
 
 27 
 
 R. Burford 
 
 Barking 
 
 22i 
 
 48i 
 
 43I 
 
 30 
 
 Warner 1871 
 
 Bocking 
 
 I8J 
 
 49 
 
 41 
 
 28i 
 
 Mears 1856 
 
 Brentwood 
 
 20 
 
 49 
 
 434 
 
 30 
 
 Mears & S. 1SS7 
 
 Coggeshall 
 
 21 
 
 49 
 
 47 
 
 28.V 
 
 Warner 1877 
 
 Colchester St. Peter 
 
 ') [ 
 
 49 
 
 44 
 
 29 
 
 Lester & Back 1 763 
 
 Dedhani 
 
 p 
 
 78 
 
 45 
 
 28 
 
 Thornton 1 7 17 
 
 Peering 
 
 iS 
 
 46 
 
 42 
 
 28.V 
 
 Graye 1624 
 
 Finchingfield 
 
 18 
 
 4Si 
 
 41 
 
 29i 
 
 Osborne 1781 
 
 Galleywood 
 
 Hi 
 
 44 
 
 40 
 
 29 
 
 Warner 1873 
 
 Halstead 
 
 ? 
 
 46 
 
 41 
 
 271 
 
 Draper and Land 1575 
 
 Harlow 
 
 20 
 
 49 
 
 44 
 
 30 
 
 Warner 1883 
 
 Harwich 
 
 14 
 
 44 
 
 38 
 
 27 
 
 ;\Iears 1S21 
 
 Hatfield liroad Oak 
 
 29 
 
 45 
 
 4' 
 
 30 
 
 Patrick 1783 
 
 Hornchurch 
 
 20 
 
 49 
 
 44 
 
 30 
 
 Mears 1779 
 
 Loughton 
 
 i9i 
 
 48* 
 
 42 
 
 29 
 
 Warner 1867 
 
 Rayleigh 
 
 16 
 
 45 
 
 39 
 
 28 
 
 Mears 1790 
 
 Romford 
 
 ? 
 
 43 
 
 39 
 
 27 
 
 R. Burford 
 
 Saffron Walden 
 
 24 
 
 52 
 
 46 
 
 32 
 
 Briant 1798 
 
 Great Tey 
 
 15 
 
 42 
 
 39 
 
 26 
 
 Graye 1629 
 
 Thaxted 
 
 17 
 
 46 
 
 43 
 
 28 
 
 Mears 1778 
 
 Walthani Abbey 
 
 19 
 
 48 
 
 42 
 
 29 
 
 Briant 1806 
 
 Great Walthani 
 
 -5 
 
 5- 
 
 47 
 
 30 
 
 Hodson 1663 
 
 Walthamstow St. Saviour 
 
 16 
 
 46 
 
 41 
 
 29 
 
 Warner 1874 
 
 Writtle 
 
 19 
 
 48 
 
 43 
 
 29 
 
 Mears 181 1 
 
 Rings ok Six. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ashdon 
 
 ? 
 
 44 
 
 41 
 
 30 
 
 Graye 1665 
 
 Great Bard field 
 
 16 
 
 44 
 
 38 
 
 20 
 
 Graye 1607 
 
 Bobbingworth 
 
 13 
 
 43 
 
 38 
 
 29 
 
 Mears 1841 
 
 Boreham 
 
 16 
 
 44 
 
 40 
 
 30 
 
 Hodson 1653 
 
 Great Bromley 
 
 18? 
 
 44 
 
 39 
 
 30 
 
 Gardiner 1726 
 
 Helions Bunipstead 
 
 ? 
 
 44 
 
 39 
 
 30 
 
 Graye 1641 
 
 Earl's Colne 
 
 15 
 
 44 
 
 40 
 
 31 
 
 Warner 1S69 
 
 Great Dunmow 
 
 23 
 
 50 
 
 45 
 
 32 
 
 Mears & S. 1879 
 
 High Easter 
 
 20 
 
 47L 
 
 42 i 
 
 32 
 
 Mot I 590 
 
 Gestingthorpe 
 
 16 
 
 44 
 
 41 
 
 29 
 
 Warner 190 1 
 
 Kelvedon 
 
 21 
 
 SO 
 
 45 
 
 35 
 
 Graye 160S 
 
 Newport 
 
 18 
 
 4S 
 
 39 
 
 31 
 
 Warner 1873 
 
 South Weald 
 
 15 
 
 44 
 
 38 
 
 2SJ 
 
 Wightman 1692 
 
 Witham 
 
 18 
 
 45 
 
 41 
 
 30 
 
 Gardiner 1743 
 
 Ring.s ok Five. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Aveley 
 
 ? 
 
 47 
 
 46 
 
 26 
 
 Bartlet 1618 
 
 Little Bentley 
 
 18 
 
 44 
 
 42 
 
 32 
 
 Graye 1626 
 
 Colchester St. Leonard 
 
 18 
 
 44 
 
 42 
 
 32 
 
 Gardiner 1755 
 
 Felstead 
 
 16 
 
 44 
 
 42 
 
 32 
 
 Mears 18 18 
 
 Sible Heditigham 
 
 22? 
 
 48 
 
 40 
 
 33 
 
 Graye 16 16 
 
 Hempstead 
 
 ? 
 
 47 
 
 44 
 
 33 
 
 Tonne 1575 
 
 Ramsey 
 
 17 
 
 44 
 
 40 
 
 29 
 
 Gardiner 1724 
 
 151
 
 152 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 In the following; imyb of eight the tenor does not exceed 13 ivvt. or 42 in. in diameter : 
 
 HIS. 
 
 Great liaddow 13 43 St. Mary Magdalene, 
 
 Harlow 
 Helchanip Walter 9 36 C.reat Ilford 
 
 Great ISentley 8 35 Kadwinter 
 
 Braintree I2i 42 Stanstead 
 
 Fo.vearth 7 34 Widford 
 
 The following single bells are also worth noting for their size ; 
 
 Delxlen larger bell Diani. 44in. East Mersea 
 
 Harlow Curfew bell 41 Great Oakley 
 
 Maldon St. I'ctcr bell 46 Wicken Honant tenor of three 43 
 
 Wiildington tenor of three 44 
 
 The hour clock bell at Colchester Town Hall weighs 25 cwt ; that at East Hani Town Hall 
 19 cwt. 
 
 12 
 
 4' 
 
 s 
 
 35i 
 
 12 
 
 41 
 
 13 
 
 42 
 
 13 
 
 40 
 
 bell 
 
 44 
 
 bell 
 
 43
 
 Part II 
 
 THE INSCRIPTIONS ON 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX, 
 
 WITH THEIR HISTORY AND USES, 
 
 ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY BY PARISHES
 
 Part II 
 
 THE INSCRIPTIONS ON 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 THEIR HISTORY AND USES 
 
 ABBERTON. St. Andrew. One bell. 
 
 I ^llES* GRAVE * MADE ♦ ^^ * '^^^ 
 
 The small lettering with each word on a separate pateya followed by a (]uatrefoil stop 
 (except the date) is characteristic of Miles (Iraye the younger (see p. 96). 
 No Inventories. 
 
 Morant (i. j). 414): " i ISell." Muihnan (v. j). 428) the same. 
 See Essex Review, 1894, p. 178. 
 Thanks to Rev. H. T. W. Eyre. 
 
 ABBESS ROOTHING, siiii Rootiiixc;, Aisiiess. 
 
 ALDBOROUGH HATCH. St. Peter. One bell. 
 
 I. G. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1861. (22J,in. 
 
 Church consecrated 1S63; parish formed out of (ireat Ilford. There was apparently an 
 older chapel existing in the eighteenth century, of which there is a mention in 1746. See 
 Lysons, Environs of London, iv. p. 186 ; Tuck, Hist, of Barking, p. 45 ; Tasker, Ilford Past 
 and Present, p. 121. 
 
 The bell hangs in a small tower, and is difficult of access. We are indebted to Mr. C. H. 
 Hawkins for the description of it. 
 
 ALDHAM. Two bells. 
 
 1. Sancfa jl^argarcfa Gra :l\o P.oBia (see page 39) ^3° in- 
 
 2. Sum I^nsa ^ubiiiii CQimbt I^atr/in;i Uoralu (seep. 23) (32 in. 
 
 ist: by Thomas lUillisdon (p. 40); ordinary caps. (Plate XL, 1-6); shield Plate XII., 10. 
 2nd: by William Dawe ; the cross is Plate X., 2, the stop Plate IX., 10; on the crown
 
 1^6 THI-; CHL'RCIl BELl.S OF ESSEX 
 
 the large variety of the lavershicUl (I'late X., 6), ihrice repeated; medium sized capitals (Plate 
 IX.) with fine set of smalls (taller than the capitals). 
 
 T.R.E. "Itm Reuiaynyng three bellys w' y" Roopys waying be csteiiiac' xij c." (Essex 
 Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 45). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 201): "two Bells." Muilman (vi. p. uSi) the same. .See Essex Review, 
 1893, p. 231, and Essex Arch. Trans. N..S. iii. p. 45. 
 
 ALPHAMSTONE. Three bells. 
 
 P'ancte m Qoxcsc l Ova m i^i'o g f.obis (32.^ in- 
 
 2. in RonoRG MAvnie mARie (see p. 82) (36 in. 
 
 fancta s fParia i ora i I'ro i X'.obie (39 -n. 
 
 Nos. I and 3 from the liury foundry, probably not earlier than 1500; the cross in botli 
 cases is PI. XVIII., 4 ; the stop, IM. XVIII., 9. I'.oth have on the shoulder the Bury shield 
 PI. XVIII., 1 1, thrice repeated. See page 53. 
 
 No. 2 is probably by Austen Bracker (see p. 82); his date is about 1550. The cross 
 is PI. XXXII., 7, subsequently used by Thomas Gardiner of Sudbury ; the stop is Cambs., Fig. 9, 
 previously used by the Lynn founder Derby (see j). 11). The letters are on separate 
 paterae, somewhat widely sjjaced ; they occur again on the 4th at Little Cornard, Suffolk, 
 and in a smaller form on most of his bells, as at Newton, Cambs, and Little \\'elnelham, 
 Suffolk (see PI. XXVII., 4-9). 
 
 "This interesting pre-Reforniation trio has been evidently untouched, and probably very 
 seldom visited since they were first hung. It is a case of a long ladder and a good clothes- 
 brush." (c.D. in Essex Review, 1894, p. 113). See also Essex .Arch. Trans, iii. p. 66 ff. 
 One of the bells is said to have been cracked by the recent fall of the tower (see Essex Review, 
 
 i9°5. P- 240). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 268): " In the belfry there is only one bell," an obvious error. Muilman 
 (ii. p. 74) has ' 3 bells.' 
 
 ALRESFORD. St. Peter. One bell. 
 
 I. J. WARNER & SONS LONDON 1860. 
 
 On waist : — ZS^SH^o (26in. 
 
 \\'eight of bell 3 cwt. 3 (jrs. 27lbs. Note f-. 
 No Inventories. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 453); " 2 Bells." Muilman (vi. p. 20) the same. See Essex Review, 1897, 
 p. 44.
 
 AI.PHAMSTONE -ARIJI.I.IC; 1 i 1 57 
 
 ALTHORNE. Si. Andrew. Two Ijclls. 
 
 1. ^ Vii.\ Amjurtiuc Souil In Auic IJri (^ T 5 (j' in. 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1638 (30 in. 
 
 " It is very curious that the larger bell here should have thr lighter note." J.C.L.S. 
 
 ist bell by Thomas Harrys of London, c. 1480 (see p. 41). 'i'he initial crowned capitals 
 also occur on a bell by Harrys at Henham. The cross and smalls arc those ordinarily u.sed 
 by Harrys ; the capitals are if anything smaller than the other letters. See for the stamps 
 PI. XIV., 1-4. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1553. 'Ai.LTHORNE It'm iiij bells hangyng in the Steijill eonteynyng in 
 wayte by estimacion 1 c' (50 cwt.). (Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 237). Muranl (i. p. 362): 
 "3 bells." Mailman (v. }). 332) the same. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. H. T. W. Eyre and Mr. Miller Christy. 
 
 ARDLEIGH. St. Mary. Eight bells. 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK, WHITECHAPEL FOUNDRY, LONDON. 
 
 On -Must:— THK SIX OLD BKLLS RKSTOREU, ANU 
 
 TWO TREBLES ADDED IN MEMORY OF THE REV. CANON T. \V. PERRY 
 
 BY HIS PARISHIONERS AND l-RIKNDS 
 
 i8q2. 
 
 (27 in. 
 
 2. ^7 J Xii. I. 
 
 On wnhl:— OREVILLE T. HALES, VICAR. 
 
 J.VLuliAR/CHllKCHWARDElNS. 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 3. lOHN ♦7??CisJ^^^^ DARBIE ♦T^ClS^^^^^^ MADE 
 
 (29 in. 
 
 4 lOHN c^^?^ DARBlEc>t7^<:£MADE 
 
 co^-^^^^y^ L V F K I N c ^^ 
 
 (31 in. 
 S. THOMAS GARDINER SVDBVRY FECIT 1727 
 
 On iiu- '.uaist :^ RECAST BY MEARS & STAINBANK 
 
 WHITECHAPEL FOUNDRY 
 
 LONDON 1892 {^i in.
 
 ir8 THE CHURCH BraLS OF ESSEX 
 
 6. 
 
 CHARLE S £>§g<3£^g<3 NEWMAN ^^ 
 MADE£>EISS^§I^ MEE 16 3 9 
 
 7. J: BBIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1802. P : BROMLEY & T : COOPER C : 
 WARDENS. (39 '"• 
 
 8. Sum l^^ofa l?uirata (QuiiUi fffaria Uocala (see p. 7) 
 
 (42 in. 
 
 Tenor probably by Robert 15urford; sec p. 15. The tenor at Romford is similar. The 
 crosses are Plate VT, 5 and Clones. 58; the eapitals, Bucks, plate X. (ef. I'l. \l., (>). 
 The old 5th (then the 3rd) was inscribed : 
 
 THOMAS -^GARDINER 4- SUDBURY 
 '■'^> FECIT 4- ^ 1727 
 
 Weights and notes of new bells: — i) 4 cwt. i (|r. 17 lbs. K sharp. 
 
 2)4 I 21 !•' 
 
 5) 6 50 n 
 
 The tenor weighs 18 cwt., note 1'" sharp. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 435): '6 Bells.' Muilman (v. ]). .\()6) the same. 
 
 Essex Review, 1S93, p. 106. .See Chiwili Bells, 19 Aug. 1S92. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death knell rung 24 hours after death. 
 
 On Sundays lielis generally chimed at 7.30 ; rung at 10 and 6.30. 
 
 On New Year's Kve the old year is tolled out and a nuiffled peal rung. 
 
 On Ciood I'Viday at 2.55 the bell is tolled (at end of Three Hours' Service). 
 
 A bell tolled for ^'estry .Meetings. Ringing occasionally for Weddings. 
 
 A board under the tower records that 
 
 "On Tuesday Auyust yth iSy2 
 Eight members of the 
 Esse,\ Association of Change Ringers 
 
 rang upon these Bells 
 Fur the first time a true peal 
 
 of Kent Trebles Bob Major 
 5024 changes in 3 hours and 10 minutes." 
 [Here follow names] 
 Many thanks to Rev. R. 11. C.rubbe, Xicar. 
 
 For the following extracts from the Churchwardens' .Accounts we are further indebted to 
 the kindness of the Vicar :
 
 
 xijd 
 
 2 8 
 
 o 
 
 1 o 
 
 8 
 
 1 4 
 
 o 
 
 1 4 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 4 
 
 I 
 
 AI^Dl.KIOll ARKESDl'N' I 59 
 
 1552 Sept. 23. hem payd for iiiendyiig the \}e\h ffor meyte and \vaj,'es 
 1770 Apr. 16. I'aid for four Ringing Days 
 
 Paid George Watt's Ijill for Bell Ropes 
 1772 Apr. 22. I'aid Jos darling for two Ringing Days 
 
 I'aid Richard Browning for two Ringing Days 
 
 [Dec. 2, and i 776-1777 four similar entries] 
 1777 Oct. I. Watls Bill for Oil, Ropes, &c. 
 1779 Apr. 5. Oil for the Bells anil Clock 
 
 Mending the Ropes for the liclls 
 
 []778-i7S3 payments for Kinging as before] 
 
 1781 Apr. 5. Allowetl for Beer puting up the Bells 
 Apr. 10. Mending the Bell Ropes 
 
 For a new rope to great Bell 7II). 
 
 1782 Mar. 26. Paid Mr. Bedford's Bill for work done to the Bell, Clock, 
 
 Fane, &c. 410 6 
 
 Paid John Bond's bill for „ „ 
 
 Paid John Southgate's „ „ 
 
 1784 Feb. 10. Paid Mr. Bedford's bill for the Bells, &c. 
 
 Paid John Bond's bill for work in the steeple 
 1789 Dec. 13. Mr. James' Ringing Bill 
 1800 Apr. II. Paid Mr. Bull two Ringing Days 
 
 Paid Mr. Rawling as per Bill for Bell Ropes 
 "Beer for the Ringers" is a constant item about this time. 
 Mr. Cooper to Mary \'ince (a publican) 
 
 May 2 J. I.ounce for the Ringers 
 June 4. Lowance 
 July 7. Lowance 
 
 1824 May 29. Beer for the Ringers 
 
 At an Easter meeting about 1823 : — 
 To tolling the Bell Beer and Spirit for Davy 
 From A Few Xo/i's on tlw Parish of Ardtcii^h (1905), p. 36: — ■ 
 18114 Jan. 16. Paid Mr. Briant for recasting the 5th Bell 28 p. cut. 
 „ 27. .Munnings for casting the Brasses for the Bells 
 Apr. 2. Paid Bull and \"ince for 2 Ringing Days each ^i. 4. o. 
 1809 Apr. 2. Paid Mr. Bull for Hanging Bells and repairing Wheels 
 1821 Oct. 5. Item for toling the bell for the Queen's Burial by Mr. Bishop's order o 
 [This was of course Queen Caroline, whose corpse was brought from London through Ardleigh 
 to Harwich.] 
 
 ARKESDEN. St. ALirgarct. Six hells. 
 
 1. 1701 (-3i"- 
 
 2. J : WOLF ESQ. BENEFACTOR. J : BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT I8I4. 
 
 (24 in. 
 
 3. 1701 (25 in. 
 
 4 |\0J (^«" 
 
 )» 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 '3 
 
 J 
 
 )1 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 I 
 1 
 
 7 
 3 
 4 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 -> 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 lus in 
 
 iSi 
 
 14: — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 16 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 iS 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 -1 
 
 8 
 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 '9 
 
 4 
 
 er 
 
 
 
 •-» 
 

 
 i6o 
 
 THE CHURCH IlKLLS f)F ESSEX 
 
 5. WILL MAYNARD ESO«. I7OI (30 in. 
 
 6. NON CLAMOR SED AMOR CANTAT IN AVRE DEI TMO TRIQQE 
 WILL MORRIS 1710 0/1 /mvcr /i,ie:-C\\/ (34 in. 
 
 The founder of No.s. i, 3, 4 ami 5 is evidently Richard Keeiie, who was then casting at 
 Royston (see p. iiS). The 2nd is probably a recast of one of his and may have originally 
 borne the inscription "Rich: Keene cast this ring" as at Hadstock. The tenor is also by 
 Keene, the date probal)ly being an error for 1701, as his bells do not go later tlian 1702 in 
 Essex. He has here adopted a form of inscription fiivoured by W . Haulsey of St. Ives (see 
 p. 106). 'I"he R from his alphabet is given in I'l. XXXII., i. The 2nd is not mentioned 
 in the list of Hriant's bells (Stahlschmidt's Herts, p. 65). 
 
 Will. Maynard Esq. (5th bell) was probably one of the family of Thomas Maynard, who 
 purchased the Manor of Woodhall in 1700 (Morant, ii. p. 590). 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552 "iij bells by estimacon of xxiiij" weight." (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 591); ''6 Bells." Mnilman (iii. p. 56) the same. .See Essex Revieji', 1895, 
 p. I So. 
 
 Cu.sTO.Ms : — 
 
 Death knell, I'our for a man, tliree for a woman, two for a child, early on morning 
 following death. 
 
 Tenor tolled at funerals. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed at 8, 12, and 6.30. 
 Ringing on New Year's I'^ve, and for weddings. 
 Tlianks to Rev. II. .M. f'earn, \'icar. 
 
 ASHDON. All Saints. 
 
 1. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 184!. 
 /iehnf: THE GIFT OF B. CHAPMAN D.D. RECTOR. 
 
 2. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1842. 
 
 Six belLs. 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 3 THOMAS LESTER & T. PACK FECIT MARTIN PAGE & THOs REEDER 
 CM: WARDENS 1754. ,341,,. 
 
 4. w & T. MEARS Late Lester pack & chapman of London Fecit 1787- Messrs. 
 
 W>^' Haylock & Danl Kent Ch. wardens. 
 il PJ'-'O'-"* ^ Coionata ^ Due 
 
 :P,05 
 
 ]\^ 
 
 MlLE^' 
 
 GRAVE * MADE ♦ 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 ;Rcona ^ ik'ata 
 
 141 1 11 . 
 ME * 166I FE 
 
 '44 m.
 
 ARKESDF.N ASHEN l6l 
 
 Tenor 14 cwt. 3rd: the lettering is that used originally by R. Phelps; this is one of the 
 earliest bells with the name of Pack. 5th : by a Bury founder (see p. 53); the cross is PI. 
 XVIII., 5, the double stop PI. XVIII., 6; for the I) and N see PI. XIX., i, 2 ; the inscrip- 
 tion is a very favourite one with this foundry. 
 
 "A superb six, in excellent ringing order; 5 and 6 remarkable for their tone." (Joseph 
 Clarke in 1884). 
 
 C. D. noted in 1890 : " For some four years the bells have not been rung up, the tower 
 being thought unsafe (the fall of Hempstead tower seems to have alarmed the district). They 
 are all secured by a lath passed through the wheel of each and nailed down to the frame. They 
 are chimed by Ellacombe's apparatus, and are all in good order. The sexton says that No. 2 
 was given by the Parish when the treble was given by the Rector ; both were recasts (but see 
 below). The Rev. Benedict Chapman who gave the treble was Master of Clonville and Caius 
 College (the patrons of the living) from 1839 to 1852. 
 
 T. R. E. 5 Oct., 1552 (Stowe MSS. 827). ' iiij belles in the steple of Iviijc a sanctus bell, 
 a litle bell at the chauncelles ende iij hande belles.' 
 
 Cole in 1744, Morant (ii. p. 541), and Muilman, (ii. p. 313) all have '5 Bells.' But if the 
 present ist and 2nd were both recasts (see above) it looks as if there had then been six. 
 Probably the sexton was wrong. 
 
 See Essex Revieiu, 1896, p. 102, and Essex Arch. Ti'ans. N. S. iii. p. 102. 
 
 The fourth bell is used for funerals. 
 
 On Sundays the 4th is chimed at 9 a.m., for services the 2nd, and the tenor on Good 
 Friday. 
 
 During the gleaning season the 4th bell is rung at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. D. B. R. Banham, Rector. 
 
 The Report of the Essex Ringing Association for 1904 states that the bells are still not 
 rung, the tower being unsafe. The Rector in 1905 stated that the bells were still "clocked" 
 and fixed dead. 
 
 ASHELDHAM. St. Lawrence. One bell. 
 
 I. ^^jVCTE PETITE %Wm 
 
 RKO/JS'li BY JOHN W/lKjMHl'^ .5 JSOJV^ LGJVDON JSS4. 
 
 JOPN DEjVI]SII,S, CpUK('KWpi<DEj\. (26 in. 
 
 Pits for three. There is apparently no record of the predecessor of this bell, but the 
 present one must be presumed to repeat its dedication, if no more. 
 
 T. R. E. Sept. 1552. ' AssHVLD.\M. It'm three bellys by estymatyon vij hundreth weyte.' 
 (Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 233). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 368) : ' two Bells, or only one.' Muilman (v. p. 347) : ' i bell.' 
 
 ASHEN. St. Augustine. Three bells. 
 
 I. (On croiun :-) + ALK^IA 
 
 + sue : fflAHIA : GHS : PLGDA : DD? : Ce(JUm U7iin. 
 
 21
 
 l62 
 
 THE CHURCH HELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2. {0,1 crown:— ) + CROIDAS 
 
 + m ■■ OAZARen : Rex : luoeoRum 
 
 3- Sit Romcn Domini Bc^c^ictum 
 
 An untouched Pre-Reformation ring. The treble and 2nd are from the Lynn foundry, 
 (about 1330) ; they are probably by Thomas de Lenne, and resemble a bell formerly at Wood 
 Rising, Norfolk, illustrated by L'Estrange (p. 201); the cross is in an octagon. There are 
 some peculiarities in the lettering, such as the Roman M, the U or V formed by a reversed N, 
 the reversed I in ' Maria,' ' Ihc,' and ' ludeorum,' and the reversed D in ' Dominus ' ; the Z and 
 N in ' Nazaren ' are also reversed. See Plate XVT. and p. 46. 
 
 Tenor by Henry Jordan; capitals PI. XL, 12 ; other stamps PI. XII., 4-6; see page 37. 
 Original frames ; belfry shockingly dirty and neglected. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 341): '3 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 190) the same. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1S98, p. 230; Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 66 ff. 
 
 Death knell tolled ; apparently no tellers ; tenor for adults, middle bell for children. 
 
 Gleaning bell formerly rung at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., discontinued some twenty-five years ago. 
 
 ASHINGDON. 
 
 St. Andrew. 
 
 One bell. 
 
 I. tho Hears Late Lester Pack & Chapman of London fecit 1791 -::x*x:> 
 
 Incised belo:.' .-—InO- KEYES & BENJ^■ PALMER CH" WARDENS (h '"• 
 
 The tower is very small, and the bell is difficult of access, a long ladder having to be 
 introduced through a low and narrow doorway. 
 
 T. R. E. Oct., 1552. 'Ashendon .... M'li" that we hadd ij bells the wych war stolen 
 the wych be estymacyon dyd waye A hundreth waythe.' {Essex Arch. Trans, iv. p. 215). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 322). 'i Bell' Muilman (v. p. 248) the same. 
 
 Benton (Hist, of Rochford Hundred, i.p. 20) notes that the old bell was cracked and sold. 
 
 AVELEY. 
 
 I. M« •••• LAMBART C •■ W « M^ 
 
 St. Michael. 
 ■■ READ VICAR 
 
 1712 ■> , a 
 
 2. lOIlN WAVLETT MADE ME 1712 
 
 Five 
 
 bells. 
 
 (26 
 
 in. 
 
 (29 
 
 in. 
 
 3- Saiutc l£?clrc ()r;i I?ro nobifi ® ^ 
 
 4. RICHARD SPICER lEREMIAH PATCH CH-WARDENS 1692 
 
 
 (32i in. 
 
 Below ihc date : — 
 
 5. THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1618 
 
 B 
 
 (33} in- 
 (i^ in-
 
 ASHEN BADIJOW I63 
 
 ist and 2nd liy John AVayluU (p. 121). The Rev. I). I'cad was Vicar 1712-1769. 
 
 3rd by William Culverden (p. 42); capitals Plate XIII., 5-7 ; shield Plate XIII., i ; cross 
 Plate VII., 5. 
 
 4th by James Bartlet (p. 77); trade mark, Plate XXV., 2; sth by Thomas, in slightly 
 smaller lettering. 
 
 " Nos. I, 2, and 5 are cracked and useless; and the other two will speedily share the 
 same fate, for they have been ' clocked.' The wheels and fittings generally are very much out 
 of repair." (J. C. L. S). H. W. King also notes: "'Phe third bell has no cla[)per, and the 
 crown staple is worn away." Nothing further had been done up to 1905, but steps are now- 
 being taken to restore the tower and bells. 
 
 T.R.E. 3 Oct, 1552. ' iiij bells & a saunts bell conteyning xj . . . .' {Essex Arch. Trans. 
 N.S. ii. p. 170). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 84) : '5 Pells.' Mailman (iv. p. 346) the same. 
 
 Lukis, Church Bells, p. 73, gives the inscription on the 3rd ; see also Palin, Stifford and 
 Neighbourhood, p. i6g. The 3rd bell is popularly supposed to be dated 1400 (sic), an error 
 perpetuated in several topographical and other works. 
 
 Customs : — Death Knell within 24 hours. 
 
 Pells chimed for 15 minutes before Sunday services. 
 A bell rung for vestry meetings. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. \V. E. Spencer, Vicar ; also to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 AYTHORP ROOTHING see Roothing, Avthorp. 
 
 BADDOW, GREAT. St. Mary. 8+1 bells. 
 
 1. :•. I MEAN TO MAKE IT UNDERSTOOD THAT THO' IM LITTLE YET IM GOOD MEARS 1781 
 
 (2S ill. 
 
 2. : THE GIFT OF M'-. WASTON GOWER 1738 RECAST 1809 THOMAS MEARS & SON 
 
 2!!,/ /im- -.—OF LONDON FECIT (29 in- 
 
 3. THE REV... ALEX... LONGMORE ViCAR M'. WILLIAM POLLY CH. WARDEN W. & T. 
 
 MEARS OF LONDON (29 >n. 
 
 2/h/ line :— FECIT 1787 
 
 4. THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FOUNDRR 1837 (3° in. 
 
 5. JNu GODSALVE CROSS ESQk THE REV" Mk LONGMORE VICAR OOOO* 
 
 W. MEARS FECIT 1781 (ii in- 
 
 6. WHILST THUS WE JOIN IN CHEARFULL SOUND MAY LOVE AND LOYALTY ABOUND : 
 
 MEARS 1781 (34 in- 
 
 7. •.- TO HONOR BOTH OF GOD & KING OUR VOICES SHALL IN CONSORT RING : MEARS 1781 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 8. THE FOUNDER HE HATH PLAY'D HIS PART THAT SHEWES HE'S MASTER OF HIS ART 
 
 So HANG ME WELL & RING ME TRUE & I WILL SOUND 
 
 YOUR P71AISES DUE CHAPMAN & MEARS OF LONDON FECERUNT 1789 {42 in. 
 
 S. No inscription. (2 2 in-
 
 164 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Weight of tenor 13 cwt., note B flat. 
 
 The occurrence of William Mears' name alone on Nos. i, 5, 6, and 7 denotes his appear- 
 ance as an independent founder, as also at Chelmsford and Hornchurch (see p. 138) ; in the 
 following year he joined Chapman, who naturally inherited the Whitechapel business after Pack's 
 death in 1780. On the tenor we see the two in partnership, but several bells exist with the date 
 17S2 on which Chapman's name occurs alone (see p. 137). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 20): '5 Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 150): '6 hells.' 
 In the Ringing-chamber are records of the following peals : — 
 16 Aug. 1890 : 5040 Grandsire Triples. 
 I Nov. 1S90: 5056 Bob Major. 
 6 Dec. 1902 : Holt's Original Grandsire Triples. 
 All rung by the Essex Association. 
 Best thanks to Mr. Miller Christy. 
 
 BADDOW, LITTLE. St. Mary. 
 
 1. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1636 
 
 2. Sanctc Toina Gra pro nobis 
 
 Four bells. 
 (30 in. 
 
 (34 in. 
 
 3oiiii t 
 
 jjjitr: 
 
 tnaiieJ 
 
 nnet 
 
 (36 in. 
 (41 in. 
 
 4. _8}3.CCbTi jl?ji:i:;iji 0:Rji plO :I20,I5I8 
 
 2nd by Henry Jordan; see Plate XI., 10-12; Plate XII., 4-6; and page 37. 
 
 4th by a London founder about 1400 (.see p. 13). The letters are much corroded, and 
 so much defaced as to be almost illegible ; but Mr. Tyssen's careful rubbing seems to shew 
 that the A is identical with that on Little Totham ist. Possibly this bell is by William 
 Powdrell, or one of the Burfords. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 25): '3 liclLs' (an obvious error). Muilman (i. p. i68) the same, probably 
 copying Aforant. 
 
 BARDFIELD, GREAT. 
 
 St. Mary. 
 
 6 4- I bells. 
 
 JOHN TAYLOR & Co. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 
 On waist :— AD GLORIAM DEI 
 
 ET AD GOMMEMORANDUM 
 
 QUINQUAGESIMUM 
 
 VICTORIAE REGNANTIS 
 
 ANNUM 1887 
 W. E. L LAMPET VICAR 
 G. CLARK) 
 
 T. D. SMITH 
 
 ; CHURCHWARDENS 
 1889. 
 
 (28 in.
 
 BADDOW RARDFIELD 
 
 - MILE2 
 
 GRAIE 
 
 MADE 
 
 M[ 
 
 i6s 
 \60\ 
 
 3. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1847 
 Bvlou'-.— THE GIFT OF WILLIAM SANDLE, ESQ. 
 
 4 SANCTA. TRINITAS. UNUS. DEUS. 
 
 On waist -.—{a) MILES CRAIE MADE ME 1602. (h) 
 
 JOHN TAYLOR RECAST ME 1889. 
 
 5 CUM. VOCO. AD. TEMPLUM. VENITE. 
 
 On waist -.—{a) J. WAYLETT FECIT 1705. (b) 
 
 W. E. L. LAMPET HAD ME RECAST 1889. 
 
 6. .Is Xo. 2. 
 
 Clock bell. Inaccessible. 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 (33 in. 
 
 (35 ill- 
 
 (38 in. 
 
 (44 in. 
 
 (c. 20 in. 
 
 Treble, 4th, and 5th by Taylor of Loughborough, whose trade-mark appears on the waist of 
 the two larger. Weights: — (i) 5 cwts. 2 lbs.; (4) 8 cwts. ; (5) 10 cwts. 2 qrs. 4 lbs. The 
 tenor weighs about 14 cwts. (16 cwts. according to Essex Association Report for 1904). 
 
 The clock-bell hangs outside, halfway up the spire, and is all but inaccessible ; it is 
 apparently an eighteenth century bell, about 20 in. in diameter. There were originally five 
 bells, and the old 3rd and 4th were recast when the new treble was added. The old 3rd was 
 inscribed like the present 2nd; the old 4th : — 
 
 SR MARTIN LYMLEY O W I WAYLET FECI 1705 
 
 Diameters, 35^, in. and 39 in. .Stahlschmidt noted of the 3rd: — "Some wag has filed away 
 the upper [lart of the 6 in the date, so that it looks like 1002, the seven being reversed." 
 But he is wrong in reading the last figure as a 7 ; it is certainly a 2. Probably the whole five 
 were originally cast or recast by Graye in 1602; the present 2nd and 6th are, since the 
 disappearance of that at Bulmer, the oldest bells by him remaining, and are inscribed in the 
 same plain, medium-sized letters as at Tollesbury (1604) and Kelvedon (1608) (see p. 93). 
 
 T. R. E. 5 Oct., 1552 : — ' iiij belles by estymacon of xxxvj" weight a sanctus belle of Ix'' iij 
 hand belles a litle bell that hangeth over the chauncell dore.' (.Sold) ' a challis of silver & 
 gilt broken and a shipp of silver broken for vj'' iij' iiij'' w"'' money they bestowed upon newe 
 brasyng of the belles and newe hanging of there bell frames in the staple.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Salmon and Morant (ii. p. 521) give five bells; Muilman (ii. p. 295) '5 bells and a clock. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1896, p. 103 (new bells not mentioned) and Church Bells, 8th Nov., 
 1889, for re-opening. 
 
 The Lumley family of Bardfield Lodge (.see old 4th) formerly had large estates in the 
 neighbourhood. The Sir Martin who gave the bell succeeded to the title in 1702, married
 
 l66 THE CHURCH KEl.LS OF ESSEX 
 
 three wives and diud in 1711. He was Siicriff of Essex in 17 10. (Morant, ii, p. 519; Essex 
 Review, 1900, ji. 2fT). 
 
 Mr. R. H. Browne of Staplcford Abbots kindly sends the following extract, copied by him 
 from the Visitation Records at Chelmsford (Vol. xv. fol. 75). 
 
 A.D. 1619. Henry IJyam for taking away a bell-clajjper without the consent of the church- 
 wardens .... alleged that one John Newman who dyed in the town & gave many good gifts to 
 the parish & being a man of good estate his Exor was desirous that the bells should be rung at his 
 funeral & because one of the clappers was broken, Hen. Tabor, one of the Churchwardens being in 
 this man's shop, sent for the clapper and willed him to mend it, which he said he did and returned it. 
 
 At the Lodge there is a clock bell inscribed . — 
 
 MEARS LONDON 1838 
 
 by Thomas Mears ; the clock was put up in 17 19 (see Essex Reviezii, 1900, p. 2ff.). 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 BARDFIELD, LITTLE. St. Katherine. Two bells. 
 
 I. WILLIAM LAND MADE ME 1624 (32 in. 
 
 Sum FJofia ^ukiia ffiiindi I(aleiin:i Uocata y^ 
 
 (3&I in- 
 
 There is framing for four bells. 
 
 For William Land see p. 81. The larger bell is by John Bird (p. 27): cross Plate X., 3 
 (small variety) ; shield Plate X., 6 ; large capitals (cf. Plate X., 7, 8) and fine minuscules. 
 Cf. the 4th at Laindon Clays, almost a duplicate of this. 
 
 T. R. E. 5 Oct. 1552 ' three belles w' the sanctus by estimacon of x.x' weight ij hand belles 
 of xij' weight'. (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 524) '2 belles.' Muilman (ii. p. 286) the same. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1896, p. 103. 
 
 In 15S7 a \'isitation (preserved at Chelmsford) reports the absence of bell ropes, but 
 at another in 1607 this want had been supplied; the defective state of the tower is also 
 reported upon. (Essex Review, 1906, p. 40). 
 
 BARDFIELD SALING, see Saling, Little. 
 
 BARKING. St. Margaret. Eight 'oells. 
 
 I. KECH^T BY jeHN WTTRjVER c^ ^©jV^ ri0jV[D©jM 1SSS, 
 
 On the waist :— /iliTJIOaCJI I /IJI lUIT VKRY SP/IIJi 
 
 I V/IIJi UK HK/H^D /iJ.IO,\«ST YOfl /IltJi. 
 J. fS. l^I('H/iKI)S(»j\' \WJi\\ 
 K. ({/iIJi/lV//JY 1 
 
 J. V/IIJiKTT \ ('Jiai^CHW/il<DE]VS (30 in. 
 
 J, CiIiY>'KS J )SS5
 
 HARDFIELD BARKING I 67 
 
 2. The same, hut wilh date IKSS. 
 
 On llmvaht :— J. S. KK'H/I1<D.S0,\ VJC/l^ 
 
 H. II. IJ/ISO]SI ] 
 J. (;iiYj\KS t'jmK('IiW/IKDE]VS (3ii in. 
 
 H. (i/iiji/iw^yj 
 
 3. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON (32! in. 
 
 4. As No. 1, hilt with date )S7). 
 
 On the "a'dist : — Royal Anns witli patent heloni (35 in. 
 
 5. THO TYSER & THO^ TYLER CH : WARDENS 1758 LESTER & PACK 
 
 OF LONDON FECIT ^^dT^O^^O^^ ^^^'^ '"• 
 
 6. As No. 1, hut with date 1886 
 
 On the 7iuiist, as No. 2, with an additional chui'chwardeii's name: E. J. BK/JIi. 
 
 (39i in. 
 
 7- 1753 THO^ LESTER & Tt PACK {I/idscd :—) FECIT MR Sn¥HGE TyndHLL 
 VicHR Wicks Willsher & Richd Strsdling Ch Whrdens (+3i >"• 
 
 8. As No. //. 
 
 0,1 the 'vaisl :- YEJVBh'^ PflGJI W„ jEl^PYJVI YlC/IR 
 
 K. JJH/Il) ] 
 
 E. p. p/iKsOjX^s cpai^rHV//iKDE,\'s 
 
 J. T. gU/ISP J )S71 (4SI in. 
 
 Weight and note of 4th bell, S cwt. i qr. 19 lbs., B flat ; of the tenor, 21 cwt. 1 1 lbs. (the 
 list of Essex rings, 1904, says 22^- cwts.), E flat. The list of Essex rings states that the bells 
 are 'in good order.' The jrd was cast in 1846. The former ring was as follows : — 
 
 1. TMO I Am BUT SmALL I WILL BK HEARD AmOnQST YOU ALL •'<*'^77 46** 
 
 {29 in. 
 
 2. THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FOUNDER 1834 (3° '"• 
 
 3. Present Jrd. 
 
 j7 46 ;ji5 % 
 
 4. Rt CATLin FECIT J / ^ \J ^ ,^ (^^ i„ 
 
 5. Present 5th. 
 
 6. JOHN LAMBERT & JOHN HOMER C: WARDENS. JOHN BRIANT OP 
 HERTFORD FECIT 1793 (4° in. 
 
 7. Present 7th.
 
 l68 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 S. Stephehs D.D Vicar 'S: Williaiti CocKino HEnRv 
 Irrelahd Church Wardehs • R ^ C Fecit 1746 
 
 % • ^SJ % .T. ^ ^?^ (,9in. 
 
 The 1st, 4tli and 8th, hy Rolicrt Catlin (p. 130) ; coins of Queen Anne on the Sth, and 
 various floral ornaments. 
 
 T. R. K. Inventories defective. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 9): 'A ring of six Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 283): '8 good bells.' The 
 former is presumably wrong here. See also Ecc!tsiolo<^'ist, xxv. p. 345. 
 
 The \'en. H. W. Jerniyn (see tenor), was educated atTrin. Hall, Cambridge, (B.A., 1841, 
 M.A., 1847, D.l). 1871); he was Vicar of Harking 1870-71, Bishop of Colombo 1871-75, 
 and Bishop of Brechin and Primus of Scotland from 1875 to his death in 1903. 
 
 The Rev. S. Tyndall (7th bell) was \^icar 1751-62, and the Rev. W. .Stephens (old tenor) 
 from 1746 to I 75 I. 
 
 The names of the three churchwardens on the ist, 2nd, and 8th should be noted, the 
 additional one being originally appointed for the Ilford Ward (see I^ysons, Environs of London, 
 iv. p. 56). 
 
 Customs : — On Sundays bells rung for services, and occasionally after Evensong. 
 
 Ringing at 5 a.m. on great Festivals ; also on Dedication Festival, and King's 
 Birthday, and before and after midnight service on New Year's Eve ; 
 rarely for weddings. 
 Death Knell on 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, or tenor (according to age) as soon as 
 possible after death ; the same at funerals. Bells rung half or fully 
 muffled for Royalty, Church Dignitaries, or deceased ringers. 
 Fourth bell used for daily services. 
 Thanks to Mr. T. Faulkner, Ringer. 
 
 The curfew was formerly rung daily on 7th bell from 29th September to 25th March at 
 8 p.m. ; also a morning bell at 5 a.m. (see Essex Review, 1899, p. 108). 
 
 In 1886 the Essex A.ssociation rang 6080 changes on these bells in 3 hrs. 52 mins. (see 
 Bell News, v. p. 277). Several other peals recorded on board.s. 
 
 In the gateway at the entrance to the churchyard there was formerly a bell used for fires 
 and ringing curfew, the gateway tower itself being in pre-Reformation times a chapel of the 
 Holy Rood attached to the nunnery. In Salmon's time it was known as the Fire Bell Gate. 
 Lysons («/. cit. p. 71) gives an extract from Catherine de la Pole's Register, but without date, 
 shewing how the parishioners obtained permission from the abbess to replace the bell which 
 was alleged to be ' crasid and fectief.' They were allowed to put up one of the same weight, 
 although it was maintained that the old one was ' neither crasid nor fectief.' 
 
 The chapel of-ease of St. Paul, erected in 1893, has one small bell. For other district 
 churches in this ])arish see under Aldhorouoh Hatch, Barkingside, Ilford (Great.) 
 
 BARKINGSIDE. Holy Trinity. i Bell. 
 
 I. TH0MA5 MKAR5 FOUNDER LONDON 1839 (21 in.
 
 HARKING BASILDON 
 
 Church consecrated 1841 ; parish formed out of ('.real IH'ord. 
 
 Hell dificult of access. 
 
 Many thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 169 
 
 BARLING. .Ml .Saints. Two bells. 
 
 ' 3oim: :uur: xaaMi nne: 
 
 (33 ill- 
 
 2. lOHN ♦ H{ODSON ♦ MADE ♦ MR) ♦ 1666 ♦ -^ QA • WS 
 ♦ IS ♦ C ♦ WARDENS WH • Ch • -^ 
 
 (.34 in. 
 
 For the smaller bell cf. Little P.addow 3rd. The larger has been badly cracked ; Mr. H. 
 W. King note! in 1847 'broken and cl.iniped with ir<in over the maker's name,' and in Mr. 
 Tyssen's rulibing the part from the H of Hod-ion to MK is wanting for this reason. For John 
 Hodson see p. i t4 ; \\'. H. denotes the initials of his foreman William Hull, C. H. those of his 
 son Christopher ; the marks are two fleurs-de lys and three coins. 
 
 The Visitation of 1297 gives here: 'Item campuiirium bonum cum ii campanis bene 
 cordatis ; that of 1458: 'due Campane manuales, tria tintinnaljilia ; tres Campane insimul 
 coneordanles.' (W. .S. Simpson, Visiiiition of Churclics belonging to St. Piiiils. (ramden Soc, 
 1895). 
 
 T. R. E. Sept. 1552. 'It'll! iiij belles one waying .\iij'" c. Another waying viijc the 
 other way ng di. c. It'm ij hius (?) bells w.iynge x'" pauads.' {E<s:x Arclt. Tram. iv. p. 
 216). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 309) ; '4 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 229) the same. ' 
 
 See Benton, Hisl. of Ri'thforJ Ilnn.l-tid, i. p. 48 ; he says there were formerly three bells. 
 
 BARNSTON. Two Bells. 
 
 Both devoid of inscription or maiks of any kind ; the respective diameters are 22 in. and 
 24 in. They date from the middle of the seventeenth century, the jirevious bells having been 
 destroyed in a fire in 1665, together with the tower or turret in which they hung : they were 
 replaced by the present pair and the cupola containing them. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 450) : ' 1 Bell.' 
 
 BASILDON. Holy Cross. Three bells. 
 
 1. JAMES DODSON CH: WARDEN 1756 LESTER & PACK OF LONDON 
 
 FECIT (27 in. 
 
 2. W. LAND 1634 (^9 i" 
 
 Sancta TWaioaicta Bra pio nobis ^^ 
 
 22
 
 lyO THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2nd: Cf. 1M. Bnrdlield ist. 3rd: by Henry Jordan (see page 37). 
 
 Mr. H. W. Kin^^ notes ' ist cracked and clamped with iron over the word PACK..' 
 
 Morant (i. p. 251) leaves number of l)ells blank. .Muiliiian (v. p. 134), '3 bells.' 
 
 See Essex Arch. Trans. N. .S. iii. ]). 295. 
 
 There is a ' Bell Field ' here. 
 
 BEAUCHAMP ROOTHING, see Roothim., Be.\uch.\mp. 
 
 BEAUMONT with MOZE. St. Leonard. Two Bells. 
 
 I. No inscription. 
 
 2. lOHN DARBIE MADE ME 16 
 
 These two bjUs hang one above the other in an open stone turret with pyramidal spire 
 above, being chimed by levers ; the upper one is probably ancient, but has no inscription or 
 band for on; ; on the lower, the two last figures of the date have been cut away, but the year 
 indicated may be 1678, that of the union of the two parishes. 
 
 Bell inspected through glasses, April, 1906. [H.B.W.] 
 
 T. K. E. "Bemoxt. In [irymys iij bells." 
 
 " MosE. Imp'm" iiij hellys hangyng in the step)ll Itni ij hand bellys." 
 {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. i. pp. 7, 18). 
 Morant (i. p. 487) : " In a wooden Belfrey are 2 Bells." Muilman (vi. p. 80) : " 2 bells." 
 Essex Reviei;', 1897, p. 44. 
 The church at Mo/e has long been demolished, and the two parishes were united in 1678. 
 
 BEECH, HIGH. Holy Innocents. 
 
 13 hemispherical bells supplied by Messrs. Mears & Stainbank in 1874. 
 Church originally built 1836 and dedicated to St. Paul; superseded in 1884 by the 
 present church of the Holy Innocents (erected in 1873). 
 The jiarish is taken out of W'altham Abbey. 
 
 BELCHAMP OTTEN. St. Ethelbcrt and All .Saints. Three bells. 
 
 1. On waist : — 
 
 ^^••^^^ 
 
 3olianne$ tonne rrn fecit 
 
 {Akwe Ihc I, midallion with figure of knight) (28 in. 
 
 2. The same ; the circular medallion repeated on rev. of upper fart of bell. (30 in.' 
 
 3. THOMAS -v CHAPLYN -V GENT -'■ WARDEN HP MADE -!• ME -V 
 1695 \-^ <3-l '"•
 
 BASILDON — BELCHAMP ST. PAULS I7I 
 
 The marks on 1st and 2nd are; above the cross, a coin ; on left, a figure in oval; on 
 right, a hcardcd head in hat, apjjarently Henry VIII (Plate XXI., 2) : the large cross is I'late 
 XX., I. 3rd: by Henry Pleasant ; bored through the crown, aii<l said to be cracked. Thomas 
 Chaplyn was probably connected with a family of that name settled at Cornish Hall, l-'inching- 
 fieid, at the end of the sixteenth century; there was a Thomas baptised 19111 Feb. 166':, hut 
 he seems to have died in 1674. 
 
 Muilman (ii. p. 170): "3 bells." 
 
 See Essex Revieiv, 1898, p. 231, and Essex Arch. Trans. N..S. iii. p. 68. 
 
 CU.STOMS : — 
 
 Death-Knell 24 hours after death ; three strokes for male, two for female. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed at 8 a.m. for a minute or two ; for later services, chimed for 
 fifteen minute.s, followed by tolling for fifteen minutes. 
 
 Gleaning bell formerly at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., until about 1880. 
 
 According to an entry by a former Rector (Rev. Thomas Wright"! in one of the Registers, 
 John Ryce, who died in 1498, left some property for Requiem masses, and inter alia to the 
 Sexton ' for ringing there unto threepence ; also for the reparation of Bell-ropes fourpence.' 
 
 'I'hanks to Rev. H. P. Parmenter, Rector. 
 
 BELCHAMP ST. PAULS. St. Andrew. Five bells. 
 
 I-. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1682 
 
 Below: — /C JK J(Cj1 {continued all round) 
 
 RECAST 1902 
 
 (29 in. 
 
 '^U-ES'-i. GRAVE * MADE ♦ ^^ * '^^^ 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 3. lOHN «^ *■ -,> THORNTON ".= =•;:• ••• MADE * g? .-^ ME * Jit- * 1716 * * * * 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 4. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1626 (35 in 
 
 5. MATT - HARDY ^l^ C - W ^ THO-GARDINER 4^ SUDBURY ^U 
 FHCIT ^ ,745 ^ ^ (,8i,. 
 
 New frames and fittings; iron headstocks ; cannons removed from old beHs, which are 
 screwed tight to the headstocks through a circular iron band. Pits for six, with a view to 
 a future treble. 
 
 The old treble was inscribed exactly as the present 2nd, diam. 27 in. On the stock of the 
 new one (by Taylor of Loughborough) is "!;', a mystic number such as appears on most of
 
 172 The church bells oF essex 
 
 their recent hells : on the wjist is Tavlor's trademark. '1 he weight of the new bell is 4 cwt. 
 3 qrs. 20 lbs.; the tenor weighs 12 cwt. Ciosscs on tenor Plate XXXII., 5. 
 Bells re-dedicated by the Bi.shop of Colchester, 29 March, 1903. 
 
 Msitation of 1297 : " Bk.xlchamp. Campanariuui melius cooperiendum. Item ij canipane 
 ([uarimi una fracta. Item ij Tintinnabula." 
 i45<S: " Duo tintinnabilia." . . . (.See under Barling). 
 Morant (ii. p.329) : '5 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. i6<S) the same. 
 Essex Rev'.ew, 11^98, p. 231. 
 ("ileaning Bell rung at 8 a.m. and (1 p.m. 
 
 BELCHAMP WALTER St. Marv. 8+1 bells. 
 
 1. THE REV". SAM'. Raymond <:x*xx>»x> Pack & chapman of London fecit 1778 oSo 
 
 2. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1774 < x»x':.x»x:»x:> 
 
 J. CUM VOCO VENITE: T. OSBORN DOWNHAM NORFOLK FECIT 1782. 
 4- C & G. MEARS FEC . J844. •;• 
 
 5. .^ THOM.AS ^ GARDlNhR ^ CAST ffl \S 
 
 6. Pack & Chapman of London Fecerunt 1780 
 
 7. kec'/is'f bv jojix \'//fk.\er ^- ^on.s lo.\do.\" 1s7i. 
 
 Oh ///<• T,'«/.rf .— (n-es/) KEV' . ]. JI. S, CliFiRK l</IYIiIO.\D Ii/IY KECU'GK (./r./) 
 
 (24 ill. 
 
 (26 in. 
 
 (261 ins. 
 
 (27 in. 
 
 THRtH 1712 
 
 (29i in. 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 4* 
 
 On Ihc o^^'positc side : — 
 
 (33i in- 
 
 PATENT 
 
 S. JOHN MAYNE ESQ. KESINGTON MIDDLESEX FEB: 9 1781 : THO- OSBORN DOWNHAM 
 FECIT. (36i i„. 
 
 Clock Bell. Blanh. (24 ,„. 
 
 01 Weight of 7th, 6 cwt. i qr. 17 lbs., no'e B flat; tenor about gi cwt. In good ringing 
 order. A drawing of the old 7th, made before it was broken up, is pasted inside the cover of 
 the Register. It was by John Bird (p. 28), and was inscribed : 
 
 Smuta I^atfiina Ora ^ro Robifi
 
 liELCHAMP ST. PAULS BKNI'LEET I 73 
 
 The shields on the 5th are (1) a Latin cross; (2) divided per pale and per chief; (3) a 
 cross humettce (J>is) ; see I'late XXXII., 6, 8, 10; the stamp on the wnist of the 7th is the 
 Raymond crest. The 5th lull shares with tin; 4th at Mureton the distinction of lieini; the 
 earliest of Gardiner's bells in lissex ; he only used these shields for a year or two. i'he type 
 on the 4th belt is not Mears' own, but beIone;e(l to John Riidhall of dlourester (see [). 140). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 331) and Muilni.in (ii. p 17;,): ' .^ liells.' Ilul astlardiner cast three in 
 1712, and there was also the old 7th, there must have been four in their time. The dates of 
 recasting and addition of the first three, 6th and tenor, are somewhat curious. (lardiner's 
 other two bells must have been the present 4th and 6th, or 6th and 8th. 
 
 John Mayne (tenor) married the great-aunt of the late Rev. J. M. .St. Clere Raymond, who 
 died in 1893, aged 79, and whose grandfather. Rev. .S. Raymond, gave the treble. 
 
 There is a record in the ringing chamber of a " complete peal of Kent Treble Bob Major, 
 containing 5056 changes," rung in three hours by five of the (Ilemsford Company and others, 
 1 1 June, 1882. 
 
 See Essex Revinc, 1894, p. 113. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-knell: three strokes for male, two for female, then toll one hour. Tenor for 
 adults, a smaller bell for children. 
 
 On Sundays, a bell chimed for five minutes at 8 a.m. ; for service, chiming for half-an- 
 hour, then toll in. 
 
 Ringing apparently only on Harvest Festivals ; that on New Year's Eve has been 
 discontinued. 
 
 BENFLEET, NORTH. .MI .Saints. Two bells. 
 
 ^+ Sniirin :fiatrrittrt Ora Prn P-cihis <^ 03 in- 
 
 I. 
 
 2. The- same. (33 in. 
 
 Both by Robert Burford (p. 14); the crosses are PI. IV., 73, and VII., 6; the capitals 
 those used by William Burford. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 262): '2 Bells.' Muihnan (v. p. 151) the same. 
 
 BENFLEET, SOUTH. St. Mnry. Five bells. 
 
 , *10HN»H0DS0N«MADE»MEM664<C 
 ♦ C P ♦ C ♦ 'WARDENS* WH 
 
 (31 in. 
 2. M' HENRY BLEWETT. THOs MEARS LATE LESTER PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT 
 
 1790 <':x'Xj>>*x*>''X> (j.; '"• 
 
 ' ^ P.onicii J^ao^aIc^c Canipniia Gcrit A^.cloMc 1^ 
 
 (.35 in-
 
 174 f"''- >--HURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 4 MfLE^'* GRAVE* MADE ♦ 
 
 5 I»W H»W MADE ♦ ME lOiO 
 
 ME ♦ 1676 
 
 (M 111- 
 
 T»W \*R 
 
 (40 in. 
 
 Treble : cf. Barling 2nd. 3rd ; by John \V;ilgrave (p. 31) ; cros.s and shield, PI. XII., 2, 9. 
 Tenor: by John and Henry W'ilner of Borden in Kent (p. 106). 
 New stay to fourth bell ; clappers tied. I'its for six. 
 Morant (i. p. 264); '5 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 156) the same. 
 See Benton, Hist, of Rocliforii Hundred, p. 70 : he gives a peal-board of i 794. 
 There are fields here known as " Bell Island" and •' Bell House Marsh." 
 
 BENTLEY, GREAT. 
 
 St. Mary. 
 
 Eight bells. 
 
 1. Ok JMJ5/.—{<T) THESE. TWO. TREBLES. '(h) 
 
 ADDED IN. MEMORY. OF. THE. 
 DIAMOND. JUBILEE. 
 
 2. On waist :— {a) F. P. H. POWELL. RECTOR (/') 
 
 A. SSyI*'"""''"*"^""''^ 
 W. I. NEVARD TOWER WARDEN 
 
 H BOWELL & SON 
 IPSWICH 
 1897 
 
 As No. I. 
 
 (23 in. 
 
 (23i in- 
 
 3- MEARS & STAINBANK, WHITECHAPEL FOUNDRY, LONDON. 1890 
 
 ('«:M«,Vr- GLORIA IN E.XCELSIS DEO 
 
 CUM VOCO AD TEMPLUM VENUE. 
 IN MEMORY OF THE QUEENS JUBILEE 1887 
 
 4- '\ JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1819 
 
 5. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1884. 
 
 Oil waist:— RECAST 1884. 
 
 H. NORTON VICAR. 
 
 ^T^(>^c'^JOLLY 'churchwardens. 
 w. neward, leading ringer 
 
 "LAUS DEO." 
 
 (25;, in. 
 {27 in. 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 6. 
 
 MlLE^+ GRAVE* MADE* ^^ * ifesa 
 
 HENRY PLEASANT MADE ME 1703 
 
 (29 in. 
 (32 in. 
 
 8. THOMAS ^ GARDINER -,.,^ 
 
 3^ r-ADiMMuu JSl!L SUDBURY -**'" 
 
 4? -^ * 
 
 FECIT ^ 1732 tp* -''^ 
 
 (35 '"•
 
 HENFLEET BENTLKY 175 
 
 A very light ring ; the first three are entirely new hells. The predecessor of the present 
 5th was inscribed like the 6th, except that the words were in the right order. Bells reopened 
 in 1890 (see Church Bells, 15 August) ; the older ones rehung by Howell in 1884, as noted on 
 a plate on the stock of the tenor. The two trebles are ugly bells with many heavy lines : they 
 have circular wooden caps in place of cannons. The three smallest bells are hung in the 
 middle of the frame. 
 
 Weights and notes ; — 3rd. 3 cwt. 3 ([rs. 2 lbs. F sharp 
 
 4th. 4 cwt. K 
 
 5th. 4 cwt. 22 lbs. D 
 
 6th. 5 cwt. C sharp 
 
 7 th. 6 cwt. B 
 
 8th. 8 cwt. A 
 
 Morant (i. p. 448): '5 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 13) the same. 
 Essex Review, 1897, pp. 45, 132, 1898, p. 96. 
 In the ringing gallery are several peal-boards : — 
 
 5040 changes by the Essex Association, 17 Dec, 1895 (6 bells). 
 5088 changes by the Norwich Association, 8 P'eb., 1900. 
 Others of 24 May, 1902 and two of 1904. 
 
 LITTLE BENTLEY. St. Mary. Five Bells. 
 
 1. ROBT KING C" WARDEN ^^ ^y ^[ LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1764 <0^K> 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 2. PAUL BAYNING OF LONDON ALDERMAN OWETH 
 THIS BELL MADE IN MAY ANNO 1599 
 
 R M [36 in. 
 
 3. PAUL BAYNING OF LONDON ALDERMAN OWETH THIS BELL MADE 
 
 IN MAY ANNO 1599 R M [3911- 
 
 4. PAUL BAYNING OF LONDON ALDERMAN OWETH THIS BELL 
 
 MADE IN MAY ANNO 1599 R M [42 in. 
 
 (For 2nd to 4th, see page 176). 
 
 5. MILES :■. GRaVE MHDE ;•. ME •.-. Ife26 (44 i" 
 
 Bells in a filthy neglected condition, the clappers tied, and no proper ropes. The tenor 
 is cracked from ' clocking,' and has the cannons off and the crown screwed to the stock. Its 
 weight is given as 18 cwt., but may be less. 
 
 The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, are fine bells by Robert Mot (see p. 69) with a remarkable wealth 
 of ornament. They are all inscribed alike, but with considerable variation.s in the ornament, 
 as will be observed. The stamps are as follows ;— (0 On the crown of each, the ' Brasyer ' 
 shield (PI. XVIII., 2). (2) A crowned rose as initial cross (PI. XXIV., 4). (3) A small rosette 
 in a lozenge as stop (PI. XXIII., 8). (4) On the 3rd after OF, and on 2nd at beginning of 
 2nd line a large floriated cross used by the Brasyers of Norwich (PI. XXIV., i), also used by the 
 Wattses of Leicester. (5) and (6) two floriated crosses used as stops which also occur on the
 
 <&, 
 
 m 
 
 M 
 
 '0 
 
 1^ 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 6\ 
 
 fxi 
 
 c^ 
 
 n 
 
 29 ^ 
 
 Ol 
 
 •aj* 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 H 
 
 <5S 
 ?9 
 
 a 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 -ss 
 
 .£5 
 
 o 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 ge} 
 
 10 
 
 # 
 
 § §^ 
 
 55 
 
 3 
 
 -6 
 
 
 ►J
 
 BENTLEY BERDEN I77 
 
 2nd at Wimbish (PI. XXII., 9, 11); of these PL XXII., 11 occurs after the date on the 4th, 
 after OF on the 3rd, after OWETH and ANNO on the 2nd ; (7) Mol'.s trade-mark (PI. XXIII., 
 12) between his initials; (8) a coat of arms in the middle of each ist and 2nd line, for 
 which see below. The P, first B, A, and O, are from the Brasyer set of capitals (PI. XV'II., 
 6-9;; the L, second B, M, and I are Elizabethan in type (PI. XXIV., 2, 3, 5). 
 
 Tenor: note the use of smaller type, usually associated with Miles Graye, Jun.; see p. 95 
 and cf. Broxted ist-3rd. 
 
 Paul Bayning was citizen and alderman of London, and sheriff in 1593. He resided at 
 Bentley Hall, and on his death in 1616 at the age of 77 was buried in St. Olave's, Hart Street, 
 London. (Morant, i. p. 446 ; Watson, Tendring Hundred in Olden Time, p. 36 ; .Stow and 
 Strype's Survey, ii., p. 39). His coat of arms (PL XXXV.), which appears with crest and 
 mantling on these three bells, is given under the spelling B.'VNINGE in the Visitation of Essex 
 (Harleian Soc. xiii. p. 142^ as "Or, two bars sable each charged with as many escallops of the 
 first ; crest, on a mound vert an ostrich argent collared or, holding in mouth a key of the last." 
 His son was Sheriff of Essex, and successively Knight, Baronet, Baron and \'iscount Bayning. 
 The title became extinct in 1638. 
 
 T. R. E. iS Sept. 1552. ' Itm too hand bells and iiij chyme bells. Itm one bell and a sawnse 
 bell. Itm iij bellys taken away by S' Wyllyam Pyrton, Knight, about this tyme xij 
 monethe what weyght, of what value, or to what use we cannott Tell.' {^Essex Arch. 
 Trans. N.S. i. p. 8). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 447) : ' 5 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 1 1) the same. 
 
 See also Essex Review, 1893, p. 106. 
 
 No peculiar uses. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. J. D. Churchill, Rector. 
 
 BERDEN. St. Nicholas. Four bells. 
 
 T. THIS BELL WAS RVNN AT LONDON ATT THE CHARGE OF THE PARRISH AND BY 
 {2nd line) THE HAND OF THOMAS GARR OGTO J69J W AND P WIGHTMAN 
 
 MADE ME (27 in 
 
 2. + I + AM + THE + GIFT + OF + CHRISTOPHER + PARRIS + 1613 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 3. ♦!♦ PRAISE THE LORD 1613 (36 in. 
 
 THO = * * * NEWMAN * * * AT * CAMBRIDGE MADE * ME * 1723 * WILLIAM 
 
 (40 in. 
 
 iinv * * rui ******* 
 nui i»n ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ :/, ^ 
 
 I St : Small lettering ; cf. the sanctus at Enfield, Middlesex ; Thomas Carr was Wightman's 
 foreman. 2nd: by an unknown founder (see p. 143). The Rev. T. M. N. Owen says 'not 
 Hausley; possibly (J.) Keene.' 3rd: by Robert Oldfield ; cross and shield PL XXXV., 5 and 
 3. The presence of two bells dated 1613 by different founders in the same tower is curious. 
 4th : cf. Little Easton 3rd, also cast at Cambridge. 
 
 23
 
 lyS THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 T. R. E. 5 Oct. 1552. ' iiij belles wherof thone is a sanctus bell by estimacOn of x" weight.' 
 (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 Morant (ii. p. 616) : '5 Bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 119) the same. 
 See Essex RevicK', 1896, p. 181. 
 Formerly five bells, the middle one having been stolen about 1840. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-Knell on morning after decease at 9 a.m. ; 3 X 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman, 3x1 for 
 child ; then toll age. 
 
 On Sundays, for 8 a.m. Celebration, 144 pulls; for later services bells chimed for 10 and 
 5 minutes, then treble for 5 minutes and tenor for the last five. 
 
 The New Year is sometimes rung in ; chiming for weddings. Ringing on the eves of 
 Saint's Days in prospect. 
 
 The Vicar hopes to introduce a bell daily at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. H. K. Hudson, Vicar. 
 
 BERECHURCH. .St. Michael. One bell. 
 
 I. J. Y/HRNER cc SONS IiO\'DO.\ 1S7G. (22 in. 
 
 \\'eight 2 cwt. 10 lbs., note G. 
 
 The predecessor of this bell was unfortunately cracked and had to be recast. It was 35 
 in. in diameter, and was inscribed : 
 
 f{I©pFiD-<JS DG tOICQBIS fflC Pe©!© (see p. 5) 
 
 The lettering being that used at Rawreth (PI. III., 1-7), with plain initial cross. See p. 4. 
 
 Essex Review, 1893, p. 285. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. T. O. Price of Layer-dela-Haye. 
 
 BERGHOLT, WEST. P.V.M. One bell. 
 
 I. CPST BY J. V/HRj\EK c .SO\S, IiO.\DO>:, 1SS5. (29 in- 
 
 Weight 4 cwt. 3 qrs. 9 lbs. Note E flat. 
 
 This replaces a bell of Henry Jordan's, 30 in. in diameter, which was inscribed : 
 
 V^oy KiiGustini gonct In Kiu'c Dei (see page 39) 
 
 The capitals are William Powdrell's, except the S. ; other stamps as usual. 
 The old bell had been badly cracked since about 1850; the 'ring' with the inscription is 
 preserved in the church. Some tin casts were made by Messrs Warner and sent to Mr. North. 
 
 T. R. E. 13 Sept, 1552 : 'west berholte. Ite. iij bells in the stepill.' 
 
 (From East Anglian AL and Q., N.S. i. p. 81). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 230), 'one Bell.' Muilman (vi. p. 224): ' i bell.' 
 
 See Essex Review, 1893, p. 231. 
 
 Kelly's Directory (1906) gives two bells here.
 
 BERDEN BIRCH I79 
 
 Formerly the bell was always rung at 8 a.m. on Suiulays. 
 Thanks to Rev. H. Blood, formerly Rector. 
 
 BERNERS ROOTHING, see Roothing, Berners. 
 
 BILLERICAY. St. Mary Magdalene. One bell. 
 
 I. GpLiFfiiDUs oe FjeoeiiCQeson ©e pesis 
 
 Below :— fjeOpS© I8OO. 
 
 Onthesoundbow:-MEARS & STAINBANK, WHITECHAPEL FOUNDRY, LONDON. 
 
 (26 in. 
 
 The predecessor of this bell, said to have been wantonly sold for old metal, was inscribed 
 as follows (the modern reproduction of the spelling is not strictly accurate) : 
 
 GpUPFJIDUS DE I^eDeffiiSUn Cae PeSI© (see pa-e 5). 
 
 The lettering is fully and carefully reproduced by Stahlschmidt, Suy/ey Bells, PI. III. 
 Geoffrey of Edmonton lived about 13 10 (see p. 3). The bell at Southchurch (q.v.) may also 
 be by this founder. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 198) states that in the 'Book of Chantries' the small bell of Billericay 
 chapel was 'praised at is'. If this was Geoffrey de Edmonton's, it does not seem to have 
 been any more highly estimated in the sixteenth century than in the nineteenth ! 
 
 The Essex County Chronicle for Oct. 10, 1890, states that the old bell was cracked by 
 being tolled, and that an unsuccessful attempt was made to repair it. The new bell was put 
 up the following December (ibid. 5 Dec.) ; its weight is given as 4 cwt. 
 
 BIRCH, GREAT. St. Peter. One bell. 
 
 I. THO = GARDINER •$> SVDBVRY -J. FECIT 1737 {r, In- 
 
 Hung with wheel, and hammer for clock. The inscription belongs to Gardiner's 
 
 SVDBVRY period, when he uses V for U, and drops the use of his crosses, as at Ingrave and 
 
 Messing; see p. 125. 
 
 T. R. E. (East Anglian, N.S. i. p. 129). ' dyrch magna. Ilm that I John Smyth 
 
 dyd sell vnto John Barons of Byrch a hand Bell waying a pound payd for it xxd. 
 
 Itm John Smythe churche warden by the consent of y' hole pysh solde vnto Mr fforster 
 
 of Lyttyll Byrche two Belles waying a xj' for xvj" the hundret as Mr ffooster sayth. 
 
 Itm that I John Smyth dyd sell vnto Robert Emsted of Byrche a hand Bell waying a 
 
 pownd payd for it xx''. 
 
 Itm we have remayning in ou' Churche a Bell. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 183), 'one Bell.' Muilman (vi. p. 152) the same. 
 
 BIRCH, LITTLE. Ecclesia destructa. 
 
 T. R. E. {East Anglian, N.S. i. p. 142). ' Bvrch P'va. It'm we have remayning in 
 pur Churche two Belles,'
 
 l8o THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 BIRCHANGER. St. Mary. One Bell. 
 
 A small, probably modern, bell in arch of western gable, about 21 in. in diameter, devoid of 
 inscription, .so far as can be seen from below through glasses. [J.C.L.S. Verified by C. D., 
 Sept. 1905.] 
 
 Formerly there were four bells in a wooden turret, but when the church was restored in 
 1848 these were disposed of, and said to have been sent to Farnham (q.v.), but of this there is 
 no evidence, rather the contrary. 
 
 6 Oct. 1552 : ' thre belles by estimacon of xxv^ weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Morant and Muilman nothing. Essex Review, 1896, p. 181. 
 
 BIRDBROOK. St. Augustine. Three bells. 
 
 1. -J- RICHARD -^ CD •!• BOWLER •!< CH •$> ME -J- CD FECIT -^ CD I^Pj CD 
 
 (27 in. 
 
 43tter-ljftfute:inaL)C:mr •■ ^^ 1612 
 
 (29 in. 
 
 3 ANNO ►^ DOMINI 1570 (3^1". 
 
 Treble : for R. Bowler, see p. 86 ; the fleurs-de-lys are of two sizes (the larger also found 
 at Shalford), and the borders (see PI. XXVIII., 7) also vary slightly. 2nd : for Peter Hawkes, 
 see p. 85 and PL XXVIII., 1-3. 3rd: large ill-formed letters; probably from the Brend 
 foundry at Norwich (see p. 82 ; cross PI. XXVII.). 
 
 Muilman (ii. p. 232): '3 bells.' See Essex Revieni, 1898, p. 231. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death knell 12 or 24 hours after death; tellers once for child, twice for woman, three 
 times for man ; tolling for one hour, and the same at funerals. 
 
 On Sundays chiming for twenty minutes, single bell for ten, before services. 
 On New Year's Eve 12 strokes at midnight followed by chiming. 
 Bells chimed after weddings when required. 
 Thanks to Rev. J. Sedgwick, D.D., Rector. 
 
 BLACK MO RE. St. Lawrence. Five bells. 
 
 1. MILES :•. GRaVE •. MHOE ;: ME p 1647 (29 in. 
 
 2. The same. (31 in. 
 
 3. MILES :•. GRrtYE . MADE ;. ME v 1648 lOHN HVBBERD
 
 niRCHANGER- — ROBBINGWORTH l8l 
 
 4. THOMAS LESTER OF LONDON MADE ME XyDCO. 
 
 ludseJ Mow .—lOE^ STAPLER CH ; WARDEN 1752 (36 in. 
 
 5. STEPHEN SMITH ESQYIRE MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1647 
 
 Ou'MiiSr-— GREAT LAWRENCE 
 
 RECAST 1901 
 
 LAUS DEO 
 WALTER LAYTON PETRIE, VICAR 
 
 JAMES ROBERT WHITE) rHIIRCHWARnFMc; 
 JOHN HENRY ARTHY J t-HURCHWARDENS 
 
 MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON (41 in. 
 
 The old tenor (which was broken, a large piece being cut out, and a cut made above with 
 a saw) was inscribed as follows : — 
 
 STEPHEN SMITH ESQVIER miles v. GRavE .. made .. me o i647 
 
 (40 in. 
 
 The new bell weighs 10 cwt. i qr. 10 lbs. Four or five varieties of type are used in the 
 inscription. The first three and the old tenor are probably early instances of the younger 
 Miles Graye. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 58) does not mention the bells, but states that a field of half an acre was 
 bequeathed to supply bell ropes. Muilman (i. p. 271) : '5 bells.' 
 
 See Buckler, £ssex Churches, p. 140, and Essex Review, 1899, p. 80. 
 
 Stephen Smyth (see old tenor) was born 1602 and died 1670; his family inherited the 
 Priory lands. (Morant, ii. p. 57). In the will of John Smyth of Blackmore (1543) among the 
 goods at his ' mansion house called Smythes hall' is ' Item a bell hanging over the chappell.' 
 Mr. H. W. King suggests that this bell is the one now at the Hyde, Ingatestone (q.v.). {Essex 
 Arch. Soc. Trans., iii. 60). 
 
 Thanks to Rev. W. L. Petrie, Vicar, and to Mr. Miller Christy. 
 
 BOBBINGWORTH. St. Germain. Six bells. 
 
 1. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1841 SING WE MERILY UNTO GOD OUR 
 STRENGTH 
 
 Below :— REVi.. W. OLIVER RECTOR 
 
 CAPEL CURE ESQk PATRON 
 
 JONATHAN LEWIS CHURCH WARDENS (29 in- ' 
 
 2. As Ihe last, except a/UrJale-.—'PO'R THE LORD IS GREAT AND CANNOT WORTHILY 
 BE PRAISED (30 in. 
 
 3. Ai before; after t/ie , /ate -.-HE JS MORE TO BE FEARED THAN ALL GODS (33 in.
 
 1 82 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 4. .tsii/crt; a//er//,ed„/t:-TEl.h IT OUT AMONG THE HEATHEN THAT THE LORD 
 IS KING (34 in. 
 
 5. Ashfore; after Ihs dale ■.-■^^1 THE HEAVENS REJOICE AND THE EARTH BE GLAD 
 
 (38 in. 
 
 6. As before; after the date -.-70^ HE COMETH FOR HE COMETH TO JUDGE THE 
 EARTH (43 in- 
 Tenor 13 cwt., note F. Names of Rector, Patron, and Churcliwarden on each bell as on 
 
 I St, except that on the tenor the patron's name is placed uppermost. 
 
 The verses are from Ps. Ixxxi. i and xcvi. 4, 10, 11, 13 (P.B.V.). 
 
 The Rev. W. Mcjanlay Oliver was instituted in 1836 and resigned in i8g8 ; he died April, 
 1905, aged 95. He presented the ring, which cost ;^4iS, or with ^80 allowed for the metal 
 of three old bells, ^£^335. 
 
 T.R.E. 27 Sept. 1552. ' It'm iij bells in the steple wherof the litell bell is iij q'te's of a 
 yerde wide. It'm the secunde is iij quarters and iij ynches of a yerde wyde. It' the great bell 
 a yerde save iij ynches wyde. It' ij hande bells.' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 231). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 149) ; '4 Bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 370) the same. 
 
 There is a field belonging to the church known as ' Bell Acre,' consisting of two acres, left 
 at some time to provide ropes for the bells. 
 
 On a board in the porch is a record of two peals rung on Monday, 12 October, 1841, on 
 the new bells by the Hornchurch youths : ' Two true and complete peals . . . being the first 
 ever completed, the First Court Bob, the second Bob Minor.' See also Church Bells, 5 Oct. 
 1872. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 At Deaths, minute bell for one hour immediately after ; tenor for adults, treble for children. 
 At Funerals, tenor as minute bell for three-quarters of an hour previously, quickening as the 
 procession approaches. 
 
 On Sundays a full peal before services, with ' tolling in ' on tenor for five minutes. 
 
 A peal rung at midnight on New Year's Eve. 
 
 Ringing for weddings by arrangement. 
 
 Thanks to the Rev. W. W. Whistler, Rector. 
 
 BOOKING. St. Mary. 8 + i bells. 
 
 1. MEAR5 & 5TAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1904 
 
 Oh t!u waUl :— RINQERS 
 
 FRED. RUUKIN, DIST. MASTER, E.A.C.R. 
 HENRV HAMMOND, CHARLES BEARMAN, 
 
 WILLIAM MOORE, SAMUEL SARQENT, 
 
 SAMUEL HAVES, FREDERICK WARREN 
 
 WILLIAM STEELE, FREDERICK RADLEV. 
 
 WILLIAM ORIMWADE, NORRIS SMITH. (28i in. 
 
 2. As No. I, without the date. 
 
 On thewaisi:— TO THE GLORY OF GOD 
 
 AND TO COMMEMORATE THE 60TH YEAR 
 OF THE REV: HENRV CARRINQTON, M.A. 
 AS DEAN AND RECTOR OF THIS PARISH, 
 THESE TWO TREBLES WERE ERECTED BY 
 MRS. CARRINQTON TO COMPLETE THE OCTAVE, 
 EASTER, 1904. 
 
 JOSEPH' H*SAv1ll"''"}c»<JRCHWARDENS (30 in.
 
 BOBBINGWORTH BOREHAM I 83 
 
 3 lOHN *Jc5i^j2P^^^ DARBIE ♦5§iiMS<v^$^'* MADE 
 
 ♦oDi^iiSp^DS^'* ME ♦T'^^CiSJ^^ •<^82 I w 
 
 4. The same with border in place of initials. (3+i in. 
 
 5. The same as N'o. 4 with date 1685. (36 in. 
 
 6. lAMES BARTLET MADE ME 1682 lOHN MARYON DANIELL TREW 
 CHVRCHWARDENS Belmv :— ^Q (39 in. 
 
 7- C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 
 
 On waist:- ^- E- HOLMSTEDj ^-^ WARDENS 1856 (42 in. 
 
 8. As A\k 7. (49 in. 
 
 Clock bell. B nonien s si ® bueris ® qutus ® vocor u ipse ® ricaraus 
 
 ((in oval medallion here) 
 
 Weight of tenor 18 cwt. 3 qrs. 23 lbs. note E flat. 6th much chipped round edge. In 
 good ringing order. The two trebles are entirely new bells; the initials E.A.C.R. on the ist. 
 = Essex Association of Change Ringers. 
 
 On the 6th is the trade mark, Plate XXV., Fig. 2. 
 
 Clock bell by John Tonne; see p. 56: small lettering as at Aythorpe Roothing, with 
 small Calvary cross ; the stop does not occur elsewhere. Below the inscription are the two 
 medallions also occurring at Belchamp Otten (see for the circular one, Plate XXI., Fig. 2). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 189) ; ' 6 bells ; Muilman (i. p. 412) : '6 bells besides a small one.' 
 
 Essex Revieiv, 1891, p. no, 1904, pp. 182, 251, 1905, p. 59. 
 
 On a board on the wall of the belfry is an inscription recording the addition of the trebles 
 in 1904; the wording is similar to that on the second bell. 
 
 In Messrs. Warner's list two bells are given as supplied to Bocking in 1881 (weight \\ cwt. 
 and 6J cwt.) ; they were evidently not for the church, nor for the Chapel-of-ease of St. Peter, 
 which was only erected in 1897. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 BOREHAM. St. Andrew. Six bells. 
 
 ♦ GRATIOR A LONCE SONVS' 
 165"^ WW ME FECIT
 
 I)^^. THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2. THOMAS CAUELL CHURCHWARDEN WILLIAM BAKER CLARK 1746 
 
 T, LESTER OF LONDON MADE ME (32 in- 
 
 3 W H 1626 (3+ " 
 
 4. THOMAS 4^ GARDINER M ^ SUDBURY FECIT M ^ 1759 M 
 
 * 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 5. MILES DIXON 5AMVEL COLFORD CHVRCHWARDENS 1688 I (^ B 
 
 (40 in. 
 
 6 ♦ THOM/XS TENDKING ♦ ♦ ♦ KICHAKD EVEKAKD ESQ 
 ♦ lOHN H0D50N M/\DE ME 
 
 Beloi^:-* AND W WHIT/nOKE ♦ 1653 ♦ FOR ♦ CHVKCH- 
 WAKDEN (44 in. 
 
 ist and 6th : by William Whitmore and John Hodson, then in partnership (see p. 113, 
 and ct. Springfield, etc.) ; the lettering differs from that subsequently used by Hodson. 3rd : 
 Miles Graye's lettering ; the initials are those of his foreman William Harbert (p. 94) ; cf. the 
 old tenor at Roydon. 4th : crosses PL XXXIL, 5 and 7. 5th : by James Bartlet (trade mark 
 PI. XXV., 2). 
 
 In good ringing order; tenor 16 cwt., note F. Rehung in 1878 by Mears and Stainbank. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 16) : '6 bells.' Muilman (i. p. 115) the same. 
 
 The Richard Everard mentioned on the tenor must be the eldest son of Sir Richard 
 Evcrard, second IJaronet, of Langley's, Great ^Valtham. He died unmarried before his father. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Gleaning Bell at 8 a.m., and 6 p.m. 
 
 Death Knell : 12 hours after death; 3 for a man, two for a woman, at beginning and end. 
 
 On Sundays a peal from 10.30 to 10-55 ; chiming for Evensong; 'tolling in' for last five 
 minutes. A bell is rung at noon on first Sunday in month between Matins and Holy Com- 
 munion. 
 
 Ringing on Easter Day at 6.30 a.m., and occasionally at Christmas at same hour; on 
 New Year's Eve at 11 and 12 ; at Weddings occasionally, and for King's Birthday. 
 
 A bell is rung for Choir practices. 
 
 In the ringing-chamber are belfry rules and a paal-board recording the ringing of a peal by 
 local members of the Essex Association on October sth, 1903 ; 720 changes, each of various 
 Bob minor methods, being the first peal on these bells. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. D. N. Yonge, Vicar. 
 
 The Churchwardens' Accounts here extend from 1565 to 1734. Unfortunately how- 
 ever, they are very disappointing as regards the amount of information they yield, being 
 presented in a very summary form with very little detail. The Rev\. Dr. Clark of Great Leighs 
 has kindly looked through them and sends the following items relating to the bells : — ■
 
 vj^ ' 
 
 k-iij'' 
 
 xviij* 
 
 iiij'" 
 
 
 XYJ"" 
 
 ij* 
 
 vj" 
 
 vij' 
 
 
 13' 
 
 
 Two 
 
 bells. 
 
 ROREHAM BOXTED I 85 
 
 ■ In the years 1565-68 the sum ef /"4 9s. 6d. was spent in sundry repairs to the l)ells and other 
 parts of the fabric. 
 
 '575"77- Receyved for ij bells and certyn lynncn of the church goods 
 
 For a bell-clapper 
 •578-79. For Boteleg'gs to mend the bell-ropes 
 
 For a bell-rope 
 1584-85. For mending of a bell whele 
 1659-60. For three ropes for the bells wayed 26 pound 
 
 BORLEY. 
 
 I- ^ De ^ BvRi ^ 2ant: i Edmondi -^r 2tefanv2 4? 
 ToNNi -j^ r\E ^ Fecit * is/-* :$• 
 
 2. CGRNELINS # BREWER #• C = Vy #• 
 
 1713 
 
 (3- !"• 
 
 For Stephen Toniii sec p. 7S; this is the earliest of his Essex bells. The stamps are 
 PI. XXVI., Figs. 4, 6. The larger bell is by Thomas Gardiner of Sudbury; the cross is 
 PI. XXXII., 5 ; letters on clearly-defined separate paterae. Note the almost invariable 
 reversed S on Stephen Tonne's bells. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 329): '3 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 147): '2 bells.' 
 
 Esse.x Reviezv, 1894, p. 114. 
 
 Death knell 24 hours after death. 
 
 Gleaning bell rung (times not stated). 
 
 BOWERS GIFFORD. St. Margaret. Two bells. 
 
 I- ^ Sautln JRalnitm Ora fro iJoBis ^ ^^^ '"• 
 
 ^15 4- ■mp.:^^. 4- ;D0JP.I:QI ^ j3:EJ2XDI6^A7jl7 (seep. 7) 
 
 (37 in- 
 
 By Robert and William Burford respectively ; the crosses on the ist. are PL IV., 13 and 
 Kent, 5(1 ; that on the 2nd, PI. IV., 13. See pp. 13, 14- 
 
 Morant (i. p. 260) : ' 2 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 147) the same. 
 
 BOXTED. St. Mary. Two bells. 
 
 I. THOMAS GARDINER SVDBVRY FECIT 1714 (^ (^7 in- 
 
 24
 
 1 86 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2. THOMAS MEAES OF LONDON FECIT 1812 <D^*<r<*C> (^^ in. 
 
 No. I. is an early instance of Thomas Gardiner; the shield (PL XXXII., Fig. 8) is the 
 third on the 5th at Belchamp St. Paul {v. supra). 
 
 T.R.E. 16 Sept. 1552: 'BoxTEDE. In p'"ms iij Bells w' a sance bell.' {East Anglian, 
 N.S. i. p. 103). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 241) 'three bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 240) the same. 
 
 See Essex Revie^v, 1893, p. 231. 
 
 BRADFIELD. St. Lawrence. One bell. 
 
 GLfOI^lfl ® (5IBI ® DOffline {iil in. 
 
 For the cross (PI. X., 2) and lettering (PI. IX), cf. Leyton tenor ; wheel-stop (PI. VIII., 5), 
 as at Gt. Holland. By a predecessor of W. Dawe ; see p. 25. The first part of the inscrip- 
 tion may be compared with the boast on Dawe's bell at Netteswell : ' Gallus vocor ego,' etc. ; 
 in the latter, sense may be made by reading SIT for WIT. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. ' Imp'm^ belongyng vnto the said pishe chirche iij grett Bells, whearof 
 S' John Raynsforth, Knyght, beynge lorde of the same p'ishe, hadd aweye ij of the Byggeste of 
 them, the rest of them they knew not, so one Bell Remaynyng styll in the chirche.' 
 
 ' Itm ij hande Bells.' {Essex Atrh. Trans. N.S. i. p. 9). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 466) : ' In it ' (the steeple) ' were three Bells.' It was then in a ruinous 
 condition. Muilman (vi. p. 39) has the same. 
 
 See Essex Revietv, 1B93, p. 107, and Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 73. 
 
 BRADWELL-BY-COGGESHALL. Holy Trinity. 
 
 1. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1621 
 
 2. MILES GRAIE MADE ME 1609 
 3 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1632 
 
 The tenor is cracked. Lettering on ist and 3rd, the elder Graye's large type; on the 
 2nd his earlier medium type, as at Kelvedon and Tollesbury. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 157) 'three bells.' Muilman (i. p. 3S8) the same. 
 See Essex Review, 1897, p. 144. 
 
 Death knell rung 24 hours after death; no tellers; same bell for all. 
 Thanks to Rev. H. T. W. Eyre. 
 
 BRADWELL-JUXTA-MARE. St. Thomas Apostle. Five bells. 
 
 Three bells. 
 
 (25 in. 
 
 (28J in. 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 I. ROBERT CATLin FliCIT J744 
 
 (24 in. 
 
 2. Rt. CATLin FECIT J744 (^7 '"•
 
 BOxteD — braintree 187 
 
 3. As N'o. 7. (29 in. 
 
 4. ROBERT CATLln CAST US ALL J744 (30 in. 
 
 5. THEODORE ECCLESTOn ESQr OF CROWFIELD In SUFFOLK GAVE THIS FRAmB R. C. J744 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 The remains of a ring of eight, of which the tenor and two trebles have disappeared. The 
 latter were sold about 1872, being cracked; doubtless all were of the same date as the 
 survivors. Tradition says that the tenor was sent to London to be recast and returned by 
 mistake to Faversham, Kent ; a claim was made for its value, and the amount was expended 
 on the clock (Essex Review, 1897, p. 207). 
 
 Mr. H. W. King has noted (in 1872) that 'the framing bears the names of Robert 
 Meacham Tho^ Hutson Churchwardens John Williams London fecit.' He also states that he 
 saw two uninscribed bells in the vestry 'awaiting hanging,' (but more likely awaiting the fate 
 alluded to above). 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. ' ij bells the least in wayght by 0' estimacio' .xv". Also we have the 
 first yere of the Kyngs m" Raing that now is another bell xxvc x" wich bell was sold ... to 
 John Debneye of Colchester for xxij* the hundred. S'm xxvj" xv^ vj''. It'm in taking doune 
 the bell broking and wayeing the same vj'' [viij''].' (Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. v. p. 230). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 377) : '8 Bells.' He also states that in 1442 the chapel of St. Peter's-on- 
 the- Walls had ' a small Tower with two Bells.' Muilman (v. pp. 363-364) the same. 
 
 On Sundays the three larger bells chimed for fifteen minutes at 8 a.m. Bells chimed for 
 service for fifteen minutes, followed by ' tolling in ' for the last fifteen. 
 
 'Not in ringing order' (1904). 
 
 Thanks to Rev. H. T. W. Eyre. 
 
 BRAINTREE. St. Michael. 8 + i bells. 
 
 1. C^>ST BY JOPN W^RjMER c^ f^GN.S liGNDOjM ]8'99 
 
 £t/oii' .— ^CT : MiCK/IEL : HW : BR^IJMTREE 
 
 TO CEIiEBR/ITK Y^ TOOih ^JVJMIYERS/IRY 
 OF THE KOcIjVD/JTIO.M OF Tpif> Ojiai^Cp 
 BY BigpOP Wllilil/IIJ I)E f^/f]VCT/I JHflR.lJl 
 
 /f.D. no*). (28 in. 
 
 2. As No. 1. 
 
 Below .—(,;) ^^ PlCPTIELVS GailtD OK RlJVGEK,S, Bl^;flI]VIT^EE. 
 
 BY TPE LOVIJVG GIFT 0K TpE PEOPLE 
 Tpi? OCTAVE OF BELIi? W/I? COMPIiETED. 
 DEDICATED, fIICP/{ELJiI/I,S, IS99. 
 (/;) I, M. KeJVWOKTPY, ¥iC/IR, )5th YE^l^. 
 
 ir?*BfpmcpER/^P"'^^P'''^^^"^^'''- 
 
 C, H- POW^RD, KlJMRIJVfi-li^^TEK. (29 in.
 
 l88 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 G. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1858 (30 in- 
 
 The same. (31 in. 
 
 The same. (32 in. 
 
 The same. (34 in. 
 
 The same. (31 h '"• 
 The same. 
 
 Clock Bell Inaccessible ; probably blank. 
 
 Tenor 14 cvvt., note F. Before 1858 the tenor weighed one ton. The two new liells 
 weigh 5 cwt. 24 lbs. and 5 cwt. i qr. 3 lbs. 
 
 There was formerly also a priest's bell, dated 1675, which disappeared at the re-casting in 
 1858. The clock bell, which hangs high up on the spire, is probably the one put up in the 
 1 6th century in accordance with the bequest of John Pepper, who in his will, dated 15 19, left 
 20^. ' to the charges of a newe clocke bell to be made, to serve for the clocke of the church of 
 Braintree.' It is described by the Vicar as ' very flat in shape, wide flange mouth, no marks 
 can be read or even seen ; it has been quarter-turned, and has no clapper.' 
 
 William St. Maria, who is commemorated on the new treble, was Bishop of I.ondon 1199- 
 122 1, and Lord of the Manor of Braintree. 
 
 In 1523 Edward Curson gave towards making the 'great' bell £6 3^. 4^/. 
 
 There is an entry of 1549-50 ' Rec for the Chappie Bells lod.' but no mention in in- 
 ventories of 1552 {East Anglian N'. and Q. iii. p. 78). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 399): 'a ring of 6 Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 421); '6 bells and a clock. 
 H. \V. King quotes from Buckler's notes as follows : — 
 
 'There are two small bells, one for the clock dated 1675 and hanging in one of the north 
 windows ; the other without a date, but apparently an old relic under a pent roof under the North- 
 East face and near the top oftlie spire is called the Minister's bell but was probably the ancient 
 Sanctiis Bell. Besides thes2 is a peal of 6 Bells, the tenor cast in 16S2 inscribed " God be my good 
 speed;" the others are dated 1675 (broken), 1(382, 1738, 1754.' 
 
 He has evidently confused the sanctus and clock bells. 
 
 See also Essex Review, 1893, p. no, and Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iv. pp. 261, 268. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-Knell 12 or 24 hours after death; tenor for adults, smaller one for children, 
 according to age. Tellers at beginning, 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female; then toll for about 
 an hour. 
 
 On Sundays a bell tolled for early celebrations and afternoon service, for morning and 
 evening services the bells are rung. 
 
 For Week-day services three bells are chimed ; ' ringing in ' on one. I'eals are rung in the 
 early morning of Easter Day and Christmas Day ; a muffled peal for tlie death of a ringer or a 
 member of the Royal Family.
 
 RRAINTRE^ — BRAXTED I 89 
 
 Previously to 1S58 there liad been no ringing for over twenty years. A company was 
 formed in 1879, and has since rung regularly ; an account of their performances during the first 
 eighteen months is given in Church Bells, 12 Feb., 1881. 
 
 The two new bells were dedicated 28 September, 1899 (see Church Bells, 13 Oct.). 
 
 Very many thanks to Rev. J. W. Kenworthy, Vicar, for help and information. 
 
 In the Colchester Museum there is a 'Ringer's' Jug from Braintree, dated 1685 (see H. 
 Laver in Reliqua}-)', 1905, p. 129). 
 
 BRAXTED, GREAT. All .Saints. Two bells. 
 
 I. Hfonor TDdO 5tostro X On waist : — \^W (27.Hn. 
 2- >Ji Tortitufto "3>co ^ostro 
 
 On waist : — 'ffiSS' (0° '"• 
 
 By Moore, Holmes, and MacKenzie of Redenhall, 1883, as the device on the waist indicates 
 (see PI. XXXIV., i). Words widely spaced; the H of Honor is inverted. Similar bells at 
 Stanford-le-Hope {q.i\). See for lettering PL XXXIV., 2. 
 
 These replace a ring of three, which were inscribed as follows : — 
 
 I f lOHN ♦ HODSON ♦ MADE ♦ ME •I' 1669 ♦ i ♦ WH ♦ •$< ♦ 
 
 Sum l^osH Biilrlala ffliimli I^alniiia yocila 
 
 The two larger by William Wodevvarde and John Bird respectively (see pp. 25, 27); cross 
 on 2nd, PI. IX., 12 ; smallest set of capitals (PI. VIII.) and smalls; small laver-shield (PI. X., 
 6). Cross on 3rd: large version of PI. X., 3 {= Camfis., fig. 26), with corresponding fine 
 capitals (PI. X., 7, 8) and smalls. See pp. 25, 27. 
 
 The bells have no wheels, and are chimed by levers, no easy matter with a bell of 5 or 6 
 cwt. Pits for three ; remains of old bell-wheels and a headstock. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 143) : ' 3 Bells besides a small one called a Saints Bell.' Muilman (i. p. 
 381); '4 bells.' 
 
 Essex RevicKi, 1897, p. 144. 
 
 Death knell 12 or 24 hours after death ; 3 X 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female, single strokes for 
 child (on smaller bell), repeated for an hour. On Sunday, both rung for fifteen minutes, then 
 the smaller for five.
 
 190 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 BRAXTED, LITTLE. St. Nicholas. Two bells. 
 
 Both without inscription; diameters, 18 in. and i8i in. Stahlschmidt notes: 'An 
 interesting pair of abnormally " long-waisted " bells, probably of 13th century date. The 
 clappers — probably the work of some local blacksmith — are somewhat eccentric in shape ; they 
 have no proper " boss " but are simply thickened towards the lower end.' There are bells 
 with similar clappers at Easthope and Ratlingshope in Shropshire, in the latter case apparently 
 of early date. 
 
 Buckler in his Churches of Essex, p. 178, says, ' There are two bells, without name or date, 
 of remarkable form ; they diminish more rapidly than is usual towards the crown, where the 
 diameter is disproportionately small; the clappers are also peculiar, being of a clublike form 
 without any particular bulb at the striking part ; it is quite possible that these belonged to other 
 bells older than the present.' 
 
 The Rev. E. Geldart, formerly Rector, describes the bells as ' in sound condition, but of 
 unmusical tone.' A pen-and-ink drawing of the bell and clapper was sent by him to Mr. North. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 144) : 'two bells.' Muilman (i. p. 378) the same. 
 
 See Essex Revieiv, 1897, p. 145. 
 
 Death knell 12 or 24 iiours after death. Tellers 3 x 3 for a man; 3x2 for a woman; 
 3X1 for a child. 
 
 BRENTWOOD. St. Thomas of Canterbury. 8+1 bells. 
 
 1—8. CQefiPis es sspmBpRK. Lionomi nesei^uus, issz. 
 
 On waist ;— 5. S. OUenUCliLi ffi.D. GS (s,. 5. COpIxhlS, (i!US©ODeS SflGSPiOPiUffi 
 
 sfifjoiiUs GP.mssepD, yisfir^ius. p.D. issz (30 in. 
 
 2. ocnms seipiifeus lipUDGS Dofflmuffi ; i^piiiieiiuifi (31 in- 
 
 3. hpijopse eucQ in ©ycDBpLtis Bene soRfiR©iBUS; ufiuopse eucQ \n sycQBpiiis 
 
 5UBILif?5lOaiS. (II in. 
 
 4. lipUDpse euffl m sycDBfiRO e© gi^orjo; lipunjqse eum in si^oFiDis es 
 
 OFlGpUO. (35 in. 
 
 5- lipuDfise euff) in sono suBfis; hpuDpse eu© m BSfiiiSei^io es sisnpFjp 
 
 (38 in. 
 
 6. lipuDpse euffl m pifjsusibus eaus; upuDpse euoj secsanDum cduli©i- 
 suDinecQ 0)fiGui5uDinis esus. (40 in. 
 
 7. iipuDpse DOfQinuffi m sf^assis eaus: lipuDpse eucQ in Fif{ffipffien©o 
 
 UlI'i©USIS eaus. (43J in. 
 
 8. pD cQfiaofjeffl Dei GhOFjifim 
 es in memoi^ipm epfjoui fiijraefji© BeiJiJi 
 
 Ros o(S5o— Deoepjuns. 
 eDGJfiF{DUs f?o&5ixey epiiffleff es eijuen 
 
 hOUISp BOI^ep^pO) p.D. (887. (49 in.
 
 5) 
 
 9 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 6) 
 
 lO 
 
 3 
 
 27 
 
 7) 
 
 13 
 
 I 
 
 1 1 
 
 8) 
 
 '9 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 BRAXTED BRIGHTLINGSEA I9I 
 
 cwt. qrs. lbs. 
 
 Weights: — i) 5 : 3 : 18 
 
 2) 5 : 3 : 18 
 
 3) 6 : 3 : 18 
 
 4) 7 : 3 : 19 8) 19 : 3 : o note E. 
 
 See Church Bells, 11 November, 1887. 
 
 Note that the inscriptions on 2nd- 7th are from Ps. 150, but in reversed order, 
 beginning with the 7th. 
 
 This ring of eight replaces two bells removed to the new church in 1883, formerly in the 
 old church built in 1835 (see Buckler, Essex Churches, p. 168). They were inscribed: 
 
 1. Jos" Massa Ja' Finch ch & chapel wardens i764 
 
 2. JAs Finch & Jos massa Chapel wardens czi Lester & Pack of London 
 
 FECIT 1764 <;:>*<IX*X:> Below.— XXXXX 
 
 Inscription on ist incised all but date. On 2nd, ornament as at St. Osyth and Great 
 Yeldham (PL XXXIIL, Fig. 3) and border of loops below. 
 
 In a cot over the chancel arch is a small bell, 17 in. diam., with inscription on the sound- 
 bow : — 
 
 J. WARNEK & SONS LONDON 1885 
 
 It was probably the bell temporarily used for the new church between 1883 and 1887. 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. 'It'ma hand bell. It'm a greate bell that the clocke smytth on 
 weying by estymacon xx hundred. It'm a saynct bell & ij crewets.' 
 
 Morant (i. p. 124) : ' i Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 16) the same. 
 
 Best thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 BRIGHTLINGSEA. All Saints. i4i bells. 
 
 D«Jtt^ ® ^^^^"^ @ ®^^^ ® ^^^^^ ® (Smnpnn 
 ffiul|ncli$ (39 in. 
 
 S. (unhung). iV<? inscription. 
 
 The large bell is the survivor (No. 3 or 4) of a ring of five, the pits for which still remain ; 
 it is by William Dawe, with his medallion; the cross is PL X., 2, the initials and minuscules 
 of the medium variety (PL IX., 1-8) ; cf. Pleshey and and 4th, and p. 26. S reversed throughout. 
 
 This bell now enjoys the companionship of ten modern tubular abominations of steel, put 
 up in 1889; the old sanctus bell, a small blank bell 14 in. high and 14^ in. diameter, lies 
 unhung in the belfry. It was transferred to St. James' Church (v. infra), on the erection of 
 that building, and thence in 1887 back to the parish church. 
 
 The earliest record of the bells here goes back to the year 1497, when John Beriffe the 
 elder, by his will dated 20 Jan. 1497, and proved the 18 July following, bequeathed as 
 follows : —
 
 192 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 ' Item lego ad conip(rr(;cio«em duarum canipanarum ce«tum marc^.t (jra^ Willclnius 
 Bounde & Robtrtus Bailowe michi debent pro vno pacto salis Proviso semper qi/od pi7/-ochiani de 
 Brikilsey predlctae volutv «nt totalitr/- p/vfice/v et consum/v/jne in omnibus novum opus campanilis 
 ib/</t-m bene inchoate prout michi [)romiserunt quia si hoc facere et consummare recusauc^int 
 extimo volo c|Uod non habeant quic<|ui(/.' 
 
 [See Essex Arck. Trans. N.S. i. p. 163. The present bell is of course earlier in date]. 
 
 In 1527 John Payne leaves money for the purchase of a 'tenour' bell, but the bequest 
 like the last is conditional. 
 
 In 1552 the Commissioners' Report of 24 Sept. is as follows: {Essex .iirli. Trans. 
 N.S. i. p. 13):— 
 
 ' It'm ther remayneth in the steoples there iiij bells cawlyd a ryng. Ilm iij ly [itle] sacryng bells 
 of brasse.' There were also sold 'a bell of sylu' .... Itm a lytyll bell cawlyd a saynts bell w'='' 
 doth remay'e at the Kyngs ma"' storehowse in the pryshe a fore sayd. Itin a noth' lytyll bell wych 
 was hayd into shype namyd the mary rose.' ' The following items were then paid : — 
 
 It'm p'd for nayles to me'de the belle frames iij'' 
 
 Itm for halfe a horse hyde to make baldrycke for the belles iij^ vj'' 
 
 Morant (i. p. 456) says: 'In [the steeple] are 2 bells and a saint's bell : but there are 
 frames for five.' Muilman (vi. 623) the same. This was in 1760-72. The sanctus bell lias 
 already been accounted for; the other large bell was probably sold in 1S15 to help pay for a 
 new roof to the church. 
 
 See also Essex Revieiv, 1897, p. 45. 
 
 Many thanks to the Vicar, Rev. A. Pertwee, for much of the above information. 
 
 BRIGHTLINGSEA. St. James. One bell. 
 
 A modern bell, put up together with the clock in 1SS7; the old sanctus bell from the 
 parish church (see above) formerly hung here. 
 The church was erected in 1837. 
 
 BROMLEY, GREAT. St. George. Six bells. 
 
 1. H^pfis ^ ^spiRBpuK 1[ouRDef5s ^oaooa 1879 (30 in. 
 
 2. lOHN * THORNTON *■ SUDBURY '^i ME * PCCIT • 1717 • • (31 in. 
 
 3. THO = GARDINER "^ *^ "^ SUDBURY 4^ ^ FECIT ^^ 
 
 ♦^ 1743 -JJ? (34 in. 
 
 4. THOMAS MEARS and SON LONDON FECIT 1806 XJOOO (36 in. 
 
 5. G. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON i86o (39 '"• 
 
 ' Local tradition here as in many places holds that some of the bells were lost at sea while on 
 their way to be recast. Probably being cracked, they were sold and shipped to London as old 
 metal and never replaced. — J.C.L.S.
 
 nRIGHTI.INGSEA BROMI.EY 
 
 193 
 
 6. THOMAS ^ 4^ GARDINHR ^ •^ SUDBURY ^ ^ FHCIT 
 ^ ^ 1726 ^•>vir>».^t>^^ (,,i,,. 
 
 On the 3id, Gardiner's usual cross (PI. XXXIL, 5); on the 6tli, same cross, and border 
 PI. XXXII., 2. 
 
 Weight of lenor 15 cwt, (in Meats' hst ; another version is 18 cwt.) ; note F. The treble 
 is a new bell, not a re-casting ; weight 5 cwt. i qr. 3 lbs. 
 
 T.R.E. 'Itm iiij grett bells and a saunce bell, w' iij handbells.' {Essex Arch. Trans. 
 N.S. i. p. 10). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 443) : '5 Bells.' Muilnian (vi. p. 4) the same. See Essex Review, 1893, 
 p. 107 ; Church Bells, 14 Oct. 1892. 
 
 Death knell 24 hours after death ; smnll bell for children. 
 
 Bells chimed for Sunday services ; ringing on Festivals and New Year's Eve, and for 
 weddings when paid for. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. .\.. E. Graham, Rector. 
 
 BROMLEY, LITTLE. St. Mary. Four bells. 
 
 1. H. BOWELL & SON FOUNDERS IPSWICH 1898, 
 
 Oniaaisl:— SIT SEMPER NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTUM 
 
 H. H. MINCHIN RECTOR 
 W. H. CRIMSEY CHURCHWARDEN. MDCCCXCVII. (29 in. 
 
 2. As No. I. 
 
 On waist .—OMNIBUS IN TERRIS PER QUAS VICTORIA RECNAT 
 
 The rest as No. i. (30 in. 
 
 3- ^ _S'ani}la %tq)jitta 0t;n :f j;^ fioltis (53 in. 
 
 4. ^ i^mnqtt :D0mtHt Ikuciiiqinm ^ (36 in. 
 
 3rd and 4th both by Robert Burford ; cross on 3rd, PI. IV., 13; on 4th, PI. IV., 13, 
 VII., 6 ; see p. 14. 
 
 Previously to 1898 there were lliree bells, of which the middle one was recast into two 
 trebles in that year ; it was inscribed : 
 
 LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1765 <':X*XZX*X-!0<*X:,> (34 in. 
 
 The two new bells weigh 5 cwt. and 5^ cwt. respectively. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 440): '3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 472) the same. Essex Review, 1893, 
 p. 107. 
 
 Death knell at any time on the same day if possible (tolling only). 
 On Sundays bells rung for 45 minutes before services. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. A. D. Cope, Rector ; also to Mr. C. H. Hawkins and Messrs. Howell. 
 
 25
 
 1 5^ THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 BROOMFiELD. St. Mary. Six Bells. 
 
 I. CflSOt BY JOHN WPRJVER ^5 ^ejVg LO]MDO]V. 
 
 On the -waist :- TJII.S PEKL OF BEIiIiS 
 
 W/I? Pl^E^EJ^TED 
 TO TPE PTIRI^P OF Bl^OOJilFIEIiD 
 BY p. C. WEIJiS 
 OF Bl<OOJiIFIELD LODGE 
 
 )S74 § 5. (30 in- 
 
 C^ST BY JOPJM WPR]VER t^- gOjVS LO]VIDO]VI )S75. (31^ in- 
 
 CA,ST BY JOPJV WARNER ^i ?0]V3 LONDON 1S74. (32^ i"- 
 
 As No. 3. (35 in- 
 
 As No. 3. (37 in. 
 
 O^I^ir BY .T0HN W^RJVEK & S0NS It0j\ID©]V| TSl^ (4° i" 
 These replace two bells inscribed : 
 
 3lohu: :5ier: tnnUeJ ntie: tsso 
 
 I. 
 
 (33 in- 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1613 (36 in. 
 
 of which there are rubbings in Mr. Tysscn's collection ; see also Buckler, Churches of 
 Essex, pp. 23, 24. 
 
 cwts. qrs. lbs. 
 Weights and notes of present ring : i) 6 i 4 E. 
 
 2) 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 16 
 
 D. 
 
 3) 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 C. 
 
 4) 
 
 8 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 B. 
 
 5) 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 A. 
 
 6) 
 
 1 1 
 
 
 
 iS 
 
 G. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 78) : 'three Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 309) the same. 
 
 Customs :— 
 
 Death-Knell : 3 x 3 and 3x2; different bells used according to age. 
 On Sundays bells chimed at 8 a.m., and for other services. 
 
 Ringing on Christmas Day, Easter Day, Whitsunday and Trinity Sunday ; also on New 
 Year's Eve, 11.30 to 12.30; for weddings when required and on Sovereign's Birthday. 
 A bell tolled for Vestry Meetings 
 Gleaning Bell at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. up to about 1890. 
 In the belfry is an account of a Date Touch rung 24 May 1898.
 
 BROOMFiELD— -BULMER j^^ 
 
 Thanks to Rev. C. Edmunds, Vicar, and to Mr. Miller Christy. 
 At Broomfield Lodge there is a clock bell dated i8n. 
 
 BROXTED. St. Mary. Four bells. 
 
 1. MILES . GRAVE MADE :. ME ? 1632 (28^ in. 
 
 2. The same. (30,1 in. 
 
 3. TJtc same. (j-v in. 
 
 4. lAMES BARTLET MADE MEE 1688 (36J in. 
 
 Lettering on 1-3, though small, not like Miles Graye junior's but a smaller version of the 
 large type. Cf. Little Bentley 5th. Trade mark on 4th, PI. XXV., 2. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 449) : ' four Bells.' 
 
 Death-Knell rung 24 hours after death. Tellers : four strokes for a man, three for a 
 woman or a child (this is a quite abnormal use) ; then toll for one hour. Tenor bell used 
 for adults, a smaller one for children. 
 
 On Sundays, one bell rung for early Celebration ; for other services all bells chimed ^ 
 ' ringing in ' on 3rd bell for last five minutes. 
 
 Gleaning bell rung at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
 
 BUCKHURST HILL. St. John Baptist. 
 
 The Rector (Rev. F. M. Woodward) kindly informed us in 1905 that there was here only 
 one 'tubular bell,' but a ring of hemispherical bells has since been supplied by Mears and 
 Stainbank. 
 
 Church built 1838 ; parish formed out of Chigwell. 
 
 The Chapel-of-Ease of St. Stephen, erected in 1876, has one bell. 
 
 BULMER. St. Andrew. Four bells. 
 
 I. THOMAS G.4RDINER SUDBURY FECIT 1723 
 
 Onu'ms/:- PRESENTED BY RACHEL EDITH BURKE 
 
 A. D. 1903. 
 .-Idove sMmUow .—RECAST BY MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON. (32 in. 
 
 2- ^;<: HENRY -A^ PLEASANT 'X^ MADE ^^ ME # 1707 ^!< 
 
 Hrlr^'lr.'^-^t'^t (33,^ in. 
 
 3. MILES GRAIE MADE ME 1 600 
 
 On waist and below, as No. i. (36 in> 
 
 4. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1619 (38^ in
 
 196 THE CHURCH ISELLS OF KSSEX 
 
 New headstocks to all four ; old frame ; no wheels ; bells chimed by hammers striking 
 inside. For some years previous to 1903 only three bells had been in use. The weight of 
 the two new ones is given as 6 cwts. 2 tjrs. 6 lbs. and S cwts. i qr. 1 1 lbs. re.spectively. The 
 upper inscription in each case is in the same type as on 151ackmore tenor, not Mears' ordinary. 
 
 The old treble was inscribed : — 
 
 THO = G.4RDINER ^ SUDBURY ^ FHCIT ^ 1723 XtZHSH^ 
 
 Border, PI. XXXII., a. (30 in. 
 
 The present 3rd replaces the old 2nd, the loss of which is to be regretted, as it was the 
 earliest known work of the great Colchester founder, overlapping by a year or two with 
 Bowler. It was inscribed as follows in a quite unique type : — 
 
 MILES CRAIE MADE ME I a o o 
 
 2nd : border at end PI. XXXII., 4 ; small star between words. Old ist : cross PI. XXXII., 
 5 ; border at end, PI. XXXII., 4. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 314): ' 4 or 5 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 140): '4 bells.' 
 
 See Essex IicT/f7e>, 1S94, p. 114. 
 
 Death-Knell formerly 24 hours, now 12 hours after death; tellers, three strokes for a 
 man, two for a woman. 
 
 Gleaning Bell at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. 
 
 BULPHAN. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 I. No inscription. (32 in. 
 
 These are also five tubular arrangements put up in 1S91 l.iy Harrington, Latham & Co. 
 of Coventry, at a cost of ^90. Formerly there were three bells, and the frame for these three 
 was noted by Stahlschmidt as still in good condition some twenty years ago. According to 
 local tradition the other two disappeared about the beginning of the last century, but it was 
 probably earlier, as Morant (i. p. 222) gives only one bell. Possibly being cracked they were 
 sold for funds to repair the church. 
 
 The Rector (Rev. T. A. Teitelbaum) kindly sends the following notes as to the present 
 uses of the old bell and the others : — 
 
 ' The old Bell is used at each service on Sundays as the 3rd Bell, the Tubulars being 
 rung twice. The Bell is used alone for all Celebrations. We continue the Passing Bell 
 (i for a child, 2 for a woman, and 3 for a man), and the bell is used at all funerals. The 
 large Bell is used to toll the Old Year out and the Tubulars to welcome the New Year.' 
 
 Morant (i. p. 222): 'one Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 73) the same. 
 
 See Palin, Stifford and Neighbourhood, p. 148. 
 
 BUMPSTEAD, HELIONS. St. Andrew. 6 + i Bells. 
 
 I. Thomas Meaes of London founder 1834 (30 in.
 
 
 H 
 
 (3^ 
 
 in. 
 
 (35 
 
 in. 
 
 (36 
 
 in. 
 
 (39 
 
 in. 
 
 (44 
 
 in. 
 
 (20 
 
 in. 
 
 BULMER- -BDMPSTEAD 
 
 2. Thomas Mears of London Founder Recast 1833 
 3 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1647 
 
 4. As No. 2. 
 
 5 MILO QRAIE ME FECIT 
 
 6. MILO QRAIE ME FECIT 1641 
 
 Clock hell. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1838 
 
 For the ' Milo Graie ' bells, see p. 95. The 6 on the tenor is reversed. Weight of tenor 
 14 cut., of clock bell, 2 cwt. 2 qrs. i lb. ; it is hung dead without clapper. 
 
 T.R.E. s Oct. 1552. ' iiij belles by estimacon of F weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 No mention of number of bells in Morant, but Muilman (ii. p. 256) gives five, and 
 Cole in 1 744 says ' 5 tuneable good Bells.' 
 
 The tower fell in 1812, and was rebuilt very substantially of red brick. 
 The foltowing entry relating to the bells occurs in the Parish Registers : — 
 
 'In 1833 there were five bells in the steeple. The largest bears date 1641, the next 1647. 
 All these cast by Milo Graye. The remaining two (one of which bore date 1616 and the other an 
 inscription, thus "V'irgo coronata dat (sic) nos ad regna beata") were found cracked and were recast 
 in 1833 by Thomas Mears of London, the expense being defrayed by a subscription of ^21 1.6. and 
 /^12 o, o. by a Church Rate.' 
 
 'In 1834 a sixth bell also cast by Mears was added by subscription at a cost of ^33. The 
 whole expense of recasting the two old Bells adding the new one and repairing all and carriage, 
 etc. was £84, of which £^i 1. 9. was raised by subscription and the rest by rate. 
 
 J. Hodgson, Vicar.' 
 
 A tablet at the bottom of the tower records the ringing on Monday, 13 October, 1814, 
 of 5040 old Grandsire in 3A hours. 
 
 DeathTvnell rung, tenor for adults, a smaller bell for children. Tellers 3x3 for male, 
 3x2 for female. 
 
 Gleaning bell discontinued some twenty years ago. 
 
 BUMPSTEAD, STEEPLE. St. Mary. Five bells. 
 
 I lOHN ♦ HODSON ^ MADE ♦ ME ^ 1653 ♦ (31 " 
 
 2. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1859. 
 
 On the waisl : — Ko}'al Anns anii pf^^-j^t^j ^ ^^^ in. 
 
 3. THO = GARDlNER «^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT ^ 1726 ^ 
 
 *\% »T7 Kp* 
 
 ^ ^ • • (.^6 in.
 
 198 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 4. GEORGE = RALL1NGS || C— W ^ THOMAS "^ GARDINER -'^ 
 SUDBURY •^ FECIT |§ 1760 ^ 
 
 S (39 i"- 
 
 5- GEORGE RALLINGS CH. WARDEN 1763 <\X*x:,> LESTER & PACK LONDON 
 FECIT <;>s<:X'eo:>»c> (42 in. 
 
 ist : In W. Whitmore's lettering; cf. Boreham ist and 6th; the stop occurs again at 
 Great Waltham. 3rd : the impressions are from the reverse of a halfpenny and obverse of a 
 penny of Queen Anne. 4th ; One of Gardiner's latest efforts; George Railings was buried 31 
 March 1785 ; rectangular U (see p. 125). Crosses on 3rd and 4th : PI. XXXII., 5, 7. Weight 
 of tenor, 1 2 cwt. 
 
 Cole in 1744 says '5 Bells.' Morant nothing; Muilman (ii. p. 248): 'a clock and 5 
 bells.' See Essex Review, i8g8, p. 232. 
 
 Gleaning bell discontinued. 
 
 'William Holborow by his last will, dated 4 Feb. 1498, gave for repairing of the Bells, 
 and bell-ropes, and things most necessary to the steeple, five acres of land ' (Morant, ii. p. 355). 
 
 BURES, MOUNT. St. John. Two bells. 
 
 T. Sanctc Rccolae 6va pro nobis 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 2. ^ Bit J2omcu X)nmitu JBrueMtlum <^ (32 in. 
 
 ist: By Henry Jordan ; Powdrell capitals. 
 
 2nd: By Robert Burford; the crosses are not quite identical, the first being Kent, fig. 5a 
 in octagon, the other, PL IV., 13, in lozenge. 
 
 T.R.E. 48 Sept. {sic) 1552 ; ' ffyrst iiij belles in the steple and ij hand bells . . . another 
 lyttle bell in the chansell.' {East Anglian, N.S. ii. p. 56). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 226) : '4 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 216) the same. 
 
 See also Essex Revinv, 1893, P- 234, and .£j'5t'.v Arch. Soc. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 70, and i. p. 
 132, where it is stated that the larger bell weighs about 13 cwt. {sic), also that the missing bells 
 were sold to defray the expense of repairing the tower when the .spire was taken down in the 
 eighteenth century. 
 
 BURNHAM. St. Mary. Five belLs. 
 
 I. ROBERT STEPHENS DANIELL CROWDER CHVRCHWARDENS A B 1673 
 
 On waist :— • • • ^^J (28 in. 
 
 2, The same. (30 in.
 
 BUMPSTEAD EURSTEAD 
 
 199 
 
 iS"ancta J{atcinna Ora fi'o ilobis (J1 (32 in. 
 
 4. W. shuttleworth D. Hawkins Church Wardens T. Mears & Son of London 
 
 Fecit 1807. 
 
 (35 in- 
 
 5. THOs hudart & w>i Clark ch. wardens ^ Lester & Pack of London Fecit 
 
 1767 <0<*X1X»X:> (38 in. 
 
 ist and 2nd by Anthony Bartlet ; on the waist, his trade-mark (PL XXV., 2), and impres- 
 sions of large coins of Charles II. 
 
 3rd : by John Walgrave (p. 31) ; "oss PI. XII., 9 ; lettering PI. XL, 1-7. A beautiful bell. 
 
 Ornament on 5th, PI. XXXIII., 5. 
 
 In 1901 Mr. C. H. Hawkins noted; 'The sth has a large piece broken out of the 
 crown and cannons broken, the bell being secured by bolts to the stock. Tower and wood- 
 work in bad repair ; jackdaws' nests everywhere.' 
 
 In 1902 the tenor was in the same condition, and all were 'clocked,' which the Church- 
 warden promised to stop. In 1904 the Report of the Essex Association states that the bells 
 are unfit for ringing. The tenor is to be recast and a new treble added, for which Messrs. 
 Warner have given an estimate for ^120. [CD.] 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552 ' iiij gret belles wyche ys by Estymashone as nere as we can judge i C. 
 wayte . . . ij hand belles.' (Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 235). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 365) : ' It has the loftiest Tower in this Hundred, with six Bells, but blown 
 down in the great wind (of 1703) .... 'Tis since rebuilt and hath only 5 Bells.' Muilman 
 (v. p. 339) has much the same. 
 
 See also Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iv. p. 129. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-knell 12 or 24 hours after death; tenor for all over twelve, 2nd bell for children; 
 tellers 3x3 and 3x2, then minute strokes for half an hour and finish with 9 slowly and 9 
 quickly for male, 6 similarly for female. 
 
 For services bells chimed from the half hour; ' toll in ' on tenor for last five minutes. 
 
 H. W. King notes that on a mural monument to Lydia, wife of the Rev. Robert Middleton, 
 it is said ' Campanam dari iussit sonantem, laete audivit, et pacifice obijt decimo die Novemb : 
 16S0,' referring to the Passing Bell. 
 
 BURSTEAD, GREAT. St. Mary Magdalene. 
 
 I. THO = GARDINER ^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT •^ 1724 
 
 2. T. Mears of London Fecit 1814 <:d*x> S LOWE CH WARDEN 
 
 3. No inscription. 
 
 Five bells, 
 
 (26 in. 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 (32 in.
 
 200 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 4. ^ Toy jlugustini Sonet In TJuvc Dei \S (34 in. 
 
 5. THOMAS ^ GARDINER AH ^fc* SUDBURY ^ ^\ ^ FhXlT 
 1731 • • • • (36 in. 
 
 island 5th: cross PI. XXXII., 5 throughout; the coins on the 5th are Queen Anne's: 
 on ist, rectangular U (see p. 125). 
 
 2nd : Last part of inscription incised. 
 
 4th : by John Walgrave ; cf. South Benfleet 3rd and Burnham 3rd. 
 
 Morant (i. ]). 199): '5 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 34) the same. Ecclesiologisf, xxv. p. 345. 
 Date of 4th given in guide-books and elsewhere as 1436. 
 
 There is a ' Bell Field ' here. 
 
 BURSTEAD, LITTLE. St. Mary. Two bells. 
 
 I lOHN CLARKE MADE THIS BELL 1620 
 
 MASTER WILLIAM SAME'S ESJVYER (28 in 
 
 2. 1633 I C (32 in. 
 
 For John Clarke, see p. 84. The larger bell is by John Clifton (p. 75). 
 Morant (i. p. 200): '3 Bells.' Muihnan (v. p. 36) the same. 
 Mr. H. W. King noted three in iSCo. 
 
 BUSH END, see H.\tfield Bro.^d Oak. 
 
 BUTTSBURY. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 By Henry Jordan ; the stamps are the three usual ones, as at Mount Bures, etc, 
 Morant (ii. p. 50) : 'three Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 236) the same. 
 What has happened to the other two ? 
 
 CANEWDON. St. Nicholas. Five bells. 
 
 I. ^J» ME ♦ DEO ♦ DEDIT ♦ EDVARDVS ♦ WEBSTER ♦ VICARIVS ♦ ECCLESI^ 
 ♦ DE ♦ CANNEWDON 4» • 
 
 Below : — A hand ivith cigh/ccn impressions 0/ coins. 
 
 Pelow. —lOmi ♦ AND ♦ CHRISTOPHER ♦ HODSON ♦ MADE ♦ ME ♦ 1678 
 
 (29 in.
 
 BURSTEAD CANFIELD 20I 
 
 2. EdW' : HaCHMAN IOHN ClAVTON CH : WARDENS R: PhELPS 
 
 FECIT "724 rib db * ab (3' '"• 
 
 3. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1634 (35 in. 
 
 4- lN° Page & Rob^ Tabram Ch" Wardens thos meaes late lesier pack & 
 
 Chapman of London Fecit i791 (37 in. 
 
 5- RICHARD EDWARDS WETHR lENNENS CW IW • 1707 
 
 (40 in. 
 
 The tenor is badly cracked, ist : small type as at Great Easton, etc. 4th : the first part 
 down to 'Wardens' is incised. Tenor by Waylett. 
 
 The Rev. E. Webster (ist bell) was X'icar 1670-81 ; subsecjuently of St. Mary, Newington 
 Surrey. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. 'Camnonhen. Thre bells in the steple whcrof the gret bell 
 conteynethe in weyght by estymacon xxx'' hundrethe the seconde bell xx'' hundrethe And the 
 lilell bell xvj"=" hundrethe, one sanse bell conteynynge xx"' poundes ij hande bells conteynyn^e 
 xvj poundes.' {£sse.x Arch. Trans, iv. p. 218). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 317) : '5 tunable Bells.' Mailman (v. p. 421): '5 bells.' 
 See also Benton's His/, of Rochford Hundred, i. p. 124, where it is said of the fourth bell : 
 ' This bell previously to being suspended was turned upside down in the street before the 
 Anchor public-house and filled with beer with which the rustics made merry.' 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 On Sundays a bell at 8 to 8.5 a.m.; for morning service 10.30-T0.35, 10.40-10.45, and 
 10.55-11.0 (smallest bell), and correspondingly in evening. 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve ; for Weddings occasionally. 
 A bell rung for Vestry Meetings. 
 Thanks to Rev. C. R. Hardy, Vicar. 
 
 CANFIELD, GREAT. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 1. MILONEM GRAY ME FECIT 1634 (29 J in. 
 
 2. S ^iiubatc bominum be iclis:. ICiUib.itc cum in c.v crisis (33 in. 
 
 3. IOHN ♦ HODSON ♦ MADE ♦ ME ♦ 1664 ♦ I ♦ W ♦ F 
 
 ♦ B ♦ C ♦ WARDENS ♦ W • H r^"' 
 ^ FOR ♦ {coat oj arm,) MASTER ♦ IOHN ♦ WISMAN ♦ 
 
 ESQVIER ♦ 1597 ♦ C ♦ F ♦ (36 in. 
 
 26
 
 202 
 
 THE CHURCH BEI.LS OF ESSKX 
 
 ist : Smallcv and thinner letters than usual ; lor the Mii.onkm hells see p. 95. 
 
 2nd : See on this bell p]). 58, 84 above, 'i'he inscription is from I's. cxlviii. i. Note the 
 spel I i ng e.xriie/six. 
 
 3rd: The coat of arms is a chevron ermine lietween three cronels argent, evidently that of 
 Wiseman. It nuiy be presumed that the original John Wiseman (who died 17th Oct. 1602) 
 left money for a bell, which was not used for some si.\ty years ; tlie I. \V. who was church- 
 warden in 1664 must be his great nephew, who carried out his bequest. A brass in the 
 chancel to John Wyseman is dated 155S: this must be Sir John, who purchased the estate, 
 the father of the one who bequeathed the bell. See Morant, ii, p. 461. The fleur-de-lys is 
 PI. XXXI., 4. W.H. = William Hull ; see p. 114. 
 
 There was formerly another bill (probably a second) which being cracked was sold. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 462) : '4 Bells.' 
 
 CANFIELD, LITTLE, 
 
 Four bells. 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 190?. 
 
 On waist:— A. At. D. G. 
 
 ALICIA MARIA RIUOUT 
 OBDORAIIVIT IN CHRISTO 
 XIXmo die APR. A.S. MCMVII 
 LXXIII ANNOS NATA 
 R. I. P. 
 DIXIT JESUS 
 nao SI EXALTATUS TERRA OMNIA 1 RAHAM AD ME IPSUM 
 
 4- God save the kinG i6I7 
 
 (26 in. 
 
 3. As No. I. 
 
 O.'t 7vaist : — 
 
 JOHANNES DOWELL RIDOUT 
 
 HUIUS PAROCHIAE XX ANNOS RECTOR 
 
 OBIIT 
 
 XIV.MO DIE MART, A.S. MCMV 
 
 AETATIS SUAE LXXXVll 
 
 AETERNA FAC CUM SANCTIS SUIS IN 
 
 GLORIA NUMERARI 
 
 4 l^j PRAISE THE LORD 2917 
 Woi 
 
 (34 in- 
 
 2nd and 4th by Robert Oldfield of Hertford; cross on 2nd plain ; shield PI. XXX., 3 ; 
 thin lettering. The first figure of the date on the 4th is an inverted 2 in place of i ; the 7 
 is in thicker type. 
 
 Formerly two bells only; the ist and 3rd, for intormation about which we are indebted to 
 Mr. Hughes of the Whitechapel Foundry, are recent additions. 
 
 CANNING TOWN, see West Ham.
 
 CANFIELD CHAPPEL 207 
 
 CANVEY ISLAND. St. Katharine. One bell. 
 
 The bell hangs in a small central turret or flkhc and appears to be inaccessible. It was 
 supplied by Warner and Sons in 1875, and is described in their Invoice dated 30 Nov. 'a 
 16J in. loam-cast Bell with clapper, note li, weight 3 qrs. 22 lbs.' 
 
 Church first built for Dutch settlers in 1622 ; rebuilt several times since. 
 
 CHADWELL. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 1. Omvaist:— RE 1694 WR (28 in. 
 
 2. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1763 (30 in. 
 
 3. THOMAS BARTLET MADE THIS BELL 1628 ^^ (33 In. 
 
 Treble badly broken ; founder probably John Wood (cf. West Tilbury). Trade mark on 
 3rd, PI. XXV., 2. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 231) : 'three Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 89) the same. 
 
 Palin, S tiff ord and Ni-ighboiirliood, p. gi (from King's notes). 
 
 Death-Knell as soon as possible after death, 3 for a man, 2 for a woman, i for a child. 
 
 Ringing for Weddings. 
 
 A bell rung for vestry meetings. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. E. Smith, Rector. 
 
 CHADWELL. St. John Baptist, Tilbury. One bell (?). 
 
 Church built 1883; consecrated 1903. 
 
 There is also a chapel in Tilbury Fort, built about 1875. 
 
 CHADWELL HEATH. St. Chad. One hell. 
 
 Church built 1884; clock with hour-bell ])ut up in the tower in 1898 {Essex Revicif, 
 1898, p. 203). Parish formed from Dagenham. 
 
 CHAPPEL. Two bells. 
 
 1. J. W/II^jMEl^ § ?0]V[?, Iiljilr'^ LONDON. 
 
 On waist: — 1676. 
 
 KECAJiT 1S<)3. (17 in. 
 
 2. J. WARIMER Z^. fsONP, l£0]VID0N. 1^7J- 
 
 On waist:— Royal Arms and patent (20 in. 
 
 Formerly two by Miles Graye, junr., with merely the date 1676; the diameters were 18 in. 
 and 20 in. respectively. The smaller bell was reported badly cracked in 1892 (see Essex 
 Review, 1893, p. 235).
 
 204 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. PoxiisBKiGHX. ' Itm ij litcll bells hanging in the steple It'm on 
 handbell of brasse wayeng vj //.' Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 52). 
 Moiant (ii. p. 210) : 'two Bells.' Muilnian (vi. p. 196) the same. 
 Best thanks to Rev. A. Werninck, Vicar. 
 
 CHELMSFORD. St. Mary. Ten bells. 
 
 1. The Gift of T, CLAPHAM, WM, DOBSON DOWNHAM NORFOLK, FECIT 
 
 1820 : • (2S in. 
 
 2. The Gift of T, CLAPHAM, WM Smith, Wm Baker and Jn^, Saltmarsh 
 
 CHURCHWnNs 1820 (29 in. 
 
 3. THO MUCH AGAINST US MAY BE SAID TO SPEAK FOR OUR SELVS WE ARE H NOT AFRAID -• 
 W MEARS AND C • LONDON FECIT 1777 (29/ in. 
 
 4. IF YOU HAVE A JUDICIOUS EAR YOULL OWN MY VOICE IS SWEET AND CLEAR . 
 MEARS & C" LONDON 1777 (30^ in. 
 
 5. AT PROPER TIMES OUK VOICES WE WILL RAISE. IN SOUND- TO OUR BENEFACTORS PRAISE 
 MEARS & C ' LONDON FECIT 1777 
 
 6. TO HONOUR BOTH OF GOD & KING OUR VOICES SHALL IN CONCORT RING "^ 
 
 W:' MEARS & C ■ LONDON FECIT 1777 (34J ;„. 
 
 7. THO' CLAPHAM B CLAPHAM & R SHOOBRIDGE BE' {Indsed) 
 
 W ' MEARS & C" LONDON FECIT 1777 (.- ;„. 
 
 8. PEACE & GOOD NEIHBOURHOOD f. W>' MEARS & C" LONDON FECIT 1777 (40 in. 
 
 9. X YE RINGERS ALL THAT PRI^E YOUR HEALTH & HAPPINESS. BE SOBER ME:iRY WISE 
 & YOULL THE SAME POSSESS 
 
 /«<;.:.■ .— Wm MEARS & C ■ LONDON FECIT 1777 (44 ■„ 
 
 10. THE REV- JN- MORGON RECTOR MESS^-^ GEO: SIMPSON jNo WARD & MAT«- JOYCE 
 
 CHURCH Wardens 1777 
 
 2.'*/ //«^ .— In wedlock bands all ye who join with hands your HEARTS UNITE 
 
 So SHALL our TUNEFULL TONGUES COMBIE 
 y.l/me:~-'20 LAUD THE NUPTIAL RITE W ' MEARS & C - LONDON FECIT (49 in. 
 
 Re-hung by Warner 1881 (see C/iuirk Bella, 12 Nov.) Tenor 22 cwt., note E flat. The 
 1st and 2nd were placed in St. John's church at Moulsham when that was erected in 1838, 
 but were brought back in 1883 (see under Moulsham). The larger set of letters on these two 
 bells is exactly like that ordinarily u.sed by the Mear.ses. The stop on the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 
 and 8th is ;. and the ornament at the end of the first line on the 6th is composed of four M's
 
 CHAPPEL CHELMSFORD 205 
 
 between two \\"s (lor William Mears). This is the first ring cast by W. Mears, when he set up 
 by himself during Pack's life-time (see p. 138). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 7): 'a ring of six bells, and a clock.' Muilman (i. p. 62): 'a ring of 6 
 bells, a clock, and a set of chimes. It is said to have had a peal of 8 bells but that the 
 parishioners gave two of them to Writtle in exchange for their chimes, which were accordingly 
 brought here.' This was in or about 1770. 
 
 There are several tablets in the Ringing-chamber, including the following : — 
 
 23 Nov. 1813. 'A Compleat peal of Bob Major of 5040 changes in 3 hrs. 13 m. This 
 peal was composed by Isaac Clay and never rung before.' 
 
 23 Jan. 1815. 'A True and Compleat Peal of Bob Major an even 6000 changes in 3 
 hours and 45 minutes.' 
 
 Recent records: i August 1887; 21 May 1888: Ne.v Year's Day 1889. See also 
 Church Bells, 2 Nov. 1872, 23 Aug. 1873, 14 Aug. 1880; 12 .\ug. 1887. 
 
 Death-Knell with tellers, 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 4 for female ; time after death variable. 
 
 From the Parish Account Books the late Archdeacon Mildmay extracted the following 
 items (see Essex Arch. Trans, ii. pp. 195, 211-228): — 
 
 1557. Itm payd for a hande bell for the rogation dayes 
 
 and to ring before the corses at their burialles iij'' ix.i 
 
 1562. Received of Richard Marion for a hand bell solde 
 
 unto hym for the marquete bell v' 
 
 1 586. The parsone Mr. Burlye hath cause 1 Wyll'" Pamplyn 
 to make a roipe for the gie U bel'. Thys hath byn 
 allways y" parson's charge. 
 1550.' Bell metyll. Rereyved by me Will'" Watsoun of Wyll'" Reynolds Will'" Myldmay & 
 Rychard Maryon churchwardens of Chelmesford in the Countye of Essex for the 
 Quen's Matf use one bell wainge ij C ij qrs lij Ii the which metell the Quens 
 Majestic oweth for xxij lij. 
 1592. It" receyved of thinhabitants of Chelmesforde by a rate levyed for the rep'acons of the 
 Bells there the first daie of Maye 1592. xxxiij'" x'' 
 
 In 1 59 1 there appear to have been four bells. 
 For the Sexton's fees in 1614 see ihid.., 224 : 
 
 The passinge bell for any tollings iiij'' and so on. 
 
 The Chapel of Ease of St. Peter was erected in 1892. 
 Best thanks to Rev. Canon H. A. Lake, Rector. 
 
 CHELMSFORD. Meadow Side. 
 
 In the possession of Mr. J. Crozier is a bell with the following inscription : — 
 
 ♦ THOMAS ♦ YOVNG ♦ 1587 
 
 About 9 in. diameter. He has built a kind of summer-house to accommodate it and the 
 ancient clock to which it pertains. It was formerly at Leaden Roothing Hall, where it had 
 probably been for many years hanging in a clock-turret. About 1850 it was sold with the 
 clock to Mr. Philbrick of Dunmow from whom it was purchased by Mr. Crozier for his 
 
 ' Sic. Probably an error for 1560.
 
 2o6 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 residence at Hit;h Roothing. In 1879 he moved it to his present address. The clock is very 
 old, but bears no date. 
 
 For the above information we are indebted to Mr. Miller Christy. 
 
 CHESTERFORD, GREAT. AH .Saints. 6 + 3 bells. 
 
 1. JOHN BRIAN T OF HERTFORD FECIT 1796 (2S in. 
 
 2. The same. (2°4 
 
 3. The same. (■^' 
 
 4. The same. (3- 2 '"• 
 
 5. JOHN BRIANT OF HERTFORD FECIT T FISHER CURATE (34I i". 
 
 6. JOHN BRIANT OF HERTFORD FECIT 1798 W^' KENT & J. WAKEFIELD 
 C: W. J: PLUMPIN. VICAR. STATUTUM EST OMNIBUS MORI (jSi"- 
 
 Clock Bells. 1 (Hour). On ihouUer : — 
 
 ^ aue r maria 1 gracia % plena (26.4 in. 
 
 2, 3. (Quarters). L'/JST BY JOPJM Wpi^]VEl^ § gO]V^ ItONDOJV )879. j^^l |"; 
 
 Weights of the ring ; 1)5 o 5. Note E. 4) 6 3 lo. B 
 
 2) 5 o 26. D. 5) 7 o 16. A 
 
 3) 6 o 25. C 6) 10 I 10. Cj. 
 
 Total 40 cwt. 3 qrs. 8 lbs. Mears' weights differ slightly, as given on a list hung on the 
 tower. The belfry is very dirty and some of the timbers are shaky. 
 
 The clock bells are placed in a frame on the top of the tower, open to the air, and fixed 
 to beams, with cannons and stocks. The hour-bell is from the Bury foundry (see p. 54); the 
 founder's shield occurs once on the shoulder; the cross (PI. XVIII., 8) occurs akso at Wes- 
 thorpe, Suffolk, and at (Jreat Horkesley and Radwinter in an octagon. 
 
 There was formerly also a Priest's bell, which must have disappeared within memory, but 
 its fate is undiscoverable ; the inscription has been preserved (but not in a rubbing) : 
 
 I H KDMOND lACKSON CHVRCH WARDEN 1681 
 
 It was probably by John Hodson. The \'icar has ascertained that there was a church- 
 warden of the name given in that year. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552 (Stowe M.S.S. 827) 'v belles in the steple conteynynge by 
 estimac.on of Ixij" A clock bell in weight j' ' a sanctus hell half a hundreth and sakering bell 
 
 ' Probably an error. The prcsetU hoiir-l)cll weighs about 4 cwt.
 
 CHELMSFORD CHESTERFORD 207 
 
 and a hand bell in weight j'.' The sum of ^£^46 obtained by the sale of vestments etc. was 
 ' bestowed upon the belles and the sute of the black velvet and the Repacons of the churche.' 
 Cole in 1744 gives '6 Bells'; Morant (ii. p. 556) '5 Bells and a clock.' iMuilman (ii, p. 328) 
 6 good bells; over the tower is a small lanthorn leaded, in which is the clock bell.' There is 
 a parochial record that 'the new peal of bells came home 19 Nov. 1796.' For other details see 
 below. 
 
 See also Essex Review, 1895, p. 186, for an (inaccurate) account of the bells. 
 
 The Passing Bell was formerly rung as nearly as possible 24 hours after death, the tenor 
 for adults, the treble for children. 
 
 The Gleaning bell was also rung at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. 
 
 There appears to be no ringing done nowadays. 
 
 A curious local custom is the payment of ;^2 per annum by feoffees of Hinxton (Cambs.) 
 for bell-ropes, in return for which 7 id. per annum is paid to them for the same purpose. 
 
 There is a tradition that about 1780 the hells were taken down with a view to being sold ; 
 this the parishioners resented, and organised gangs to watch them night and day where they 
 were placed, in the yard of Jeremiah Hagger, a builder ; the result is not known ! 
 
 Very m:rny thanks to Rev. J. Stewart, Vicar. 
 
 Mr. R. H. Browne of Stapleford Abbots kindly sends the following items relating to the 
 bells preceding the present six : — 
 
 1739. May. The fourth bell was cast at Ingatestone by Thomas Gardiner ; there were then 
 but five bells. 
 
 •743- 5 J<in- The treble bell then came home to make the peal of six Bells. It was cast by 
 Thomas Lester of Whitechapel and weighed 6 cwt. 3 qrs. 25 lbs. at six pounds 
 per cwt. [Jos. Shepherd and Rob' Killingbeck, Churchwardens.] 
 
 U'e also owe to the kindness of the Vicar the following items from the Churchwardens' 
 Accounts : — 
 
 £ s d 
 
 1790. March 16. paid for taking down of Bells 3 15 o 
 
 1793. paid for hanging the Ting-tang 
 
 1796. taking the iron oft Bell stocks. 
 
 1797. Feb. 25. paid Mr. Briant 21 50 
 
 1798. April 9. paid for hanging the Ting-tang and rope 
 
 The first-named entry is important as implying that Gardiner was at that time actually 
 working in Essex ; he could not have gone from Sudbury to South Essex to cast a bell in the 
 north-west of the county. There is a distinct drop in his Suffolk bells between i 735 and i 743 ; 
 but on the other hand there are very few in South Essex in the years following 1737. He 
 also cast a bell for South Weald at Ingatestone (see under that heading). 
 
 CHESTERFORD, LITTLE. St. Mary Two bells. 
 
 1. J. WARNER & SONS LONDON 1854 
 
 On the waist :— Royal Anns and PATENT, 
 
 2. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1876. (24 in. 
 
 These bells hang in two arches of a gable-turret, and are chimed by levers ; the smaller 
 is about 19 inches in diameter, with very marked mouldings; the larger weighs 3 cwt.
 
 208 THE CHURCH BELLS Of ESSEX 
 
 There was formerly a wooden turret containing three bells. When the church was 
 restored in 1855 two of these were sold (one being cracked) for ^54. 11. 10. to Messrs. 
 Warner, and a new bell bought for ;^i7. 4. 6. The remaining old one was recast in 1876 at 
 a cjst of ^(6. 3. 2, and a careful drawing of the inscription was made by Mr. Kimber, in a 
 MS. volume now in the possession of Mears and Stainbank. To Mr. A. Hughes we are 
 indebted for a loan of this precious volume, which gives the inscription as follows : — 
 
 -S OF{p ® CQense ® Bip ® bi-^o ^ robis ® uii^go @ CQpfiip 
 
 (25 in. 
 
 The bell was obviously of the .same class as that at Clreat Holland, by W. I^awe's 
 predecessor (see p. 22), with cross Herts 7 and wheel-stop. In Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. 25356 
 drawings are given of the turret and of part of the inscription on this bell, also of another small 
 bell, blank and long waisted. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. ' iij belles in the steple by estimacon of .\.xvij' weight. A Sanctus 
 bell of j' weight and a hand bell.' (Stowe MSS. 837). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 557): 'a square Tower of stone contains 4 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 341): 
 ' 3 bells.' Cole in 1744 gives ' 3 Bells and a S" Bell.' 
 
 Passing bell as at Great Chesterford. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. J. Stewart and local helpers. 
 
 CHICKNEY. St. Mary. Two bells. 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 D 
 
 UJ klJ 
 
 2- i^ fit (scli Sijn:i gnimcat Hos (safcriuii USy \3y (36 in 
 
 10 Both by Kebyll, with shield PI. VL, 9 ; the second stamp on the smaller is an eight-point 
 rosette surrounded by dotted rings (PI. XIV., 6) ; it also occurs on Lawrence's bell at Mar- 
 garetting. The crosses on the 2nd are PI. VII., 6 and 3 (S. Norton's); the capital letters are 
 also S. Norton's. The word Syna seems to refer to the legend of the transportation of the 
 body of St. Catherine to Mount Sinai.' 
 
 T.R.E. 'Furst in the steple ij Bells conteynyng a thousand pounds. It'm ij hand 
 bells conteynyng in weight x Ii.' (Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 238). 
 Morant (ii. p, 447) : ' 2 Bells.' 
 
 CHIGNAL ST. JAMES. SS. Mary and James. One bell. 
 
 I. R. STAINBANK FOUNDER, LONDON 1868 (iS in. 
 
 Hangs in an open bell-cot. The name of Mr. Stainbank rarely occurs alone on bells 
 from this foundry, the title ' Mears and Stainbank ', being finally adopted soon after the death 
 of George Mears. See p. 14 t. 
 
 ' See Baring-Gould, /,(>'« 0/ Saiii/s, Nov. p. 542. Hymn.s competed in her honour in mediaeval times often 
 contain expressions similar to this line.
 
 CHESTERFORD CHIGWELL 209 
 
 The predecessor of this bell was inscribed 'Johannes Clarke fecit me 1621,' as we learn 
 from a writer in the Gentleman's Magazine, 1786, ii. p. 1009 (see Elliot Stock's reprint, Vol. iv. 
 p. 90). 
 
 Morant (ii.p. 81) gives ' three bells.' Muilman (i. p. 316) ; ' i bell.' 
 
 In 1767 the Rev. Foote Garvcr, M.A., M.D., Rector, and John Gaudy, Churchwarden, 
 represent that the Church ' for want of the necessary ornaments suitable to the decency of religious 
 worship, is by no means in a condition becoming the House of God and the solemn performance of 
 Divine Service therein.' Although the Rector is personally willing to contribute largely yet the 
 inhabitants are so few and poor that repairs cannot be undertaken unless leave can be obtained ' to 
 sell a small broken and useless bell belonging to the said Parish' with other lumber. In response to 
 this appeal the Bishop grants a license for the sale of the Bell, etc., duly sealed and signed : 
 
 Ric. London, 5 Feb., 1767. 
 
 CHIGNAL SMEALEY. St. Nicholas. One bell. 
 
 I. No inscription. (29 in. 
 
 ' Supposed locally to have been the old Sanctus bell — but I think incorrectly. It is too 
 large.' [J.C.L.S.] The Rev. E. A. Downman notes- that this is an ancient ' long-waisted ' bell. 
 Morant (ii. p. 82) : 'one Bell.' Muilman (i. p. 318) the same. 
 
 CHIGWELL. St. Mary. Five Bells. 
 
 1. EDWARD: INQLETON THOMAS: FULLER: CHURCH: WARDENS; SAMl : KNIQHT \ FECIT 1737 • 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 2. W- CLARK .-. Wm HunT CH : WARDEnS • '• • ROBERT CATLIn FECIT 1743 (29 in. 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 in. 
 
 3. MATTHEW • BAGLEY • MADE • MEE • J693 • • • 
 
 4. MATTHEW • BAGLEY • MADE • MEE • J693 •••••• (34 
 
 5. THE '. REV" : M- '. KERRICH t VICKER ■ R' '- FULLER ; 1^ ' 
 
 CROUCHMAN CM WARDENS • RC *• TS ; FEC^ J77J (38 in. 
 
 An interesting set of bells by lesser known London founders, who are otherwise little 
 represented in Essex; the tenor is by Thomas Swain (p. 130), who is however hardly a 
 Londoner, as most of his work was done at Longford in West Middlesex. 
 
 T.R.E. 27 Sept. 1552. 'Itm iij Bells in the steple waying by estimacon xxxti c & ij 
 Rogacion Bells.' {Essex Arch. Trans, ii. p. 235). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 170) : '5 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 16) : '5 good bells.' 
 
 Bell-Rope Acre is a field-name here {Essex Review, 1894, p. 134)- 
 
 CHIGWELL ROW. All Saints. One bell (?). 
 
 Church consecrated in i860, the tower built in 1903 ; the parish was formed from Chigwell. 
 
 27
 
 2IO THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 CHILDERDITCH. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 I. No inscription. 
 
 'A long-waisted bell, probably of 17th century date. It is in an arch in the western 
 gable, and for want of a ladder, inaccessible for measurement; probable diameter 18 to 20 
 inches.' [J.C.L.S.] 
 
 T.R.E. 7 Oct. 1552. 'It'm iij bells in the steple the least by estimatio wayinge ij' It'm 
 a Saunte bell and a hand bell wayinge viij //.' {Essex Anh. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 170). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 116) : 'The steeple of brick . . . and timber . . . hath in it only i bell.' 
 Mailman (v. p. 5) : ' i bell.' 
 
 CHINGFORD. Three bells. 
 
 1. W C I D CHVRCHWARDENS 1657 ANTHONY BARTLET MADE MEE 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 2- 1^ GOD SAVE THE KING 1626 [see page nj) (35 '"• 
 
 3. THOMAS MEAKS OF LONDON FOUNDER 1835 . (39 in. 
 
 In the new church (built 1844); the old churrli is deserted and ruinous. 2nd: by 
 Robert Oldfield of Hertford (p. 107); cross as Little Canfield 4th; the G is of Gothic char- 
 acter and the D is a G reversed. On the ist the n.'s in anthony are reversed. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 57) : '3 Bells.' 
 
 CHIPPING ONGAR, sec Ongar, Chipping. 
 
 CHISHALL, GREAT. St. Swithin. Five bells. 
 
 1. W AND P WIQHTMAN MADE MEE J686 (261 in. 
 
 2. The same. (28 in. 
 
 3. The same. (3' "i- 
 
 4. The same. (33 '"• 
 
 5. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1841 (39 '"• 
 
 There is an interval for another bell between the fourth and tenor; the latter weighs 10 
 cwt. 7 lbs. For the Wightmans, see p. 116. On the 3rd bell the G of Wightman is reversed 
 and inverted. 
 
 The Sanctus bell-cote still exists over the eastern gable of the nave, but is of course 
 tenantless (J.C.L.S.). The tower fell July, 1892, but the bells were not injured. 
 
 Bells not in ringing order in 1904. 
 
 5 Oct. 1552. 'iij belles by estimacon xxxiiij"' weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 607) ; '5 Bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 99) the same, 
 
 See Essex Revieiv, 1895, p. 186.
 
 CHILDERDITCH CLACTON 211 
 
 CHISHALL, LITTLE. St. Nicholas. One bell. 
 
 I- 1774 (,61 in. 
 
 Probably by Pack and Chapman. 
 
 5 Oct. 1552. 'ij bells by estimacon ofij' and di' weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 609). 'only i Bell.' Muilman (iii. p. loi) : ' i bell.' 
 
 See Essex Revinv, 1895, p. 187. 
 
 CHRISHALL. Holy Trinity. 
 
 I- JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1804. 
 
 ^ ^§ '''""■'^'■'■' S W* 
 
 (border) (border) 
 
 Four 
 
 bells 
 
 (29 
 
 in. 
 
 (30 
 
 in. 
 
 (33 
 
 in. 
 
 (37i 
 
 in. 
 
 3. f^ NON CLAMOR SED AMOR CANTAT [N AVRE IDE 1621 
 
 4- J. TAYLOR & CO. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1869 
 
 The 2nd probably dates from the early part of the 17th century: the stamps are 
 a fleur-de-lys, a rose and an ornamental border, consisting of a coat of arms (a chevron 
 between three roundlets) with gryphons as supporters (PI. XXVHI., 4-6; seep. 143). 3rd: 
 by W. Haulsey of St. Ives (p. 105) ; the cross is Plate XXX., i ; note the curious form of E 
 (Plate XXX., 2). 4 : the predecessor of this bell was from the Brasyer foundry at Norwich 
 (see Raven's Cainl'S., p. 30). The present bell weighs 9 cwt. 4 lbs. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. (Stowe MSS. 827). 'iij belles in the steple and a Sanctus bell 
 of xxx'^ weight.' 
 
 Cole (1744) : 'four bells.' Morant (ii. p. 605) ;' 5 bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 94) : '4 bells.' 
 See Essex Review, 1895, p. 187. 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 CLACTON, GREAT. St. John Baptist. Five bells. 
 
 1. THO = GARDlNER 4^ SUDBURY ^ «^ "^ FECIT «^ 1721 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 2. THO = GARDINER ^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT ^ 1721 (join. 
 
 3. THO = GARDlNER 4^ 4^ SUDBURY ^ ^ FECIT ^ ^ 1721 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 4- MILES GRHYE MflDE ME 1649 (H "• 
 
 5. As No. 4. (36 in.
 
 212 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 The cross on Nos. 1-3 is PI. XXXIL, 5. Nos. 4 and 5 are very early instances of 
 Miles Graye junior (see p. 96). 
 
 T.R.E, 25 Sept. 1552. ' Itm iiij great bells and a Sawnce bell.' {Essex Arc/i. Traits. 
 N.S. i. p. 16). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 477) : ' 6 bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 59) the same. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1S97, p. 45 ; bells also mentioned Essex Arch. Trans, iv. p. 86. 
 
 Death-Knell : ten strokes within a quarter of an hour ; no rule about time or distinction 
 of sex. 
 
 On Sundays chiming for morning and evening services ; a bell rung at S a.m. 
 
 Bells not in ringing order in 1904. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. J. Silvester, Vicar. 
 
 CLACTON, LITTLE. St. James. Three bells. 
 
 I. MILES •.-. GRaVE . MADE -.: ME r. 1652 (30 in. 
 
 •S'aiicta jl2araarcta Ora I'lo :i?.ot>is mn ^ (32 in. 
 
 3. THOMAS ^ GARDINER 4^ ^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT 4^ 1748 
 
 (35 '"• 
 
 2nd by Robert Crowch (p. 32); the cross is PI. XII., y, the shields are PI. XII., 1-3, 
 and the capitals Plate XI., 1-7. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 476) : ' 3 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 56) the same. Essex Review, 1S97, p. 46. 
 
 CLACTON-ON-SEA. St. Paul. One bell. 
 
 I. 1S13 (ig in. 
 
 Church consecrated and separate parish formed from Great Clacton, 1S78. The Vicar 
 writes that the bell was purchased on the demolition of a chapel at Chelmsford in 1875. 
 Best thanks to Rev. H. Seeley, Vicar. 
 
 CLAVERING. SS. Mary and Clement. Five bells. 
 
 1. C^.ST BY I0}I]V WWJ^IEf? §• S0N3 LONDON )S66 (27^ in. 
 
 2. The same. (28^ in. 
 
 3. T. Meaes of London fecit 1830 (31 in. 
 
 4. The same. (34 in.
 
 CLACTON COGGESHALL 
 
 213 
 
 Weight of 2nd, 4 cwt. i qr. 9 lbs., of 5th, 9 cwt. 24 lbs.; note in both cases G (?). 
 Formerly six bells ; the old treble sold in 1866 to help pay for the re-casting of the other 
 three ; the pit still remains. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. 'v belles in the steple by estimacon of Ixij' weight a sanctus bell 
 and a handbell by estimacon of j'' weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 614) : 'six bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 109) the same. 
 See £ssex J^eviac, 1895, p. 181. 
 
 Customs : — -Death-knell rung at 8 a.m. on day after death ; treble for children under 
 twelve, tenor for others; toll for one hour. Tellers : three strokes for male, two for female, at 
 beginning and end of peal. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for services. 
 
 Gleaning bell rung up to 1887 at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ; tenor used. 
 
 Ringing at Christmas and New Year's Eve ; but apparently very little enthusiasm 
 shown (J. C. L. S.). 
 
 COGGESHALL. 
 
 St. Peter. 
 
 E'vAil bells 
 
 I. C^ST BY JOPN W^Rj\El^ § gOlM.S LOjVDQN ]S76. 
 
 Oil waist .-TKROaCJI TJIE E^XEl^TIOjX^ OF TJIE 
 
 ]^EVd p. T. W. EYRE CtlR/ITE TpiS PE/Hi W/IS 
 /{aGMEjXTED T0 EIGp'!' BELLS E/IfiTEl^ 1870. 
 
 (28^ in. 
 
 2. As No. I. 
 
 On waist ; — 
 
 W. J. D/IJiIPIEl^-VIC^R 
 p. T. \l. EYRE-CURPTE 
 
 1S76. 
 
 (29I in. 
 
 3- W : SWINBORNE T : ALLEKER C. W. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD 
 
 FECIT 1806 •{}*f-**f-i' *f'*'t''fti"'{} (32 '"• 
 
 MILES •.-. GRAVE . MADE ;: ME o I68I 
 
 (34 in. 
 
 5. WILLIAM I 
 GARDINER 
 
 MOSS 
 I FECIT 
 
 CHURCH 
 
 1757 
 
 WARDEN 
 
 THO = 
 
 (38 in. 
 
 6. ISAAC 
 
 POTTER 
 
 GARDINER i^ FECIT 
 
 lOHN ^ TAYLER 
 
 1733 
 
 C = W= ^ THO = 
 
 (42 111.
 
 214 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 7. THOMAS ^ GARDINER -»^ SUDBURY ^^ FECIT ^ 1733 
 
 (47 in- 
 
 S. Cn^W BY JOPN W:«R]VER ^' gOjV^ l£€)]VID©I3 
 iPHIg BEIil£ 0:«^'E Ij^ WHE YEHK lt»9a 
 
 O. P. GEEEJVIiE, VIC^J^. 
 J. g, gURRIDGH ^]VD m W. W^B?WICKEl^ diUKCR WHI?DE]V^. 
 
 (49 in- 
 
 Weight of treble, 5 cwt. 3 qrs. ; of tenor, 19 cwt. 3 qrs. 25 lbs., note F. In excellent ring- 
 ing order ; Warner's chiming apparatus. 
 
 The marks on the 3rd recur at A\'altham Abbey, viz., a double triangle, cross Jit chee, cross 
 Calvary, and bell. 
 
 Crosses on 5th and 6th, PI. XXXII., 5 and 7 ; on 7th, PI. XXXII., 5 only. The shield 
 on the latter bell, PL XVIII., 2, is that formerly used by the Brasyers of Norwich, (afterwards 
 by Watts of Leicester and Robert Mot (as at Little Bentley, see p. 69) ; it probably came into 
 Gardiner's hands from the Leicester foundry, but its history between 1640 and 1710 is a blank. 
 
 The old tenor was inscribed 
 
 lAMES BARTLET MADE ME 1692 THOMAS KEBLE ROBERT TOWNSEND 
 
 CHVRCHWARDENS. 
 
 Apparently a ring of six was cast in 1681, of which the 4th is the sole survivor; the 
 thirteen years following were singularly eventful for the history of the ring (see the extracts 
 given below). In May 1874 the bells were rehung by Warner (see Church Bells, 23 May), 
 and in 1876-77 the tenor was recast and two trebles added. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 165): 'six bells.' He also has a note (p. 163) about the old Chapel or 
 Church of St. Nicholas at Little Coggeshall, which has lately (1S97) been restored, to the 
 effect that after the suppression ' the great church was pulled down and the Bells carried to 
 Kelvedon, as tradition says.' Muilman (vi. p. 123) has virtually the same. 
 
 See also Essex Hevieiv, 1893, p. 180, Essex Arch. Trans., i. p. 121, Dale, Annals 0/ 
 Coggeshall, p. 98, and Beaumont, History of Coggeshall, p. 22. The inscriptions on the old 
 ring of six are given (incorrectly) by Lukis, Church Bells, p. 73. 
 
 From the Parish records the following information may be gleaned (see Dale and 
 Beaumont, locc. citt.) " : — 
 
 1681. Nov. 8. Three Bells were 'run' in Mr. Ennow's barn. 
 Dec. 23. In the night three others were 'run.' 
 
 1682. Sept. The sixth and third bells were 'new run' at Colchester. 
 
 ' Mr. Beaumont stales that ihe entries between 1681 and 1694 (which he copies from Dale) are in no e.xisting 
 book of accounts, and the source whence they were copied is unknown.
 
 COGGESHALL COLCHESTER 215 
 
 1683. April. The fifth bell was carried to Colchester and 'there was made thereof a little bell 
 less than the least before.' 
 
 1692. May The great bell was carried to London to Ije 'new shot,' and was brought home 
 
 again in July. 
 
 1693. The fourth bell was carried to Sudbury to be 'new shot,' and the rest were chipped to 
 
 make them tuneable. 
 169I. Jan. The fourth bell was split and carried to Sudbury to be ' new shot ' and brought home 
 about May 7, 1694. Then it was made too small, and was carried back to Sudbury to 
 be recast and made larger, and was brought home about June 18, 1694. This bell was 
 first rung on June 22 in the same year. 
 
 1807. Sept. 10. Payment to John Briant for recasting the then treble, ^17 lo.f. 
 
 1808. April 17. To Thomas Hughes, bill for bells. £1$ 17s. i|(/. 
 18 [3. July 14. Paid the ringers for Lord Wellington, ^r o o. 
 
 July 22. „ „ anniversary. 
 
 Other payments for Battle of Vittoria (Aug. 3), Prince Regent's Birthday (Aug. 12), King's 
 Coronation (Sept. 22), Battle of Leipzig (Nov. 4). 
 18 14. April 7, ringing on entry of Paris by the Allied Forces, and 
 April 9, for the dethronement of Buonaparte. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-knell : tenor used for all over twelve years, smaller bells for children ; the same at 
 funerals. Tellers 3x3 and 3x2. 
 
 The Knell rung 12 or 24 hours after death ; the l)ell then raised and rung as a minute 
 bell for an hour ; the same at funerals. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for 25 minutes ; then tenor raised and rung for five ; ringing for 
 Evening Service, and on all great Festivals. 
 
 We are indebted to the Rev. H. T. W. Eyre, formerly Curate, for much of the above 
 information. 
 
 COLCHESTER. ALL SAINTS. Five bells. 
 
 1. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1610 (28 in. 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1610 (30 in. 
 
 3- "fi RICHARDE (/-^Mv) BOLER (/wder) ME {^""-dcr) FECIT {/•^n/,-r) 
 
 1587 {/'order) 
 
 {Beloiv is a row of arcading ; above and heloiv the inscription, cable inou/dings). (34 in. 
 
 4. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1620 (35 in. 
 
 5. W : M : MAYOR lOHN ; PHILLIPPS W '• C miles . 
 
 GRAVE . MaOE ;-. ME 9 1682 (39 '"• 
 
 ist and 2nd : medium type as at Kelvedon ; date figures similar. 
 
 3rd: Large plain cross (PI. XXIX., i); border between words as at Shalford and Bird- 
 brook (PL XXVIII., 7). 
 
 5th: both large and small types used ; larger letters on s&YioxaXe paterae.
 
 2l6 
 
 THE CHURCH HELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 The bells are said to need re-hanging; they were not in ringing order in 1904. Tenor 
 
 12 cwt., note G. 
 Morant (p. 118): 'five Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. J19) the same. 
 Essex Revieii\ 1893, p. 182. 
 No customs, apparently. 
 Thanks to Rev. G. G. Brown, Vicar. 
 
 COLCHESTER. HOLY TRINITY. 
 
 ,. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1633 
 
 Morant, p. ii6: 'Ijut'one Bell.' Muilman (vi. p. 314): 'i bell.' 
 Essex Revieiv, 1S93, p. 1S3. 
 
 COLCHESTER. ST. BOTOLPH. 
 
 I. THOMAS MEAES OF LONDON FOUNDER 1837 
 
 One bell. 
 (32 in. 
 
 One bell. 
 (39 in- 
 
 Weight gf cwt. Church built in 1S37, on the site of a predecessor which had fallen into 
 ruins. 
 
 Essex Review, 1893, p. 1S3. 
 
 In the Corporation Accounts, 17-18 James I. (1620) there appear the following entries: — 
 
 Liveries and cost of Badges paid to the St. Botolph's Ringers 
 
 Work about St. Botolph's Bell i. 5. o. 
 
 Muilman (vi. p. 323) says 'The great bell' (used to be) 'rung every morning and evening, 
 at four and eii'ht.' 
 
 COLCHESTER. ST. GILES. 
 
 I. MG TT WD SE IF 1617 
 
 By Miles Graye; date in smaller type than letters. 
 
 Morant, p. 125 : 'a boarded Building which contains one small Bell.' 
 
 Essex Review, 1893, p. 183. 
 
 One bell. 
 (27 in. 
 
 COLCHESTER. 
 
 ST. JAMES. 
 
 Two bells. 
 
 MILES H GRAYE ^ MADE 
 
 ME fl 1622 
 
 
 THOMAS ^1>^ HARVE Bi CRI5TIVER H BALYES : 
 
 'm 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 CW WH 
 
 (27 m.
 
 o 
 
 CD 
 
 
 Q 
 Z 
 
 N 
 
 Q 
 O 
 O 
 
 S 
 U 
 
 UJ 
 
 O 
 
 + 
 
 N 
 
 < 
 
 u- 
 
 LU 
 CC 
 
 < 
 
 Z 
 
 < 
 
 a. 
 
 CO 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 2 
 
 LU 
 lU 
 
 > 
 
 z 
 
 \A 
 
 < 
 
 UJ 
 
 Z 
 > 
 
 H 
 
 o 
 
 < 
 
 o 
 
 \A 
 
 l/l 
 
 — ] 
 
 >• 
 
 > 
 
 a: 
 
 cu 
 
 X 
 
 X 
 
 /5 
 
 D 
 
 e 
 
 28
 
 2l8 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2. AsNo. J to i622: iha,:~ A%^ THOMAS HARVI CHRISTO= 
 PHER BAVLES CHVRCH WARDENS 
 
 0)1 tlie tiuiist : the arms of tlu- Borough twice. (39,', in. 
 
 'I'lie two stops arc I'l. X.W II., 2 and 3 altfinalcly (cf. Danbury, anil see p. 94); the 
 shield on the waist of the larger is the Borough Arms (a cross humettee ragulce between three 
 crowns), with angels blowing trumpets (?) as supporters (PI. XXXVI). W. H. on ist. = William 
 Ilarbert (see p. 94). 
 
 Morant (p. 120): 'only one Bell besides that on a Turret at the top, for the Clock to 
 strike upon.' This clock-bell is evidently the smaller of the two now in the tower. 
 
 Muilman (\i. p. 320) : ' i bell.' Essex Review, 1893, p. 183. 
 
 COLCHESTER. ' ST. JOHN EVANGELIST. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1S63, the parish being formed out of seven others. 
 
 COLCHESTER. ST. LEONARU, MVTHE. 5 4- 1 bells. 
 
 I. 10HN = K1RBY H WILLIAM SLINCLK ♦^ C— W H T— G ^ 
 
 FECIT ^1755 {.?2 in- 
 
 2. J3enct)ictum _Sit nomcn noinini «X|| \^^m \^ ^"^ '"• 
 , r*ri u. ... ... ... ^. u; ^ \***] 
 
 ^' 11^ In ffluUis fiimis l^cfouct (S.unp.tn.i loltanuro ♦ \^ (39 ■"• 
 
 4- W * RoWGHT * ^h"* ffiATHEWS * Q" * Wd * Tn" * ^HORNTON * • 
 FtCIT * • * 1719 * 4* 
 
 Re.WEMBBR t ffiv t "Sound * {see pn^'e 217) (42 in. 
 
 5. THO = GARDINER ^ DID ME CAST ^ 1 WILL SlN(i HIS PRAISE TO 
 
 THE LAST 1755 H <t}r (++ '"• 
 
 S. No inscription. (^3 '"■
 
 COLCHESTER 219 
 
 Crosses on ist aiul 5tli, I'l. XXXII., 5, 7. ^ 
 
 2nd: I))' Henry Jordan, with the usual stamps; caj)itals PI. XL, 1-7. 
 
 3rd ; liy Kebyll ; cross IM. VII., 3 ; shield PI. VI., 9 ; capitals PI. V. 
 
 4th : large ornamented initials as at Iladstock. See p. 217. Tenor, 18 cwt., note V. 
 
 The priest's bell lies on the tloorunhimg, with head-stock fixed to it. 
 
 All the bells are clocked ('not in ringing order ' 1904). A sixth hell was sold about 1820, 
 when the tower was rebuilt, traditionally inscribed 'Old Gray made me' (Essex Arch. Trcuis. 
 N.S. ii. p. 353). 
 
 See also Essex RevicK', 1S94, p. 183. 
 
 Death-Knell as soon after death as possible. 
 
 No other customs. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. H. F. \'. Carter, Rector. 
 
 COLCHESTER. ST. MARTIN. One bell. 
 
 I. MILES GRAVE MADE ME i64t (34 ,n 
 
 Morant (p. 115) : 'only one Hell, hanging a little way from the ground.' Muilman (vi. p. 
 313): 'I bell.' 
 
 Buckler, Esse.x Cliiirchcs, p. 130 : 'a solitary bell cast in 1645 rests upon two beams.' 
 
 See Essex Bevieii.', 1893, [). 184. 
 
 Dr. Raven in 1876 noted that the bell was only to be seen from about eight feet above; 
 if so, its position must have been altered since, as it now hangs quite at the toj) of the tower 
 (or what remains thereof). 
 
 At a visitation in 1607 it was reported ' our churchd" with the consent of the parish and of 
 the offic' did take doune ij belles [sold] for the covering of the church.' {Essex Jief/etr, 1906, 
 p. 40). 
 
 COLCHESTER. ST. MARY AT WALLS. One bell. 
 
 >• 'OHN C-T^CiSr^J^C^^ DARBIE *7^S2i^^^?T?^^ MADE 
 
 ^W^^^^l^M^M^^ ^E ♦T^eJSr^^^ 1679 ^W^M^M^^^^ 
 
 lOHN EDLIN THOMAS HOLLISTER CHVRCH WARDINGS 
 
 Below : — CR croivned, surrounded by mantling. (38 in. 
 
 Two types of lettering are used, as fre<[uently on John Darbie's bells ; borders between 
 words with cable-moulding above and below. CR is for Carohis Rex. 
 Note of bell, A flat. 
 Morant, p. 109 : 'There is here but one Bell.' Essex Reviciv, 1S93, p. 184. 
 
 COLCHESTER. ST. MARY MAGDALENE. One bell. 
 
 I. MEARS LONDON 1847 MONTRESOR (20 in.
 
 220 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 By C. and G. Mears ; very small lettering. 
 
 Morant (p. 126): 'one Bell.' Muilnian (vi. p. 326) : ' i bell.' 
 
 Essex Review, 1S93, , p. 184. 
 
 COLCHESTER. ST. NICHOLAS with ST. RUNWALD. 6 + 2 Bells. 
 
 1. THOMAS MEAKS of LONDON FECIT 1803 <:X'WD«0:>»C> (29 in. 
 
 2. ^ James Lovett & Charles White. Chvrch Wardens Thomas Mears of London 
 
 Fecit 1803 (30 in. 
 
 3. Siiuctc lacobc Ora E?ro Hobis 
 
 4. Thomas Mears OF London Fecit 1803 0000« (n in. 
 
 5. BENIAMIN CLAMTREE GEORGE GRAY CHVRCH WARDENS 
 
 1701 (36 in. 
 
 6. + In Multis Annis Resonet Campana lohannis + shield laith lozenge (.see page 17) 
 
 (40 in. 
 Clock Bell. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1829 (22 in. 
 
 Bell formerly at St. Runwald's : — 
 
 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1621 (25 in. 
 
 3rd: By Richard Hille; cross and shield PI. VI., 7 and 8 ; lettering, Bucks, xi. h ; see 
 page 16. 
 
 5th : By Henry Pleasant. 
 
 6th : By Joanna Hille, widow of Richard, as indicated by the lo/.enge over the shield ; the 
 crosses are Surrey, 168, and PI. IV. 13 ; lettering, apparently a combination of Burford's capitals 
 PI. IV.) and Stephen Norton's (PI. V.) uncrowned. See pp. 16, 18. 
 
 The tenor weighs 12 cwt. 
 
 Dr. Raven, who visited the bells in 1876, notes that they were then on the ground while 
 the tower was under repair (? rebuilding, by Sir G. Scott). Since that time they have never 
 been properly hung in the belfry, but the stocks are fixed resting on the frames, so that they 
 hang quite dead ! They have no ropes, and are only chimed by ropes tied to the clappers. 
 The wonder is that they have so long survived. But the tower is said to be unsafe. Mean- 
 while the old half-wheels are lying stacked in a corner of the belfry. The present arrangement 
 
 IS curious : 
 
 6 2 
 
 S 4 
 
 (the unnumbered one being the St. Runwald's bell). 
 
 Morant (p. 117): ' Five bells and a Clock ... on the toji of the Tower there is a small 
 Bell in a lantern, for the clock." Muilman (vi. p. 317): '5 l)ells and a clock with a dial 
 projecting.' Essex Revinv, 1893, P- '83-
 
 COLCHESTER 221 
 
 No customs. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. R. A. J. Hichens, formerly Vicar. 
 
 COLCHESTER. ST. PAUL. One bell. 
 
 ' One bell, cast from a number of Dutch clock bells by two artisans resident in Colchester, 
 who had designed it for the church of their native village in Holland, but difficulties arising as 
 to its transmission, it was sold and hung in the turret of this church ' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. 
 iv. p. 31 ; Essex Revieu\ 1893, p. 185). 
 
 Church built 1842, as a chapel of ease to Lexden ; constituted a separate district in 1849. 
 
 The bell hangs in an open gable-turret, with wheel ; it is very high up, and practically 
 inaccessible. 
 
 In Mr. Tyssen's collection of rubbings, under Colchester, is included one marked ' A bell 
 cast in Colchester, diam. 23 in.' The inscription is 
 
 >J« Gull. Dearn me fecit eolcFjestec iji 1863 
 
 ® 
 
 DolO (sic) 
 
 eiiGlanC* 
 
 Having regard to the statement given above, it seems extremely probable that this 
 represents the bell now at St. Paul's. We may therefore add Mr. William Dearn to the list of 
 Essex bell-founders. 
 
 COLCHESTER. ST. PETER, Eight bells. 
 
 1. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1763 <;D<*>a>«>a>»C> (29 in. 
 
 2. LESTEE & PACK OF LONDON FECIT <D<*X:>i*<T»X'> 1763 (incised) (30 in. 
 3 As lYo. 1. (^i in. 
 
 4. As No. I. (35 in. 
 
 5. As No. I. (38 in. 
 6 LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT <1X<><X^XIX'X> 1763 ^S'^ (40 in. 
 
 7. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON MADE ME IN THE YEAR 1763 ^^ 
 
 Q (44 in. 
 
 S. REV" W- SMTTHIES VICAE ROB' DUKE JA^ ROBGENT CHURCH WARDENS THIS PEAI OF 
 EIGHT BELLS CAST IN 1763 BY LESTER & PACK OF LONDON <o#<x>«<:> (49 in. 
 
 The date on the 2nd is incised; the stamp on the 7th is probably PI. XXXIII., 3.
 
 222 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 cwt. qrs. lbs. 
 
 Weights as stated in the tower : i) 5 3 21 Note E. 
 
 2) 6 2 5 D sharp. 
 
 3) 7 I 4 C sharp. 
 
 4) 8 o 26 B. 
 
 5) 9 ■ >8 A. 
 
 6) 1 1 313 (J sharp. 
 
 7) 14 3 23 F sharp. 
 S) 20 3 o E. 
 
 Morant, p. 112: 'a good ring of eight Bells.' Muilnian (vi. p. 308): 'a good ring of 
 8 bells. Essex Jievie7i', 1893, p. 184. 
 
 The old clock bell or sanctus-bell, formerly on the top of the tower, was sold for church 
 expenses some years ago, and is now at Guisnes Court in ToUesbury Parish, under which heading 
 it is described. It is given in Esse.x Review (Joe. a'/.) under this heading. 
 In the tower is a board recording the following : — 
 
 1882. 
 Tuesday April 26, 
 St. Peter's Colchester. 
 Token of respect to the late Earl of Beaconsfield. 
 12 o'clock. Bells raised silent and muffled. 
 3 to 3.30 o'clock. Tenor bell tolled and muffled. 
 3.30 to 5 o'clock. Muffled peal. 
 5 to 6 o'clock. Peal half-muffled. 
 
 6 o'clock. The late Lord's age (76) struck on Tenor bell muffled. 
 The bells lowered. 
 Also three peal-boards recording four peals of over 5000 changes each 
 The bells are now said to be ' clocked ' and (consequently) several of them cracked. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-Knell 1 2 hours after death, with tolling for an hour ; tellers three strokes for male 
 at three-minute intervals, two for woman, one for child, similarly ; age denoted by consecutive 
 strokes. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed at 8 a.m., rung or chimed for one hour previous to later services. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve ; on special occasions by arrangement. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. C. T. Ward, Vicar. 
 
 COLCHESTER. ST. RUNWALD. Formerly one bell. 
 
 Church pulled down in 1878; bell now at St. Nicholas (ti. v.). 
 
 Morant (p. 114) : ' Here is but one Bell.' Muilman (vi. p. 312) : ' i bell.' 
 
 See Essex Review, 1893, p. 185. 
 
 COLCHESTER TOWN HALL. One bell and five clock-bells. 
 
 m mum mm ^oiiat ^ii atbriir ©larr 
 
 [21 in.
 
 COLCHESTER COLNE, EARL S 223 
 
 By a predecessor of W. Dawe (John Langhorne ?) ; see generally p. 24. The cross here is 
 Herts fig. 7; the small 'laver' shield (PI. X., 6) above, and the smallest set of capitals (PI. 
 VIII.) and minuscules associated with this group. The bell was formerly at the Castle, 
 where it was used for announcing the hour of closing the grounds. See a note by Dr. Raven 
 in Essex Arch. Soc. Trans, for 1898, p. 247, with an amu.sing commentary on the inscription. 
 It is probably as he suggests, necessary to supply CaCC after /IDaciC, a confused reminiscence 
 of the 'Johannes Christi Care' which occurs at Willingale Spain. 
 
 See also Essex Review, 1893, p. 185, where the bell is stated to be at the Town Hall, 
 though at that time it was actually at the Castle. 
 
 The five clock-bells were put up in 1901 at a cost of over ^600 (including the clock); 
 they were given by Mrs. C. H. Hawkins, whose husband was many times Mayor. They are 
 inscribed as follows : — 
 
 Quarter belLs : i. PLACED HERE ON HIGH WE SERVE THE TOWN 
 BENEATH THE CROWN BENEATH THE SKY. 
 
 2. DIFFERING IN SIZE IN NOTE AND WEIGHT 
 YET SMALL OR GREAT WE HARMONIZE. 
 
 3. WITH MEASURED SPEECH WELL TIMED AND TRUE 
 OUR MESSAGE DUE WE TELL TO EACH. 
 
 4. BRIEF CLEAR AND BOLD WE SAY OUR SAY 
 
 AND THEN STRAIGHTWAY OUR PEACE WE HOLD. 
 
 Hour Bell. O MORTAL RACE OUR LESSON LEARN 
 
 EACH HAS HIS TURN AND TIME AND PLACE. 
 
 The bells were cast by Messrs Warner, and the inscriptions composed by Mr. W. Gurney 
 Benham. The arms of the borough appear on each bell, as well as the founder's name and the 
 date. The sizes, weights and notes are as follows : — 
 
 
 
 cwt. qrs. 
 
 lbs. 
 
 
 ■) 
 
 29 in. 
 
 6 I 
 
 
 
 Note F. 
 
 2) 
 
 30 in. 
 
 6 2 
 
 
 
 E. 
 
 3) 
 
 32 in. 
 
 7 I 
 
 
 
 U. 
 
 4) 
 
 38 in. 
 
 10 3 
 
 
 
 A. 
 
 Hour) 
 
 53 ill- 
 
 25 
 
 
 
 D. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1 
 
 902. PP- 
 
 33, 48. 
 
 
 
 COLNE, EARL'S. St. Andrew. 6 + i bells. 
 
 1. C/I^T BY jepN W^RJVEl^ 4 ^OJ^fS IiONDON 1*<69 (3'iin- 
 On the waist : — Royal arms and patent. 
 
 2. The same. (33 in. 
 
 3. The same. ■ (35 in. 
 
 4. The same, (37 in.
 
 224 '^""E CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 5. The same. (40 in. 
 
 6. The same. 
 
 On the waist :— SO TK/ICJl IIS TO ]VilJ»IBKK 0H1< D/IYS 
 
 TP/IT WE M/iY /{PI'ItY OllK HEHRT^S U,\'fO V/ISDOJil (++ in. 
 
 Clock Bell. C^ST BY JOJIJV Y//I1'<]VK1'^ ij >SOJV>S Iie]SID0]VI JS69. 
 
 0« //« r(w;V/ :-{a) TO EVEl<YTJII,\a TflEI^E If? /I f^B^.SejV 
 
 ^JSD ;« TIJJE TO EVERY PQI^POSE U,\'DER KE/1VE]« 
 
 ECCLES. 11 r. I. 
 {b) {Royal Arms) I'ATENT, (21 in. 
 
 Weights and notes : — i) 6 cwt. 2 qrs 22 lbs. D. Clock bell : i cwt. 3 cjrs. 6 lbs. 
 
 2) 7 I 8 C. Note G. 
 
 3) 7 3 6 B flat. 
 
 4) g o 6 A. 
 
 5) II 2 7 (1. 
 
 6) 14 o 15 F. 
 
 These bells replace a ring of six, by Pleasant of Sudbury, with a sanctus bell, the 
 inscriptions on which were as follows (from Mr. Tyssen's rubbings and Dr. Raven's notes) : — 
 
 '• HENRY PLEASANT MADE ME 1704 (3° '"• 
 
 2. No iiiscyiptioii. (32 in. 
 
 3. As No. i. (34 in- 
 
 4. As No. I. (38 in. 
 5- HENRY >)^ PLEASANT ^^ MADE # ME % 1705 (39 '"■ 
 6. As No. I. (45 in. 
 
 5. THO = G.'\RDlNHR + SUDBURY + FECIT 1742 • (18 in. 
 
 T.R.E. 18 Sept. 1552. 'Itm v belles in the steple a sans bell and a hand bell.' (East 
 Anglian N. and Q. N.S. i. p. 207). 
 
 Cole (1744) : ' 6 and a turret for Saint's Bell.' Morant (ii. p. 214): ' Six Bells.' Muilman 
 (vi. p. 201) the same. 
 
 See Essex Jievieit; 1893, p. 235. 
 
 Dr. Raven in 1867 noted of the old ring: 'A deplorable peal, originally a bad casting; 
 all but I and 5 are split.' During the fixing of the new bells the tenor fell 60 feet to the 
 floor below, but injured neither itself nor any person. When Bishop Claughton preached 
 at the reopening of the bells he took for his text the words on the clock bell. This 
 bell has round cannons like the ' Victoria ' bell at Westminster. Dr. Raven also notes that the 
 present tenor has been sharpened by tuning.
 
 colne, earls colne engaine 22^ 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-Knell immediately, 12 or 24 liours after death; three strokes for male, two for 
 female. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed or rung, with tolling for last five minutes. 
 On New Year's Eve a bell is tolled up to midnight, followed by a peal. 
 Ringing for weddings when paid for. 
 A bell rung for a few minutes before Vestry meetings. 
 Thanks to Rev. 1). Methven, \'icar. 
 
 COLNE ENGAINE. St. Andrew. Six bells. 
 
 1. MHARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON. iqo6. 
 
 "GOD BLESS ALL WHOM WE CALL." 
 
 THK QIHT OK J. D. DUMVILLI: BOTTKRKLL 
 
 OF COLNH PARK. CHURCHWARDKN. (26 in. 
 
 2. KEC/l,S'l' UY JOHN W/11>(,\H1»( 4- ;SO]Slfi liOjVDON 1SS2. 
 
 On waist .-PILES ►!< GRAYE ^ TpO : ,SAVIIi : GEjVT. 
 
 ROB: ODDY. K>7(J. (27 '"• 
 
 3 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1624 (28 in. 
 
 4. As No. I. 
 
 ROWLAND B. HILL, RHCTOR. 
 
 •*• R.- walthr-mas"on'"*'''-'-}churchwardens. (3ii in. 
 
 5. As No. 2. 
 
 0>, wais/ :~ JiIIIiEfS GR^YE PHUE PE ](i03 (34 in. 
 
 6. THO— GARDINHR-DID-ME-CAST = 1— WILL- SHNG- HIS— PHAIS— TO— 
 
 THE-LAST ^ i70o M M (37i in. 
 
 The treble is an addition ; the old 3rd (now 4th) was inscribed 
 
 MILES GRaVE MADE :. ME » 1675 (^9i '" 
 
 The inscriptions on the old ist and 4th are reproduced on the new bells; that on the 
 I St was, 
 
 MI 
 
 LES c GRavE r. THO : 5AV1L: GENT 1676 
 
 that on the 4th probably in the same type as at Tollesbury. It is both singular and regrettable 
 that two of Miles Graye^s earliest bells (the other was at Bulmer) should both have disappeared. 
 
 29
 
 226 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 The tenor has both Gardiner's crosses (PI. XXXII., 5 and 7); it is one of his latest 
 bells (cf. Steeple Bumpstead and Danbury), and therefore also his last poetic effort. 
 
 On the old 3rd the i of the date was inverted, and the 5 reversed. 
 
 Dr. Raven noted that the old 4th was a curious instance of rustic bell-tinkering, the 
 :rack being remedied first by rivetting, then by sawing its sides ' to leave it free.' The old 
 ist he noted as '(]uite sound,' its note D. 
 
 Bells rehung in 1882 under Mr. Mallaby's direction, and re-opened in April. (See Church 
 Bells, 6 May, 1882). 
 
 cwt. fjrs. lbs. cwt. qrs. lbs. 
 
 Weights of bells ; i) 3 i 25 4) 5 o 24 
 
 2) 3 2 2 5) 7 o 9 
 
 3) 4 I 2 6) g 2 7 Note G. 
 
 T.R.E. 20 Sept. 1552: ' inventory of the church goods . . . now remaynyng 
 
 . . . and iij bells and a sants bell and another bell late bowght By the p'rishe and Nott yet 
 all payd for.' {JLast An\rlian N. and Q. i. p. 161). 
 
 ' Ite' for the ffeichyng home of a bell whele to Digglot.' {Essex Anh. Trans. N.S. iii. 
 
 p- sO- 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 220): 'five Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 210) the same. Essex Revieic, 1893, 
 
 P- 235- 
 
 Thomas Savill (see old ist) was born in 1640, and was one of a family residing here in 
 the 17th century, afterwards at Colchester (Morant, ii. p. 220). 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-Knell 12 or 24 hours after death ; 3 strokes for male, 2 for female on tenor; same 
 on 3rd for children. 
 
 On Sundays 2nd bell rung at 8 a.m. for five minutes for service on alternate Sundays ; 
 at other services the tenor for ten minutes and 2nd for five. 
 
 Ringing on Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, Easter Day, Whitsunday and Harvest 
 Festival ; for weddings by request. 
 
 Tenor rung for Vestry meetings. 
 
 Gleaning bell at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. discontinued about twenty years ago. 
 
 Many thanks to Rev. R. B. Hill, Rector. 
 
 COLNE, WAKES. All Saints. Three bells. 
 
 '• HENRY "i^ PLEASANT Hit MADE # ME ^.'c 1707 tJcUgmX. 
 
 (29 in. 
 
 2. (iroy ;]7uo"eitinc Sonet In Tinrc ;Dci wja| l^ffi \^ 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 3 MILES GRaVE MADE ME 1662 (32 '"• 
 
 Border alter date on ist, PI. XXXH., 4.
 
 COLNE ENGAINE COPFORD 227 
 
 2nd : by Henry Jordan. 3rd : the usual quatrcfoil stops after the words ajipcar to be 
 • absent here. 
 
 The second is 'a good bell, sounding freely; tenor hardly so large as 2nd, and has 
 been sharpened too much by chipping ; a poor rough casting.' (J. J. Raven). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 224): '3 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 213) the same. 
 
 See £sst'x Revietv, 1893, p. 235, and Essex Arch. Traits. N.S. iii. p. 73. 
 
 The following items are from ' the accounts of John Keable one of the Churchwardens 
 of Colne Wake for the yeare 1697 ' : — 
 
 paid for putting a stay on to one of the beels o i 
 
 paid John Knight for mendinge the beels o 
 
 paid for halfe a pinte of oyle to use about the bells o 
 
 paid natt wenden for mendinge the beels o 
 
 paid for two collers and trussinge the bells o 
 
 COLNE, WHITE. St. Andrew (.') 
 
 1. CAJ5T BY JOPJV WAI-^JVER ^ ?0]V[f> Ii6]SID0]VI 187S. 
 
 2. RECAST BY jeHJV WARJVER .5- f5G]V!>S IcejVDOlV ISSO. 
 
 Up to 1878 there had only been one bell for many years; there are however traditions, 
 doubtless correct, of there having been more. They were probably sold for funds to repair 
 and ' beautify ' the church. The present framework is new. 
 
 Weight of new bells: 3 cwt. 2 qrs. 21 lbs. (note G) and 6 cwt. 3 qrs. 8 lbs. (note C). 
 
 T.R.E. ' Itm, iij bells' . . . (sold) 'a hand bell wayng xiij'' w' the KnepuU at ij'' y~ 
 powd iij' ij'.' {East Anglian N. and Q. N.S. ii. p. 245, iii. p. 28). 
 Morant (ii. p. 216) : 'one bell.' Muilman (vi. p. 206) the same. 
 See Essex Jievietc, 1893, p. 236. 
 
 COOPERSALE. St. Alban. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1852 ; parish formed out of Theydon Gernon. In the tower is one bell 
 supplied by G. Mears & Co. in 1863, weighing 4 cwt. 14 lbs. 
 
 COPFORD. St. Michael and All Angels. Three bells. 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 
 I I 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 Two bells 
 
 
 (25J 'n- 
 
 
 (32}, in. 
 
 Sum Y{m\ ©iilfintii CQuiuli I^aicrina Uo rata (see page 29) 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 DT '^ LW ^ DOG ^ FEARE I 5 Z i' | 
 
 (39 '"■
 
 228 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 ist: by Henry Jordan; cf. Buttsbury. 2nd: by John Bird; cross PI. X., .^ ; large 
 capitals PI. X., 5, 7, 8, and fine minuscules; above the inscription, three laver-shields. 3rd: 
 by Thomas Draper and William Land, the latter of whose initials appear on the first bell 
 in the inscription ; the marks are the Bury crown and arrows, a floral pattern after the DT, 
 a bell, an inverted cup, and a fleur-de-lys (see PI. XXVI.). Note that the founders' initials 
 and the word GOD are reversed. The lettering is Stephen Tonne's, and these two appear 
 to have been working in conjunction with him ; see p. 79. 
 
 T.R.E. ' Itm thre bells in the steple and a sancf bell.' {East Anglian N. and Q., N.S. 
 i. p. 161). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 196): 'three bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 173) the same. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1893, p. 181, and Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 73. 
 Dr. Raven in 1876 found the bells difficult of access and the ladders rotten. 
 
 CORNISH HALL END, see Finchingfield. 
 
 CORRINGHAM. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 .aohn: :mcr: maBe: nnr. 
 
 1580 
 
 OH//«a'«n/.— RICHARD CHAMPION ESQVIER (33 •"• 
 
 2. THOMAS BARTLET MADE THIS BELL 1629 (jQ (36 in. 
 
 3. GOD BE MY GOOD SPEED 1617 ( ffjB j (39* in 
 
 ist : Cf. Barling, etc. ; inscription on waist in thin sieni Roman letters (cf. Stock 2nd). 
 
 3rd by Thomas Bartlet ; the trade-mark is PI. XXV., i ; cf. Ramsden Grays, and 
 see p. 74. Smaller and rougher type than on 2nd. Richard Champion (ist bell) was 
 owner of the manor of Hassingbrook, 1568-99, and nephew of Sir Richard Champion, Lord 
 Mayor of London 1565. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 242) : ' 3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 115) the .same. 
 
 Palin, Stifford and Neighbourhood, p. 128 (from King's notes). 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Passing bell after death as soon as notice given ; three for man, two for woman, followed 
 by age. 
 
 Bell tolled at funerals during the procession. 
 
 The bells used to be rung every hour on Sunday ; now a bell is rung at 8 a.m. when 
 Holy Communion is after Mattins. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. J. Greatheed, Rector. 
 
 CRANHAM. All Saints. Three bells. 
 
 '. lo^annee .Eef i2omen Eiue ^ ^H ^^ (mJ '"•
 
 COPFORD DAGF.NHAM 229 
 
 "■■ ^^ Io5annc0 ^ef f-orcn Etue T WjBB (27^ in. 
 
 3. ^Sancta fxixc ora Pro iloWj (gg) (^3* LbJ {in in 
 
 ist and 2nd by John Danyell, whose initials appear on the 2nd ; the crosses on ist are 
 PI. XII., 8 and 9, and the former appears on the other two; Royal Arms on ist and 2nd; 
 3rd by Henry Jordan. An interesting untouched Pre-RL(;rmation ring, all dating from about 
 1460. The capitals are the same on all (PI. XI., 1-7). 
 
 T.R.E. 3 Oct. 1552. ' Furst iij bells contaynyinge by estemacion in weight xviij' li.' 
 {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 171). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 105) : '3 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 379) the same. 
 
 Death-Knell same day before sun-down. 
 
 On Sundays before early celebration chiming for five minutes, tolling for five ; chiming 
 (or other services off and on for 25 minutes, then tolling for five. 
 
 Chiming on New Years Eve (after midnight) ; also for weddings. 
 
 The bells are not hung for ringing and can only be chimed. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. C. J. R. Cooke, till recently Rector. 
 
 CRESSING. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 I. THO = GARDINER ^ SVDBVRY •$- FECIT ^ 1737 
 
 Between the words, a small fleur-de-lys. 
 
 No Inventories ; no mention of bells in Morant or Muilman. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1897, p. 145. 
 
 Death-knell rung 24 hours after death ; usual ' tellers.' 
 
 Gleaning bell in harvest time rung at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. C. H. Bond, vicar. 
 
 CRICKSEA. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 I. THOs MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1799 (l7in- 
 
 T.R.E. I Oct. 1552. 'CRVXHK. ij belles wayt by estimatyon vj c. li.' {Essex Arch. 
 Trans, v. p. 236). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 363): 'no steeple, nor any Bell, unless one.' So Muilman (v. p. 335): 
 'There is neither steeple nor bell.' 
 
 Thanks to Mr. Miller Christy. 
 
 DAGENHAM. SS. Peter and Paul. Six bells. 
 
 1. THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1804 <CX«G:»'X:> (30 in. 
 
 2. The same, (32 in.
 
 230 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3. The same. (^^ in. 
 
 4. THOMAS MEAKS of LONDON FECIT 1804 >0000 (36 in. 
 
 5. As No. 4. (39 in. 
 
 6. REVi. HENRY MORICE ViCAR JOHN GASCOYNE FANSHAW JOHN TYLER ESQks MESSks 
 
 W>| Ford jas Armstrong Phoebus grigg : 
 
 On the -vahl .— RoBt BRITTAI>f JOHN BURLEY H^ HUNSDON THO TWYFORD LANCELOT TUCK 
 
 John biggs John Dangerfield ch. wardens oO<K> 
 
 (Bcio7v:—) John Hopkins Dare Christopher Tyler esqi- Treasurers: trustees 
 appointed by an Act of i^R« geo: 3d for the .:• 
 
 (Ifd/ine:—) MORE EFFECTUALLY REPAIRING THE PARISH CHURCH OF DAGENHAM ESSEX 
 
 Sterry Solicitor . : • t. mears Fecit 1804 israi (43 in. 
 
 Tenor 13 cwt., Note F. On the sth the word Tuck is incised. 
 
 T.R.E. 3 Oct. 1552. ' Bell mettall. It'm. Remeynynge in our church iiij bells wyth a 
 lytyll sance bell and a cloke strykyng upon the grett bell the gret bell weying by estymacyon 
 xij' 
 
 the thyrd bell weying by estymacyon x'= 
 
 the seconde bell weying by estymacyon viij"^ 
 
 the treble bell weying by estymacyon vj*^ 
 
 the lyttyll sance weying about xxx'' 
 (Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 249). 
 See Shawcross, //is/, of Dagenham, pp. 39, 44, 55. 
 
 The Rev. Henry Morice (see tenor), of St. John's Coll. Oxf., B.A. 1798, was instituted in 
 
 1801, rebuilt the church, and resigned in 1807 (see Shawcross, p. 87). Of the Trustees and 
 others mentioned on the same bell we learn the following from Mr. Shawcross' History :— 
 
 John Gascoyne Fanshawe died 1803, aged 57 ; buried in the church. 
 
 John Tyler of Mawneys died 1807, aged 89. 
 
 William Ford, farmer, died 1825, leaving ^10,000 to found a free Church School. 
 
 John Hopkins Dare died 1805 aged 23 ; tenant of Valence. 
 
 Wasey Sterry, a solicitor of Romford and steward of Barking Manor, had much to do 
 
 with the re-building of the church. 
 ' Bell House Field ' is a field-name here. 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 DANBURY. St. John Baptist. Five bells. 
 
 I. THO = GARDINER ^ SVDBURY ^ ^Jr ^ FRCIT •^ •^ 
 W 1759 (30 in.
 
 Dagenham — Danbury 231 
 
 2. c. & g. mears founders london 1856 (32 i". 
 
 3- 
 
 MILES GRAVE MADE ME i64t (35 ^ 
 
 THO = GARDlNER ^ SUDBURY FhCIT 1759 lOHN BELCHER ^ 
 lOHN NICHOLS 1^ C W (38 i"- 
 
 5- 
 
 MILES M GR AYE ^ MADE 
 ME M 1622 
 
 (40 in. 
 
 Rehung 1885 by H. Bowell of Ipswich, ist and 4th are nearly the latest bells we have 
 from Gardiner (crosses PI. XXXII., 5, 7). The stops on the 5th (PI. XXVII. , 2, 3) also 
 occur at St. James', Colchester. 
 
 Mr. Tyssen notes that the old 2nd was inscribed ' Robertiis Motus fecit me 1575,' one of 
 the earliest known bells by this founder. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 30); '5 bells.' Muilman (i. p. 185) the same. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1893, pp. 28, 30, 1897, p. 253. 
 
 ' An ancient charity happily e.xists here for [inter alia) the reparation of the church ; the 
 following payments were made from the funds : — ' 
 
 1603. Clapper made to Great Bell, etc. 012 8 
 
 161 1. All the bells rehung (cost not stated) 
 
 1622. Work by ' Gray bellfounder ' and others 23 19 o 
 
 1694. Bellfounder's bill for treble bell 756 
 
 1695. Bellfounder's bill 5 17 10 
 1760. Paid for new running the bells 456 
 1856. Mears for recasting 2nd bell 15 16 8 
 
 Bright for rehanging the same 5 on 
 
 A writer in the Gentleman s Magazine, (Nov. 1896, p. 479) contributes the following, — 'The 
 devil had a .special animosity against the sth bell of the peal, and for long no Danbury man 
 would ever ring it. It seems that this took the place of a bell which the devil stole from the 
 tower, but as often happens, he had to drop what he was carrying, and the place where it fell 
 is called Bell Hill Wood, and there it is believed to be hidden to this very day.' (See also ihid. 
 p. 477 and Essex Review, 1897, p. 253). 
 
 DANBURY PALACE. 
 
 We are indebted to the kindness of the Rev. H. T. W. Eyre of Great Totham for informa- 
 tion about the three bells which remain here. On the house itself is a bell of 2ii in. diameter, 
 bearing merely the date 1778; this is known as the 'dinner bell.' On the stable is a clock 
 bell of 15 in. diameter, with the date 1783. The chapel bell, which is almost certainly modern, 
 dating from the time of the rebuilding in 1832, has neither inscription nor date ; the diameter 
 is i8i in. 
 
 In the Essex Reviem, 1892, p. 237, it is stated that the 'great bell' of the Palace was 
 transferred from the old mansion erected by Sir W. Mildmay in the i6th century to the ne\Y
 
 232 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 huildiug. None of the present bells can claim the title of 'great bell,' but if any is intended it 
 must be the dinner-bell : in any case it had been recast since Mildmay's time. 
 
 DEBDEN. St. Mary. 1 + i bells. 
 
 I. THO-^ MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1802 THIS-BELL-WAS-RECAST-AT-THE-EXPENSE-OF" 
 
 The-Patroness The 
 ^^/o«';-rector-And-The-Parish-In-The-Year-Of-Our-Lord-1802-Gloria-Deo 
 
 (+4 in- 
 
 S. RM Bought Anno Kirby Hall 
 
 Trench C'liswei! Esq'' Removed me to Debden 1786 (22 in- 
 
 ist : A fine bell ; all after the first date is incised in neatly-cut letters. 
 
 Smaller bell: A fourteenth century bell with ornamented cannons; no inscription band; 
 the inscription incised upon it at the time of its erection in this tower (cf. the name and date 
 on the church font). 
 
 The bells are oddly hung in the two stages of the tower, which is built on the roof of the 
 nave at the west end ; both hung dead to beams and struck by ropes attached to the clappers ; 
 they are much hemmed in Ijy beams etc., and difficult to examine properly, being only 
 approachable from outside. 
 
 The smaller one is used for ' ringing in ' for the last five minutes before services ; it is said to 
 be cracked. In the inscription the initials R. M. (for Richard Muilman, belong to the name 
 Trench Chiswell. ' Apparently he purchased the bell at Kirby Hall, his kinsman Richard 
 Muilman's residence at Castle Hedingham ; he was the owner of Debden Hall, and erected the 
 tower and chancel, renovating the church generally, about 1786. He took the names of Trench 
 Chiswell in addition to his original name Richard Muilman ; and was High Sheriff of the 
 county in 1776. (See Essex Revieiv 1896, p. 115). 
 
 Cole in his MS. collections (Brit. Mus. Add. 5806 fol. 31) says: 'The Steeple fell down in 
 Aug. i6y8.' In his drawing (i 745) no steeple of any kind is visible. He says the old tower 
 ' had 5 bells in it, all w"^'' are now placed at y' bottom of y' S. Isle. But the Archdeacon in 
 his last \'isitation left orders with y' Parishioners to get a Steeple erected that 2 of y' Bells 
 might be put up for y use of y Parish, who have been accustomed to be without any ever 
 since y" Fall of y' Tower.' 
 
 Muilman (ii. p. 396) says ' The tower hath not been rebuilt ; the 5 bells belonging to it 
 are placed upon the ground at the west end of the church, and three of them are so much 
 damaged by their fall as hardly to be of service.' Morant gives no additional information. 
 
 T.R.E 5 Oct. 1552. 'iij belles in y steple by estimacon of 1' a sanctus bell and ij hand- 
 belles of iiij" li. weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). See also Essex Hfviav, 1895, p. 187 (imperfect 
 descriptions). 
 
 Very many thanks to Rev. Canon Fisher, formerly Rector. 
 
 'The inscription is, I think, susceptil)le of another reading. The initials I\. M. are impossible to see and 
 dift'icult to feel, and a writer in the Essex AVr'iViw (1899, p. 23) maybe correct in his reuling P. M. If so, the bell 
 would have been bought by Peter Muilman (the historian) and only removed to Debden by Richard. (H. B. \V).
 
 DEBDEN DEDHAM 233 
 
 The following contract relating to the casting of the 2nd bell by Roger- Keve of Ikiry Si. 
 Edmunds (see p. 52) in 1533, is given in the East Anglian N. and Q. ii. p. 25, and ([uoted by 
 Dr. Raven, Cam/is. p. 37. 
 
 The condicon of this obligacon is suche that if the meane belle wliic he the w' inbound Roger 
 Re%'e hath made newe to the p'isshc Cluirch of Depden in the- Countie of Essex dure p'sever and 
 abide save and holl in towne Soundc and metall Well and sufficiently concordyn},' to the other belle 
 of the said Churche be on holl yeer and one day immediatly folowing aft' the Date w' inwriten ihat 
 then this p'sent obligacon to be void. .'\nd if it happen the said meane 15elle to discorde or bieke 
 through defaute of woorkmanship w'in the said yeer and on day Then the said Roger or his ass gnes 
 Agen shall make or cause to be made or chaunge the saide meane belle, untill the saide meane Belle 
 be sufficient in concord to the other Belle of the saide church. And the w' innamed WiU'm'WiU'm 
 and Richard or they' assignes shall carie and recarie the said meane belle from Depden forsaid to 
 bury Saint Edmonds, and agayn from Bury to Depden as often as nede shall be. And the said 
 Roger to content and pay for the cariage of the same meane belle. And the w' innamed William 
 Will'm and Richard or their assignes shall take up and downe the said meane bell out and into the 
 Steple of the said Churche, And Sett it in the churche yard ther redy to the carte as often as nede 
 shall be at their p'pre coste and charge. Moreov' it is agreed between the said p'ties that if the said 
 meane belle be more in pondes whan it is now new yoten than it was before, then the said Will'm 
 Will'm and Richard or one of them to content and pay to the said Roger Aft' the Rate of .\xxj-. the 
 hundred of v"" and xij to the hundred ; And if it waye lesse, the said Roger to content and pay to 
 the said Will'm Will'm and Richard Aft' the Rate of xv,f. the hundred aft' the same waight or ells 
 this p'sent obligacon to stond in full strength and (use ?) 
 
 On the other side is written : — 
 
 Nov'int univ'si p'sentes me Rog'um Reve de Bury sc'i Ed'i in Com' Suff. clothear teneri & 
 firmit' obligari WiU'mo West de Depden in Com' Esse.x Gentilman Will'mo Byrde et Ric'o hamond 
 de ead'm yomen in quadraginta libr' Sterlingor" Solvend' eisd'n Will'o Will'o et Ric'o seu eor' attorn' 
 .... vel execut' et assign' suis Ad festum nativit's Sc'i Joh' is Bap'te p'xfutur' post dat .... Ad 
 c|uam quid'm Solvend' bene et fidelit' faciend' obligo me hered' & e.xecut' meos pp'sent Sigillo 
 meo Sigillat'. Dat' Decimo octavo die Junij Anno regni Regis henrici Octavi Vicesimo quinto. 
 
 DEDHAM. St. Mary. Eight bells. 
 
 1. AD = BARNS VICKER ^ M« = GRlMWOC)L) ^ T = G ^ FECIT 1754 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 2. lOHN SANNDERS ^ ♦^ WILLIAM ^ CROSS C = W 1754 (agin. 
 
 3. THOMAS ^ GARDINER SUDBURY ^ FHCIT '^ •^ H 
 
 1754 4^ 4? *$* ^^' '"• 
 
 4. THO = GARDINER ^ || SUDBURY "^ "^ ^ FECIT ^ 
 
 •^ 1754 (3+ in. 
 
 30
 
 234 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 5. THOMAS <^ GARDINER ^ ^ SUDBURY FECIT ffi B| ^ 
 
 •^ 1754 (38 in. 
 
 6. 4^ lit jPiillts JJuitts %sou6l Caiiipaitn lo^auuis (40 in. 
 
 7 cin lOHN cip HVDSON rh C ch W ch 
 lOHN Ofc? DARBIE (JQ MADE ^ PAE cJQ 
 
 I 675 (45 in. 
 
 8. ROB^ » FREMAN « ED^' .i- SHERMAN « CH it: WARDENS ^ * lOHN » THORNTON 
 Sjf SUDBURY « FECIT 1717 fT- * (48 in. 
 
 Tenor 20 cwt., note E. The first five by Gardiner (crosses PI. XXXII., 5, 7); 6th by 
 Robert Burford (cf. N. Benfleet, etc.); cross PI. VII., 6 ; W. Burford's capitals (see PI. IV., 
 Figs. II, 12, 14)- 
 
 7th: This bell is something of a curiosity; the founder's name is clear enough, but the 
 letters are undoubtedly John Hodson's (largest set as at dreat Waltham), as is also the fleur- 
 dclys (PI. XXXI., 4). To add to the puzzle, the churchwarden's name curiously resembles 
 that of the last-named founder ! As Hodson was still founding at the time, it is not easy to 
 siee how Darbie got hold of his lettering. 
 
 The Rev. Adam Barnes (ist bell) was Vicar 1733-1759. 
 
 T.R.E. 9 Sept. 1552. 'It V bells weying VI score hundred and one and odd.' 
 (Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 50). 
 
 Another entry says: 'We payde to fathare hasnete & John Smethe fore makengc 
 oware chymes & cloke liij' 4'' 
 
 ' We payde for . . . mendeng oware belle stokes iK; bawdrekes & wyre for y° cloke 
 & chymes & new bell ropes xxiij* ix** 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 248) : ' 8 large tunable bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 250) the same. 
 
 Essex Revieiv, 1893, p. 231. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Gleaning bell during Harvest. 
 
 Death-Knell : tenor for adults, treble for infants, 2nd or 3rd for children of two or three 
 years ; tellers T,y. 2, and 3x2; age not tolled except by request. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for 15 minutes, and then tenor tolled; on high festivals 
 chiming from 7.30 to 7.45 ; a bell at 3 a.m. on Sundays and Tuesdays. 
 
 Chiming on New Year's Eve ; ringing for weddings by request, and sometimes on 
 anniversaries, etc. 
 
 A bell rung for vestry meetings. 
 
 In the belfry are six peal-boards, but nothing remarkable recorded (see C/iun/i Bells, 5 
 Oct. 1872). Ringing was stopped about twenty years ago by the advice of the late Mr. J. T. 
 Micklethwaite. architect, owing to the unsafe condition of the tower, 
 
 Thanks to Rev. C. A. Jones, formerly Vicar,
 
 DeDHAM — DODDlNGHURST 23$ 
 
 DENGIE. St. James. Two bells. 
 
 I. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1849 (25 in. 
 
 o>i i/ie waisi .-—Swc ©3o»na6 jl^rpe t(cftetg (27 in. 
 
 Larger bell by Thomas Bullisdon ; capitals, PI. XI., 1-7; cross Pi. XII., 9; shield PI. 
 XII., 7. 
 
 VEKERY obviously = ' Vicar ' ; but there is no record of any such name in Morant or 
 Newcourt, nor anywhere in Essex. 
 
 Bells in open turret, difficult of access. 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. 'ffyrst iij bells whiche wae by estimac' ix hunderd.' {Essex Arch. 
 Trans, v. p. 232). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 370): '2 Bells.' MuiUnan (v. p. 350) tie same. 
 Thanks to Messrs. Miller Christy and C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 DODDINQHURST. All .Saints. Three bells. 
 
 I. + 3An(JTe nii^OLAI ORA pro nOBI^ + s/neld (see page 45). 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 
 2. RICH y, NICHOLES l\ AND \'^ GESSE ][ GRAVE :;>X« CHVRCH 
 
 WARDENS '' JAMES ^'a-'^'-"- "'-w'-^^' 
 2«</ //W,- .— BAGLEY f: FECIT ][ 171L' !^:< (35 i". 
 
 3 Robert ♦ Mot ^ ma&c ♦ me j^ 1578 ♦ <dlV> 
 
 Incised :— ADC (S^i in. 
 
 ist: By Thomas Lawrence: lettering as at Leaden Roothing (PI. XV.); the crosses 
 and shield (PI. XIV., 5) occur at Laindon Hills. See p. 44. 
 
 2nd : See p. 129. 
 
 3rd : Very ornate minuscules and ' rustic ' capitals : four varieties of stops ; see p. 70. 
 
 Morant and Muilman nothing. 
 
 There is a field named ' Bell Clough ' here (Essex Arch. Trans, vi. p. 62), or, according to 
 the Rector, ' Bell Rope Piece.' 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-Knell with tellers, 3x3 for man, 3x2 for woman, 3x1 for child. On Sundays
 
 236 THE CHURCH BELLS Oi' ESSE)i 
 
 bells chimed for services; small bell tolled forlasffive minutes. Ringing on New Year's Eve ; 
 for weddings by request ; and on ' very special occasions.' 
 
 A bell tolled occasionally for Vestry meetings. 
 
 (jleaning bell formerly. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. F. A. Adams, Rector, and to Mr. Miller Christy. 
 
 DONYLAND, EAST. St. Lawrence. One bell. 
 
 I'here is one small modern bell, cast about 1900, and replacing one which dated from the 
 time of the erection o."" the present church in 1837, and which had been broken. It hangs in a 
 small brick turret over the north door, and is quite inaccessible from within and invisible from 
 without. 
 
 The Rector, Rev. J. M. Easterling, kindly informs us that the bell of the old church was 
 stolen about 1S34, and was supposed to have been sunk in the Mill Creek, then taken away to 
 the west of England and sold. His informant, the son of the old clerk, is 84 years of age, and 
 when a boy of ten tolled the old bell, which ' was in a place like a chimney.' 
 
 T.R.E. 'It. iij bellys.in the stepyll.' ' A sance bell and ij lytell hand bellys'sold to a 
 brasier in Colchester. (I\<ist Aiix/iaii X- and Q., N.S. ii. j). 208; Essex Arc/i. Tiaiif, N.S. 
 lii. p. 44). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 187) ; ' At the west end a liule turret containing one Bell.' Muilman (vi. 
 1). 159): ' I bell.' 
 
 DOVERCOURT. All Suint.s. (Two bells. 
 
 ..* PRK82iE * TME * LORDE 
 
 (33 "1- 
 
 ,. ^ n^. 4- iPTTT.oTS 4- "HfifilS 4- J^T.KOfiH^ 4- m\\}.fWn 4- 
 I01iH:O.fii:S (4° in. 
 
 ist: The earlit-st known bell by Robert Mot; see p. 67. The 'rustic' capitals (PI. 
 XXII.) also occur at Mai^dak-n Lavcr and Theydon Bois : for the bell-and-crown stamp cf. 
 Sedlescombe, Sussex, and Winibk-don ; for the ' three bell ' shield (PI. XVIII., 2), Mot's bells 
 at Little Hentley. 
 
 2nd: By William lUnford : ciosses PI. IV., 13 and Kent, 5(7; lettering PI. IV., 11-15. 
 
 T.R.E. 23 Sept. 1552. ' Inpriiiiis in tin- steplc iiij (Create Bells.' {Essex Arch. Trans. 
 
 N.S. iii. p. 57)- 
 
 Morant (i. p. 49S) : '5 Pells.' Muilman (vi. [). 93) the same. 
 
 Essex Review 1893, p. 107 ; Bloom, Heraldry and Inicrrn. of Tendring Hundred, p 109. 
 
 St. Augustine is a Chapel of-Ease, consecrated 1884.
 
 bobDiNOHURST — dL'nMow i37 
 
 bOWNHAM. St. Margaret. I'our bells. 
 
 I. THOMAS •$• GARDINER ^ FECIT ^ 1723 •••••• (24 in. 
 
 2., 0)1 the croti'v : — I 6 ^ 1 
 
 lOHN CLiARKE n^ADE THIS BELib t^S si" 
 
 3. THO = GARUINHR ^ SUUBUKV ^ FECIT «^ 1723 ^ • • 
 
 "' (28 in. 
 
 4. MILES :■. GRHYE MADE ;: ME •.. 1677 (30 in. 
 
 ist: The fleur-de-lys and first cross resemble those used by R. Phelps (p. 134). The 
 other cross is PI. XXXIT, 5. The coins on ist and 3rd are Queen Anne's; that on the 
 3rd is dated 17 12; all are remarkably clear impressions. Note the square U on the 3rd 
 
 (P- 125)- 
 
 Old triangular frames. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed by the sexton holding all four ropes, for about 25 minutes, 
 foUoweil by tolling for five minutes ; also a iiell rung for early celebrations at 8 a. m. 
 Ringing (?) for weddings. 
 
 The framework is said to be insecure, so that the bells cannot be rung. 
 Thanks to Rev, C. E. S. Ratcliffe, Rector. 
 
 DUNMOW, GREAT. St. Mary. Six bells. 
 
 1. THE COMORD OF MENS ^ MIND PRODVCED ME LIOlE 
 
 2W /,«..- TO ITSELFE PERFECT IN HARMONY v '67I I D (32 '"• 
 
 2. No inscription, (34 in. 
 
 3 lOHN itW^T^^SM^.'^ DARBIE ♦T^C^ji^?^^ MADE 
 
 ^i^^t^C^^MoL^ ME ♦T^CjI^i^^???^^ '^73 (36 in. 
 
 4 lOHN ♦T^^Qj^^^^ DARBIE <^1^QM^^^^^SS^<^ MADE 
 
 {39 ''•>•
 
 23S TriE CriURCH BELLS Of ESSEX 
 
 5. Ou the aowti, above the cross, a coat of arms. 
 QvE SONITV DISCORS PVLSAT CAMPANA REFECTA ^ 
 
 SvMPTIBVS ^NDREE EST ^HRYSOQVNES QVE IeNOVR 1613 PjQ 
 
 (See p. 217). (45 in- 
 
 6. REV. W. L. SCOTT. VICAR. J. C. BARNARD AND D. CARTER, CHURCH 
 WARDENS. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON. RECAST 1879. 
 
 (50 in. 
 
 Weight of new tenor, 22| cwt. Its predecessor was inscribed : — 
 D: ROOTT & SAM PILBROW CARPINTERS T: LESTER MADE ME 1741. 
 
 isf. by John Darbie; COMORD of course = CONCORD; date from the larger 
 alphabet which occurs on the 3rd and 4th. 
 
 5th: by Robert Oldtield ; small thick lettering as at White Roothing, with fine large 
 Gothic capitals as initials, originally u.sed by Robert Burford, as at Ardleigh and Romford 
 (see pp. 15, 108 and Bucks, pi. x). The initial cross (PI. VI., 5) is also found with those letters 
 at the same places. For a similar bell cf. the 7th at Lincoln Cathedral, dated 1606, with the 
 same inscription as at Ardleigh (not certainly by R. Oldfield). The second cross is 
 Oldfield's ordinary one (PI. XXX., 5) ; the shield is PI. XXX., 3. The coat-of-arms \s /enoitre : 
 az., a cross patonce between four fleur-de lys, or impaling Smythe : sa., a fess between 
 three saltires couped, or. ' The word PVLSAT must be translated as equivalent to 
 pulsabat, ' used to strike.' Round the sound-bow is a plait-band, used also by James 
 Keene (see Bucks, p. 165). 
 
 The Tenoures, formerly of Stonham Aspall in Suffolk, became possessed of the estate of 
 Bigods in the sixteenth century. The Andrew who gave the 5th bell was father of Kenelm, 
 created a baronet in 1628. He married Chrysogona Smith of Campden, Gloucs., and died 
 Dec. 1622, aged 84. (See Visitation of Essex, i. p. 222). 
 
 The Rev. W. L. Scott (see tenor) was Vicar from 1863 to 1888. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 427) : '6 Bells." 
 
 ' .See also East A>ti(lian N. and Q. i. pp. 98, 122. 
 
 ' Some additional referfnces lo ihe accDunl are giveji al lliis reference, but unfortunately the 
 
 dates are not indicated. €■ s. d. 
 
 Tlie carriage of tlie liclls from London cost ....... 22 
 
 For making a new floor and a new liell frame and new wheels, etc. . . . 6124 
 
 For making of a harness for a bell and for mending much of the old iron. . . 76
 
 DUNMOW 239 
 
 See Essex An/i. Trans, ii. p. 234, and W. T. Scott, Antiijuities of an Essex Parish (1873). 
 The latter work gives the inscriptions on the bells (p. 11), and various extracts from the 
 Churchwardens' Accounts, which cover the period 1527-1621 (pp. 11, 40, 54). The 
 earliest allusion to the bells is in 1527 : an item for ' tymber for the clochatt to say (?) y' pesyd 
 bell in,' and another for a workman's board while ' the bell was a pesynge.' It is possible 
 that this ' clochatt ' alludes to a wooden turret on the top of the tower in which a clock-bell (?) 
 was hung. A little bell now at the mission room at Philpot End used, it is said, to liang on 
 the top of the tower. That this was not the sanctus bell seems probable from the existence of 
 a bell-cote on the east end of the nave. The bell in question ' is inscribed : — 
 
 J. EDWARDS & I. Barnard Churchwardens 1804; 
 
 It is probably by Thomas Mears, and the diameter is about 16 inches. 
 
 In 1529 the bells were sent to London to be ' new shot ' (by Thomas Lawrence?) From 
 that time onward there appear to have been six, with the sanctus ; unfortunately the Edwardian 
 Inventories are wanting. Another entry of about the same date runs ; 
 
 ' Item for lyne for the Sakeiyng bell and for y; chapell bell ' 
 
 the latter probably referring to the chapel then existing at Bishop's \Vood. In 1548-51 we 
 learn that the bells were still rung on All Soul's Day and at night on All Saint's Day. In 
 1592 there are entries for 
 
 'Making of y"= bell stocke and the sance bell whele and for mendinge the bell clapper and the 
 sance bell.' 
 
 In 1613 a church rate was levied to ])ay for the recasting of a bell — not the present 5th, 
 for that was given by the Jenoures ; it may be the present 2nd. 
 
 In 1598 (Scott, p. 64) there is a memorandum of the duties of the .Sexton to the effect that 
 he is to ring ' passinge Knelles ' and ' to ringe courfewe from Michelmas till our Ladye daye at 
 eighte at nighte and fower in the morninge.' 
 
 At Bell House in this town there is said to be a bell by Brian Eldridge of Chertsey (see 
 page 107). 
 
 DUNMOW, LITTLE. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 I. THO = GARDINER ^ FECIT ^ ^ «^ 1729 ^ ,, jn. 
 
 The cross is PI. XXXII., 5. 
 
 Dugdale, Monasticum Anglicamim, vi. p. 148, says with reference to the old Priory 
 here : — 
 
 1 501. Decinio die mensis August! omnes quinque campanae consecratae sunt in campanili 
 ecclesiae beatae de Dunmowe. 
 
 'For the inscriplion on ihis bell we are indebted lo ihe kindness of Mr. T. .\. Goodey, and of Mr. C. H. 
 Hawkins, to whom a rubbing was supplied by the first-named pentleman,
 
 240 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Prima campana in honore sancti Michaelis archangeli. 
 
 Secunda in honore Sancti Johannis evangelistae. 
 
 Tertia in honore Sancti Johannis Baptistae. 
 
 Quarta in honore Assunipsionis beatae Mariae. 
 
 Quinta in honore Sanctae Trinitatis et omnium sanctunim. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 DUNTON. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 I. No inscription. (zyi in. 
 
 The bell was put uj) in i 7 12, as the following note, kindly sup[)lied by the late Vicar (Rev. 
 W. J. Benson), indicates : — • 
 
 'In 1 7 1 2 there were two bells in Dunton, but there were originally three. On August i 2, 
 1 712 the Vestry resolved that one good bell should be made out of the three [? two] and so it 
 remains.' The present bell is therefore of that date. Morant however gives ' 2 bells ' 
 (i. p. 221), as does also Muilman (v. p. 72). 
 
 Mr. Tyssen noted some years ago that three of the cannons were broken off. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. W. J. Benson, until recently ^'icar. 
 
 EASTER, GOOD. St. Andrew. Five bells. 
 
 1. ('^>S'r BY JOHN W^K]S!E1< Zi SHNfi Ii0j\«O>I 1S92. (27 in. 
 
 2. The same. (30 in. 
 3- C^^T BY JHJIN W^K.\ER c^ fm^ IiOJVUON 1SS6. (31 in. 
 
 4. The same. (32 in. 
 
 5. The saiiK. (38 in. 
 
 Btlow:— THE Hlilt BEIiIcS WERE T'lEFiTEK V/HE.\ TflE ('HilRCJI \im BUR.\T 
 JI^RCP ii. )SS5. 
 
 The church was destroyed by fire on March 22nd, 1S85 and the bells shared its fate. 
 They were replaced by three from Warner's foundry in 1886, and the other two were addid in 
 1892 to make up the original nnnibcr. The old inscriptions, copied by Stahlschtnidt, were as 
 follows : — 
 
 ' WESTON ♦ STILEMHIV ♦ eHYRCH ♦ WARDEN ♦ • ♦ 
 IH ♦ 1653 ♦ (^'i" 
 
 2. THO = GARDlNER 4^ SUDBURY 4^ FECI I 4^ *^ 1722 
 
 (27I in. 
 
 3. + Sancte Thoma Ora I'ro Nobis + I coin S (see p. 17) (29 in.
 
 DUNMOW — EASTER 24I 
 
 4. THO = GARL)lNKR ij^ ^ «f|jL SUnBHRY ^If, ^ ^ FIX IT 
 
 # 4> '''' <-•"• 
 
 5 lOHIV ♦ H0DS0IM ♦ MADE ♦ ME ♦ 1C)53 ♦ WESTON ♦ 
 STILE ♦ MRN ♦ eHURCH ♦ W ♦ 
 
 Bdom :— WW • (36 in. 
 
 ist and 5th iiDt in Hudson's ordinary letteriii.;, hut in Wiiitmore's, as at Borclia n, etc.; 
 [jrohalily made by Whitmore for Hodson (sec p. 113). 
 
 On 2nd and 4tli, cross PI. XXXII., 5. 
 
 3rd bji John Sturdy ; crosses Pi. VII., 5 and \'I., 7 ; capitals Bucks, .\i. // ; the use of the 
 Roman T is remarkable. See p. iS. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 459) : ' 5 Bells.' 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-knell within twelve hours ; no special method. 
 Ringing on Sundays ; chiming at 8 a.m. and for daily services. 
 Ringing sometimes on festivals and for weddings. 
 Best thanks to Rev. J. M. (iiblin. Vicar. 
 
 EASTER, HIGH. St. Mary. 6+i bells. 
 
 I. C/IST 15Y JOIIAI W/IRJVEI^ c" .SG.\S fim, itOMDOX lSi)7. 
 
 /.VA7r,;-K 1)().\() IIKj\l^IOI COMtljVGS WKMtS, ].Si)7. (32 in. 
 
 ' 3oiin: :J)ier: mnBr? nne: n&i 
 
 (32 i in. 
 3. As No. 2. (36 in. 
 
 \±J m/ \±J \±d \±J \±d XX3 ^y] 
 
 R:u 111 ©niuiaiie GwWid Rum- Paiiiic Suaiie\jW 
 
 (40 in. 
 5. lOHN ARCHER HEZIKIAH WRIQHT C VV 1699 (42^ in. 
 
 6. 
 
 Robcitik- cfe mot .♦i^- UK c^ fecit ^ 1500 (g) 
 
 (47 in. 
 
 Clock bell. THO-. HEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1791 (i8 in. 
 
 31
 
 242 THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Weight of new treble (an additional i)ell) 6 cwt. 3 qrs., note (' shaij) : Icnor, 20 cwt. 
 
 2nd and 3rd: usual Dier type. 
 
 4th: Cross PI. X., 3; siiield 'small Iavt:rs ' (I'l. X., 6); large crowned capitals and line 
 smalls; by Jolin liird ; see p. 28. 
 
 5th : I'ounder; Richard Keene ; rough letters, as at Heydon. 7. reversed. 
 
 6th : Sundry crosses as stops ; see p. 71. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 457): '5 large Bells . . . with a Saints' bell' 
 
 See Essex Rcvtcn', 1898, p. 98. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-knell on trelile for infants, and ujiwards according to age ; 3 x 3 for man, 3x2 for 
 woma-i ; then bell raised and tolled for an hour; tellers repeated ; this is done just after death. 
 
 At Funerals the bell is raised two hours previously, then dropjied and tolled as the pro- 
 cession approaches. 
 
 On Sundays belh chimed for half-an-hour before Matins and Evensong ; at 8 a.m. only 
 one bell now used, as also on week-days. Formerly bells chimed at 8 a.m. on Sundays. 
 
 Ringing on great Festivals and New Years' Eve ; on Scliool Anniversary and Harvest 
 Thanksgiving day; for weddings by special permission. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. E. Gepp, Vicar. 
 
 EASTHORPE. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 I. MILES :■. GRaVE MaDE ME •.-. 1663 (31! in. 
 
 An exact duplicate of the single bell at Aliberton. 
 T.R.E. tifirst one bell weying iiij- iV a hallf. . . . 
 
 Itm a Saunctus bell w' wyei for the stryng ij-* 
 
 It' two hand bells w' knerppulls weyyng viij pond .\vj''' 
 
 Itm a sacrye bell viij'*' 
 
 Itm a claper w' a Staye of loron lor y bell \'f 
 
 It' a clapere w' a Staye of loron for \' sar hell vij'^ 
 
 Itm Two (jougons of brasse for the lore bell vj"^ 
 
 Itm two (jOUgons of brasse for the sec <ind bell vj'^ 
 
 'i'he goods that be soulde 
 ffirst Henry banyngton and thonias I'arker werdens by cosent of the p'ychoners hathe 
 solde vnto George fforster csquejer and pottone of the p'iche churche of Esthorpe the fore 
 l)ell vveying ij'^ &: a halfe as Master I'oster saithe and soulde it for sexteyn schillyngs eu'y 
 hunderithe. 
 
 Itm the sccundc 1il-11 weying iij' .S; a ball! as Mr. foster saithe solde at ' sayme price.' 
 {East Anglian, N.S. i. p. 305). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. i8i): 'one Bell.' Muiluian (\i. ji. 151) the same. 
 See Essex Review, 1893, p. 181. 
 
 EASTON, GREAT. St. John. Five bells. 
 
 .. -ir IH ♦ jM.XDE ♦ MK ♦ 1665 ♦ TL ♦ RECTOR ♦ CC ♦ TW • 
 C ♦ W ♦ WH (28 in.
 
 EASTER EASTON 243 
 
 2 4- lOHN ♦ HODSON f MADK -^ \I I-: f 1665 ♦ TL -I- RKCTOR 
 ♦ CC ♦ • 
 
 (zw///,..-) 4. TW 4- CHVRCH ♦ WARDENS ♦ • WH (30 in. 
 
 3. As ist /() TW ; then: ♦•'{^•'^••^» 
 
 {zmiihie:-) CHVRCH ♦ WARDENS ♦ WH ♦'^•^'•^•f 
 
 in ill- 
 
 4. nomcii 7Vlao^alcnc Gnmpana Gcvct 7Vlclo^te WM 
 
 (35 '"• 
 
 5. In Multis Annis Rcsonct Campana fohaiinis + Ruyal Arms + (see page 29). (39 in. 
 
 istto 3rd: WH = William Hull, Hudson's foreman. 
 
 4th : By Henry Jordan ; • Powdrell ' capitals. See p. 37. 
 
 5th: By John Danyell ; Bucks pi. xiii. capita's see p. 29); cross i'l. .\II., 8: ' ladi help' 
 
 shield (PI. XH., 5) after Royal arms. 
 Morant (ii. p. 435) ; ' 5 Bells.' 
 
 The T. L. on the first three is for Thomas Leader D.D., who was also Rector of Creat 
 Dunmow and Prebendary of Neasden (1671) ; he died in 167S. 
 
 EASTON, LITTLE. St. Mary the Virgin (.') 3 x i Bells. 
 
 I. £ vox i Clara ? cccc I mtoiiat i campana 
 
 1" 
 
 ^ 
 
 {Coin) 
 
 lobanncs tonne mc fecit 
 
 + + * + 
 
 2. HENRY + ++ PLEASANT +++ MADE + *■ + ME +++ 1698 
 
 + ♦ + + 
 
 + + * 
 
 + + + DECEM +++ 19 +++ (35 in- 
 
 + + + 
 
 3. EDWARD * COOKE * CVV ''•e*«««9* THOMAS NEWMAN * 
 
 FECIT * 1724 ■'• :t3tiiStJddt (3^^ in.
 
 244 THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 S. Blank. . (13 in- 
 
 ist: By John Tonne (p. 56); the word ' clara ' is concealed by a stay; there are two 
 varieties of st0[)s between the words. 3r(l ; cf. Rerden 3rd ; probably cast at Cambridge. 
 These two arc the only Essex bells by T. Newman. Mr. Hawkins notes that the sanctus 
 bell is prob.ibly ancient, and has beautifully finished cannons, with grooved lines down the 
 sides. 
 
 Weaver in his Ancient Funeral Monuments, p. 630, refers to the treble as follows: — -'The 
 treble Bell in the steeple of this Church is called the Bowsers Bell, on which is cast a peece of 
 coine of silver, of King Edi^arei the fourth ; it was given by one of the Countesses of Essex, 
 as one may ])artly gather by an old inscription ; upon it is the Bowsers Knot.'" This same 
 knot occurs on one of Tonne's bells at Aythorpe Roothing. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 431) : '4 bells.' 
 
 On Sundays a Sermon Bell is or was rung at 9 a.m. No other customs. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. H. Symonds, Rector, and to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 EASTWOOD. St. Lawrence and All S.iints. Three bells. 
 
 r. ROBERT . BELL • C • WARDEN CHARLES • NEWMAN MADE 
 MEE 1693 (2,0 in. 
 
 (33 in- 
 
 3. -^-^ ^jJ;CGBII <^) 0X^00flI ^ 6:R;ji- [> :I?il0 ^ 9331^ 
 
 (35 in- 
 
 ist : the letters are somewhat irregular. 
 
 2nd and 3rd: by \V. Burford, with his usual cross; see p. 13. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. ' EsTWOOD. Itm ij Bells wayinge by est' xviij^ Itm a Saunce bell 
 iS: A hand Bell wayinge by estimac' xxj" waight. It'm for liell ropes ij' iiij^' (Essex Arch. 
 Trans, iv. p. 219). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 283): '4 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 190) the same. 
 
 Benton, Hist, of Rochford Hundfcd, i. p. 161) gives inscriptions on 2nd and 3rd, and 
 states that one bell was sold about 1835 to repair the spire (there were then four).'- 
 
 Death-Knell on day after for an hour; three strokes for a man, two for a woman, one 
 for a child. Tolling for funerals, becoming cjuicker as the procession approaches. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed 30, 15, and 5 minutes before hour of service. 
 
 Chiming for weddings. 
 
 A bell formerly rung for Vestry meetings, but not for the last 35 years. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. J. W. Cassels, formerly Vicar, and to Rev. H. Horsley, his successor. 
 
 ' This knot appears on the canopy of the Bourchicr monument in the chancel, whence lis name. 
 -The Vicar tliinks this is the bell now at Rochford Corn Exchange (ij.v.)
 
 ELMDON. 
 
 EASTON ELSEN HAM 
 
 St. Nicholas. 
 
 MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1875. 
 The same. 
 WIL KENT TMO GRAVES C W 1700 
 
 C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1847 
 As No. I. 
 7'lic same. 
 
 245 
 Six bells. 
 (27I in. 
 (29 in. 
 
 (3»-' in- 
 (32i in. 
 
 (352 in- 
 (39 in- 
 
 \V'eight of tenor, 10 cwts. 2 ([rs. 26 lbs., note G. The 3rd is by Richard Keene; the 
 letters are on clearly-marked paterae. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct., 1552. ' iiij belles in the steple by estimacon of Iv' weight a little bell of 
 a C weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Cole (1744); 'four Bells.' Morant (ii. p. 600): '4 Bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 84) the 
 same. Essex Review, 1895, p. 188. 
 
 The Passing Bell is rung as soon as notice of death is received, but not alter dark ; tenor 
 for adults, a smaller one for children. Tellers : three strokes for male, two for female, both at 
 beginning and end. 
 
 On Sundays, one or more bells chimed at 8 a.m. ; all si.x rung or chimed for services. 
 
 Gleaning bell rung at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., up to 1886 ; 5th bell used. 
 
 Stahlschmidt notes that ihe Ringers' Rules here were the best he had ever seen. 
 
 ELMSTEAD. 
 
 St. Lawrence (or St. Anne). 
 
 One bell. 
 
 lOHN— SIMONS H C— W ^ THO = GARDlNER + SUDBURY FECIT 1756 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 'I'he crosses are respectively PI. XXXII., 5, 7, and a small plain one. 
 Morant (i. p. 445) : ' i Bell.' Muilman (vi. p. 7) the same. 
 See Essex Review, 1893, p. 108. 
 
 ELSENHAM. 
 
 Four bells. 
 
 (28I in. 
 
 - <3o^?^;: bxev: mxabc 
 
 1(300 
 
 3- T. Mears of London Fecit 1819 
 
 4 Jo^ance gvcne me facit anno in 1572 
 
 t^xs E>e£t 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 (33 in. 
 (36 in.
 
 J 
 
 246 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 1st: By William Culverden ; the S seems to be a unique type: the cross is no. 58 in 
 EUacombe's Gloucestershire, an enlarged version of PI. VII., 5. It also occurs at King's 
 Ripton, Hunts. See p. 43 and PI. XII., Pigs. 2, 3. 
 
 4th : The only other bells known by John (jrene are in Hunts (see p. 83) : two 
 at Harpenden, Herts, were recast in 189S. The date here is partly obliterated, but it is 
 certain. 
 
 Bells rehung in 1903 at cost of Sir W. Gilbey. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. No mention of bells. 
 Morant (ii. p. 571): '4 Bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 5) the same. 
 
 See also Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 104, iv. p. 124, and Essex Revieu\ 1895, p. 181 ; 
 for the ist bell, Eccksw/c/gisf, xxvi. p. 261. 
 Apparently no customs. 
 Thanks to Rev. E. Sant, Vicar. 
 
 EPPING UPLAND. All Saints. 5 + i bells. 
 
 1. MR lOHN SEARLE ANNO 1707 (^7 >"• 
 
 2. lOKN WAYLETT IviADE ME 1707 (^9 in. 
 
 As the 2nd. ^ (32 in. 
 
 4- MR ANDROW SEARL ANNO 1707 (36 in. 
 
 5. \^\ PRAYSE THE LORD 1611 (40 in. 
 
 S. 1793 ^ (22 in. 
 
 Tenor : by R. Oldfield ; thick letters, not as Little Canfield ; cross PI. XXX., 5 ; shield 
 PL XXX., 3. Priest's bell by Thomas Mears, senr. ; hung dead in east window. 
 
 The tenor has a large flat 'cap,' and the inscription is on a narrow band between triple 
 beadings. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 52) leaves the number of the bells blank. MuilmaTi (iv. p. 190): '5 bells.' 
 
 There is a ' Bell Field ' here. 
 
 The Searles lived at Chambers near the church ; an Andrew Searle, a Barrister, who 
 was drowned in 1762, may be the son of the one mentioned on the 4th bell. (Morant, 
 i. p. 50). 
 
 There is a Charity here founded on property left by John Baker in 15 19, the proceeds 
 of which were partly devoted to church expenses. Among these we find the following items 
 relating to the bells (see Esse.x Review, 1905, p. 39 ff.) : — 
 
 1 594. Paid to Wood the castynge of A bell and other charges about the 
 
 rep'acons of the Church viij'' x* vjti 
 
 1595. Paid to the Churchwardens towards the newe makynge of the great bell xxx^ 
 1636. Given to the Rep'atone of Epping great Bell by consent o 10 o
 
 lO 
 
 I 
 
 o 
 
 I 6 
 
 24 
 
 2 3 
 
 16 
 
 18 9 
 
 
 One bell. 
 
 EI.SENHAM FAIRSTEAD 247 
 
 1708. Paiil to ye Bell foundci- for runnini; 3 old bells and one new bell y« old 
 metle at 20 shillings A himdied and y"^ new att 6"' A hundred y<= 
 sum of 43"'. I4^ 5'i. 43 14 5 
 
 Paid for Timber and carrying ye bells to be run and loss of metle as 
 
 Apeares by bills 5 5° 
 
 Paid Samuell Stacey for Iianging y^ Bells and niakeinj,' new wheelles as 
 
 apeares by bills 913 5 
 
 Paid Keyes his bills for Iron work used for hanging y"^ bells and Iron 
 
 worke About y<= Churcli as Apeares by bills 
 Gave to men to help llie bells up and downe and Loading them 
 1765. Pd. Lester and Pack liell founders their Bill for repairing the Bells 
 1793. The bill of Messrs. Thwaites for a new Bell for the Clock to strike upon 
 (out of which was deducted the value of an old bell ^1 Ss. gd.) 
 
 EPPING (TOWN). St. John Baptist. 
 
 1 \X/ILLIA/V\ LOKD GK/\YE OF W/\KKE 1650 
 
 By William Whitmore of Watford (cf. Boreham, and see p. 113); diam. about 28 in.; 
 hung in frame with lever on a shed at .S.W. angle of the new church, which was built about 
 i88g. Clapper tied. 
 
 The chapel of St. John the Baptist in Epping Town has been in existence since the time 
 of Henry VI IL 
 
 \ViUiam Lord Graye of Warke purchased the Manor of Epping in 1635 ; he died in 
 1(174, and was buried in the church. (See Morant, i. p. 47). 
 
 On the history of the chajiel and its bell, see Winstone, The A/icieN/ Chapel of St. John 
 the liaptist, JLppiiii;, p. 107. 
 
 FAIRSTEAD. St. Mary. Four bells. 
 
 1. THOMAS 4-^ GARDINER ♦^ SUDBURY f -f- FLCIT 4. 1725 • • 
 
 (27 in. 
 
 2. T. OSBORN FECIT J785. .';;;• (28 in. 
 
 3- + yo(90i^ \ lOF^fiRes 
 
 + isefei^us \ oe : ^oesfeon ; ecie ; fg^i© (seep. 7). (30 in. 
 
 4. RldARDVS BOIULGR me FGdlT 1601 (33 i"- 
 
 Cross on ist, PI. XXXIL, 5. 
 
 2nd : by Osborn of Downham, a new bell since Morant's time. 
 
 .3rd: Cross and lettering as PI. IL, 18-20 and Surrey Bells, pi. 6; cf. Gt. Waltham and 
 St. Lawrence, Norwich. 
 
 4th : Letters a mixture of Roman and Gothic (Pi. XXIX.) ; the I resembles that after- 
 wards used by James Keene.
 
 248 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 The third bell has a special interest for the compilers of this work, as it was quarter- 
 turned, rehung, and set in order in 1888 by the late Mr. Stahlschmidt, who generously 
 preserved this interesting relic of the fourteenth century at his own expense. The first and 
 second were also rehung in 1889, and the tenor repaired at the same time at the e.xpense of 
 the late Miss Wakeham and the Rector. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 120): '3. bells.' Muilman (i. p. 400) the same. There were evidently 
 three down to 1785. Essex Review, 1897, p. 145. 
 
 There is a tradition that a bell was removed from here to Clreat Leighs. 
 
 Death-Knell 24 hours after death ; usual tellers, then toll for half an hour. Before 
 funerals bell tolled in triplets Cor twenty minutes quicker at close. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. E. A. Causton, Rector. 
 
 FAMBRIDGE, NORTH. Holy Trinity. One bell. 
 
 1. 1771 
 
 By Pack and Chapman. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 352) says 'a small boarded frame tyled, but no Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 
 312) ; ' I bell.' 
 
 FAMBRIDGE, SOUTH. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 T. tho- Mears of London Fecit 1796 <'.x-'xrx»xx>oxr,> 
 
 Be/mi' {//lased) .-—JuE REVn lOHN ECCLES RECTOR (26 in. 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. 'It.' one belle in y" steple wayinge j" di. It.' an old hande bell 
 wayinge v'V 
 
 ' Inp'mis sold to one Raynold .Smythes of Woodham ferres one belle wayinge j 1 // p'ec 
 xxv*.' (Essex Ariili. Trans, iv. p. 221). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 323) : 'A little wooden turret but no Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 253) the same. 
 
 Benton, Hist, of Rochford Hundred, i. p. 171. 
 
 FARNHAM. St. Mary 
 
 . MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1618 W 
 IN CO COETV CO ANQELORUM 
 
 2. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1845 
 3- G. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1859 
 
 4. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1615 
 
 IN CO CHORO CO CAMPANARVM 
 
 5. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1625 
 
 6. As No. 3. 
 
 Si.x 
 
 bells, 
 
 (25 
 
 in. 
 
 (26J, 
 
 in. 
 
 (28^, 
 
 in. 
 
 (5-^ 
 
 in. 
 
 (34 
 
 in. 
 
 (37i 
 
 in.
 
 FAIRSTF.AD- l-KERINT. 
 
 249 
 
 Weight of tenor, 9J, cwl. \atc tlu' s.,ratclicil W mi the ist, citlicr denoting William 
 Harbcrt, Miles' foreman, or else the great man's private mark (see p. 94). 
 
 T.R.E. S Oct. 1552 : ■ thre belles the little hell is in hredeth w' in the sounde horde ij 
 fote iij ynches the second in bredeth w' in the sounde b n\le ij lote v ynches the thirde hjll 
 is in bredeth w' in the sounde borde ij fote In ynches.' 
 
 (Sold) 'a sanctus bell u''' a coper crosse . . . \iij- iiij''.' (Stowe MSS. 027). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 625): '5 Bells.' .See Ji^sscx A'crwn', 1895, p. 182. 
 
 See under Birchanger for an improbable tradition of bells sent here from that place 
 in 1848. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-Knell : use somewhat peculiar. Usually rung in the evening, unless death occurs 
 at night, when it is rung the following morning. Dell raised and struck three times for a male, 
 this being repeated every minute for half an hour; the same use f.ir a female, but twice 
 instead of three times. Age denoted by size of bell used : tenor for adults, and s i on. 
 
 On .Sundays, bells chimed for services. 
 
 Ringing at Easter, Christmas, and Whitsunday. 
 
 Gleaning bell rung (the tenor) at 9 a.m. and 5 jj.m. 
 
 Some elaborate rules for ringers, but apparently little enthusiasm for the \v.)rk excepting 
 on paper (J.C.L.S. in 1S87). ' 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins (for an amended \ersion of Stahlschmidt's copy). 
 
 FAULKBOURIME. St. C.ermain. Tuolells. 
 
 I. Blank. (30 in. 
 
 8';iittln l^alcriiia 0t;i Prn P.abJs (32 in 
 
 The tenor is cracked ; it is by Robert Ihirford (p. 14), the cross lieing Tl. I\'., 13. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 1 19) : ' 2 Bells.' Mailman (i. p. 397) the same. 
 
 See Essfx Revien', 1897, p. 145. 
 
 Death-Kri,ell tolled as scon as possible after death ; usual tellers. 
 
 PEERING. All Saints. Eight liells. 
 
 1. C^fST 15Y JOp.X Y/«K\K1^ Zt SGJV.S Ic.. I£()]V!DO^I. 
 Oit waist :^'IH) Goil'S I'K/IISK J.IE I^^ISK. 
 
 /I. II. iiiicrcT^cix. 
 
 VI. ]. VIM'MW. Il./£. -VIC/IK. 
 
 2. As No. I. 
 
 Ohtcw/V/.-EvKKY D/IY ^IXCKKKIiY Pl'^/iY 
 
 /I.I). J.II)CCI'X('i;)C. e/,-. as No. I. (29', in. 
 
 3 
 
 2
 
 250 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3. As No. I. 
 
 Oiiwais/:— EUW/IKl). )S<)4 
 
 W. J. P/ICKK. n.n. Vl('«K. 
 
 O- ,|1/1I\SH/Ilili ' (^Oj 111. 
 
 + /niLRS QRAYE MADE ME 1624 (^aj in. 
 
 5. Above, ns No. i. 
 
 O/zrert/V.— JJlIiES «1*(^YK J.I/IDK JlH Mi.'i 
 
 BEC/IST 1S«)4. (34] in. 
 
 6. .4s No. 4. (38 in. 
 
 7. .'-Is Nv. 4. (42 in. 
 
 8. As No. 4. (46 in. 
 
 Old inscription reproduced on 5th. Warner's new bells have an;j;ubr cannons; the 5th 
 has the stock screwed on to the head. 
 No'es and height of bells : — 
 
 5) 
 6) 
 7) 
 S) 
 
 U|J to 189 t there were five bells, a heavy ring by Miles Graye, the tenor weighing nearly 
 a ton; in that jear the 4th was recast and a treble added ; the ring was increased to eight five 
 years later. 
 
 T.R.E. 'Ii'iii iiij bellys in the Stepyll and a hande bell.' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. 
 p. 49). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 172) : '5 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 138) the same. 
 
 Essex Review, 1S93, p. 181, 1895, p. 3, 1898, p. 96. 
 
 Lukis, Church Bells, p. 73, gives inscriptions as in 1857, and states that the bells were 
 cast in a field adjoining the churchyard. 
 
 To the great kindnjsi of the \'icar, Rev. W. J. Packe, we owe not only most of the 
 above information but also the following interesting matter relating to the bells, ancient and 
 modern. 
 
 The following is taken from a page of one of the old Registers and relates to the 
 original ring of 162 ^ (copied from a photograph of the page kindly sent by the \'icai) : 
 
 "Die dominico X' post festum Paschae Anno dm 1624. 
 
 "Memorand' that (after warning given publiqucly in y"' church in y' forenone of y same day) the 
 minister and p'ishioners whose names are subscribed meeting in y'' parish church after evening prayer 
 agreed y all y Bells in y' steeple she'd be taken doune and cast & made tunable at y' comon 
 charge of y p'ish to be rated according to Law, !k they w''' joint consent requested the cbureh- 
 
 1) 
 
 F. 
 
 28 in. 
 
 -') 
 
 K. 
 
 29 in. 
 
 3) 
 
 1). 
 
 2 8i in. 
 
 4) 
 
 C. 
 
 29^ in. 
 
 H flat. 
 
 32 in. 
 
 A. 
 
 3ii in. 
 
 G. 
 
 39 in. 
 
 F. 
 
 42 in. weight iS cwt.
 
 PEERING FEI.STKAD 
 
 251 
 
 wardens vi/ niatlicw niansficld .X: Abraham Frceiiian to iimlcrtak)- y' said Inisinesse and to cause 
 
 all y'' said liclls p'scntly to be taken downe and cast as aforesaid and y'' Bell w" is called y" saincts 
 Bell to be made tunable to y other fower Bells. 
 
 Rob' Aylett John Wliyte 
 
 John Bedwell Vic' ibidem 
 
 Robert Cooke of Feeringbury — 
 
 Thomas Browninge Samucll Roge's 
 
 'I'homas Raper Peter Goiddin 
 
 Thomas Garling WiU'us \\ .Mill his mark 
 
 Willi, mi r.adfaii John + Clinch his mark.'' 
 
 Ill i8i)4 tlu' frames remained much as they were when first erected except for occasional 
 shght repairs. I'.ut on Tuesday, March 13th, the ringers practising for Easter were startled by 
 the fall of til- fourth hell, weighing about 17 cwt. It had broken away from the stock and had 
 its carmons wreichnl off, but was stopped by the bjims from coming through the floor. The 
 bjlls were subseiujntly inspected by Mr. Day of Eye, who reported that the frame was cf 
 defective construction and required renewal. His estimate for rehanging with new frames, 
 including the recasting of the third bell, which was cracked, was ^155 ; a si.xth bell to 
 complete llie ring brought the total to ^200. \ Committee was appointed to collect m mey 
 for the purp3.ie. The m iney was raise_l (nearly h df in the parish itself) and a chiming 
 apparatus was added at a cost of ^'(2. The bjlls were re-opsned by the Bishop on 
 December loth, peals being rung on thi' occasion (A'c/vV/^ Parish J\[ai;iiz!/ic, May, 190.), and 
 Jan., 1905). 
 
 The two additional bells were deiicated on November iith, 1899, by the Bishop. The 
 name of Edvvard on the new 3rd bell put up in 1.S9]. his reference to the birth in that year of 
 Prince Edward of Wales {I/'iii., Dec. 1899). 
 
 C'u.STOMS : — 
 
 Death-Knell on tenor I'oi- a<lults, treble for children, 24 hours after death ; bell lolled by 
 chiming apparatus, not raised ; age tolled at start and finish. A muffled peal is rinig at the 
 funeral of ("hurchwardens, Ringers, or other Church officers. 
 
 bells rung on alternate Sundays, chimed on th_> others; tenor always used for 'tolling in.' 
 
 Ringing on Christmas Day, New Yeai's live and D.;y, Easter Da\-, \\'hitsunday, Ascension 
 Day, .VU Saint's Day (I'atronal I'estival), and Harvest Festival; also for weddings when 
 desired. 
 
 (jleaning bell discontinued about twenty years. 
 
 N'ery hearty thanks to Rev. W . J. I'acke, \'icar. 
 
 FELSTEAD. Holy Cross. 5 + i liells. 
 
 I MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1628 (32 in. 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1638 (34 in. 
 
 3. lOHN WAYLETT LONDON FECIT 1=1 {) () {) PETER . . VEY 
 RICH' S . . . E . CW 1731 (3« in.
 
 252 
 
 THE Clll'RCll BlU.l.S Ol- ESSEX 
 
 4- LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1764 PETER SEWELL 
 CH WAR .... 
 
 OWN 
 
 (42 in. 
 
 3- 
 
 T. Mears of London Fecit 1818: 
 
 Clock hell. 
 
 
 i: 
 
 {/>or/(i///is) 
 
 (44 in- 
 
 [Royal linns) 
 
 Stcpbcnc tcitrtc inc fecit 
 
 {tun) 
 
 3rd : For Waylett as a Lonilon fdunder see p. 120 ; the lettering; is snialK r lluui u.>ual ; ihe 
 four ornaments after kecit are vague and uncertain. The missing cliurelnvardens' names are: 
 on 3rd, Peter Davey and Richard Stacey ; on 4ih, James Jirowri. 
 
 Clock l)ell : A remarkable specimen of the elder Stephen Tonne's work (see p. 59). 'I'he 
 inscription occurs on a bell probably also liy him at Stoke-by-Clare (see Suffolk, p. 79), with 
 the same cross (//'/;/. Fig. 77); lettering and stop like John Tonne's at Little Easton. The 
 date-figures for 1546 (PI. XXI., 4) recall those on .Stanstead old 6th; the adjoining object 
 appears to be a pair of pincers, and on the li-ft is a crown (XXL, 5), on the right a portcullis. 
 At the left end of the inscription l)elow the cross are a rose (X.\I., 6) and a bust of Henry 
 VIIL as at I'.elchamp Otten (.XXL, 2) but to right; at the other end, a tun as a rebus on 
 the founder's name, and a flower with stalk (XXL, 8). On the waist are also the large cross 
 (PI. .X.X., i) and the Royal Arms, as on John Tonne's bell at dreat FLillingbury. 
 
 We are greatly indebted to Mr. C. H. Hawkins for the discovery of this remarkable bell, 
 where Stahlschmidt had f;xiled : it may be compared with those at \Vood Ditton, Cambs., and 
 Stanstead, Suffolk. 
 
 S'.ahlschmidt on his visit noted 'belfry unutterably filthy; bells out of order: 2nd, 3rd, 
 and 4th cracked in the crown, and patched and bound with iron; tenor 'clocked' and 
 consequently will soon be done for. Altogether the worst belfry in the county.' The bells 
 were reported in 1904 as ' not in ringing order.' The weight of the tenor is given as 16 cwt. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 421): '5 Bells,' Muilman (i. p. 456) the same. 
 
 Sej Essex Review, 1893, p. iio, 1897, pp. 32, t,j,. 
 
 FINCHINGFIELD. 
 
 .St. John liaptist. 
 
 8 + 1 bells. 
 
 I. JOHN BEDDALL JOHN AB3 JTT ECCi-.SSIAB DEI PRCI.IGTOniS. T. OSBORN FECIT 1781 
 
 (295 in. 
 
 MUSICK IS MEDICINE FOR THE MIND T. OSBOBN FECIT 1781 
 
 (3oi in.
 
 FELSTEAD FI NCII 1 NGFI ELD 253 
 
 3. JOHN HINSON HUMPHRY SMITH C. WARDENS T. OSBORN FECIT J781 :• •• (32 in. 
 
 4. CUM VOCO VENITE. T. OSBORN DOWNIIAM FECIT 17B1 (34 ill. 
 
 5. HUMPHRY SMITH JOHN HINSON C. WARDENS T. OSBORN FECIT J781 (36 in. 
 
 6. PERCUTE DULCE CANO : • • T. OSBORN DOWNHAM FECIT J78I : ■ ■ (38 in. 
 
 7. E" COLMAN * JN- BEDDALL CU: WARDENS « • LE5TER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT. 
 1766 • • • • (con/ of ,in,n) U' 'H- 
 
 8. JOHANNES MARRSOTUS VICA DE FINCHINGPIELD FIDEI VERE CHRIST. STRENUUS 
 DEFENSOR. T. OSBORN DOWNHAM FECIT 1781 : ■ (45.', in. 
 
 ("lork boll. IiiaireSii/'le ; diam. about i8 in. 
 
 Oil ilic ytli is a coat-of-arnis with crest and supporters; this bell has been severely chipped 
 lur tuning, probably to bring it into harniDiiy with the new bells at the time of the recasting. 
 The meaning of proinoloris on the tn-ble is not obvious; but it is probably proiuotores, pro- 
 moters of the church's welfare. Afar/suli/s on the tenor is for Marriotus, the Rev. John 
 Marriott of .Mford, Lines., who was patron ol' the li\ing, and apparently appointed himself. 
 \\'eight of tenor, 18 cwt., note J''. 
 
 ' .\ ver\' hue ring of hells indeed, and ringing seems fairly well supported. I regret to see 
 that three or four of the larger bells are clocked — a very sure method, if persisted in, of bring- 
 ing them to grief." (J- C. L. S.) 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 370): '5 Dells.' Muilnian (ii. p. 17) says: ' The lower, which is of stone, 
 had a noble spire on the to[) of it, but that was blown off in a remarkable high wind in 1702. 
 At present the bells, five in numluT, are contained in a very mean wooden lanthorn much 
 decayed.' See Esse.x Jur/c7i\ iSi;3, p. 1 1 i. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death l\.nell rmig as ne.uly as possible 24 hours after death. I'or infants (but only if 
 baptized) No. 3 or 4 is used ; tlie tenor for all older. Tellers 2^3 'o'" male, 3 x 2 for female, 
 at beginning only; then toll for 45 minutes. 
 
 On Sundays two or three bells chimed at 8 a.m. For services bells chimed or rung for 
 halfan-hour; 'tolling in' on tenor for last fifteen minutes. 
 
 (ileaning Bell discontinued some years ago. 
 
 At the ' Green Man ' close by the Church there has lieen for many years preserved an 
 elaborately-painted Peal-board, recording the accomplishment by the W'alden Company of 
 Ringers on Monday, May 30th, 1S25, of a True and Complete Peal of Oxford Treble Bob 
 containing 5120 changes in 3 hrs. 17 min. 
 
 FINCHINGPIELD. St. John Evangelist, Cornish Hall End. One bell. 
 
 District church in Finchingfield Parish, built 1841, in which year one bell was supplied by 
 the firm of Mears, weighing 3 cwt. 24 lbs. 
 See Essex JieviccV, 1893, p. iii.
 
 254 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 FINGRINGHOE. St. Andrew. Three bells. 
 
 I. MILES GRAVE MADE ME i62t (39 in. 
 
 lancta i jParia 1 Gra i i^ro i^ fobie (53 in- 
 
 3. No inscription. (36 in. 
 
 2nd iVdni the iJury foundr)- ; see p. 53, and lor Uie slani[)s, I'l. Will.. .(, 9, 11, I'l. 
 
 xrx., 1-3. 
 
 There was formerly also a fourth Ih-11, which was cracked and removed some years ago: 
 pits for five. (H. W. Kixi;)- 
 
 Morant (i. p. 416): '3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 431) the same. 
 
 See Essex Nevie7(<, 1894, |). 178, and Essex A>\li. Trans. N..S. iii. p. ijo. 
 
 FOBBING. St. Michael the Archangel. Five hell.s. 
 
 1. THOMAS BARTLET MADE THIS BELL 1629 (2- In. 
 
 ^- 
 
 2. The same. (29 in. 
 
 3. The s.inie. (3 1 in. 
 
 4. The same. (34.', in. 
 
 5. lOKN KNAPPING & VALENTINE GLASCOCK C W 1724 
 
 1 W FECIT (3f^ i". 
 
 ist — 4th: Thomas ISartlctt's trade-mark (I'l. XX\'., 2) on waist. 
 
 Tenor by John W'aylctt (p. 120); cast either in [,oiidon or at l!ishoj)'s Stortford. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 244): '5 liells.' Muilman (v. p. 119) the .same. 
 
 Palin, Stifford and Neii^hbourhood, p. 131 (from King's notes). 
 
 No special ringing customs. 
 
 FORD END. St. John Evangelist. Six bells. 
 
 1. J. V/AKj\El< <^ fiejVS )88*. K. S. Y()IJt\]VD KIKfS'f YI('A1< (21 in. 
 
 2. CAS'l' UY J. V/AK,\KR ^- .S0]V;S LO]VDe]SI ]8'74 (2iHn. 
 
 3. The same. (23 in.
 
 FINGRINGHOE — FOULNESS 255 
 
 4. Th; ijiiie. (25 in. 
 
 5. CAST nV JOPX WA1^]VE1< ^; SO]VS Ii(),\'DO\' ISS] (27 in. 
 
 6. The siiiiu. (29 in. 
 
 Weights and notes : 1) c. 1^ cut. A. 
 
 2) 1 3 26 G. 
 
 3) 2 o 22 V. 
 
 4) 2 2 20 E. 
 
 5) 3 3 25 D. 
 
 6) 42 16 C. 
 
 Churcii consecrated 10 Nov. 1852; parish formed out of Gt. W'althaiii. 
 FORDHAM. All Saints. Two hells. 
 
 I. lOHN ^ DAMION ^ C = W ^ THO = GARDlNER ^ FECIT 
 A\ (32^ "1- 
 
 1723 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME M '637 (36^". 
 
 The initial I on the smaller bell is of Gothic character; the cross is PI. XXXII., 5. 
 For the name Damion cf. Great Horkesley 3rd. 
 
 T.R.E. 20 Sept. 1552: 'FFORDHAM MAGNA. Inprimis thre belles in the staple 
 Itm one lytle hand bell. 
 
 (Sold) to ^\'illiam Teylecote pewterer of Colchester ' a little bell weyeing xij'' price ij^' 
 {East Ang/ia/i, N.S. i. p. 234). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 228): 'three Bells.' Muihnan (vi. p. 219) the same. 
 
 See Essex Revieiv, 1893, p. 232. 
 
 FOREST GATE, see Ham, East and West. 
 
 FOULNESS. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 I. PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECERUNT 1779 (36 in. 
 
 The Rector of Foulness, Rev. J. C. Brown, kindly communicates the above, saving the 
 Editors an arduous, not to say perilous, journey. Kelly's Directory and other topographical 
 works have hitherto stated, relying on one another's authority, that the bell is dated 17 10; this 
 fallacy is now, we hope, finally disposed of. There does not seem ever to have been more than 
 the one bell. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. 'FoULNES. Imprimis on bell hangyng in y= steple by estimac'on 
 weying one hundred and haulffe.' 
 
 ' ij lyttle hand bells ' seem to have been given to the parson.
 
 256 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 ' M'' that S^ Wyllyaiii Staforde lordc and patron of y= sayde p'ysshe alioutt xx"'' day off 
 marche d)dde take awaye the bells wcying hy cstiniac'on \iij' to niaynteyne y^ walls against 
 y"^ see.' 
 
 {Essex Arch. Trans, iv. p. 221). 
 
 FOXEARTH. SS. Peter and Paul. Eight bells. 
 
 1. J. W31l\KR 4- .SO\.S IiO>DO.M )SS6. 
 
 In /W -.mh/ : GjiOr^V 'f- ) C )') I\' TPR pifipK.ST 
 CpRISTJIAS 1SS6 
 
 JopjM Foster-Sector. (24 in. 
 
 2. As the last except 2nd line : (5;v EARTJI PEACE (25 in. 
 
 3. THE REVi), THOs WRIGHT, M: A, RECTOR, JNo. ALDHAM Ch, W..N, 1808. (25'. in. 
 
 4. The same. (26 in. 
 
 5- G. MEARS & CO. FOUNDERS, LONDON. 
 
 Onllu waist:— JOHN FOSTER RECTOR 
 
 SL^nIA^^^oIc'eT^"' 1 CHURCHWARDENS 
 
 XMAb DAY 1862 (2S in. 
 
 6. MILES G'^aVE MADE ;: ME o 166^ (3° '"• 
 
 7. 1<EC/1,ST »Y ]OH]V W/ll'^JVEl^ i> iSO]Vfi IiOj\DOj\ fSSU 
 On fra/V/.— 60ODWII1I1 TOV/ARDfi Ji.IEj\ 
 
 The rest as No. i. (32, '^ in. 
 
 8. As Nos. 3, 4. (34 in. 
 
 A very light ring, barely an octave; tenor 7 cwt. ; 3rd, 4th, and Sth hy Dobson of 
 Downham. 
 
 The 7th before recasting (then the 5th) was inscribed: — 
 
 MILO (/>onkr) QRAIE (fionfer) ME {/'onkf) FECIT (/w;v/.v-) 1640 i/>onier) 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 The border being the same as Newman's on Ardleigh 6th. 
 Morant (ii. p. 327): '5 bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 165) the same. 
 See Essex Revieiv, 1894, p. 115.
 
 foulness frating 1^1 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Passing Bell rung as soon as possible after death ; tellers 3x3 for male, 3x2 for female ; 
 tenor for adults, a smaller one for children. 
 
 On Sundays a bell at 8 a.m. ; chiming for services. 
 
 Ringing at 6 a.m. at Easter, Christmas, and Whitsuntide ; also 011 New Year's Eve. 
 
 Warner's Chiming Apparatus used. 
 
 There is a ' Bell Rope Meadow ' here, frequently mentioned in the I'arish Books in the 
 eighteenth century, e.g., in 1779 when ;£i was paid for two years' rent ; it is apparently about 
 halfan-acre in extent, and is situated on the south side of Liston Park. The proceeds (about 
 I OS. per annum) go towards the general repair of the bells. The donor's name and date are 
 unknown. 
 
 Since the addition of the two trebles in 1886 change-ringing has been carried on 
 vigorously. A peal-board in the ringing-chamber records a true and complete peal of Kent 
 Treble Bob Majors, rung on January 15, 1887, by eight members of the Royal Cumberland 
 Youths, the first rung after the addition (see Essex Reviciii, loc. cit.). 
 
 A correspondent of C/;«;'c/j Bells (21 Jan. 1887) writes: — 'The bells consisted of only 
 three' down to the year 1861 when the old tower was taken down and the present one built 
 in 1862. When it was completed it was decided to augment the ring to six by adding three 
 new bells. The work was entrusted to Messrs. Mears of London, who added a treble, 2nd, 
 and tenor, thus making the three old bells 3rd, 4th and 5th of the ring.'^ All went on well 
 until about 1870, when the 5th bell became slightly cracked. This bell was one of Miles 
 Graye's, and bore the inscription as given above. In 1886 subscriptions were raised for 
 providing two treble bells, ' to complete the ring of eight . . . the Rector himself providing 
 a new seventh in place of the old cracked bell. The work was entrusted to Messrs. Warner 
 . . . the new bells arrived at the church on December 20th, and were ready for ringing on 
 Christmas Eve. They were fully tested on Christmas Day by the various ringers who had 
 assembled to ring touches upon them.' (The verdict was un.mimously favourable ; a list of 
 the touches is given.) See also Bell Nenis, 8 Jan. 1887. 
 
 The Rev. John Foster was Rector from 1845 to 1892, dying in the latter year at the 
 age of 77. 
 
 FRATING. 
 
 Iijl|atincs €st noiitrit Cius 
 
 2. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1884 
 
 3- '^^ Sit fiottun Dcimiui Bcncinctum ^W W 
 
 ^This is certainly inaccurate. There musl liave 1 ecn ai least five. 
 
 - In view of tlie present constitution of the ring this seems quite unintelligible. But it is supported by Mears' 
 list of bells cast in 1S63, which appears in the EcclesiohgiJ, xxv. p. 348, and gives, ' Foxearth three bells 
 weight : 3 cwt. 3 qrs. 19 lbs., 4 cwt. I qr. 10 lbs., 7 cwt. 17 lbs.' 
 
 33 
 
 Three bells, 
 
 (3' 
 
 in. 
 
 (32 
 
 in. 
 
 (36 
 
 in.-
 
 258 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 The 2nd replaces a bell inscribed, 
 MILES •.-. GRnVE AtaOE :: ME 9 1663 
 
 Treble, possibly by William Dawe (see p. 27); cross PI. X., 2; laver (PI. X., 6) and 
 trefoil shields; capitals Plate IX., with inferior 'smalls.' 
 
 Tenor by Kebyll ; cross PI. VII., 4; crown and shield PI. I., 10 and VI., g; capitals 
 PI. V. 
 
 In good order; pits for five. Weights: sl ^'■'''^■■> ^ "^'- " l^^^-' ^'^^ ^ *^"'^- respectively; 
 note of tenor, B flat. 
 
 No mention of bells in Inventories. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 450): '3 bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 15) the same. 
 
 Essex Renew, 1897, p. 46. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-Knell 24 hours after death ; tellers, 3 for male, 2 for female, one for child. 
 Tolling at Funerals. 
 
 On Sundays a bell rung for a few minutes at 8 a.m. ; bells chimed for 30 minutes before 
 services. 
 
 Ringing for weddings by request. 
 
 A bell rung for Vestry Meetings. 
 
 Gleaning bell discontinued some twenty years ago. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. Dr. Caldecott, the late Rector. 
 
 FRINTON. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 A very small bell put up some fifteen years ago ; it was obtained through a firm of 
 electrical engineers, and was first rung by electricity, but this was found not to answer. 
 Previously the church had no bell. 
 
 In Morant's time (i. p. 480) the church was in ruins; so also Muilman (vi. p. 64). 
 
 Thanks to Rev. T. H. Cook. 
 
 FRYERNiNG. St. Mary. Five bells. 
 
 ^- J^obcitus j^fyt mot ^ nic -A" ^^^^^ ♦ ^^90 (^ (-^ in. 
 
 2. lOHN -i/^ • • THORNTON >;j: i,'^ MADE ;!^;- ME :^'i 1716 :}<; ^/^ ^'^ (28 in. 
 
 3. ANTHONY EGLINTON EbQk CH. WAHDEN. THO^ MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1793 <:X^^> 
 
 (29 in. 
 
 4. lOHN i;j: :,": • o^ THORNTON i'^ • • % MADE :i/^ % ^\'c ME 1716 4(< • • ^;- 
 
 (33 in-
 
 PRATING FYFIELD 259 
 
 5. lOHN :^i • iX< THORNTON 4(< • >^ MADK 4^^ • i,'^ MH :5^^ • i^ 1716 ^^ ^ m 
 
 >::< '/'^ • ^.'C -^^f: • ^.'C (37 in. 
 
 Weight of tenor 10 cwt., note A. Rehung 1882 (Church Bells, 29 April), and again by 
 Bowell in 1900. 
 
 For John Thornton see p. 123 ; the impressions of coins are all (,)ueen Anne's. 
 Morant (i. p. 56): '5 Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 264): '4 bells.' 
 Buckler, Churches of Essex, p. 57, gives the dates. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-Knell within 24 hours of death ; tellers 3x3 and 3x2. 
 
 On Sundays a bell at 8 a.m. for celebrations (as always in former times without service). 
 Smallest bell rung for last five minutes before each service. 
 
 Ringing at 6 a.m. on Christmas Day, Easter Day and Whitsunday. 
 
 A bell rung for Vestry Meetings. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. W. J. House, Rector. 
 
 We owe to the kindness of the Rector and of Mrs. Wilde of Furze Hall the following 
 extract from the Parish Registers : — 
 
 Aug. 1st, 1725. 
 
 The Rector of the Parish having ordered y* there should be no ringing on holidays before 
 Divine Service appointed for the day was ended Willi" fflint who keeps a pub' House in y= town did 
 this morning about six othe clock lead in a gang of six or seven ffellows to ring (it being Sunday 
 and also y' day of y"= Kings being Proclaimed) having in nn vndue manner possessed himself of 
 y" keys (of) y= church. And y' Clerk having found means to bar y' doors on y inside one of 
 y'= said fellows did by y' s'^ fflints order break y' wall and so got it open for him. 
 
 The third figure of the date is not certain, and in fact in a photograph of the page kindly 
 sent by Mrs. Wilde the figures look like 1795 ; but as August ist was the date of George I.'s 
 proclamation, it must be in his reign, and so we must read 1725. 'Phe then Rector was 
 Robert D'Oyley. 
 
 FYFIELD. 
 
 1. J. WARNER & SONS LONDON 1862 
 
 2. The same. 
 
 3. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1862 
 
 4. The same. 
 
 5. TJte same. 
 
 On the waist:— TH\S PEAL WAS RECAST BY SUBSCRIPTION. REV" HENRY GIBSON 
 
 RECTOR. 
 
 St. Nicholas. 
 
 
 
 
 Five bells. 
 
 
 
 cwt. 
 
 qrs. 
 
 lb.s. 
 
 Note. 
 
 
 (26 in. 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 G flat. 
 
 
 (27 in. 
 
 4 
 
 I 
 
 7 
 
 E flat. 
 
 ONDON 1862 
 
 (28J in. 
 
 4 
 
 I 
 
 5 
 
 D 
 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 22* 
 
 C 
 
 
 (34 in- 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 B flat. 
 
 * Messrs. Warner's list says ' 32 lbs.,' but 22 must be meant.
 
 26o THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 On the waist of each bell are the Royal Arms, with patent below. 
 These replace a ring of four inscribed as follows : — 
 
 I. 
 
 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1632 
 
 3ohiu :lj\ers mnBrt nnr. 
 
 Sancta 0},u-Ofrcta (Jr.t l^^io flobis ^ 
 
 4. ABRAHAM PAVELY WILLIAM ALQIER • CHVRCHWARDENS ANTHONY 
 WALKER RECTER 1678 • lAMES BARTLET MADE MEE • (^ 
 
 The 3rd of these was by Kebyll ; see p. 21 and Pis. VL, 8, VII., 4. The Rev. A. 
 Walker (4th bell) was Rector 1662-1692. Trade mark on 4th, I'l. XXV., 2. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 135) : ' 5 Bells.' The tower fell in the eighteenth century, prior to his time. 
 Muilman (iii. p. 337): '5 bells'. . . a very curious geometrical staircase composed of flints 
 and Roman bricks, strongly cemented, leads up to the belfry; on one of the bells is this in- 
 scription; ' Sancta Catherina ora pro no/iis.' Buckler, quoted by H. W. King, notes five bells, 
 'the two latest broken.' For Belfry Records see Church Bells, 2 Nov. 1872. 
 
 GALLEYWOOD COMMON. .St. Michael and All Angels. Eight bells. 
 
 C^ST BY JOPJV W/I1^.\K1^ ^- JSO,\fS ItONDGN IS?-.. 
 
 Diam. 
 
 Weight. 
 
 cwls. qrs. ll>s. 
 
 Note. 
 
 29 in. 
 3° i"- 
 
 603 
 626 
 
 F. 
 K. 
 
 3 ' 2 in. 
 
 6 I 18 
 
 I). 
 
 ?,•, in. 
 
 35 in- 
 37 in. 
 
 7 13 
 7 3 « 
 831, 
 
 C. 
 
 1! nat 
 A. 
 
 40 in. 
 
 11 021 
 
 (1. 
 
 44 in. 
 
 14 III 
 
 !■•. 
 
 Bells rehung by ^\'arner, 1897. 
 
 Parish formed out of Gt. Baddow in 1874. 
 
 For Belfry Records see Chunk Bells, 28 Feb., 1880. 
 
 GESTINGTHORPE. St. Mary. Six bells. 
 
 I MESTER ♦ PETER 4 ELLISTON ^ AND ^ IVDETH 4 HIS 
 
 2nd line:— WIFE ^ M ^ Q ^ l6^>9 (29 in. 
 
 2. MILES :•. GRaVE MADE ;•. ME o 16^8 {Z2> i"- 
 
 3. The same. ' ' . (35 in.
 
 FYFIEI.D OESTINOrilORPE 26 I 
 
 4. MILES ■' GRTIYE •• MADE 3 ME 16^8 PE (38 in. 
 
 5. C/fSU' 1?Y JOJIjY V//1K]VE1^ 5- fSOJVfS If> IiOJVDOJV )90J. 
 
 C)" the wahl : (i^/lTKS : DKO : l^KKKKKj\S : Vl^O : liAVl-^KJSI'l'IO : R : (E : OATKS : VlhUt : 
 
 DUiKCrO : SOSPITK : CilJI : HOJVOKK : H : liilhhl : AFl^ICAJVI : PKI^IClIIiIS : l^KCEl'TO : 
 flAISIC : E'f : SE^i'l'AJlJ : CAM1'A]VAS : 1»HI ; FRACTALS : ET : Ij\«TIIiES : REKtIj\l)E,\I)A.S : 
 CflRAVIT : C : A : OA'I E8 : PCPI. (^Q j,^ 
 
 6. >ii _83tirjl:t n^'tfin Oi;ii .Pija Slahh 
 
 On Ih, u'ahl .— ejIia.S'l'e OONOOI^DES KKSDJVKN'l' C/lJiIP/lN/IE 
 
 BaRIE^SI Oltip IjXSCRIl'TA ERAT. 
 
 On sou,nl how :-l. WAR]VER Z^ SONS l£r'> ItONDON l<m|. (^^ i„^ 
 
 Tenor 16 cwt., note F. The two igoi hells are h ilh hy \\'arner, the cost of recasting 
 being defrayed by Mrs. Oates of Gestingthorpe Hall, as a thank-offering for her son's safe return 
 from the war. 'I'he first line on the waist of the tenor contains, as will be noted, a chronogram 
 on the date (MDCCCCI = 1901); on the up[)er line the old inscription (see below) is re- 
 produced in facsimile.* Previously these two bells were cracked and useless, the fifth having 
 a large piece broken out, and being screwed up with staples inserted in the crown. They were 
 respectively inscribed 
 
 5th. ^ Ue 'I' BvRi ^ ------ ^ ToNNi •$< Me 4- Fecit -^ WL ^ 1581 
 
 (+1 ill. 
 
 ^'i^- ^> Sancta i fflaria S Oia i ^ro i Hobis (uin. 
 
 The treble is of course by Miles Ciraye III, though the large type is not often found on 
 his bells (see p. 96) ; letters on separate palerae, clearly marked. On all the four the 5 of 
 the date is reversed ; the cannons of the 4th are gone ; on this latter bell P E is in large type. 
 
 The old 5th is like the 2nd and 4th at Wickhim St. Paul, with the initials W L denoting 
 \Villiam Land (see p. 79) ; crown-and-arrow PI. XXVI., 4 ; fleur-de-lys stop, PI. XXVI., 6. 
 The old 6th was from the Pury Foundry, but the capital letters were of unusual type, with 
 fine bold smalls; cross and stop, PL XVIII., 4, 9; shield, PI. XVIII., 11. The capitals 
 (PI. XIX., 4-7) are also found on the 7th at All Saints, Sudbury, and somewhat resemble 
 William Culverden's ; they are treble-lined, and very effective. The use of C for s as at 
 Radwinter seems to betoken alate date for this bell. J. C. L. S. notes (per C. D.) 'No. 5 
 has a large piece broken out of it, which accounts for the fragmentary character of the 
 inscription.' ■^ [The missing words may be easily supplied as ' Santi Edmondi Stefanus.'] 
 ' The tenor also is badly cracked and a piece cut out of the sound-bow ; it had an elaborate 
 
 ■ * The capitals used are, however, the ordinary Bury set, not those on the old tenor.
 
 262 THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 double wheel.' The rrnwn of the 5th is said to have fallen out during ringing for the 
 wedding of Miss Walker in 1832, sinee when the bells had not been rung. The Peter 
 Elliston whose name occurs on the treble and initials on the 4th, inherited the manor of 
 Gestingthorpe from his brother John in 1652, and died in 1672, aged 46; his wife Judith 
 was daughter of William Kedington of Waldingfield, Suffolk. (See Morant, ii, p. 307, and 
 Patchett's N'o/fs ou the /'arish of Geslini:;thorpe, p. 1 8). 
 
 The re-opening of the bells took place on December 19th, 1901, the re-hanging having 
 been accomplished by Day and Son of Eye, and a new floor for the ringers supplied by Pannell 
 and Sons. At the dedication services sermons were preached by the Rev. T. L. Papillon of 
 Writtle, and the Rev. T. Myers of Twinstead. Afterwards changes were rung by the members 
 of the Essex Association. The cost of the new bells and other work was over ^220. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 309) and Muilman (ii. p. 1 17) give '6 Bells.' 
 
 See also Essex Review', 1S94, p. 116, 1902, p. 58; Essex Arch. Trans. N. S. iii. p. 67 ; 
 and Patchett's Notes on Gestingthorpe, p. 39. 
 
 Custom.? : — 
 
 Death knell 12 or 24 hours after death ; tellers, 3 for man, 2 for woman or child. 
 On Sundays and Saints' Days a bell is rung at 8 a.m. ; chiming for later services for 
 twenty minutes, followed by the tenor and treble successivelv for five. 
 Gleaning Pell rung at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
 
 On the north wall of the tower are painted the names of six ringers with date, 1700. 
 Many thanks to Rev. C. T. Bromwich, Rector. 
 
 GOLDHANGER. St. Peter. Six bells. 
 
 1. H. BOWELL & SON. FOUNDERS. 1898. <XXXXXXXX> 
 
 On -waist :^ NI AGISTER ADEST ET VOCAT TE 
 
 F. T. GARDNER. RECTOR. C. G. LITTLEHALES. CURATE 
 G. CRACKNELL. & J. BUNTING. CHURCHWARDENS. 
 
 18 98. 24J in. 
 
 2. THOs PLAYLE & MARK MIHILL CH. WARDENS AT GOLDHANGER 1781 <':X*X:> 
 
 /,v/oOT .-—W^' Chapman OF London Fecit • (25 in. 
 
 3. The same. (26^ in. 
 
 4- MILES : GRaVE MADE ;: ME o 1957 {28 in. 
 
 5- MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1657 RECAST BY H. BOWELL & SON. 
 1898. ^ 
 
 On sound bow :— SANCTE C£t PETRE (^I in. 
 
 6. As No 2, l>ut all on one line. (34 in.
 
 GESTINGTHORPE GOSFIELD 263 
 
 The treble is a new hell ; inscription in fanc-y type (two sizes) ; the ornament after the 
 date (PI. XXXIV., 6) seems to be a reminiscence of the ' Whitecha[)el [)attern ' on No. 2, and 
 the rose (PI. XXXIV., 3) below is like Matthew Bagley's at Hatfield Peverel. 
 
 2nd bell: Bells by Chapman alone are comparatively rare. 
 
 4th : The date is a little previous ! The old 4th (now the fifth) was similarly inscribed, 
 except that the 6 of the date was not inverted. It had been badly cracked, with a piece broken 
 out of the crown. 
 
 NV'eight of tenor, 6A cwt., note B ; new treble, 3^ cwt. ; new 5th, 5^^ cwt. 
 
 T. R. E. ' It'm iiij greate bells hangynge in the stepyll w' a lettell saunce bell.' (Sold) 
 ' ij lettell hand bells.' {Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 274). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 389) : 'four Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 385) the same. 
 See Essex Revieiv, 1894, p. 64. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death knell 24 hours after death; tellers :iy- :i and 3x2; tenor for adults, smaller bell for 
 children. 
 
 On Sundays the bells rung for twenty minutes before services ; then tenor for five minutes 
 and treble for five. 
 
 Ringing at 6 a.m. on Christmas Day, Easter Day, Whitsundiy, and Harvest Festival ; also 
 on New Year's Eve. 
 
 Gleaning Bell discontinued some forty years ago. 
 
 Many thanks to Rev. F. T. Gardner, Vicar ; also to Messrs. Bowell. 
 
 GOOD EASTER, sec Easter, Good. 
 
 GOSFIELD. St. Katherine. Three bells. 
 
 '• THOMAS + MILLINGTON + ESP X HAD + ME + CAST +^+ HP 
 
 + + 
 
 +"^+ 1704 I , . 
 
 + + (30 1"- 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME M 1637 (33 in. 
 
 3- 51 Sviplcx ^cicomi ©vinitas Rune Gautiia 
 
 Dona 
 
 (38 in. 
 
 ist: By Henry Pleasant. 
 
 3rd: By Thomas Potter of Norwich (see p. 47); cross, PI. XVII., i ; lion's head after 
 Gaudia, PI. XVIII., I ; capitals as at Great Plumstead, Norfolk (PL XVII., 2-5). 
 
 Pits for four ; the one that has disappeared was probably the 3rd. 
 
 The notes of the bells are C sharp, A, G. 
 
 Dr. Raven notes the similarity of the tenor to a bell at St. Giles, Norwich, illustrated by 
 L'Estrange.
 
 264 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 The donor of the treble was a son of Sir I'homas Millington, Knt., M.I)., who died 5th 
 Jan., 1704. He was sheriff of the county in 170S (Morant, ii. p. 382), and was buried at 
 Gosfield, 8 Oct., 1733. 
 
 Muilman (ii. p. 41) gives '4 bells.' 
 
 See Essex Review, 1893, p. 236, and Essex Arch. Trans. N. S. iii. p. 67. 
 
 There are a few trifling entries in the parish accounts of the eighteenth century relating to 
 the bells, but they are hardly worth transcribing. 
 
 GRAYS THURROCK. 
 
 SS. Peter and Pai 
 
 1. CAST BV JOJIN WARNER Zi SONS LONDON (883. 
 
 2. Tkc same. 
 
 3. The same. 
 
 These replace a pair which were inscribed : — 
 I. J685 
 
 2. Sanctii puna Ora ^ro Hobio !^^ 
 
 
 Three 
 
 bells. 
 
 {25 in. 
 
 <t. qrs. ilis. 
 
 3 3 3 
 
 c. 
 
 (26 in. 
 
 3 2 iS 
 
 F 
 
 (27J in. 
 
 4 I 4 
 
 V. flat. 
 
 (22 in. 
 
 (37 i'l- 
 
 The smaller was by the Wightmans (p. 1 16), the larger by T. Bullisdon, the capitals being 
 those originally used by \V. Wodeward (PI. X., 5, 7, 8), with corresponding minuscules. 
 
 T. R. E. 3 Oct., 1552. 'grace THURROCK. Two belles, the least wherof cont' in weight 
 vc Ii. One broken belle solde by John Wodd, Thomas Rrikite, Thoni"^ Hallm, Jeffereye 
 Tithersall, and John Browne, w' other of the p'ysshcns cont' in weight vij'^ Ii at .w* le c . . . . 
 vij'' The clap' thereof for ij=^ 
 
 (Essex Arch. Trans. N. S. ii. p. 176). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 96) : ' 2 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 361) the same. 
 
 Palin, Hist, of Stifford, i. p. 80 : ' 2 Bells, one cracked ' : ibid. ii. p. 36, a local tradition 
 is recorded that some bells from here went to Swanscombe in Kent. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death knell ; no particular use as to time, but apparently settled by the fancy and taste of 
 the friends of the departed. Tenor used for men, second for women, treble for children ; 
 tellers, 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female, then toll. 
 
 For services bells chimed, then ' ringing in ' on treble. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 GREENSTEAD (By Colchester). St. Andrew. 
 
 I. lAMES BOYTUN •^ C »^ \V •^J* T = G 1723 
 
 One bell. 
 (19 In.
 
 COSFIELD HADLEIGH 265 
 
 By Thomas Gardiner; cross, Tl. XXXIl., 5 ; note the rectangular U. 
 Morant (p. 136); 'one Bell.' Muilman (vi. p. 332) the same. 
 Bell wheel reported broken in 1607 {Essex Review, 1906, p. 40). 
 
 GREENSTEAD. St. John Evangelist. See Colchester. 
 
 GREENSTEAD (By Ongar). St. Andrew. i + 1 bells. 
 
 I. WILLIAM LAND MADE ME 161*^ (22 in. 
 
 S. Blank. (10 in. 
 
 For William Land see p. 81. 
 
 T.R.E. 27 Sept. 1552. 'It' ij Rogacion bells in weight .x li. It' ij great bells in 
 weight ccc li and di'.' (Essex Arch. Trans. N. S. ii. p. 237). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 153) : ' has but i Bell ' (apparently an error). 
 
 In the early part of the last century an old bell larger than the present one, being 
 cracked and unhung, was sold. 
 
 GREENSTEAD GREEN. St. James. Six bells. 
 
 i.\ (29 in. 
 
 2.1 (31 in. 
 
 2,-\c. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1845 iii '"• 
 
 4-/ (35 in. 
 
 5-1 (37 in- 
 
 6./ (41 in. 
 
 Tenor 12^ or 13 cwt., note F. 
 Parish formed out of Halstead, 1845. 
 See Essex Review, 1893, p. 236. 
 
 GUISNES COURT, see Tollesbury. 
 
 HADLEIGH. St. James. One bell. 
 
 I. lOHN ♦ WILNAR ♦ 1636 (29 in. 
 
 Similar bells at South Benfleet and Pitsea; see p. 106. 
 
 Buckler, Churches of Essex, p. 87, says: 'There does not appear to have been 
 preparation for more than one Bell ; the framing is more ancient than the Bell.' 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. 'Hadlegh Castell. iiij bells the greastest waying by estimac'on 
 vij c li y" seconde v c li and a halfe y' thyrde iiij c li a qwater and y"^ leyst xxx li.' 
 
 In 1549 a broken bell was sold for xxi^ 'a hundreth of wych bell wayd viij c li iij 
 qwarters and xiij li.' In 1550-51 a ' hande bell' was sold. {Essex Arch. Trans, iv. p. 223). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 280): 'one Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 184) the same. 
 
 See also Benton, Hist, of Rochford Hundred, i. p. 243. 
 
 34
 
 266 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 HADSTOCK. St. Botolph. Five bells. 
 
 I. THO— G.ARDINER ^ SUDBURY M FECIT ^ 1739 ^ ^ ^ ^ 
 
 (25 in. 
 2- 1700 (z7 in. 
 
 3. KOB. SPENCEK & THO-^ HAMMON CH. WARDENS ^ PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON 
 FECIT 1774 (2gi in. 
 
 4. . loHN ^l^HORNTON ©UDBURY BeCIT 1719 (3 1 A in. 
 
 5. RICH KEENE CAST THIS RING I7OO (35 in. 
 
 Richard Keene's ring was hardly a success, as within 75 years three were recast, and the 
 two remaining are both cracked, as indeed is also No. 3. But the tenor is one of the few 
 Royston-cast bells which bear his name, and testifies to the shrewdness of Dr. Raven in 
 identifying his nameless bells in Cambridgeshire. The date on the 4th is very uncertain, but 
 is probably 17 19 (cf. Colchester St. Lt;onard); a similar uncertainty prevails about the tenor 
 at Girton, Cambs. (161 2 or 16 19). Thornton's bells range from 1708 to 1720. The large 
 initial letters arc surrounded with ornamentation, as at Colchester St. Leonard. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552 (Stowe MSS. 827). ' iij belles in the steple by estimacon of xxxv^ 
 weight.' 
 
 Cole (1744) : '5 Bells.' Morant (ii. p. 543) and Muilman (ii. p. 323) the same. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1S96, p. 104, and Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 104 (where Mr. 
 Joseph Clarke notes the disgraceful state of the belfry in 1884). 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-Knell : 12 hours after death ; tellers 3 for a man, two for a woman, one for a child. 
 
 Gleaning Bell at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
 
 On Sundays a bell is always rung after Morning Service. 
 
 Ringing on New Year'.s Eve. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. V. E. Smith, Rector. 
 
 HALLINGBURY, GREAT. St. Giles. Five bells. 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1896. (29^ in. 
 
 2. T. Mears of London Fecit 1824 <;.x»x".';>»c;x»x;> (30' in. 
 
 3- nr bee ^ ill H lau&e ^ tut ^ resonet ^ baptista il toFjaimes 
 
 On waisi : — (<() '♦'•••(♦ (/^■^ Royal arms in l.eart-shaped fraiiK 
 
 3ot)dnttes tonne me fecit 
 
 (kneeling' fiX'Hic) (32 in.
 
 HADSTOCK. HALLINGRURY 267 
 
 4- SIR EDWARD TYRNOYR AND PHILEM ROLFE CHYR W 
 1713 (.Hi '"■ 
 
 5- J. BRIANT HARTFORD. FECIT. 1794. WM BINCKS. C: W: (.393 •"• 
 
 cwt. qrs. lbs. 
 
 Weight and notes : — 1 ) 5 o 8 D. 
 
 2) 5 3 7 C. 
 
 3) 6 2 o B. 
 
 4) 8 o o A. "I , , , . , , 
 ^( „ ] (approximate) 
 
 5) 1 1 o o G. j ^ •''^ ' 
 
 The old treble was inscrilied : •f' HALLELUIAH "^ 1713 (29^ in. 
 
 and was by John Waylett, as is also the present 4th. 
 
 3rd: by John Tonne; cast in 1542 (see p. 56, and extracts from Churchwardens' 
 Accounts given below); the initial cross and stops are PI. XX., figs. 2-4 ; on the waist are (a) 
 the Royal Arms with mantling; (b) the large cross PI. XX., i, with a coin above the J of 
 JObaiinCS, and below is a medallion with a kneeling figure. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 515): ' S }!ells.' Muilman (iv. p. 143) : '4 bells.' 
 
 See also Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 316. 
 
 Sir Edward Tumour (see 4th bell) was knighted by Charles II. and was M.P. for Orford 
 1700-1714. He died in 1721 and was buried in the church. (Morant, ii. p. 513). 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-Knell rung 24 hours after death ; treble for children ; tellers ;i y- 5 for man or boy, 
 2 X 2 for woman or girl. 
 
 On Sundays a bell at 8 a.m., whether there is service or not. 
 
 Ringing on Easter Day, Christmas Day, Whitsunday, and New Year's Eve ; for weddings 
 by request. 
 
 Gleaning bell (the 3rd) rung at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. down to 1903. 
 
 The churchwardens' accounts here cover the period 1526-1634, and are full and 
 interesting. Some brief notices from them were given in Vol. V. of the Essex Transactions ; 
 but since then the following extracts relating to the bells have been transcribed, those of 1542 
 being, as will be seen, of special interest. 
 
 XVII — XVIII Hen. viii. (1526). 
 
 Item payd for makynge of the grett bylle baldred {erased) baldryke . . . iid. 
 
 Item payd for whit lether to the same baldrek ....... iid. 
 
 Item pd. for mendynge of a bell well ijs. viijd. 
 
 Item pd. for Trusshynge of the grett bell And the lytyll belle and mendyng of 
 
 all the frames to the bells iiijs. 
 
 Item pd. for nalle to the same frame ......... ijd. 
 
 MDXXVI — MDXXVII. 
 
 Item reed, for bell ropys ends .......... iijd. 
 
 Item pd. for makyng of ij baudryks ......... iijd. 
 
 Item pd. for mendynge the gret bell whell id. 
 
 Item pd. for makyng the lytell bell whell and the gret bell whell . . . i.\s. iiijd.
 
 268 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Item pd. for ij steropes for the bells ..... 
 Item pd. to. John Nok for goyng to Ware at tyms in expences 
 Item pd. to the same John for goyng cue' to donmour 
 Item pd. to Weytt for comy'g hether to se the frames 
 Item pd. to Clyme for makyng a baldryk to y'= gret bell 
 Item pd. to bryant for comyng lo se the belle fra'es . 
 Item pd. in expe'ces for sendyng to the same 
 
 MDXWIJ — MDXXVIIJ. 
 
 Item rec'' for a ropes end .......... 
 
 Item rec'' for a old rope ........... 
 
 Item pd. to John Skynhell for ernest for the makyng of the bargyne of the 
 
 bell frame ............. 
 
 Item pd. for his dyner and his brothers dyner ....... 
 
 Item pd. for makyng the indenturs bctweene the cherch wardens and John 
 
 Skynghell ............. 
 
 Item pd. to the same John Skynghell att selyng the forseid indenturs 
 
 Item pd. for leyn' to the sanctus bell ........ 
 
 Item for the great bell rope .......... 
 
 xxth. yere off kynge herre the viljth. — XXIst. yere (1529). 
 
 iijd. 
 viijd. 
 iiijd. 
 iiijd. 
 iijd. 
 iiijd. 
 jd. job. 
 
 iijd. ob. 
 vd. 
 
 xls. 
 
 iiijd. 
 iiijd. 
 
 iiijd. 
 
 iijd. 
 .\vd. 
 
 Item pd. for a belle roppe ......... 
 
 Item pd. for naylls to mende the litell belle \v''' . . - . 
 
 XXI— xxij (1530). 
 
 Item rec' off the p'ichners and oth' good benefactors to the belfre lofte 
 Item rec^' for the old belle frame ....... 
 
 Item for makyng off a balldryck to a belle ..... 
 
 Item pd. for a belle roppe ........ 
 
 Item pd. for nayls and stapells to the bells ..... 
 
 Item pd. to the skyngells ffor ther warkma'shep off the belle frame . 
 Item pd. for makyng the belfre lofte ....... 
 
 Item pd. to John .Skyngelle that mad the seid lofte for yerns [iron] an I 
 y= seid loft 
 
 le to 
 
 XXIJ — XXIIJ (1531). 
 
 Item pd. for makyng of a belle whelle 
 
 Item pd. for a belle roppe ..... 
 
 Item pd. for mendyng the lytelle bellwhelle 
 
 Item pd. for trussyng of the second belle and mendyr 
 
 Item pd. for a belle roppe ..... 
 
 Item pd. for ij belle roppes .... 
 
 Item pd. for a bord mendyng the san't belle 
 
 XXIIJ— xxiiij (1532). 
 Item pd. for a gret belle roppe .... 
 Item pd. for a littelle belle roppe 
 Item pd. for reysyng the letelle belle brasse [brat e ?j 
 Item pd. for mendyng the grett belle vvheele 
 Item pd. for rewelle bord to the belle wheels 
 Item pd. for the Newe baldrycks to the bells 
 Item pd. for a secund belle rope 
 
 her 
 
 whelle 
 
 xvd. 
 ijd. 
 
 xxiiijs. iijd. 
 
 ijs. iiijd. 
 
 ijd. 
 
 xvd. 
 
 viijd. 
 
 .xls. 
 
 xxxs. 
 
 xiiijd. 
 
 vjs. viijd. 
 
 xd. 
 
 xxd. 
 
 viijd. 
 
 vijd. 
 
 xviijd. 
 
 ijd. 
 
 xd. 
 viijd. 
 
 iijd. 
 
 vjd. 
 
 ijd. 
 
 xxd. 
 
 viijd.
 
 IIALLINCBURY 
 
 269 
 
 XXllIJ'h — XXV''' (1533). 
 Item pd. to John Cartes for meVlyng the g'tte belle whelle 
 Item pd. for iij keys to the belle wheels .... 
 Item pd. for a roppe to the grett belle .... 
 Item pd. for a littelle belle roppe ..... 
 Item pd. for ij belle roppes agenste hallontyde . 
 Item pd. for mendynge the littelle belle wheellcs 
 Item pd. for mendynge y'= styroppe of the littelle belle whcelle 
 Item pd. for naylle to the seid styroppe .... 
 Item pd. for a grett belle roppe ..... 
 
 XXV— xxvj (1534). 
 
 Item pd. for a New Balldryke to y^ therd belle 
 
 Item pd. for a New Bukkolle to the same belle 
 
 Item pd. for a New BaUdryke to the grett belle 
 
 Item pd. for a belle roppe to y' therd belle 
 
 Item pd. for a roppe to y'= grett belle 
 
 Item pd. for a roppe to y'= second belle . , 
 
 Item pd. to barret for me'dynge y= gret belle whealle 
 
 Item pd. in expences in bred & ayelle at y' me'dynge y"" of 
 
 hem pil. for makyngcof a New clap' to y-" grett belle to John Whepnllcof Stortfor 
 
 1535 XXVJ— 1536 xxvij. 
 
 Item pd. for a roppe to y= littell belle ........ 
 
 Item pd. for a therd bell roppe ......... 
 
 [This year oaks were given by certain Parishioners and shingles 'clampoUed out.' 
 
 XXVIJ — XXVIIJ (1536). 
 
 Item rec' of Nich'as Watt a pec of lymb' to mak a bell stok for y<= gret belle 
 Item pd. for makyng a Newe baldryk ........ 
 
 Item pd. for straynyng the g'te belle clap' ....... 
 
 Item pd. for a roppe to y<= littell belle ........ 
 
 Item pd. for w'km'^shepe in stockyng y= gret bell ...... 
 
 Item pd. for me'dyng ij claspis and ij stondes to the gret belle when she was New 
 
 hanged 
 
 Item pd. for me'dynge ys chefF stapull to y<: seid bell 
 
 Item pd. for a rojjpe for the therd belle ........ 
 
 Item pd. to James .Siki'ley for me'dynge y' second bell whelle fyndyng bord 
 
 and naills theirto ............ 
 
 Item receyved of the good b'n'factors w^'' gaue to y^ change of the tenr bell as it 
 
 doth appere in other smalle belles more planly and [so] the reaeyt [rate ?] 
 
 ow'-; & other the cherg' to y^ cherchs avantag in rede mone 
 
 XXVIIJ — XXIX (1537). 
 
 Item rec. of John Smyth his charyte towerd the makyng of the tenor bell 
 Item rec. of Rycherd Gylbe towerd y^ cherges of y' grett belle . 
 Item pd. for makyng the gret bell wheell and for trusshyng y-' sm^ belle 
 Item pd. to y^ Smyth for yern work to y" seid bell .... 
 
 Item pd. for nayles to y"= seid bell ....... 
 
 Item pd. for a belle roppe for y^ . . . bell ..... 
 
 Item pd. to John Cay' for me'dyng y"= gret bell whell 
 
 iiijd. 
 
 jd. 
 
 viijd. 
 
 vjd. 
 
 .\iijd. 
 
 xviijd. 
 
 ob. 
 
 ob. 
 
 viijd. 
 
 ijd. ob. 
 
 jd. ob. 
 
 iijd. 
 
 viijd. 
 
 viijd. 
 
 vijd. 
 
 xiiijd. 
 
 iijd. ob. 
 
 ijs. viijd. 
 
 I'ijd. 
 iijd. 
 
 iiijd. 
 viijd. 
 ixd. 
 ijs. 
 
 iijd. 
 
 iiijd. 
 
 vijd. ob. 
 
 xixd. 
 
 xxixs. ijd. 
 
 xijd. 
 
 iiijd. 
 
 iiijs. vjd. 
 
 xxd. 
 
 ijd. 
 
 viijd. 
 
 iiijd.
 
 270 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Item pd. to James Silu'ley and for nayls to y'^ same ...... 
 
 Item pd. to Thome's whepuU for new laying y« gret bell clap, .... 
 
 Item pd. to Jemis Euered for mendyng y= gret bell ...... 
 
 Item pd. to Georg Silu'ley for new Trusshyng y'= grett belle and mendyng of ye 
 second belle gudgyne ........... 
 
 Item pd. to halmhom (?) for yern wark to y"^ same bell ..... 
 
 Item pd. for nayles to y^ menment of y"^ thyrd bell whll ..... 
 
 xxx— xxxi (1539). 
 
 Item pd. for ij belle ropes for y^ gret belle & third belle ..... 
 
 Item pd. for makynge a belle baldryke ........ 
 
 Item pd. to John Skyngylle for stockyng y<^ gret belle & dressyng >■*= other 
 bells ayenst ye faest of All Sancts last past for y^ vv'^'' he stondeth bownd to 
 y'= mantyn^ce of the' duryng' his natural! lyfTe as in a payer of Indentures 
 mad betwex y= p'ech & hym as in the' mor planly appereth 
 
 Item pd. for lyne to y'^ sanctus belle ......... 
 
 Item pd. for a belle baldryke makynge ........ 
 
 Item pd. for half a hyed of whitlether ........ 
 
 Item pd. for yern work and naills for y'^ bells ....... 
 
 Item pd. for a baldryke to y'= new belle ........ 
 
 Item pd. for makynge a payr of Indenlurs wt a bound of the same betwix y'= 
 p'ish & the said John Skyngelle for y"" m-^'tin^nce of y*^ bells 
 
 XXXI — xxxij — { 1 540). 
 Item paid for a baldrycke to y<^ gret belle ........ 
 
 Item pd. for nayles for mendeynge the bell wliell 
 Item pd. tor halfe a hyed of whitlether 
 Item pd. for dawbynge the broken walls in y'= chu 
 bell balldryc ke ...... 
 
 Item pd. for a gret bell roppe .... 
 
 Item pd. for yern wark & nayls to y" gret bell . 
 
 Item pd. in expences for the bell founders & others that com to hym 
 
 Item pd. for ij belle roppes for y'' second & y* therd bells 
 
 Item pd. for a styroupe for y= gret belle ...... 
 
 Item pd. to .Skyngell for kepyng the bells in rep'ac'on y'^ holl yer 
 
 XXXIJ — XXXIIJ (1541). 
 Item pd. for nails for the bell whels .... 
 Item ])d. for me'dyng y" yern wark for all y*^ bells 
 Item pd. for a stapull for the second bell . 
 Item pd. for mendynge a bell whell w^^ latthes 
 It. pd. for other moo latthes ..... 
 Item for meetl & drynk for Skyngell 
 Item pd. to henry morvellc for mendynge y" bell clap's 
 Item for half heed whitlether for rep'ac'ons 
 Item for makyng ye grette bell baldryk & me'dyng ij mooe 
 Item for the gret bell roppe ...... 
 
 XXXIIJ — XXXII IJ — (1542). 
 Item Rec of my lade morley gyft towi y'-[sic] our bells 
 Item Receyued of Gylbe of babififord tow'' y<= castyng o'' bells 
 Item Receyued of other p'icheners mony in sted of mettell 
 
 ch howse & mendynge a 
 
 jd. ob. 
 iijs. iiijd. 
 
 ijs. 
 
 ijs. viijd. 
 iijd. 
 ob. 
 
 .x.\jd. 
 iiijd. 
 
 xiijs. iiijd. 
 ijd. 
 vd. 
 xvd. 
 ixd. 
 vd. 
 
 xvjd. 
 
 vd. 
 
 id. 
 
 xvjd. 
 
 iijd. 
 
 xd. 
 
 viijd. 
 
 i.xd. 
 
 xviijd. 
 
 iijd. 
 
 xijd. 
 
 ob. 
 iiijd. 
 
 ob. 
 
 vd. 
 
 iijd. 
 
 vijd. 
 
 vijs. ixd. 
 
 xvd. 
 
 viijd. 
 
 xd. 
 
 xijd. 
 xijd. 
 xjd.
 
 HALLINGBURY 
 
 271 
 
 Item renianynge in bell mettall ccc'' xxviij'' to y"= chech avantage 
 
 Item for a littell bell roppe for o'' treble ..... 
 
 Item pd. for two penworth pycks for o'^ bells ...... 
 
 Item pd. for the menmente of the second bell whelle ..... 
 
 Item pd. for a baldrycke to the second belle 
 
 Item pd. to the belfounder an yerneste grotte in fenyssyng the bargyne fo 
 castyng our bells & havyng a new teno'' bell in change for o' old payng 
 to hym for the change of the seid teno' & castyng oure thre other bells 
 to 'her w' iiij brass fourthter nobles & iiij grotts mor the' y^ seid yrnest grott 
 .\lviij schelyngs to be pd at oure receyvyng our bells the others rest twell 
 moulthes aft' we fynding colls a loed & a half & half a loed wood and iiij 
 pay"^ smythes belows. 
 
 Item pd. in e.xpences when the bells w' caryed ....... 
 
 Item in e.xpences when o"^ grett bell w-''* broken ...... 
 
 Item in expences when all oure bells w' broken of the wardens & other helps then 
 
 Item pd. to Skyngelle for makyng a payer balens to way y"= gret bell \v' all 
 
 Item pd. for brekyng small oure mettell ........ 
 
 Item pd. for borrowyng a hammer at tonys desyt [in margin] tonys charge it 
 shuld be ............. 
 
 Item pd. for a loed wood W-'' tony shukl pay the won halt 
 
 Item pd. in expences for the wardens for goyng lo the belfoundr and taryyng for 
 an answ'' of hy' whe' our bells shuld be cast ...... 
 
 Item pd. in expences for goyng twys to the bell found' the' won tyme at my lord's 
 commandement cS: the other tyme whe' we caryed our brasses and resayuyng 
 the waight of his meltell w'' he lent us ....... 
 
 Item pd. to Skyngell for takyng doune & hangyng up our new bells 
 
 Item in expences when our bells w' caste that is to say on the euen the day of 
 castyng and on the morrowe ..... 
 
 Item pd. to want for ij pay"' of hys bellows 
 
 Item pd. to Mylton for won pay' bellows & his helpe ij days 
 
 Item pd. to Mr. velle for his bellows ..... 
 
 Item paid for a loed & a halfe of charcoelle 
 
 Item pd. for ij galonds ayell to wants wyffe when our bells were seathed 
 
 Item pd. to the belfound ouwe' of his payment as is reharseid on the other syd 
 of this leefe ........ 
 
 Item pd. to want for mendynge the bell clap's . 
 
 Item to yernwark to y'= trussyng the bells .... 
 
 Item in expences whe' we caryd y= therd bell clap' aye' 
 
 Item pd. for the second bell roppe and a pene for fecchyng it 
 
 Item pd. for makyng a new baldryck & mendyng others . 
 
 Item pd. for bred cheys & drynk for Skyngell w' he had hangyd y= bells 
 
 Item pd. for a quer pap' to mak y'* bok w' all . 
 
 Item for bettynge y" second bell brass .... 
 
 Item to bryant for seying y= bell frame .... 
 Item to George Silu'ley for seying y^ bell frame 
 
 Item to y= seid George for conmiyng to meyt to Skyngell . 
 Item pd. to hym an yernest grott yf he mak o'' fram . 
 
 viijd. 
 
 ijd. 
 xvjd. 
 
 vjd. 
 
 iiijd. 
 
 xijd. 
 vijd. 
 viijd. 
 xijd. 
 viijd. 
 
 iiijd. 
 
 uija. 
 
 vjd. 
 
 vijs .\jd. 
 
 ijs iiijd. 
 
 xxijd. 
 
 xviijd. 
 
 xvijs. iijd. 
 
 iijd. 
 
 xlvnjs. 
 viijs. 
 iiijs. 
 
 iiijd. 
 
 ijd. 
 
 xjd. 
 viijd. 
 
 ijd. 
 
 ijd. 
 
 ijd. 
 iiijd. 
 iiijd. 
 iiijd. 
 iiijd. 
 
 * This item has been erased.
 
 272 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Item pd. in expences for our goyng to speke to Skyngell •■ .... jd. ob. 
 
 Item pd. in expences when we went to reseyue our mettall ■' . . . . iiijd ob. 
 Item pd. to Skyngell for takynge doune our old bells and hangyng up the new 
 
 bells ayene ............. xiijs. 
 
 Itm pd. in expences for goyng to Skyngell on candelm^s day at y^ p'ches 
 
 co'mandeme't ............ 
 
 Item in expences when we went to receyue our bell mettall out of the bellfound'^s 
 
 hands 
 Item pd. for makyng of this accompte and makynge thys bok with cov' y= sm^ 
 [Item remanynge to the cherches welth in the custody & kepyng of old want (?) 
 
 of Stansted in bell mettall cccxxviij" {Entry erased)]. 
 
 xxxiij — xxxilij — (1542). 
 Item Receyued of tonney for bell metalle ........ 
 
 Item receyued for y' yernen branches in sted of old yern w'' wayed xxj'' tow'd y« 
 
 makyng of y^ bell toles 
 
 Item pd. to tonney in full co'tets and paymet of A mor su' as it appereth in y« 
 
 last accounte ...... 
 
 Item pd. for a wbitlethcr rayng' for y= sancts bell ...... 
 
 Item pd. to Skyngell of gadwell tow'' his chargs for makyng y"^ bell frame y'* yer 
 
 Item pd. to young siluerly tow'' his charges comyng to ws w^'' was skyngells duty 
 
 Item laid out for goyng to Skyngell to cu' spek w' my Ion 
 
 Item to harry morvell for castyng ij bell brases 
 
 Item pd. to mylton for yern wk to y*^ belle 
 
 Item pd. for fecchyng bord bell staks 
 
 Item pd. for a littell bell roppe . 
 
 Item pd. for nails to mend y"^ bell whelle . 
 
 The su' of the charge is . . . 
 XXXV — XXXVI (1544). 
 Item rec''. for ij old bell roppes ...... 
 
 Item pd. to George Silu'ley for tra'lasyng y'= belfre stayrs . 
 Item pd. for a lyne to the s"use bell .... 
 
 Item pd. to Whitlesey for rep'ac'ons of y"= bell baldryks 
 
 It. pd. for a bell rope 
 
 It. pd. for nails and trussynge the gret bell 
 
 It. for me'dyng a bell baldryk 
 
 It. pd. for ij bell ropes 
 
 XXXVI — xxxvij Hen. VIII. (1545). 
 Item pd. to Batley for medyng the gret bell wheell . 
 Item pd. to George Silu'ley for makyng littel bel wheell . 
 Item pd. to the s^ni George for new trussyng the oth' bels .... ijs, 
 
 Item pd. for nails for y"= s'm trussynge ..... 
 
 Itm. for makyng of a boxe wherein the gret bell roppe run'eth in 
 Itm pd for the littelle belle roopc ...... 
 
 Itm pd tor y<^ exch^ng for won of y"^ hand bells .... 
 
 Itm pd for wo' other bclroppe .......... xijs. 
 
 Itm pd for makyng of a bcl baUlricke to Silu'ley 
 
 vjd. 
 
 iiijd. 
 xd. 
 
 nj". vijs. 
 
 xd. 
 
 . xlvjs. viijd. 
 
 jd. 
 
 xxs. vd. 
 
 xijd. 
 
 ijd. 
 
 ijs. ijd. 
 
 xxijs. iiijd. 
 
 i,jd. 
 
 xd. 
 
 iijd. 
 
 vjli iijs vijd. 
 
 vjd. 
 xvjd. 
 
 ijd. 
 viijd. 
 xd. 
 xd. 
 jd. 
 xviijd. 
 
 xijd. 
 iijs iiijd. 
 iiijd. 
 
 jd. 
 
 jd. 
 i.xd. 
 xvd. 
 
 iijd. 
 
 * These two items erased.
 
 HALLINCnURY 
 
 273 
 
 Itm pd to y= harness niak' for makyng a notlier Ijaldryck .... 
 
 Itm for a noth' ropp to the g' bell ........ 
 
 xxxvi;. Hen. VIII— i. Edw. VI (1547). 
 
 Itm receyved for won old bell ropes end ....... 
 
 Itm receyved for two old roppes ......... 
 
 Itm receyved of Howses vviffe for a nolh' old rope ..... 
 
 Itm pd for iv bell roppes for the bells ....... 
 
 Itm to Milton for medyng y= ha'd bell clap' ...... 
 
 Itm to the sam' Milton for yernw'k co'cernynge y= bels and y"^ cherch gate 
 
 Itm pd for ij oth' new bell ropes ........ 
 
 Itm for makyng a bell wheell & trussyng the gret belle and mendyng y<^ othe 
 
 Itm for ij other new belle roppes ........ 
 
 Itm to Milton for me'dyng the bell clappers ...... 
 
 Itm to Milton for hyngyng the sam' ....... 
 
 Itm to George Silu'ley for stockynge y" g' belle ..... 
 
 Item for whitlethe' for mends y^ bell baldrycks ...... 
 
 I-II Edw. VI. (1548). 
 
 Itm. paid for two belle roppes ......... 
 
 Itm. pd. for a new baldryck for won of the bels ..... 
 
 Il-lll. Edw. \'I. (1549). 
 
 Itm. paid for the lielle roppes ......... 
 
 Itm pd for makyng of the new baldryks ....... 
 
 Itm pd for nails to trouse the bels withe ....... 
 
 Ilj-lllj Edw. VI. (1550). 
 
 Itm pd for naill to troiishe o'' bels w' ........ 
 
 Itm for trusshynge of the othi^ bels ......... 
 
 vij Edw. VI. (1553). 
 
 Itm rec^' for old ropes ends and an old pece of yern . 
 1555. Itm pd to Csom""s bedwelle for makynge third bell clap' 
 
 Itm pd for trnssynge y^ g'te belle 
 
 Itm for y"^ third bell rope . 
 1566. [Inventory] Itm on hand bell 
 
 Itm for a chayne to y<= sance l)jll 
 
 Itm paid for a belle roppc . 
 
 Itm laid out for mcndynge y" bells 
 
 Itm for a each for your iij bell and for men 
 w'*' whit lether .... 
 
 Itm for ij bell ropes .... 
 [From the beginning of Elizabeth's reign only occasional 
 
 time to time]. 
 1574. Itm to Clerk for y« lytle bell .... 
 
 Itm to Bormeed(?) for a bell .... 
 
 Itm for y' lytell bell clap' ..... 
 1579. Layed forthe for mendynge of the sance bell . 
 
 [The accounts go down to the year 1634]. 
 
 dyng of y 
 
 Lir bellropes an 
 
 baldryck 
 
 viijd. 
 
 ijs. iijd. 
 accounts kept ; but inventories made from 
 
 vjd. 
 xjd. 
 
 ijd. 
 
 vijd. 
 
 vd. 
 
 ,\xd. 
 
 ob. 
 
 xijd. 
 
 xxijd. 
 
 vs. 
 
 xxijd. 
 
 ijs. viijd. 
 
 iijd. 
 
 iijs. viijd. 
 
 iiijd. 
 
 xxd. 
 xijd. 
 
 iijs. 
 ijs. 
 
 jd. 
 
 jd. 
 xxd. 
 
 xijd. 
 
 vjs. vjd. 
 
 xd. 
 
 xxijd. 
 
 iiijd. 
 xxd. 
 
 viijs. 
 
 HALLINGBURY, LITTLE. 
 
 I. No inscription. 
 
 St. Mary. 
 
 vd. 
 
 vjd. 
 
 iiijd. 
 
 xi.xd. 
 
 Three bells. 
 
 (26I in. 
 35
 
 274 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 . EDWARD TREDGOLE CHVRCH WARDEN J682 (29I in. 
 
 2 
 
 ^ et 
 
 Treble : an early 14th century bell ; the flat beading in place of an inscription band exactly 
 resembles that on the early bells at Rawreth. 2nd : by William Wightman. 3rd : by William 
 Wodewarde ; the cross is PI. X., 4, the shield, the small ' lavers ' (PI. X., 6) ; the capitals 
 are the small set (PI. VIII) as at Gt. Holland and Colchester Town Hall, with corresponding 
 minuscules. Compare Creat Braxted. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 517) : '3 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 145) the same. 
 
 HALSTEAD. St. Andrew. 8 + 1 bells. 
 
 1. C7IST BY JOP.M W>IK,'VE!< ^- ,SO.\S h'" IiOiVUO>' W)5. 
 
 On 7fa/s/ .■—I{i\ii orT THK K/IIiSH, KI>G I\ TJIK TKilR 
 KljMG I,\ THE hOVK OK Tl<(I'rp /lj\I) l^IliJiT. 
 X EV» Be JI, 0/!KIiEY- VlC^K. 
 
 W. We Oot)PEI<, CpaRPJI CIsEKK. 2jl in. 
 
 2. As A^o. r. 
 
 O/i 7t',!isi .■—Riya I]V TJIE THOa.S/I,\'D YE^RS GK PEflCE 
 
 Ki,\6 i]S THE Christ tp^t is to ise. 
 
 [S\'i!i/ic'S as on A'o. 1.) (19 in 
 
 3. THO— GARDINER '^ SUDBURY Mi FECIT ^ ^ 1755 ^ ♦^ 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 4. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1633 (32 in. 
 
 5. -^ RICHARD BOWLER ME FECIT 1589 (36 in. 
 
 ^- l/ffi^ Diilfis Sifilo fflclif) (iaiiipana Uocor Galiiiclifj 
 
 Above, laver-shield thrice. ■ (38 in.
 
 HALLINGBURY— HALSTEAU 275 
 
 » v. V. r^ •.-. a •; <f\ 
 
 ME -^^»-»^-^-*^'* 1700 —If ±±a:ia3;ddt m 
 
 a « « ^ "■ ' 
 
 (41 in. 
 
 8. On the crown :— TD WL M ^ 
 
 ^ OMNIA lOVAM s; LAVDAN T s ANIMANTIA si 1 575 (+6 in. 
 
 Clock bell. No inscription. (20 in. 
 
 Tenor, 19 cwt. ; in good ringing order. The two trebles are new additions, weighing 
 4f and 5 cwts. 
 
 Sth : cross, PI. XXIX., i ; large bold letters. 
 
 6th: By John Bird (p. 28); cross, I'l. X., 3; large ' laver-pot ' shield; fine capitals 
 (PI. X., 5, 7, 8) and minuscules. 
 
 7th : The border consists of small fleurs de-lys (PI. XXXII., 4) with small crosses above 
 and below ; after the date it is placed between floral devices scratched in the cope of the mould. 
 
 Sth: By Stephen Tonne, with the initials of his foremen, Thomas Draper and William 
 Land (p. 79) ; cf Copford and Stanway. Words on paterae ; crown and arrows (PI. XXVI., 4), 
 and a floral stamp (PL XX VT., 10) as stop. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 259) : 'six Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 64) the same. 
 
 Essex Review, 1893, p. 236; Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 69. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death ; tenor for adults, treble for children; tellers, 3 x 
 3 for male, 3x2 for female. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for services ; on week-days three only. Ringing at Easter and 
 Christmas; that on November 5th discontinued ('happily' — J.C.L.S). 
 
 In the Churchwardens' Accounts for 1834 there are payments for ringing on May 28th and 
 29th, June 26th and 28th, July 2ist, August 13th, and September 8th (Coronation). 
 
 According to the Parish accounts thjre is a ' Bell-rope field ' which in 1822 was let at ^4, 
 and in the following year at jQt,. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. E. H. Oakley, Vicar. 
 
 HALSTEAD. Holy Trinity. One bell. 
 
 I. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1844 (24 in- 
 
 Weight 4 cwt. 2 qrs. 1 1 lbs. 
 
 Church built 1844. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1893, p. 237.
 
 276 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 HAM, EAST. St. Mary Magdalene. i + i bells. 
 
 .®Dvuais@sisoo@ffle:L is® 
 
 VO COR @aK a? PH BH @ G^KB J8 I e Ii I s 
 
 (36 in. 
 S. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1849 (ig in. 
 
 Large bell about 1380 ; by a predecessor of W. Uawe (see p. 26). The stop (Pi. VIII., 7), 
 which also serves as an initial cross, does not occur elsewhere, but the lettering (PI. IX.) 
 is the same as at Bradfield and Leyton. Dr. Raven suggested that SIS'l'O was a mistake for 
 CISTA, 'a hive of sweet sound.' 
 
 Pits for three. The smaller l)ell is seldom used. On New Year's Eve 1905 a 'peal' 
 was produced on the large bell by striking the upper part with two hammers while sounding 
 the clapper. The result may or may not have been musical, but it is to be hoped that this 
 beautiful old bell will not again be subjected to such barbarous treatment. 
 
 T.R.E. 1552. 'In p'mis in the steple iiij great bells. Tlie first wayeth by estimation 
 viij"^ pounds the second wayeth by estimation xij*: pounds the thyrde wayeth by estimation 
 xyj*^ pounds the fourth wayeth by estimation xx'^ pounds. It. a little bell re'sued to warn the 
 people at the begynnyng of dyvyne s'vice by estimation one pound.' {Essex Arch. Trans. 
 N.S. ii. p. 244). 
 
 The minute books of 1738 mention a payment to Thomas Worthen on June 6th for 
 mending the bells, ^4. 9s. oW. On July ist, 1782, the Vestry "finding that the bells were 
 dangerous, gave a Mr. Ripley power to have three replaced, providing the expense did not 
 exceed the value of the cracked bells, which was estimated at ;^45. 15s. lod." In 1784 a 
 special vestry was held to consider the fate of the bells, and a resolution was passed authorizing 
 Mr. Wilson, the churchwarden, to get the value of the bells, or a jjortion of it, from the bell- 
 founders, Messrs. Patrick and Osborn. The firm however having gone bankrupt, the Parish 
 got nothing, and the bells of East Ham church were lost for ever. (Home Counties Mag. IX., 
 July, 1907, p. 211). This does not quite square with the facts, as one of tlie three bells was 
 retained, and is still safe and sound ! 
 
 Morant (i. p. 15) : ' In the Tower are three Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 267) : ' 3 bells.' 
 
 See also Essex Arch. Trans, ii. p. 109; Ecclcsiologist, xxv. p. 345. 
 
 There are in this parish two chapels-of-ease; St. John Baptist, built 1866, and containing 
 one bell of 28J in. diameter supplied by Warner in 1864 ; and St. B.\rtholomew. 
 
 At the Town Hali. is a bell by Taylor of Loughborough, ]nit up in 1901, and weighing 
 19J cwt. 
 
 HAM, EAST, St. Alban, Upton Park. One bell. 
 
 I. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 19C3.
 
 HAM, EAST WEST 277 
 
 On waist:— TO THE GLORY OF GOD 
 
 A THANK OFFERING 
 FOR A YEAR OF UNITED WORK 
 AMONG THE LEPERS OF ROBBEN ISLAND 
 
 D.G. (26^ in. 
 
 Weight 4 cwt. 13 lbs. Church built within the last few years. 
 
 HAM, EAST. St. Stephen, Upton Park. One bell. 
 
 One bell of 1893, weighing 3 cwt. 3 qrs., supplied by Mears and Stainbank, with no 
 inscription beyond the founder's name and date. Church built 1887. 
 
 HAM, EAST. All Saints, Forest Gate. One bell. 
 
 Church consecrated 20 May, 1886. 
 HAM, EAST. St. Edmund, Forest Gate. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1901. 
 HAM, WEST. All Saints. Ten bells. 
 
 1. ROBERT CATLIN FECIT 1752 (28 in. 
 
 2. THE RINGERS GAVE 20 POUNDS TOWARDS TWO TREBBLES 10 MAKE X BELLS. Ri CATLIN 17S' 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 3. • S ♦> K .,♦ J737 .♦« • (33 in. 
 
 4. As the last ; no coins. (34 in. 
 
 5. As No. 3 ; both coins large. (38 in. 
 
 6. REVi.. w^'. cropley Vicar Morris bailey Sebastian Weyerman Samuel burfokd 
 
 Church Wardens <'.x*>c,> 
 
 THOMAS mears of LONDON FECIT 1795 (40 in. 
 
 7- Robert Catlin Fecit 1752 ^ i?f \ "i \, (42 in. 
 
 8. Prosperity to this parish :; R ^ C 1752 ^^ ^ ^ »fe "^ "" 
 I — ■ \ (44 in. 
 
 9. REV" ABEL JOHN RAM VICAR. FRANCIS DACRE SEPTIMUS MORRIS HUNTLEY : 
 PERFECT CHURCH WARDENS. 1852. I WARNER & SONS FOUNDERS LONDON 
 
 (48 in.
 
 278 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 10. C. et G. MEARS LONDINI FECERUNT 
 
 On the waist:— ABEL JOHANNES RAM VIC 
 
 CAROLUS CURTIS ARM 1 p„p, p„ 
 
 ALFREDUS MASON ARM •pheTnnF^ A°- 1^46 
 
 JOHann KNOWLES ARM J'-usiuuno (54 in. 
 
 Tenor 28 cwt., note D; the largest and heaviest bell in the county. In good ringing 
 order. 
 
 The 3rd, 4th and 5th are by Samuel Knight (see p. 130). The objects on the 7th and 
 8th seem to be square-headed nails. The 9th is the earliest bell cast by the present firm of 
 Warner and Sons, at any rate in Essex. 
 
 The Rev. W. Cropley (6th bell) was Vicar 1775-1S04; the Rev. A. J. Ram from 1845 to 
 1868 (see Fry, Hht. of E. and W. Ham, p. 193). 
 
 The Inventories here are defective. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 21) and Muilman (iv. p. 261) give '6 Bells.' But the present 2nd shows 
 that there were certainly ten in 1752. Probably Samuel Knight cast a ring of eight in 1737, 
 of which Catlin recast two (the present 7th and 8th), adding the two trebles. The first peal- 
 board given below shows from the number of changes rang that in 1737 there must have been 
 eight bells. 
 
 In the Vestry Minutes for 1587 (25 June) occurs the following entry : — 
 
 Item that the Sexton do from the fteast of Saint Mychell the arkanyell vntyll the anon' of Saint 
 mary the virgin Ring the iiij"' bell at iiij of the clok in the morning & viij at night, as hertofifor 
 hath been accustomed and shall continually sett & keep the clok going at dew tyme & ho* as 
 hertoffor hath been accostomed. (East Anglian N. and Q. ii. p. 340). 
 
 The Curfew was still rung in 1864-65. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell when requested ; tellers 9 for a man, 7 for a woman. 
 
 On Sundays, chiming for service at 8 a.m. and for all services on 2nd and 4th Sundays; 
 on ist and 3rd a peal is rung before morning and evening service, and also on 'Corporation 
 Sunday.' 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve, Christmas Day, Easter Day and Whitsunday ; for weddings 
 by request. 
 
 Curfew formerly (see above). 
 
 The following peal-boards are in the ringing-chamber. 
 
 i) 21 Nov. 1737. 1 5 120 Bob Major in 8 hrs. 40 min. 
 
 2) 6 Apr. 1828. 7001 Grandsire Gators in 4 hrs. 21 min. 
 
 3) 13 July 1828. 5040 do. in 3 hrs. 24 min. 
 
 4) 17 Nov. 1883. 5000 Treble Bob Royal in 3 hrs. 31 min. 
 
 5) 3 May 1884. 5067 Stedman Gators in 3 hrs. 25 min. 
 
 6) 22 Feb. 1896. 5057 Grandsire Gators in 3 hrs. 28 min. 
 
 See also Church Bells, 30 Nov. 1872. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. Canon Felly, Vicar, and Rev. H. W. Reindorp, Assistant Curate. 
 
 HAM, WEST. St. Matthew. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1896.
 
 HAM, WEST 279 
 
 HAM, WEST. St. Thomas. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1891. 
 HAM, WEST. Holy Trinity, Canning Town. Six bells. 
 
 A new ring of six (tenor 7J cwt.) provided in 1887, replacing one bell of 4 cwt. supplied 
 by Mears and Stainbank in 1869. 
 Church built 1868. 
 
 HAM, WEST. St. Gabriel, Canning Town. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1879. 
 
 HAM, WEST. Emmanuel, Forest Gate. i + i bells. 
 
 I. THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME EMMANUEL. 
 
 On ihi so„nd bow :-C. & G. MEARS LONDINI FECERUNT DECEMBER 1851 (38 in. 
 
 S. On I he sound bow :~c. & Q. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1852 
 
 Weight of larger bell gj cwt. Church built 1852 ; the bells hang in a central turret. 
 
 HAM, WEST. St. James, Forest Gate. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1881. 
 
 HAM, WEST. St. Mark, Forest Gate. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1893. 
 
 HAM, WEST. St. Saviour, Forest Gate. One bell. 
 
 Church consecrated 18S4; one small modern bell. 
 
 HAM, WEST. St. Mary, Plaistow. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1864; a bell of 8 cwt., diam. 35 in., supplied by Messrs. Warner about 
 1898. 
 
 HAM, WEST. St. Andrew, Plaistow. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1871. 
 HAM, WEST. St. Peter, Upton Cross. One bell (?). 
 
 Church built 1893.
 
 28o THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 HAM, WEST. Stratford, St. John. 
 
 1. Thomas Mkars of London Fecit 1835 
 
 2. THOMAS MEARB OP LONDON FECIT 1835 
 
 3. THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1835 
 
 Lettering on ist very small, except the initials, which are ordinary size. 
 Church built 1836. 
 
 HAM, WEST. Christ Church, Stratford. 
 
 Church built 1852. 
 HAM, WEST. St. Paul, Stratford. 
 
 Church built 1865 ; a bell of 25^ in. diam. supplied by Warner in that year. 
 HAM, WEST. St. Mark, Victoria Docks. 
 
 1. TAYLOR & C" FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1862, 
 
 2. Tlie same. 
 
 Lettering thick and square, as at Heydon ; not like Taylor's later lettering. 
 
 HAM, WEST. St. Luke, Victoria Docks. 
 
 Church built 1874. 
 
 HAM, WEST. 
 
 Church built 1903. 
 
 HAM, WEST. 
 
 Church built 1904. 
 HANNINGFIELD, EAST. All Saints. 
 
 1-3. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1885. 
 
 1. On jfaist ;— BENEDICITE. 
 
 JOS. RATCLIFF WARDEN. 
 
 2. On 71'aist :—TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. 
 
 J. F. FOWLER RECTOR. 
 
 Ascension, Victoria Docks. 
 
 St. Cedd. 
 
 Three bells. 
 (24 in. 
 (29 in. 
 (36 in. 
 
 One bell. 
 
 One bell. 
 
 Two bells. 
 (22J in. 
 (24 in. 
 
 One bell. 
 
 One bell. 
 One bell (?). 
 Three bells. 
 
 (28?, in. 
 (29f in.
 
 HAM, WEST HANNINGFIELD 28 1 
 
 3. On tiuiist : — OMNIS SPIRITUS DEUM LAUDET. 
 
 T. L. ST. ALBANS, BISHOP. (3I4 "n. 
 
 Weights: i) 4C\vt. 2qrs. iSlbs. 
 
 2) 5 o 25 
 
 3) 606 
 15 3 21 
 
 These three bells take the place of three which were melted down in the fire which 
 destroyed the old church in 1883, and contain much of the old metal. An entry in the 
 Parish ' Record Book ' .says ' The three Bells in the old Church which was consumed by fire 
 on Dec. 30th, 1883, were sweet-toned and much prized. The intense heat of the flames 
 melted them into fragments (some as small as shot) and the ashes were searched, sifted, and 
 washed to recover the metal. Fortunately the inscriptions had been taken and also 
 their weights by the Rev. Mr. Cockey, Curate of Rettendon.' 
 
 These inscriptions were as follows : — 
 
 1. THOMAS WEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1842 (Dam. 26^ in. Weight 4 cwt. 
 
 2. ISAAC ROBINSON CH WARDEN R: P: FECIT 1735 (29 in. si cwt. 
 
 3. M ^ ROBERTSON ^ C + W THO = GARDINER ^ SUDBURY ^ 
 FECIT ♦^ 1750 (3-i-in- ^j^^"- 
 
 The 2nd was by Richard Phelps. Crosses on 3rd, PI. XXXII., 5 and 7. 
 There were originally frames for four bells, but these were cut down into three in 1842, 
 when two being cracked were sold to provide the new treble of that year. 
 Morant (ii. p. 37) : '4 Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 209) the same. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell : twelve hours after death ; tenor for adults, treble for children ; tellers at 
 finish, 3,2,1 respectively (formerly 3x3 and 3 x 2). 
 
 Bells chimed for Sunday services. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. A. J. Sacre, Rector. 
 
 For the following extracts from the Parish accounts we are indebted to the Rev. H. A. 
 Cockey. 
 
 1742 Paid to the Ringers for ringing on the 5th November, 050 
 
 [.\ similar entry every year until 1810. In iSii the amount is raised to 6s. at which it 
 
 remains till 1827, after which no payment is recorded] 
 
 1742 for oyl for ye Bells 006 
 
 1742-47 (each year) ye Ringars for Ringing the eleventh of June 050 
 
 1747 Josh-'' Pavit for collers and Keys 006 
 
 1750 Paid Jno. Palmer for the repairs done 2140 
 
 carage of the Bell to Sudbury and back again i I o 
 
 36
 
 282 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 paid Mr. Gardner for new mettle and casting ye Bell 
 
 pd. Sara'' Polley for taking the bell down and hanying 
 
 paid for leather for ye Bell Claper and oyl fer the Rolls 
 
 Spent at Sam=' Mays when ye bell was hung 
 1752 Due to Mr. Robinson upon accounts of casting ye Bells 
 
 For a sett of Bell Ropes 
 '759 payd Dan' Gill for Irons for ye Bell wheels 
 
 For 32 foot of .', inch Elm board for ye Bell wheel 
 
 30 foot of oak (?) for do. 
 
 Vov going after ye Bell Ropes 
 
 To Daniell Gill for a crown staple & 2 Keys 
 1760 for Bell ropes 
 
 payd for a staple for ye Bells 
 1762 .\pl. II payd for Ringing 
 
 1767 payd Dan' Gill for altering some Irons for ye Bells 
 1769 Payd for ye Bell Ropes 
 1774 for 4 Bel Ropes 
 
 1779 paid Will Macroft for 4 Bell ropes by bill 
 
 1780 A. nue stay and stapel to Bell 
 
 1783 for four Bell Ropes waid 2<) pounds att 9 pence per lb. 
 1785 To 4 new Bell Ropes waid 22! lb gd. per lb. 
 1787 I'aid for four ISell Ropes waid 26 Pound at nine pence per lb. 
 1795 I Day work Carpenter mending the Bells 
 
 paid for mending the bell 
 1802 Paid for 4 Bell Ropes 
 1808 to a New sett of Bell Ropes 
 1S17 4 new Bell Ropes 
 
 1 82 1 Pd Blanks i!v; Lock Bill for mending the bells 
 1824 New Bell Ropes and Carge 
 1826 Pd Blanks for Repairing the Church Bells 
 1839 James Eaton Bill for Repears to the Steepel 
 1S40 Mr. Iledgeley for 3 new Bell Ropes 
 
 1 84 1 Paid Ringers on the arrival of Major Notlidge 
 
 1842 Carriage of ISelh to & from Town 
 
 1843 Cr. for two old Bells 
 Dr. for one new Bell 
 Stamp for receipt 
 
 HANNINGFIELD, SOUTH. St. Peter. 
 
 I. ANTHONY BARTLET MADE MEE 1664 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 39) : 'only one Hell'. Muilmaii (i. p. 215) : ' i bell.' 
 Death Knell : three times for male, twice for female. 
 Thanks to Mr. Miller Christy. 
 
 HANNINGFIELD, WEST. SS. Mary and Edw.irJ. Four bells. 
 
 I. MILES : GRaVE MADE .. ME 1676 (27 in. 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 2 6 
 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 
 6 2 
 
 
 
 
 2 8 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 2 6 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 15 9 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 19 6 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 9 
 
 1 9 
 
 
 
 
 16 8 
 
 
 
 
 19 6 
 
 
 
 
 2 6 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 1 
 I 
 
 6 
 I I 2 
 
 5 
 19 
 
 
 T 
 
 9 10 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 .5 6 
 2 6 
 5 6 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 5 
 
 
 43 3 4 
 
 
 
 21 9 10 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 On 
 
 - 
 
 21 12 6 
 
 
 
 e bell. 
 
 
 (+' 
 
 1 in.
 
 HANNINCFIELD HARLOW 283 
 
 2. The same. (29 in. 
 
 3. The same. (30 in. 
 
 4. The same. {^t, in. 
 
 The I in the date is inverted in all four cases. 
 The crown of the treble is very roughly cast. 
 Morant (ii. p. 39): 'four Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 210) the same. 
 Death Knell as at South Hanningfield. 
 No peculiar uses. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. W. \Vace, Rector of \V. and S. Hanningfield, also to Mr. Miller 
 Christy. 
 
 HARLOW. St. Mary. 8 + 3 bells. 
 
 1. C/(,SU' BY JH}Ij\ W/l^jVKK .5 )S«JS;f> IiWJVOejV )SS3. (30 in. 
 
 2. The same. (31 in. 
 
 3. 7'h: same. (^^ in. 
 
 4. 7 he s.iiie. (35 in. 
 
 5. The same. (38 in. 
 
 6. The sa lie. (40 in. 
 
 7. 71ie sa:ie. (44 in. 
 
 8. Gn^W B¥ J0JIN WHRNKR ^^ g0N3 ItOjVDOjM )fcfS3, 
 
 O/i the ivaist :—^id TpE GjiORY OF GOD 
 TIjVD IJV pKJsl01<V OK 
 Ej,IIIiY Fli(/i]VrKS W/IhVOKI) pi^ WIFE 
 WJIO DIKl) J/ljV 7, )SS(> 
 
 Tpi^ I'^IJVG OK S BkiJiJ^ \lJKf, PKR.SK]VTKD 
 TO TJIE P/IKI,S}I CpiIRCp OK P/IKItOV/ 
 BY Wllilil/lj,l W/IFiKOI^D J/i]Sl 3 1SS5. 
 
 R0BH1<T jMnV/COJilBK D/lYj ' ^ ' ' ^ ' ^ V+'' 
 
 S. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1850 (16! in. 
 
 Clock Bell. THO- MEARS OF London FECIT 1794 (2 1 1 in.
 
 284 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Curfew Bell. G. MEARS & C FOUNDERS LONDON 1864 
 CHARLES MILLER VICAR 
 PHILIP CHAPLIN CHURCHWARDEN (41 i"- 
 
 WeijjlUs and Notes : i) 
 
 6cwts. 
 
 2qrs. 
 
 i81bs. 
 
 E 
 
 2) 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 1) sharp. 
 
 3) 
 
 7 
 
 2 
 
 23 
 
 C sharp. 
 
 4) 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 
 16 
 
 B 
 
 5) 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 17 
 
 A 
 
 6) 
 
 I 2 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 G sharp. 
 
 7) 
 
 14 
 
 2 
 
 24 
 
 F sharp. 
 
 8) 
 
 21 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 E 
 
 The Curftw Eell weighs 15 cwt. 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Rev. H. T. W. Eyre states that originally {i.e. down to 1883) there were only two 
 bells and a clock bell. The larger of the two was cracked about 1864, and recast by G. 
 Me.irs. This is now the Curfew Bell, and the other is retained as a Priest's Bell. 
 
 The original ring appears to hive been melted in a fire which destroyed the church in 
 1709, as we gather from a list of briefs collected at North Walsham. The damage was 
 reckoned at two to three thousand pounds, to which that parish contributed 53. 5^d. 
 
 Muilman (i. p. 72) gives ' i bell.' 
 
 'Local uses here are decidedly interesting ' (J.C.L.S). 
 
 From November ist to March 25th the morning and evening 'Ave Peals' are still rung 
 as in [)rc- Reformation times, at 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. The bell is raised, the hour and day of 
 the month tolled ujion it, and then it is lowered. 
 
 Death Knell rung as soon as notice is received ; tellers at beginning, 3 x 3 for a man and 
 3x2 for a woman ; one single stroke for a boy, two for a girl ; then toll for 45 minutes. 
 
 On Sundays the liells are rung for services ; one bell at 8 a.m. 
 
 Peals are rung on Easter Day, Christmas Day, Whitsunday, and New Years Eve. 
 
 'The sound of the old Curfew Bell was heard the other night. It had not been rung 
 for the past ten years. The tones of the old bell were as full and melodious as ever.' 
 (Herts and Essex Ohseyver, 14 Dec. 1895). 
 
 There is a ' Bell Croft ' here. 
 
 The Rev. Charles Miller (see tenor and Curfew) was Vicar from 1831 to 1885. 
 
 The ( 'hapel-of-ease of All S.^ints has eight small hemispherical or 'cup bells' by 
 Blews of Birmingham. 
 
 HARLOW. St. John Baptist. Two bells. 
 
 1. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1847 (18 in. 
 
 2. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1842 (20 in. 
 
 Inscriptions on both in very small type. 
 Church built 1841.
 
 HARLOW HARWICH 205 
 
 HARLOW. St. Mary Magdalene, Potter Street. 8 + i bells. 
 
 1. PER SINGULOS DIES BENEDICIMUS TE 
 
 2. L^UDAMUS WOMEN TUUM 
 
 3. VENITE ADOREMUS 
 
 4. Til GLORIFICAMUS 
 
 5. O.MMS SPIRITUS LAUDET DOMINUM 
 
 6. GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO 
 
 7. PR.MSE THE LORD 
 
 8. .*,D .WAJOREM DEI GLORIAM 
 HENRY ELWELL K.A. VICAR XXX AN 
 
 CHARLES SMITH 
 
 r-i /^Dr-L- rMTMT r ^' .URCHWARDENS 
 Gl ORGE DENT 
 
 > CH 
 Disused Bell. No inscription 
 
 Formerly one .small bell of about i cwt. put uj) when the church was built in 1834. The 
 present ring, by Taylor of Loughborough, was erected in 1905 in memory of the Rev. H. 
 Elwell. Mr. George Dent writes: ' 'i'he bells are ornamented with a floral band and the 
 foundry mark ; they are all harmonically tuned and hung on H iron frames.' 
 
 Weights and sizes : 1) 23 in. 303 5) 31 in. 5 2 22 
 
 2) 24 in. 3015 6) 32^ in. 6 I 4 
 
 3) 26 in. 3 2 23 7) 36i in. 8 on 
 
 4) 28 in. 4 o 22 8) 41 in. 12 o 9 Note G. 
 
 Total weight 46 cwt., 25 lbs. 
 Many thanks to .Mr. George Dent and Rev. H. Elwell. 
 
 HARWICH. St. Nicholas. Eight bells. 
 
 1. z. mears of London Fecit 1821. <':x*x;> (27 in. 
 
 2. The same. (28 in. 
 
 3. The same. (30 in. 
 
 4. The same. (32 in. 
 
 5. The same. (74 in. 
 
 6. 7'he same. (^c in.
 
 286 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 7. CAST FOR THE NEW CHURCH HARWICH 1821. WILLIAM WHINFIELD B.D. VICAR 
 
 PHILLIP CLOSSONlcmrern Wardfns 
 WILLIAM BULL ) CHURCH WARDENS 
 
 T. mears of London Fecit. (38 in. 
 
 8. As No. I, hul no patttrn. (44 in. 
 
 Weight of tenor 15 cwt. (Mears' list 14 cwt.), note G. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 501) and Muilman (vi. p. 106): '5 Be'ls.' Dale in \\\s History of Harwich 
 (1730), p. 31, also gives five bells. A note in the Essex Review, 1893, p. 188, from Mr. 
 Charles (folding, says: 'These (six) bells bear the date 1752 with the Founder's name 
 (Thomas Gardiner of Sudl)ury), together with the names of the Churchwardens ; on one of 
 them are the following lines : 
 
 ' Tho. Gardiner ded us cast . . 
 
 Will sing his praise to the last. 1752.' 
 
 See also Essex Review, 1S93, p. loS, and Bloom, ncraldry and Inscriptions of Tendring 
 Hundred, p. 79. 
 
 CU-STOMS : — 
 
 A bell rung daily at 9 a.m. Curfew rung at 9 p.m. from Michxhnas to Lady Day. 
 
 Death Knell : tellers three for male, two for female. Occasional muffled peals for funerals. 
 
 On Sundays ringing for morning and evening service ; ' priest's bell ' for last five minutes ; 
 one bell at other times. 
 
 Ringing on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve; sometimes on Royal birthdays; for 
 weddings by request. 
 
 A bell rung for Vestry Meetings. 
 
 In stormy weather it was an ancient custom (now seldom observed) to ring for special 
 prayer. 
 
 Best thanks to the late Rev. E. J. Frayling, Vicar. 
 
 In the ringing chamber are two peal-boards, one dated 16 April, 1843 (5376 Bob 
 Major), the other 20 March, 1886 (5040 grandsire Tri[)les) ; see Chiircli Bells, 2 Nov. 1872 
 and Bloom, op. cit. 
 
 HATFIELD BROAD OAK. St. Mary. 8 + 2 bells. 
 
 1. Patrick & OSBORN OF London FOUNDERS 1782 (30 in. 
 
 2. The same. (31 '"■ 
 .3. Tlic same. (32 in. 
 
 4. Patrick & osborn of London founds-* james Webb & William Clark church 
 Wardens 1782 (34 '"• 
 
 5. THE Revi. Henry Wray Vicar 1782 Patrick & osbohn of London Founders- 
 
 (36 in.
 
 'HARWICH HATFIELD BROAD OAK 287 
 
 6. 1782 PATRICK & OSBORN OF LONDON FOUNDERS (39 '"• 
 
 7. STEPHEN WitSON ESQn TRUSTEE TO THE CHARITIES OF THI3 PARISH GAVE FIFTY 
 POUNDS TOWARDS THIS PEAL 1782 
 
 /.v/oju .—Patrick & osborn of London founders (41 in. 
 
 8. John Harrington Esqk lord of the manor gave twenty pounds towards 
 THESE Eight Bells. AD. 1783 
 
 Be/oiu:-ROB> PATRICK FECIT (45 in. 
 
 S. 1779 (14 in. 
 
 Clock bell. As No. 1, but mith dale 1783. (26 in. 
 
 For Patrick and Osborn, see p. 131 ; they were only in partnership for a short time (cf. St. 
 Botolph's Bishopsgate, London), hence Patrick's name alone on the tenor. They used the 
 Whltechapel type of lettering, but that on the 6th is smaller and thinner than the others. 
 The J of James on the 4th is reversed. Weight of tenor, 19 cwt., note E. The sanctus bell is 
 by Pack and Chapman. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 509) : 'a peal of six bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 131) : '6 bells.' £55^.1- Arch. 
 Soc. Trans. N.S. i. p. 84: 'a turret staircase surmounted by a sanctus bell.' Cf. also a 
 drawing in the Buckler collection (Brit. Mus.) which shews the turret at the S.E. angle of the 
 nave with an arched cot for the bell on the top. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell rung at 8 a.m. on morning after death ; tenor used for all over twelve, 2nd 
 for children under that age. Tellers 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female, then raise bell and toll 
 for 30 minutes. 
 
 On Sundays a bell rung at 8 a.m. Bells chimed for services. 
 
 Ringing occasionally, e.g. at Christmas and Easter. 
 
 Gleaning Bell discontinued. 
 
 The sanctus bell used to be rung before the sermon (Essex Arch. Traits. N.S. iv. p. 261). 
 
 The Benedictine Monastery here possessed at the Dissolution : — ' Bells vj per estimacone 
 . . . xl'' ' {Essex Arch. Soc. Trans. N.S. i. p. 134) ; of these, the large I)ell was given by Robert 
 Taper in 1320 at a cost of _;£'2o. 
 
 In reference to the sanctus bell the Vicar kindly sends the following : — 
 Aug. 1767 For mending the Saints Rope 
 
 3 Nov. 1 79 1 To eaking (?) the Saints Roope 
 
 4 May 1809 Mending the ting-tang Rope 
 
 The weights of the old six melted down in 1782 were 
 
 le 
 
 
 2d 
 
 
 ipe 
 
 
 4d 
 
 
 
 
 6d 
 
 
 
 cwt. 
 
 qrs. 
 
 lbs. 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 14 
 
 2) 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 24 
 
 3) 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 13 
 
 4) 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 5) 
 
 1 1 
 
 I 
 
 14 
 
 6) 
 
 13 
 
 2 
 
 4
 
 288 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 They were valued at ^1^4 4s. per. cvvt., total ^225 3s. gd. 
 
 Many thanks to Rev. F. W. Galpin, Vicar ; also to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 HATFIELD BROAD OAK. Holy Trinity, Hatfield Heath. Three bells. 
 
 I- VICTORIA 1897 (30 in. 5 cwt. i qrs. i lbs. Note D. 
 
 2. 1898 (33 '"• 636 
 
 3- AUNT LOO 1898 (36J in. 8 i 20 
 
 All by Mears and Stainbank, superseding a set of steel bells put up when the church was 
 built in i860. 
 
 HATFIELD BROAD OAK, St. John Evangelist, Bush End. Three bells. 
 
 Church built 1858, in which year three small bells were supplied by (',. Mears of 
 Whitechapel, the tenor about 2i cwt. 
 
 HATFIELD PEVEREL. St. Andrew. One bell. 
 
 I. •$< DANIELL r£, COVKTMAN <oi SEN" Tfj SVltVI" e^^i FEOFEE ,53 OF 
 ro> THE fSj CHUECH 1^5 LAND 
 
 »i? <^r tV, HATFIELD C^ PEVERIEL <oi MATTHEW tjj BAOLEV !£» 
 MADE C£» ME f£j 1715 :•: 
 
 For Matthew Bagley, see p. 129; the stop is a rose (PI. XXXI., 3), the init'al ornament 
 a floral device rather than a fleur de-lys. 
 
 Morant mentions no Courtmans later than 1605. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 134) : 'one Bell.' Muilman (i. p. 369) the same. 
 
 Essex Review, 1894, p. 64. 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death; tellers the usual, both at beginning and end of 
 tolling. 
 
 On Sundays a bell rung at 8 a.m. 
 
 HAVERING-ATTE-BOWER. St. John Evangelist. Six bells. 
 
 1-6. CAST BY J0:\ \7AKj\Kr< Z:: >S01V,S, It'" IiO]VI»OJV, 1S97. 
 I. On 2vaisi:~ To 'I'HK GIiOKY Olf 60I) 
 
 /INI> I]V IiOVIj\(i JsIKpOKY OF JIKK HilSIVflNI) 
 VlUaiini^ PEJIBRI^TON BTIKJVIEg 
 A]VD OK THKIK ('HIIiI)l<K,\, liiua A]VI) l<EtiI]S:AIiD 
 THIS IJKIJi I^ ')EI)I(5/ITED BY 
 :«I«]M PEJIBBRTOjVL BTIf^rSE^ 
 
 1S97. (32 in-
 
 HATFIELD BROAD OAK. HAVERING 289 
 
 2. On fcw^/.— GlVEjV BY Ej-IHtY Jd/fTTpHV/f? TO TJIE (UiOKY OF Goi) 
 
 /f]Vl) IjM IiOVI]V(i J^IKJilOKY OH \\YA\ Jla^B/IJSIU 
 C}i/lKIiK,S P. lil/lT'l'PEW^S 
 
 ]8'97. (34 in. 
 
 3. On 7t'aisf. -—IJi. P.ja. Pfl'fl^IfS. fSTKP}I^]VII- C/I1<^GM E'F. P/ITRIS. 
 
 PR/l]\!CEf;C/IE. cap. KIIxIO. ET. KIIiI/IBVfS. I]V. ?^T0. 
 DOl^PIEjVTIVJil. D.D.D. G.P. HOPE ¥UdV^ ^YPEK^STEfS 
 
 JilOllS. ,SPE,S. VI'l'/IE. (36 i in. 
 
 4. (9« «'««/.— 311 fll^cmoriam 
 
 &.t). (T.flD.flD. 
 
 ^]Vt. pDccc;ccvii. izH in- 
 
 5. 0» Waist: — As the last, except that the second line runs: — ■ 
 
 ^ D. no. ^ (42 in- 
 
 6. o,!7e'ais/.— (loiifitcantur tibi 
 
 2)©fll>3l!-^i£ cm ma 
 opera tua ^ ct sanctt 
 tiii t»cllc^icant tibi. (461 in. 
 
 Old bell taken by founders and allowed for; new ring dedicated 27 Dec. 1897 {Church 
 Bells, 7 Jan. 1S98). The new church was consecrated 13 April, 1878. Formerly there were 
 two chapels in this parish, which then formed one with Hornchurch and Romford. 
 
 cwt. qrs. lbs. 
 
 Weights and notes : i ) 6 3 4 C. 
 
 2) 7 2 7 B flat. 
 
 3) S I 22 A flat. 
 
 4) 10 I 25 G. 
 
 5) 13 o 14 F- 
 
 6) 16 2 4 E flat. 
 
 Nos. 4-6 were given by Mrs. M'lntosh. 
 See Essex Review, 1898, pp. 70, 99. 
 
 T.R.E. 4 Oct. 1552. 'It'm ij bells of iiij hundrythe wayght a lytell hand bell' 
 {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 43). 
 Muilman (i. p. 315): ' i bell.' 
 Thanks to Rev. E. C. Woodman, Rector. 
 
 HAWKWELL. St. Mary the Virgin. One bell. 
 
 I. THOMAS MEARS & SONS OF LONDON FECIT 1806 ^ ^ ^ (22 in. 
 
 37
 
 290 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 The three lozenge-shaped ornaments at the end contain ornamental devices of some kind, 
 which we have not met with elsewhere. 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. 'Solid ij hande bells on great belle of brasse to peter smythe of 
 Rochford for ijs. ijd. 
 
 ' It. John Crymbyell [?] John Churche,' and others, ' sone after the fest of sent Mathye 
 last past puld doune out of the stepyll of hawkwell churche ij of the great bells that weyd by 
 estimatyon xv hundrythe w'heytt and the jerne clapers and brasse therto belongging and to the 
 framys of the same bells whyche yerne and brasse cost the p'yche xli. and the same they caryed 
 awaye and yet deleyne (?) contr'y to the myndys of the seyd p'yshoners and w' owt ther consents 
 and (?) they remaine in the handes of Wyllyam Strford (?) Knyght.' {Essex Arch. Trans, iv. 
 p. 224). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 290) : ' 2 Bells.' Muilnian (v. p. 200) : ' 3 bells.' 
 
 Benton, Hist, of Rochford Hundred, i. p. 267. 
 
 HAZELEIGH. St. Nicholas. One bell. 
 
 I. THOs MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1793 0000« ('7 '"■ 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. ' H.WESLEVHE . . . two bells by estymation halfe an hondred 
 wayte.' {Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 241). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 344) : ' formerly i Bell, now none.' 
 
 Muilman (v. p. 295) : 'a small turret, in which formerly was a bell but now none.' 
 
 HEDINGHAM, CASTLE. St. Nicholas. 5 + i bells. 
 
 1. Round the shoulder, vine border. 
 
 On the waist :—{a) HONOUR ALL MEN. I PET. 11. 17. {b) 
 
 THE GIFT OF THE PARISHIONERS 1897 ~ (28 in. 
 
 2. As No. I except that the text is: LOVE THE BROTHERHOOD. (3°! in- 
 
 3. As N'os. I, 2, zuith text: FEAR GOD. (32 in. 
 
 4. Round the shoulder, vine border as before, with another scroll-border above. 
 
 On the waist :— {a) HONOUR THE KING. I PET. II. 17. {b) 
 
 TO THE GLORY OF GOD 
 
 AND IN COMMEMORATION OF THE SIXTIETH YEAR 
 
 OF QUEEN VICTORIA'S REIGN 
 
 1837-1897 
 
 THE GIFT OF THE REV" J. J. TWIST M.A., VICAR (35 in. 
 
 5. + {shield) + In Multis Annis Resonet Campana lohannis (.see page 17) (39111. 
 Clock bell. 1697 (2 I A in.
 
 HAWKWELL HEDINGHAM 29I 
 
 The four new bells are by Taylor of Loughborough, each one bearing the trademark on 
 the waist. The vine-border (PI. XXXIV., 9) is copied from one used by Abraham Rudhall 
 of Gloucester (Walters, Church Bells of Shropshire, Fig. 2); tliey have also used it on their 
 great bell at Richard's Castle, Salop. Mr. E. J. Wells remarks: 'When secular education 
 prevails and the l!ible is merely of antiquarian interest the reference (Pet. ii. 17) will be useful 
 as shewing the source of the quotations ; at present however it appears superfluous.' The 
 new bells were dedicated by the Pishop of Colchester, 20 Oct. 1S97, the old bell having been 
 quarter-turned and tuned to A flat, to form the tenor of the five. 
 
 This old bell is by Richard Hille (p. 16) ; tlie cros.ses are Surrey, 168, and PI. IV., 13, 
 and the shield the ' cross-and-ring ' (PI. VI., 8); the capitals are PI. V. (uncrowned). 
 
 Clock bell probably by Henry Pleasant ; hung in cupola on top of tower. 
 
 cwts. qrs. Ills. 
 
 Weights of bells : i) 4 3 26 
 
 2) 5 3 20 
 
 3) 6 o 25 
 
 4) 8 o 21 
 
 5) II o o approx., note A flat. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 299): 'only one Bell.' In the chapel of the Nunnery {ihid. p. 297) were 
 ' two Bells.' 
 
 Essex Review, 1S94, p. 116, 1898, p[). 5, 97. 
 
 There is a tradition that some of the bells here were sold to Sible Iledingham 
 (J. J. Raven). Another tradition is that before 1616 there was a fine ring of five, and when 
 the present tower was built in that year four were sold to defray expenses (Muilman, ii. p. 
 116). Another version in Sparrow's Collections (1663) says there were six of which five were 
 sold ' out of the old steeple y' fell down ' to Bury St. Edmund's, only one being left there. This 
 was in 1639. (A note sent by the late C. Golding). 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death ; tenor bell used. Age denoted towards the end 
 of the hour by striking the number of years in ([uicker lime. Tellers 3 for male, 2 for female. 
 
 On Sundays bells rung or chimed for half-an-hour before services. 
 
 Early peals rung on Christmas Day, Easter Day, and Harvest thanksgiving at 6.30 a m. 
 
 On New Year's Eve a peal is rung for fifteen minutes before midnight ; the hour is struck 
 on the big bell, and a peal rung for the ne.\t fifteen minutes. 
 
 Ringing for weddings when requested and paid for. 
 
 Tenor rung for Vestry meetings on Easter Monday at 10.30 a.m. 
 
 Many thanks to Rev. J. J. Twist, Vicar. 
 
 HEDINGHAM, SIBLE. St. Peter. 5 + i bells. 
 
 I. WHEN ^ YOW ♦ HEARE ^ THIS 4> THEN ♦ DOE ^ 
 VS ^ BLESE ♦14'H^E^A4'L^H4 
 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1627 {^^ in.
 
 THE CHURCH REI.l.S OF ESSEX 
 
 _Sanc(a J^a^crtna Ova Pro ;Co6t6 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 3. + AVE : MARIA {lion's head) (coin) (sec page 45). 
 4- MILES c GRAVE . MADE :: ME t-. 1667 
 
 5. MILES GRAVE MADE ME TH 1616 
 
 Clock Bell. M ("" li'nist) 
 
 (3S in. 
 (40 in. 
 
 (48 in. 
 
 The initials on the first are probably those of donors. 2nd : by John Danyell ; crosses, PI. 
 XII., 8, 9 and Royal Arms; the N is from Powdrell's set. 3rd: an early example from the 
 Wokingham foundry (see p. 46) ; the cross, slop, lion's face, and lettering are Biicl'S, Pis. XV., 
 XVI.; pn/i'rae clearly marked. Clock bell: the M scratched on the waist probably indicates 
 Miles Graye Jun. There appears to be an interval for another bell between 4 and 5 ; and 
 Morant (ii. p. 290) gives '6 bells' in his ti;iie. But Muilman (ii. p. 97) gives five. Tenor 
 22 cwt. Dr. Raven in 1S61 noted ' 4th spoiled by sharpening (he gives the date as 1657); 
 tenor, a beautiful bell.' 
 
 Essex Revie'iV, 1S94, p. 117 ; Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 72. 
 
 Death Knell on tenor, for children the and ; tellers three strokes for a male, two for a 
 female. 
 
 Bells chimed for services on Sundays ; formerly a bell rung at 8 a.m. 
 
 Peals on 29 May and 5 Novemlier formerly ; but all ringing is now at an end owing to 
 the dilapidated state of the fittings. 
 
 HELIONS BUMPSTEAD, sec Uumpsticau, Hki.ions. 
 
 HEMPSTEAD. St. Andrew. 5 + i bells. 
 
 I. SAHVELL ♦ FITCH & lOSVAH ♦ COELI. ♦ CHVRCHWARDENS ♦ 1664 
 
 (33 i"- 
 
 A ffl B 
 
 2. THO = GARDINHR 
 
 SUDBURY 
 
 FHCIT 
 
 1751 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 baibara • sivcnum ■ mclos •' iMilccMuc • vinco 
 
 '1:' 
 
 (medallion of /mi^^ht) 3oI)annc5 tonus mc fecit 
 
 (41 in.
 
 HEDINGHAM HENHAM 293 
 
 4 4- lOHN »?i AND .'oi CHRISTOPHER «:»] HODSON «33 MADE 
 
 ofj ME -^ 1678 • • • • (44 in. 
 
 5. ^ FllalV^ 4- VIKSIjqi^ 4" MSRIE 4- BET 4- J^OBI^ 4- SHVDm 4- VITE 
 
 2nd line : — 
 
 ^ DE 4* BVRI 4- SANTI •$< EDMONDI •$• STEFANVS 4" TONNI ^ ME -f- FECIT ^ 1575 
 
 (47 ill- 
 Clock Bell. No inscription. 
 
 I.St: by Anthony Ijartlet ; trademark, IM. XXV., 2. 
 
 3rd: by John Tonne; crosses PI. XX., i, 2; large black-letter as at Great Hallingbury; 
 on the waist figure of knight as at Bocking, and two coins above the large cross. 
 
 4th : fleur-dc-lys and rosette stops, PI. XXXI., 4, 6. 
 
 5th : cf. the tenor at Chediston, Suffolk, and see PI. XXVI., 4-6, and p. 78. 
 
 The tower fell on January 28th, 18S2, and since that time Nos. i to 4 have been hung in 
 a shed in the churchyard ; the tenor had its cannons broken in the fall, and this and the 
 clock-bell are still lying unhung in the churchyard. The Vicar (Rev. E. J. Roberts) intends to 
 have the tenor recast before long, when the new tower has been built to receive it with 
 the others. The 2nd also has a piece broken out of the rim. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct., 1552. ' iiij belles in the steeple by estimacon of xlj'' weight the sanctus bell 
 xxx'' weight ffor the w'^ belles there is owing to the sayde Robert Mordaunt at this Dale 
 xx'' xvj'^j'' ol). as it shall apere by the church boke.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Cole (1744): ' 5 Bells.' Morant (ii. p. 530) : ' 5 large bells.' Muilman ( ii. p. 271) the 
 same. 
 
 Essex Review, 1896, p. 104 ; Essex Aixh. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 105. 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death (tellers 3x3 and 3x2); tolling at funerals, for a 
 few minutes two hours before, and then during the hour and a half previous to the arrival 
 of the corpse. 
 
 On Sundays the fourth is rung for 10 or 15 minutes at 8 a.m. when there is a service, 
 for later services the first four are chimed for a quarter of an hour, followed by the fourth for 
 ten minutes and the treble for five. The fourth bell is rung after morning service when there 
 is service in the afternoon. 
 
 Pancake Bell on Shrove Tuesday formerly, and Gleaning Bell during Harvest at 9 a.m. 
 and 5 p.m. (both on tenor). 
 
 Ringing for weddings when paid for. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. J. Escreet, Curate. 
 
 HENHAM. St. Mary. Five bells. 
 
 1. No inscription. (28 in. 
 
 2. MILES GRAIE FECIT 1636 (29J in.
 
 2^4 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3. MILO GRAIE ME FECIT 1641 (32 in. 
 
 \±j Mj Mi \±j ^h^ \±J V*.f 
 
 4. >i> sii nnmcii Dontiiii Batrbirlitm w ^ ^ ^^^ '"■ 
 
 5. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1828- REVn G. H. GLYNN VICAR <D'#<r>*<:> 
 
 W^'fTSLEs) CHURCHWARDENS -.D<*X:rx»>C> (40 in. 
 
 2nd and 3rd : Probably both of these bells are by the younger Miles Graye, as the 3rd 
 certainly is (see p. 95) ; the type is not the ordinary one. The date on the 3rd is in comparatively 
 small figures. 
 
 4th : By Thomas Harrys (p. 41) ; cf. Althorne, where the same capitals are used (PL XIV., 
 1-4 = John Barber's). The stop before the initals is a rose. The minuscles' are disproportion- 
 ately large, and seem to be those which go with the large ' Wodeward ' capitals (p. 25). 
 
 Frame and fittings generally in anything but good order. 
 
 Tenor lo^ cwt., note G. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. 'iiij belles in stcple by estimacun of xlvj*^ weight a sanctus bell of 
 xxi' weight ij handbells of xij"' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 569) : ' 5 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 406) the same. 
 
 Sec Jisse.v Revieu', 1895, p. 182, (date on 3rd wrongly given) and Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. 
 iii. p. 104, iv. p. 148. 
 
 Gleaning bell (the treble) rung at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed, followed by tolling on tenor. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 HENNY, GREAT. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 Sautia '.Safrtiia Oija i?0t[ IZobis (32 in. 
 
 2. MILES .. G^aVE •.-. MaOE ■.: ME 5 1655 (33 in- 
 
 3 MILES :•. GRAVE -.-. MADE :. ME 9 1652 (38 in. 
 
 ist. by Robert Burford ; cross PI. IV., 13. 
 
 The measurements of these bells clearly shew that they are first, second, and fourth of a 
 ring of four ; and there is a local tradition that the other bell was broken and sold some years 
 back. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 274), '5 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 130): '4 bells.' 
 
 See Essex Review, 1894, p. 117. 
 
 Death Knell rung on tenor, three strokes for male, two for female. Gleaning Bell 
 discontinued about 25 years ago, the sexton's fee of id. from each cottage being apparently too 
 heavy a tax on the community. 
 
 HENNY, LITTLE. Eccksia deslructa.
 
 HENHAM HEYBRIDGE 295 
 
 HEYBRIDGE. St. Andrew. Two bells. 
 
 ^QX )Jugu0(tnt Sond In Jivvt X>ii ^SJ (31 in. 
 
 2 lOHN FRESHWARTER C W lOHN DARBIE . MADE ME 
 ^ 1684 (32 in. 
 
 ist : by John Danyell ; crosses PI. XII., 8, 9 ; the V of Vox is inverted. 
 
 2nd: letters of first portion on separate paterae, type smaller and more ornate than that 
 of founder's name. 
 
 John Freshwater was squire of Heybridge Hall (Morant, i. p. 380), and was probably also 
 the donor of the bell. 
 
 Visitation of 1297 : ' Item iij campane quorum una est sine baterello ' (sc. ' clapper'). 
 
 1458 : ' Tres campane concordantes.' 
 
 T.R.E. ' Itm iiij grctt belles w' a saynts bell' (Essex Arcli. Trans, v. p. 275). 
 Muilman (v. p. 369) : ' The Steeple is either fallen or taken down.' 
 See Essex Revinv, 1894, p. 64. 
 
 The following extracts from the Churchwardens' Accounts are printed in John Nichols' 
 Illustrations of the Manners and Expences of Ancient Times, p. 151 ff . : 
 
 1510-1516 (years not distinctly specified). 
 
 Item bough te 2 belle roppes the pryce of bothe 
 
 Item payed to Andrew Elyott for the makyng of the seconde bell knepitt [sic) 
 
 Item payed to Andrew Elyott for the makyng of the eaye of the great bell knepil 
 
 Item payed for a belle roppe 
 
 Item payed to Thomas Byrde for makyng of the bell napyll 
 
 Item payed for niendyng of the bellys 
 
 1516-17. (Similar entries to some of the above ; also the following : — ) 
 Item paied for spykes to the bellis 
 Item paied for 6 stapels for trussynge of the bellis 
 Item paide to the carver for trussynge of the bellis 
 Item paied for a rope to the gret bell 
 Item paied for a rope to the forebell 
 
 1517-18. Item paide to Andrewe Elyott of Maldon for raendynge of the grete bell 
 claper and the third bell claper 
 Item paide to William Sponer for a bawdrykke for the grete bell 
 151S-21. (Various entries for bellropes). 
 
 1521-22. Item payde to a bell-hanger for trussyng of the 3de belle and the great bell 
 
 ageynse Crystemas o i 10 
 
 Item receyved of the carpenter that made the bell-frame for a pece of tymbre that 
 
 he gave the churche o i 5 
 
 Item paide for halfe a pounde of . . . .to the socketts of the bellys o o i 
 
 Item paide for grece for the bellys o o 
 
 (And numerous small items relating to the frame). 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 "1 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 'f 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 10
 
 296 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 1522. Item payed for hierne werke for the bellis 
 
 Item payed for a rope for the sance bell 
 
 Item payed for heaveyng down of the grett bell o i i 
 In an Inventory of about 1527 is the item ' 3 hande-bells for procession.' 
 
 HEYDON. St. Peter. Five bells. 
 
 1699 (22i in. 
 
 1699 (24 in. 
 
 J: TAYLOR & C- FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1863. (27^ in. 
 
 WILL MOVLE C W 1699 (zgi in. 
 
 S" PETER SOAME BARNIT 1699 (szi in- 
 
 An original ring by Richard Keene, excepting the 3rd ; the letters and date-figures are 
 very rough and careless. The lettering on the 3rd is thick and square, not like that sub- 
 sequently used by Taylor ; cf. the bells at Wicken Bonant. Its predecessor was inscribed, as 
 Mr. Sperling tells us in the Handbook of Ecclesiology (1847), p. 164: ' Spiritus alta petat 
 daemon peccata resumat.' Tlie weight of the present bell is 5 cwt. 10 lbs. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552, ' iij belles by estimacon of xxx<= weight a Sanctis bell by estimacon 
 of xl" weight.' (Stowe MSS. S27). 
 
 Cole (1744) : 'a ring of 5 Bells.' Morant (ii. p. 602) : ' 5 Bells. Muilman (iii. p. 89) the 
 same. See Essex Review), 1895, p. 18S. 
 
 The Soame family purchased the Manor of Heydon about 1600. Sir I'eter, the donor 
 of these bells, was grandson of Sir Stephen Soame, Lord Mayor of London in 1598. He died 
 in 1709. (Morant, loc. cit). 
 
 HIGHWOOD (in WHITTLE). St. Paul. One bell. 
 
 S 
 I. I H IS. (17 in. 
 
 Height of bell 16^- in., without the cannons, 12^ in. 
 
 The two groups of letters are on opposite sides of the bull. It was formerly the clock-bell 
 at West Stow Hall near Bury St. Edmunds, and was put up here when the church was built in 
 1842. 
 
 The letters are not familiar at any rate in the Southern or Eastern counties, but probably 
 belong to the seventeenth century. The most likely founder whose initials are I. H., is John 
 Hardy of Bury St Edmunds, who according to Dr. Raven (Suffolk, p. 120) was working about 
 1650. A small clock bell for a private house would be more likely to be cast by a local man. 
 No other bells have so far been attributed to this founder; but his date suits for the lettering, 
 and also for the fact that the house, which had previously been the residence of Sir John 
 Croftes, one of the household of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, was occupied about 
 1650 by new tenants named Seiger (see p. 79).
 
 HEYHRIDGE HOLLAND 297 
 
 If the bell is co-eval with Croftes' occupancy, John Harding, who occurs at Navestock, 
 might be suggested as the founder. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1893, p. 262. Best thanks to Rev. H. M. Burgess, formerly \'icar. 
 
 HOCKLEY. St. Peter. Three bells. 
 
 1. lOHN 'ii HODSON ♦ MADE ♦ MEE -^ 1657 lOHN C£, BRANARD «^j IERVASE 
 
 ♦ GROVE 'SJ 
 
 {2nd line:-) 4< CHVRCH ♦ WARDENS -f- W 4" H •^ -^ (28 in. 
 
 2. : lAMES BARTLET MADE ME 1684 BENIAMIN SYMMONS CH : 
 WARDEN (^ (30 in- 
 
 3- 
 
 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1626 (35 m. 
 
 ist: In John Hodson's smaller lettering as at Canewdon ; W. H. = William Hull. 
 
 Trade mark on 2nd, PI. XXV., 2. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. 'Itmiij bells hanging in y= steple weying bye estimacion xx= xx". 
 Itm ij hande bells waying by estimacion tenne pounds.' 
 
 (Sold) 'A broken bell wayeing xvij' and xlix pounds for xiij^ the hundryth nioore in 
 y= hole sum cvj^ viij'' ' {Essex Arch. Trans, iv, p. 225). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 289) : '4 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 198) the same. 
 
 See also Benton, His/, of Ruchford Himdred, i. p. 301. 
 
 Death Knell, if required, within 24 hours ; tellers 3 x 3, 3 x 2, or 3 x i. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for Services, with single bell for last five minutes. 
 
 Ringing for Weddings by arrangement. 
 
 A bell rung for Vestry Meetings (a few strokes only). 
 
 Thanks to Rev. S. Maude, Vicar. 
 
 HOLLAND, GREAT. All Saints. Two bells. 
 
 I. (^ offlnes @ spRSSi ^ oFjpse g) bpio @ noBi3 © pcQen (25 in. 
 
 2. "Vo;c jJguefini 5one( In "Kure Qt\ '^^^. ^g| (3° in. 
 
 ist : By the same founder as bells at Tolleshunt Major and Willingale Spain ; cross Herts, 
 7 ; wheel-stop, PI. VHI., 5 ; small capitals (Plate VHI). See p. 23. 
 
 2nd : By John Danyell ; cross PI. XH., 9. 
 
 Note the dedication of the treble to the patron saints. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. 'Itm iiij bells and a sawnce bell in ye steple.' {Essex Arch. Trans. 
 N. S. i. p. 17). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 479) : '4 bells.' Muilman (vi, p. 63) the same. Essex Review, 1S97, p. 46. 
 
 38
 
 298 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 HOLLAND, LITTLE. Ecclesia desiructa. 
 
 At this church, now in ruins, there were in 1552 : ' Itm iij smalle belles in the steple 
 ij hand belles and a sacra belle.' {Essex Avch. Tyans. N. S. i. p. 17). 
 
 HORKESLEY, GREAT. All Saints. Si.x bells. 
 
 1. C/JST BY JOPJSI W/IR]VEI^ § ^OJVI^ Iitd LOJMDOJSI 1903. 
 
 On -waist :— %, JI. D. G. 
 
 ET IjM PEPOI^I/Jjil 
 D^YID Vifmu CjI/IPp/I]\I GBIIT IOtf. ,SEPr 1901. (29 •"• 
 
 2. THOs LliEWELLIN & W^" GRIMWOOD CH WARDENS 1793 THO^ MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 3 lOHN : BALL : AN : lOHN '• DAMYON : OF *. HORSLY : 
 
 • • • • • • • 
 
 CHVRCH . : 
 
 {2udii,u:~) WORDNS : I : SAY : CAV5E : ME : TO : BE : 
 CAST : BY : COLCHESTER : : : 
 
 {^ydUiie:—} GRAVE 1679 (34'"- 
 
 4. On shoulder : — shield PI. XVIII., 11, thrice. 
 
 ^ancta j jl?.avia a 0ra i i?ro i J2obts (34 in- 
 
 5. W^' SADLER WHO HADE A NEGLIGENT PARTNER >,> CAUSED ME TO BE 
 CAST BY 
 
 {Beloiv:—) SUDBURY GARDNER 1747 (37* in- 
 
 6. On shoulder : — shields as on No. 4. 
 
 uiroo ^ nos ^ «Q ^ reotia M covonata ^ quc M qeata 
 
 (42 in. 
 
 Treble : a new addition. 
 
 3rd : Miles Graye III here uses his father's lettering throughout, except for the last line. 
 It was seldom that the Oayes were betrayed into rhyme or in fact anything beyond their 
 simple ' made me.' The stop between the words consists of three » vertically placed. For 
 the name of John Damyon cf. Fordham ist.
 
 HOLLAND — HORKESLEY 299 
 
 4th and 6lh : From the liury foiiiKlry, both witli the H.S. sliield on the shoulder, hut 
 otherwise differing. The 4lh is in 'Mixed Gothic' with the usunl cross (PI. XVIII., 4), the 
 ' Riiry S,' and the single stop (PI. XVIII, g), probably by one of the Churches. The tenor is 
 of the later ty[)e, probably by Roger Reve (see p. 54), the inscription in 'smalls' throughout, 
 with the double stop (PI. XVIII., 7) and the cross PI. XVIII., 12 whicli also occurs at 
 Radwinter, and at Shelley, Suffolk. On the latter the g is of late form, the & and b are inverted, 
 and the words are wrongly arranged ; but the 'smalls' are larger and better formed than those 
 on the 4th. 
 
 5th : The inscription as far as TO BE has been filed away on account of its libellous 
 nature ! But it is just legible. (Gardiner here has evidently been inspired to emulate Graye's 
 poetic flight, but hardly with more success. Messrs. Deedes and Wells (Essex Review, 1893, 
 p. 232) note the evident plagiarism, and also the still common corrupt pronunciation of 
 PARTNER to rhyme with GARDINER. Cf. also Raven, Suffolk, pp. 142, 185 (Edwardstone), 
 and see p. 124. 
 
 Weight of tenor 16 cwt., note F. Bells newly hung by Warner with chiming apparatus; 
 no scientific ringing done. 
 
 T.R.E. 1548. ' Itm Resayued of Richard Facon for a saunce bell and a hand bell and a 
 sacry bell etc' 
 
 ' Itm Resayued of Randal Waly for a hand bell etc' 
 
 1552. 'It. the said iiij great belles the said sanctes bell . . . are delyu'^ed to Thomas 
 love and John onys' of the saide Towne to the Kgs Ma''"^^ vse.' 
 
 1554. 'Itm iiij gret belles and a santte bell.' 
 
 (Sold) 'Itm ij hand belles ij sacring belles Itm a santtes bell.' (See Essex Arch. Trans. 
 N.S. iii. p. 46 and East Anglian N. and Q., N.S. i. p. 323). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 239): '6 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 238) the same. Essex Review, 1893, 
 p. 232. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. J. Storr, Rector. 
 
 HORKESLEY, LITTLE. SS. Peter and Paul. Five bells. 
 
 1. fficars rt sdtitiljaufi, isoiiiJini, rotcrmit fflD©©©Lcxxuni. 
 
 BWo?£/:— pebibuci ex Sanctis eclro s.iuloiiuc Mcatis 
 
 ectruo ego ©ainpana boco, inc auiiilc, licnitc (22 in. 
 
 2. MILES n GRAVE MADE •• ME •• 1686 (22A in. 
 
 3. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1615 (25^ in. 
 
 4. EEPLACED IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1811 EDWARD JAMES HUSBANDS : 
 {2nd line :—) . BLAIR ESQk PATRON Mk GEO. SADLER CHURCH WARDEN: 
 
 ^vd line : — ) T. HEARS OF LONDON FECIT. (28 in. 
 
 5. On the shoulder : — PI. X., Fig. i thrice. 
 
 €tcrnif) pnnis FJcfionct ^anipnna Iol|anuif) (32 in.
 
 (30 
 
 in. 
 
 (31 
 
 in. 
 
 (32 
 
 in. 
 
 (34 
 
 in. 
 
 300 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Tenor 6 cwt. ; by John Bird (p. 28); cross PI. X., 3; large capitals and smalls. The 
 medallion above is PI. X., i. 
 
 The 2nd is one of the latest bells by Miles Graye Junr. He died June 1686. 
 
 T.R.E. ' ffirste remaynyng in the belferye ther ffoure bells. One saunce bell ij hand bells 
 and one little sacryng bell.' (East Anglian N. and Q., N.S. i. p. 342). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 237): '3 Bells.' iMuihnan (\i. p. 232) the same. Essex Rcviciu, 1893, 
 P- 233- 
 
 HORNCHURCH. St. Andrew. 8 + i bells. 
 
 1. On waist:— TO THE GLORY OF GOD 
 
 AND IN COMMEMORATION OP 
 1 HE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 
 
 On sound boiu : — mears me fecit, a.d. 1901. 
 
 2. The same. 
 
 3. IF YOU HAVE A JUDICIOUS EAR YOU'L OWN MY VOICE IS SWEET & CLEAR 
 {2nd line : — ) MEARS & Co LONDON FECIT 1779 
 
 4. PEACE & Good neighbourhood •. mears & c- London fecit 1779 OOOO 
 
 5. ye kingers all that prize your health & hapiness be sober merry wise & 
 you will ii 
 
 {2nd line : — ) the same POSSESS MEARS & C ■ LONDON FECIT 1779 (38 in. 
 
 6. YE PEOPLE ALL THAT HEAR ME RING BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR GOD & KING 
 
 MEARS & C> LONDON FECIT 1779 (40 in. 
 
 7. IN WEDLOCK BANDS ALL YE WHO JOIN WITH HANDS & HEARTS UNITE SO SHALL OUR 
 TUNEFULL TONGUES 000<?' 
 
 {2nd line ;— ) COMBINE TO LAUD THE NUPTIALS RITEv. W" MEARS & Co LONDON FECIT 1779 
 
 (44 in- 
 
 8. THE REVd Mr EOBt SPEED » RECTOR ?; MESSks WENNELL & DOGGETT CHURCH WARDENS 
 1779 W»' MEARS & Co LONDON FECIT 
 
 On the sound bom : — INTACTUM SILEO PERCUTE DULCE CANO (49 in. 
 
 Clock Bell. DONVn THOHAE BRANDON ECCLESIAE CORNVTAE IN COM 
 ESSEX 
 
 (9««wi/.— MAII XXIX MDCLXXIIII Q^ (i8Un.
 
 HORKESLEY HORNDON 3OI 
 
 The larger six were, hke the Chehiisford bells, cast by William Mears when working 
 independently. The word YE on the 6th is incised. The clock bell (by Anthony Bartlet ; 
 trade mark, Pi. XXV., 2) hangs outside the west window under a wooden canopy, and is in- 
 accessible, but was examined by Mr. Fred Chancellor in 1897, and the inscription was given 
 by him in the Essex Review for 1897, p. 148. For the two new bells see ibid. 1901, p. 234. 
 All are in excellent order, with new frames, etc. 
 
 Weights and notes : — 
 
 5' 
 
 :wt. 
 
 3 
 
 qrs. 
 
 lolbs. 
 
 E. 
 
 2) 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 D sharp 
 
 3) 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 C sharp 
 
 4) 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 B 
 
 S) 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 A 
 
 6) 12 
 
 
 
 
 
 G sharp 
 
 7) 15 
 
 
 
 
 
 F sharp 
 
 8) 20 
 
 
 
 
 
 E. 
 
 T.R.E. 4 Oct. 1552. ' It'm iij hand bells one in kepyng of Mr. Dewke and thother of 
 the vycar It'm v bells in the steple the last bell in wayght by estiraacon v"= It'm a saunce 
 bell.' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 43). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 74): 'five Bells.' Mailman (iv. p. 353) the same. 
 
 The name of Thomas Brandon (see Clock Bell) occurs in the Baptismal Registers : 
 ' 19 Nov. 1632 Thomas sonne of Mr. Thomas Brandon.' 
 
 The Rev. R. Speed (8th bell) was Rector 1762-86. He was born in 17 10; of St. John's 
 and New College, Oxford, B.A. 1732, M.A. 1736; and died in 1786. 
 
 In the Ringing Chamber are peal-boards of 17 March, 1822 (peal of Oxford Trelile 
 Bob), 23 April, 1S30, (three peals), 29 May, 1842 (four peals), also one of 6 April, 1849, 
 recording the ringing of Kent Treble Bob Minors by the St Mary Society, Woolwich (see 
 Church Bells, 23 Nov., 1872 and 27 Oct., 1877; the last named was not to be seen in July, 
 1905). Another of 10 Oct., 1903, records the first peal rung on the completed eight. 
 There was also formerly a set of old ringing rules (now superseded by a prosaic modern set) 
 which ran :— 
 
 ' If you ring with Spur or Hat 
 
 Three pints of beer you pay For that 
 
 If you swear or give the Lye 
 
 A pot you pay Immedeatly 
 
 If a bell you overthrow 
 
 A pint you pay before you go.' 
 
 1798 
 
 There is a ' Bell Field ' here. 
 
 Many thanks to Rev. Herbert Dale, Vicar. 
 
 HORNDON, EAST. All Saints. Four bells. 
 
 I. THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1621 (^ , q ■ 
 
 V*-*/ (28 m. 
 
 2. Tlie same. 
 
 (30 in.
 
 302 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3. lOHN CLIFTON MADE ME 1635 (34 in. 
 
 +. THO = GARDlNl£R ^ SUDBURY •^ ^ FHCIT ^ 1735 ^ ^ 
 
 (35 in- 
 
 For John Clifton, see p. 75. The church, being far away from the village, was until 
 recently almost disused, being superseded by a mission church of St. Andrew, Heronsgate, 
 with one small bell. It was reopened in 1908. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 211): '4 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 52) the same. 
 
 The bells are used on Sundays for Matins and Evensong. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. S. C. Donovan, Rector. 
 
 HORNDON, WEST, see Incrave. 
 
 HORNDON-ON-THE-HILL. St. Peter. Five bells. 
 
 (22 in. 
 
 I. MKARS ( 
 
 & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDOI 
 
 Oh zvaist : — 
 
 PRESENTED BY JOHN HALL 
 
 
 1899 
 
 2. As No. 
 
 I. , 
 
 
 RECAST BY 
 
 On waist : — 
 
 WILLIAM LEES BELL 
 
 
 1899 
 
 (23 in. 
 
 3. 1706 (24 in. 
 
 4. As No. I throitghont. (26 in. 
 
 5. lOHN CLIFTON MADE ME 1640 Q^ ^^^ i,, 
 
 The 3rd bell is by John Waylett ; the 5th has cabled cannons. Note that the latter 
 bears the Whitechapel foundry mark (PI. XXV., 2) as at Lambourne. 
 
 cwt. qrs. lbs. 
 Weights: i) 2 i 24 
 
 2) 2 3 26 
 
 3) 3 3 6 
 
 4) 4 o 2 
 
 5) 5 o II Total 18 cwt. I qr. 13 lbs. 
 
 The ist and 4th were presented by Sir John Hall, K.C.M.G., a former resident in the 
 parish. 
 
 The bells hang in a comparatively small wooden turret supported on massive limbers in 
 the usual Essex fashion, but there is no permanent means of access, and two ladders are 
 required to reach them. They have no wheels, and are only chimed.
 
 HORNDON HUTTON 3O3 
 
 Formerly there were four bells — Morant (i. p. 219) and Muilnian (v. p. 66) say five but 
 may be wrong — of which one disappeared about the middle of the last century. They were 
 
 probably hung 
 
 and were as follows ; 
 
 1. No inscription {recast as present 2}id). (23 in. 
 
 2. Present 3>'rf. (24 in. 
 
 3. By Thomas Bartlet, dated 162 1 (?). * (26 in. ? 
 
 4. Present ^th. (29 in. 
 
 Mr. Tyssen has preserved rubbings of 2 and 4, but not of 3, which must therefore have 
 been removed before his time ; it is mentioned by Palin in his Siifford and its Neighbourhood, 
 p. 136 (from H. W. King's notes). 
 
 The bells now hang 
 remaining. 
 
 3 5 2 
 
 and in the empty pit is the wheel of the old treble still 
 
 Death Knell immediately or twelve hours after death ; tellers two for male, three for 
 female. 
 
 Bells chimed for all Sunday services. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve ; for weddings occasionally. 
 
 A bell rung for Easter Vestry Meeting. 
 
 Traditionally the rent of a piece of land known as ' Bell Ropes,' and now in the possession 
 of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, supplied a sum of money for bell ropes. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. S- W. Fischel, Vicar, and local helpers. 
 
 HUTTON. All Saints. Five bells. 
 
 Lester & pack of London Fecit 1767 (26 in. 
 
 ANTHONY BARTLET HADE HEE 1655 (27J in. 
 
 3. WILLIAM LAND MADE ME 1637 W P R D (29^ in. 
 
 4. As No. I. (32 in. 
 
 T. mears of London fecit 1814 <o<*>c> (34 in. 
 
 3rd: the latest instance of William Land, for whom see p. 81. On 2nd, N reversed. 
 
 Tenor 7 cwt. Bells newly hung in an iron frame. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 195) : '5 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 29) the same. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. Miller Christy for verifying. 
 
 * Mr. King could not get at the date of this.
 
 304 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 ILFORD, GREAT. St. Mary. Eight bells. 
 
 1. C/1?>'1' BV jejIjV W/11'(N111'< 4- ?»«JV?5 liOJVDON 1S91. (zaf in. 
 
 2. TT/c same. (24:^ in. 
 
 3. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1866. (24I in. 
 
 4. Ilie same. (27 in. 
 
 5. T7ie same. (28J in. 
 
 6. Tlie same. (30J in. 
 
 7. 77;^ samf. (32 i in. 
 
 8. The same. (35 f in. 
 
 A very light ring, the tower not admitting of larger bells ; tenor 8 cvvt,, note A. 
 
 Mr. Wells notes that the trebles have no clappers, and are only used for chiming ; at 
 present all the bells are chimed only, as the tower is considered unsafe. 
 
 The church was first built in 1830, the parish being formed out of Barking, and previous 
 to 1866 there was only one bell, which Mr. Tyssen gives as inscribed 
 
 T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1831 (27 in. 
 
 The new bells of i866 were given by Miss Thompson of Clements. 
 See Tasker, llford Past and Present, p. 64. 
 
 ILFORD, GREAT. St. Clement. One bell. 
 
 The bell hangs in a gable-cot over the chancel-arch. Church built 1892, and now 
 constituted the Parish Church in place of St. Mary. 
 
 ILFORD, GREAT. St. John Evangelist, Seven Kings. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1902. 
 
 ILFORD, GREAT. St. James, Little Heath (or Chadwell Street). Five bells. 
 
 1. CiflgT BY JOPJVI WARNER § 50]V? t0]SID0]S 1S72. (zSi '"• 
 
 2. The same. (2 6 J in. 
 
 I 
 
 3. The same. (27^ in. 
 
 4. Tlie same. (29 in. 
 
 5. The same. (31^ in.
 
 ILFORD INGATESTONE 3O5 
 
 Church built 1862, as a chajjcl of ease to Aldborougli Hatch in Great Ilford. 
 Weights and notes : — 
 
 cwt. qrs. lbs. 
 
 1) 3 2 14 G. 
 
 2) 3 3 17 F- 
 
 3) 4 o 19 E. 
 
 4) 4 2 17 D. 
 
 5) 5 2 22 C. 
 
 ILFORD, GREAT. ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL. St. Thomas of Canterbury. Two bells. 
 
 1. 1780 (12 in. 
 
 2. The same. (17I in. 
 
 Both by Pack and Chapman ; hanging in a turret over the chancel of the chapel. 
 Best thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins for investigating these bells. 
 
 ILFORD, LITTLE. B.V.M. and St. Thomas of Canterbury. One bell. 
 
 I. J. WARNER & SONS LONDON 1861 (22 in. 
 
 Weight : 2 cwt. Note E. 
 
 T.R.E. 1552. ' Itm. more of bells thone of 1 li waight and thother of iij score pound.' 
 . . . . ' Now here we have made accompt and presented all saving one bell rope and a ladder 
 to clime up to the bells w' all.' Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 240). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 28) : 'A wooden cupola contains one Bell.' Muilman (iv. p. 296) : ' i bell.' 
 
 ILFORD, LITTLE. St. Barnabas, Manor Park. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1901. 
 ILFORD, LITTLE. St. Michael, Manor Park. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1898. 
 INGATESTONE. SS. Mary and Edmund. Five bells. 
 
 1. The Fou^DHR he ha5 Playd his Part: Wich shkws him Hastkr of his Art 
 ►J<'.x»x'..>i»x;x»x:>J< 
 
 So Hanq me well and Ring me true: And I will sound your Praises due 
 
 Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1758 (29 in. 
 
 2. W:„ REYNOLDS & EDW° STOCKES C:" WARDENS <0*x:5<»XXX*x:> 
 
 LESTER AND PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1758 <:»XJX-xr>C»x;> (31 in. 
 
 39
 
 3o6 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 I6IO (32 in 
 
 43tter•^l;fliul{e^J■:•l^aLlC■^m^•^■ 
 
 ^ 
 
 4- REC/1?;T 1$Y Jt)p.\ V/«l^]\iEK is .SOJVS IiO]V!D0j\ )S7'5. (3Si in. 
 
 5- MILES ••• GRaVE « iWaOE ME ■■• 1660 THOMAS BRaSIER (37 '"• 
 
 ist: Phelps' large and small letters; the ' Whitechapel ' pattern here begins and ends 
 with Phelps' cross (as at Canevvdon). 2nd: Phelps' medium lettering. 3rd; cf. Birdbrook, 
 and see PI. XXVIII., 1-3. 5th: last two words in large type; weight 11 cwt., note G. 
 Weight of new 4th, 8 cwt. i qr. 12 Ihs., note A. Its predecessor was inscribed as follows: — 
 
 HENRY ^fr PLEASANT "^ MADE 't^ ME »^ 1701 "vfr 4|r 
 
 (35 in- 
 
 Bells rehung in 1876. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 48) : ' five Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 249) the same. 
 
 Buckler, Essex Churches, p. 103, gives dates and rhyme on ist, and mentions that the 
 4th was then cracked ; he also says ' parts of the framing appear to be older than the Tower.' 
 See also Ecclesiologist, xxv. p. 345. 
 
 INGATESTONE. The Hyde. 
 
 In the possession of Mr. E. Norton Disney is a bell, hanging at the stables here, inscribed : 
 
 + eeSfji?s DE yessoR cae pesis (see p. 7) (14 in. 
 
 The cross and lettering are found on bells by the same founder at Tattenhoe, Bucks 
 (Bucks, pi. 8) and Ambrosden, Oxon ; also on a bell by William Revel at Longfield, Kent. 
 Obviously this was once the sanctus bell of some church, and according to tradition it came 
 from Blackmore Priory. Mr. Disney writes that the stables are not more than 100 years old, 
 and that his grandfather had no information as to how or when it came to the Hyde. Its 
 height is 17 in. 
 
 INGRAVE (with West Horndon). St. Nicholas. Five bells. 
 
 I. LAVDATE DBVM IN TYMPANO V^ '^^ ^ H ^ (^9 i". 
 
 z. SANCTE NICHOLAE ORA PRO NOBIS 1737 4. 4. ^ 4. ^ (31 in. 
 
 3. ME CLANGENTE DOMVM CONCELEBRATE DEI ^ <^ ^ {ii in. 
 
 4. ■>!+ FUNERIBVS PLANGO MVNERIBVSPVE CANO -A- +^ 
 Below:— CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1859 
 
 Royal Arms with ftpn^m belon'. (36 Ul.
 
 INGATESTONE INWORTH 3O7 
 
 5. *^ ^ MVNERA • SACRA . SONO . FVNERA • LAETA PRECES . ROB 
 
 lAC . PETRE • BARO DE . 
 
 WRITTLE • REFVNDENDA CVRAVIT OPERA • THO • GARDINER . DE . 
 
 SVDBVRY . .735 • • ^ «^ (+0 in. 
 
 Treble hung above the rest; weight of 4th, 7 cwt. 3 qrs. 22 lbs., note A. The ring by 
 Thomas Gardiner,* of which the 4th has been recast, was evidently put up when the two 
 churches of Ingrave or Ging Ralph and West Horndon were pulled down, and the new one 
 erected for the two parishes. Each church had originally three bells (see Morant, i. p. 216). 
 The 2nd at any rate, if not the others, evidently reproduces an old inscription. The 'munera' 
 of the 4th and tenor seems to be the equivalent of the modern slang word ' functions.' Crosses 
 on ist, 3rd, and 5th, PI. XXXII., 5, 7. See p. 125. 
 
 See Ecclesiologist, x.xv. p. 345. 
 
 Lord Petre (see tenor), Sth Baron, was born in 1713 and died in 1742. 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell : a bell tolled by no particular rule. 
 
 Gleaning bell formerly at 7 a.m. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for about fifteen minutes before services, and the smallest rung 
 for the last five minutes as a Priest's Bell. 
 
 Ringing usually at Christmas and on New Vear's Eve ; also for weddings by arrangement, 
 and on special occasions if the Ringers are paid. 
 
 A bell rung for Vestry Meetings (a few strokes only). 
 
 Thanks to Rev. H. D. Heatley, Rector. 
 
 INWORTH. All Saints. 
 
 CQcavs & stainbank, Founbcrs hontion : 
 
 .On the waist:— ijt ©C DCUIU ! LfaubamUO 
 
 Five 
 
 bell 
 
 (24 
 
 in. 
 
 (26J 
 
 in. 
 
 (28 
 
 in. 
 
 (29.^ 
 
 in. 
 
 (31 
 
 in. 
 
 A very light ring; tenor only 5] cwt. The monogram on the waist is A. H. B. for the 
 Rev. A. H. Bridges. The bells were originally cast by Taylor & Co., but the new inscriptions 
 did not please the donor, and they were recast as above. 
 
 T.R.E. 1552. ' In p'"rais on bell beyng broken was sold the xviiij''^ daye of July in the 
 iiij"" yer of the Reygn of our most dreade & Sourayn lord Kyng Edward the vj'^ By 
 edmond dethe & hew bolen then beyng churche wardens, & w' others of the pryshe vnto 
 John hatche of Coxsall wyche bell w' ij hand bells wayd v'" whyche was layd oughtt in a hyeway, 
 etc. 
 
 It'm on bell hangynge in y'= churche wall.' 
 
 'These bells were probably cast at Ingatestone ; see above under Great Chesterfoid.
 
 308 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 'The gretest bell' was also sold at this time. {East Ani:;lia?i jV. a/id Q. N.S. i. p. 353). 
 Morant (ii. p. 175): 'a little wooden turret containing one Bell.' He says that the 
 steeple had fallen in or about 1630. Muilman (vi. p. 144): ' i bell.' 
 See Essex Revinv, 1893, p. 181. 
 
 KELVEDON. St. Mary the Virgin. Six bells. 
 
 I. ffiefii^s Ik s©piriBpRK, ojF?ise<9F?peeii Bounoi^-y, noriDoa 
 
 On liHiisl :— ^ fflpGniPI'SpS pUlffip fflCp DOfflmUffl ^ 
 
 m Hess : ^nnun ■. b.u.cq. 
 
 ffiDC3<3(9X(SU. 
 ^/>oz-e sound-bow :— F?URG By «. Dpy ^ SOR eye. (35 in. 
 
 2- JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1803. (36 in. 
 
 3- HENRY •- PLEASANT I MADE ?• ME 'i M •••• A ?. 1 *> H « 
 WARDENS «| 1705 (39 in. 
 
 4- J: MARTHAM & J: POOLEY C: WARDENS. THE REV"" T: RIPLEY 
 VICAR. J: BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1803. (41 in. 
 
 5- 
 
 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1615 (4510. 
 
 6. MILES GRAIE MADE ME 1608 (50 in. 
 
 Weight of treble, 7.! cwt., of tenor 21 cwt., note E. In excellent order. 
 
 Tenor inscribed in medium, rather rough, letters as at Tollesbury; S reversed. 
 
 Bells rehung by Mears and Stainbank, 1877 (see Church Bells, 14 April). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 154) : 'five Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 387) the same. 
 
 Essex Jievieiv, 1895, p. 73, 1897, p. 146; see also Hay, Azotes on the Parish Church 0/ St. 
 Mary the Vu-i;iii, Kelvedon Easterford, p. 17. 
 
 In the belfry are two peal-boards recording peals of 5040 Minors rung by the Essex 
 Association on December 12th, 1896, and 5040 Treble Bob Minor rung by the same on May 
 19th, 1S97. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death; uiual tellers before and after; treble for 
 children. 
 
 On Sundays a bell is rung at 9 a.m., variously explained as a relic of the ' mass bell ' and 
 as a Sunday School bell. 
 
 Ringing on Greater Festivals; on New Year's Eve the Old Year is rung out witli half- 
 muffled bells, and the New Year rung in. 
 
 Ringing for Weddings occasionally. 
 
 Many thanks to Rev. E. F. Hay, Vicar.
 
 INWORTH KIRBY-LE-SOKEN 3O9 
 
 KELVEDON HATCH. St. Nicholas. One bell. 
 
 Siiuctc Butiirc Ont E?i'0 riobis vh HO (^o in. 
 
 By Kebyll ; cross, PI. VII., 4; small letters (Bucks, pi. .\i. set b). See p. 21. 
 
 T.R.E. 27 Sept. 1552. ' Keldon. It. v hand bells on weight .xiij li.' 
 
 ' It' iiij Bells in the Steple whereof the first bell is in breadethe ij fote and ix ynches in 
 
 depth ij fote. The third in breadeth ij fote and viij ynches and in depth ij fote and iij ynches. 
 
 The forthe in breadeth ij fote and iij ynches in depth ij fote and ij ynches.' (Essex Arch. 
 
 Trans. N.S. ii. p. 233). 
 
 Muilman (iv. p. 58) : ' i bell.' 
 
 KIRBY-LE-SOKEN. St. Michael. Five bells. 
 
 I- SAM' Palmer & Will" Harvey Churchwardens 1778 
 
 Below ;— <XXXXX> LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT (29 in. 
 
 2. THO = GARDINER ^ ♦^ SUDBURY ^ ^ FECIT ^ ^ 
 
 '729 '^ • • • (3°i"- 
 
 3. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1641 (32^ in. 
 
 4. THOMAS 4f^ 4^ GARDINER ^ ^ S •^ FECIT 
 
 ♦^ •^ 1729 (34i in. 
 
 THOMAS 
 
 4^ 4^ GARDINER J^ ^ SUDBURY ^ ^ 
 
 FECIT ^ ^ 1729 • • • • • (38 
 
 m. 
 
 I St : The upper inscription is incised; the date is puzzling, seeing that Lester died in i 769, 
 but it does not seem likely that this inscription was added subsequently. The border before 
 LESTER extends for 25 inches. 
 
 2nd and 5th : impressions of coins of Queen Anne's reign. Cross PI. XXXII., 5. 
 The 3rd bell is hung slantwise in the middle ; all are in filthy condition and very dirty ; 
 the treble is cracked, and the 4th has a large piece broken out of the crown, with part of the 
 word SUDBURY. They are also ' clocked.' 
 
 Visitation of 1297 : ' Campanarium cooperiendum. Item ij campane.' 
 
 1458: 'Tria tintinnabula quorum unum caret glosa' ('tongue'). Tres 
 campane manuales et unum sanctus bell. Tres campane in 
 campanile concordantes.' 
 No Inventories T.R.E. 
 Morant and Muilman nothing. Essex Revieiv, 1897, p. 46.
 
 3IO THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 LAINDON CLAYS. St. Nicholas. Five bells. 
 
 1 . HENRY GREENE RECTOR BENJAMIN LANE CH. WARDEN JAMES RiGGLESWORTH OVER- 
 SEER 1790 
 
 THO- MEARS late LESTER PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT (i8 in. 
 
 2. Oh //le cro'Wfi .'—lirl lAMES JiX HARRES Jil THOMAS BARTLET MADE 
 ME 1619 
 
 2nd /ifie :—\OHN LEE CHVRCHW ARDEN iJtl 'OHN BROWNE SIDHAN 
 
 THOHAS BVCKE CVNSTABLE l£l (30 in. 
 
 3. 0)1 the shoulder : — lavcr shield thrice. 
 
 h\\M\\u^ (iri,'iti ^aijc Dignare l?i;o nobiti Onuic 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 4. On the shoulder, shields as Inst. 
 
 Sum I^o_')n ^iih'atn ffliiiuli I(atcrina U0cala (36 in. 
 
 5. f ulcis I Sisto 4^ Jv'Jdis 4^ Y)ocoi- %^ Cf.impana ^ ^icaclis 
 
 15SS @ (40 in. 
 
 ist and 2nd hung above the rest and difficult to get at. 
 
 3rd and 4th by William Dawe's successor; cross (PI. X., 3); 'small Livers' (PI. X., 6) 
 on shoulder; large set of capitals and smalls. 
 
 Tenor: by Robert Mot, with his trademark (PI. XXIII., 12); various stops, all different, 
 between words; initials mixed, the D and C Elizabethan, the M plain Roman, the S and 
 V quasi-Roman. See p. 68. 
 
 Bells rehung 1883 (see Church Bells, 25 August). 
 
 Muilman (v. p. 129): '4 bells.' 
 
 Bells mentioned in Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 798, and Ecclesiologist, xxv. p. 345. 
 
 There is a ' Bell Field ' here. 
 
 LAINDON HILLS.— Old Church. St. Mary and All Saints. Two bells. 
 
 1. No inscription. (20 in. 
 
 2. ^ {shield) tjt (24 in.
 
 LAINDON 311 
 
 The larger bell is by the same founder as Doddinghurst treble (see p. 44), and bears the 
 same marks, the shield PI. XIV., 5 and the crosses as at Doddinghurst. 
 Church now disused e.\cept for burials ; one of the bells is cracked. 
 Morant (i. p. 247) : ' 2 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 126) the same. 
 Palin, Stifford and Neighbourhood, p. 144 (from King's notes). 
 
 The parish of WEST LEE was united with this in 1432. The Visitations of this church 
 in 1297 and 1458 as recorded by Rev. W. .Sparrow Simpson (see under BARLING) give the 
 following : 1297 : 'Nullum campanarium, nulla campana. 
 
 145S : 'Una campana in campanile. Monitum est quod campane deportantur a 
 vetri ecclesia usque ad istam ecclesiam citra festum Pasche alioquin an 
 enendum (sc. emendum) aliam.' 
 
 LAINDON HILLS.— New Church. St. Mary and All Saints. Si.\ bells. 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON 1877. (30 in. 
 
 2. MEARS & STAINBANK FECERUNT LONDINI i83o. 
 
 On waist:— AVE GRATIA PLENA. (31 in. 
 
 3. As No. 2, with date 1879. 
 
 On waist :— CAMPANA PATRICII LAUDO TRINITAT UNITATEM. (32 in. 
 
 4. As No. 2 with date 1883. 
 
 On waist:— CAMPANA ALBANI PROTOMARTYRIS BRITANNIAE. (35 in. 
 
 5. As No. 4. 
 
 On Wflisi .-—MICHAEL ARCHANGELE VENI IN ADJUTORIUM POPULO DEI. 
 
 (3S in. 
 
 6. As No. 2, with date 1S82. 
 
 On waist: — PSALLITE DOMINO OMNES SANCTI EJUS. (41 in. 
 
 Church consecrated 2 July, 1877. 
 
 cwts. qrs. lbs. 
 
 Weights of bells : i) 5 o 26 
 
 2) 5 2 II 
 
 3) 6 I 24 
 
 4) 7 3 5 
 
 5) 9 2 23 
 
 6) 12 I 4 
 
 Death Knell : Tellers 3 x 3 for a man, 3 x 2 for a woman, followed by tolling the age of 
 the deceased. Tolling at Funerals. 
 
 On Sundays bells rung for Service ; single bell chimed for last five minutes ; chiming for 
 early celebrations on Festivals and third Sunday in month.
 
 312 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 In Holy Week two bells only are chimed ; on Good Friday the tenor alone, muffled, and 
 at 3 p.m., ;^^ strokes are tolled for the years of our Lord's Life. 
 
 Peals on Easter Eve, Christmas Eve, Eves of Whitsunday and Ascension, on last night of 
 year, and on Eve of Feast of Dedication. 
 
 LAMARSH. Holy Innocents. One bell. 
 
 I- lOHN +i+ LILLY + RECTOR + AD + GA + HP + + + MADE +++ 
 ME +"++ 1695 +++ (7, in. 
 
 By Henry Pleasant ; stops as at Gosfield. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 270): 'only one Bell' Muilman (ii. p. 77): ' i bell.' 
 
 See Essex Review, 1894, p. 113. 
 
 Death Knell 24 hours after death; apparently no 'tellers' in the strict sense of the word, 
 but 3x3 strokes both for men and women. 
 
 Gleaning l)ell formerly rung at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., now discontinued. 
 
 John Lilly was appointed in 1690, but the date of his death is uncertain. He was a 
 graduate of King's College, Cambridge. 
 
 LAMBOURNE. St. Mary and All Saints. - Three bells. 
 
 1 lOHN CLIFTON MADE MEE 1640 A @ B (27 in. 
 
 2. lOHN STAINES CHVRCHWARDEN lAMES BARTLET MADE HE 1684 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 3. W-'. Mears of London Fecit 1784 (33 in. 
 
 Treble ; on the important evidence given by this bell as to Clifton's position in the 
 Whitechapel foundry, see p. 75. 'I'rade-mark, PI. XXV., 2. 
 
 T.R.E. 27 Sept. 1552. 'Itm. iij Bells in the Steple the greatest conteynes in Ijreadeth 
 xxiiij" ynches. It' the seconde in breadeth cont' xx ynches. It' the thirde cont' in breadeth 
 xxj ynches. It' ij lyttell hande bells and a sacryng bell.' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 235). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 174): '3 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 27) the same. 
 
 "At a Vestry held May nth, 1727, it was unanimously made a standing order that the bells 
 be rung on four special occasions, and that three shillings be allowed to the Ringers on each of 
 these days. In 1730 one guinea was spent by the Parish in thus marking days of rejoicing." 
 (Parish Magazine, May 1891). The occasions specilied were 28th May (birthday of 
 George II.), 29 May, 29 October (Coronation Day) and 5 November. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell as soon as the clerk receives notice ; tellers 3 for a man, 2 for woman, i for 
 child. At Funerals a single bell tolled, beginning when the procession is first sighted. 
 
 On Sundays chiming for services, with single bell for last five minutes; the same on 
 Festivals.
 
 LAINDON LANGFORD 3I3 
 
 Ringing after Weddings by arrangement. 
 
 There is an endowment for Ik'U ropes, the rent of Sims' Groft (a field which is now 
 unrecognisable), commuted for an annual payment of 6s. 8d. It was originally left by one 
 Barforth or Barfoot of the Mercers' Company. 
 
 On the South porch of the church are two small dials which the Rector thinks used to 
 serve for the use of the ringers [in what way ?]. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. C. A. Goodhart, Rector. 
 ' The chapel-of-ease at ABRIDGE has no bell. 
 
 LANGENHOE. St. Andrew. One bell. 
 
 I. ■ 1796 (25 in. 
 
 By Thomas Mears, sen. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 147): ' i Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 434) the same. 
 
 Essex Review', 1894, p. 178. 
 
 LANGFORD. St. Giles, Three bells. 
 
 1. TAYLOR & C FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1881 
 
 RECAST AD. 1881 
 TO THE PRAISE AND GLORY OF THE HOLY TRINITY (26 in. 
 
 2. T//e same. (2 8 J, in. 
 
 3. T/if same. {ii in. 
 
 The three bells which these replace were inscribed as follows (rubbings preserved by 
 Mr. Tyssen) : — 
 
 1. H P 1707 (22 in. 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1638 (24 in. 
 
 S.uictc Saulc Ora Svo Hobis ^ ^ (-6 '"• 
 
 The first by Henry Pleasant, the 3rd by Joanna Sturdy as shewn by the lozenge over the 
 coin ; small lettering {Bucks, pi. xi. /') ; the two crosses are PI. VL, 7 and a small version of 
 PI. VII., 5. 
 
 Weights of new bells : — 
 
 cwt. qrs. lbs. 
 i) 4 : o : 17 
 
 2) 5 : 2 : o 
 
 3) 7 : I : 7. 
 
 40
 
 314 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 T.R.E. 'Itm iij bells hangynge in the stepull. It. two little band bells.' {Esses Arch. 
 Trans, v. p. 275). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 381) : ' 3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 372) the same. 
 Essex Review, 1894, p. 65. 
 
 LANGHAM. St. Mary. Six I)clls. 
 
 1. J. TAYLOR & C FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1897 (27 in. 
 
 2. THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1801 {29 in. 
 
 3. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1842 (30 in. 
 
 4. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1618 (3310. 
 
 5. l^EC/iST BY JOPJSI Wfll^JVEl^ ^. f,Q^f, IiOjVD0]VI ]SS2. (35 in- 
 
 6. (Recast by Messrs. Taylor o~- Co., 1906) (38.', in. 
 
 The treble is a new bell, not a re-casting. The old 5th was inscribed like the 2nd, but 
 with date 1810; its recasting was necessitated by a fire in the tower, and a new frame had 
 also to be provided. Before that time the bells were in too bad order to be rung. The old 
 tenor, which has recently been recast (Dec. igo6), bore the inscription : 
 
 lOHN WAYLET MADE ME 1708 (39 i"- 
 
 This has been reproduced on the waist of the new one, with the words RECAST 1906, 
 and Messrs. Taylor's foundry-mark. 'I'his bell was given by Mr. W. Nocton of Langham Hall. 
 
 Weight of treble : 4 cwt. i qr. 11 lbs. ; of new tenor, 9.', cwt. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 245): '5 Bells.' Muilman (\i. p. 245) the same. 
 
 See Essex Revietti, 1893, p. 233, 1898, p. 97. 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell within twelve hours ; tellers ^ y^ t, and 3 x 2. 
 
 0.1 Sundays, ringing for services : single bell for last five minutes ; single bell at 8 a.m. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve ; for weddings occasionally. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. T. S. Raffles, Rector, to Mr. W. Nocton, and to Messrs. Taylor of 
 Loughborough. 
 
 LANGLEY, St. John Evangelist. Four bells. 
 
 1. 1702 (21 in. 
 
 2. KEC/IST BY J()}I]V W/I1<]VE« § ^(i^)^ IiO]V'DO.M JS8'4 
 
 O/i tlic rc'rt/j/ .— GODBEK 18S4 (24 in. 
 
 3. 1702 (27^, in. 
 
 4. WILL BANSO 1702 (31^, in.
 
 LANGFORD — LATTON 
 
 315 
 
 The remains of a ring of five by Richard Keene, of which the second has disappeared 
 (said to have been stolen). The recast bell merely bore the date 1702; the weight of its 
 successor is 2 cwt. 2 qrs. 6 lbs., and its note E. The Rev. W. Godber was Vicar 1881-1901. 
 
 Stahlschmidt noted in March, 1884: 'Frame, wheels, and gear generally in a very 
 dilapidated condition, and only the two largest bells fit to ring.' The present Vicar writes 
 (May, 1905) : 'The bells are not very well hung so they are not often rung.' 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. 'iij belles by estimacon of xvj'-' weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 See Essex Revieiu, 1895, p. 182. 
 
 There is a tradition that the bells of Heydon (</.'•.) were interchanged with those of 
 Langley ; they are by the same founder but are dated three years apart. 
 
 Customs : — • 
 
 Passing bell tolled (for Church p:3ople only) at 8 a.m., three times for a man, two for a 
 woman, one for a child, for one hour. 
 
 On Sundays, one bell rung about five minutes for early service; for Matins and Evensong 
 the bells are chimed for five minutes, then the fourth liell for five minutes, and the treble for 
 the last five. 
 
 The bells are seldom rung, but are chimed (i) on New Year's Eve, (2) on special 
 occasions such as a Coronation, (3) for weddings at the time of the ceremony and in the 
 evening of the same day. 
 
 Many thanks to Rev. A. B. Hobart Hampden, Vicar. 
 
 LATCHINGDON (with L.wvling and Snoreham). 
 
 OLD CHURCH. St. Michael. One bell. 
 
 I. No inscription. 
 
 The old church is now only used for burials. Weight of bell, 3 cwt. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. ' Itm a bell wayinge by estimatyon two hundered wayt. We had in 
 the first yere of &c., two bells w' other lessyr wayinge xiij hundered wayt a quarter ix" sowld 
 to the goodman Nycolas of Chelmsford for xviij* the hundred.' {Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 224). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 356): 'A wooden frame in which hangs i Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 318): 
 ' I Bell.' 
 
 For Lawling see below. 
 
 LATCHINGDON. 
 
 NEW CHURCH. Christ Church. Two bells. 
 
 Two small modern bells, inaccessible. 
 Church built 1857. 
 
 LATTON. St. John Baptist. 4 + i bells. 
 
 I. ♦I* GOD SAVE THE KING 1612 (27^ in.
 
 3l6 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 -■ !^ 60C) SAVE THE KING 1627 {29I in. 
 
 Jo 
 
 ^ 
 
 GOD SAVE THE KINGE (6ii (32 in. 
 
 AMO 6 O I 
 
 (34i in. 
 S. I W 1728 (yi in. 
 
 1-3: by Robert Oldfield ; thick letters and cross PI. XXX., 5 on i and 3; thin letters 
 on 2nd except the 7 ; cf. Little Canfield. Cross on 2nd, Herts, fig. 39. Shield on all, PI. 
 XXX., 3. 
 
 4th: by an unknown founder; 'Anno Do(mini) 1579-' Cf. Takeley. 
 
 Small bell by John Waylett ; very small letters and figures; see p. 120. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 489): '4 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 82) the same. 
 
 Death Knell as soon after death as possible ; no distinction made for age or sex. 
 
 On Sundays, first three chimed, followed by tolling on tenor for five minutes, and priest's 
 bell at the hour of service. 
 
 Chiming occasionally for weddings. 
 
 The bells are never rung, though in quite good order ; the first three only are chimed 
 together : the tenor being out of harmony with them is tolled alone. 
 
 The late vicar introduced the use of the ' ting-tang ' at every service in order to make its 
 existence known. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. S. Nairne, until recently Vicar. 
 
 LAVER, HIGH. All Saints. 1 + 1 bells. 
 
 I. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1866. 
 
 MANDEVILLE RODWELL, RECTOR. 
 
 TO^B^IAS^BEnIon) CHURCHWARDENS. (^„ ;„ 
 
 s- ^) X "P • /I V D I : n s ('>y^-- 
 
 Sanctus bell hung to a beam and disused. The lettering resembles that used by Robert 
 Rider at Hartley, Kent {Survey Bells, PI. IX.), but the cross is not otherwise known ; see p. 8. 
 
 Formerly five (? three) bells, which are said to have been sold in the early part of the last 
 century to repair the tower. 
 
 Weight of large bell, 10 cwt.
 
 LATTON LAWFORD 3"? 
 
 T.R.E. 27 Sept. rss2. 'It. ij bells in the steple waying by estlmacon xvij c. It. ij 
 Rogacione bells in weight ix //.' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 228). 
 Morant (i. p. 141) : ' 3 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 349) the same. 
 There is a ' Bell Acre ' here. 
 
 LAVER, LITTLE. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 I. ALL GLORY BE TO GOD 1674 
 
 A QS B (lyi in. 
 
 By Anthony Bartlet ; trade-mark, PI. XXV. 2. 
 
 T.R.E. 27 Sept. 1552. 'It. iij ' bells in the steple one a halfe yerde bredeth and the 
 other halfe a yerde and more. It. ij hande bells.' {Essex Arch. Trans., N.S. ii. p. 233). 
 Morant (i. p. 144) : 'only i Bell.' 
 There is a ' Bell Acre ' here. 
 
 LAVER, MAGDALEN. St. Mary Magdalen. Two bells. 
 
 @ ■#■ [Hz) ^ 
 
 (3°i- ill- 
 2. On cvoivn : — four croicns. 
 
 + m : Ronoi^e : spnsse : ioF?pnnes (see p. 5) (35i in. 
 
 I St by a predecessor of R. Mot (see p. 66); 'rustic' capitals as at Theydon Bois and 
 Dovercourt ; cross as at Little Bentley ; date and bell-stamp as at Dovercourt, but the latter 
 without crown. See PI. XXII. 
 
 2nd probably by an early 14th century London founder; the cross is that used by 
 Richard Wymbish (PL I., g = Surrey Bells, pi. 2); the letters (PL I., 1-8) resemble those at 
 Bisley, Surrey {ibid. pi. 11); and the inscription is also one of early character. There is a 
 similar bell at Iwerne Minster, Dorset, and another formerly at Exhall, Warwickshire. The 
 crown on the top was used later by \V. Burford and Kebyll. See generally p. 6. 
 
 The 2nd is really the 3rd; a pit for an intermediate bell remains empty. 
 
 T.R.E. 17 Sept. 1552. 'ij bells in the steple waying by estimacon x c' {Essex Arch. 
 Trans. N.S. ii. p. 230). 
 
 Muilman (iii. p. 356) ; ' 2 bells.' 
 
 LAWFORD. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 I. MILES -. GRaVE MaOE :-. ME r. 1667 (3° '» 
 
 2. lOHN >x< >:< >r< THORNTON >:< >x< >x< MADE >:< >r< ME >:< >:< 1714 >:<••. 
 
 (32 in. 
 ' Query, an error for ' ij bells ? '
 
 3i8 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3. lOHN >r< THORNTON >r< MADE >X< ME >:< I7I4 i'?"--: SIMON O 
 ARCHER C< C >:< W >r< (35 in. 
 
 The stop on the two larger bells is >X<. 
 
 The tenor being cracked, was recast in 1907 by Mears and Stainbank ; the new bell 
 weighs 7 cwt. 24 lbs. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 438): '3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 469) the same. Essex Revieu', 1893, 
 p. 108. 
 
 Death Knell as soon as possible ; tolling only, for one hour ; also tolling for one hour 
 before funerals. 
 
 On Sundays a single bell only used. 
 
 Thanks to the late Rector, Rev. Canon H. T. E. Barlow. 
 
 LAWLING. Ecclesia dcstructa. See Latchingdon. 
 
 In 1552 there were here ' too bells by estymacon in weyght a hundreth and a halfe a 
 small bell conteynyng by estymacon in weyght ix pounds.' {Essex Arch. Trans, v. yi. 226). 
 
 LAYER BRETON. 
 
 I. No inscription. 
 
 Dedication unknown. 
 
 One bell. 
 (30J, in. 
 
 ' Apparently an old bell ' (Miller Christy). 
 
 Morant i. p. 411 : 'i Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 421) the same. See Essex Review, 1893, 
 p. 181. 
 
 LAYER DE LA HAYE. 
 
 1. THOs Meaes of London fecit 1792 -irx^o 
 
 2. THOMAS ^ GARDINKR "^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT 
 
 • •••:: 
 
 3. MILES :: GRftYE MADE .. ME sj 1673 
 
 Five bells. 
 (30 in. 
 
 1724 
 (32 in. 
 
 (34 in. 
 
 4. In fflultis fliinis FJcsoiut ©ampanu lohauuis 
 
 I^S 
 
 W^ MILES 
 HAC 
 
 (39 in- 
 
 ^ GRAVE M MADE 1^ ME R 1622 
 €^ 2^ ORAJ >-^j^ 
 
 (42 in. 
 
 On 2nd, eight coins of Ceorge I., very clear impressions; cross PI. XXXII., 5. 
 4th by Johanna Sturdy (p. 20); Stci)hen Norton's capitals, crowned (PI. V.); cross, PI. 
 VII. I ; the initials belong to the smaller alphabet (Bucks xi. /'). 
 
 5th ; the stamps are alternately PI. XXVII., 2 and 3, as at St. James', Colchester,
 
 LAWFORD LAYER MARNEY 3I9 
 
 'Not in ringing order' (1904). J3ells very dirty and neglected; wheels broken; 
 clappers tied. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 41J): '5 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 425) the same. Essex Rcvieiv, 1594, 
 p. 179. 
 
 Death Knell : three times for a man, twice for a woman, once for a child; 12 hours after 
 death if convenient, otherwise 24 hours after. 
 
 On Sundays, bells chimed for about twenty-five minutes before services, with tolling in 
 for last five minutes. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. T. O. Price, Vicar. 
 
 LAYER MARNEY. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 1. No inscription. (26 in. 
 
 2. •^4*^ XPE ••■ PIE •:• FLOS •!• {slump of a bell repeated twelve times) MARIE 
 
 Below : — Arcading all rottnd (cf. Belchamp St. Paul's) 
 
 RECAST BY 
 H. BOWELL & SON, 1899. (27 in. 
 
 3- lOHN >r< MILLS >r< WD >r< lOHN C< THORNTON >r< MADE C< ME i,^ 
 1711 ^i];- (31^ in. 
 
 ist : Early 14th century, with flat band round shoulder; badly cracked as the result of 
 ' clocking.' 
 
 2nd : A sort of attempt has been made at a facsimile reproduction of the inscription on 
 the old bell, which presumably fell a victim to the same iniquitous practice as the treble has. 
 It was inscribed 
 
 in small though elegant plain capitals; the founder is unknown, hut the date is about 1360- 
 1380 (cf. for the inscription the 2nd at Chalk, Kent, and the treble at Cranford, Middlesex). 
 For further discussion of this bell see p. 13 ; the lettering is illustrated on Plate IV., i-io, the 
 casts being taken from a similar bell formerly at Ringwould, Kent. The cross seems to be 
 Bucks, PI. XL, Fig. 3,' and the stop is a cinquefoil of dots also occurring at Ringwould. 
 The arcading used by }5owell on the new bell resembles that used by Taylor at Belchamp 
 St. Paul's. This bell has a flat cap, and is curiously square-shouldered and long waisted. 
 
 3rd ; medium-si/.ed plain letters, with >Xi as stop. 
 
 There are pits for five bells. Dr. Raven visited the tower January ist, 1867, and noted: 
 'Treble an old liell : 2nd cracked; the three bells have good iron stays and sliders, shewing 
 that at some time past ringing flourished in the parish." In spite of the work done by Messrs. 
 Bowell in 1899 it can hardly be said that the belfry is even now (1908) in a satisfactory con- 
 
 'Cf. a similar bell formerly at Milden, Suffolk.
 
 320 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 dition ; the flooring is defective, and the bells horrihih dictu ! are screwed to the stocks which 
 are fixed and cannot swing ; they are chimed by means of levers inside them, which work the 
 clapper, and the whole system is admirably calculated to complete the damage alreaily begun. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 409) : ' 4 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 417) the same. 
 
 Essex Revieiv, 1893, p. 182; Lukis, Church Bells, p. 37 (gives 2nd inaccurately). 
 
 LEADEN ROOTHING, see Roothing, Leaden. 
 
 LEE, WEST, see L.mndon Hills. 
 
 LEIGH. St. Clement. Six bells. 
 
 1. THO-^ jaE^I^^ KECI'lt )794. 
 
 On waist:— RECAST BY jepjM W^RJMEl!^ ^: SONS IiO]VD0]VI 1870. (28 in. 
 
 2. piIiB^ GI^^YE ja/IDE PE 1673. 
 
 On waist as last. (29 in. 
 
 3. ;i!'.".^ GRaVE MaOE .-. ME s 1674 (3'>"- 
 
 4. In.. Goino & RicHi. Qillman CH : Wardkns 1753 Thos Lesthr & T : Pack op 
 
 London Fecit <;:>;i^> (t,:^ in. 
 
 5. Thos Hears of London fecit 1794 <\>:*k> (35 in. 
 
 6. JOPJV D/Il^UIE P^DE ME ]()S2. 
 
 On waist, as No. i, ?t'ith Royal Arms and patent. (39 in. 
 
 Weight of ist, 4 cvvt. 24 lbs., note E. ; 2nd, 4 cwt. 19 lbs., note 1); tenor, 10 cwt. i qr. 
 II lbs., note G. 
 
 'I'hc old trel)le was inscribed (teste H. W. King) : 
 'The Revd J. D. Hodge Rector John Loten and Wm. Gillman Churchwardens John 
 Going and Jos'' Bright Overseers 'J'ho* Harridge W'" (? Mr.) Richard Going and . . . Simmons 
 Inhabitants 'I'ho'^ Mears of London Fecit 1794.' 
 
 4th bell : Phelps' large and small lettering. 
 
 T.R.E. .Sept. 1552. ' Legh. v bells of a ringe wherof by estymac'on the least contayn 
 in weyght iij hundreth and one saunce bell.' (Essex Arch. Trans, iv. p. 229). 
 
 Morant (i. [). 282): '5 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 1S6) the same. 
 
 See ]5enton's Hist, of Rochford Hundred, i. p. 350. 
 
 A bell was formerly rung at 9 a.m. on Sundays. 
 
 Death Knell: Tellers, three for man and two for woman; tlie same at funerals, followed 
 by tolling ; smallest bell for children. 
 
 No other customs.
 
 LAYER MARNEY— LEIGHS 321 
 
 Benton {op. cit. p. 325) says there is a 'Bell Ropes Field' in Prittlewcll which was 
 purchased for the repair of bells, etc., in Leigh church. 
 
 LEIGHS, GREAT. St. Mary. Five bells. 
 
 1. MILES GRAVE MADE ME M 1^34 (28 in. 
 
 2. The same. {30 in. 
 
 3. The same. (33 in. 
 
 4. The same. (35 in. 
 
 5. The same. (39 in. 
 
 Tenor 12 cwt., note G. The mark M prohalily denotes the second Miles Graye (see 
 P- 95)- 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 98) : '5 Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 344) the same. 
 
 In 1749 there was ' an agreement made at a Vestry meeting between the parishioners and Henry- 
 Finch to repair the great bell to put in a new crown staple and to mend the claper and hang it 
 again so as it is fit to ring, and the churchwardens to pay to Hen. Finch two pounds ten shillings 
 for so doing. (Signed) Henry Finch.' (Extract from Vestry Books, Essex Rcine'cV, 1S93, p. 223). 
 
 There was formerly here a wooden house, the rent of which went towards providing ropes 
 for the bells. It was called ' Bell rope House,' and was the abode of Master Collins, the 
 last 'parish dog-rapper' {Essex Rcviev', 1894, p. 203, from Morant). 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell rung within 24 hours of death, between sunrise and sunset ; three strokes for 
 male, two for female; 2nd or 3rd bell used for a child ; 4th for those between 12 and 20 
 years ; tenor for adults. 
 
 At funerals, the same repeated for halfan-hour, followed by continuous tolling when the 
 procession approaches. 
 
 Change-ringing for Sunday services when possible ; before the afternoon service in winter 
 hymn-tunes (such as 'The day is past and over,') are often played on the bells. At S a.m. 
 celebrations a ringer attends to ring the bell. 
 
 Ringing at 6 a.m. on Christmas Day, and on New Year's Eve ; tor Weddings by request 
 (change-ringing at conclusion of ceremony) ; on special occasions of local or public interest, 
 e.g., on the afternoon of the annual Flower Show. 
 
 A set of Belfry Rules was drawn up by the late Rector, F. B. Guy, D.I). 
 
 Many thanks to Rev. A. Clark, Rector. 
 
 The Inventory of the monastery of Leighs, made in 1536, gives : 
 
 Item a cloke with the bell praysed att x^ 
 
 In the Steple Furste v bells praysed att by estimacion xxxiij'' vj^ viij'' {Essex Arch. Trans. 
 NS. i.\. p. 394. ) 
 
 41
 
 •722 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 LEIGHS, LITTLE. St. John EvangeHst. One bell. 
 
 I- M G i67? (2 1 in- 
 
 By Miles Graye III ; the 5 of the date is reversed. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 103): 'one Bell.' Muilman (i. p. 350) the .same. 
 
 LEXDEN. St. Leonard. 1 1 + 2 bells. 
 
 I J. TAYLOR & C FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1901 
 
 2. The same. 
 The same. 
 
 4. The same. 
 
 5. The same. 
 
 6. The same. 
 
 o 
 
 cwt, 
 
 : 
 
 Weight 
 
 C1I^. 1 bs. 
 
 : 16. 
 
 D. 
 
 Diam. 
 8 in. 
 
 
 
 : : 20. 
 
 C. 
 
 9 in. 
 
 : 
 
 : 23. 
 
 B flat. 9^ in. 
 
 
 
 : : 26. 
 
 A. 
 
 10] in. 
 
 
 
 : I : 12. 
 
 G. 
 
 ii| in. 
 
 
 
 : I ; 19. 
 
 F. 
 
 12 J in. 
 
 7. J TAYLOR & C i^ FOUNDERS ;;<r LOUGHBOROUGH i]'^ 
 
 1901 -*t o : I : 27. E flat 13 in. 
 
 Below, vine border. 
 
 8. The same as No. 7. o 
 
 9. The same. o 
 TO. Tlie same. i 
 1 1. The same. 2 
 Service Bell. As No. 7, with date 1899. 7 
 Clock-bell. No inscription. 1:3:0. 20 in. 
 
 Formerly one large and one small bell, the former inscribed 
 
 4< THOMAS LESTER MADE U5 ALL 1751 {1,], in. 
 
 In 1899 this was recast, and in 1901 a chime of 11 small bells was added, all by Taylor 
 of Loughborough, the old 'ting-tang, being retained for the clock. 
 
 The bells are hung somewhat haphazard in the cupola at the top of the tower, all fixed 
 ' dead' and struck by outside clappers only excej)! the service bell which is hung in a frame below, 
 with wheel ; it has an arched iron stock and no cannons. The clock-bell or old sanctus seems 
 to be medieval ; it is square-shouldered and long-waisted, with a narrow inscription-band. 
 
 2 
 
 : '3- 
 
 n. 
 
 14 in. 
 
 3 
 
 : 20. 
 
 c. 
 
 16 in. 
 
 
 
 : 26. 
 
 1! flat 
 
 I il in. 
 
 3 
 
 : 4- 
 
 A. 
 
 23 in. 
 
 3 
 
 : 10. 
 
 
 i3, in-
 
 LEIGHS LEYTON 323 
 
 The former Rector, Rev. Canon Lester, kindly sent the following notes on these bells : 
 
 ' The Bells at Lexden Church are : — • 
 
 i) The ancient Sanctus Bell on which the clock strikes the hours. 
 
 2) A heavy Bell new by Taylor of Loughborough, which is rung by rope and wheel in 
 
 the usual English manner. 
 
 3) 1 1 small bells forming a Carillon. These are hung round the base of the spire above 
 
 the large bell, and are rung by overhead hammers connected with a 'Clavier' 
 standing in the chamber below the bell-chamber. The same arrangement is common 
 in the Netherlands. All chimes and changes can be rung by one man, but two 
 men are required to ring a hymn-tune in four-part harmony. These bells are 
 singularly sweet and are heard in the stillness of the country for a considerable 
 distance.' 
 Morant (p. 133): 'One bell.' Muilman (vi. p. 329): 'a clock and i bell.' Essex 
 
 Review, 1893, P.1S5. 
 
 Query, what is the meaning of the inscription on the old bell ? or is it from some other 
 
 church ? 
 
 LEXDEN. St. Paul. See Colchester. 
 
 LEYTON. St. Mary. 6 + i bells. 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON. 
 
 On the loaist : — .\.d. 1906 | in memory of [ John Strype | Historian of the | 
 
 Protestant Reformation ] Vicar of Leyton | 1669 to 1737. 
 
 (24 in. 
 
 2. As No. I. 
 
 On the ttiaist :— GIVEN BY S- MARY'S LEYTON. 
 
 EDWARD VIL KING. 
 
 RANDALL DAVIDSON, 
 
 ARCHBISHOI' OF CANTERBURY. 
 
 EDQAR JACOB, 
 
 BISHOP OF ST. ALBANS. 
 
 HENRY CAMPBELL. BANNERMAN. 
 
 PRIME MI.N'ISTER. 
 
 J. A. SIMON M.P.— 
 
 FOR WALTHAMSTOW. 
 
 H. HEATHER, 
 
 CHAIRMAN OF LEYTON COUNCIL. 
 
 A.D. 1906. ^25 in. 
 
 3. As No. 1. 
 
 On waist : — frater. 
 
 JAMES THEODORE INSKIP, VICAR 
 IoBERt'^OLDQATE, CHURCHWARDENS. 
 
 EASTER 1906. (26f in. 
 
 4. As No. I. 
 
 On waist : — tintinnabulum prius me qenuit 
 
 atque fratrem. 1906. (27 in.
 
 324 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 S. PHILLIPVS WIGHTMAN ME FECIT 1694 (30 in. 
 
 es ^ ©'li^fflop, .^ ffleus ^- B^ ^ se ^- uenifis 
 
 (34 in. 
 Clock-bell. Inaccessible. 
 
 The bells are all hung dead, with stocks fixed to the frames ; they have no clappers or 
 ropes, and can only be struck by chiming-hammers. The frames are new, and are arranged to 
 hold eight bells. It is to be hoped that this horrible clocking system will not be fatal to the 
 two old bells, and it is not to the credit of a place of the size of Leyton that the bells cannot 
 be rung in a proper manner. 
 
 Formerly three bells ; the tenor, inscribed : 
 
 lOHANES CLIFTON MADE ME 1634 {Iwydcy continuous) 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 (the ornamental border at the end was unique in character, but something like those at West 
 Thurrock) was cracked some time previously, as the result of ' clocking ' for chiming. It has 
 been recast into the present 3rd and 4th, and two new trebles added. The amount of 
 information afforded by the 2nd bell will be instructive to posterity. Weight of treble, 
 3 cwt. I qr. 18 lbs. 
 
 The 5th is inscribed in Wightman's smaller type, as at Berden and Sheering. 
 
 Tenor, by the same founder as Bradfield and East Ham bells (see p. 25) ; cross PI. X., 2 ; 
 stop PI. VIII., 8 (also occurring at Shapwick, Dorset) ; lettering Plate IX. The inscription 
 is from Ps. cii. i (Vulg.). 
 
 Clock-bell in a cupola, inaccessible; said to be of the 17th century. It was formerly the 
 Priest's bell. 
 
 T.R.E. 17 Sept. 1552. 'In primis in the steple these three bells waying by estymacon 
 fifteen hundred litle more or less. Item a litle sancte bell hanging in the Quear.' (Essex 
 Arch. Trans. NS. ii. p. 239). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 25): '3 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 248) : '3 bells; in a cupola above is 
 another bell.' 
 
 Kennedy in his History of Leyton, p. 23, mentions the bells, and on p. 144 ff. gives a 
 few extracts from the Churchwardens' Accounts in relation to them. In 1694 there are the 
 entries : 
 
 At a Vestry holden at Church Sept. 30 It was agreed that the cracket bell should be new cast. 
 Casting the crakt bell & mending the Clapper, etc., 815 o 
 
 other charges about the bell 116 g 
 
 £^0 11 9 
 
 1 703. paid to help up the bell 020 
 
 1806. By a Church Bell sold to Skelton 617 4
 
 LEYTON LEYTONSTONE 325 
 
 The bell put up in 1703 may possibly be the priest's bell, now used for the clock; the 
 one sold in 1806 is not easy to account for, as there do not seem to have been more than 
 three at any time. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell as soon as notice is given ; larger bell for adults, smaller for child ; tellers, 
 3x3 for male at beginning and end, 3 x 2 for woman or child. Tolling at funerals. 
 
 On Sundays two bells chimed before services for fifteen minutes, then one tolled for 
 fifteen minutes ;' formerly two bells every Sunday at 8 a.m., but now only one for Celebra- 
 tions. 
 
 The Clock-bell was formerly used as a ' ting-tang ' before services, but about twenty years 
 ago the wheel fell, owing to the woodwork being rotten ; since then it has been fi.xed and used 
 only for the clock. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. J. T. Inskip, Vicar. 
 
 The following extracts referring to the ringing of the bells are also from the Parish books. 
 
 1734. At a Vestry held at the 'Rose' It was recomended to the Church Wardens y' y^ Cus- 
 tome of allowing to y^ Ringers up on several Rejoicing Days be in future discontinued, as an 
 unnecessary Expense upon y= Parish, which has no propper Ring of Bells belonging to it. 
 
 1754. May 10. The Sexton is ordered to ring or cause to be rung the Saint's Bell 15 minutes 
 before Church begins. 
 
 LEYTON. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1864 ; a bell of 19 in. diameter supplied by AVarner. 
 LEYTON. Christ Church. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1902. 
 LEYTON. St. Katherine. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1893. 
 
 See also WANSTEAD. 
 LEYTONSTONE. St. John Baptist. Six bells. 
 
 1-5. T. Mears of London Fecit 1833. 
 
 Incised after the date on i :— AGNES (30 in. 
 
 .. >, 2:— PhCEBE (31 in. 
 
 ). » 3 : — Sarah (34 in. 
 
 » » 4 : — Eliza (35 in. 
 
 5 :— Dorothy Anne (39 in. 
 
 ' This arrangement has probably been affected by the recent additions to the ring.
 
 326 
 
 THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 6. THIS BELL WITH FIVE MORE TO FORM A PEAL WAS PRESENTED TO THE NEW CHAPEL 
 OF LEYTONSTONE BY WILLIAM DAVIS ESQUIRE AD- 1833. DOROTHY {incised) 
 T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1833- (43 in. 
 
 In fair ringing order. The bells are named after members of the Cotton and Davis 
 families. 
 
 
 cwt. 
 
 qrs. 
 
 lbs 
 
 Weights 
 
 -I) 5 
 
 3 
 
 : I 
 
 
 2) 6 
 
 
 
 : 6 
 
 
 3) 6 
 
 3 
 
 : 13 
 
 
 4) 7 
 
 I 
 
 : 10 
 
 
 5) 9 
 
 3 
 
 : 
 
 
 6) 12 
 
 3 
 
 : 23. 
 
 Note G. 
 
 2 ', "2^. 
 
 Total— 48 
 
 Death Knell rung with usual Tellers. 
 
 In the porch is a peal-board recording a muffled peal for Queen Victoria, 24 Jan. 1901. 
 
 A chapel was first built here in 1750-54, but there was no church worthy of the name 
 until 1832, when the present one was erected, and the first peal of bells placed in it. (See 
 Lysons, Environs of London, iv. p. 173, and Hammock, History of Lcytonstone, p. 76). 
 
 LEYTONSTONE. 
 
 St. Andrew. 
 
 The bell hangs in a central fleche, and is presumably inaccessible. 
 Church consecrated 1887. 
 
 See also WANSTEAD. 
 LINDSELL. 
 
 One bell. 
 
 3 -f I Bells. 
 
 LIJ ^J 
 
 Bit iloinqn i)omtui J3cncbJ:iuin 
 
 (C jK j/Cj1 {continuous) 
 
 On waist :-i}: IReCHSt 1902 ;ii 
 
 5ancta J^atcrina 0ra Pro P.obis ® 
 
 im 
 
 3- +!«• In jl?ultis "JJuitis ;%snu£f Campaiia Inljitiiiiis 
 
 Beloxv, arcading as No. 1, 
 On waist, as No. i. 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 (32^ in. 
 
 (37 in-
 
 LEYTONSTONE LITTLEIiURY 327 
 
 S. J. TAYLOR & CO LOUCHBOROUCH ENGLAND 1902 
 
 Below, a hordcr of flcurs-de-lys, invfrtctJ. (13 in. 
 
 ist and 3rd by Taylor of Loughborough (trade-mark on waist); weights, 5 cwt. 3 qrs. 5 
 lbs., and 10 cwt. r qr. 4 lbs. The present 2nd (by Henry Jordan; usual marks) was origin- 
 ally the treble, but the other two were recast with less metal, so that the ist represents the 
 old 2nd. The inscriptions on the old 2nd, now the ist, is reproduced in fascimile; it was 
 by John Sturdy (cross PI. VII., i, capitals PI. V., followed by I coin S) ; the old 3rd (not 
 reproduced in facsimile) was by Robert Burford (crosses PI. IV., 13, VII., 5). The old 
 sanctus bell had no inscription. On the crowns of the three new bells are the respective 
 numbers, 182, 232, 104. 
 
 T.R.E. 26 Oct. 1552 : ' Inp'mis ij great bells (sic) by estem' waying xxj'' c. It. a saunce 
 bell in weight xxli. It. ij hande bells waying xli.' [Query: why not ' iij great bells'?] 
 {Essex Arch. Trans., N.S. ii. p. 238). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 446) : ' three Bells.' 
 
 Cu.STOMS : — 
 
 Passing Bell 24 hours after death (tolling only) ; for funerals the largest bells chimed 
 slowly five minutes previously. 
 
 On Sundays, bells chimed for 25 minutes, ' tolling-in ' for five; priest's bell used before 
 Celebrations. Bells chimed for daily Mattins. 
 
 Ringing on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and Morning, and on Easter Morning; foi 
 half-an-hour on special occasions. 
 
 Bells chmied after weddings. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. F. W. Roulston, Vicar ; also to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 LISTON. Two bells. 
 
 l^ancta M :%tci-ina l 0ra g :Pro 1 i'.obis (28 in. 
 
 2 MILES GRAVE •• MflDE " ME -• 167' (31 in 
 
 ist : From the Bury foundry, probably not by H. S. but a successor (? Reignold Chirche). 
 Cross and stop PI. XVIII., 5, 9; lettering Plate XIX., 1-3. 
 
 There was formerly a third bell which being cracked was sold for funds to aid the 
 restoration of the church. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 322) : 'three Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 153) the same. 
 
 Essex Review, 1894, p. 117. 
 
 Passing bell rung immediately after death ; tolling for funerals. The two bells are rung 
 for half-an-hour before Divine service on Sundays. 
 
 LITTLEBURY. Holy Trinity. 6 -fi bells. 
 
 1. LE3TER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1763 <:.X»XXX»X;> (25 in. 
 
 2. Cfl^'P BY JOJI.'V W/J^lVEl^ Zi f50]V;5 IiOjMDOjM 1S7J. (27 in.
 
 328 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3. As No. I. (30 in- 
 
 4- JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1789 N PERRY T TURNER C W. W 
 GRBTTON 
 
 J , • COEXALTED HERE WE ARE ON HEGH ( ia in 
 
 2Hrf line : — VI EMBLEMS OF PARISH HARMONY ^^^ 
 
 5. Thos Johnson & Eich" Kent Ch. wardens 1763 Cot Lester & Pack cf London 
 Fecit <d<»>g:x»x> (36 in. 
 
 6. WILL COWLIN THO PEARL C W 1701 (3911- 
 
 Clock-bell. On shoulder : — A coin only. 
 
 On waist : — {a) Medallion. (h) Royal Anns. (23 in. 
 
 Eobanncs tonne me fecit 
 
 The new 2nd weighs 4 cwt. 16 lbs. ; its note is D sharp. Its predecessor was inscribed, 
 as a rubbing of Mr. Tyssen's shews : — 
 
 UN-FEIGNED PKAISE TO HEAVENS ALMIGHTY KING \ ,,^,,^ acCESSIT. A : D : .79O. WO GRETTON 
 
 KOR HEALTH RESTORED TO (JEOKGF. THE THIRD WE SING '^ 
 
 g J BRIANT ) N. I'ERKV | 
 
 ^ "^ HARTFORD FECIT i" T. 'I URNER j' C : W. (28 in. 
 
 4th. The two lines of small type have been read as ' Co-exalted '....' vi ( = six) 
 emblems' — but it seems more probable that the first two letters of each line represent VICO 
 for Vicario (cf. the old 2nd). Apropos, it may be noted that 'co-exalted' is not to be found 
 in the New English Dictionary, but Briant might have invented it ! However it would seem 
 that in 1789 there were only five, the 2nd being added later. 
 
 5th. The name Kent seems to have been common about here ; others were church- 
 wardens at Elmdon in 1700 and Gt. Chesterford in 1796. 
 
 6th. By Richard Keene ; rather rough letters ; 7 of date reversed here as elsewhere. 
 Weight 13 cwt., note F sharp. 
 
 Clock-bell : By John Tonne (see p. 57) ; the stamp above his name is the bust of Henry 
 VIII. (PI. XXL, 2) as at Belchamp Otten ; on the other side are the Royal Arms. A 
 rubbing in Mr. Tyssen's collection marked ' Littlebury clock bell ' is obviously from Stanstead 
 old 4th (q.v.), with which it is identical. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552 ' LiTTKLi'.URiE. iiij belles in the steple of xliij'- weight, a bell that 
 the Clock smyteth on, of j"^ weight, a sanctus bell of di. 'c. weight.' (Stowe M.SS. S27). 
 
 [Here as at Gt. Chesterford the weight of the clock-bell must be wrong.] 
 
 Cole (1744): '5 bells.' Morant (ii. p. 596); '5 bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 71): '5 bells 
 and a lanthorn containing the clock-bell.' 
 
 Essex Review, 1895, p. 188 (clock-bell wrongly, see above). 
 
 William Haselbeche, Clerk, by his will dated 1504 bequeathed 'to the rep'cion of the 
 bells of the said church xij''.'
 
 LITTLEBURY LOUGHTON 329 
 
 CUSTOMS : — 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours afterwards ; tellers 3 x 3, 3 x 2, and 3x1. Tolling for fifteen 
 minutes before funerals. 
 
 Peals rung for Sunday services ; one bell at 8 a.m. Treble for week-day services. 
 
 Ringing at 7 a.m. on Christmas Day and Easter L)ay ; also on New Year's Eve and for 
 weddings by special arrangement. A 'Harvest Peal' one Sunday during Harvest-time. 
 
 Gleaning Bell formerly, now discontinued. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. E. E. Edgerley, Vicar ; also to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 LITTLE HEATH, see Ilford, Great. 
 
 LOUGHTON. St. John Baptist. Eight bells. 
 
 1. C/i;S'l' BV ]«Hj\ W/11'<]VK1<( ^- JSOJVJi LOJVIUeN ]S74. 
 
 On the ivaist .— GliOl^Y TQ 60D I]VI 'I'JIE HlGpE^T. (29 in. 
 
 2. As No. I. 
 
 On the waist ;— 0]V Fx/Il^Tp PE^CE. (SOli '"• 
 
 3-8. cn^¥ BY jejIJV W/fl^]VE^ ^' >S0j\>S LO]VD0j\ 1Sfi7. 
 
 3. On K'aist :—VtQQBVIlhh TOW^RDf^ PEN. (32 '"• 
 
 4. On waist :— gT. FELI7C. 
 
 KELITi P^IiJiIER ]^:ft. Cai^^TE Q¥ ri0a6pT0]VI 
 
 BOI^JV ^UGUf»T 15. )S3]. DIED J/IiV. ^3. 1S63. 
 
 VOCE PIO^ Pl^OPRI/I JiI0DG QUI UUCEB/fT EajVDEJI 
 
 MOl^TUag IPgE PE0 COi\IV0C^T 0^E GREGEJkI. (34 i in. 
 
 5. On laaist .-— gT. jVIcpOL'/Ig. 
 
 ^EC^piP 1S67 F1^0P 3 BEItlig /I.D. 1631-1653 
 
 ^0IV0R0 J50]V0 PEO >SO]VO DEO. (37 in. 
 
 6. On waist : — }5T. AJSIjVE. 
 
 V/IIiLIAP WpiTAFiER PAITItAJVD 
 
 OK ItOUGP'rO]V pAItli A]MD WOODKORD PAIiIi, E^^E^C 
 
 HOR]SI OCTOBER 31, 1794. DIED jaiiY 1, 1S61. 
 
 RIjVG I]VI TPE CpRIf:>'l! TpA'l' I^S TO BE. (sS^in. 
 
 7. On waist .— ARBUTp^IOT EPPA. 
 
 BOl^JV PAl^CP 30, 1S37. DIED AP^IIt 2S 1S66. 
 WIFE OF J. C. 1<<0P1<V/EGE1'( OF UPLAND?, LOUGpTOjV. 
 
 LET pip TPAT pEAl^ETp ?AY COPE. (42 in. 
 
 42
 
 330 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 8. On K'lUst : — ST. JOJIN liAl'TIST. 
 
 Tpif^ BEIiL WAJi (ilVEN I!Y saHSCUIl'TION OK TflE I'ARIJ>HIONERS. 
 
 IiOQUOR SED NON SURDIS. (48^ in. 
 
 
 
 cwt. 
 
 qrs. 
 
 lbs. 
 
 
 Veights and notes : 
 
 -0 
 
 6 
 
 I 
 
 : 12. 
 
 E. 
 
 
 2) 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 : 15- 
 
 1). 
 
 
 3) 
 
 7 
 
 2 
 
 : 23. 
 
 c. 
 
 
 4) 
 
 S 
 
 
 
 : 6. 
 
 B. 
 
 
 5) 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 : 18. 
 
 A. 
 
 
 6) 
 
 1 1 
 
 2 
 
 • 3- 
 
 G. 
 
 
 7) 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 ; 26. 
 
 F sharp 
 
 
 8) 
 
 18 
 
 2 
 
 : 19. 
 
 E. 
 
 Mr. Wells notes : 'The tenor is said to weigh 19I cwt. ; it looks a large bell, but is very 
 squat in shape.' 
 
 The two bells referred to on the present fifth were inscribed as follows (rubbings 
 preserved by Mr. Tyssen) ; — ■ 
 
 1. A B HADE riEE lEFFERY LEE AND RICHARD STOCK CHVRCH = 
 
 WARDENS 165s {7,1, i'l 
 
 2. ^ SONORO SOXO MEO BO^O DEO 1G21 (37 in. 
 
 By Anthony Bartlet and Robert Oldfield respectively; cross on 2nd, Herts, fig. 41. 
 Morant (i. p. 164): 'In a belfrey .... are 3 Bells.' Muihiian (iii. p. 413): '3 bells.' 
 See Church Bells, 26 Sept. 1874; Ecclesiologist, x.wiii. p. 202 (for the four middle bells 
 which were the first put u[), being partly cast from the metal of the old ones). 
 
 LOUGHTON. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1871; one small bell in open gable over chancel arch, 21 inches in 
 diameter; supplied by Warner and Sons, 1S71. 
 
 LOUGHTON. St. Nicholas. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1877 on the site of, and as a memorial of, the old parish church of St. 
 Nicholas ; one small bell. 
 
 MALDON. All Saints. 
 
 1- WHEN THREE THIS STEEPLE LONG DID HOLD ^^ 
 
 2- THEY WARE THREE EMBLEMS OF A SCOLD • ^< 
 3. NO MVSICK THEN Q BVT NOW SHALL SEE 1707 
 
 6 + 1 
 
 bells 
 
 (28 
 
 in. 
 
 (30 
 
 in. 
 
 (32 
 
 in.
 
 LOUGHTON MALDON 33I 
 
 4. WHAT PLEASANT MVSICK □ SIX WILL BE D HP Q 1707 [] Q 
 
 Below :—HWGH + BROWNE + CAPTAINE + ROBIENT + BAILIFES J + 
 
 (34 in. 
 
 5. thos blackbone & Jermv Norton ch: Wardens 1770 Pack & chapman of London 
 FECIT <:;x»xr>*xtx»x:> 
 
 Belo7ii, all round :— <0<»'<ZX*X:!:X*X^> (39 in. 
 
 6. THE KEVn William Williams Rector, rich., ward & Jonathan croiser Church 
 Wardens -;d«>xs>«<::> 
 
 {Bdojv :—) Thomas MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1799 (41 in. 
 
 I St — 4lh : by Henry Pleasant, as the 4th subtly indicates ; the stop on the yd and 4lh is 
 uncertain (cf. also St. Mary's, Maldon, late 3rd). See p. 122. 
 
 Sanctus : possibly by John Sturdy, (but doubtful, see Introduction, p. 19); the crosses 
 seem to be PI. VII., 10 and Bucks xi. 5 (small edition of PI. VII., 5) ; the capitals are very 
 small. This bell hangs outside under a canopy about halfway up the spire. 
 
 'I'he tenor weighs 13 cwt., note (1. Bells said to be in indifferent ringing order. 
 
 No traces can be found of the names Swayn and Lynne, the donors of the Sanctus bell, 
 e.Ncept that a family of the latter name was well known in North Essex in tlie i6th-i7th 
 centuries (see under Wormingford). 
 
 Morant (i. p. T,T,i) '■ '5 ISells,' presumably an error, unless Pleasant's ' si.x ' was only 
 anticipatory. Muilman (v. p. 267) has the same. 
 
 Mr. H. W. King, quoting from Buckler says: 'There are 6 bells ingeniously arranged 
 in the triangular space so that all of them may be rung.' 
 
 Customs : — ■ 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death; usual tellers. Tenor tolled at funerals. 
 A bell rung on Sundays at 9 a.m. 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve. 
 Tenor tolled for Vestry Meetings. 
 
 In the ringing-chamber are two peal-boards, of 1882 and 1890, recording ' Date-Touches' 
 in various methods. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. L. Hughes, Vicar. 
 
 MALDON. St. Mary. Si.x bells. 
 
 I. Thomas mears of London Fecit 1799 <;':x>x:> Daniel finch Ch warden <^*x::> 
 
 THO = GARDINER ^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT ^ 1740 ^ (join
 
 332 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3. I<E('/If^T HY J0J1]V W/IR]S!E1< cT: SON'fs h"' IcOJVDOlS! ]S9S. 
 
 On the waist ;— PEJVII?¥ PHE7If5:«jMW JI^DE PE 178^. (32 >n. 
 
 4. MILES GRAVE MADE ME M '636 (34 in 
 
 5. SAM = TVFNHLL ESq'' = THO = GARDlNt:R Mb FHCIT 1714 (36 in- 
 
 6. 
 
 "HO = GARDINER ^ SUDBURY ♦jf^ 'I^ H FECIT ^ ^ ^ 
 1740 (40 in- 
 
 Tenor 13 cut., note G. Said to be in fair ringing order. 
 Tlie old 3rd was inscrilied : 
 
 HENRY D PLEASANT W MADE [] ME □ 1707 D D D D (3-' in. 
 
 The stop being the same that occurs on the 4th at Maiden All Saints. 
 
 The name of Samuel Tufnell (5th bell) occurs on the 3rd at Pleshey ('/.?'.) ; this is one 
 of the earliest of Oardiner's bells. 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. ' Itm iij bells in the steple weying by estymacion xxxvj^ weight. 
 Sold to Nicholas Eve of Chelmsford one greatc bell weying xviij": and xvij //. p'ce the 
 hundred xxiiij''.' (Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 222). 
 
 Death Knell 12 hours after death; age denoted. One bell tolled at funerals. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's live. 
 
 A first peal of plain Bob Minor was rung 10 December, 1905. 
 
 ]?est thanks to Rev. T. ^V. Ward, Rector ; also to Rev. H. T. W. Eyre of Great Totham 
 for obtaining information about the recast bell. 
 
 MALDON. St. Peter. One bell. 
 
 I. THIS BELL WAS NEW CAST AT THE CHARGE OF THOMAS PEVME D D 
 ADN OF ROCHR AND MN^ OF— 
 
 GREENWICH 1699 lACOBVS BARTLET ME FECIT ^\ (46 in. 
 
 The nave of the church fell in 1665, and there now remains only the tower, which forms 
 the approach to the Library left by the learned and reverend Doctor Plume, whose name is 
 misspelled on the bell. It is not now used. 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. 'Itm in the steple iiij bells & one sawnce bell weying by 
 cstimacon xxxc' {Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 221). Muilman (v. p. 273): '6 bells.' (He 
 must mean St. Mary's). 
 
 Thomas Plume was born at Maldon, August 7, 1630, and was educated at Chelmsford 
 School and Christ's College, Cambridge. He became Vicar of Greenwich and Archdeacon of 
 Rochester, and died in 1704, being buried at Longfield, Kent. He was a great benefactor to 
 the charities of his native town, besides bequeathing the Library. (Morant, i. p. 337).
 
 MALDON 
 
 333 
 
 The Rev. Andrew Clark, LL.l)., of (Ireat Leighs, has collected much information from 
 the archives of the borough of Maiden relating to the ringing of the town bells. In the Essex 
 Review, 1905, p. 59, he quotes from a Court-Roll of 1418 an order made on October 3rd for 
 the ringing of the Curfew at Maldon. ' It was ordered by the wardmen and confirmed by the 
 baillies that in the absence of servants who arc elsewhere called Waytes, a bell of All Saints' 
 Church and a bell of St. Peter's Church should toll al due hours of night, namely in the 
 morning ]3ay bell and in the evening Curfew.' In the seventeenth century tiie hours were 
 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. 
 
 l''or the following we are indebted to Dr. Clark's own transcri[)ts, of which he has most 
 kindly sent copies : — ■ 
 
 In 15^4 included in the out-payments are i2d. to John Parker, one of the siipcrvisorcs 
 mercat! for ' le bell ryngynge snhtcv aiilam ' on Saturdays and Sd. to the Town-Clerk for ' bell- 
 ryngyng siihtcv auJam ' on Mondays. Maldon had then its own bell at the Moot Hall ; the 
 ringing on Saturday was for the market ; that on Monday for the Borough Court. 
 
 In 1560 the Town Chamberlain paid los. to ' Cattyn for ringing of the bell in St. Peter's 
 Church ' (probably Curfew and Day bell). In 161 2 5s. was similarly paid to William Hewes ; 
 10s. to the ringers of the eight and four o'clock bells in 1639 and 1641. In 1640 we find the 
 following items : — 
 
 for tiu-ning the town-hall bell, being runge over id. 
 
 for a rope for the moot-hall bell 
 
 for re-casting the said bell ^3 
 
 for the second recaslinge the said bell and mendingc the Kncaple thereof 
 and caryeinge and recaryinge the same to and from Colchester 
 
 to the carpenter for hanging the bell the second time 
 
 to Garden and Stokely for iron work about the same bell 
 In 1647 the Chamberlains paid 
 
 for mending the bell-rope at the middle church [Si. Peter's] I2d. 
 
 In 1649 to the belringers for Curfew 20s. 
 
 1662. to the ringing of the eight and foure a clocke bell 30s. 
 
 for timber, ironwork, and work, repairing the belfry of the moote hall £6 
 
 to the ringers on November 5th 
 1672. to the ringers on the day of the King's happy restoration and on 5th 
 of November 
 
 1681. to the ringers of the eight and four of the clocke bell this year 
 
 1682. The same ; also 
 to the ringers upon the King's birthday and for expenses upon the 
 
 same day 
 1686. Payments to the ringers upon several public occasions 
 1689. (For 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. bells) 
 
 1689. paid to the ringers upon the day of the coronation of the King and 
 
 queen and for gunpowder and money expended that day 28s. 
 
 1690. Payments of 20s. for curfew and day-bell, and of 20s. 6d. for Corona- 
 
 tion Day ; November 5th ; day of General Thanksgiving, and other 
 similar occasions. 
 
 1692. Payments of 35s. for curfew and day-bell, and 24s. 6d. for ringing on 
 
 days of public rejoicing (as in 1690). 
 
 1693. for a bell-rope for the moote hall bell 4s. 6d. 
 
 2S. 
 
 
 5s. 
 
 
 34s. 
 
 4d. 
 
 IS. 
 
 6d. 
 
 17s. 
 
 4d, 
 
 iSs. 
 
 3d. 
 
 6s. 
 
 6d. 
 
 I2S. 
 
 
 30s. 
 
 
 I OS. 
 
 
 19s. 
 
 6d. 
 
 35s. 

 
 /■• 
 
 6s. od. 
 
 ^2. 
 
 OS. 6d. 
 
 ^3- 
 
 OS. od. 
 
 334 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 1696. Payments of 17s. 6d. for ringing on v.^l■ious occasions. 
 1699. Payments of 27s. 6d. for similar ringing, and when the bishop of 
 London 'was in town.' 
 
 1701. Payments of 2()S. for curfew and day-bell, and of 33s. for ringing 
 
 'upon dayes of publique thanksgi\ing.' 
 
 1702. Payment of 28s. for ringing on days of public thanksgiving 
 
 1703. to John Roads and John Sturgeon for chimeing of the bells 
 
 for prayers the last yeare £j. os. od. 
 
 1704. to John Richmond and John Sturgeon for ringing the 
 
 eight and four a clock bell 
 to the ringers upon days of publick thanksgiveing 
 to chimeinge the bells to prayers 
 1707. Payments of ^3 for chiming the bells, and lis. to the ringers on 
 
 days of public rejoicing 
 
 1 705. ^3. 6s. to the ringers on days of public rejoicing. 
 1709. £2. 15s. iid. for similar services; £2. i6s. for curfew and day-bell 
 
 and chiming for prayers ; ^i. los. for chiming 
 ■713- £3- '95. lod. to the ringers of the several parishes for ringing 'upon 
 
 festivall days.' 
 '7 '4- -^5- 5s. for ringing on Coronation and other festivals, and £[. 6s. for 
 
 curfew and morning bell. 
 1 71 5. Similarly ^3. 15s. 3d., and in 1718, £2. Ss. 8d. 
 1721-1724. Similar items. 
 1725. to the ringers of All Saints and St. Mary's, £2. 17s. 
 
 1739. Sundry payments of 6s. 8d. to ringers. 
 
 1740. to the ringers and for music at the fair ^i. 19s. 4d. 
 Also £1. 6s. for curfew and morning bell, and ^l. 18s. 4d. fur 
 ringing on holidays. 
 
 1741. Payment of los. for ringing on May 23rd (.' 29th). 
 1743. Similar payment of ^i. 13s. 4d. on May 29th. 
 1 746. 9 Oct. (Thanksgiving Day) paid the ringers 
 
 paid two men standing to see the beer distributed 
 
 5 Nov. paid the ringers on this day 
 1748 and 1750. Sundry payments of 6s. 8d. to ringers 
 1758. 17 June, paid the ringers for St. Maloes affair. 
 1760. Nov. 5 to the ringers at the proclamation of George III. 
 (other expenses is. 6d.). 
 
 MANNINGTREE. St. Michael. One bell. 
 
 T. F. 15. C. MANNINC4TREE CHUECH 1860 (22 in. 
 
 Founder unknown (see p. 144); good lettering. 
 Church founded in 16 16, and parish formed from Mistley. 
 Morant (i. p. 463): 'a Turret with one Bell.' Muilman (vi. p. 35) : '1 bell.' 
 See Essex Revicxn, 1893, p. 108. 
 
 The bell is rung at an early hour on Sundays ; not of course a case of ' survival ' as the 
 church is of post-Reformation origin. 
 
 6s. 
 
 8d, 
 
 4s. 
 
 
 6s. 
 
 8d. 
 
 I OS. 
 
 
 10s. 

 
 Five 
 
 bells 
 
 (27 
 
 in. 
 
 (30 
 
 in. 
 
 (33 
 
 in. 
 
 (36 
 
 in. 
 
 (40 
 
 in. 
 
 MALDON — MAPLESTEAD 335 
 
 Here or at Mistley, say Morant and Muilman {locc. citt.) was a Guild of the Holy 
 Trinity, which owned four bells weighing 38 cwt. at 15s. per cwt. and two handbells value i6s. 
 
 MANOR PARK, see Little Ilford. 
 
 MAN U DEN. St. Mary. 
 
 T. MEARS of LONDON FECIT 1831 
 The same. 
 
 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1620 W 
 
 4. The same. 
 
 5. GTI^'iP BY .TfJPN W^R]VER Zx g@]«^ Ij©jMIJ©]M tS§§ 
 
 Weight of tenor, lo cwt. 2 qrs. 3 lbs. Note C. The scratched W on the 3rd and 4th 
 probably denotes William Harbert, Miles Graye's foreman (see p. 94). 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. ' iiij belles w'l' an sanctus bell by estimacon of xljc.' (Stowe MSS. 
 827). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 622) : five Bells.' See Essex Review, 1895, p. 183. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell 24 hours after death. Tellers T,y- ^ for male, 2x3 for female. Tenor for 
 adults, treble for children. 
 
 On Sundays a 'Warning bell' rung at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. 
 
 Gleaning bell (tenor) rung in Harvest time at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
 
 Peals on Christmas Day, 29 May, Coronation Day, and 5 November. 
 
 Local tradition (doubtless incorrectly) says that these bells were intended for Cl-avering, 
 but that the carriage breaking down at Manuden they were hung in the steeple there. 
 
 MAPLESTEAD, GREAT. Three bells. 
 
 1. ^ancfa jl^atrgareta Otcx £t:o CoBie I ^^ :D (29 in. 
 
 + + + + 
 
 2. HENRY ++ + PLEASANT + ++ MADE + ++ ME ++ + 1700 
 
 + + + 
 
 + + + n.^^>»jHt1r1t ++++++ (34 in. 
 
 THO = GARDlNER 
 
 •$► # ^ # ^^ADE ^ ^ ME ^ 
 
 4? ^ 1728 (35 i"-
 
 336 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 'Tenor in A flat, rather flat' (J. J. Raven). 
 
 ist: by John Danyell ; cross, PI. XII., 9. 
 
 2nd: usual small crosses as stops; border of fleurs-de-lys (PI. XXXII. , 4). A slovenly 
 casting. 
 
 3rd : a variation of Gardner's usual formula. 
 
 The old bell-frame remains, and the bells are all 'clocked,' with broken wheels; a most 
 unsatisfactory state of things for a parish which is fortunate in its circumstances compared with 
 the majority in Esse.x. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 281) : '3 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 86) : '4 bell.s.' 
 
 Essex Revieii), 1893, p. 118; Essex Arch. Tyans. NS. iii. p. 72. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell : tenor for adults, treble for children ; tellers, three strokes for male, two for 
 female, then toll for an hour. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for services ; " toil in " on tenor. 
 
 Ringing on Easter Sunday. 
 
 Gleaning bell (tenor) rung at 8 p.m. and 6 p.m. 
 
 MAPLESTEAD, LITTLE. St. John of Jerusalem. 
 
 I. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1853 
 
 One bell. 
 
 The bell is hung above the circular part of the church. 
 
 ' Tradition (in this case I think incorrectly) affirms that in days gone by three bells 
 existed here, and that two went to Great Maplestead.' — J.C.L.S. 
 
 Dr. Raven notes (8 Jan., 1867) : 'A workman on the spot told me that the old one {i.e. 
 the predecessor of the present bell) had a wooden crown.' 
 
 Essex Review, 1894, p. n8; Lukis, Church Bells, p. 73. 
 
 MARGARET ROOTHING, see Roothinc;, Marg.\ret. 
 MARGARETTING. St. Margaret. 
 
 Four bells. 
 
 \^ig 
 
 saimr 
 
 \^^Ait 
 
 I?DbIf 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 \j;K^ 
 
 Saucla © ffiarjareta ^ Oi;a m ^ro nobiii IE^ (3-- in.
 
 MAPLESTEAD MARKSHALL 337 
 
 5it Cornell nomini ikneMctum <^ (34i in. 
 
 In fflultis finnis FJcfonct ^ampan.i lohauniG (J) 
 
 (37J in- 
 
 A remarkable Pre-Reformation ring, untouched for nearly 400 years. 
 
 ist : By Thomas Lawrence. The stamps above are alternately PI. XIV., 6 as at Chickney, 
 and the figure (PI. XIV., 7) as at Leaden Roothing ; part of the inscription is wanting. The 
 capital letters are those used by Jordan {PI. XI, 8-12); on the waist is Laurence's gridiron 
 (PI. XIV., 8). .See pp. 39, 44- 
 
 2nd : by Culverden ; cross, PI. VII., 5. 
 
 3rd: by Robert Burford ; crosses, PI. IV. 13, VII. 6. 
 
 4th: by John Walgrave ; cross, PI. XII., 9; letters the large set used by John Bird 
 (Plate X. 5, 7, 8). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 55); '4 Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 260) the same. 
 
 Buckler {Churches of Essex, p. 7): 'The superior timbers of the belfry remain, but the 
 inferior have been much altered ; four ancient bells hang upon their original frames of double- 
 braced work, fixed together with oak pegs ; the bells are arranged against the four sides of the 
 tower, leaving a well-hole in the centre which serves as an entrance. Each bell has a dedica- 
 tion in "Old English" of fine character; that to St. Margaret has extremely bold capitals, 
 enriched with crowns.' An account of the bells follows, the treble being described as the 
 oldest in the county (latter part of 14th century), an error which has affected several subsequent 
 writers, such as Mr. Sparvel-Bayly, in his paper on Essex Bells. On p. 7 a wood-cut is given of 
 the crowned M from Culverden's bell. 
 
 See also Ecclesiologist, .\xv. p. 345. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Gleaning bell formerly. 
 Tolling at funerals. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for half-an-hour before services, followed by smallest bell for 
 five minutes. 
 
 Ringing for weddings, by request. 
 Thanks to Rev. M. R. Barnard, Vicar. 
 
 MARKSHALL. St. Margaret. One bell. 
 
 I. "T* RICHARD BOWLER MADE ME 1505 (20 in. 
 
 Cf the larger bell at ToUeshunt Knights. Cross, PI. XXIX., i. 
 
 T.R.E. 9 Sept. 1552 : ' Also there are two bells in the steple.' {East Anglian N. and Q., 
 NS. ii. p. 3). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 170) : 'one Bell.' Essex Review, 1893, p. 237. 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 43
 
 33^ THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 MARK'S TEY, see Tey, Marks. 
 
 MASHBURY. One bell. 
 
 I. J. TAYLOR & C FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 
 
 Formerly three bells (as in Morant's time, see Vol. ii. p. 460), and subsequently these 
 were s.iid to have been reduced to two. The church was struck by lightning about the year 
 1865, and the bells were melted in the fire. They were not replaced, except by a temporary 
 'common school-bell,' until the restoration took place in 1893, when the present bell was 
 hung in an open turret on the west gable. 
 
 Mr. Miller Christy, who kindly undertook the investigation of this hell, reports that no 
 ladder could be obtained to reach it, but that the inscription as given above could be read 
 through glasses. Unfortunately it remains uncertain whether there is a date on the bell. 
 
 MATCHING. St. Mary. Si.x bells. 
 
 1. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN. 
 
 On waist : — J. B. andrewes m.a. vicar. 
 
 E^QUARE*" } CHURCHWARDENS. 
 MEARS & STAINBANK, 1897. (27 in. 
 
 2. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1875 (28J in. 
 
 3. saiutii »J< j4nna >J| oxix iji mo >J< nobis jj< 
 
 On the waist :— f. P. H. POWELL, MA. VICAR 
 
 SIR HENRY SELWIN IBBETSON BART.\ ^„j,DruwAi3ncMc: 
 ERNEST QUARE ESQ. ^ CHURCHWARDENS 
 
 On the sound bom : — RECAST BY MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON 
 
 1889 (30 in. 
 
 4. ^ GOD SAVE THE KING 1615 (31 in. 
 
 5. As No. 2. I (33i in. 
 
 ^- ^ GOC) SAVE THE KIN^ 1640 (37 in.
 
 MASH BURY MERSEA 
 
 339 
 
 Formerly five bells ; the treble is a Diamond Jubilee addition. ' Rookwood ' is Lord 
 Rookwood, formerly Sir H. Selvvin-Ibbetson (cf. 3rd), M.P. for Essex, who died 15 Jan., 1902 
 (see Essex Review, 1902, p. 99). The predecessors of the 2nd and 3rd (the old ist and 2n(l) 
 were by William Culverden, and were, as we learn from Mr. Kimber's drawings at the 
 Whitechapel Foundry, respectively inscribed : — 
 
 MJUt VXU UX«/ \iXU XlXtj 
 
 Sancte ©lunna Ora ^ro Hobifi 
 
 W'i 
 
 M&'^ 
 
 UXJsl 
 
 uc&/ 
 
 XiXU 
 
 XiXU UXA/ 
 
 pfc m^ 
 
 and Sancia <^^ finna ® Ora # ©ro Holm i|^ 
 
 The latter inscription is reproduced on the 3rd with a fancy cross between the words. The 
 date of the old 4th (now 5th) is unknown. 
 
 4th and 6th by Robert Oldfield ; crosses PI. XXX., 5 and Herts, fig. 39 respectively. 
 Weights :— 
 
 i) 4 cwt. 5 lbs. F. 
 
 2) 4 J- cwt. • E flat. 
 
 3) 5 cwt. I qr. 14 lbs. D flat. 
 
 4) 6 cwt. C. 
 
 5) 7 cwt. B flat. 
 
 6) 9 cwt. A flat. 
 Morant (ii. p. 499): '5 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 102) the same. 
 See Essex Review, 1898, p. 135. 
 
 Death Knell : 3 x 3 for man, 3x2 for woman ; same for child on a smaller bell. 
 Ringing at Funerals ; also on New Year's Eve. 
 
 MAYLAND. St. Barnabas. 
 
 I. MILES :: GRaVE MHDE ;-. ME -.i 1662 
 
 One bell. 
 (21 in. 
 
 In an open gable-cot at the east end of the nave. Examined by Mr. Miller Christy, who 
 could not reach it with a ladder, but could get near enough to see the inscription. 
 
 T.R.E. I Oct. 1552. 'In p'mis iij lielLs wich wey by estymatio' xij hundreth pounds.' 
 (Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 227). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 361) : '3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 329) tne same. 
 
 MERSEA, EAST. 
 
 St. Edmund. 
 
 One bell. 
 
 Sum r^osit l?uUata CQuuiii fflaria Uoc.ila ♦+♦ 
 
 (44 in. 
 
 By Richard Hille ; the survivor (probably the tenor) of a ring of three, for which the pits
 
 Five 
 
 bells. 
 
 (25^ 
 
 in. 
 
 (27 
 
 in. 
 
 (28 
 
 in. 
 
 (30 
 
 in. 
 
 (33i 
 
 in. 
 
 340 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Still remain. The crosses are Surrey, 168, and I'l. IV. 13, as at St. Nicholas, Colchester; the 
 capitals are Stephen Norton's (IM. V.), uncrowned. 
 
 Ivlorant (i. p. 430): 'now only two bells; but in times past five.' Muilman (v. p. 458) 
 has the same. 
 
 Essex Review, 1894, p. 179. 
 
 MERSEA, WEST. SS. Peter and Paul. 
 
 1. THOMAS GARDINER SUDBURY FECIT 1717 
 
 2. The same. 
 
 3. The same : coins after SUDBURY and FECIT 
 
 4. As No. 1. 
 
 5. The same. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 428): '5 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 456) the same. 
 
 See Jlsscx J?evie7t>, 1894, p. 179. 
 
 Death Knell rung 24 hours after death ; tenor bell used. Tellers ^ x 7, for male, 3 x ^ 
 for female ; then raise bell and strike minute strokes for ten minutes. 
 
 On Sundays tenor rung at 10 a.m. as Warning Bell ; chiming for services for a (juarter of 
 an hour followed by ' ringing in ' on treble for last ten minutes. 
 
 MESSING. All Saints. Three bells. 
 
 1. PAROSHIANl DE MESSING ME HiC COLLOCARVNT 1737 • (27 in. 
 
 2. EX DONO DMNA MARI.-F. HARBOTTLE 1 LVCKYN BAR"' ET CL VCRll I7?7 • 
 
 (27 in. 
 
 3. HARBOTTl.E ^ EUCKYN ^ BAR TUS ^ ME DONO DEDIT 1736 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 All by Thomas Gardiner. Date-figures in smaller type; crosses PI. XXXII., 5 and 7. 
 On the 2nd DMNA is for DOMINAE, VCRII for VICARII. Sir Harbottle Luckyn of 
 Harberts was cup-bearer to Queen Anne and George I., and died unmarried in 1737 (Morant, 
 ii. p. 177). ' C. I-.' is Charles Luckyn, Vicar 1718-1745. See p. 125. 
 
 T.R.E. 16 -Sept. 1552. 'It'm iij belles & a Sanct's bell.' (Essex Arch. Trans, iii. p. 48). 
 Morant (ii. p. 178). ' 5 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 148) the same. 
 Essex Revieic, 1893, p. 182. 
 
 Customs. 
 
 Death Knell 24 hours after death ; tellers for male ^y- ^, for female 3x2; for children 
 single strokes.
 
 MERSEA- MISTLEY 34I 
 
 On Sundays a short peal at 8 a.m. ; chiming liegins fifteen minutes before other services, 
 then tenor tolled for five minutes. 
 
 The Vicar writes : ' having only three bells we can only make a noise with them.' 
 Thanks to Rev. E. L. Y. Deacle, Vicar. 
 
 MIDDLETON. Dedication unknown. One bell. 
 
 1. THO = GARDlNER J^ ^ FECIT ^ 1749 4|^ (22^^ in. 
 
 Visited by C. D. and J. C. I.. S., 17 Sept., 1887. 'A long ladder required.' 
 
 The usual (iardiner cross (PI. XXXII., 5). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 276) ; ' one bell.' Muilman (ii. p. 134) the same. 
 
 See Essex J^evi'eri', 1894, p. 118. 
 
 MILE END, .see Myland. 
 
 MISTLEY. St. Mary. ^ Six bells. 
 
 T. BOWELL AND SON FOUNDERS IPSWICH 1898 (39 >" 
 
 2. THO = BRIDGES ^ C-W "^ THO = GARDINER •^ FECIT <^^ 1747 "^ 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 3. As No. I. 
 
 On waist : — VR (33 in. 
 
 4. As No. I. 
 
 On imist .—THIS PEAL OF BELLS WAS ERECTED 
 
 BY THE PARISHIONERS OF MISTLEY 
 TO COMMEMORATE THE SIXTY YEARS REIGN OF 
 QUEEN VICTORIA FROM 1837 TO 1897. 
 C. F. NORMAN RECTOR. 
 E. K. NORMAN & F. J. MARSHALL CHURCH WARDENS. (35 >"■ 
 
 5. As No. I. 
 
 On vjaist .—THE GIFT OF COL EDWARD MORRELL (38 in. 
 
 6. As No. I. 
 
 On waist .—THE GIFT OF CANON CHARLES FREDERICK NORMAN RECTOR. (42 in.
 
 342 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 cwt. qrs. lbs. 
 
 Weights' : — 1)520 
 
 2) 5 3 o 
 
 3) 6 o 7 
 
 4) 6 3 7 
 
 5) 10 I o 
 
 6)12 o 7 Note F sharp 
 
 Formerly one bell only (the present 2nd), which has been tuned to pitch. The five new 
 ones are a 'Diamond Jubilee memorial,' and were dedicated 25 March, 1898. They appear 
 to be the first bells cast for the county by Messrs. Bowell and Sons 
 
 Cross on 2nd, PI. XXXII., 5. 
 
 T.R.E. 'ffyrst ffower bellys in Mysteley stepell . . . solde l)y the p'ysse ... a hand bell.' 
 (Essex Arch. Trans, iii. p. 58). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 463) and Muilman (vi. p. 35) : '5 Bells.' 
 See Essex Review' 1S93, p. loS, 1898, p. 70. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell any time after death ; age denoted; tellers 3, 2, and i only. 
 
 On Sundays a bell at 8 a.m., and at the conclusion of Mattins when there is afternoon 
 service (called the 'Pudding Bell') ; ringing for morning and evening services, with treble for 
 last five minutes. Tenor used for week-day services. 
 
 Ringing on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and for weddings. A bell rung for 
 A'estry meetings. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. Canon Norman, Rector. 
 
 MORETON. St. Mary. Five bells. 
 
 I. MILES GRAVE ET WILLIAM HARBERT ME FECIT 1627 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 2. J. KING CH. WABDEN. W. & T. MEAKS LATE LESTER PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON 
 
 FECIT 1789 <:x»x:i.x«x> {2,Zm. 
 
 3. THOMAS LESTER MADE ME 1751 {rosette and tico hearts, repeated thrice) 
 
 (34 in. 
 
 4. THOMAS ^ GARDINER ^ SVDBVKY ^ ME • FECIT :■: 1712 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 5. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1632 (40 in. 
 
 I St : For William Harbert, see p. 94 ; his name appeared with Graye's on a bell formerly 
 at Barrington, Cambs. (Raven, p. 120). 4th : the earliest bell in Essex by Gardiner (see p. 124) ; 
 for the shields (PI. XXXII., 6, 8, 10) compare Belchani]) Walter 5th (.same date). 
 
 'The weights as supplied to us Ijy the founders vary slightly from these.
 
 MISTLEY MUCKING 343 
 
 T.R.E. 27 Sept. 1552. ' It'm iij bells in the steple in weight by estimacon xlij" C. 
 {£sscx Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 230). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 146) : '5 Bells.' Muiluian (iii. p. 364) the same. 
 
 Passing l)ell as soon after death as possible; tellers TyV-^i S"<:1 3x2 with short intervals; 
 tenor used. 
 
 On Sundays tenor at 8 a.m ; for other services chiming, with tenor tolled for last five 
 minutes. Ringing on New Year's Eve before and after service at 8.30 p.ni, again at 1 1.30 and 
 for a few minutes after midnight ; for weddings very rarely. 
 
 Treble tolled for Vestry meetings. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. J. B. Slight, Rector, and Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 MOULSHAM. St. John. One bell. 
 
 I. MILES GRaVE .-. MADE •• ME • i677 TC •- •• CR (39 in. 
 
 This was formerly the tenor (5th bell) at Rettenden {q. v.); a rubbing of it under that 
 heading is given in Mr. Tyssen's collections. Formerly there were here two bells by Dobson, 
 dated 1820, which were brought from Chelmsford church when this was built in 1838; they 
 have now been restored to Chelmsford, and are described under that heading (p. 204). The 
 present bell was brought from Rettenden when that ring was altered in 1883. 
 
 MOUNT BURES, see Bures. 
 
 MOUNTNESSING. St. Giles. One bell. 
 
 I. Sancte lacobc Ova ^lo Robis # )IJ (32 in- 
 
 Apparently by Thomas Bullisdon, the shield being a variety of his usual one, also found 
 at Castle Ashby, Northants ; the capitals are the large set PL X., Figs. 5, 7, 8 ; see p. 40. 
 
 Formerly three bells ; the major part of the frame for the other two still remains. 
 ' Dilapidation reigns supreme.' [J. C. L. S.] 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 46) : ' one bell.' Muilman (i. p. 241) the same. 
 
 Buckler, Essex Churches, p. 94, says ' There are frames for two bells, but only one is left ; 
 it is coeval with the wood work and dedicated to St. James.' He gives a wood-cut of the 
 second word. See also Eccksio/ogisi, xxv. p. 345. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. Miller Christy. 
 
 MOZE, See Beaumont. 
 
 MUCKING. St. John Baptist. Three bells. 
 
 2. WILLIAM LAND MADE ME 1632 lOHN MACON RICHARD SOVHT 
 
 On waist : — CHVRCHWARDENS (34 in.
 
 •7^4 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3. ^ lOHN ♦ HODSON ♦ MADE ♦ ME ♦ 1665 ♦ • lOHN ♦ 
 EDWARDS ♦ lOHN ♦ MASON • 
 
 {2ndiiuc:-)m CHVRCH ♦ WARDENS • • WH • • • 
 
 (37 •»• 
 
 ist: by an unknown founder; see p. 66. 
 
 All three hang dead on a beam, without clappers ; they are struck t)y outside hammers. 
 ' Mucking Uses,' writes the Vicar, ' are modern and careless.' 
 
 Death Knell as soon after death as convenient ; tellers, 3x3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman, 3 x i 
 for child, then toll for about half-an-hour : rung on Sundays if necessary. 
 Ringing for w^eddings on payment. 
 ' A bell ' tolled for Easter Vestry meeting. 
 Thanks to Rev. C. R. N. Burrows, Vicar. 
 
 MUNDON. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 On shoiddev : — lavcr-shicld thrice. 
 
 , ^ oiiurutius I'.i-bo.it yt Sunia Ro.vi.i Sull.it (26 in. 
 
 Protiably l)y John Langhorne (see p. 24); an exact replica (except for the cross) at St. 
 Bartholomew the Less, London, E.G. Cf. also Colchester Town Hall. The cross appears to 
 be new (Maltese in octagon); the capitals are the smallest W. Dawe set (PI. VIIL), and the 
 ' smalls ' are slightly larger. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. ' Il'm iij bells the lesse by estimacion co' taynithe j'^ and a halffe in 
 waite.' {Essex Arch. Trans., v. p. 223). 
 
 Morant. (i. p. 358): '3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 322) the same. 
 
 MYLAND. St. Michael. 2+ i bells. 
 
 1, 2 No insert j)lion. 
 
 Clock Bell. C/ifiT BY JOP]V W/J1^]\IER ij- ,S()]VfS W)JVIDO]V[ 1S'S7 (3° "">• 
 
 The two chiming bells were put up in 1S97 ; diameters about 24 in. and 26 in. respectively. 
 The clock bell replaces one of the same size supplied by Warner in 1863. It has a rope 
 attached to a small lever inside the bell which pulls the clapper when required for tolling (as 
 at Layer Marney). The bells are hung high up in the clock-loft and are not easy of access. 
 
 A brass plate in the church records : — 
 
 'The Church Clock with hour bell was put up at the Jubilee in 1887 by the parishioners 
 of Myland and their friends, and two Other bells for chiming were added in 1897 in thankfulness 
 to God for the sixty years' reign of Queen Victoria.' 
 
 Morant (p. 135): 'one bell.' Muilman (vi. p. 331) the same. 
 
 Essex Review, 1893, p. 185. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. H. S. Stevens, Rector.
 
 MUCKING NAZING 
 
 NAVESTOCK. St. Thomas Apostle. 
 
 I. G. MEARS & Co FOUNDERS LONDON 1862 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME M 1637 
 
 Sancta i^atcrina 0ra :i?ro mohxQ 
 
 345 
 
 Five bells. 
 
 (28 in. 
 (31 in. 
 
 (34 in- 
 
 4. On waist :- 
 
 ® I^ 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 As No. 2. 
 
 (40 in. 
 
 3rd ; By Jolin Walgrave, with the crosses PL XII., Figs. 8 and 9, the former usually 
 associated with Danyell ; this is the earliest example of its use. 
 
 4th: By John Harding of London, c. 1560; cf. Loose, Kent; Gt. Amwell, Herts; and 
 Sproughton, Suffolk ; the mark represents his initials, and the coin-impressions are of Henry 
 VII's reign. See p. 65. 
 
 Weight of tenor 9 cwt. "Not in ringing order" (1904). The Vicar notes that the bells 
 are in a minor key, the notes being D, C, B flat, A, G ; the effect, he says " is peculiar and 
 charming." 
 
 Inventory of 1297: ' iiij campanule pro mortuis. Canipanarium bonum l)ene opertum 
 cum ij campanis sufificienter cordatis.' 
 1458 : 'Tres campanae in Campanile insimul concordantes cum uno sanctus 
 bello. Tria tintinnabula due campane manuales.' 
 
 Death Knell as soon as notice is received; tellers 3x3 and 3x2, with tolling every five 
 minutes for an hour. Tolling for half-an-hour before Funerals. 
 Bells rung [ ? chimed] for Sunday services. 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve ; for weddings by request. 
 Best thanks to Rev. W. Claxton, Vicar. 
 
 NAZING. All Saints. 
 
 1. PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECERUNT 1779 <0<'tKlX4C> 
 
 2. The same. 
 
 3. The same. 
 
 Five bells. 
 (28 in. 
 (29J in. 
 (315 in. 
 
 THOMAS BANKS & JAMES MARTIN OVERSEERS 1779 PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON 
 FECERUNT (34 in. 
 
 JOHN PEGKUM & JOHN WALKER CHURCH WARDENS 1779 PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON 
 
 FECERUNT <:X'X:> (38 in. 
 
 44
 
 346 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Tenor weighs 10 cwt. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 54): '5 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 19S): '3 bells.' 
 
 Death Knell rung usually on the morning after death. Bell tolled half an hour for infants 
 under twelve months, one hour for all older. Tellers at end 3 x 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman, 
 3x1 for child. Tenor bell for adults, smaller one for children. 
 
 On Sundays one bell tolled at 8 a.m. Bells chimed for services. Peals occasionally. 
 
 Gleaning bell discontinued. 
 
 NETTESWELL. St. Andrew. Three bells. 
 
 I. No inscription. (zSi in. 
 
 Sniii ^ I'^nsji @ mhnin @ fflittibi ^ KJilcrlnii 
 Umiin (322- in. 
 
 3. Gallus • Vocor + • Ego • Solus + Super • Omnia + Sono • (see p. 23) (36 in. 
 
 2nd and 3rd by AVilliam Dawe, with his medallion, and cross on 2nd in an octagon (PI. X., 
 2), on 3rd in a lozenge (PI. IX., 12); medium set of letters. See p. 26 and PI. IX. On the 
 2nd the S is reversed as elsewhere. On the 3rd the whole inscription has been set on the 
 cope in relief instead of being stamped in ; consequently it appears on the bell not only in 
 intaglio but inverted through out. Each word is on a separate patera. Though printed here 
 the right way up, it must be understood that the letters read inverted ; a reference to the casts 
 reproduced on Plate VIII., Figs. 6, g, 10, will show the effect. In consequence of this arrange- 
 ment the S here appears the right way. Cf. the tenor at Stock ; and for the inscription a 
 similar bell at All Saint's, Norwich. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 490) : ' 3 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 86) the same. 
 
 See also Gentleman' s Magazine, May, 1796, p. 380 (= Gent. Mag. Topogr. iv. p. 160). 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell 24 hours after; tolling only. At Funerals, two strokes at short intervals. 
 Ringing occasionally for Weddings. 
 Best thanks to Rev. C. Ward, Rector. 
 
 NEVENDON. St. Peter. One bell. 
 
 I. No inscription. (23 in. 
 
 Apparently a modern bell. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 253) : ' In a little wooden Belfrey there is one Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 137) : 
 ' I bell.' 
 
 There is a ' Bell Field ' here. 
 
 NEWLAND, see St. Lawrence Newland.
 
 NAZING NEWPORT 347 
 
 NEWPORT. St. Mary. Six bells. 
 
 1. J. TAYLOR & C FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1872 
 
 THE GIFT OF M SMITH OF SHORTCROVE 
 
 SEPTEMBER 1872 (31^ in. 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1620 W (32 in. 
 
 3- Sit Roincn Domini BcncDictuiu W^ ImlsM IXv (36 in- 
 
 4. Thomas Hears of London fecit 1814 <.x*xi>»<ix*x;> <X'Xrx-'XX>5'X;> 
 
 RECAST BY Subscriptions 
 
 ORMES MASCALL\ 
 
 John gayford J 
 
 Churchwardens /.,i :„ 
 
 Vj/ii in- 
 
 5. RECAST BY SUBSCRIPTION GATHERED BY JOHN CAPP. T. OSBORN DOWNHAM NOR- 
 
 FOLK FECIT 1783 LU cn cm • CD d] cn • : (39 in. 
 
 6. OMPW BY .T©FN WHRNER ^ ^e]M^ Ii&]^B&fi. 
 
 W0 WHH GIs©l'?¥ &B Geo 
 
 wjjip BRuu mn^ keo:hpw n^ aspH e;xpb]vi^b ®b 
 
 piEWP0R'lf. IJi FEBl'<U7IRY ;H.D. 1)5^5 
 
 jQPN cnHPMHivE M.S. ¥ioas 
 
 Tenor 18 cwt., note F. Treble an addition, not a recasting; weight 6 cwt. 2 qrs. 18 in. 
 For the scratched \\' on the 2nd, see p. 94. 3rd : by Henry Jordan, with ' Powdrell capitals' 
 (PI. XI. 8-12). 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552 (Stowe MSS. 827). 'iiij belles by estimacon of l\c weight a sanctus 
 bell a hand bell.' 
 
 (Sold) ' a bell for xxvli the clapper of the sayd bell for vs.' 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 586) and Muilman (iii. p. 48) : '5 Bells.' Cole in 1743 gives '5 Bells.' 
 
 See Essex Review, 1895, p. 183, and Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 106. 
 
 In Kelly's Directory (1902) it is stated that until 1875 ^^^ bells were rung at 4 a.m., and 
 from Michaelmas to Lady Day at 8 p.m. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins.
 
 348 THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 NORTON, COLD. St. Stephen. Two bells. 
 
 I, 2. J TAYLOR & C' FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1854 
 
 Type as at Heydon and St. Mark, Victoria Docks. Diam. about 21 in. and 25 in. 
 Church rebuilt 1855, when these two bells were placed in an open gable-turret at the west 
 end. There were two bells in the old church, but one had long been cracked. 
 
 T.R.E. I Oct. 1552. 'iij bells conteynynge by estimac'on .\ij"ie hundrethe weyght.' 
 Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 238). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 350) : ' In a wooden frame boarded with a spire, are two Bells.' Muilman 
 (v. p. 307) : ' 2 bells.' 
 
 Thanks to Rev. S. Barker-Simson, Rector. 
 
 NORTON MANDEVILLE. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 I. C/IJ5T BY JOJI]V V//IR]VIER 4" .SO]V^ LGjVDGjM 1873 (20 in. 
 
 Weight I cwt. 2 qrs. 26 lbs. Note C. This replaces a bell of the same size which bore 
 only the date 17S2, but was obviously by Chapman and Mears. 
 Morant (i. p. 133): ' i Bell.' 
 
 NOTLEY, BLACK. SS. Peter and Paul. Five bells. 
 
 Diam. cwt. qrs. lbs. Note 
 
 26 in. 3 : 3 : 24 F 
 
 27 in. 4:1:0 E 
 C^^ST BY jepiV W/II^j\EI^ 5 ^0jV^ L0]VIDOj\ )S79 28i in. 5 : o : 5 D 
 
 31 in. 5 : 3 : 7 C 
 
 34 in. 6 : 3 : 25 B flat. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 125): '3 bells.' Muilman (i. p. 405) : ' 2 bells.' 
 
 See Essex Review, 1897, p. 146. 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death. Usual Tellers. Small bell for children. 
 
 NOTLEY, WHITE. Three bells. 
 
 1. MILES •.-. GRAVE . MADE :: ME 7. 1662 
 
 2. No inscription. 
 
 3. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1662 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 122): '3 bells.' Muilman (i. p. 402) the same. 
 
 Essex Reviav, 1897, p. 146. 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death; usual tellers; treble bell used for infants.
 
 NORTON, COLD OCKENDON 349 
 
 OAKLEY, GREAT. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 I. THOMAS MEARS of LONDON FECIT 1810 <0<*>C> 
 
 Incised below:— p, FEARES E COOPER CHURCH WARDENS (43 in- 
 
 T.R.E. 23 Sept. 1552. ' Itm in the Steeiiell iiij bells.' 
 
 (Sold) ' serteyn brasse & hande bells to the s'm xiijs.' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. i. p. 19). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 489) : ' In (the Steeple) were 5 Bells. About three years ago the 
 Parishioners having obtained a faculty to dispose of the four lesser Bells and sold them for 
 80/. they added 60 or 70/. more, and repaired, almost rebuilt, the Steeple, and hung in it 
 the great Bell.' The tower had fallen shortly before he wrote. The same appears almost 
 word for word in Muilman (vi. p. 83). 
 
 See Essex Review, 1893, p. 108. 
 
 The rent of a house here is applied to the purchase of bell-ropes. 
 
 OAKLEY, LITTLE. St. Mary. Four bells. 
 
 1. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1612 (24 in. 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1615 (26 in. 
 3 MILES GRAVE MADE ME M 1633 (29 in 
 
 4- MILES G^aVE MADE .: ME » 1652 (33 in 
 
 Type on ist of medium size and rougher than usual, as at Kelvedon, Tollesbury, e,tc. ; 
 small date-figures. See p. 93. 
 The tenor is cracked. 
 
 T.R.E. 'Itm iiij Belles remaynyng in the steple. Itm we have solde ij latten candel- 
 stycks a Sawnce Bell and Cross of Copp' and ij grett (?) Bells to one clewett a pewterer 
 dwelling in Wicks, for the S'm vs iiijd.' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. i. p. 20). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 490): '4 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 85) the same. Essex Review, 1893, 
 p. 109. 
 
 OCKENDON, NORTH. St. Mary Magdalene. Five bells. 
 
 ,. MILES GRAVE 3W MADE 1621 (28 in. 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1621 (30 in. 
 
 3. P W J695 (33 in. 
 
 4. As No. 2. (36 in. 
 
 5. As No. 2. (39 in. 
 3rd by Philip Wightman.
 
 35" THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 T.R.E. 29 Sept. 1552. ' NORTHWOKENTON. It', in the stcpuU ys iiij bells the 
 lest bell ways by estimac'n vij hundreth. It' a hand bell.' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. 
 p. 185). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 104): '5 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 374) the same. Palin, Afare about 
 Slifford, p. 117. 
 
 In 1612 William Bevis, churchwarden was presented at a visitation 'for that he hath 
 suffered the bells above xij months to be without ropes, wheels or baldricks so that the 
 p'ishnrs can have no use of them.' {Essex Review, 1906, p. 40). 
 
 OCKENDON, SOUTH. St. Nicholas. One bell. 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1865. 
 LAUDO DEUM VERUM, 
 PLEBEM VOCO CONGREGO CLERUM. (26^ in. 
 
 The bell weighs 4 cwt., and replaces one inscribed : — 
 
 • •$• THIS ♦ BELL ♦ WAS ♦ GIVEN ♦ BY ♦ RICHARD ♦ MVLFORD ♦ SEX- 
 STONE ♦ OF ♦ THIS ♦ 
 
 2nd line :—) ♦ PARISH ♦ AND ♦ HEARE ♦ PLASED ♦ TH ♦ IL ♦ THEN ♦ 
 CHVRCH ♦ WARDENS ♦ • • • ♦ 
 
 2,rd line :—) • lOHN ♦ AND ♦ CHRISTOPHER ♦ HODSON ♦ MADE ♦ ME ♦ 1678 
 
 (26 in. 
 
 Small and irregular letters (cf. Canewdon). 
 
 T.R.E. 3 Oct. 1552. 'SOUTH WOKYNGDON. It'm in stepull iiij belles whereof 
 the least by estymatyon cotayneth in weyght vjc It'm a hand-bell in weyght iij li. It'm a 
 sancts bell in weyght xxiiij li.' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 187). 
 
 Muilman (iv. p. 371): 'i bell.' 
 
 Buckler, Churches of Essex, p. 39, says, ' In the centre of the belfry, and suspended 
 upon its original framing, is one Bell . . . with several coins of King Charles the Second's 
 reign,' etc. 
 
 Palin, Moi-e about Stifford, p. 103. 
 
 ONGAR, CHIPPING. St. Martin. i + 1 bells. 
 
 I. lOHN HANCOCK WILLIAM LACEY CH-WARDENS 1672 
 
 B (29 in. 
 
 S. 1737 (11 in. 
 
 Larger bell by Antony Bartlet ; small bell by Richard Phelps. 
 Morant (i. p. 129) : ' i Bell.' Muilman (iii. p. 319) : ' i small Bell.'
 
 OCKENDON ORSETT 35^ 
 
 ONGAR, HIGH. St. Mary. Five bells. 
 
 I. + ROB"^ GLASCOCK & ZACH'^ WhITE C W 1728 lOHN WaYLETT LON 
 + FECIT (32 in. 
 
 (34 in. 
 
 3. RECAST ANNO DOMINI 1822 <D«<> T. HEARS OF LONDON FECIT --ID^OC^^O 
 
 ''''' •- r hS PATMEe) CH"^^^ wardens (35 in. 
 
 4. lOHN DEAN & NICHOLAS BUSH CHURCHWARDENS 1746 Thos Lester 
 OF London Made Me • • (39 in. 
 
 5. (^G Whilst thus we Join in chearfull Sound May love and Loyalty 
 
 ABOUND on3 Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1775 (42 in. 
 
 ist: Cast by Waylett in London (see p. 121); small type as at North AVcald, the W being 
 of a manuscript type ; the cross is quite plain. 
 
 2nd: In the Brasyer lettering; see p. 73. The mark at the end was subsequently used 
 by Thomas Bartlet, as at Ramsden Grays. 
 
 4th: Impressions of coins of John V. of Portugal, dated 1738 (see under Southminster) ; 
 lettering, Phelps' smaller and larger sets. 
 
 Tenor given as ig cwt., but must be less ; the mark is PI. XXXIII., 5. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 132): '5 Bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 329) the same. 
 
 See Ecclesiologist xxv. p. 345. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell twelve hours after death ; treble for children, 4th for women, 5th for men. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for five minutes at 8 a.m. ; for other services chiming for 
 fifteen minutes, tolling for five. 
 
 Ringing occasionally for weddings. 
 
 A bell rung for Easter Vestry Meeting. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. W. H. Bond, Rector. 
 
 At the Mission Church of St. James, MARDEN ASH, there is one bell of 3 cwt., cast 
 by Hears and Stainbank in 1882. 
 
 ORSETT. St. Giles and All Saints. Six Bells. 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS, LONDON 1886 (26 in. 
 
 2. THOs MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1791 <0«'XX>t'XZX<iC> (30 in. 
 
 3. The same. ■ (3a in.
 
 352 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 4. Tin same. (33 in- 
 
 5. The same. (3^ '"• 
 
 6. The same. (4° in- 
 Tenor 1 1 cwt. The treble is an addition. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 225) : ' 3 Bells, besides a smaller one.' Muilman (v. p. 78) the same. 
 Death Knell : 3 x 3 for man, 3x2 for woman ; treble for a child, tenor for adults. 
 On Sundays for services bells rung for 20 minutes, followed by tolling on tenor for five 
 and treble for five. 
 
 A peal rung on New Year's Eve after midnight. 
 Ringing for weddings if required. 
 Thanks to Rev. W. H. Bishop, Rector. 
 
 OVINGTON. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 I. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1631 (23! in. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 338): 'one Bell.' Muilman (ii. p. 186) the same. See Essex Review, 
 1898, p. 232. 
 
 PAGLESHAM. St. Peter. Three bells. 
 
 1. Jo^anne© Utx ^anc uivtirdmt?? \tz\t 1598 (3° in. 
 
 2. lOHN • DAWSON • C • WARDEN CHARLES • NEWMAN • MADE MEE 
 (1693) (32 in- 
 
 3. Blank. 
 
 ist : the word campanam is reversed and inverted. See p. 83. 
 
 2nd : broken and disused, a large piece bearing the date and part of the adjoining letters 
 is broken out of the crown. 
 
 The 3rd is supposed to have been cast by John Waylett about 1706 (see Benton, Hist, 
 of Rochford Hundred, ii. p. 423). 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552, 'iij great Belles contenyng by Estimacion xvjc wayght a litell belle 
 conteynyng by estimacion xvj Ii weyght ij litell hand bells conteynyng by estimacion x Ii 
 wayght.' (Sold) ' one hande bell broken conteyning bi estimation iiij Ii weight xijd." (Essex 
 Arch. Trans, iv. p. 230). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 313) : '3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 235) the same. 
 
 PANFIELD. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 I. l<E(!/lf>'I' BY J0JIISI W^KNKK § >59]V;S ItOJVDeN JSS7. 
 
 Incised on a/««/.-— MILES GRAIE MADE ME 1607 (27 in-
 
 ORSETT PARNDON ^^^ 
 
 2. MILES :: GRaVE MaOE ;: ME o 1655 (28}. in. 
 
 3. As No. 1 Init loith date 1655/0;' 1607. (^^i[ in. 
 
 Originally three bcll.s, the Irclile hy Miles Graye the elder, 2nd and lemir !>)■ llic )ounj;er, 
 a.s the inscriptions reproduced on i and 3 indicate. The old ist was doubtless inscribed in 
 the same type as the 2nd at (it. liardfield ; the old tenor like tlu: present second. 
 
 Morant (ii. j). 409) : ' i Dell' {sic). Muilman (i. p. 439); '3 bells.' 
 
 Essex- Revieiv, 1893, p. iii. 
 
 Death Knell as soon after death as possible ; at the end of an hour the age is tolled. 
 
 Before Funerals the bells are chimed for an hour. 
 
 Sundays : no peculiar uses ; smallest bell used for tolling in for the last five minutes. 
 
 Many thanks to Rev. R. Kettle, Rector ; also to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 PARNDON, GREAT. 1 our bells 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON 
 
 0}i ivaht :— RHV: NOEL PLATT, RECTOR 
 
 WILLIAM CHURCH, CHURCHWARDEN 
 
 RECAST A.D. 1901. • (50 in. 
 
 2. The same, hut all in large type. (30 in. 
 
 3. The same as No. 2. (31 in. 
 
 4. -J^ PRAISE THE LORD 1613 
 
 KjO) CHVRCH WARDENS ^-^ 
 
 Weight of new bells i) 5c\vt. 2qrs. 3olbs. 
 
 2) 5 3 IS 
 
 3) 7 on 
 
 Tenor by Robert Oldfield ; Cross PI. XXX. 5 ; letters on waist small, as at Great I )unmow. 
 The old I St and 3rd were similar, the inscriptions on the three recast bells being ; — 
 
 1. •♦|<- lESVS BE OVR SPEDE 1613 
 
 vP (28I, in. 
 
 2. PACK & CHAPMAN Fecerunt <;x«:> Mk Bailey church warden 1779 {^2'. in. 
 
 3. +!«• GOD SAVE THE KING 1613 
 
 M/ ' (34 in. 
 
 45
 
 3 54 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Stahlschmidt noted the 3rd as reported to be craeked, but considered that it was only the 
 clapper that was faulty. 
 
 Muilman (iv. p. 96) : '4 bells.' 
 
 Death Knell rung as soon as notice is received ; no tellers. 
 
 Chiming only for services. 
 
 Gleaning Bell discontinued. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 PARNDON, LITTLE. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 !• Idtl Idkl {continued all round) 
 
 On the K'aist : — (I (21 in. 
 
 Recognisable by the mark scratched on the waist as Thomas Hartlet's work ; the 
 ornamental border also occurs on his bell at the Charterhouse, London, dated 1631, and at 
 Laindon Clays. For the mark cf. Ramsden Crays, etc. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 496) : ' i Bell.' Morant (iv. p. 98) the same. 
 
 PATTISWICK. St. Mary Magdalene. Three bells. 
 
 1. MILES GRAVE .•• MADE '• ME • lfe68 (24 in. 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1632 (26,Mn. 
 
 3. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1849 (27 in. 
 
 T.R.E. 18 .Sept. 1552. ' It'm iij bells in the steple It'm ij handbells.' (Essex Arch. 
 Trans. N.S. iii. p. 53). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 173) : ' one Bell ' {sic). Muilman (vi. p. 141) the same. 
 See Essex Review, 1893, p. 237. 
 
 PEBMARSH. St. John Baptist. 5 + i bells. 
 
 1. WEARS & 5TAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON 
 
 On waist: — -yU taCta preCes terr/E 
 
 Lenta DVLChDIne panDo. 
 the gift of 
 
 HENRY BASHAM DICKINSON. (27^ in. 
 
 2. As No. 1. 
 
 On waisf :— CaNORO SONO CoLLhS SANCIMVs DeO. 
 
 THE GIFT, ,/f.,„s/,„/. (29 in.
 
 PARNDON PEBMARSU 355 
 
 3. MILES •? GRAVE ••-* MADE •'? MB .V 1665 
 
 RECAST 1906. 
 A. G. KIRBY, RECTOR. 
 
 G ^R SwOTT ( ^""^^"^^^°^^^ 
 MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON. (30 in. 
 
 5. On shoulder, the medallion, PI. X., i, thrice. ■ (33 in. 
 
 Sum I^ofia ^iiHata (Qiiiuli (2};iri:i Uocaia (36 in. 
 
 Clock Bell. THO = GARDINER FECIT 1737 (i6 in. 
 
 Formerly four bells, for which there were pits down to 1906, but only three bells 
 remained. In that year the treble, which was out of tune and weak in the cannons, was recast 
 and two new bells added, making the present five. The new bells were dedicated and 
 opened April ist, igo6, the preacher on the occasion lieing the Rev. Preb. Deedes, who 
 composed the chronograms on the two new bells. 
 
 The old treble was inscribed 
 
 MILES ■.-. GRaVE . MADE ;: ME ss 166." 
 
 This is reproduced in Mears and Stainbank's 'old-faced' type as at Blackmore. Dr. Raven in 
 1867 noted that the then 2nd had been flattened by tuning. 
 
 The tenor is by William Dawe's successor, John Bird (see p. 27); on the shoulder is the 
 cross of six fleurs-de-lys (PI. X., Fig. i) as at Little Horkesley; cross PI. X., 3; large set of 
 capitals and minuscules. Note the dedication to the B.V.M. instead of St. Katharine, as is 
 usual where this formula occurs in this group (see p. 30). 
 
 Weight of bells : — 
 
 cwt. 
 
 qrs. 
 
 lbs 
 
 I) 4 
 
 I 
 
 3 
 
 2) 5 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 3) 5 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 4) 6 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 5) S 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 263) : '5 Bells'; Muilman (ii. p. 71) gives four. 
 
 Essex Revieiv., 1894, p. 118; Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 70. 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death ; three for man, two for woman, one for child ; 
 tolling for funerals. 
 
 On Sundays two bells chimed, beginning halfan-hour before service; then one bell for 
 fifteen minutes. 
 
 Gleaning Bell discontinued about twenty years ago. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. A. G. Kirby, Rector.
 
 7^56 THE CHURCH HELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Fiom I'elimarsli Parish Minute Book we extract the following : — 
 
 April 15th, 1848. Notices of meeting to be held on 24th inst. Easter Monday ... to take 
 into consideration the necessity of repairing the Bells. At that meeting, Mr. Grimston proposed and 
 .Mr. Start seconded the proposition that Mr. .■\mbiose's offer of repairing the Chun h Bells be 
 accepted. Carried unanimously. 
 
 Copy of Air. Ambrose's letter :— 
 
 To the Honourable & Rev. E. H. Grimston. 
 Su 1)111' RV, Feb. 2nd, 1848. 
 
 ' I beg to inform you that I will engage to procure a new Bell to put in the place of the 
 smallest of the two broken ones in Pebmarsh Church Tower, Repair the liell Frame, and make it 
 strong enough to support the 3 Bells while ringing. Hang the 2 old sound Bells and the new one 
 with new Stocks and all new Iron work proper for the same, with new gudgeons and brasses, new 
 wheels, puUies and ropes all complete in good ringing order for the sum of money the 2 old broken 
 bells are worth without making any demand upon the Parishioners for any sum of money extra. 
 .Should the above statement meet with your approbation and you be so kind as to favour me with 
 the orders I shall take great pleasure in doing it in a good workmanlike and substantial manner. 
 
 Your humble servant, 
 
 (Signed) J. C. A.murose.' 
 
 The following report was sent in 1905 by Messrs. Mears and Stainbank to the Rev. A. G. 
 Kirby, with reference to the condition of the bells at that time : — 
 
 " Having inspected the three bells at your church, we beg to report that they are of the 
 following diameter, approximate weight, and note : — 
 
 Diameter Approx. weight Note 
 
 Tenor 2 ft. iii 8.^ cwt. J sharp of A. 
 
 2nd 2 ft. y 6/ cwt. 4 sharp of B. 
 
 Treble 2 ft. 4J 4] cwt. httle sharp of C. 
 
 The Treble is much too small and more than a semitone too flat to agree with the other bells. 
 We have little doubt that these bells were originally a set of four with a larger Tenor, of about loA 
 cwt. but the alteration made in the key-note by taking away the Tenor makes the small one a 
 semitone too flat. The middle ])ell was recast at this foundry in the year 1849. We have gone 
 through our l)ooks and find that in that year we supplied to Mr. J. C. .Ambrose of 
 Sudbury a bell weighing 6 cwt. 2 c|rs. 13 lbs. which was charged at 14 pence per lb. and that we 
 allowed for two old bells weighing together 16 cwt. 3 cp-s. 18 lbs. at 8 pence per pound. The name 
 of the church does not transpire, but assuming that this transaction was for your church, it shows 
 that the bells were originally a set of four with a Tenor of lol cwt. This is verified by the vacant 
 space in the framework being capable of taking a larger bell.' 
 
 The firm further recommended clearing out the old framework, recasting the smallest bell with 
 fresh metal a semitone sharper, and two smaller bells to make a set of five, the new frame being 
 constructed to carry six bells. The estimate for this work amounted to ^^^213. 2s. od., and all has 
 been carried out, the tenor also being quarter-turned ; the frame was supplied by a local wheelwright, 
 and is a very good piece of work. The actual sum payable by agreement to Messrs. Mears and 
 Stainbank was /,"i5y. 12s. od. 
 
 The estimate for a sixth bell (not to be su])plied at present) is, inclusive of fittings, carriage, 
 etc., ^42. Ss. od. 
 
 PELDON. St. Mary. Two bells. 
 
 I. T. Mears of London Fecit 1822 (31 in.
 
 PEBMARSH PITSEA 357 
 
 .. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1613 (33 i". 
 
 Larger bell cracked. 
 
 Moraiil (i. p. 419) : 'i Bell.' IMuilman (v. ]). 437) the same. 
 
 See £ssr.Y Revie'iV, 1894, p. 179. 
 
 PENTLOW. St. George. 
 
 1. lOHN • >r& THORNTON v>>X^ MADE >r^'>X< ME >r^V< 171 
 
 2. MILES G-jaVE MaOE ;: ME » I66? 
 
 3. MILES GRAVE MADE ME M "635 
 4 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1628 
 
 5. As No. 2. 
 
 1st : Large, rather rough letters; stops formed of >X< (see p. 123). 
 Morant (ii. p. 325): 'five Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 160) the same. 
 £ssex Revieiv., 1898, p. 232. 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death ; tellers 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female; tenor 
 for adults, smaller bell for children. 
 ' Not in ringing order' {1904). 
 
 PITSEA. St. Michael. Three bells. 
 
 I. I W ♦ 1636 (26 in. 
 
 - lOHM WfLMAR ♦ l636 
 
 Five 
 
 bells. 
 
 '"'•. '•' 
 
 <>' • 
 
 (28 
 
 in. 
 
 (29 
 
 in. 
 
 {ii 
 
 in. 
 
 (34 
 
 in. 
 
 (38 
 
 in. 
 
 3. Saiictc pctrc era pro nobis ^1 ^^S) 
 
 (28 in. 
 (30 in. 
 
 island 2nd by John AVilner of Borden, Kent; cf. Hadleigh and South Benfleet ; N on 
 2nd reversed. 3rd by Henry Jordan (usual stamps ; ' I'owdrell ' capitals, PI. XL, 8-12). 
 Morant (i. p. 257): '3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 144) the same. 
 
 Customs : — • 
 
 Death-Knell: no old tradition; 9 for a man and 7 for a woman recently introduced; 
 tolling for funerals. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed at 8 a.m., and for other services; when there is a late celebra- 
 tion a bell is tolled after Morning Prayer.
 
 358 THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 On New Year's Eve tolling till midnight, then chiming. 
 
 For week day services at 8 a.m. the bells are chimed, and the day of the month tolled on 
 the tenor. 
 
 For weddings the bells are ' clashed or chimed.' 
 liest thanks to Rev. A. B. Hutton, Rector. 
 
 PLAISTOW, see Ham, West. 
 
 PLESHEY. Holy Trinity. Five bells. 
 
 I. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1620 (30 in 
 
 Ditoi' ^^ Ggo ^m SJ|om!is ^m ©risij ^p Lcitus ^^ Get 
 Sonus ^m Omits (32 in. 
 
 J- 
 
 I WAS CAST AT IHH EXPENSE OF SAMUEL TUFNELL OF LANGLEVS ESq 
 
 2;;^/ //w.-— ANNO 1752 SUAVITER SONANS ^ (34J, in. 
 
 4. !^^ Orn ^^ fflnttq ^ Win ^^ L?ro ^ Htibis ^ Uirga 
 
 CQaria (40 in. 
 
 5. J. WARNER & SONS CRESCENT FOUNDRY LONDON 1854 
 
 Onuiaisl:— LAUS 
 
 RESTORED BY SUBSCRIPTION 
 
 A.D. 1856 
 Wm FULLER CHURCH WARDEN (41 in. 
 
 2nd and 4th by William Dawe ; cross PI. X., Fig. 2; MVilliam ffoundor' medallion as 
 stop; medium capitals and large minuscules; all S's reversed. See p. 26. 
 
 Tenor weighs 11 cwts. 3qrs. 25 lbs., note F sharp or G. 
 
 Samuel Tufnell, of Langleys in Great Waltham parish, also gave a bell at Maldon St. 
 Mary {q.v.) He was the son of a London merchant, bought Langleys in 1710, and died 1758 
 (Morant, ii. pp. 88, 454). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 454) states that in 1546 Henry VHL granted to John Gate 'the whole 
 College of Placy, alias Plecy . . . with the bells, etc. belonging to the same . . . but the 
 parishioners purchased it, with the Steeple and Bells, that they might not be destitute of a 
 place of worship.' He also says that Samuel Tufnell 'had the five bells new cast in 1708,' 
 which is obviously an error. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death-knell at 8 a.m. on the morning after death.
 
 PITSEA PRITTLEWELL 359 
 
 A liell rung every Sunday at <S a.m., considered to be a survival of the old Mass licll 
 [rather, Mattins], but now rung in order that the parishioners may set their clocks right ! 
 Ringing at 6 a.m. on Christmas morning and midnight on New Year's Eve. 
 Thanks to Rev. ('. W. Howis, Vicar. 
 
 POTTER STREET, See Harlow. 
 
 PRITTLEWELL. St. Mary. io+ i bells. 
 
 1. CM^'F B¥ .T(^HN W7IRNEK Z^ g0]V^ It0ND0N 
 
 On ivaist:—% KOY/IIt Pk/TIi ^I^E WE 
 
 We i^ijvig O'ER n/i]siD /ijvid ^e^ 
 
 F^OP Fl^ITTIiEWEItli BeIiKI^Y 
 
 1903. (27 in- 
 
 2. As No. I. (28 in. 
 
 On-ivaisl:— )S, JluWfi^ 
 
 )903. (28 in. 
 
 3. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON 
 
 Oniuast:— "MARY" 
 
 THK GUILD OF S. MARY GAVE ME. 
 
 'Sps. (29 in. 
 
 ^. As No. \. 
 
 Oh waist:— "JOHN" 
 
 WHEN SWEETLY SOUNDS THIS BELL 
 
 FROil TOWER OF PRITTLEWELL, 
 
 LET JESUS CHRIST BE PRAISED. (30 in. 
 
 5. THOMAS MEAKS & SON OF LONDON FECIT 1806 0000« (31 in. 
 
 6. RECAST BY MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON, 1872 
 
 Below :— wS^ IHESVS 4" BE 4' OUR 4" SPEDE 1603 P^ (34 in. 
 
 7. .'Is No. 6. 
 
 Below .•— U$U LOVE 4' GOD -^ AND -§• MAN 1603 {36 in.
 
 36o 
 
 8. As No. 6. 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OK ESSEX 
 
 Below:— GOD SAVE HIS CHURCH 1603 
 
 9. As No. 6. 
 
 BcloKf .-—PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON, FECIT, 1773 
 
 10. l^FxC/IS'f BY JOKJM V//I1^]VKI^ ^- ,SO]V>S Ic" I(0]V[DOj\. 
 
 Beloiv ;— lOflX D/I1^15IK P/JDK [IE ]085. 
 
 •■KUW/IKl) ¥11. KE,X" 
 FIDEI DEKEJVfiOI^ 
 1903. 
 
 S. THOMAS MEARS of LONDON FECIT 1800 
 
 (39 in- 
 
 (43 i"- 
 
 (47 in- 
 (24 in. 
 
 
 Originally six bells as follows 
 
 T. 
 
 Present 5th. 
 
 2. 
 
 R. Holdfdd 1603. 
 
 3- 
 
 Uo. 
 
 4- 
 
 Do. 
 
 5- 
 
 Pack and Ch.npman 1773. 
 
 6. 
 
 John Darbie 1682. 
 
 The tenor was noted by II. \V. King as cracked in 1863. The old 2nd — 4th (now 6th — 
 8th) were by Richard Holdfeld, with shield (PI. XXX., 8) and lettering as at Upniinsier ('j.v.}; 
 on the 2nd there was a band of inverted arabesqnes above the inscription (see Kimber's drawing 
 in Messrs. Mears and Stainbank's possession). The inscriptions on the five larger -bells were 
 reproduced on their successors at the recasting in 1S72, that on the tenor retaining Darbie's 
 border and the crowned ('. R., but not reprodu(X(l in facsimile. As il ajjpears in Mr. Tyssen's 
 rubbing it is : 
 
 RECAST BY MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON 1872. 
 lOHN (/vni^r) DARBIE (/-v,/,v) MADE (/.,.;,/,;) ME (,V;«'c,) 1682 {/on/a) C R {.;•«(■«<•(/) 
 
 The four tO[) bells are therefore sul)Se(]uent additions ; the 3rd and 4th were put up in 
 1895 at a cost of ^^30, or, with fittings, ^120 {Essex Review, 1898, p. 98). The two new 
 trebles were dedicated on May 31, 1902, as a memorial of the Coronation of ICdward VII 
 (Essex Review, 1902, p. 173; Southend Ol'scn'er, 10 \\^\., 1902; Notes and Queries, 9th Ser., 
 xii., 22 Aug. 1903, p. 144). Considering the traditions of this tower, it seems a pity to have 
 introduced two bells by another firm on the top of the Whitechapel contingent. On the 
 latter occasion the tenor was again re-cast, with the original inscription repeated, but nf)_ 
 mention of the intermediate recasting. 
 
 The old 2nd (now 6th) weighed 6 cwts. 2 ([rs. 6 lbs., the old tenor (Darbie's), 16 cwt. 
 16 lbs., and subsequently (Mears'), 17 cwt. i t|r. 20 lbs., note 1". The two bells of 1895
 
 PRITTLEWELL — PURLEIGH 361 
 
 weigh respectively 5 cwt. 26 lbs., and 5 cwt. 3 (jrs. 8 lbs.; those of 1902, 5 cwt. 3 qrs. 13 lbs., 
 and 6 cwt. i8 lbs. The new tenor weighs iS cwt. i qr. 15 lbs., note E. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. ' fyve bells and a sauncts bell esteemed the gratt bell att xx hundred 
 the fowerthe bell xxc the thyrde bell xvj hundred the fyrste bell v fyue hundred and a sanct* 
 bell one hundred.' {Essex Arch. Trans., iv. p. 234). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 297) leaves the number of the bells blank ; Muilman (v. p. 209) : ' 5 bells.' 
 
 Benton {Nisi, of Rochford Hundred, i. p. 540) has collected various facts relating to the 
 bells. A minute of 1663 records that John Norris was chosen sexton 'upon condition that he 
 keep the clock orderly and ring the bell duely at 4 of the clock in the morning and at eight in 
 the evening beginning at Hallomas and continuing till Candlemas.' In 1666 the clapper of 
 the great bell was mended for los. The bell recast in 1773 (then the 5th) had fallen down in 
 1772, and the new one cost ;^3o. 8s., the hanging £^2. i8s. 6d. The fifth (then the treble) on 
 being recast in 1806 cost £,2i>. 4s. 3d., the sanctus bell, which weighs icwt. 3qrs. was 
 purchased of Thwaites of Clerkenwell for ;^77. los.* In 1853 there were six bells, the tenor 
 (16 cwt.) being cracked ; of these all except the treble were recast in 1872 and hung in a new 
 frame. 
 
 In 1785 there are entries in the accounts for ringing on May 29, June 4 (George Ill's 
 Birthday), November 5, and Christmas Day, the ringers receiving los. to 12s. each time. 
 Ringing is also recorded on New Year's Day, Fair Days, Coronations, and other great 
 occasions. A fine of ss. exacted for the building of a pew was appropriated to expenses 
 incurred on the bells. There are also many entries for bell ropes. 
 
 In 1840 the constant ringing led to disputes witli the vicar, who complained of the noise 
 and nuisance caused in the early morning ; the ringers objected and a fracas ensued, but the 
 vicar (who of course was within his legal rights) finally triumphed. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 PRITTLEWELL. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 Churcli built 1S77 ; bell said to be by Charles Carr of Smethwick; if so, it is not older 
 than 1885. 
 
 PRITTLEWELL. St. Alban, Westcliff. One bell. 
 
 I. J. TAYLOR & C FOUNDERS LOUCHBOROUCH. 
 
 A. S. 1904 (35 in- 
 
 + 
 
 Weight 8 cwt. 24 lbs. Church built 1S98. 
 See also Southend. 
 
 PURLEIGH. All Saints. I'ive bells. 
 
 I. FRAs ENEVER & THOi SPURDEN CH. WARDENS 1765 :^ LESTER & PACK OF LONDON 
 FECIT <IOCOOl.> (29 in. 
 
 ^ Surely a mibUikc fur £"] los, 
 
 46
 
 362 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME M 1636 (31 in. 
 
 3. The same. (34 in. 
 
 4. The same. (36 in. 
 
 5. The same. (40 in. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. ' iiijw bells in the steple conteynge all by estyniac'on xliiij"= hundrethe 
 in weyght.' 
 
 Sold: ' too handbells and a saunts bell for xi'f.' (Essex A>rh. Trans, v. p. 239). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 348) : ' 5 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 302) : ' 5 tuneable bells.' 
 
 A law-suit at Chelmsford Assizes, 18 July, 1683, had reference to a property 'nicknamed 
 by y° parishioners and called Belrope mead.' 
 
 QUENDON. Dedication Unknown. One bell. 
 
 I . J, WARNER & SONS LONDON 1859 (?) 
 
 The bell hangs in an open gable-turret at the west end of the church, and is supplied with 
 a wheel. It was put up in 1859 or 1S60, but the date being against the side-wall of the arch 
 in which it hangs is not visible from below. The diameter is about 20 inches. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552 (Stowe MSS., 827) ' ij belles by estimacon of one C and di weight.' 
 Morant (ii. p. 582) : 'One small Bell.' Muilman (iii. p. 34) the same. 
 Essex Rcviciv, 1895, p. 183. 
 
 A contributor to the Gc/i//emait's Magazine for 1806 (Vol. ii. p. 1017) mentions 'An old 
 bell which formerly hung in the belfrey of Quendon Church, l^ssex,' of which he gives a cut 
 with facsimile of inscription : ORA : 1* : HOISIS ►J*. He speaks of ' the singularity of its form ' 
 and ' the rude form of the characters inscribed round it,' which ' induce me to believe it to be 
 very old.' The form is that of an inverted flower-pot, with mouldings round the shoulder and 
 rim, but no projection for a sound-bow. 
 
 RADWINTER. St. Mary. Eight bells. 
 
 I. MEARS & STAINBANK, WHITECHAPEL FOUNDRY, LONDON, 1888. 
 
 Bclo-ai :~^-)^ ORE INFANTIUM ET LACTENTIUM PERFECISTI LAUDEM. (264^ in. 
 
 3. MEARS & STAINBANK, WHITECHAPEL FOUNDRY, LONDON. 
 DEUM TIMETE REGINAM HONORIFICATE 
 
 >^ 1837- 1887 ►!-« (27^ in. 
 
 3. JAMES HARWELL FOUNDER BIRMINGHAM 1877. (28 in. 
 
 4- + GOD n SAVE D THE Q KING 1616
 
 PURLEIGH RAIN HAM 
 
 363 
 
 5- [51 PRAISE THE LORD 1629 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 sancta m mada m ova m pronociis 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 7- -f SONORO SONO MEO SONO DEO 1616 
 
 S. THOMAS G-LASCOCK C: WARDEN. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 
 
 AN: DOM 1798. 
 
 (41 in. 
 
 4th, 5tli, and 7lh by Robert Oldfield ; shield only on 4th, which has for stop a floral orna- 
 ment (PI. XXX., 7) not occurring elsewhere. 
 
 6th: From the 13ury foundry; founder probably Roger Rcve ; seep. 54. The initial 
 cross (PL XVIII., 12) also occurs at Great Horkesley, and at Great Chesterford diagonall)- in 
 a square. Note the inverted [) and the late form of g. 
 
 Tenor 12 cwt. A model belfry. 
 
 The tower has been rebuilt, and was reopened with a dedicatory service in May, 18SS. 
 The treble was the result of a subscription among the children and youths of the parish (hence 
 the appropriate inscription, from Ps. viii. 2); No. 2 is a Jubilee bell. The new frames and 
 fittings said by the Sexton to have been by Bullock of Ixworth. 
 
 No mention of the bells in the Inventories. 
 
 Muilnian (ii. p. 307) 'five bells;' Cole '5 Bells' (1744) ; Salmon and Morant nothing. 
 
 See Essex Revie7i\ 1S96, p. 105 ; Essex A irk. Trans. N.S. iii. pp. 68, 106. 
 
 Death Knell on tenor for adults, a smaller bell for children ; tellers 3x3 for male, 3x2 
 for female. 
 
 Treble rung as 8 o'clock bell on Sundays ; bells chimed for services. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve; not now ('happily !' J.C.L.S.) on 5th November. 
 
 Tolling for two hours before funerals resumed about i S90. 
 
 RAINHAM. SS. Helen and Giles. 
 
 1. THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1618 
 
 2. ^ lOHN ♦ HODSON ♦ MADE ♦ ME •$- 1670 •$• CH -^ •$< 
 
 3. The same laithout the initial fieur-dc-lys. 
 
 The initials on the 2nd are those of Christopher Hodson (see p. 114) 
 Weights and notes : i) 5| cwt. C sharp. 
 
 2) 7 cwt. B. 
 
 3) 8^ cwt. A sharp. 
 
 Three 
 
 bells. 
 
 {30 
 
 in. 
 
 f* tA* 
 
 
 (33 
 
 in. 
 
 (36 
 
 in.
 
 364 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 T.R.E. ,5 Oct. 1552. 'It. iij greate belles in y= steple, the lytle bell beyng by 
 estimacion iiij cwl., y= 1]''= bell v hundreth and y^ iij'^'' bell vj c. It. a lytle bell hangyng in 
 y'= steple weyng l)y estymacion xl //. It. one lytle bell called a sacryng bell.' 
 
 ' It. for emending of y= hawde Ry[kes], bells, bell ropes making. . . . vj j'' ob. {£ssfx 
 Anil. Trans. N.S. ii. \^. 172). 
 
 Muilnian (iv. p. 354): '3 bells.' 
 
 See also Palin's Afoi-e about Stifford., p. 135 (from H. \\'. King). 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell shortly after death ; tellers 3x3 and 3x2, treble for children. At funerals 
 tolling, followed by chiming as the procession approaches; formerly tolling before and after, 
 according to Rev. C R. N. iSurrows of Mucking, formerly Rector. 
 
 On Sundays bells rung at 8 a.m.; chiming and tolling for other services. Mr. Burrows 
 states that they used to be rung at 8 a.m. whether for service or not, but now only when there 
 is one. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve; after weddings if paid for. 
 
 A bell rung for vestry meetings. 
 
 In the Piin'sh Magazine for February, T905, the Rector called attention to the unsatisfactory 
 condition of the bells. He says 'They are in truth in a miserable condition. Some time ago 
 an effort was made to repair the fittings, and some ringers tried to ring them, but such is their 
 rotten condition that it is unsafe to do so. . . . there is not a proper interval between the 
 notes, and one gives an uncertain sound. The clapper of another is frequently breaking.' 
 An estimate has been given by Mears and Stainbank for recasting the present three and adding 
 three more, at a total cost of ^435. There is actually room for ten in the tower. At present 
 the bells are only chimed. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. T. W. Ward, Rector. 
 
 RAMSDEN BELHOUSE. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 I. GDliclmbs L.mb ]V.z J'ciit 161S (32 in. 
 
 2. RICHARD CROSSE lARVAS AIERST CHVRCHWARDENS 1638 WL (34 in. 
 
 3. ALEXANDER lEPHSON D : D : RECTOR : M : WILLIAH COLE CH : 
 
 WARDEN R:P: FECIT 1711 (36 in. 
 
 ist : I'br William Land see j). 81 ; the last figure of the date is presumably meant for 5, 
 but is really an S (cf. Wickham St. Paul 4th). 
 
 2nd : By William Lambert, a minor London founder. Since the recasting of the 2nd at 
 Beckenham, Kent, in 1903, this appears to be the only remaining example of his work. See 
 p. 112, and Stahlschmidt's Kent, p. 90. The lettering is very rough. 
 
 3rd: By Richard Phelps; all N's reversed. Alexander Je])hson was Rector 1703- 1733. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed or tolled ; tolling for last five minutes. 
 
 Ringing for weddings. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. E. P. (libson. Rector of Stock with Ram.sden.
 
 RAINHAM RAMSEY 365 
 
 RAMSDEN GRAYS. Si. Mary. Two bells. 
 
 I. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1870. (27 in. 
 
 2. GOD BE MY GOOD SPEED [ rt^ ) 1617 (30 in. 
 
 On the waist : — JI 
 
 Larger bell by Thomas P.artlct (an early example) ; closely resembling his earliest known 
 bell, at .Southgate, Middlesex, which is similarly inscribed (see p. 73). The mark on the waist 
 is made by scratching the 'cope,' not stamped. There were formerly three bells, one of 
 which was medieval. Mr. IL \V. King, who visited the bells in Sept. 1854 .says: 'One bell 
 ancient. Three words arc in Lombardic letters with crosses between them.' He also states 
 that the third bell had 'OOD 1626' and nothing else upon it. In another note (Ecclesiae 
 Essexienses, i. p. 357), he further states that the former bell (the old ist) was inscribed 
 
 + genB + k?ricQnDo + mpsos. 
 
 Muilman (v. p. 40) : ' 3 bells.' 
 RAMSEY. St. Michael. Five bells. 
 
 .. THOMAS 4^ GARDINER ^ FECIT ^ ^ 1724 •j^ ^ -^ •^ 
 
 (29 in. 
 
 2. THO = GARDlNER ^ SUDBURY •^ *?& "^ FECIT 4^ ^ 1754 
 
 
 3- 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1638 (35 in. 
 
 4. WILLIAM n AMES D C D W Q lOHN ^^t^y^ff^D^^^^^^ 
 
 i>ARBiE ^ '>WM^^^M^i&^ ^^^"^ ^^Wr&i^^M^^ ^^ 
 
 ♦5?iiMfe^^$^ '676 *5$isi^23^^^ (40 in. 
 
 5. THOMAS 4^ GARDINER •^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT ^ 1724 ^^ 
 
 • ••••!•! (44 in- 
 
 4th bell : The first ornament between the words is a human face between scrolls ; the 
 second is the running border as at Ardleigh. Cf. the 2nd at Romford. Tenor 17 cwt. 
 Morant (i. p. 496) : ' 5 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 92) the same. 
 Essex Kevieu<, 1893, p. 109; VAootw, Heraldry a)id Inscrns. of Tendring Hundred, \i. 127.
 
 366 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 RAWRETH. St. Nicholas. Two bells. 
 
 I- + IfJfl! : SeCQBWS : ess (31 in. 
 
 2. Blanh. (34 in. 
 
 Both bells clearly of the same date, as the flat moulding which occurs on the shoulder of 
 each indicates; they are early in the 14th century, and the lettering and cross are those used 
 by Richard de Wymbish at Berechurch, and also occurring at Clothall, Herts, and on Robert 
 Rider's bell at Ridgewell. See p. 6 and PI. III., 1-7. The treble at Little Hallingbury is 
 similar to these. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 2S6): '2 Bells;' Muilman (v. p. 194) the same. 
 
 Benton, Hist, of Rochford Hundred, ii. p. 671. 
 
 RAYLEIGH. Holy Trinity. Eight bells. 
 
 I H. BOWELL & SON FECIT. 1898. 
 
 B^^ojy;— SANCTA TRINITAS *3i V. R. I. 1837-1897. {?l\ in- 
 
 2. Tilt same. (39 in. 
 
 3. CHARLES WRIGHT RECTOR JOHN ATRIDGE & SAMUEL BROWN CHURCH WARDENS 
 
 2nd line-.—'iRQ'- MEARS LATE LESTER PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT 1790 <cx»x:> 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 4. HENRY HESKETH C ' WARDEN 1746 Tho^ Lester of London Made Me 
 <D<«x::>«<:> (3» i"- 
 
 5. On shoulder : — 3bU5 
 
 5attc(a jl^argarcfa 0ra ;^ro l?-©© \^P1 ^^^^ '"• 
 
 6. ^ m fiomcn ;r»oniini ficncMctum ^ (37 in. 
 
 7. GEIORGE ♦ GILLSON ♦ lOSEPH ♦ KENSEE ♦ CHVRCH ® ♦ WARDENS ♦ 
 '](' HS lOHN ♦ HODSON *SJ MADE ♦ MEE 4< 1657 *Sj W t£» H i^j (39 in. 
 
 8. As No. 3 ; stop after Wardens and below the s of ThC: 
 
 The first and second are entirely new bells ; weight 4^ cwt. and 5 cwt. 5th by Thomas 
 BuUisdon (p. 40). 6th by Robert Burford ; crosses PI. VII., 5 and IV., 13. 7th for type cf. 
 Canewdon. Tenor 16 cwt., note D. The 7th is cracked.
 
 RAWRETH RETTENDON 367 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. 'ffyve gret bells wayeing by cstymacyon Ix hundred one saunce bell 
 and a handbell wayeing by est. Ixx pounds.' (Sold) ' one sakeryng bell.' (£ssfx Arch. Trans. 
 V. p. 118). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 278) : 'a ring of 5 large Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 180) the same. 
 
 Benton, Hist, of Rochford Hundred, ii. p. 739. 
 
 The Rev. C. Wright was Rector from 1768 to 1799. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 RAYNE. All Saints. Five bells. 
 
 1. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1841 (27 in. 
 
 2. The same. (28 in. 
 
 3. The same. (29 in. 
 
 4. The same. (32 in. 
 
 5. The same. 
 
 On the waist :— THE REV" W CAPEL RECTOR (34^ in. 
 
 Weight of tenor 6| cwt. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 405): '4 bells.' Muilman (i. p. 443) the same. 
 
 Essex Revkiv, 1893, p. iii. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Passing boll : 3 x 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman, repeated at beginning and end of an hour's 
 tolling ; smallest bell used for a child. 
 
 At Funerals, toll for an hour until the corpse is in sight, when a bell is rung. 
 
 Bells rung for Sunday services also on New Year's Eve, and for \Veddings if paid for. 
 
 The Parish books for 1774 contain the following entry: — 
 
 The Parishioners have also agreed to allow Ss. per ann. to a person to keep order in the 
 Church during the time of divine service, this sum used to be paid for Ringing upon the 5 
 Nov. which was found to be the occasion of much inconvenience by Drunkending and idle- 
 ness." 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. C. Hutchinson, Rector. 
 
 RETTENDON. All Saints. Six bells. 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1883, 
 
 On tjaist .•— te DEUM LAUDAMUS. (aSi in. 
 
 2. As No. I. 
 
 Oh waist; — GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO (26 in.
 
 ^68 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 'j>? W« NEVILL C" WARDEN 
 1761 (28 in. 
 
 4. MATHKW DAYLE5 CHURCH WARDEN R; PHELPS MADE ME I734 (29 in. 
 
 5. JOHN FINCH. EDMOND HVMPHREYS. CH. WARDENS 1704 
 
 Below :— I. P. FECIT. 
 
 RECAST A.D. 1883. 
 MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON. {2,2, in- 
 
 6 S NEWTON I PEELE MADE MEE 1704 (37 in. 
 
 The old ring before 1883 was as follows : — 
 
 1. Present jrd. 
 
 2. Present 4th. 
 
 3. lOHN FINCH EDMOND HVMPHREYS CH WARDENS 1704 
 I P FECIT (33 in. 
 
 4. Present 6th. 
 
 5. See Moulsham, p. 343. 
 
 When the bells were renovated in 1883 the 3rd was recast with the old inscription repro- 
 duced (it was by John Peele, in the same lettering as the present tenor) ; the old tenor was 
 transferred to Moulsham church, where it now hangs (see under Moulsham). Finally, two 
 trebles were added to make six. The present tenor weighs 9 cwt., note A. 
 
 Weights of new bells : i) 3 cwt. 2 qrs. 14 lbs. 
 2) 3 cwt. 3 qrs. 26 lbs. 
 5) 6 cwt. 
 
 The lettering on the 3rd is Phelps' ordinary (as at Ramsden Bellhouse) ; that on the 4th, 
 Phelps' small type with large initials. I'or Newton and Peele (who only occur here in in Essex) 
 see p. 127. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 41): 'S Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 219) the same. 
 
 Bells reopened June, 1883 (see Church Bells, 9 June). 
 
 RICKLING. All Saints. (Hve bells. 
 
 1. 1699 (23 in. 
 
 2. 1699 (24 in. 
 
 3. J. V//I«]VE1< 5 J5()]«3 L0]«De]« ]S64 ('7 in-
 
 RETTENDON RIVENHALL 369 
 
 4. Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1759 <x*>OK»XJ^*x:> (29 in. 
 
 5. ROB LION C W 1700 (32 in. 
 
 ist and 2nd; figures as Heydon (7 reversed) ; these and the sth by Richard Keene. 
 
 4th : In Phelps' lettering : large date-figures. 
 
 Belfry shockingly dirty, foul, and neglected. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. 'iij belles by estimacon of xxxc weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 583): '5 Bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 39) the same. 
 
 See Esstw Review, 1895, p. 184. 
 
 RIDGEWELL. St. Lawrence. Five bells. 
 
 1. RICARDVS BOWLER ME FECIT 1600 (30! in. 
 
 2. leSUS Be OUFJ SBGDe ricardvs bowler me fecit 1901 (32^111. 
 
 3. + pjOBSi^Sus rjiDerje (see p. 5) {r:>'^'^'^- 
 
 4- CHARLES • NEWMAN d'order) MADE MEE 1695 lOHN • 
 
 MERINGTON • C • W {I'order) (36 in. 
 
 5. • ^ EsncTe iOF)Anneo oka pko noBia (36 in. 
 
 PUJ 
 
 2nd : first part of inscription in good sprigged letters, quasi-Gothic. The I is similar 
 to that used by James Keene (see Cocks, Bucks, pi. 26). See p. 87 and PI. XXIX. 
 
 3rd : Lettering as at Rawreth ; see p. 8. 
 
 5th : see p. 9. The similarity of the lettering to that used by Thomas Lawrence is 
 remarkable. 
 
 Original frames ; belfry shockingly dirty and uncared for, and flooring deficient. 
 
 The diameter of the tenor is given as 36 in., but the weight as 12 cwt. Probably 40 in. 
 is nearer the mark. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 343) : ' 5 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 199) : '6 very good musical bells.' 
 
 Essex Jieview, 1898, p. 232 ; and see Essex Arch. Trans., N.S. iii. p. 71. 
 
 Death Knell 24 hours after death ; tenor for adults, 4th for children. 
 
 Tellers 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female ; then toll for an hour. 
 
 Ringing on Christmas Day. 
 
 Gleaning Bell discontinued. 
 
 For Belfry Records see Church Bells, i Nov., 1873. 
 
 RIVENHALL. St. Mary and All Saints. One bell. 
 
 I. T. Mears of London fecit 1823 (38 in. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 149): ' But one Bell.' Muilman (i. p. 394): ' i Bell.' 
 See Essex Revieiv, 1897, p. 146. 
 
 47
 
 370 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death ; usual tellers. 
 On Sundays a bell rung at g a.m. 
 
 ROCHFORD. St. Andrew. Three bells. 
 
 1-3- WEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1874. 
 
 On waist : — i. GIVE GOD THE GLORY (26 in. 
 
 2. FOR MERCIES UNDESERVED THIS PEAL IS RAISED (28 in. 
 
 3. WITH DEEPEST TONE I CALL TO CHURCH AND PRAYER (29 in. 
 
 Tenor 4f cwt. Previous to 1S74 there was only one bell of 29 in. diameter, without in- 
 scription; but Mr. H. W. King notes (1862) that the original framing was for three. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. 'It. a bell in ye stepell whyche by owr estimacion wayeth abowt ij 
 hundred wayght. It. a lytell sans bell yt wayeth abowt xli.' 
 
 ' Sr Wyllya' Stafford hathe taken iij of ouf bells whyche by owf estimacion wayethe xviij 
 hundred wayght. It' ye yorne warke belongynge to ye seyd bells whyche by our estimacion 
 wayeth a bowt Ix'i wythe vj brasses remaynyng wt ye forseyd Sr Wyllya' Stafford beying taken 
 from ye bells.' {Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 121). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 272): 'One Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 173): ' i bell.' 
 
 Benton, Hist, of Rochford Hundred, ii. p. 858, says the old bell was cracked in 1873, and 
 that its diameter was 26 in., weight 4 cwt. ; also that there were pits for five. 
 
 At the Corn Exchange hangs a bell inscribed 
 
 E W W 
 
 THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1620 
 
 with an ornamental border on the top line between the initials, the same as at Laindon 
 Clays. The diameter is 18 inches. See above under Eastwood for a tradition of a bell 
 removed thence to Rochford. 
 
 Many thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins for this information. 
 
 ROMFORD. St. Edward the Confessor. Eight bells. 
 
 1. W" Pool & J n^ Wood CH ; Wardkns 1756 Lestkr & Pack of London Fkcit 
 
 <3>cr>C>c:» (.^ ;„ 
 
 2. VPON ^ THE V ACCOWIPT Q OF [^1 ROBERT |^ GRAFTON Q 
 
 2nd linc:—A.njy [j ISAAC Q FENINGE Q BATCHELOVRS # IN $ 
 ROMFORD 
 
 /?■««.•— WAS ri) THIS ,M BELL Q HERE PLACED ANNO DOMINI 
 
 ■•A 
 
 ^rd 
 
 ^6 
 
 ^1 (28 in.
 
 RIVENHALL ROMFORD 37I 
 
 3- lOHH WAYLET MADE ME 1704 -I- 4" •§• (3° >n- 
 
 4. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1636 (3, in. 
 
 5- C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1850 (35 '»• 
 
 6. As No. 4. (36 in. 
 
 7. As No. 4. (39 in. 
 
 8. 
 
 Sum r^osa ©ulsata CQunUl GQaria Uocara (43 'n 
 
 I St : In Phelps' large and small letters. 
 
 2nd : A puzzling bell ; the lettering is John Barbie's (his rougher smaller set, cf. Gt. 
 Dunmow ist.), but the date is too early for him (1657 is his earliest bell). See p. no. The 
 head used as a stop also occurs on a bell by him at Ramsey. 
 
 Tenor: A fine bell, weighing about 16 cwt. (note F) ; probably by Robert Burford (see 
 p. 15 and cf. Ardleigh tenor); the cross is PI. VI., 5, the capitals as PI. VI. 6. 
 
 T.R.E. 4 Oct. 1552. ' Itm vjih bells the gret bell waying by estymacon xxc wch bell the 
 cloke doth strike on. It'm the iiijil' bell way xvc. It'm the seconde bell waying iiijc. It'm 
 the vth bell waying xijc. It'm a saunce bell waying i lb. This was in the Keypyng of mystres 
 Margaret Cokke.' {i:ssfx Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 38). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 72) 'five Bells' isic); Muilman (iv. p. 325) the same. 
 
 The Rev. E. Fox in MS. notes made about the middle of the last century says ' 6 Bells 
 which were probably destroyed in 1550.' 
 
 He gives the ring in his time as 
 
 i) [Present ist.] 
 
 2) [Present 3rd.] 
 
 3) [Present 2nd.]. Inscription incorrectly given. 
 4-6) [Present 4th, 6th, 7th] 
 
 7) 'The bachelors of Romford made me 157S ' [Present 5th] 
 
 8) 'Sum Rosa,' etc. . . . 1553 {sic). 
 
 His account is evidently confused and inaccurate. 
 
 A correspondent of Church Bells (24 Nov. 1877) says 'This church has a ring of eight; 
 tenor F sharp, about 19 cwt. [This is too high]. It was rehung recently and in order to be 
 heard in round ringing is rung the wrong way up. [Does he mean that the bells are hung left- 
 handed ?] In 1764, 1767, and 1794 the London Scholars rang peals here, according to their 
 records. There is a tablet according a peal by a local company in 1 8 1 3 ; but at the present 
 time the ring is out of order and requires overhauling.' For peal-boards and belfry records 
 see the same paper, 23rd Nov., 1877. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell 3x3 for male, 3x2 for female. 
 
 Muffled peals rung at Funerals for persons of note (short touches or long peals).
 
 372 THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 On Sundays one bell for service at 8 a.m. ; ringing for later services. 
 
 Ringing on Christmas Day, Dedication I'ostival, and New Year's Eve ; also for Harvest 
 Festival, King's Birthday and Coronation Day, and for Weddings when required. 
 Best thanks to the Rt. Rev. Bishop Whitcombe. 
 
 ROMFORD. St. Andrew. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1863. 
 
 ROMFORD. St. Thomas, Noak Hill. One bell. 
 
 Chapel of Ease to Romford, built 1842. 
 
 At the mission church of All Saints, built in 1884, is also one bell. 
 
 ROOTHING, ABBESS. St. Edmund. Three bells. 
 
 lbs \J; (23! in- 
 
 2. No inscription. (25 in. 
 
 3. 4. IH -^ MADE ♦ ME-I- 1665 ♦ CG 'I' CHVRCH •$• WARDEN • 
 
 (26i in. 
 
 ist : by John Walgrave ; cross PI. XII., 9 ; small variety of shield PI. XII., 2. 
 
 2nd : described as 'a rather long-waisted bell and a rough casting;' by Mr. Hawkins as 
 'a roughly-cast bell with high crown ; height 23^ in., with cannons 2-jl in.' 
 
 3rd : by John Hodson ; fleur-de-lys stop as at Great Easton, not as PI. XXXI., 4 at Great 
 Waltham. 
 
 T.R.E. 27 Sept. 1552. 'It. iij bells in the steple weying by estimac'on ixc. Itm ij 
 Rogation bells and a nother lytell bell.' (Essex Arcli. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 232). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 139) : ' In a little wooden turret . . . there are 3 bells.' 
 
 Muilman (iii. p. 343) : ' 3 bells.' 
 
 Ringing for weddings ; no other customs. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. L. Capel Cure, Rector, and to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 ROOTHING, AYTHORP. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 I. ffl &c f^^ cells (^^ mieel J^^ nomen f^^ babco tJSgjl gabrlclis 
 
 3ot)dnnes tonne mc fecit (26 111. 
 
 2. B vitflinls [^^ atfl [^0 inatrf rc6onet {^gj canuiana R^igy marie 
 
 On waist as last. (29 '"■
 
 Romford— RooTHiNG, high 373 
 
 3. On shoulder : — Y\ jV M 
 
 i bcc [{g^l fiatria [^ggy !5lmoiii!5 [j^g^) anC'icc [53^ nomcn (gg^ baliclo 
 
 0« ?«rtjsi (15 before. (32 in. 
 
 An interesting ring by John Tonne; see p. 57. Cross as at Bocking ; stop, the double 
 knot which also occurs at Little Easton {q.v.) with the same letters. On the waist, Royal 
 arms and the usual large cross ; on shoulder of 3rd, three St. Andrew's crosses. John Tonne 
 has 'muddled' the hexameter on the ist, so as to lose the rhyme; on the 2nd the ' S ' of 
 matris and the stop following seem to be missing. Over the scansion of the hexameter on 
 the third it is better to draw a veil ! 
 
 Morant (ii. p. .468) : ' three bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 279) the same. 
 
 See also Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 68. 
 
 Death Knell 24 hours after death ; tellers 3 >< 3 (? in all cases). 
 
 On Sundays chime at 10 a.m. and 10.45 i to" fo"" l^st five minutes; same in evening. 
 
 Ringing at weddings (after ceremony). 
 
 Thanks to Rev, J. A. Kershaw, the late Rector {dec. 1906). ^ 
 
 ROOTHING, BEAUCHAMP. St. Botolph. Four bells. 
 
 I MILES •■ GRAVe •.• MaOE ME i664 (28 in. 
 
 2. The same. (30J, in. 
 
 3. Tlic same. (32 in. 
 
 4. The same. (36^ in- 
 
 The I of the date is inverted on all four bells. 
 Muilman (iii. p. 340) : ' 4 bells.' 
 
 ROOTHING, BERNERS. Dedication unknown. One bell. 
 
 aovn ♦ om « ^^^e x lue i ^ 94 -t^ 
 
 (21! in. 
 
 Smaller type than usual ; the stops are two quatrefoils and a cross ; see p. 83. 
 Morant (ii. p. 475) : ' i bell.' Muilman (iii. p. 291) the same. 
 
 ROOTHING, HIGH. All Saints. Two bells. 
 
 I TAYLOR & SON LOUGHBOROUGH 1854 (21 in. 
 
 2. The same. (22 in. 
 
 These two bells were supplied on 5 May, 1854, to the order of Mr. Pritchett of Bishop's 
 Stortford. They hang in a double-arched cot on the western gable, and weigh respectively
 
 374 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2 cwt. 2 qrs. 13 lbs., and 2 cwt. i qr. 27 lbs. For the type of lettering cf. Cold Norton and 
 \Vicken Bonant. The form ' Taylor and Son ' was used by the firm for a few years about 
 this time.' There were formerly five bells here, which are stated to have been sold at that 
 time, probably for funds to restore the church. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 467) and Muilman (iii. p. 273) : '3 Bells.' 
 
 Best thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins and Messrs. Taylor & Co. 
 
 ROOTHING, LEADEN. Three bells. 
 
 1. Blank. (26 in. 
 
 2. FJOBei^iS S©pinBpRK. FOUnoeFJ, IjOHDOR, isgs (28 in. 
 
 3- lORn Aylgt GAve me In Tpe Yorcrvp Of Im TRiniTe 
 
 Below:— fl° 1523 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 3rd : By Thomas Lawrence (see p. 44) ; the stamp at the end of the inscription (PI. XIV. 7) 
 also occurs at Margaretting (i^-v.) ; the capitals on the former 2nd at Great Totham, but the 
 initial letters belong to another slightly larger set, found at Doddinghurst. See PI. XV. The 
 earliest dated bell in Essex, and the only pre-reformation one with an inscription in English. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 472) : '3 bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 281) the same. 
 
 Some account of the Aylet family is given by Morant (ii. p. 393, under Stisted), but 
 this John is not mentioned. They had several estates in Essex. 
 
 ROOTHING, MARGARET. St. Margaret. One bell 
 
 I. J. WARNER & SONS LONDON 1853 (19 in. 
 
 One of the earliest examples in Essex from this firm after they took up bell-founding 
 again (see p. 141). It replaces five bells which were sold for the restoration of the church. 
 Morant (ii. p. 474) : ' 4 bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 289) the same. 
 
 ROOTHING, WHITE. St. Martin. Five bells. 
 
 1. 4> lOHN ♦ HODSON ♦ MADE ♦ ME ♦ 1664 ♦ HENRY ♦ 
 BANCKES 4- 
 
 2ndii>u.— 4. WILLIAM ♦ CAMP ♦ CHVRCH ♦ WARDENS 4' • 
 
 W • H • (26 in. 
 
 2. WH 4- IH ♦ MADE ♦ ME ♦ 1665 ♦ THIS ♦ BELL ♦ WAS ♦ 
 GIVEN ♦ BY ♦ 
 
 ' Mr. Hawkins UiinUs ihe word I'ARISII is to be read inimcdialely before the date ; Ijut il is hard to see 
 how il can come in. The bells being inaccessible have only been examined through glasses from Ijelow.
 
 ROOTHING, HIGH ROXWELL 375 
 
 2»<;;/«..— SEVERALL ♦ PARSONS ♦ HENRY ♦ BANCKES ♦ WC 
 
 ♦ C ♦ W (28^ in. 
 
 3. 1*^ GOD SAVE THE KING 1614 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 4. W • H ^ lOHN ♦ HODSON ♦ MADE ♦ ME ♦ 1664 ♦ HENRY 
 ♦ BANCKES • 
 
 2nd line .— 4. WILLIAM ♦ CAMP ♦ CHVRCH ♦ WARDENS ^ • • • 
 
 5. |4^ PRAYSE THE LORD 1614 ^*^^^^ wardens 
 
 VV (39 in- 
 
 Tenor in G. An interval for another bell between 4th and 5th. 
 3rd and 5th by R. Oldfield ; thick type; on the 5th the words CHVRCH WARDENS 
 
 are in the smaller variety used on the sth at Duntnow ; the cross on both is PI. XXX., 5, 
 
 but on the 5 th it is in a shield. 
 
 2nd: cf. the 3rd at Tring, Herts. It may be presumed that PARSONS = 'persons,' 
 
 not 'clerics.' W.H. is of course for William Hull. The coins on ist and 4th are dated 1663. 
 On the bell frame is inscribed WF C W 1722. 
 Morant (ii. p. 471): '5 bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 284) the same. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell when convenient (usually 24 hours after) ; tellers 3x3 and 3x2 before and 
 after tolling. 
 
 A bell rung at 8 a.m. on Sundays. 
 
 No ringing is done now ; formerly on Christmas Day and Easter Day at 6 a.m., and on 
 New Year's Eve. 
 
 Ringing for weddings if paid for. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. J. E. Long, Rector. 
 
 ROXWELL. St. Michael. Three bells. 
 
 I. J. WARNER & SONS CRESCENT FOUNDRY LONDON 1854 
 
 On lilt waist :— Royal Arms ami PUJZHr. (28 in. 
 
 z. lOKN WAYLETT MADE ME 1707 (29J in.
 
 37^ THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 aJolin Ctarfte mkde THIS 
 
 BELL I 6 2 I 
 
 (33i in. 
 
 Weight of treble, 4 cwt. 3 qrs. 16 lbs., note D sharp. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 75) : 'three bells.' Muilman (i. p. 300) the same. 
 
 On Sundays tenor tolled at 7 a.m. ; two bells chimed at 8 a.m. These may be a 
 survival of the old Matins and Mass bells. For services all three are chimed at 10, 10.30, 
 and 10.45 'i-ni-j and similarly in evening. 
 
 ROYDON. St. Peter. Si.\ bells. 
 
 1-5. MEARS & STAINBANK, WHITECHAPEL FOUNDRY, LONDON, 1888. 
 
 On the waist : — i. BLESSING (26' in. 
 
 2. GLORY (274 in. 
 
 3-. WISDOM (29! in- 
 
 4- THANKSGIVING (3I4 '"• 
 
 5- HONOUR 
 
 REVi' ALFRED PYNE 45 YEARS INCUMBENT OF ST PETERS, 
 ROYDON, ESSEX (31^111. 
 
 6. PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT 1776 --;;x»XrX»X:-> EDWo BAILEY CHURCH WARDEN 
 
 Below, a hand of similar pattern. (36! in. 
 
 Weight of tenor, 8 cwt. Stahlschmidt in September, 1887, noted: ' Tenor cracked and 
 about to be recast, and the whole ring put in order.' The present tenor is the old fifth ; the 
 note of the old one was F. From his notes and those of Dr. Raven made in October, 187 1, we 
 have the following record of the old ring : — 
 
 1. lOHN COWELL CHYROHWARDEN 1705 (27 in. 
 
 2. W ' DAY VICAR JOSHUA PAGE & ROB' HEWSON CH : WARDENS 1755 
 LESTER & PACK FECIT (28 in. 
 
 3. TKO HILL TRYSTE EAST FROM MEE 1705 (31 in. 
 
 4. lOKN WAYLETT MADE ME 1705 (33 b.
 
 ROXWELL RUNWELL 
 
 377 
 
 5. The present tenor. 
 
 6. WH 
 
 Bclotij : — 
 
 1625 
 
 ME TK CW 
 
 (40 in. 
 
 The ist, 3rd, and 4th cast at Bishop's Stortford by John Waylett ; the 5th, according to 
 
 Dr. Raven, by WilHam Haulsey, but more probably by WiUiam Harbert, Miles Graye's foreman, 
 
 as Stahlschmidt surmised. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 492) : ' 6 bells and a clock ' ; Muilman (iv. p. 91) : '5 bells.' 
 
 For the erection of the new ring see Church Bells, 4 May, 1888. The Rev. Alfred Pyne 
 
 (sec present 5th) lived five years after the date of the new bells, completing fifty years of his 
 
 incumbency. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell on day following death ; usual tellers (at beginning only). 
 
 On Sundays a bell rung at 8 a.m., whether service or not ; chiming for other services. 
 
 Ringing at 5 a.m. on Christmas Day ; for weddings by request. 
 
 In the ringing chamber are two peal boards dated 29 May, i8g8 and 1899, recording 
 various Treble bob methods. A competent set of ringers, under the Essex Association. 
 
 Many thanks to Rev. C. Copland, Vicar, to whom also we are indebted for the following 
 extracts from the Churchwardens' accounts, relating to the recasting of a bell at Hertford 
 (probably by Oldfield) :— 
 
 1604-5 
 
 Imp'5 Rec' for a yeares rent of the Church land 
 ****** 
 
 * * * 
 
 Laid out for bread & beare at the takeing downe & loadinge of the bell 
 for mending the bellofte & boards & nailes .... 
 
 for mendinge the bell wheles & y= beare ..... 
 
 for plates, nailes & boards for the wheles ..... 
 
 for makening a bonde at Hartford & to give the Carters drincke 
 for bread & beare when the Ijell was hanged .... 
 
 for ij dayes work of Roger Brand ...... 
 
 for ij new ropes .......... 
 
 for mending the clappers & Iron worke ..... 
 
 for castinge the bell ......... 
 
 for a new bawdricke & for mending another & for ij iron pinnes 
 for removing the Clocke ........ 
 
 for fetchinge the bell from Hartford. ..... 
 
 for mendinge the Clapper ....... 
 
 [The accounts extend from 1604 to 1731.] 
 
 nij' 
 
 1' 
 * 
 
 ijs. 
 
 iijs ijd. 
 ijs vjd. 
 xxijd. 
 xiiijd. 
 ijs iiijd. 
 ijs. 
 vs. 
 
 ijs xd. 
 vjs. 
 
 xvjd. 
 iiijs. 
 iijs iiijd. 
 iijs iiijd. 
 
 RUNWELL. 
 
 St. Mary. 
 
 f^obcvtus mot mc ♦ fecit 1501 (^ 
 {^obcmis mot mc \ tccit 1591 (S) 
 
 Four bells. 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 48 
 
 (30 in.
 
 378 TEiE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3- J^obcrtii0 ♦ mot ^ me ♦ fecit op 1591 (^ 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 4. ^ satttiij Bqlr^ ora sru Roliis iji 
 
 Fjccnsl Ijij tuairs ^S.- stjiiiitiniik, pouitbrrs, itoiibcHi, 1889 (32111. 
 
 Tlie old tenor which was badly cracked was inscribed : 
 
 ^ Sauctf ^ctrc Ont l^vo Hobis (33 in. 
 
 The capitals are Stephen Norton's, crowned ; the crosses, PL ^'II., 5 and 6. By whom 
 founded is open to question, as none of the marks are distinctive ; Mr. Wells thought it was 
 Kebyll's, but the conjunction of crosses is more like John Sturdy. See p. 19. 
 
 The weight of the new tenor is 6| cwt. ; the imitation 'mixed Gothic' is also found at 
 Matching. 
 
 The clapper of the old tenor was shaped like those of the two bells at Little Braxted (see 
 p. 190). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 43): '4 bells.' Muilman (i. p. 226): '4 bells; and Mr. Parker, the late 
 proprietor of l-'lemings, having some years ago given to the Parish the bell which belonged to 
 the chapel that was formerly there the parishioners intend putting it up to complete a peal.' 
 
 The Rector (Rev. H. P. Harris) has invented an electrical apparatus for ringing the bells, 
 called 'The Automatic Ringer.' See Daily Chronicle, iS July, 1900. 
 
 SAFFRON WALDEN. St. Mary. Eight bells. 
 
 1. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1798. JUSTICE PRUDENCE. (32 in. 
 
 2. The same, last tiuo itiords reversed. (33 in. 
 
 3. JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1797. (35 in. 
 
 4. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1798. TEMPERANCE. (38 in. 
 
 5. John briant Hertford fecit 1798. faith. (40 in. 
 
 6. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1849 
 
 On the maist :— RALPH GLUTTON, B.D. VIGAR 
 
 HeSr#^SM?Th] church wardens 1849 (42 in. 
 
 7. JOHN LEVERETT THO- CORNWELL CHURCn WARDENS 1813 T-- MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 
 
 (46 in,
 
 Note 
 
 E flat. 
 
 
 1) 
 
 
 C 
 
 
 B flat 
 
 
 A 
 
 
 t; 
 
 
 F 
 
 
 E flat. 
 
 RUNWELL SAFFRON WALIJEN ^jg 
 
 8. THIS PEAL WAS CAST AND HUNG BY JOHN BKIANT OP HERTFORD FROM A VOLUN- 
 TARY SUBSCRIPTION OP Li. BRAYBROOKE AND THE INHABITANTS. GLORIA DEO IN 
 EXCELSIS. 
 
 2lld line ;— THE LAW TEMPORAL. THE GOSPEL ETERNAL, THE REV.m; W,m GRETTON 
 VICAR R ; LEVERBTT & J : BOWTELL C : WARDENS AN ; DOM : 1798. (5 2 in." 
 
 Mr. Taylor, Master of the (kiild of Ringcr.s, notes that the third bell ' is not only in tunc 
 with the others but in tune with itself.' This is the heaviest ring in the eounty next to West 
 Ham and dreat Wallhaiii. 
 
 Weights: 1) 6 cwt. 
 
 3) 7? ,. 
 
 4) 9 ,> 
 
 5) loi ,, 
 
 6) II „ 3qrs. i2lbs. 
 
 7) 16 » 
 
 8) 24 „ 
 
 There was formerly a Priest's Bell, sold in 1849. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oet. 1552. ' WALDEN. v bells by estimacon of v" hundrelh & ij .sanctus 
 bell and the Clock.' 
 
 (Sold) ' iij belles for iij* iiij'V [Essex Airh. Trans. N..S. iii. j). 61). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 552) : 'A good ring of G bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 372); 'eight good bells.' 
 He also quotes the Inventory given above. 
 
 See Essex Reviciv, 1895, p. 1S9, and Essex Arch. Tyaiis. N.S. iii. \). 108; also Church 
 Bells, I Feb., 1879, p. 102. 
 
 Customs ;■ — 
 
 For Death Knell the tenor is tolled ; tellers, 3x3 for male, 3 x 2 for female ; muffled peals 
 for ringers or special persons 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for morning and afternoon services and rung in evening. 
 
 Ringing on Christmas and Easter Eves (7 p.m); 'Harvest Peal' on first Sunday in 
 September (aft.) ; on 9th of November (Mayor's I'ay) ; for weddings by request. 
 
 Curfew formerly rung on 5th bell, the day of the month being tolled ; discontinued after 
 Mr. Clutton's resignation. 
 
 Pancake Bell discontinued some years ago because the ringers received nothing; 5th bell 
 used. Gleaning Bell discontinued for the same reason. 
 
 Fire Bell : ist and 2nd chimed quickly. 
 
 A Memorial Sermon is preached to the Ringers on June 27th in accordance with the 
 will of Thomas Turner, dated 1623, from which year the Society dates; it is said to be the 
 oldest in the Kingdom. The endowment is jQt, 3s 4d (6s. 8d. for each bell, 6s. Sd. for the 
 steeple keeper and 3s. 4d. for the clerk.) Two poems which appeared in the Herts and 
 Essex Observer, July 2 and 9, 1S92, in reference to this institution, are hardly worth repeating 
 here. 
 
 ' N.I5. — The diameters are approximate, being calculated from Mears' list of weights.
 
 380 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 In the ringing-chamber is an old peal-board with rounded top, round which rim the 
 words : — 
 
 'The following Peals were rung in this staple by the Waldcn Company f^ of Ringers.' 
 
 The peals (three in number) are as follows : — 
 
 1} Bob Alajor 6S32 changes in 4 hrs. 30 min., 6 January 1S07. 
 
 2) Oxford Treble Bob, 61 12 changes in 4 hrs. 2 min., 4 June, 1S15. 
 
 3) Double Norwich court Bob, 5040 changes in 3 hrs. 25 min., 4 Feb., 1817. 
 
 'The above Peals were composed and conducted by Richard .Miller.' He took the 7th bell. 
 There is space left for a fourth peal. 
 
 Lord Braybrooke in his History of Audky End (1836), p. 220 ff., gives some extracts 
 from the earlier Churchwardens' Accounts, which go back to 1439. Those relating to the 
 bells are as follows : — ' 
 
 18 Henry VI. (1439-40). For rynggyn wanne y^ quene was her a Rye' Rekfyr iiij^ 
 
 pro emendementis de deux clap's le secound & le ters belle ij* 
 
 1442-43. It'm sol' Ed'o Sadeler pro factura cuiusdara bawdryk pro parva campana vij'' 
 
 It'm in le bawdrik pro magna campana -x'' 
 
 1449-50. It'm carpentario pro emendacione rote campane matutinale vj<^ 
 
 1450-51. It'm solut' Galfrido Ferro'' pro factura batilde' magne campane vj* viij*^ 
 
 It'm Edward' Hokkele p' trussing de iij bellis iij^ iiij'' 
 
 1454-55. It'm pro batillo magne campane de novo facto pondere iiij''''' i.\'' {i.e. 89 lbs.) 
 
 p'c"" lib' ij<^ ob xviijs vj^' ob. 
 
 1457-58. It'm sol' in whyght lethere pro bawdrikis ■ vij^' 
 
 1464. pro pulsacione campana erga imaginem beatae Marie per ij vices & 
 
 pro portura dictae imaginis vj"^ 
 
 It'm clericis ecclcsie pulsandis' erga episcopum Londoniensem vj* vj<* 
 
 1469. It' pro batilda de sanctus belle pro bawdrik pro eadem campana ob. 
 
 1474. It' pro e.\cambio manualis campane pondere vj lb. pro noua campana 
 
 propter elevacionem sacri'' ponderis ... lb ij* 
 
 1481-82. It' solut' pro aria facta in campanali ad pulsandas campanas in primis 
 
 Johani Spryng xiij^ iiij'' 
 
 A later entry" finds fault with Miles Graye because the great bell after being recast did 
 not weigh more than 13! cwt. He also recast another bell on another occasion. 
 
 1631. Spent at the White Hart when we ourselves did ring for the queen 9s 
 
 From the Corporation Accounts : — 
 
 s d 
 
 12 Apr. 1670. Payd the Ringers when the King came to Audliend 2 o 
 
 27 Sept. 1670. Payd the Ringers when the Queen came to Audliend 3 o 
 
 Payd the Ringers when she came thorow the Towne on the 
 
 Market day 4 o 
 
 'The ablirevialions have been mostly 'cxlendcd.' 
 
 ^i.f., balilhiin, more correctly balallum, the tongue of the clapper. 
 
 '■'i.e., 'ringing.' 
 
 ■* i.e., the exchange of a hand-bcU for a sacring bell to ring at the elevation of the Host. 
 
 '''a<i& Essex Arch. Trans., N.S. iii. p. loS.
 
 SAFFRON WALDEN ST. OSYTII 38 I 
 
 Thanks to Mr. E. Taylor, Master of the (niild of Ringers, for kindly SL-nding weigiits of 
 bells. 
 
 The Chapels-of-Easc at LITTLE W.VLDEN and SliWARD'S END have each one small 
 modern bell. 
 
 At AUDLEY END there is said to be a bell by Julia Baglcy, the widow of Matthew 
 (p. 128), dated 1719 (Bucks, p. 214). 
 
 ST. LAURENCE NEWLAND. St. Laurence. One bell. 
 
 The bell appears to be (juite inaccessible from inside or outside. The re-builders of 
 the church in 1877-7S among other iniquities 'skied' the bell in a turret which rises from 
 the ridge of the roof some six feet from the west end; this turret is hexagonal with louvre- 
 boards all round and no aperture; nor is there any opening in the roof inside the church. 
 Mr. Witney, who was Churchwarden at the time of the rebuilding and had the bell in his 
 granary at the time, feels sure that there were no marks or inscription upon it. He put the 
 weight at half a ton (obviously too much). [C. D.] 
 
 There is an exactly similar case at Church Aston in Shropshire, only worse, as there are 
 three bells, two of which are known to be pre-Reformation. [H. B. W.] 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. 'A bell of iij C wayte. Item we have a bell wyche sum tynie ded 
 hange in the chaunce roffc co'teynyng in wayte viij''. Itm we have iij bells in the stepull of 
 whyche twayne wher soulde by the Chyrchewardens conteynyng in wayte vjC''' p'ce p'C xxv"' 
 (Essex Arch. Trans., v. p. 229). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 374) : ' no bell ; or only two.' 
 
 ST. OSYTH. SS. Peter and Paul. Six bells 
 
 1. CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT <:x»X> D. STEVENS CHURCH WARDEN 1781 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 2. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1889. 
 
 Omvaisi :— ►J* VENITE ADOREMUS. *i* (28! in. 
 
 3. MILES •,-. GRaVE . MADE •.-. ME «i Ife63 (3° in- 
 
 4. The same. (32 in. 
 
 5. MEARS & STAINBANK, WHITECHAPEL FOUNDRY, LONDON. 
 
 On the waist : — RECAST 1889. 
 
 ►^ TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. ^ (34 in. 
 
 6. MILES :•. GRaVE MaOE :-. ME r. 1663 W <•. Q (38 in. 
 
 In good order ; cannons off 4th and tenor. The old 2nd was inscribed 
 
 ^ R : Haward : I : DiNEs : Church : Wardens : R : Phelps : Londini : Me : Fecit : 
 »72i (29 in.
 
 3^2 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OK ESSEX 
 
 The old 5lh like the 4LI1 with the initials ^V' v, D after the date. 
 
 Treble: bells by Chapman alone are very rare (see p. 137). The stamp appears to 
 represent a cherub, with scrolls below (PI. XXXIII., 3). 
 
 cwt. qrs. lbs. 
 
 Weights and notes : i) 4 F sharp. 
 
 2) 4 I 21 E. 
 
 3) 5 D. 
 
 4) 53 C sharp. 
 
 5) 7 o 1 B. 
 
 6) 9 A. 
 
 T.R.E. 1552. 'Itm V bells and a sanct's bell.' (Essex Avch. Trans. N.S. i. p. 28). 
 
 In 1546 there is an entry : 'Itm payd to John Wright for new trussing of iiij bells and new 
 spylyng' of them xviijd.' 
 
 The Priory^ at the Dissolution had : ' Bells v poz by estimacion xlc which after the rate of 
 xxv-s the C amountith to xl li.' 
 
 Morant (i. p. 460): '5 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 29) the same. Essox Revieiv, 1S97, 
 p. 47. 
 
 SALCOT VI RLE Y. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 I. No inscription. (17^ in. 
 
 This bell is cracked. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 424) : ' i Bell contained in a small timber enclosure ' ; Muilman (v. p. 44S) : 
 ' I bell.' Essex Rcvicii), 1894, p. 179. 
 
 SALCOT WIGBOROUGH. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 I. PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT 1771 ' (22 in. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 42 i) : ' one bell.' Muilman (v. p. 442) the same. See Essex Reviciv, 1894, 
 p. 65. 
 
 SALING, GREAT. St. James. i + i bells. 
 
 I. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1623 (40 in. 
 
 S. W ■ Hears & C", London Fecit 1777 (22^ in. 
 
 The smaller bell Ijy ^\'illiam Mears while working independently (cf. Chelmsford and 
 Great Baddow.) 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 412): '3 Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 466): 'i bell' Which is right? See 
 also Essex Review', 1893, p. 112. 
 
 ' Cf. the entry under Wriltle for the year 1597 ; a ' spylc ' is a peg.
 
 ST. OSYTH SAMPFORD, GREAT 383 
 
 SALING, LITTLE. SS. Peter and Paul. One bell. 
 
 I. 1768 (22 in. 
 
 By Lester and Pack. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. (Stowe MSS. 827) ' Bardfyi.df. Sai.vnge.' ' ij & a sanctus bell by 
 estimac'on of vijc weight.' 
 
 (Sold) 'a broken bell to Thomas fordc for viij''.' 
 £sse.x Review, 1896, p. 106. 
 
 SAMPFORD, GREAT. St. Michael. Five bells. 
 
 1. WILLIAM LAND MADE ME 1624 (26^ in. 
 
 2. RieHT^RlDE « FREMT^N m GT^BRElala • ERY • 
 eHVRCH • WT^RIDENS 16817 
 
 On the waist : — Royal Anns and medallion. (28-i in. 
 
 3. As No. I. (30 in. 
 
 4. As No. I. (;^;^ in. 
 
 5. lOHN ♦ HODSON ♦ MADE ♦ ME ♦ 1664 ♦ THOMAS ♦ 
 
 EWENS ♦ NICKLIS ♦ SMITH -^ 
 
 2nd line:- ^ CHVRCH -$- WARDENS ^ W <$< H •$- 4< •$< (36 in. 
 
 For William Land see p. 8i, and cf. Little Bardfield ist. He was then itinerating in 
 the neighbourhood. 2nd : probably by Henry Yaxley (see p. in); it has a piece broken out of 
 the rim. On the waist are the Royal Arms and a bust of Charles H. crowned (PI. XXXL, 
 2, 5), for which cf. AVyvcrstone, Suflblk ; the latter is repeated above after Gaurell ; for the 
 crown cf. Horham in the same county, whore there are bells of 1672-73 which Dr. Raven also 
 attributes to him. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552, 'iij belles by estimac'on of xxiiijc weight a clock bell of xc weight 
 and ij hand belles.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 527): '5 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 263) the same. Essex Review, 1896, 
 p. 106. 
 
 Death Knell rung 12 or 24 hours after death; tellers 3X3 for male, 3x2 for female; age 
 denoted. 
 
 On Sundays the third bell chimed at 8 a.m. ; bells chimed for services. 
 
 Gleaning bell long discontinued; probably not rung since the abolition of Church rates. 
 
 Ringing on Christmas Day, Easter Day, and New Years' Eve, also for Weddings, 
 
 Thanks to Rev. J. Escreet and Mr. C. H. Hawkins.
 
 384 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 SAMPFORD, LITTLE. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 I. ^ UA : mARIA : ORA : PRO : nOBI$ (3s in. 
 
 By William Rufford or Rofforde, c. 1380; see p. 11, and PI. III., Fig. 13. 
 
 It is stated that there were 3 bells here within living memory. If so, one of the missing 
 ones was probably the sanctus bell, as there is only framing for one large bell besides the 
 present survivor. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552 : 'ij belles in the steple by estimac'on of xviijc weight.' (Stowe MSS. 
 827). Morant (ii. p. 527): '3 Bells.' Salmon and Muilman (ii. p. 279) the same. Essex 
 Review, 1896, p. 106. 
 
 SAN DON. St. Andrew. Five bells. 
 
 1 I0HX ♦ H©OS©N • MADE MEE ^ 1653 • I (3° " 
 
 2 lOHN HODS0N MADE | 1653 • • W ^ (31 " 
 
 3. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1854 
 
 REV'' GEORGE PHILLIPS RECTOR 
 
 WILLIAM RATCLIFFl p„„p„„ wARnFM<? /, , ;„ 
 
 WILLIAM BELCHER J CHURCH WARDENS (34 m. 
 
 4. JOHN LEWIS RECTOR JAMES POLLEY CH. WARDEN CHAPMAN & MEAES OF LONDON 
 FECERUNT 1784 (36 in. 
 
 5. BARWELL FOUNDER BIRMINGHAM 
 
 BENJAMIN WRIGHT RECTOR 
 
 J> ARGENT BELCHER | «■■ ui adiiemq 
 THOMAS RICHARDSONj''"- "««"tN5 
 
 1908 (39 in- 
 
 The old tenor was cracked in the crown. It was inscribed : — 
 
 WILL^' WILLSHER & JEREMIAH BEARMAN CH : WARDENS : PACK & CHAPMAN OF 
 LONDON FECIT 1774 {40 in. 
 
 ist and 2nd: cf. Boreham ist and 6th, and Springfield 3rd; tln' \\' on the 2nd denotes 
 William Whitmore (see p. 113). 
 
 The Rev. John Lewis was Rector from 1763 to iSoo. 
 
 Weights and Notes : — i) 5 cwt. D 
 
 2) 6 cwt. C 
 
 3) 6 cwt. 3 qrs. 6 lbs. B 
 
 4) 8 cwt. A 
 
 5) 10 cwt. 3 qrs. 16 lbs. G,
 
 SAMPFORD, LITTLE SHALFORD 385 
 
 T.R.E. ' Itm. iiij bells in the stepill . . wayte . . . It'm a sance bell & . . . in wayte 
 . . It'm. a hande bell for ... ' {£ssex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 59). 
 
 JMorant (ii. p. 27) : '5 bells.' Muilman (i. p. 176) the same. 
 Customs : — 
 
 Gleaning bell formerly at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ; discontinued since about 1890. 
 
 Death Knell as nearly as possible 24 hours after death ; no distinction of age or sex. 
 A bell tolled at funerals. 
 
 On Sundays a bell used to be rung at 9 a.m., now superseded by a bell at 8 a.m. for 
 early celebration. Chiming for services as a rule, for fifteen minutes, followed by tenor for 
 ten minutes and a smaller one for five. 
 
 Ringing on Easter Sunday and occasionally on other Sundays; for weddings when 
 paid for, also on anniversaries. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. Benjamin Wright, Rector. 
 
 SHALFORD. St. Andrew. Five bells. 
 
 I. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1828. (29 in. 
 
 2 CHARLES o NEWMAN Q MADE Q I MEE o 1690 {^'order) 
 
 (2«,f //«..—) SIR t^ SAMVELL o {/'"nkr) HVSBANDS 5 D CHVRCH 
 WARDEN (30 in. 
 
 3. RICARDVS 4. CZJ 4< BOWLER 4< CZl f ME -^ 1=1 f FECIT -^ 1601 ■$< CZJ 
 
 i t=i •i" {i?, in. 
 
 4. ^ I^KsF^pFJD : BI^3S0n '. pHD : SF^Offlf^S \ • ByC : ©5UI^©[7 : 
 
 ft5pI^D3RS \ 1601 
 
 Below:— RICARDVS BOWLER HE FECIT (34i in. 
 
 5. C/JfSUt BY JHHN Vinniiii^i ^- fiWNS Iit)]VUO]V 1SS6. (38 in. 
 
 2nd : the stops are a circle with a cross on the top and a star in a square. 
 
 Sir Samuel Husbands, the son of a London draper, was knighted in 1684, and in 1692 
 went out to Bariiadoes. 
 
 3rd : borders (PI. XXVIIL, 7) between the words with fleurs-de-lys at each end. 
 
 4th : upper inscription in good sprigged letters, mixed Gothic and Roman (PL XXIX) ; 
 the stop is of three rosettes vertically, as at Wormingford. See for these two, page 87. 
 
 The old tenor was inscribed : 
 
 Jancta i Jl?.ai1a 1 Oia g .l^ro H l^-'bis (3« in. 
 
 49
 
 386 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 and was from the I'ury foundry (p. 53). The new tenor weighs 10 cwt. 2 qrs. i lb.; it cost 
 £2^. 17s 8d. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 377) : '5 bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 5) the same. 
 
 Esstw I\ev!ejv, 1893, p. 112. 
 
 SHEERING. St. Mary. Four bells. 
 
 , MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1619 W (27!" 
 
 2. RICHARD DENNIS IAME3 WEALL CHVRCH WARDENS JG82 (28! in. 
 
 3. As No. I. (32 in. 
 
 4. PETER SALMON C W 1702 (35 in. 
 
 Treble cracked and unhung. 2nd by William Wightman ; cf. Berden. 4th by Richard 
 Keene ; good letters. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 501): '4 bells.' 
 
 Death Knell rung as soon as notice received ; tenor used, for about half an hour. Tellers 
 3 X 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female, both at beginning and end. 
 
 On Sundays, 2nd bell rung at 8 a.m. Bells chimed for services. 
 
 SHELLEY. St. Peter. i + i bells. 
 
 I. THOMAS HEARS & SON OF LONDON FECIT 1810 <:>»<r>C'»XlX»X:> (2 8 J in. 
 
 5. 1810 
 
 The two Mearses were in partnership from 1806 to 1810. 
 Weight of larger bell 5 cwt. 
 
 T.R.E. 27 Sept. 1552. ' It. ij bells in the steple weying by estimacon vc. It. ij hande 
 bells of X //in weight.' {Essex Arch. Trans. M.S. ii. p. 234). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 147) : '2 Bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 365) the same. 
 
 SHELLOW BOWELS. SS. Peter & Paul. One bell. 
 
 I. No iiiscril>ti()ii. (28 in. 
 
 A seventeenth century hell, [)rol)ably by Miles (Iraye ; no band for inscription, but two 
 lines just below the shoulder. 
 
 Muilman (iii. p. 292) : ' 1 bell.' 
 
 SHENFIELD. St. Mary. Five bells. 
 
 1. C/IJiT HV JOJliV V//I11\K1^ Zi, ,SO]VfS ItGJVDON 1S9S- (23^ in. 
 
 2. THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1626 QS (24 in.
 
 SHAI.KORD SHOEBURY 387 
 
 3 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1637 (26 i„. 
 
 4. MATTHEW C£t llAGLEY f^J MADE t^i MKI'; C£» 1713 *£» C«3 'SJ 
 
 (28 ill. 
 
 5. C7I}>T BY JOHN VV^R]VEr^ § g0]V}5 hOlSIDOJV |S7S. (3° in. 
 
 Edges of 2nd and 3rd much chipped. 
 
 4th : see p. 129 ; stop as at Hatfield Pevere! (PI. XXXII. 3) ; the lettering here is smaller. 
 
 The old tenor was inscribed : — 
 
 WILLIAM CHARLTON NATHAN PECHEY CHVRCH WARDENS A Q^ B 
 
 1664 
 
 Formerly four bells ; the treble is an addition. 
 Muilman (v. p. 27): -4 bells.' 
 
 Buckler, j^ssex CAi/n-/ies, u. 75, gives dates on bells. 
 Death Knell as soon as notice is given ; tellers 3 x 3, 3 x 2, and 3x1. 
 On Sundays bells chimed for services, with tolling for last five minutes; a bell at 8 a.m. 
 for Holy Communion. 
 
 Ringing on Festivals. 
 
 There is a ' Bell Piece ' here. 
 
 Nothing of interest in the Churchwarden's Accounts. 
 
 Best thanks to the late Rector, Rev. W. Quennell, and to Mr. C. II. Hawkins. 
 
 SHOEBURY, NORTH. St. Mary. Two bells. 
 
 1. No inscription. (24 in. 
 
 2. Thomas meaks & Son London Fecit 1806 {26 in. 
 
 The smaller bell is said to be of the same date as the larger, but Mr. Hawkins notes 
 ' treble roughly cast and probably older than 2nd.' 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. 'North Subery. Ite'. ij bells the on of v hu'drethe weyght 
 the other of vij hu'drethe weyght.' (Sold) ' ij hand bells.' {Essex Arcli. Trans, v. p. 128). 
 Morant (i. p. 303) : '2 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 220) the same. 
 
 SHOEBURY, SOUTH. St. Andrew. One bell. 
 
 I. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1847 (j^ i"- 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. 'South Subery. Ite'. iij bells ye furst v hu'drethe weght the 
 sec'nd yij hu'drethe weyght.' {Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 129). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 301): '3 bells.' Muilman (v. p. 218) the same. 
 
 Mr. H. W. King in 1847 noted : ' One new bell, the old one broken and recast.'
 
 3^8 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 SHOPLAND. St. Mary Magdalene. One bell. 
 
 I. jiffrr }|nutivfs matte Jitc | «6o8 | (26 in. 
 
 For Peter Hawkes cf. Birdbrook, etc., and see p. 85, PI. XXVIII., i, 2. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. 'Item we have a .sanctus bell. It' . . . ij hand belles. It. we 
 have in our steple ij belles foure hundreth weight by our estymas'n.' (Esse:^ Anh. Trans, v. p. 
 123)- 
 
 SIBLE HEDINGHAM, see Hedingh.\m, Bible. 
 
 SNOREHAM, see Latchingdon. 
 
 SOUTHCHURCH. Holy Trinity. One bell. 
 
 (20 in. 
 
 Height of bell lyA in., with cannons, 22 in. ; circumference at shoulder, 34 in. 
 
 Apparently an early 14th century Londoner, but difficult to place (see p. 4). Mr. Wells 
 noted the similarity of the lettering with that at Ringwould (cf. Stahlschmidt's Kent, p. 20), 
 but it has no connection with the Burford or Sturdy capitals, or those at Layer Marney. 
 The Roman N seems to suggest an early date and is very like that used by Geoffrey of 
 Edmonton {Surrey Bells, pi. 5). The cross is apparently unique; it might he a smaller version 
 of C.eoffrey de Edmonton's (ibid.). For the lettering see PI. I., figs. 11-19. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. ' ij bells wayeing by est. three hundred rem' in ye steple. Sold iij 
 hand bells.' {Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 124). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 300) leaves number of bells blank. Muilman (v. p. 214) does the same. 
 
 SOUTHEND. St. John Baptist. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1840; parish formed from rritllewell. 
 
 The Vicar (Rev. E. R. Monck-Mason) writes : — " We have only one bell which is 
 cracked and has no history." 
 
 SOUTHEND. St. Erkenwald. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1905. 
 See also Prittlewell. 
 
 SOUTHMINSTER. St. Leonard. 6 + i bells. 
 
 I. THIS TEIBLE GIVEN BY SUBSCRIPTION W^' MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1784 
 
 Incised below :-^ FOWLER VICAR S BAWTREE & T BARKER CHURCHWARDENS 
 
 (28 in.
 
 SHO!*LAND SPRiNGFlELb 389 
 
 i. Blank. (29 in. 
 
 3. THO=^ LESTER OF LONDON MADE ME 1749 • • (32 '" 
 
 4. T: Lkstkr Made Me <»x.> 1749 (33'"- 
 
 5. THOMAS TVRNER CHVRCHWARDEN lAMES BARTLET MADE MEE 1684 
 
 Below : Q^ (^^ ;„_ 
 
 6. RICH" FIREBRACE & EDW° BROCKET CH : WARDENS 1749 T: LESTER 
 MADE ME & THIRD & SECOND 
 
 Below :— four impressions ft'om coins. (40 in. 
 
 Clock bell. 1684 (17 in- 
 
 3rd and 5th in the ordinary Phelps' lettering ; combined on 4th with smaller set. 
 
 Clock bell : probably by James Bartlet. Mr. Hawkins states that there are two defaced 
 stamps before the date ; these would probably be his initials I. 15. 
 
 Tenor 12 cwt., note G. In good order. 
 
 The impressions on the tenor are from a gold coin (value about ^4 of our money) of 
 John V. of Portugal, dated 1721 ; of. pp. 126, 135. 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. ' Itm iij bells . . . and a san'e bell in the steple . . . waying . . . 
 xxxc.' {Essex Airh. Trans, v. p. 234). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 366): '5 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 343) the same. 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death; tenor for adults, 4th for children, 2nd for 
 infants. Begin with tellers (the usual) ; then raise bell and ring 3x3 or 3x2 again ; then 
 the age is tolled ; bell dropped and tellers repeated. 
 
 Bells chimed or rung for services ; tenor tolled for last fifteen minutes. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. J. Rusbridger, Vicar, and to Mr. Hawkins. 
 
 SPRINGFIELD. All Saints. Six bells. 
 
 1. P^^T BY JOHN W/I1^]VK1^ Zi ^OJV>S IiO]SIDO]V 1SS4- (28^ in. 
 
 On the waist .—JOY /I]\ID GIi^D]VE?;;S. TJI7I]VI{>S(}IVI]\:(i. /JjVB TJIK VOICE OF jaEIiQDY. 
 C.W.JI. 1884. 
 
 2. THO = GARDINER ^ SUDBURY H •^ ^ FECIT H '^ li 
 
 1736 "^ H ^ (30 in. 
 
 3 % lOHN ♦ HOOSON MADE ME % 1653 ♦ • • W • 
 
 (31 m.
 
 390 THE CHURCH HELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 4. I = HARRINGTON + I + TURNER ^ C + W + THO = GARDINER 
 
 FECIT ^ 1760 *^ ^^^ i„ 
 
 5 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 163? (54 in. 
 
 6. C^ST BY JOJIIV W/ll'^JVKl'? ^- f^OJV^ Iit)]VD(!)]V 1S67. 
 
 0« the waist: — Royal Aynis, and patent. (39 in. 
 
 Weight of treble, 5 cwt., note E; tenor, 12 cwt., note G, The treble is an additional 
 bell ; the tenor replaces one inscribed : 
 
 Tho^ Stebben & JAMES Hereington. ch : Wardens. Pack & Chapman of London 
 Fecit 1774 
 
 3rd : cf. Sandon ist and 2nd, and see p. 1 13. 4th : one of Gardiner's latest bells ; the two 
 initial I's are of Gothic character. 5th : the 5 of the date is reversed. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 11): 'Five Bells.' Muilman (i. p. iiS): '5 bells.' The latter also quotes 
 a tablet referring to the repair of the steeple in 162 i. 
 
 See Essex Revinv, 1894, p. 56. 
 
 On a tablet in the Ringing loft is the following : — 
 
 ' If that to ring you do come here 
 You must ring well with hands and ear 
 But if you ring in spur or hat 
 Fourpence is always due for that 
 And if a bell you overthrow 
 Sixpence is due before you go 
 ISut if you either sweare or curse 
 Twelvepence is due — out with your purse. 
 Our laws are old, they are not new 
 Therefore the clerk must have his due 
 If to our laws you do consent 
 Then take a bell, we are content.' 
 
 From a more recent set of Rules the following may be noted : — • 
 
 'The company of Ringers consists of a Bell Warden, a Sub- Warden, Five Ringers, and Si.\ 
 Chiniers, all of whom are to be appointed by the Rector and Churchwardens, and no one else is to 
 be admitted to the Belfry without their special leave at any time. . . . Ringers and Chimers on 
 duty are to attend Divine Service at least once every Sunday. Ringers attending once or twice 
 on Sundays and High Festivals shall receive 3d. for each attendance, payment to be made 
 quarterly. . . . The Parish Handbells may be used by the Ringers for private practice in or out of 
 the Belfry.'" 
 
 The last rule may have reference to a tablet in the ringing-loft with the names of the 
 Churchwardens for 1870, directing that the Handbells may be used in the Cliurch Tower or in 
 the school-room on the Green.
 
 SPRINGFIELD — STAMBRIDGE, GREAT 39I 
 
 Death Knell as near 24 hours after as practicable ; for children under eleven, single 
 strokes on treble ; for all between ten and twenty, same on 3rd bell ; for adults, three or two 
 strokes for male or female. 
 
 Bells rung for Sunday services. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve, and early in the morning on great Festivals. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. F. E. Crate, formerly Curate. 
 
 The Chapel-of-Ease of All Saints and Holy Trinity has presumably one small modern 
 belt. 
 
 STAMBOURNE. St. Peter. Five bells. 
 
 I- HENRY PLEASANT ^ MADE «^« ME ^f" 1705 /^ (^7 in. 
 
 2. The same. (30 in. 
 
 3. The same ; no stops. (31^ in. 
 
 4. [±] m [4] 1 5 8 5 (33iin. 
 
 5. THOMAS ^ GARDINER ^ SUDBURY ^ «^ ^ FECIT ^ 
 
 -^ '734 ^ m (37 in. 
 
 4th by Thomas Draper of Thetford (see p. 80) ; his only example in the county e.xcept as 
 foreman ':o Stephen Tonne. ?or the fleur-de-lys (PI. XXVL, 9) compare Raven's Canibs., 
 p. 65. 
 
 The wheel of the tenor was made by S. Coppin i86g. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 358): 5 Bells.' He also says in a note: 'Upon the fifth bell, which is 
 the oldest, is this inscription •' Sancte Thoma ora pro nobis." ' But it cannot have been in 
 existence in his time. Muilman (ii. p. 228) makes the extraordinary statement 'The wooden 
 lanthorn . . . contains one small bell.' This is hardly an improvement on Morant's 
 information. 
 
 Essex Review, 1898, p. 233. 
 
 Death Knell rung 24 hours after deatii ; tellers three strokes for male, two for female ; 
 tenor for adults, smaller bell for children. 
 
 On Sundays two bells chimed at 8 a.m. ; for services bells chimed for half an hour ; 
 'ringing in' on tenor for last ten minutes. 
 
 Gleaning Bell rung at S a.m. and 6 p.m. 
 
 A bell for Vestry Meeting on Lady Day. 
 
 STAMBRIDGE, GREAT. St. Mary and All .Saints. Four bells. 
 
 13- ^':^W Bv jepjv w/iRiVRi^ ^- p0]v>s noiVDojv 1S97. 
 
 J. On waist .•— I^IJVCJ IjM I^ED1^E,S,S TO /ILIi p/l]\IKI,\D. (24 "l.
 
 392 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2. On waist : — I^I^G OUT TpE K/ILSE I<r]V« IN TPE 'rf^UE. (25 in. 
 
 3. 0« ?;'rt/s/ .— WflE^E 3 BELLS GIVEJM TO CEIiEBR/ITE TKE 
 
 60th YE/Il^ 0K TJIE REIGN 01' V.R.I. 1S97. (27.^ in. 
 
 4. Chapman & hears of London fecerunt 1783 (30^ in. 
 
 The first three bells have no wheels or clappers, and are fixed to the stock ; all four are 
 fitted up for chiming. 
 
 Weights of new bells : — i) 3 cwt. Note G. 
 
 2) 3 cwt. 2 qrs. 17 lbs. F sharp. 
 
 3) 4 cwt. 26 lbs. E. 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. ' It'm iiij bells hanging in the steple waying by estimacion xvij 
 CUi. It'm one lyttell bell hanging over the quere waying by estimac'on iiij Hi.' {Essex Arch. 
 Trans, v. p. 126). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 320) : ' 3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 245) the same. 
 
 See Essex Revieio, 1898, pp. 98, 100. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 STAMBRIDGE, LITTLE. Formerly one bell. 
 
 I. Onthe%vmst:—p\t\\&\iik\%V\1XiX\\\\\ (21 in. 
 
 For Peter Hawkes .see p. 85. 
 
 Church pulled down in 1890 owing to dilapidation and disuse; the bell is now at 
 Great Stambridge Rectory. 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. ' ij belles whyche be estemacyon waythe ij C and half {Essex 
 Arch. Trans, v. p. 128). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 321) and Muilman (v. p. 246) : ' i bell.' 
 
 STANFORD-LE-HOPE. St. Margaret. Si.x bells. 
 
 I. venltc fllll au6ltc mc 
 
 {Below : — ) 6iclt campana ^tlcolac X 
 
 2. annuitclamus vobU vita' ctcrna' X 
 {Below : — ) 6lcll camftana "HobannU X 
 
 Shie/iis as /wfore.
 
 STAM BRIDGE STANFORD-LE-HOPE 393 
 
 3- sclo cnl' cul crcilil at ccrtus sum ^ 
 (Beloj.i ;— ) bicH campana l^aull )( 
 
 Shields as before. 
 
 4- non tarsal 6omlnus p'mUsloiic sua )^ 
 {Be!o7,> ;— ) 6icit campaita "Petri X 
 
 S/iie/ds as before. 
 
 5- Tnlscrlcor6la clus tintentibus cum ^ 
 
 6lcit campana Mtarle )( 
 
 Shields as before. 
 
 6. 6omliius iton icrcllnquet saitctos suos diclt campaixa Mlargarete X 
 
 Sliields as before. 
 
 The ring is by Moore, Holmes and Mackenzie of Redenhall, Norfolk, and the shield is 
 their trade mark, bearing their initials MHM with the dale 1S84 underneath. For shield 
 and specimen of lettering see PI. XXXIV., Figs, i, 2. The tenor weighs 8 cwt. The texts on 
 Nos. 3-6 are from 2 Tim. i. 12; 2 Pet. iii. 9; Luke i. 50; Ps. x.xxvii. 28. This was a 
 ' maiden ' ring, and was opened with a peal by the founders themselves. 
 
 'Six odd-looking things in iron frames,' notes Mr. \Vells on the occasion of liis visit 
 some years ago, and the remark is certainly justified, for a queerer lot of bells are not to be 
 seen in any Essex tower. They have no lines round the sound-bow, which only projects 
 slightly, and in place of cannons they have moulded cylindrical caps fitting into angular iron 
 stocks of peculiar form. They are hung in two rows with very little room between and 
 no floor below. 
 
 Previously there were five bells, noted by Mr. Tyssen, inscribed as follows : 
 
 1. H S 1694 (28 in. 
 
 2. The same. (30 in. 
 
 3. The same. (33 in. 
 
 4. The RKVEIJENl) PcTER ROUFFIGNAC A: M: RECTOR ThOMAS ANDREWS JOHN MOOO CH : 
 
 WARDENS R Phelps made me 1734 rfj {j<> in. 
 
 5 lERE • P.E.\D • C W •i' lOHN WAYLET MAD ME 1703 
 
 (39 i'l- 
 SO
 
 394 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 The first three by John Wood (cf. Chadwell isl and West Tilbury, and see p. 117). 
 
 The Rev. P. Rouffignac was Rector from 1711 to 1746. 
 
 Moranl (i. [). 240) gives '5 Bells.' Muilnian (v. p. 107) the same. 
 
 Mr. 11. W. King in June, 1855, noted 'floors rotten, ladders rotten, and staves (? stays) 
 out or broken . . . only one capable of being rung.' 
 
 See also Palin's Stifford and Neighbourhood, p. 121, where King's notes are quoted. 
 
 But whatever opinion may be held as to the artistic appearance of the new ring (which 
 was opened 20 July, 1884), there is no doubt that all is now in admirable order. The ringing- 
 chamber is beautifully kept and gaily painted, and on its walls hang, besides a peal-board of 
 l'"ebruary ist, 1896, recording the first peal rung by local ringers (720 Bob Minor in 25 
 minutes), six boards on which the former Rector (Rev. Ci. H. C. Moir) has inscribed an 
 account of the bells and other interesting information. Each board bears the name of one of 
 the bells, ' and their contents may be summarised as follows : — 
 
 1. St. Mary (Angelas Bell). 
 
 (with an e.xplanation of the term). 
 
 2. St. ^^argaret (Funeral Bell). 
 
 Items from parochial records of which the principal are : 
 1735. This year the fourth bell was new cast. 
 
 1758. Ringing on Christmas Day ordered ; that on the 29th of May to be discontinued. 
 1772. '5 bells' noted by Muilman in his History of Essex. 
 1822. '5 bells ' given in a Terrier of this date. 
 1852. Leave obtained from the Archdeacon to sel! a cracked bell (which was apparently 
 
 done ; but if there were then five and this was not replaced how comes it that there 
 
 were still five down to 18S4 ?). 
 
 3. St. Nicholas (Children's Bell). 
 
 Records continued : 1877. Old tower taken down. 
 
 1883. The five bells recast into si.x and rehung by .Moore, Holmes and Mackenzie. 
 
 4. St. John A. and E. (Sanctus Bell). 
 
 (lives a description of the new bells and their peculiarities, explaining how the method of 
 hanging is advantageous as dispensing with the necessity of the bolts and keys required for 
 a wooden stock. Other details noted : weight of tenor ; A-shaped frames ; Redenhall patent 
 clappers ; chiming apparatus. 
 
 5. St. Paul (Passing Bell). 
 
 Further details (in continuation of No. 2) from Parish Records : 
 1852. Archdeacon's conditional assent to sale of bell. 
 1855. In this year four bells were rung every Sunday. 
 1865. Description of existing bells (from King's notes). 
 
 6. St. Peter (Vesper Bell). 
 
 States that these notes were compiled and placed here by the then Rector in 1901. Descrip- 
 tion of service of Benediction of Bells 19 July, 1S84. 
 
 In the bottom of the tower is an alabaster slab recording the recasting of the bells after a 
 silence of nearly forty years. 
 
 When the old tower was pulled down remains of bell-nictal were found underneath, show- 
 ing that one or more of tlic bells had been cast on the spot (probably Wood's in 1694). 
 
 ' The Older of llic names on the 1)oards cIoe.s not follow llio unlcr of tlic hells.
 
 stanford-le-hope stanstead 395 
 
 Customs :— 
 
 Death Knell 12 iiours after death ; tellers ;^ x ^ for man, ,5x2 for woman, 3 x 1 for child, 
 at beginning and end. 
 
 l''uneral Peals occasionally for " great friends." 
 
 On Sundays, ringing for Morning and Evening Services ; treble at 8 a.m., and also for 
 week-day services. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve; muffled till midnight, then open. 
 
 Ringing on Easter Day 6.30 to 7 a.m. and Ascension Day 4.30 to 5 a.m. (when a hymn 
 is also sung on the top of the tower, according to Church Bells, 15 June, lyoo); for Weddings 
 by request. 
 
 Tunes are sometimes chimed on the bells. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. J. Russell, Rector. 
 
 STANFORD RIVERS. 15. V. M. Two hells. 
 
 Incised Mo:v:- MG IG (3« in. 
 
 2. ANTHONY BARTLET ♦ MADE ♦ MEE ♦ WILLIAM ATWOOD ♦ THOMAS 
 ♦ HAWKES ♦ CHVRCHWARDENS 
 
 Belo7v .— Esy 
 
 W @ P 
 
 1662 (41 in. 
 
 I St bell cracked. Brasyer capitals ; seep. 72. 2nd: N reversed. 
 
 T.R.E. 26 Sept. 1552. 'One hand bell one sancts bell ij sacryng bells Item iij bells in 
 the steple whereof the great bell conteyneth j yerde depe lackyng iij ynches the seconde bell ij 
 fote & iij ynches the breadeth one yerde & j ynch the iij'le bell ij fote & iij ynches &: 
 the breadeth j yerde savyng ij ynches.' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 22S). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 155); ' i bell' {sic). Muilman (iii. p. 389) : '3 bells.' 
 
 STANGATE, See Steeple. 
 
 STANSTEAD MOUNTFICHET. St. Mary. 1 ight bells. 
 
 I. WEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LO.NDON. 
 
 On laaist : — a.d. 1902. 
 
 ALEXANDRA, REQINA. 
 
 IN TERRA PA.X. (26 in.
 
 39^ THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2. As No. I. 
 
 On uuiist : — a.d. 1002. 
 
 EDWARDUS VII. REX ET IMP. 
 GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO. (27 in. 
 
 .;. CHST liV I()}I\ V//11<\KK C SO.MS liO^IDOX lS(i7. (28 in. 
 
 4. MAT WODLEY lOHN SPELER C W 1705 • (29.^ i". 
 
 5. MICHAI-l. DARBIt MAUH MH 1671 (31 in. 
 
 bcc 'f tun ♦ sit + ^icta ^ sctc -k campana ^ iobcs n?^* 
 
 0;( j.V(i;i/ ; — («) 
 
 
 Toljanitis tonne mc fecit 
 
 ■¥■ 
 RECAST BY MEARS & STAINBANK, 1902. 
 
 (/') GEORGE HERBERT OAKSHOTT, M.A., VICAR. 
 
 WILLIAM FULLER MAITLAND, J. P. | 
 
 LORD OF- THE MANOR & PATkON CHURCHWARDENS. 
 ARTHUR H. S. DYER, J (35 in. 
 
 7. VHS'l' i;V ]()}1\ \7/IK\Kl< c; SH.V.S ItO\lK),\ JSWi 
 
 On the a/ciist : — Ruyal Arms and patent. (36.I in. 
 
 >■. T. MEARS OF London Fecit 1825 
 Revi> K. Grant vicar. 
 Matthew wooDLEY^ „„.„„„ ^,„„„„„ 
 
 WILLIAM PAKKHS j™URCH WARDENS (_^, ,„. 
 
 4tli : hy jdlin Waylclt, as was the old treble, now the 3rd, inscribed 
 
 THO STOCK AND lOHN SANDERS C W 1716 
 
 5th ; I'or Michael 1 )arbic see p. iii ; the 7 of the date is reversed. 
 
 8th : Note the occurrence of the same name as churchwarden in 1705 and 1825. 
 
 l-'ormerly live bells, to which a new oac was added between the 4th and 5th, making six, 
 in 1866; the treble was recast in 1867, and in 1902 two trebles added to make eight, and the 
 then 4th recast into the present 6th. The last named was an interesting specimen of John 
 Tonne's work, and the inscription
 
 STAN STEAD STAN WAY 
 
 397 
 
 lea, 
 
 bcc • tua ¥ Bit ¥ Mcta p 
 
 C« ///c 'ivais/ : — 
 
 X 
 
 fete ^ eampaim '^ tobes 104$ 
 
 (33^ in- 
 
 3o()anncs tonn£ mc fecit 
 
 lias been very creditably reproduced. 'I'he figures l(>-4^ may be assumed to stand for 1540; 
 of. p. 58. The old bell had been much chipped, and about two inches of the sound-bow 
 roughly cut away. 
 
 Mr. J. Clarke in 1884 noted 'Six oddly-matched bells, much injured by clipping for 
 tuning.' 
 
 Weights of new bells: — ist. 4 cwt. 7 lbs. 
 
 2nd. 4 cwt. I qr. 27 lbs. 
 3rd. 4 cwt. I (jr. 4 lbs. Note E. 
 . . 6th. 7 cwt. 2 (jrs. 10 lbs. 
 
 Tenor 13 cwt., note (I. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. 'iiij belles and a S'cus bell by estimacon of xx.vixc weight and ij 
 hand belles of viijli weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 580): '5 liells.' Muilman (iii. [). 27): '5 Hells and a clock.' 
 
 See also Essex Rn't'eiv, 1895, p. 184, and Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 107, iv. p. 1-48. 
 
 On Coronation day and other days of rejoicing the ringers are allowed \s. per bell. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 The district church of St. John the Evangelist, erected in 1889, has one modern bell. 
 
 STANWAY. St. .Mbright. 
 
 I. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1610 
 
 One bell. 
 (34 in- 
 
 Small date-figures, as on other early Craye bells. 
 
 Formerly tliree bells ; of which this was the tenor ; the other two, which were sold some 
 time between 1870 and 1S90, were inscribed : — 
 
 I. •$• FEARH 
 
 GOD 
 
 WL T TI) 
 
 1S74 
 
 (26 in. 
 
 •< > 
 
 2. lOHN >r<'C< THORNTON >r<*^>;< MADE >r<'''*>r< ME >:<*'>:< 1710 
 
 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 The smaller bell by Thomas Draper and William Land, resembling the 3rd at Copford 
 (see p. 79) ; fleur-de-lys, crown-and-arrows (the first inverted), and bell with W.L. on it.
 
 398 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Morant (ii. p. T95): 'three bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 172) the same (under heading of 
 Little Stanway). 
 
 Essex Jievietti, 1893, p. 182. 
 
 Buckler, Essex Churches, p. 246, says : ' The east side of the bell-turret is carried on a 
 beam, the ends of which rest upon upright timbers. . . . The frame-work over, and the 
 carpentry for the Bells, of the Fifteenth Century, have undergone many repairs ; iron has been 
 used to fasten the timbers together. There are three ]5ells; one dated 1574 is cracked' (dates 
 of others also given). 
 
 STANWAY. All Saints. Three bells. 
 
 1. C. & a. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1845. (28 in. 
 
 2. The same. (3° 'n- 
 
 3. T/ie same. {Zi in. 
 
 \\'eight of tenor 6f cwt. Church consecrated 1845. 
 
 The old parish church of All Saints had long been disused and in ruins, and the chapel of 
 St. Albright (see above) was used, and popularly called Stanway Church (H. \\ . KiNc). 
 ^cti Essex Revieiii, 1893, p. 182. 
 
 STAPLEFORD ABBOTS. St. Mary. i + 1 bells. 
 
 I. REVi. J. HUDSON J. R. ABDY ESQ.; & G. FITCH CHURCH WARDENS 1818 T- MEARS OF 
 LONDON FECIT. 
 
 S. No i I! sen'/' t ion. 
 
 Bells very awkward of access ; the small bell is of the same date as the larger, which is 
 said to be exceptionally thick. 
 
 There is a tradition that there were formerly three bells, recast into the present two. 
 Another tradition says that the three bells were removed to T-ambourne. 
 
 J. R. .\l)dy was High Sheriff of the county in 1809. 
 
 Muilman (iv. p. 38) : '3 bells.' 
 
 Best thanks to Mr. R. H. l^rowne of Stapleford Mill. 
 
 STAPLEFORD TAWNEY. St. Mary. Two bells. 
 
 '• Si Goo SAVE THE KING 1630 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 «111i)TS GTOi»M ffiJi ^J16p 1011 A 
 
 (30 in.
 
 STANWAY STEBBING 399 
 
 ist : By Robert Oldfield ; cross Herts, Fig. 39 ; thin letters. 
 
 2nd: cf. High Ongar and \\'illingale Doe; the mark after the date shows that the bell 
 was moulded by Thomas Bartlet (see p. 73). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 181): '2 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 41) the same. 
 
 At a Visitation held in 1611 it was reported: 'Their bell is broken and know not who 
 [how] Thos. Wall pulled it down.' {Essex Review, 1906, p. 40). The present 2nd indicates 
 that it was speedily replaced. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 STEBBING. St. Mary. 6 + i bells. 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON. 
 
 On the liuust :—(a) FEAR GOD AND HONOUR THE KING. 
 
 TWO BELLS RECAST AND TREBLE ADDED, 
 AND THE PEAL REHUNG IN THE YEAR OF 
 THE CORONATION OF KING EDWARD VII. 
 
 A.D. 1902. 
 (h) ERNEST CLAPTON VICAR 
 
 HENRY C' SMITH (CHURCHWARDENS. (27 in. 
 
 2. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1839. 
 Below : — Joseph smith and james webb willis 
 
 CHURCHWARDENS (29 in. 
 
 3. On waist :— CAST BY THOMAS MEARS 1799 
 
 RECAST BY MEARS & STAINBANK 1902 
 
 Names of Vicav and Churchwardens as on No. 1. (i°l 'n. 
 
 4- THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1839 
 
 Below:- J2mIs"w^BBWILLIs}chURCH WARDENS (33 i„. 
 
 5. On waist:— CAST BY PACK & CHAPMAN 1772 
 
 The vest as No. 3. (36 in. 
 
 6. PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECERUNT 1780 (39 in. 
 Clock Bell. G. MEARS & O' FOUNDERS LONDON 1863 (18 in. 
 
 In good ringing order. Clock bell hung on spire. 
 
 cwts. qis. lbs. cwts. qrs. Ib-S. 
 
 Weights: i) 4 o 22 4) 6 3 25 
 
 2) 4 2 22 S) 8 o 8 
 
 3) 5 2 13 6) 10 o o Note G,
 
 400 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Previous to 1902 there were only five bells, as indicated on the new treble. 
 The old 2nd (now the 3rd) was inscribed : 
 
 THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1799 (30 in. 
 
 the old 4th (now the 5th) 
 
 PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT 1772 <:X*X1X*X> DAVID STARN & JN'^ JOSLIN 
 
 CH Wardens foi (36 in. 
 
 (The word Jn° is incised). 
 
 On the clock is the inscriiJtion, ' Josephus Fordham de Braintree in Com' Esse.xiae 
 Horologicus Anno : 1 7 2 1 : ' 
 
 The new bells were dedicated on Coronation Day, 1902 (see also Church Bells, 25 Oct., 
 1901 and 22 Aug., 1902) ; the cost was ;£'i65 7s. bd. 
 
 Nothing is known of the bells previous to 1772; there are no Inventories and Morant 
 does not mention them. 
 
 Buckler, Essex Churches, p. 227, says: 'The gable over the Chancel Arch is embattled; 
 behind it is a projection of finished masonry with an arched recess which formerly held the 
 Sanctus Bell .... on the west face of the spire is a small bell under a pent roof.' P. 232 : 
 'There are five bells' (dates given) .... 'the framin^sj; is older than the liclls.' 
 
 See also Essex Review, 1893, p. 112. 
 
 Of the Churchwardens mentioned on the old 4th, David Starn died in 1780, John Joslin 
 in 1788; of those on the 2nd Joseph Smith died in 1845, James \\Vbb Willis at Lindsell in 
 1878. These two were also churchwardens in 1831 and 1842. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death knell as soon after death as notice is given ; tenor for adults, 2nd bell for children ; 
 tellers : 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female (including children), this at beginning and end of knell, 
 which consists of six strokes at intervals, for which the bell is raised. 
 
 Tolling for Funerals ; muffled peals for Church officials. 
 
 On Sundays ringing for Mattins and Evensong (tolling in for last five minutes on tenor); 
 4th bell rung at 8 a.m. whether Holy Communion or not, and also on C.ood Friday and 
 Christmas Day. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's h'.ve, and for weddings of ringers (for others by request). 
 
 Bells formerly (until 1 901) rung on Queen Victoria's birthday; a peal was rung on the 
 Coronation Day of Edward VII. 
 
 Gleaning bell formerly at 8 a.m. (tenor bell) : discontinued about twenty years ago. 
 
 The following peals are recorded in the Ringing-chamber : 
 
 21 June, 1887 (Jubilee peal), 5,040 changes in various methods. 
 
 26 June, 1897 (Diamond Jubilee), 3,130 changes, indicating the number of weeks in the 
 sixty years of Queen Victoria's reign. 
 
 12 Jan., 1905, 5,040 Bob Minor; first peal on the six bells. 
 
 Very hearty thanks to Rev. Ernest Clapton, Vicar, for much valuable heli) and informa- 
 tion, and also to Mr. J. T. Barker, one of the ringers, for verifying inscriptions on new bells 
 and clock bell.
 
 STEBBING STIFFORD 4OI 
 
 STEEPLE WITH STANGATE. St. Lawrence and All Saints. Two hells. 
 
 . MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1636 {28 in. 
 
 This still hangs in the tower ; the other is cracked and lying in the cliurchyard ; it is aI)out 
 the same size as the first, and is inscribed : — 
 
 ^ Sea lulian.i 
 
 Cross as at Colchester Town Hall, also lettering ; shield, ' small lavers.' See p. 24. 
 
 T.R.E. Sept., 1552. ' Itm iij bells waying by estemacion viij C. {Essex Arc/i. Trans. 
 V. p. 228). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 360) : ' 2 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 326) the same. 
 
 Mr. H. W. King noted in May, 1872 : 'Tower down. Bell . . . appears to be hung in 
 the roof of the nave . . . the sound emitted by a lattice in the west gable.' 
 
 STEEPLE BUMPSTEAD, see Bumpste.\d, Steeple. 
 
 STIFFORD. St. Mary. 
 
 I. I C 1633 
 
 2 lOHN CLIFTON MADE ME 1635 
 
 3. THO = GARDINER SVDBVRY ^ FECIT ^ 1737 {four coins) 
 
 S. 1762 
 
 ist : by John Clifton (p. 75). The little bell Stahlschmidt thought to be the work of 
 William Savill of London (see p. 131). 
 
 T.R.E. 28 Sept. 1552. 'Itm iij gret bells wherof the lest bell wayethe vij ct. Itm a 
 lytell handbell wayeing v li'. (Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 174). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 98): '3 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 365) the same. 
 
 Mr. H. W. King notes: 'Three bells, the 3rd \j.c. the ist] has no inscription' {sic) .... 
 ' outside the spire on the north under a kind of dormer roof is a smaller bell '. 
 
 See also Palin, Stifford and Neighbourhood, p. 52, who quotes King's notes, and also 
 states that the recasting in 1633 is mentioned in the churchwarden's books. In these there 
 is a charge for ropes for three bells in 1621. In 1737 we have the following entry : — ■ 
 
 25 July. Mr. Ransfield and Mr. Palmer's bill for casting and hangeht 3rd bell and 
 
 putting y'^ rest in order - - - - - - 7 7 00 
 
 For addition of new metal, wich is twenty pound and a half, comes to - i 3 11 
 
 S 10 n 
 September 5. Received then y"^ full contents of this bill by me, Thos. Gardiner. 
 
 51 
 
 3+ I 
 
 hells. 
 
 (29 
 
 in. 
 
 (30 
 
 in. 
 
 (32 
 
 in. 
 
 (22 
 
 in.
 
 402 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 STISTED. All Saints. Six bells. 
 
 I- JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1799 (27111. 
 
 2. The same. (28f in. 
 
 3. The same. (joi in. 
 
 4. The same. (31.'', in. 
 
 5. The same. {^;ii in. 
 
 f'. THE RBV^" JOHN BARLOW SEALE DD RECTOR : J : BAINES. J : 
 SIBLEY C : WARDENS. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1799 
 
 (38 in. 
 
 Rehung, etc. in 1895 by H. Bowell and Son, Ipswich. 
 
 Mears' list of bells cast for Essex gives under this heading 'the Peal, 1742, 5 bells, tenor 
 10 cwt.,' and as Morant (ii. p. 394) and Muilman (ii. p. 47) only give '5 Bells,' it may be 
 presumed that before 1799 there was a ring of five cast by Thomas Lester. 
 
 See £ssex Revieiv, 1895, p. 112. 
 
 'A nice light peal' (J. J. Raven). Tenor 10 cwt., note A. 
 
 Death Knell 24 hours after death ; tellers 3 x 3, 3 x 2, followed by tolling for an hour; 
 treble used for children. Tolling at funerals for half-an-hour or three-quarters. 
 
 Ringing on Sundays, Christmas Day (for services only), and a peal on New Year's Eve ; 
 at weddings by request. 
 
 The Rector kindly sends the following notes from the Churchwardens' Accounts : — 
 
 L s d 
 1767 P*^ for a set of ropes - - - - - - - - - - -156 
 
 18 19 Jan. n Mr. Maskell for Bell ropes 360 
 
 1S72 March 27 Adkins Bell ropes 394 
 
 1876 P'i Ringers on the Bp. of Rochester's visit o 10 o 
 
 1895 August 20 Bowell for re-hanging and fitting new bearings, etc. - - -7100 
 
 There are also annual payments of 15s. for ringing on Queen's Birthday and Accession, 
 Coronation Day, and May 29th and November 5th. 
 Best thanks to Rev. T. \V. Hardy, Rector. 
 
 STOCK. All Saints. Three bells. 
 
 1. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1847 (32 in. 
 
 2. RECAST AT THE EXPENCE OP THE REV" GEORGE THOMAS EDISON RECTOR OF THE 
 PARISH. SEPTk 
 
 (2ni, line : — ) ANNO DOMINI 1799 JOHN JIGGINS JUN- CHURCHWARDEN. THOMAS MEAES 
 OF LONDON FECIT | | | | § (34 in.
 
 STISTED STONDON MASSEY 4O3 
 
 3. lOHN MAR AN& RObERT WICKES MAOE THIS bELL 1577 • (;/> in. 
 
 Tenor 9 cwt. Robert Wickes does not occur elsewhere, but 'John ))iar' is [jresumably 
 the founder so frequently found in Essex and Herts (p. 84). The inscription appears to have 
 been incised, or else filed off like that on the 5th at (It. Horkesley. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 52) : ' 3 ]!ells and a clock.' Muilnian (i. p. 231) the same. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death knell 24 hours after death ; tellers, 3, 2, or i, repeated as many times as years old. 
 Tolling for funerals. 
 
 On .Sundays, a bell at 8 a.m. I'or other services, chiming for fifteen minutes, treble for 
 ten, 2nd for five. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve (muffled peal till midnight, followed by an open one) ; also 
 for weddings. 
 
 A bell rung for Vestry Meetings. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. E. P. (libson. Rector. 
 
 STONDON MASSEY. SS. Teter and Paul. Three bells. 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 I- Robci-tu5 ^ mot ^ 111c @ fecit § 15SS @ 
 
 2. On the cnntni : — three ^lavey' shields {large sise). 
 
 (32 in. 
 3. THO = GAKDlNHR SVUBVRY FHCIT 1737 (35 in. 
 
 ist : see p. 70. 
 
 2nd: by John liird ; cf. Laindon Clays 3rd; see p. 27 and PI. X., figs. 3, 6-8. The 
 large variety of the shield is not here figured. 
 
 A note in the Vestry Book states that the bells were rehung in 1741. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 189) : ' 3 Bells .... Here is also a house and land rented at 2/. 10 . od. 
 a year, given to buy bell ropes.' This is known as ' Bell Rope Field,' and the proceeds of the 
 field and of a cottage built upon it are still devoted to bell ropes and other church expenses. 
 A similar statement is to be found in Muilnian (iv. p. 61). 
 
 The Rector (Rev. E. H. L. Reeve) in his History nf Stondon Massey, p. 116, states that 
 he has been unable to ascertain the donor of this field or at what date a cottage was built on 
 it ; it contains 1 acre, i rood, 36 poles. Put at a Vestry Meeting on 24 March, 1842, it was 
 agreed to let the property to William Page at the yearly rent of jQ/^ on a lease of 2 1 years and 
 on consideration of rebuilding the cottage. This time expired, the Lord of the Manor obtained 
 a yearly lease at £?> rent. Since Mr. Meyer's death in 1870 it has been usually lived in by 
 the tenant occupying Stondon House, and the profits have been devoted to church expenses. 
 
 Customs : — ■ 
 
 Death knell 12 or 24 hours after death; tellers, three, two, and one respectively. 
 
 On Sundays a bell at S a.m., even when no service; chiming for other services, with tenor 
 only for last five minutes.
 
 404 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Chiming on New Year's Eve at midnight. 
 Cleaning bell formerly at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
 Thanks to Rev. E. H. L. Reeve, Rector. 
 
 STOW MARIES. SS. Mary and Margaret. One bell. 
 
 I. MILES :•. GRaVE MADE :•. ME s. 1686 (25 in. 
 
 One of the latest bells of Miles Craye the younger. 
 
 No Inventories remaining. 
 
 INforant (i. p. 351): ' i Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 310) the same. 
 
 STRATFORD, sec Wkst Ham. 
 
 STRETHALL. B. V. M. Two bells. 
 
 1. + ■cii 1 Li t: li ffi U 5 fjeueii CQG FCSI© (24 in. 
 
 2. No inscription. {26 in. 
 
 ist : a long-waisted bell : cross and lettering I'l. II., figs. 9-15, as on the Wymbish bell 
 at Goring, Oxon. See p. 7 for facsimile. 
 
 The 2nd is a bell of the same date or earlier, and has the same flat moulding round the 
 shoulder which we have already noted at Little Hallingbury and Rawreth. 
 
 T.R.I<;. 5 Oct. 1552. ' ij belles by estimacon of iiijc weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 Morant (ii. p. 597) : ' 2 bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 79) llie same. 
 T^swcx /^e7'/e7C', 1905, p. 190. 
 Thanks to Mr. C. II. Hawkins. 
 
 STURM ER. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 Stintte Gabrui 
 
 (coin) 
 (28 in. 
 
 2 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1617 (^^ in. 
 
 3. MILES :-. GRaVE MBDE ;-. ME -.x 166I (31 in. 
 
 1st; pcrhajis by John Sturdy; see p. 18. Cross PI. VI., 7; lettering, Bucks, PI. XL, 
 set b. 
 
 Morant (ii. [). 347): '3 l)ells.' Muihiian (ii. j). 235) the same. 
 
 EsscA- Revieiv, 1898, p. 233; Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 72. 
 
 Death Knell with abnormal tellers, nine strokes for a man, eight for a woman. 
 
 SUTTON. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 I. I C GILES AYLETT CHVRCHWARDHNS 1638 (21^ in.
 
 STONDON MASSEY TAKELEY 
 
 405 
 
 By John Clifton (p. 75) i cf. a btll of the same date at Frickley, Yorks, W.R., also by 
 this founder, with the same small lettering. 
 
 T.R.E Sept. 1552. 'Sutton Magna Imprims wee have a bell wyche dothe way to our 
 esstymatyon C pounds and iij quarters. It'm ij hande bells wyche wey iiij pownde. MH yt wee 
 hade a bell stoUyn owt our churche the seco'de yere of the Reygne of our soverande, etc' 
 {Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 130). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 292): number of bells left blank. 
 
 TAKELEY. 
 
 - |?79 -^7 5 
 
 St. Mary. 
 
 {these figures reversed) 
 
 pfifiit <^ ©riiuipio # Snucta m i3Qaiiia ffico 
 
 
 Four bells 
 (32 in. 
 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 5. REC/l?T BY J0JI]V W/il'<]MEl< ^- JSGNfs Ii™ LONDON ]S96. 
 
 On waist ;— GOD ?^VE TJiE KINfi WM 
 R. P^l^'P p./l.-Vic/ll<5. 
 
 1896 
 
 (37 in- 
 
 QOI> SAVE THE KING 
 
 JQ 
 
 B G VICVR 
 
 
 i6o,\ 
 
 MC 
 
 \VM 
 
 CHVRCH 
 
 WARDENS 
 
 (41 in. 
 
 ist : founder unknown ; cf. Latton 4th ; the four last figures, a blundered repetition of the 
 date, are partly erased. See p. 66. 
 
 2nd : supposed to be Culverden's first essay ; cf. p. 43 and Raven's Suffolk, p. 38. The 
 same inscription occurs on the tenor at Wroxhall, Warwick (by T. ISullisdon) ; it was also on 
 the old treble at Thornborough, I'.ucks. Usual large capitals; cross PI. VII., 5. 
 
 Old 3rd and 4th : by Robert Oldfield ; the former had a piece broken out of the 
 shoulder, and had been disused for some time. It was inscribed ; — + GOD SAVE THE 
 KING 1607 and was 38 in. in diameter. Thick lettering, in two sizes on 4th (as at White 
 Roothing; compare the tenor there); cross on 4th, PL XXX., 5 ; B.C. is Benjamin Connell or 
 Cunnell, Vicar 1598-1629 (Newcourt). The X in the date on this bell seems to be intended 
 for an 8. 
 
 The 1896 on the new 3rd is incised. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552 (Stowe MSS. 827). 'iiij belles in the steple by estimac'on 
 xxxc weight. A sanctus bell of xvj'i a pressessyon bell iij''.' 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 574): '4 bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 12) the same. 
 
 Essex Revieii', 1895, p. 184. 
 
 Death Knell rung 24 hours after death ; no tellers ; bell merely raised and tolled for one 
 hour ; 2nd or tenor used.
 
 406 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 On Sundays bells used for services only. 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 TENDRING. St. Edmund. Four bells. 
 
 1. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1624 (25 in. 
 
 2. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1618 (27 in 
 
 3- G. MEARS & C ' FOUNDERS LONDON 1864 (30 in. 
 
 4. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1627 (32 in. 
 
 Tenor 7 cwt. The old 3rd was inscribed : 
 
 facbartiara m crcmina m 5cli (32 in. 
 
 and was from the Bury foundry (see p. 54). ('f. for the inscription Stanton All Saints 3rd, 
 Suffolk. St. Barbara was a favourite with the East Anglian founders. 
 
 In good order, but all clappers tied (1906). Weights : 4 cwt., 4J cwt., 5 cwt. 3 qrs. 5 lbs., 
 7 cwt. 
 
 Note of tenor, L! flat. 
 
 While this book was in the press, the four bells have been recast by Mears &: Stainbank, 
 and the ring increased to six, which were hung in December 1907 and dedicated by the Bishop 
 of ^5t. Alban's {Essex County Chronicle, 13 Dec; Essex Reviein, 1908, p. 40). The treble 
 was given by Miss Crowe, the 2nd by the churchwardens, the 3rd and 4th by the Cardinall 
 family, and the other two by the Rector (now Dean of Peterborough) and his family. The 
 weights and sizes, kindly contributed l)y Mr. Hughes, are as follows : — 
 
 cwt. qrs. lbs. 
 
 i) 3 2 23 (25 in. 
 
 2) 407 (27 in. 
 
 3) 4 2 20 (29 in. 
 
 4) 4 3 25 (294 '11- 
 
 5) 5 3 13 (32 in. 
 
 6) 7 I 26 (35 in. 
 
 T.R.E. 18 Sept. 1552. ' Inip'mis iij belles in the steple.' {Essex Airh. Trans. N.S. i. 
 p. 21). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 473) : '4 bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 50) the same. 
 
 Essex Review, 1897, p. 47. 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death ; two strokes for male, three for female. 
 
 No other customs. 
 
 Thanks to the Very Rev. A. Page, until recently Rector.
 
 TENDRING TEY, GREAT 4O7 
 
 TERLING. All Sainls. Five bells. 
 
 1. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1863. 
 
 On waist :— ^- eLlis°'^'^^' I CHURCH WARDENS. (31^ in. 
 
 2. THO = GARDINER ^ SUDBURY ^ FHCIT ^ 1723 f^^^^ • • • 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 3. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1623 (35 in. 
 
 4. t taylor w ' speakman: church wardens thomas hears of london fecit. . 
 Recast 
 
 (2nd line : — ) 1810 (38 in. 
 
 5. T. OSBORN DOWNHAM FECIT 1783:--- PERCUTE DULCE CANO:--. | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | 
 • Wm ORTON GEO. TAYLOR Ch WARDENS (42 in. 
 
 Rehung in 1895 by Bowell of Ipswich. Tenor 14 cwt., note G. .Square form of U on 2nd. 
 
 The letter R seems to have been omitted at the beginning of the inscription on the 4th. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 12S) ; '5 bells.' Muilman (i. p. 375) describes the fall of the steeple in 
 1730, 'the bells, five in number,' being 'suspended in the frame, supported only by the east 
 side of the steeple,' etc. 
 
 Essex Rcvif'iv, 1897, p. 146, 1895, p. 143. 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death ; usual tellers both at beginning and end of peal. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. Cecil Bright, Ringer. 
 
 The Churchwardens' Accounts include payments for the following repairs : — 
 
 1669 to John White for a fontline (?) & Baldrick 00 
 
 for iron work for y= bells 01 
 
 for making and . . . ing y= bell wheels 01 
 
 for a set of bell ropes 01 
 
 for hoopes for y^ bells wheels 00 
 
 for nayles for y'= bells 00 
 
 1697 Nov. y'= 24 for anew bell wheel 01 
 
 They also record payments to the ringers on 'Thanksgiving Day' 1685 (defeat of 
 Monmouth) 5s. : in 1688 3s. 6d. for the landing of the Prince of Orange, and the same year, 
 Feb. 14, for the King and Queen 2s. 6d. In 1702 for the taking of Vigo 5s., in 1704 for 
 Admiral Rooke's victory 6s. ; on 'Thanksgiving Day ' Sept. 7. 1704, 6s. ; in 1709 ' when the 
 Bishop was in town ' 6s. 
 
 TEY, GREAT. St. Barnabas. Eight bells. 
 
 I- WILLIAM STEBBING MARK GRIMES lOHN ^^t^ii^^ii^^^^^Su^^Z'^ 
 
 DARBIE *5DiMSP?c)S* ^'^DE <5^M^^D^^j^^^ ME 
 
 ♦^Stiaii^i^^^^DSi* '<^82 (,6in. 
 
 OI 
 
 06 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 09 
 
 00 
 
 01 
 
 06 
 
 02 
 
 06 
 
 02 
 
 07 
 
 00 
 
 00
 
 4o8 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2. The same. (27 in. 
 
 3. lOHN *5c»e;urie<v;^^ DARBIE ^5^yyl:iM?^^9?^ MADE 
 *S>ir8iS^S§S* ^E ♦5DiMS^<?:^^ 1671 <^W^M^^^M^^ 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 4- JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT \19>^ (32 i"- 
 
 5. The same. (34 i'l- 
 
 6. J. HARRINGTON & J. COCK C WARDENS JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD 
 FECIT \1Q^ (36 in- 
 
 7 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1626 (39 in. 
 
 8. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1629 (42 in. 
 
 Tenor 15 cwt., note G. Bells rehung in new frames, 1896. 
 
 T.R.E. II Sept, 1552. 'In Primis iiij bells w' a hand liell.' {Essex Arch. Tra/is. 'N.S. 
 
 iii. p. 56). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 208) and Muilman (vi. p. 191): 'eight tuneable Bells.' 
 
 See Esse.x Heviezv, 1893, p. 237, and 1897, p. 133; for Belfry Records, Church Bells, 2 
 
 Nov. 1872. 
 
 TEY, LITTLE. St. James. (One bell. 
 
 I. HENRY + PLEASANT ± DID \ ME ;[ RVN +++ ANNO +^+ 1701 
 \+ (30 in. 
 
 Pleasant had a weakness for rhyme, as we have seen at All Saints, Maldon. The stops 
 are >J< in various combinations. See p. 123. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 205) : 'one Bell.' Muilman (\i. p. 187) the same. 
 Essex Review, 1893, p. 237. 
 
 TEY, MARK'S. St. Andrew. One bell. 
 
 I. Pack & Chapman of London fecit 1772 <:x*x;> (39 in- 
 
 T.R.E. 20 Sept. 1552 : 'It iij belles wt a saunce bell.' {East Anglian, N.S. ii. 19). 
 Morant (ii. p. 204): 'two Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 185) the same. 
 Essex Review, 1893, p. 237.
 
 TEY, MARK S THAXTED 
 
 THAXTED, St. John Baptist. 
 
 1. RECAST BY VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTION 1778 <;<X>00> 
 2ild line :— MEARS & C ' LONDON FECIT 
 
 2. RAISED BY VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTION 1778 
 2nd line : — MEARS & C" LONDON FECIT 
 
 3. As No. I. 
 
 4. THO = GARDlNER 
 
 SUDBURY 
 
 FECIT -'''■'' 
 
 409 
 8 + I liclLs. 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 (29 in. 
 (3 1 J in. 
 
 ^ W '^'54 
 
 * # 
 
 THO = GARl)!NER 
 
 6. 10S = S.4WARl) 
 
 lOHN 
 
 SUDBURY 
 
 WESTWOOD 
 
 FECIT 
 
 CHURCH 
 
 M 17^4 M 
 
 7. lOSEPH ^ SAWARD 
 WARDENS •^ 1734 
 
 (34 in. 
 
 1734 
 
 (37 in. 
 
 WARDENS 
 
 {39I in. 
 
 • • • 
 
 WESTWOOD >^ CHURCH 
 
 (43 in. 
 
 8. RICHARD WHITE VICAR ;: THO?. BRAND & MATHEW RANDALL CHURCH WARDENS 1778 
 < >000> MEARS & Co LONDON FECIT <; x x x x x x> (46 in. 
 
 Clock bell. THE GIFT OF SIR WILLIAM SMYTH BARt 1821 ^JT" 
 
 BeloTV :— T- MEARS OF LONDON FECIT. 
 
 (24 in. 
 
 1-3 and 8 hy William Mears when founding independently (see p. 138). Tenor 17 cwt. 
 
 Sir William Smyth (see Clock Bell) was Lord of the Manor. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 444) ; 'six Bells.' 
 
 Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 107. 
 
 The Rev. G. E. Symonds, late Vicar, wrote to Mr. North as follows : — 
 
 'In 1778 it appears there were only si.K Bells, and the Tenor through carelessness on the part 
 of one of the Ringers having become injured it was determined to take it down, and as its weight 
 was 22 cwt. to take some from it and from one of the other bells — to recast and make a new Tenor 
 and 3 new Bells, 1, 2, 3. This was done, and the three, i.e. Tenor, ist. and 2nd were maiden bells. 
 Then came out the eight Bells and more beautiful ones are not to be found in Esse.x.' 
 
 52
 
 _,[0 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 'This accounts for the word RKCAS T on the treble, which is more strictly speaking a new 
 hell. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell sometimes immediately after death, hut more usually 12 or 24 hours after ; 
 tenor bell used; tellers 3x3 for men, 2 x 3 for women, then toll for 20 minutes. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for 20 minutes before Services, then 4th and 5th bells singly, 
 each for five minutes ; Sermon Bell at i p.m. 
 
 Cleaning Rell formerly at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
 
 On occasion of a Fire, two bells are 'clanged.' 
 
 Curfew rung nightly on week days from 25 September to 10 March, except from Christmas 
 Vac to Plough Monday: fifth bell used. Formerly the same bell was rung daily at 4 a.m. 
 (■ Morning Ave Bell'). 
 
 I'or Daily Services, third and fourth bells tolled. 
 
 Peals are rung on Christmas Day, Easter Day, New Year's Eve, Harvest I'estival, and 
 
 29th of May. 
 
 There is an endowment of iis. 4d. annually for bell-ropes, charged on a piece of pasture 
 land on Goddard's Farm, locally known as ' Bell Rope Piece.' 
 
 Local tradition still points out the spot where some of the bells were recast, but whether 
 those of 1734 is unknown. 
 
 The following entries occur in the Parish accounts :— 
 
 1 77 1. To Wm Moor for Leather to 6th bell 006 
 
 1773. To Wm Moor for Leather to 3rd bell and for a day's help at the bell frame -016 
 
 1775. To hanging the Treble Bell 5 5° 
 
 1777. To Jos. Smith for Carriage of Trebble Bell 15° 
 
 1778-9 To Thos Moss for taking down Tenor Bell 066 
 
 I'art of Mr. Wm. Meats' Bill for casting and recasting Hells, &:c. - - - - 30 18 8 
 
 - - - - 86 I I 
 
 ), n " 
 
 Reed. Geo. Gray the sum of ten pounds and eleven shillings being a \oluntary gift towards 
 
 completing the Tenor liell one third of the expence 
 
 Reed, by Mr. Thos. Brand His part of the rate at 6d. in the £ - - - - 30 1 1 6 
 
 Raised by subscription for re-casting old Treble and Clock bell and casting new 
 
 second 42 o o 
 
 1779. To John Harris for L-iking down the Bells 1 S 6 
 
 1 782. Leather for Bell Clappers etc. 020 
 
 Very hearty thanks (says Stahlschmidt) to the late Vicar, the Rev. G. E. Symonds ; thanks 
 also to Rev. L. S. Westall, the present Vicar. 
 
 THEYDON BOIS. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 1- <Slioma!5 wcius Hccit Ltonbini 
 
 On waist:- i7.rc ©iimpan.i c vcfiacta vcfoviudt.i cot 
 shcijlion I30ts G. r^amnlcton i?iistovc 
 
 fi D 1S43 (28^ in-
 
 THAXTED THEYDON MOUNT 
 
 411 
 
 2. ^anc^a jl^argareta Ova :Cro S)Mi& 
 
 3 ^ # V E 
 
 (32. J ill. 
 
 Q 
 
 i 
 
 U67 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 ist: It is strange to find the sober Thomas Mears breaking out into black letter; his 
 successors did so occasionally, but this seems to be the only instance of his being affected by 
 the Gothic revival. 
 
 2nd : by John Danyell ; see p. 34. The Royal arms are uncrowned. 
 
 3rd: see p. 67 and PI. XXII. 
 
 On the frame are the date 1727 and the initials -SH. 
 
 T.R.E. ' It. iij Bells in the Stepill whereof the great bell is iiij fote & di. in depth it 
 the breadeth a yerde, the seconde is in depth ij fote & halfe & breadeth ij fote X di 
 iiij ynches the lytcU bell ij fote in depnes and ij fote di. in wydenes.' (Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. 
 ii. p. 236). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 163): '3 Bells in a little wooden turret.' Muilman (iii. p. 411) '3 bells.' 
 
 THEYDON GERNON. All .Saints. 
 
 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1628 
 
 The same. 
 The same. 
 The same. 
 
 •'ive 
 
 bells 
 
 (31 
 
 in. 
 
 (34 
 
 in. 
 
 (36 
 
 in. 
 
 (39 
 
 ill. 
 
 SAMUEL LAKE CHURCH WARDEN RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1732 
 
 (42^ in. 
 
 On the first two the ME is close to the date ; on the other two, more space between. 
 Tenor one of Phelps' latest bells, in his ordinary lettering. 
 
 ' The bells are tied up sideways, and the clappers are wired so that by turning a handle 
 the bells are struck.' (E. J. W.). 
 
 See below under Widdington for a tradition in connection with these bells. 
 Muilman (iii. p. 403) : ' 5 bells.' 
 
 THEYDON MOUNT. 
 
 St. Michael. 
 
 One bell. 
 
 I. lOHN CLIFTON MADE ME lOHN FEILD CHVRCH 
 WARDENS 1635 (3iiin 
 
 Morant (i. p. 158): 'only i Bell.' Muilman (iii. p. 395): ' i bell.'
 
 412 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 THORINGTON. St. Mary Magdalene. Six bells. 
 
 I- MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON. 
 Oil waist : — i am thu sixth, the first did kino 
 
 7HK YEAR OF CROWNING 'EUWARU' KING. 
 
 A.D. (J 1902 
 
 A. CALDECOTT, RECTOR. 
 
 J. F. J. GRANDJEAN, CURATE. 
 
 C. H. CHISNALLI 
 
 CHURCHWARDENS 
 F. D. GIRI.ING ) 
 
 On the soiiiid-bow : — ■ w. j. nevard, gratuitously hung this bell (26 in. 
 
 di ciiriEliDV ^lll u-u-rn- An ,„,„ A* jls. Jls. ^TIs 
 
 2. THO = GARDINER Vfi" SUDBURY *j^ FECIT ^ 1732 ^ 
 
 (27 in. 
 
 3. THO = GARDlNER ♦^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT ^ <^ 1732 •^ "^ 
 
 (29 in. 
 
 4. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1860. 
 
 On the wnist : — roj^i Anns anii phtEm. (30 m. 
 
 5- Sit Romcn Domini Bcncbictum W^ ^^ \Jt4 ^^^' '"• 
 
 6. THOMAS ♦;^ GARDINER •^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT «:^ ^ 1732 "^ 
 
 {38 in. 
 
 In good order. The treble is an entirely new bell. It has angular cannons, and on the 
 waist is a bust of Edward VII. to right. 5th by Henry Jordan ; ' I'owdrell ' capitals. See p. 37. 
 Weights: i) 3 cwt. 3 qrs. 10 lbs. 4) 5J, cwt. 
 
 2) 4^ cwt. 5) 7 cwt. 
 
 3) 5 cwt. 6) 9 cwt. 
 
 T.R.E. 21 Sept. 1552. ' Itm iiij bells in the steppell.' (Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. i. p. 22). 
 Morant (i. p. 451): '5 liclls.' Muilman (vi. p. 17) the same. 
 Essex Review, 1897, p. 48. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell 12 hours after death ; tellers, 3 for male, 2 for female, one for child. Muffled 
 peals rung on Sunday following for clergy or cliurch officials.
 
 THORINGTON THUNDERLEY 4I3 
 
 On Sundays bells rung or chimed for 15 or 30 minutes; one bell at 8 a.m., when there is 
 service. 
 
 Ringing on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. 
 
 A bell rung for Vestry meetings. 
 
 There is a peal board recording 5,040 changes rung on 28 Jan., 1905. 
 
 The bells are said to be of very fine tone and quality. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. Dr. Caldecott, until recently Rector. 
 
 THORPE-LE-SOKEN. St. Mary. Five bells. 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1866. (28^ in. 
 
 2. J- WARNER & J. BENTFIELD C" WARDENS : T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1819 
 
 (29 in. 
 
 3- THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843 (31 in. 
 
 4- CHARLES (.I'O'-^i^r) NEWMAN (.border) MADE {I'ordn-) MEE d'order) 
 
 I6^'8 (34 i" 
 
 5- MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1880. 
 
 On waist :— THIS BELL WAS RECAST 1880. 
 
 ORIGINAL DATE 1688. /^yi in. 
 
 Tenor 9^ cwt. 'J"he old treble was inscribed: — 
 
 # sum ® nosp ® euiiSpgp ^ mimoi ® t^psefjinp ® yo^psp 
 
 resembling the ist at dt. Holland and the 2nd at Tolleshunt Major; see p. 22. The old 
 tenor was inscribed e.xactly as the present 4th. 
 
 Inventory of 1297 : 'Item deficit campanarium. Item ij campane.' 
 
 1458 : 'Tres campane manuales. Campanile patitur defectum in coopertura 
 scindularum et in eodem sunt tres campane insimul concordantes.' 
 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552 ' . . . . in the Stepyll and a bell called a .Sancts bell . . . . iij bells 
 comonly called hand bells.' (Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. i. p. 24). 
 Morant (i. p. 482): '5 Bells.' Muilman (vi. [). 70) the same. 
 Essex Review., 1897, p. 47. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell rung as soon after death as convenient. 
 
 On Sundays a bell tolled for service at 8 a.m., ringing for other services. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve and for weddings when desired. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. E. F. Robins, Vicar. 
 
 THUNDERLEY. Eaksia deslrucfa. See Wimbish.
 
 414 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 THUNDERSLEY. St. Peter. Two hells. 
 
 I. No inscription. (26 in. 
 
 ' R<^'*l-^<-'i*tu6 mot -ty- mc ^ fecit -f 15SS (^ (r- i"- 
 
 The cross on the second does not occur elsewhere. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 266) : ' 2 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 160) the same. 
 
 THURROCK GRAYS, see Grays Thurrock. 
 
 THURROCK, LITTLE. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 I. RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 17" (21 '" 
 
 Plain lettering, not like that at Ramsden Bellhouse, afterwards used by Lester; seep. 134. 
 
 Palin in Stifford and N'cighhourhood, p. 88, mentions from the Churchwardens' Accounts 
 a resolution of the \'estry in 1 7 1 1 to move the bell from the inside of the church to its present 
 unostentatious position outside, ' that it might be better heard.' There is also a bill for re- 
 hanging and 'running' it. 
 
 THURROCK, WEST. St. Clement. Three bells. 
 
 1. lOHN PETCHY (/w</<v- PI. XXV, 3) RICHARD HARVELL l6e2 {border as hefore) 
 
 (35 in- 
 
 2. The same. (37 in. 
 
 3. lOHN PETCHY RICHARD HARVELL {/wrdfr PL XXV., 4) I6e2 (40 in. 
 
 All in John Clifton's lettering, but they must be his earliest bells, as Thomas Bartlet only 
 died in 1632. The border on the first two consists of alternate crosses and fleurs-de-lys linked 
 by scrolls ; that on the third of arcading with fleurs-de-lys in each arch, extending about half- 
 way round the bell. See p. 75 and PL XXV., Figs. 3, 4. 
 
 The frames are curiously arranged, three pits being [)laccd diagonally (from N.E. to S.W.), 
 one of which has never been occupied ; I >^i in a fourth pit on one side and at right 
 
 angles to the others is the treble ; and y'V\y^ "" ^'^'^ other side is ample space for a 
 
 fifth bell. Stahlschmidt notes: — 'Three /vOn^ very fine maiden bells, doomed, I fear, 
 to come to grief ere long from being [y-^ \x^ " clocked ; " in bad order, only one 
 having both wheel and stay ; of the other two one has a wheel, the other a stay. It is a great 
 pity, as a very small expenditure would put them in good ringing order.' 
 
 T.R.E. 3 Oct. 1552. ' ffyrste the bells wayying by extymasion xviijc' {Essex Arch. 
 Trans. N.S. ii. p. 175). 
 
 Muilman (iv. \). 357) : '3 bells.'
 
 THUNDERSLEY TILBURY, EAST 4I5 
 
 Mr. H. W. King notes that in the church there is a monumental inscription for John 
 Patchy, and three for persons of the name of Harvell. 
 See also Palin, More about S/ifford, p. 159. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell for one hour when notice is given ; tolling for ten minutes before a funeral. 
 
 On New Year's Eve twelve strokes are given at midnight. 
 
 Bells rung for ten minutes after weddings. 
 
 Many thanks to Rev. J. W. Hayes, Vicar, who also kindly sends us notes of a tradition 
 that there were formerly six bells, but that some fiddlers came over one night from Kent and 
 stole them. In crossing the river the boat sank, whence that part of it has been known since 
 as 'Fiddlers' Reach.' The story is obviously improbable, and there was a noted smuggler 
 called Fiddler who is much more likely to be the eponymous hero. 
 
 At PuRFLEET is a Chapel-ofEase, with presumably one modern bell. 
 TILBURY-BY-CLARE. Two bells. 
 
 1. THO = GARDlNER 4^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT -^ 1729 (24 in. 
 
 2. MILES GRAIE MADE ME 1607 (26 in. 
 
 The steeple has contained three bells at some time ; the pit for the other still remains. 
 
 The type on the second bell is a smaller version of that ordinarily used by Graye ; the S 
 reversed. Cf. Kelvedon tenor. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 336) : ' 2 Bells ; there is a frame for another, and according to tradition the 
 biggest Bell was given to Hedingham Castle.' 
 
 Mailman (ii. p. 204) has the same. 
 
 See Essex Jievieiv, 1898, p. 233. 
 
 TILBURY, EAST. St. Margaret. One bell. 
 
 1. SOLI {border) DEO (/""-der) GLORIA {^'onier) |629 /'order) 
 
 Beloiv:— shield H F I C (26 in. 
 
 This bell is apparently by William Oldfield, a member of the well-known bell founding 
 family, who was working at York about this time. See p. 106 and Poppleton in Yorks. Arch. 
 Juuin., xviii. (1904), p. 96. Mr. Poppleton tells me he has not found the shield with 'William 
 Oldfield made mee ' (PI. XXX. 9) as here, but has come across the ornamental border, and the 
 lettering and date figures are also common in West Yorkshire, in conjunction with a plain 
 cross ; but such bells he has not been able to identify as William Oldfield's with any certainty. 
 Perhaps this bell gives the required clue. 
 
 There is framing for three bells. Local tradition atifirms that the church tower was 
 battered down by the Dutch when they sailed up the Thames in 1667, and that the bells were 
 taken away and thrown into the river. Stahlschmidt doubted the truth of the tradition.
 
 4i6 
 
 THE CHURCH RHI.LS OF ESSEX 
 
 owing to the earlier date of the existing bell.' Rut might not this really prove its correctness, 
 if the bell was obtained second-hand to supply the jilace of the lost bells ? Otherwise it is 
 difficult to explain the presence of a bell from Yorkshire in this locality. Morant (i. p. 235) 
 copying from Salmon (p. 303), says, 'a humble wooden frame with two Bells,' and Muilman 
 (v. p. 99) ' 2 bells ; ' but this does not affect the question, as they may be inaccurate. 
 
 Palin in Stiffoid and Neighbourhood, p. 112, quoting from H. W. King's notes, says 'now 
 three, but only one fit for use.' 
 
 .St. James. 
 
 TILBURY, WEST. 
 
 1. Omvaist:— 1694 IB (252 i" 
 
 2. T F 1695 • 3R3ECitS"r 3B~5r GILLETT & Co C3aO~5rX)OKr 1883 
 Below, a row of flowers. (26 J, in 
 
 3. T F 1694 
 
 MADE ME Iba 
 
 bells. 
 
 4. THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1621 
 
 On waist : — 
 
 T F 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 (32 in. 
 (35 i'l- 
 
 1st: apparently by James Cartlet ; it does not resemble tlu; 3rd and 5di, the lines being 
 different and the date-figures smaller. 
 
 2nd : old inscriptioii reproduced in facsimile ; border of flowers on waist ; angular cannons ; 
 the coin impression is from a sovereign of Queen Victoria. This originally, and the present 
 3rd and sth appear to have been all cast by John Wood (see p. 117), whose initials appear on 
 the 3rd. The date-figures on the 3rd (1694) give a clue to the founder of the bells at Chad- 
 well and Stanford-le-Hope. The lower inscription on the 3rd is only scratched in the cope. 
 I suspect here a partnership between Wood and Bartlet. The 3rd and 5th are poor castings; 
 the latter is said to weight 10 cwt., but must be less. All in good order, but somewhat 
 cramped; clock strikes on 2nd. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 232) : 'five Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 94) the same. 
 
 Palin, Stifford and Neighbourhood, p. 97. 
 
 '.\ recent pa|)cr by Mr. Miller Christy in llie Essex Review, 1905, p. 221 If., lias practically confirmed the 
 truth of the tradition (apart (loni the i|uestion of the bells).
 
 TILBURY TILLING HAM 
 
 TILBURY DOCKS, see Chadwell. 
 TILLINGHAM. St. Nicholas. 
 
 I. C/I>S'r BY J()}1]V W^R]\IEK ^i ^ONS Ii0IVD0j\. 
 
 TO TPE GIiORY OK GOD 
 TJIE GIFT OK Jil/IRY fiW/i ^E^BROOK 
 1SS9. 
 V/IIiLI/IM CO^fSE piIiliER vir^it 
 
 417 
 
 Six bells. 
 
 ^ Sauctc # liiiai 
 
 
 lobanncs Est P.onicu Eius SSi 
 
 (24 in. 
 
 (25 in. 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 4. lOHN ^D^ytiZ^JSi^?;^^ DARBIE *5c»a;iip^<?^^ MADE 
 *j^fi^i2StvJ^^ ^E ^ 1684 RW 
 
 On the K'aist :- 
 
 C.R., cro%vucd, with mantling. 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 5- CAP ^V- HOLLIN WORTH -.'^ I AMES # MASCALL # CH vr 
 WARDS n 
 
 Below:— \-jq-j ;;J: (si n^- 
 
 6. lOHN ♦jDiMSSiffJSi'* DARBIE *5s>i'MSSv^S^^ MADE 
 
 RW CW 
 
 On the waist : — C.R., crowned, ivith mantling. 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 The treble is a new bell. 
 
 2nd by Wiliiani Culverden; cross PI. VII., 5. Cf. Wicken Bonant ist. 
 3rd by Henry Jordan; cross PI. XII., 9 between the two shields. 
 4th and 6th : CR = Carolus Rex. 
 
 Sth by Henry Pleasant. There is a monument in the church to James Mascall, who died 
 in 1790, aged 52, probably a grandson of this one {Essex Review, 1893, p. 157). 
 
 53
 
 4l8 THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Inventory of 1297 : ' Campanarium bene roopertuni cum iij campanis sulificienter cordales.' 
 1458: ' Tria tintinnabula, due campane manuales, quatuor campane in 
 campanile concordantes.' 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. 'It'm iij bells weying by estymac'on xxxc' (Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 
 
 230- 
 
 Morant (i. p. 372): '5 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 354) the same. 
 
 See Essex Revie'w, 1893, p. 158. 
 
 Death Knell : tenor for adults, a smaller one for children ; tellers 3x3 for male, 3x2 for 
 children, then toll for an hour. 
 
 On Sundays, bells formerly chimed at 8 a.m. (probably ' Matins ' Bell) ; tenor rung at 
 9 a.m. ('Mass' Bell). For Services bells chimed for 15 minutes ; 'toll in' on treble. 
 
 On Good Friday the tenor is tolled from noon to 3 p.m. 
 
 TILTY. B. V. M. One bell. 
 
 - lOHN CLiflHKE mADE me 16 m^n. 
 
 Stahlschmidt says ; — 
 
 ' I regret I did not get the date complete. The bell was remarkably difficult of access, 
 and my movements were somewhat hastened by the fact that within three feet of my head, 
 whilst I was rubbing, was the largest and most populous hornet's nest I have ever seen. I 
 would recommend any very enthusiastic campanist who may be in the neighbourhood to try 
 and complete the inscription.' 
 
 Our predecessor's hornet's nest has disappeared, and may be said to have proved a ' mare's 
 nest,' as the bell was successfully investigated by Mr. C. H. Hawkins in February, 1906, with 
 the result that the two remaining figures of the date were proved to be non-existent I See p. 85. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 436) : 'only i Bell.' 
 
 Best thanks to Mr C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 TIPTREE HEATH. St. Luke. One bell. 
 
 The Vicar, writing in \.\\e Essex Review, 1893, P- 2^^' says, 'I am afraid our bell is in- 
 accessible, so that it is not possible to find an inscri[)tion if any. It is so small that probably 
 there is none. It is not bigger than some school bells. H. dk Romestin, 'J'iptree.' 
 
 The church was built in 1855, and consecrated 1859, the parish being formed from six 
 adjacent ones; but the church actually stands in the civil parish of Tolleshunt Kniglits. 
 
 TOLLESBURY. St. Mary. Si.x bells. 
 
 I. T. MEARS LONDON. 1796. OOOCX RECAST 1904. OCOO. 
 BOWELL. FOUNDER. IPSWICH. 
 W. CARTER VICAR. 
 
 w. ?S5s?|c""«'^"^*«"Ns. (,3i„
 
 TILLINGHAM TOLLESBURY 419 
 
 2. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS. LONDON. (26 ill. 
 
 3. MILES GRAIE MADE ME 1604 (28 in. 
 
 4. THO = GARDINER ^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT ^ 1728 ♦^ • • • • 
 
 (29 in. 
 
 5- MILES G^aVE MaOE :•. ME 9 l6fei (31 i"- 
 
 6. JEREMIAH EASTER & JACOB RICE CHURCH WARDENS <X'-X.> THO^ MEARS OF LONDON 
 FECIT 1794 <;.x-X'.> (34i in. 
 
 A light ring ; tenor used for clock. The old treble was inscribed : 
 
 THQs MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1796 <.X>>C> (25^ in. 
 
 Ornament on ist, PI. XXIV. 8. The 2nd was put up in 1872. 
 
 3rd : an early e.xample of Miles Graye ; cf. Bulmer 2nd ; medium plain lettering, as at 
 Great Bardfield. See p. 93. 
 
 4Lh : the coins are said to bear date 17 19. 
 
 Frame repaired by Bowell, and three bells quarter-turned. 
 
 Weights and notes: — i) 3i cwt. F sharp. 4) 5^ cwt. C sharp. 
 
 2) 4 cwt. 25 lbs. E. 5) 6 cwt. B. 
 
 3) 5 cwt. \). 6) 8 cwt. A. 
 
 T.R.E. ' It'm iiij grette bells w'h a lytlell bell in the steaple.' {Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 
 276). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 403) : ' 5 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 409) the same. 
 
 Essex Review, 1894, p. 65, 1905, p. 53. 
 
 There is an entry in the Register of Baptisms for 1633 : ' Ve 26 day of November, 1633, 
 ye bells were hung in yc church steeple.' This probably only refers to a re-hanging ; otherwise 
 it is quite likely that one bell at least of that date would remain ; besides there is still the 3rd 
 of an earlier date remaining. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell : Tenor for adults, treble for children ; within 24 hours of death. 
 
 On Sundays, bells chimed at 8 a.m. (formerly tenor rung) ; ringing for other services when 
 possible ; tenor tolled for week-day services. 
 
 Peals on eve and early morning of Christmas and Easter ; a muffled peal on New Year's 
 Eve in contemplation. Also ringing after weddings. 
 
 Tenor rung for Vestry meeting on Easter Monday. 
 
 A 'clock acre' provides funds for the man who winds the clock. There is a story of a 
 ringer who hung his cap in the tower and said that when it fell down he would be dead ; both 
 events actually occurred with proper simultaneousness !
 
 420 THE CHURCH BELLS OF f.SSf.X 
 
 Another tradition is recorded by Muilman (v. p. 410) that under a stone in the belfry lies 
 one Martin, a beggar, who on his death-bed discovered two pots of money which he had hid, 
 and appointed two bells to be bought with it, which were accordingly hung up. 
 Best thanks to Rev. \V Carter, Vicar. 
 
 TOLLESBURY. GUISNES COURT. 
 
 m :^ m mm » sro » pbtD 
 
 (24 in. 
 
 This bell, now the property of T. G. Binney, Esq., formerly hung in a cupola on the top 
 of the tower of St. Peter's, Colchester, where it was originally the sanctus or the clock bell. It 
 was there seen by Mr. Tyssen and a rubbing marked ' St. Peter, Colchester ' is in his collection, 
 whence it was described in the £ssi'x Jievie^v, 1893, p. 185, as belonging to that church. 
 Two of the cannons are broken off. 
 
 It is evidently a late example from the Bury foundry, with cross as at Ashdon, the 
 usual small stop, and the Bury a; see p. 54. The inscription appears to be quite untranslate- 
 able. 
 
 For information as to the present whereabouts of this bell we are indebted to Mr. R. L. 
 Hobson of the British Museum, and also to the Rev. H. T. W. Eyre, who kindly examined it 
 in situ. 
 
 TOLLESHUNT D'ARCY. St. Nicholas. Five bell.s. 
 
 1. jNo PERRY & SAMi WORRELL CH WARDENS 8gp PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT 
 1772 OgO 
 
 2. The same. 
 
 3. The same. 
 
 4. THOMAS H GARDlNbR 4^ SUDBURY vj^ W^ FHCIT ^^ 
 
 5. lOHN PbARY ^ SAMUHL WORRELL ^ C + W •^ 1-G FECIT 4^ 
 
 1755 (31 in- 
 
 5th: John Peary is presunial)ly the John Perry of the first three: the initial I is of (lothic 
 type. 
 
 'Not in ringing order' (1904). 
 
 T.R.i;. 'Imprimis three greate belles in the steple a hand bell.' (Sold) 'an old hand 
 bell.' (/'Jssex Arch. Trans, x. p. 277). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 400): '3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 402) the same. 
 Essex Revie.v, 1894, p. 65. 
 
 (25 
 
 in. 
 
 (27 
 
 in. 
 
 (28| 
 
 in. 
 
 ^m 
 
 '755 
 
 (3> 
 
 in.
 
 fOLLESBURY tOLLESHUNT 4! 1 
 
 Death Knell 24 hours after death ; 3, 2, or i at intervals for an hour (for man, woman, or 
 child) ; then toil age. Tolling at Funerals. 
 
 On Sundays the tenor has been rung at 8 a.m. from time immemorial, as also on 
 Christmas Day and Good Friday ; for services, ringing for twenty minutes, lolling for ten. 
 
 Treble rung for a few minutes before Vestry meetings. 
 
 Thanks to the Rev. R. V. O. Graves, Vicar. 
 
 TOLLESHUNT KNIGHTS. All Saints. Two bells. 
 
 1. MILES :•. GRAVE •.. MADE ■.: ME r. 1664 (25 in. 
 
 2. *4« KICARDVS BOWLER ME FECIT IS95 (28 in. 
 
 For the 2nd of. Markshall bell; and see p. 87. 
 
 T.R.E ' iij bells in the stepull ij hand bellys.' (Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 278). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 394) : 'two Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 396) the same. 
 
 Essex Review, 1894, p. 66. 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death ; larger bell for all over twelve, treble for all under. 
 Bell tolled for an hour, three strokes every five minutes for a male, two similarly for a woman 
 or child. (This use is very abnormal). 
 
 ]''or Ser%ices, bells chimed at the quarter before ; ' toll in ' for last five minutes on larger 
 bell. 
 
 TOLLESHUNT MAJOR. St. Nicholas. Three bells. 
 
 1. Blank. (27 in. 
 
 2. On the sJiojiUcr : — ^^ ^^v 
 
 ® uox ^ GDupi^Di ® soae© ® m ® fiufje @ oei (29 in. 
 
 3. THOMAS ^ GARDINER ^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT ^ 1726 • • • • 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 2nd: By a predecessor of William Dawe ; 'small laver ' shield on shoulder: cross, Herts, 
 fig. 7, and wheel stop as at Great Holland and Bradfield ; small set of capitals as at Great 
 Holland. See PI. VHI. and p. 52. Dedications to St. Edward are rare on bells, but there is 
 another at Weeley. 
 
 T.R.E. ' It', in the styple iij bells.' (Sold) ' p'sessho ' bell.' {Essex Arc/i. Trans, v. p. 
 278). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 392): 'three Bells.' iMuilman (v. p. 390) the same. 
 Essex tievieiv, 1894, p. 66. 
 
 Death Knell as soon as possible after death ; tolling only ; age recorded. 
 On Sundays chiming followed by one bell for five minutes.
 
 4^2 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Ringing for weddings when required ; on Festivals and Holy Days, chiming for services as 
 on Sunday. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. E. P. Henderson, Vicar. 
 
 TOPPESFIELD. St. Margaret. Five bells. 
 
 1. CLEMENT i: EDWARDS v. CHVRCHWARDEN « 1702 « H 
 
 P :• 
 
 (294- in. 
 
 o 
 
 2. ANTHONY BARTLET MADE ME 1675 ^S (31I in. 
 
 The same. {34 in. 
 
 4. The same. (37 in. 
 
 5. REVi' GEORGE PAWSON EECTOR. THOMAS PARTRIDGE CHURCH WARDEN 1779 PACK & 
 CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECERUNT <^>^XX*>Z> (41 in. 
 
 1st; large jilain letters; stops = small crosses ; seep. 123. 2nd and 4th : N's reversed ; 
 trademark below line. 4th : between the words and after date are coins of Charles II. These 
 are almost the latest of -Vnthony Bartlet's bells. In good order ; modern frames. 
 
 A note at the beginning of the Parish Register says ' Toppefield Steple fell downe July 
 the forth day 16S9 and five bells and the litle bel broke all to peeceis.' If this is correct, where 
 did the present 2nd, 3rd and 4th come from? Possibly the entry is mis-dated, and should 
 read 1669. But White's History states that the tower was rebuilt in 1699. Probably these 
 bells were purchased from some other church ; it is not usual to find Bartlet bells so far away 
 from London. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 362). '5 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 221) the same. 
 
 See Esse.x Review, i8g8, p. 233. 
 
 No peculiar uses. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. C. H. Bowly, Rector. 
 
 TOTHAM, GREAT. St. Peter. 
 
 1. C/Ifi'li BY JOPIV W^RIVEK § fS0]V>S I((J]V1)()]V ]S7S- 
 
 2. The same. 
 
 3. The same. 
 
 4. The same. 
 
 5. The same. 
 
 Six 
 
 bells. 
 
 {25 
 
 in. 
 
 (26 
 
 in. 
 
 (27i 
 
 in. 
 
 (^81 
 
 in. 
 
 (31 
 
 in.
 
 TOLLESHUNT TOTHAM 423 
 
 6. C/I^'P m JOHN W/I1^]SICR ^- gO]VJ5 IiOJVDOJM. 
 
 On the waist ;— TpiJ^ 1^I]VG OK BEIJc^ W/Ig I'li/IOEI) I]V 'rpiJ5 TOV/El'^ 
 
 /IT TJIE RE,ST01^^TI0]V 
 
 ^- EJVIt/lKUEJklEJVT OH TflE OJiai^CH JjIK'p/JEIiJiJAf; ]S7S. 
 
 Fl^^JVOES EJijp/I HO^EYWOOD ^ECTOl^ }IEj\RY T. VI. EYRE YIC/JR. 
 
 JiUKK ('()T'rEEU,„,,,-,„^., ,,,^ 
 
 JVOKKIS fioi{lSS/'P"^^^f'^*^^"^J^>*- (34 in. 
 
 Weights and notes according to Warner's list : — 
 
 cwts. qrs. lbs. 
 
 
 cwts. 
 
 qrs. 11j<. 
 
 
 i) 3 2 22 
 
 (;. 
 
 4) 4 
 
 3 20 
 
 I). 
 
 2) 4 
 
 V. 
 
 5) 5 
 
 3 14 
 
 c. 
 
 3) 4 I 20 
 
 E flat. 
 
 6) 6 
 
 3 16 
 
 B flat. 
 
 er version given by the Vicar 
 
 is: — 
 
 
 
 
 cwts. qrs. lbs. 
 
 
 cwts. 
 
 qrs. U.S. 
 
 
 3 3 2 
 
 
 4) 5 
 
 12 
 
 
 2) 4 19 
 
 
 S) 6 
 
 7 
 
 
 3) 4 I 20 
 
 
 6) 7 
 
 II 
 
 
 This light ring of six succeeded a pair of ancient bells which, being both badly cracked, 
 were handed over to Warner in part payment. They were inscribed : 
 
 UJ UJ 
 
 Saniic pnlirc.i Ora Bro Hohie. I # S 
 
 2. *i* \^ Ave PiecA gracis 
 
 The smaller by John Sturdy (cross PL VH., i, lettering PI. V); the larger probably by 
 Thomas Laurence (see p. 44), the crosses as at Doddinghurst, except that the plain cross is a 
 smaller size, the lettering apparently the smaller set at Leaden Roothing. 
 
 T.R.E. ' Itm iij bells in the stypell Itm a Sawnce bell & a sacrynge bell.' (Essex At'ck. 
 Trans. V. p. 279). 
 
 Moranl (i. p. 3S5) and Muihnan (v. p. 379): '3 Kells.' By 1831 one of these had dis- 
 appeared, as we read in ( 1. W. Johnson's History of Great Totham, p. 9, that ' the two bells are 
 most discordant and inharmonious.' It is supposed to have been stolen about 1800. 
 
 See also Essex Review, 1894, p. 66. Rubbings of the two old bells are preserved in Ella- 
 combe's collection (Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. 33203). 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell 12 or 24 hours after death; tellers 3 strokes on all the bells in succession for 
 a male ; similarly 2 for a female. Then the age is lolled on the tenor, which is next raised and 
 rung for an hour in minute strokes. The bell is then lowered again and tellers are given 
 3x3 for a man, 3 x 2 for a woman. 'I'he treble bell is used for children under twelve. 
 
 At funerals, minute strokes for an hour before the service; bell rung more quickly as the 
 procession approaches, until it enters the porch ; tenor or treble used, according to age.
 
 424 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 On Sundays, bells chimed for half-an hour, and rung up for the last five minutes. On 
 great festivals the bells are rung instead. 
 
 On New Year's Eve a muffled peal is rung before midnight and an open one after. 
 Very many thanks to Re\. H. T. ^y. Eyre, Vicar, for help and information. 
 
 TOTHAM, LITTLE. All .Saints. Three bells. 
 
 S.inctc l?ctvc Or.i Bm nobis ^ ^ (30 in. 
 
 u. twjj „j ^u ..> y^ 
 
 S.inct.i ffl.in.i Ora Svo r^obis. ^' I S S (33 in. 
 
 3. MILES -. GRaVE MADE ;. ME j l6(-3 (3^ in- 
 
 ist: Mr. Wells thought this bell was by Agnes, widow of William Powdrell, which 
 would explain the A ; but there is no evidence that she cast bells, and although Powdrell 
 certainly used the cross PI. VI., 7, there is nothing to differentiate the bell from others certainly 
 cast by the Sturdys. (Cf. p. 19). The cross, PI. VI., 7 is repeated twice ; the capitals, including 
 apparently the A), are Bucks, xi., b, with the small, neat set of black letter. 
 
 2nd: certainly by John Sturdy; Stephen Norton's capitals crowned (PI. \'.), with the 
 smaller set for the I and S; 'smalls' as on the ist; crosses PI. VII., i, 5. 
 
 T.R.E. ' It. iij bells in the stipyll. It' a hand bell' (/lssiw Anh. Trans, v. p. 280). 
 See Essex Revieiv, 1894, p. 67. 
 
 TWINSTEAD. St. John Evangelist. One bell. 
 
 l^ 
 
 (26J in. 
 
 The shield is the well known one with three laver-pots (PI. X., 6) : it i.s on the inscrijjtion 
 band, not on the shoulder. See p. 28. 
 
 The bell is in an open gable-cot, and very difficult of access. It was removed from the 
 old church, where it formerly hung in a little wooden turret (see Morant, ii. p. 272). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 272); 'one Ik'H.' Muilinan (ii. [). 126) the same. 
 
 See Essex J^eviezv, 1894, p. iig. 
 
 Passing Bell tolled as soon as possible after death. 
 
 UGLEY. St. Peter. Three bells. 
 
 , MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1624 (27 in 
 
 2. lOHN MUMFORD ^ '^ C + W ^ THO = GARDlNER FECIT 1734 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 PRAIES THE LORD 1613 (3^^ '" 
 
 [01
 
 TOTHAM, GREAT UPTON PARK. 425 
 
 2nd : The initial I is Gothic. 
 
 3rd: liy R. Oldfield; thick letters; cross PI. XXX., 5. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. ' iij belles a sanctus v\: a hand hell all by estimac'n of .wiij weight.' 
 (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 619): '3 Bells.' Muilman (ill. p. 126) the .■-ame. 
 Essex Revieiv, 1895, p. 185. 
 
 ULTING. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 I. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1636 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 137): 'two small liells.' Muilman (i. p. 363) : '2 bells.' 
 See Essex Review, 1894, p. 67. 
 
 UPMINSTER. St. Lawre:ic3. 'Ihreebells 
 
 ^ Iflirtr 
 
 te^ fii^ yjaa 
 
 lrlDli!0 % W 
 
 (32 J in- 
 
 '■ © Robert ^ mot lnn^c Q mc ^ | 5 g 5 <> © 
 
 (39 in- 
 3. ffl GOD SAVE OVR NOBEL QVEENE ELISVBETH 1602 k^ (40 in. 
 
 ist : by Kebyll (p. 21); crosses PI. VII. 4, 5 ; capitals, PL V. This bell is accidentally 
 omitted from the list given in the Introduction, p. 2r. See p. 17 for facsimile cl inscription. 
 
 2nd : a variety of tiuatrefoils as stops ; see PI. XXIII. 
 
 3rd: apparently by Richard Iloldfell or Holdfeld of Cambridge. See p. 104 and PI. 
 XXX., Figs. 4, 6, 8, 10. 
 
 Pits for four bells (a second wanting). All in very filthy condition ; clappers tied. 
 
 T.R.E. 3 Oct. 1552. 'Itm iiij bellys by ther waythe h'yrst the grea'e bell wayying .\ij 
 hundred Itm the thyrde bell wayying x hundred Itm the seconde bell wayying vij hundred Itm 
 a saunce bell and ij hand bellys.' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. ii. p. 177). 
 
 Morant (i. p. no) : '4 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 385) the same. 
 
 Lukis, Church Bells, p. 73, gives inscription on treble. 
 
 Buckler, Churches of Essex, p. 251, gives a wood-cut of the bell framing. 
 
 UPTON PARK, see Ham, East. 
 
 54
 
 426 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 VANGE. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 I. HENRY ROACH CH.. WARDEN 1761 OCOCX (22 in- 
 
 By Lester and Pack, in Phelps' lettering, with a curious border at the end terminating in 
 fleurs-de-lys. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 245): 'In a wooden Frame .... one Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 122): 'i 
 bell.' 
 
 VICTORIA DOCKS, see Ham, A\ est. 
 
 VI RLE Y, see Salcot Virlev. 
 
 WAKE RING, GREAT. St. Nicholas. Five bells. 
 
 1. T. Mears & Son of London Fecit 1808 (28 in. 
 
 2. T. MEARS & Son of London Fecit I8O8 <:x*xxx*x:,> (29 in. 
 
 3. T//e same. (30 in. 
 
 4. The same, Inil no pattern. (32111. 
 
 5. THo^ Kennett Church Warden T: mears & Son of London fecit I8O8 ^ 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 Tenor 8 cwt. 
 
 T.R.E. Oct. 1552. 'ij bells and a saunce bell wayeiiig by est. xl. hundr.' (Sold) ' iij 
 liantl bells.' (^Essex Areh. Trans, v. p. 133). 
 Morant (i. p. 306): '4 P>dls.' 
 
 WAKERING, LITTLE. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 1. lOHANNES Y/AYLETT FESIT 1707 (26 in. 
 
 2. GORGE BAREY C W 1707 • 4- • 4- (28 in. 
 
 3. As No. I. (32 in. 
 
 All three by John W'aylett ; apparently considered locally to be of great antiquity. 
 T.R.E. Sept. 1552. 'One Saunce bell wayenge xl''.' {Essex Arek. Trans, v. p. 131). 
 
 WALTHAM ABBEY. Holy Cross and St. Lawrence. Eight bells. 
 
 1. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1806 <I i: X> "f <x + (29 in. 
 
 2. The same : after the date: — ^ [i^J (30 in.
 
 VANGE WALTHAM ABBEY 427 
 
 3. The same ; after the dixte : — 'C' "f" "1* C (32 in. 
 
 4. The same : after tlie dale : — ^ [k] -j- (34111. 
 
 5. The satne ; after the date :— "t" "i" <i {3^> in. 
 
 6. The same : after the date : — *!* C tt (j'^ in- 
 
 7. The same : after the date : — c TC^C + *lJt**f"*j5C(?+<}*f 
 
 (42 in. 
 
 8. JOHN PAIN JOHN SMITH & RICHARD BANKS C : WARDENS JOHN 
 BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1806 l" ^ + 1" c (48 in. 
 
 In good ringing order. Room for twelve. The marks after the dale on each beH are 
 similar to those at Co^.;ge,-ihall, consisting of a double triangle, a cioss Calvary, a crois pato/ice, 
 a sort of C, a diminutive bell, and on the 2nd and 4th a head of a King (PI. III. Fig. 10) 
 clearly recognisable as that of Ildward III, the same as used by John Rufford (see p. 11) at 
 Cherry Hinton, Cambs., in the 14th cent. The stamp went to Nuttinghaiii in the 15th cent., 
 and thus finally found its way down to Briant. He may have thought it represented (or 
 might represent) King Harold ! 
 
 The weights and notes are given as follows by Messrs. Mears and Stainbank : — 
 
 i) 5^ cwt. E 5) 6 cwt. A. 
 
 2) 6 cwt. D sharp. 6) loj cwt. G sharp. 
 
 3) 6^ cwt. C sharp. 7) 13 cwt. F sharp. 
 
 4) 7i cwt. 15. 8) iS cwt. K 
 
 The tenor is generally thought to weigh 19; cwt. Its predecessor weighed 18 cwt. 2 qrs. 
 16 lbs. 
 
 The bells were taken in hand by Taylor of Loughborough in 1899, were tuned and turned, 
 and hung in a new iron frame. For the following particulars relating to the history of the 
 Waltham Abbey bells we are indebted to the great kindness of the late Rev. J. H. Stamp, 
 Assistant Curate of the Abbey 1883-190S, who collected and printed many interesting details. 
 
 The ancient central tower, he states, contained eight tuneable bells given by King Harold 
 or by the Canons on his Collegiate foundation, and transferred by Henry II. to the Abbot and 
 Monks of the conventual church into which he converted the eastern i)art in 1 177-82. At the 
 Dissolution in 1540 these bells of course became the property of the Crown, but a document 
 has recently come to light in the Record Office which Mr. Stamp publishes for the first time, 
 and which contains a petition of the inhabitants to Sir Anthony Denny to use his influence with 
 the King to grant them five of the bells, then removed from the steeple on account of its unsafe 
 condition. The petition runs as follows : — ■ 
 
 'To the Right Worshipful! Master Anthony Deny. Huniblye beseeche your good mastership, 
 the inhabytants and parishioners of the towne and parishe of Waltham, to be so good master unto 
 them as to be meane unto the Kynges highnes for the tower steple there adjoining to the west ende 
 of the Abbey Cherche, and to the east end of the parish cherche, in the whyche steple is a clock and 
 viij bells, that it may please his said highnes to be so gool and gracious lorde unto the forsaid towne
 
 428 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 and parishe to gyve unto tliem the said clocke with Fyve of the forsaid bells, or as many of them all 
 shalbe bis highnes pleasure, for their parishe churche, in consyderacion that therys but one litle bell 
 belonging unto the saide parishe churche nor hath bene sithe the tyme of Kyng Henry the seconde, 
 who altered the forsaid cherche then being a coUedge, and also the parish cherche and made it an 
 Abbey separating the same from the parish cherche that now is, and reserving all the bells unto the 
 said Abbey ; now the same beying dissolvyd, the forsaid parish Cherche shalbe wiout bells and being 
 of suche povcrtye that they be not able to bye one good bell but of very necessite constrayned to 
 truste upon the bountifuU goodnesse of the Kynges majestie, unto the whyche they be not able to 
 make any sewit theymselfifs, but only by the helpe and meane of your good mastership in whom is 
 all theire specialle trust, as knowith our Lorde, to whome they shalle dayly pray for your good 
 mastership long to continue to his pleasure.' 
 
 The good services of Sir Anthony were successful, and the King granted five bells to the 
 people of Waltham, but, ignoring their plea of poverty, only on condition that they purchased 
 them of the Roj-al commissioners. They were eventually bought, taken down from the steeple 
 and suspended in a frame in the Churchyard pending the erection of a western tower. Finally 
 however their poverty compelled the people to sell them to raise funds for their new steeple. 
 Meanwhile the bells had been allowed to remain in the old tower at least until 1542, in order 
 to allow of the ringers duly honouring the king at his periodical visits. This we learn from 
 an entry in the parish accounts recorded by Dr. Fuller : 
 
 (1542) Item paid to the Ringers at the coming of the King's grace vjd 
 
 Item paid for ringing at the Prince's coming jd 
 
 In 1544 there is another entry: 
 
 Imprimis received of Adam Tanner the overplus of the money which 
 
 was gathered for the purchase of the bells £z 411 
 
 Item p.iid to Philip Wright carpenter for making a frame in the bellfrey 0184 
 
 In 1556, says Dr. Fuller, ' the parish was forced, for the perfecting of the building \i.e. the 
 new tower] to sell their bells ... so that Waltham, which formerly had steeple-less bells, now 
 had for some years a bell-less steeple.' The old steeple fell in 1552, and Strype states that 'all 
 the great bells ' fell with it, wherein, as we have seen, he was obviously misinformed. 
 
 There is no definite record to show when these five bells were first replaced ; but shortly 
 before or after the accession of James I. there appear to have been four bells, and these were 
 rung in honour of his visit shortly before his death in 1625. In 1626 the fourth bell was recast 
 at Hertford [by Oldfield], and the third bell subsequently suffered the same fate at the hands 
 of 'ould' Whitmore the bellfounder.' In 1637-8 the sum of ^17. 85. i,d. was collected for the 
 frame and ironwork. In 1656 there appear to have been five bells, for not only was the great 
 bell cast [()uery, was this a new bell?] at AVollford [Watford?] in Herts, at the cost of the rate- 
 payers, but 'the llatchelors and Maides of the Parish of Waltham Holy Cross did by Volun- 
 taire contribution purchase a new bell to the o'Ca&x five bells' thus raising the number to six." 
 The records however are somewhat confusing, as it is also stated that the other five were the 
 gift of the Earl of Carli.sle, who presented a set of chimes in 1657. Having regard to ^Vhitmore's 
 date, which covers the period 1647-56, and to the fact that he appears to have done most of his 
 independent work in Herts (possibly at Watford as suggested above), it seems most likely that 
 
 ' .See for this fomnlcr, p. : I 5. His bells dale between 1647 .tiuI 1656. 
 
 ^ I'rol>ably at the instance of Dr. Thomas Fuller, wlio was tlie incinnbent at that lime (1648-165S).
 
 WALTHAM ARBEY 429 
 
 lie cast a whole new ring of six in 1656. This theory at all events does not conflict with any 
 of the preceding statements. 
 
 In 173s Farmer {His/, af Waltham Abbey, [). 9) says: — 'There are six good Hells now in 
 the Steeple, wliich perform chimes every four hours, viz., at 4, 8, and 12. . . . And from 
 Micliaelmus to Lady Day the great Bell rings at four to call the Apprentices up to their work ; 
 and again every evening at eight, for them to leave work. . . . The treble bell was purchased 
 in the year 1656 by the Hiichelors and Maids . . . and cost thirteen Pounds twelve Shillings 
 and Eightpence.' Mor.mt (i. p. 45) gives ' 6 Bells,' as does Muilman (iv. p. 169), rjuoting al.so 
 Dr. Fuller's statement given above.. 
 
 In 1806 the six bells were recast into the present ring of eight by John Briant of Hertford, 
 the augmentation being effected by the purchase of two additional ones from funds collected 
 by Mr. John Carr the Parish Clerk. The first peal on the new bells was rung on July 20th, 
 1806, as is recorded on a p»al-board in the belfry (see below). Briant also repaired the clock 
 in 1798, when the top stage of the tower was rebuilt. The only other event in their history 
 which remains to be recorded is the re-hanging by Taylor of Loughborough in 1899. 
 
 The Rev. J. H. Stamp devoted much careful research to the question whether the bells 
 which inspired Tennyson's well-known words in /// Memoriaiu, 
 
 ' Kiny out; wild bells, to the wild sky,' etc. 
 
 were those of W'altham Aljbey, a question which he has settled to his satisfaction in the 
 affirmative. Tennyson was residing at Beech Hill House in this parish from 1837 to 1840, 
 after leaving Somersby Rectory. The ' single church below the hill ' (section CIV) is then 
 Waltham. The arguments are too long to quotj here, but Mr. Stamp seems to have proved 
 his case. 
 
 The bells are rung before Morning and Evening service on the first Sunday in the month, 
 and on (Ireat Festivals ; also on New Year's Eve, and on State anniversaries, such as King's 
 Birthday or Coronation. 
 
 In addition to the items already quoted, the following extracts from the Churchwardens' 
 Accounts (collected by Mr. Stamp) are of more or less interest : — 
 
 1544. Item paid for mendiny ihe hand-bell ij^ 
 
 1551. Imprimis received for a Knell of a servant to the lady Mary her Grace ' x'' 
 
 [These earlier extracts are made by Dr. Fuller ; later ones are from W. 
 
 Winters' publication. Our Parisli Registers (1885). 
 
 1623-4. Payed unto [John Jelley] for a strapp for the Sance bell iiij^ 
 
 Item yiven to y"= ringers at y<= Kings coming through y*^ Towne ij' 
 
 1626. To John Kemp for mending the Clock hammer iiij'^ 
 To Reason for mending the clock ij'' 
 Item for matting the bell loft floare vij^ 
 Item for casting of the fourth bell, and fur new metal added and put 
 
 to her x" xix^ ij*! 
 
 Item lo Wm. Wandleiiige for carrieage of the fourth bell to Hertfort 
 
 to be cast and for his charges xvj' x^ 
 
 1627. Item to Jelly for settinge upp the saints bell wheele being broken j'^ 
 1629. Item given to the Ringers the fifth of November iij'' 
 
 ' The I'rincess, afterwards ( )ueen Mary, then resiiling at Copt Hall.
 
 J' 
 
 
 iiij'= 
 
 
 iiij* 
 
 
 j* viij'' 
 
 45. 
 
 
 6s. 
 
 
 IS. 
 
 6d. 
 
 j'^ i 
 
 liijJ 
 
 3S- 
 
 6cl, 
 
 2?. 
 
 6d. 
 
 7s. 
 
 
 6s. 
 
 8d. 
 
 430 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 1630. September xiij''' spent upon the Ringers at the Kings coming through 
 the towne 
 November the fifth spent upon the Ringers 
 Given to the Ringers upon Coronation daye 
 
 July viij''' spent upon the Ringers at the Kings coming through the 
 town 
 1631-2. Paid for the Ringers for Ringing uppon the 5 of November 
 Spent uppon the the ringers the 27 of March 
 
 Spent uppon the ringers at the Kinge and Queenes coming to the .'\bbey 
 1633-4. August the first, given to the Ringers at the Kings coming through 
 
 the towne 
 1634-5. Ittem 14 July when the King went prograce, paid to Will. Nichols for 
 y"= ringers 
 Ittem given to the ringers when the King went by 
 Ittem given to the Ringers upon Gunpowder treason day 
 Ittem paid to W. Nichols for the Ringers upon proclamation 
 1637-8. Received by the . . . churchwardens towards the charges of the frame 
 for the bells and the lorne work and hanging them, and other Charges 
 as by their accompts more at large doth n]5peare, of the Inhabitants 
 of the said parish after the rate of fowernionths Collection the some of ^17 18s. 4(1. 
 
 Item given to the Ringers on daie when the Kinge went through y towen is. 
 
 Item paid to the Ringers on the 5 Nov. 5s. 
 
 1638-9. Item given to the Ringers 16 July when his m.iit'' went through the towne 2s. 
 
 It. p'' to W'"' Nicholson for the Ringers for the 27 of March being proclamacion 
 daie for his mait^ Cs. 
 
 1639-40. 18 Sept. given to the Ringers when the King came by is. 
 
 Item given to the Ringeis when the King c.ime from Scolhnul 6s. 8d. 
 
 To the Ringers the 5 Nov. 6s. 
 
 1640-1. Item paid to the Ringers when the King dined at y- Earl of Carlisle's is. 6d. 
 
 1641-2. Item paid to the Ringers on Gunpowder treason daie 1641 6s. 
 
 1642-3. Paid the Ringers on Gunpowder Treason daie and ii|)on the Kings Coronation 
 
 day IIS. 
 
 1648-9. Item to the Ringers on the thanksgiving daie for the overthrow of the Scotts 2s. 6d. 
 1649-50. To Joseph Tayler for provisions for the ringers upon the fifth of Nov. 8s. 
 
 1650-1. Item p'' to Marmaduke How for the making up the window in the Belfree 
 
 for the Clark's bedd, and for Tymber boords and workmanship £1. is. od. 
 
 1653-4. Paid to ringers on 5 Nov. for their dinners 9s. 
 
 1654-5. The great bell was cast at Wollford Herts, there by Will'" Whitmore, Sept. 
 y>-' 4, 1656. The wayt of the bell to hym was 1836, paid more for tyme 
 [tynne ?] being 66 pound that hee put into the bell paid more for metlell 
 that he put into the bell being 1S6 pound wayt which cost /lo i is. the 
 wayt from hym back againe after he had cast his with the 66 pound wayt 
 of Tyne and the 186 (lound wayt of mettell wliich inacke his wayt up 
 come-pleet 208S pound wayt and pcyed him for Casting of his, fourteen pound. 
 1656-7. ('A Catalogue of Batchlers and maidcs who weare vokintarie contributors 
 for the first bell of the si;; for the parish of Waltliam Holy Cross.' Dr. 
 Fuller, though a married man, subscribed ios.\ 
 Collected from the Inhabitants of Waltham money for casting the great 
 
 bell /3'i. 4s. od. 
 
 ffeb. 27. 1656 a rate made by the church wardens for the poore of the
 
 WALTHAM ABREY WALTHAM, GREAT 
 
 431 
 
 towne and other Inlialjitants for the raising of money as for the 
 
 Caystinye of the great liell, etc. 
 1657-8. (A memorandum of the purchase of the first bell). 
 
 1659-60. Paid to Ould Whitmore the bell founder for casting the third bell 9. 5s. o:l. 
 
 1660-1. Paid a Rope for the Saints Bell 2s. 6d. 
 
 1661-2. Itm paid the Carpenter for their woork about the steple i. 8s. 4d. 
 
 1667-S. Imp. given to the Ringers on the Kings restoration dale 6s. 8d. 
 
 From the \'cslry Minute P.ooks : — 
 
 9 July 17S1. Mr. Thomas Brett of Primrose Street London Clock maker to put 
 tlie Town Clock & Chimes in good repair and make good what is wanting 
 and compleatly finish the work thereto so as the same shall go well and 
 regular and the Chimes play every four hours, for the sum of fifteen guineas 
 and to keep the same in repair and good order for five guineas a year. 
 
 19 July 1814. Day of General Thanksgiving for the Peace. Resolved . . . that 
 the Ringers have an allowance and be requested to assist in the rejoicing. 
 
 15 March 1850. Tolling the IjcU for the Queen Dowager 5s. 
 
 From the Minute ISook of the Church Trust : — 
 
 17 April 1888. Paid to \V. Cardiner for repairing Clock Chamber, Bell Chamber, 
 
 and Ringer's Room /£59- >6. 8. 
 
 Mr. .Stamp has also been at pains to transcribe a dozen or so of the peal-boards which 
 hang in the ringing chamber ; some of these have been printed in Church Bells, 23 and 30 
 Nov. 1872, 18 April and 12 Dec, 1874. The list is as follows: — 
 
 1) Sunday July 2olh 1806, a complete Peal of Treble Bob, 5056 changes in 3 hours 16 minutes 
 (the first peal on the new bells). 
 
 2) June 15th 1819, Shipway's 5 Part Peal of Bob Major, 6000 changes in 3 his. 38 min. 
 
 3) Sept. 27, 1819, Grandsire Triples, 5040 changes, in 2 hrs. 51 min. 
 
 4) Sunday Feb. ist, 1824, four "select touches of musical changes", Oxford Treble Bob Major 
 576, Grandsire Triples 580, Grandsiie Major 112, Bob Major 112, 1150 in all, chimed by 
 William and John Carr (the former being the Parish Clerk), each taking four bells. 
 
 5) October 23rd, i860, Stedman's Triples, 5040 changes in 3 hrs. 2 min., by the Cumberland 
 Society. 
 
 6) Oct. 29, 1864, and Jan. 7, 1865, peals by the College Youths. 
 
 7) Oct. 19, 1875, 5040 Grandsire Triples in 3 hrs. i min. 
 
 8) Nov. II, 1877 and Aug. 17, 1878, two peals of Grandsire Triples, 5040 changes, each in 
 2 hrs. 58 min. 
 
 9) Feb. 3, 1879, a variation of Stedman's Triples, 5040 changes in 3 hrs. 
 
 10) Feb. 15, 1890, Grandsire Triples, 5040 changes, in 3 hrs. 
 
 11) June 30, 1894, the same in 3 hrs. 4 min. 
 
 WALTHAM, GREAT. SS. Mary and Lawrence. 
 
 1. Thos meabs of London fecit 1796 <!:x»x::x*x:> 
 
 2. Thomas hears of London Fecit 1796 <':x*x;i:>«>c,> 
 
 8 + I bells. 
 
 (3° i'l- 
 (31 in.
 
 432 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 •'. On waist : — this bkll was cast bv john uarbih, 1084. 
 
 AND RECAST BY MEARS & STAINBANK, i8q6. 
 
 IN MEMORY OF J. J. T. AND A. J. T. (^3 in. 
 
 4. s0, ^ fiomen paG&nlenc Gcrit Canipana n^eIo^ic (J) {37 in. 
 5 Robcrtc mot i J^ | nu^^c ^ mc ^ md.lxxxi 
 
 (4ii in. 
 7. lOHN BUTLHR THO = RUST "^ C + W -^ THO = GARDlNER ^ 
 
 SUDBURY «^ FECIT "^ 1729 •..••. (47 !"• 
 
 8. Above the inscription, fleur-dc-lys border : •^■^■^•^ 
 
 •$• • lOHN -^ HODSON ^S.' MADE f ME .?, 1663 -^ 
 lOHN rs, BOOSEY 4- NICKLOS 
 
 2nnine:-) MILES f CHVRCH .^ WARDEN. -^ lOHN 
 EVRIET R««E4>W«B »'ii 
 
 T,rd line : — ) W H (52 in. 
 
 Clock. MEARS & STAINBANK, WHITECHAPEL FOUNDRY, LONDON. 
 
 Below : — d.u. h.h.h. 
 
 1891. (26J in. 
 
 All in excellent order. The old 3rd \va.s inscribed 
 
 'OHN *5?fi^JiS^S§^ DARBIE *5§iir^JlS<^^^ MADE 
 
 Below, C.R., crowned, with mantling.
 
 WALTHAM, great — WALTHAM, LITTLE 4^3 
 
 The old clock bell had no inscription (diaiii. 15 in.). l''roiii the si/.c it was proiiably 
 originally a priest's bell. 
 
 4th: by John \Vali.;rave ; cross PI. XII., 9; lleur-de-Iys as used liy William liurfurd 
 and Keliyll. 
 
 5th: Mot uses here some unusual stops (see PL XXIII); for the final one cf. Laindon 
 Clays 5th. The R is of the 'rustic' type, the date-letters coarse thick Roman. 
 
 6th : By Peter de Weston or William Revel (pp. 7, 9) ; cf. I'airstead, and fur the inscription, 
 Assington, Suffolk; cross and lettering PI. II., 18-20. 
 
 8th : the ornaments are PI. XXXI., i, 4, 6 ; the N.'s are reversed. See [). 1 14. 
 
 Weights: — i) 6^ cwt. 5) iicwt. 
 
 2) 7 cwt. 6) 13 cwt. 
 
 3) 7 cwt. I qr. 16 lbs. 7) 18 cwt. 
 
 4) 9 cwt. 8) 25 cwt. Note E. 
 Clock hell) 4 cwt. 3 qrs. 18 lbs. 
 
 The J. J. T. on the new 3rd is J. J. Tufnell of Langleys, who died in 1S94; for an 
 obituary notice of him see Essex Reviciv, 1894, p. 164. The H. E. M. on the clock bell is 
 Canon Hulton, the present Rector. This bell " has a soft musical tone a major third higher 
 than the treble bell of the peal. The ringing machinery has been thoroughly overhauled" 
 {Essex County Chronicle, 11 Dec. i8gi). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 89) : "Six good tuneable Bells." Muilman (i. p. 32S) : ' 6 very good belles, 
 a set of chimes and a clock.' 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death knell rung on tenor, or 3rd bell for a child. Tellers, 3x3 for male, 3x2 for 
 female, 3x1 for child. Bells used at funerals by request. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for half-an hour before services, with two liells tolled for ten 
 minutes and one for the last five. Tenor rung as Sermon Bell at 2 p.m. for ten minutes; also 
 rung at 8 a.m. whenever there is service during the day. 
 
 Ringing on Christmas morning; also for Harvest Thanksgiving, and on New Year's Eve, 
 when a muflled peal is rung from 11.30 to 11.55, then one bell tolled for five minutes, followed 
 by an open peal as the clock strikes twelve. Also ringing on King's Birthday and Coronation 
 1 )ay, and for Weddings by request. 
 
 A bell rung on Christmas Eve before the distribution of charities ; also on St. Thomas' 
 Day. 
 
 Gleaning bell formerly. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. Canon Hulton, Rector. 
 
 WALTHAM, GREAT. North End or Black Chapel. One bell. 
 
 Bell bo.xed up in a small turret, and quite inaccessible. 
 The chapelry is an ancient one. 
 
 WALTHAM, LITTLE. St. Martin. 5+1 bells. 
 
 I. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1632 (29 in. 
 
 55
 
 434 "f'^E CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2. lOHN foJ HODSON 'oi MADE C£i MEE 1657 lOHN '33 SORRELL Toj 
 CHVRCH ♦ WARDEN 4» WH 4» (30 in. 
 
 3. THO = GARDINER «^ SUDBURY ^ ^ FHCIT ♦^ •^ 1749 ^ 
 
 (33 ''!• 
 
 4. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1634 (agin. 
 
 5- REV", G, BIRD RECTOR; T, GARDINER and W, DOBITO, CHURCH 
 
 WARDENS. W. DOBSON, FECIT 1821. (4° in. 
 
 5. Blank. (13 in. 
 
 2nd : SnuiU lough type .is at Canewdon, etc., fieur-de-lys and rosette as stops. 
 5th : l!y 1 tobson of Downham ; type as T. Mears' smaller variety. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 94) : ' five ISells.' Muilman (i. p. 339) : ' 5 l)ell.s and a clock.' 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death knell 12 or 24 hours after deith ; a few strokes for children up to twelve, more for 
 persons up to Iwjnly-five, up to forty, and so on. At Funerals a hell tolled for an hour at 
 intervals, a smaller one for children, a larger one for adults. 
 
 On Sundays a bell rung for fifteen minutes before 8 a.m. celetiration, or for a few minutes 
 when no service ; chimed at other services. 
 
 Kinging on New Year's Eve. 
 
 Cileming Bell formerly at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (tenor used), each gleaner paj'ing twopence 
 at end of harvest; discontinued since 1898. 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. O. W. Tancock, Rector, to whom we are also indebted for the 
 following extracts from the Account Book of Roger Poole's (Jharity (1560) : 
 
 1626. Received for bell-mettall that was spared in casting of the belles and sold by us 500 
 pnyd to William Harbert the bell founder & S'" Alice (?) the bell hanger the 
 
 sum of 33 00 00 
 payd to the Churchwardens of Much Wallhani for bell mellall which we 
 
 bought ol them 08 08 00 
 
 three load of wood to melt the bell nieltall i 10 00 
 
 Robert Man for watching the bells 4 dayes and four nights 00 04 00 
 
 for the bell founders banquet our owne & some others dyet 02 07 00 
 
 And other unimjiortant entries. 
 
 WALTHAMSTOW. St. Mary. Ten bells. 
 
 I. CTast bi] John cH.unci anb sons ]Ctb. I^onbon.
 
 WALTHAM, LITTLE WALTHAMSTOW 435 
 
 On the waist :-^cV\Ci\k\i tO tllC s^CVUiCC of (Sob, .lub ^jis (jTluiVLil, 
 
 anb to (llomincmonitc the illustnoiis ITicign 
 of ^jci- #\ajc5tn " (i^iccn 1]ii1oiia " IS96. 
 SH'" 1). |:iin9honic nic.u- 
 
 cmilliam ^Jtl- ;ii3cck J (-7- '"• 
 
 2. T/ii? srt;«i;. (28,, in. 
 
 ^cmst by Johiv ttlanicv ^^' sous ^tb IConbon 1S90 (29^ in. 
 
 4. «5y5> PEACE AND Good Neighbourhood <y»cxx*xJ!:x*>c> pack & Chapman of 
 London Fecit 1778 (3of in. 
 
 5. At Proper Times our Voices we will raise ix sjunding to our Benefactors 
 Praise 
 
 BeloTu : — Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1778 <x*x:,> (32 in. 
 
 6. OUR Voices shall with Joyfull sound Make hills and Valleys Eccho round 
 
 Below as No. 5. (3 1 in. 
 
 7. Whilst thus we Join in Cheaerfull sound May Love & loyalty abound 
 
 <'0(*xzx*xzx*x:> 
 
 Below as 5 and 6, with eleven loops. (36j in. 
 
 8. YE RINGERS ALL THAT PRIZE YOUR HEALTH & HAPPINESS BE SOBER MERRY WISE & 
 YOU'LL THE SAME POSSESS 
 
 Below ;— PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT 1778 <5<'Xr>«<ZX'X:> (40 in. 
 
 9. I I IN WEDLOCK BANDS ALL YE WHO JOIN WITH HANDS YOUR HEARTS UNITE SO 
 SHALL OUR TUNEFULL TONGUES COMBINE TO LAUD THE 
 
 2nd line :—) NUPTIAL RITE PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT 1778 (43 in. 
 
 10. C. & Q. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1852 (48 in.
 
 43^ 
 
 THE CHURCH HKLLS OF ESSEX 
 
 In good order ; cannons off old bells ; the new ones have angular cannons. Warner's 
 iron frames. The two trebles are additions. 
 Weights and notes : — 
 
 1) 6 
 
 i|i-s. 
 O 
 
 lbs. 
 
 : 15 
 
 (i. 
 
 6) 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 13 
 
 B fiat. 
 
 2) 6 
 
 I 
 
 : 4 
 
 F. 
 
 7) 
 
 y 
 
 2 
 
 I 
 
 A Hat. 
 
 3) 6 
 
 1 
 
 : 20 
 
 E flat. 
 
 S) 
 
 1 1 
 
 
 
 19 
 
 (;. 
 
 4) 6 
 
 I 
 
 : 27 
 
 D. 
 
 9) 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 F. 
 
 5) 7 
 
 o 
 
 : 25 
 
 C. 
 
 10) 
 
 '9 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 E flat. 
 
 The stamp on No. 4 is I'l. XXXIII., 5 ; on No. 9, PI. XXXIII., 3 as at St. Osyth. 
 
 'I'.R.IC. 1552. ' Ilni the s'premest bell . . . weight Itm the seconde bell xvj^' weight 
 Itm the thirde x'' weight Itm the saunce bell half j"^ weight Itm a lytell bell xx It. weight.' (Sold) 
 'Itm one hand bell.' {Essex Arch. Trans., N.S., ii. p. 246.) 
 
 Morant (i. p. 37) : '6 Bells.' Muilman (iv. p. 215) the same. 
 
 Essex Revieiu, 1897, p. 5, 1S98, p. loo. 
 
 There are seventeen peal-boards in all, ranging from 1857 to 1904. I'or the earlier Belfry 
 Records see Cluirch Bells, 7 Dec. 1872, 24 June and 14 Oct. 1S76. 
 
 Ringing-chamber well kept and adorned with photographs, etc. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. iNIaynard, steeple-keeper. 
 
 WALTHAMSTOW. 
 
 Church built 1901. 
 WALTHAMSTOW. 
 
 Church built 1884. 
 WALTHAMSTOW. 
 
 Church built 1S41. 
 
 WALTHAMSTOW. 
 
 Church built 1829. 
 
 WALTHAMSTOW. 
 
 Church built 1902. 
 
 WALTHAMSTOW. 
 
 Si. liarnabas. 
 
 St. (labriel. 
 
 St. James. 
 
 St. John. 
 
 St. Luke. 
 
 St. Michael and All Angels. 
 
 One bell. 
 
 One bell (?). 
 
 One bell. 
 
 One bell. 
 
 One bell (?). 
 
 One bell. 
 
 Church built 18S5; one bell sujjplied by Warner and Sons in 1885; diameter 21 in., 
 weight I cwt., 3 qrs., 8 lbs., note G. 
 
 W A LT H A M STO W. St. Peter. 
 
 Church built 1840. 
 WALTHAMSTOW. All Saints, Higham Park. 
 
 Church built i8y8; a chapel-of-ease to St. Peter. 
 
 Two bells. 
 
 One bell.
 
 \u 
 
 
 
 1-: 
 
 437 
 iglit bells. 
 
 
 cwt. 
 
 (irs. 
 
 11)S. 
 
 Note 
 
 (29 in. 
 
 6 : 
 
 I : 
 
 10 
 
 E. 
 
 (304 '"• 
 
 6 
 
 : 
 
 26 
 
 I ) sharp. 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 6 
 
 3 : 
 
 14 
 
 C sharp. 
 
 (34 ill- 
 
 7 
 
 I : 
 
 8 
 
 B. 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 
 23 
 
 .\. 
 
 (38 in. 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 23 
 
 C. sharp. 
 
 (41 in. 
 
 12 
 
 : I 
 
 2 
 
 F sharp 
 
 (46 in. 
 
 16 
 
 : 
 
 16 
 
 R. 
 
 WALTHAMSTOW WANSTEAU 
 
 WALTHAMSTOW. St Saviour 
 
 C/l>S'l' BY JHJlj\ W/11<]VKK i- JiOjXJi hOJVUON ]S74. 
 
 7"/;c same. 
 The same. 
 The same. 
 The same. 
 The same. 
 
 7. The same. 
 
 8. The same. 
 
 See Church Bells, 14 Nov. 1874 for the opening of the ring. 
 Church built 1874. 
 
 WALTHAMSTOW. St. Stephen. One bell. 
 
 I. C.A^ST BY JBHjM WAl^jMPa^ ^s ,SON>S nejVlXIJV )S77. (22 in. 
 
 Weight I cwt., 3 qrs., 26 lbs. Note E. 
 Church consecrated 6 April 1878. 
 
 WALTON-ON-THE-NAZE. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 I. THOs MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1804 000^"« 
 
 Incised below :~ BENJ"' BARNARD 
 
 C" WARDEN (32 in. 
 
 Inventory of 1297: ' Campanarium in summitate cooperiendium. Item ij campane 
 ni'jlius cordande.' 
 1458 : ' Duo tintinnabula, due campane manuales.' 
 The church was for many years in ruins (Morant, i. p. 485, says ' no church ; ' Muilman, 
 vi. p. 76, 'church now in ruins'), and was finally rebuilt in 1804, when the present bell was 
 put up. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1897, p. 48. 
 
 WANSTEAD. St. Mary. Five bells. 
 
 1. JOHN TAYLOR & C FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1899. (25^ in. 
 
 2. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843 (26 in.
 
 438 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3. As No. I. (28 in. 
 
 4. As No. I. (31 in- 
 
 5. W. & T. MEAKS late LE3TER PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT. MADE IN THE 
 
 Month of January 1789. {42 in- 
 
 The late Rector, Rev. Canon Scott, wrote : ' Bells not hung for ringuig ; only chimed and 
 used for clock' (i.e. hour bell and four quarter- bells). 
 
 Weight of tenor or hour-bell 12 cwt. Taylor's three bells weigh respectively 3 cwt. 2 qrs. 
 1 9 lbs., 4 cwt. I cjr. 9 lbs., and 5 cwt. 3 qrs. 24 lbs. 
 
 T.R.E. 4 Oct. 1552. ' It. iij bells contenyng by estiniacon .... (Essex Arch. Trans., 
 N.S. ii. p. 245). 
 
 Muilman (iv. p. 236) : ' 3 bells.' 
 
 The church was rebuilt in 1790, at which time the present tenor was put up, together 
 with another bell, probably the present 2nd. In 1858 Mr. H. W. King noted : ' In a cupola 
 are two bells, each, inscribed ' W. & T. Mears late Lester I'ack l'v: Chapman fecit ; made in the 
 month of January 1789.' He seems to have ignored the inscription on the smaller, which had 
 obviously been recast. The other three by Taylor and Co. were added on May 1st, 1899. 
 We are indebted to Mr. C. H. Hawkins for a copy of the inscriptions. 
 
 No peculiar uses. 
 
 Dr. Raven (Suffolk, pp. 104, 243^ mentions a bell at Thorington in that county svith the 
 inscription; <Samufll : (Dlucn : matir : mr : for : Uiau'jtcil) ; 1596. See p. 65. It is not 
 known how or why the bell was transplanted. 
 
 WANSTEAD. Christ Church. Si.x bells. 
 
 Six steel bells ; tenor 9 cwt., note A. 
 Church built 1S61. 
 
 WANSTEAD. Holy Trinity, Harrow Creen. One bell. 
 
 One small bell in a gable-cot over the chancel arch. 
 Church consecrated 1878. 
 
 WANSTEAD. Holy Trinity, Hermon Hill. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1S87. 
 WANSTEAD. St. Columba, Wanstead Slip. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1888. 
 
 WANSTEAD. St. Margaret of Antioch. One bell. 
 
 The bell hangs under a wooden canopy against the north wall of liie nave, 
 Church con.secrated 1892.
 
 WANSTEAD WARLEY, LITTLE 439 
 
 WARLEY, GREAT. St. Peter. One bell. 
 
 I. No inscription. (i8i in. 
 
 The bell is said Id have been [lut up in 1859, when the chuieh was restored, but looks 
 somewhat older. Prexiously there had been three, which were sold to provide funds for the 
 restoration. One of these was by Thomas Bartlet (see below). 
 
 Church disused excei)t for funerals. 
 
 T.R.E. 3 Oct. 1552. ' MvcHF, \\'arlev. iij bells in the staple the lest conteynyng by 
 estymacyon iij"- wayte.' 
 
 ' ffyrste ij hand bells and the candelstyks sold to the Tynker of Horndon for the some of 
 xxx^ iiij''.' (Essex Arch. Trans., N.S., ii. p. 180). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 113); 'The steeple in which were 5 Hells was burnt down with lightning 
 some years ago. At present there is a wooden Belfrey .... and in it 3 Bells.' 
 
 Mailman (iv. p. 390) has the same, and adds: " u[)on one of them this remarkable 
 inscription 'Thomas Martlet made me 162.'" [Obviously the last figure of the date was 
 missing.] In a note he states that " there were three acres of land in this parish called Hell- 
 rope Land, undoubtedly given to buy bell-ropes; but by the neglect of the trustees they have 
 escheated to the lord of the manor." (See also Morant, i. p. 1T3 ; they are so described in the 
 Tithe Award of 1837). 
 
 Best thanks to Rev. J. V. Tarleton, Rector, and to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 WARLEY, GREAT. Christ Church. One bell. 
 
 Church built 1855. 
 
 WARLEY, GREAT. St. Mary. Nine bells. 
 
 This church, erected in 1904, practically supplants the old parish church, the population 
 having shifted to the end of the parish where Warley Barracks are situated. It possesses " 9 
 little toy bells, dismally out of tune," as the Rev. J. F. Tarleton kindly informs us. 
 
 WARLEY, LITTLE. St. Peter. One bell. 
 
 I. On the shoulder : — 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 ^ lobaiines (Sristr @are Dignarc ero nobis orare 
 
 P.y \\'illiam Wodewarde ? (see p. 25); 'small lavers ' on shoulder; cross PI. X., 4 (as at 
 Little Hallingbury) ; medium capitals (PI. IX.) and large fine minuscules. 
 
 T.R.E. 27 Sept. 1552. 'Itm iij bells the least contenyng three hund' pounds.' (Essex 
 Arch. Trans., N.S. ii. p. 179). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 115): 'i Bell.' Muilman (iv. p. 393) the same. Ecclesiologist, xxv., 
 
 P- 345-
 
 440 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 WEALD, NORTH. St. Andrew. Si.x bells. 
 
 1. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT. {Lu-ised .--) THE GIFT OF M" GEO 
 
 Newell 1755 i-i '"• 
 
 2. C/l}5'r BY JOPJV W/lRj\El^ Zi ^0]VfS LOj\DO]V 1SS7. 
 
 On waist :— C/IST ]7U' REC/lJJiF 1SS7 
 
 IjV JJEJilOl^Y OK TJIK JUBIItEK YE/IR 
 OK <^(IEEj\ YlC'l'Ol^I/I'.S l^EIGjX' 
 ^X. H. CoCKEKUIJi ¥l^ 
 
 a. Part j '^ 
 
 3. RICH.\RD VV.AYLETT CHVRCH WARDEN 1712 (30 in. 
 
 4. M' JOHN PLUM CH : WARDEN : LESTER & PACK FECIT 1755 (34 in. 
 
 5. SIMON WAYLETT RICHARD SPRANGER CHVRCHWARDENS 1673 
 
 Below the date : — A (^^ B (36 in. 
 
 6. M'< ROBr POLLETT M'- DANIEL BiNICES CH, WARDENS OOOO THOMAS MEARS OF 
 
 LONDON Fecit 1803 >0<X>0 {40 in. 
 
 Tenor 13 cwt., note (1. The 2nd has angular cannons; the treble is hung above the rest. 
 3rd by John Waylett, as may be gathered from the old 2nd, which was inscribed in similar 
 letters (smaller than Waylett's ordinary type) : 
 
 lOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 1712 
 
 5th by Anthony llartlet. 
 
 A chiming apparatus was jjut up in 1902. 
 
 Weights: — i) 4J cwt. Note F. 
 
 2) 4| E flat. 
 
 3) 52^ l^fiat. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 151): '5 Bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 376) the same. 
 
 1 )eath Knell for one hour ; tellers, 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female. 
 
 A bell rung on Sundays at 9 a.m. 
 
 No change-ringing done. 
 
 The Chapel of Ease at Hastingwood, erected 1S64, has one bell. 
 
 WEALD, SOUTH. St. Peter. 6 + i bells, 
 
 I. fflcavs ^^' stainbiinh, Hounbei's, iionbon, 1879. (asi in. 
 
 4) 
 
 f) cwt. 
 
 Note C. 
 
 5) 
 
 7 
 
 B flat, 
 
 ^') 
 
 9i 
 
 A fiat,
 
 WEALD, NORTH SOUTH 44 1 
 
 2. THOMAS KINO lOSEPH ABRY CHVRCHWARDENS 1664 
 
 A (J^ B (30 in. 
 
 3. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON. 
 
 On waist:— EDWARDUS VII. R " I.-VIVAT 
 DUNCAN ERASER, VICAR. 
 
 CHRISTOP^H|RJ^J^ TOVVER,j^,jjuRCHWARDENS. (32 Hn. 
 
 RECAST A.D. 1902. 
 
 4. THO = GARDlNER SVDBVRY FBCIT 1737 (36 in. 
 
 5. James White & Tho^ spragg Ch. wardens Lester & pack of London fecit 1768 
 
 (38 in. 
 
 6. WILLIAM TREWLOCK STEVEN SMOVK CHVRCHWARDENS W' AND 
 PHIL' WIQHTMAN FECIT 1692 (44 "i. 
 
 S. No inscription. 
 
 The treble is a new bell, not a recasting; it was put up Feb. 1880 (see Church Bel'.s, 
 21 Feb.); weight, 4 cwt. 3 qrs. 9 lbs. Weight of new 3rd, 6 cwt. i qr. 24 lbs. 
 
 2nd: by Anthony Bartlet. 
 
 6th : Plain medium-sized letters, not occurring elsewhere, not unlike Bartlet's ; weight 
 14 cwt., note F. 
 
 The old 3rd was inscribed (in the ordinary Phelps lettering) : 
 
 lOHN WOOD & QIUER BRIDGE CH : WARDENS 1750 THO LESTER 
 
 FECIT <,x»x:iD*x:iX'»x;> 
 
 T.R.E. I Oct. 1552. ' Itm in the steple V Bells upon the fourth bell y^ clocke smythe, 
 the lest by estymacon weyeth viij hundred. 
 
 Itm ij holy water potts ij handell bells .S: a saynt bell in the Quycr.' {Essex Arch. Trans. 
 N.S. ii. p. 182). 
 
 An Inventory or Terrier of 1676 has " Item five bells and a clock in y' Steeple. 
 
 Item a Saints Bell upon y= Church." 
 
 Morant (i. p. 123) : '5 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 17) the same. 
 
 Buckler, Essex Churches, p. 197: 'The Belfry, a lofty chamber .... contains five 
 Bells bearing dates 1664, 1692, 1730, 1750, 1768; they rest on an ancient timber Iraming of 
 strong construction pinned together; in modern times iron ties have been added. A Minister's 
 Bell of small dimensions, and apparently not of great anticiuity, is suspended in the east 
 window.' 
 
 56
 
 442 the church bells of essex 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell twelve hours after death. On one occasion a peal was rung immediately 
 after a Funeral, by request. 
 
 Bells generally rung on .Sundays; ringing also on New Year's Eve, Royal Birthday's, and 
 for Weddings. 
 
 A bell rung before Vestry Meetings. 
 
 A set of Ringer's Rules was drawn up 21 February 1899. 
 
 It is recorded that the bells were formerly hung on the walls of the tower instead of being 
 fi.xed on a frame, which produced a great vibration and induced in some people a feeling of 
 melancholy. A story is told of a young lady who was so much influenced by the ringing of 
 the bells that she was thrown into a state of profound depression, and one occasion was so 
 much affected that she hid herself in a cellar. 
 
 Very many thanks to Rev. Canon Fraser, Rector, and Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 The following extracts from the Churchwardens' Accounts are taken from a pamphlet on 
 the Bells kindly lent by the Rector : — ■ 
 
 1592. Item for a baudricke 
 
 1593. Item for makinge a bauldrick 
 
 Item payed to Goodman Pilkam for one whole yeare for Keepinge the 
 
 Balderke of y"^ bells 020 
 
 For twoe new baldrigs 5 o o(?) 
 
 For a baldrick that hangeth the clapers of a bell 
 
 1737. Jan. 27. for earring the third bell to Ingerstone ' 00 01 00 
 
 Spent at the Eagle to get men to lode it 00 01 00 
 
 Spent at Ingerstone to get men to get scales & weights 00 05 00 
 
 Apr. 28. For fetchen the bell home 00 10 00 
 
 May 30. Paid the bell-founder for casting the bell 19 00 00 
 
 Spent with the bell-founder about the bell 00 04 00 
 
 Oct. 30. Paid m'' hardy for bear the ringers had 00 06 08 
 
 Paid for oills the bells 00 01 00 
 
 In the same year the Vestry made a contract with Benjamin Long of \Vest Tilbury for 
 re-hanging all the bells : — 
 
 "At this general Vestry of the whole Parish, Alay y' 10, 1737, it is agreed that Benjamin Long 
 of West Tilbury shall new hang all the bells in the steeple of South Weald, and maintain them well 
 hung and in a workmanlike manner during his life, paying the said Benjamin Long the sume of ten 
 pounds in hand and ten shillings per annum for his life, for the performance of which an article shall 
 be drawn and executed, to be paid as soon as he shall have put ihcin in order. He, the said 
 Benjamin Long, to find all materials, with brass, iron, and woodwork, except y"^ Bell Clappers or 
 gudgeons should break." 
 
 1750. Sept. 12. Spent at a Vester for casten y'= bell 
 16. For carcg of the bell to london 
 Dec. 31. For careing y' old bell back againc to london 
 [175 1?] Apr. 3. For bringcn y'^ bell from london 00 10 00 
 
 Gave Mr. Lister's man i 
 
 ' Ttif founder w.is Thomas Gardiner ; sec p. 207 under Great Chcstcrford. 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 GO 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 00
 
 WEALD, SOUTH WENDHNS AMBO 443 
 
 iS. I'aid Robert White for the Ijell ropes 01 01 00 
 
 1752. Apr. 12. for fetching y^ bell from london 00 10 00 
 
 Spent seing )'■= bell waid wlien carried up and bro\igIit downe 00 02 00 
 
 June. Paid Mr. Lister a bill for runing y= bell 18 00 00 
 
 1764. July 28. I'aid for repairing the Cireat Bell 00 04 00 
 
 1769. Jan. 3. Paid Mr. Aingev for carrying the old bell up and bring the 
 
 new one down 00 15 00 
 
 Jan. 6. Paid Lister and Pack for running the Bell 14 iS 00 
 
 Paid the men that loaded and unloaded the liells 00 02 00 
 
 My journey to London to see Bells and Iron work \vei:.^hed 00 15 oj 
 
 The Chapel of Ease of St. Paul, Bentlev Mills, has a ring of five bells cast by Mears 
 and Stainbank in 1S80, tenor 4I cwt. 
 
 WEELEY. St. Andrew. Two bells. 
 
 I. On f he crown:— ^t^ jll\t{\nt} 
 
 Bnntia l{nl^unn 0ra :Cro X?.otiis (33 in. 
 
 2. Sanctc €liliiarl)c Ova ^uo Hohis 
 
 Pi<x^ Tor A'pPCam y'rooftc ,Kn& 'Hgnca t^to i^^^ff (35 in. 
 
 1st: by Robert Burford (p. 14); cross Kent 5(7. 
 
 2nd : by Thomas Bullisdon (p. 38) ; upper inscription in large lettering (capitals as PI. X., 
 5, 7, 8); lower in ordinary capitals (PI. XL, 1-7) and smalls, with PI. XIL, 8 at beginning. 
 For the use of this last stamp by Bullisdon cf. Rampton, Cambs. 
 
 Mr. A. D. Tyssen informs us that though he has failed to find William Brooke's will, he 
 has unearthed that of Agnes Brooke, which is dated 1509, and therefore forms additional 
 evidence for the identification of the Bullisdon bells. 
 
 T.R.E. 20 Sept. 1552. ' WiLYE. ffyrst yn the stepull iij gret belles wt on lytylon called 
 a sants bell and other to lytylons beyng yn save gard.' (Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. i. p. 27). 
 Morant (i. p. 474) : '3 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 53) the same. 
 See Essex Review, 1897, p. 48. 
 
 WENDENS AMBO. St. Mary. Six bells. 
 
 I. CAST BY BOWELL OF IPSWICH 1904. 
 
 On luaist .—IN MEMORY OF LOUIE COLLINS. 
 C. E. BARNES, VICAR. 
 J. S. SMITH. A. THOMAS. 
 
 CHURCHWARDENS. (25 in.
 
 Weights 
 
 :->) 3 
 
 
 2) 4 
 
 
 3) 4 
 
 5. Oct. 
 
 ■552- " 
 
 444 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2. CAST 1700. RECAST BY BOWELL OF IPSWICH 1904. < > (27 in. 
 
 o RECAST BY BOWELL OF IPSWICH 1904. (2S in. 
 
 4. The same. (30 in. 
 
 S- »7O0 (33 in. 
 
 0. ANDREW JAQGARD THOMAS BARKER C W 1700 (36 in. 
 
 The treble was given by the Collins family in memory of their mother. Previously there 
 were five bells, of which the first three, bearing only the date 1700, were cracked and have been 
 recast, the 4th and 5th being quarter-turned and becommg the sth and tenor. The new bells 
 were dedicated (with new frames, etc.) on November 11, 1904. The old ring of 1700 was one 
 of Richard Keene's poor performances. Dr. Raven in July 1861 noted it as " a wretched peal, 
 Nos. 1-3 cracked"; Stahlschmidt in September 1S87 says " in no better order." Down to 
 11J04 the l)ells had not l>ecn rung within the memory of the oldest inhabitants. 
 
 cwt. qts. lbs. 
 
 2 : 14 4) 5 ; o : o 
 
 0:0 5) 6 : o : o 
 
 3:0 6) 8 : o : o 
 
 T.R.E. 5. Oct. 1552. ' Wenden Parva. thre bells by estimacon of .xij"" pounde a 
 
 hand bell.' 
 Do. 'Wenden Mai.na. thre belles by estymacon of xxxviij"^ weight 
 
 a little bell by estymacon a C weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 Morant (ii. p. 592): '5 Bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 62) the same. 
 Essex Review, 1895, p. 190. 
 
 No death knell, but tolling at funerals. 
 Cleaning Pell rung at 8. 30 in harvest time. 
 Ringing on .Sundays for services, and for Weddings. 
 
 Many thanks to Rev. C. E. Parnes, late Vicar (died i Aug. 1905); also to Messrs. 
 Powell, and Mr. (". H. Hawkins. 
 
 WENDON LOFTS. St. Dunstan. Three bells. 
 
 1. No inscription. ('7 in. 
 
 2. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1845 (2°^ in. 
 
 3. As No. 2. (24 in. 
 
 Reported by Stahlschmidt as ' practically inaccessible.' However we are indebted to the 
 kindness and energy of the present Vicar, Rev. H. lirabant Smith, for a full and careful 
 description of these l)ells, wliich were placed in the tower when the church was rebuilt. He 
 writes : " It has been a difficult business, as we had to obtain ladders and get to the top of the 
 tower from the outside." To him therefore our heartiest thanks are due.
 
 WENDENS AMRO WETH ERSFI EI.D 445 
 
 The diameters, he notes, are in side measurements ; the respective heights of the hells 
 (also inside) are 14 in., 17 in., 17 in. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552 (Stowe MS.S. 827). ' iij belles by est' iij'^ weight a hand hell.' 
 Cole (1744): 'One Bell.' Muilnian (iii. p. 64) : ' i bell' 
 Essex Reviciii, 1895, p. 190. 
 
 WENNINGTON. St. Peter. One bell. 
 
 I. THOMAS GIBBS CHVRCHWARDEN 1662 
 
 QjJ (27 in. 
 
 By Anthony Bartlet. There have been more in former days. One vacant pit still remains, 
 and as the two pits together only occupy the northern half of the bell chamber, probably at 
 one time there were four. According to a note by Mr. H. W . King there were three in 1856 
 "all alike." See also Palin, More ahont Stifford, p. 139, where King's notes are quoted. He 
 was misled into attributing the bells to Thomas Bartlet by the occurrence of that name on the 
 foundry stamp (see p. 76). 
 
 T.R.E. 3 Oct. 1552. ' Itm iij smalle liells weghyng by eslimacio ij c pounds.' {Essex 
 Arch. Trans., N.S., ii. p. 184). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 87): '3 Bells.' INIuilman (iv. p. 349): ' i bell.' 
 
 WESTCLIFF, see rRiTTi.F.wKi.r.. 
 
 WETHERSFIELD. St. Mary Magdalene. 6+1 bells. 
 
 1. G. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1858 
 
 On the K'aist : — REV" WILLIAM MARSH VICAR 
 
 CHARLES BENJAMIN LIVERMOREl p„,,orH WARnFNc; ',„ ;„ 
 
 JOSEPH CORNELL j CHURCHWARDENS ^29 m. 
 
 2. The same. (31 in. 
 
 3. THOMAS MEAKS OF LONDON FECIT 1804 >0000 {i3 in- 
 
 4. As No. I. (35 in. 
 
 5. T. MEARS OP LONDON FECIT 1821 <X*Xrx*X:ZX*X:> (38I in. 
 
 6 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1623 (42^ in. 
 
 Clock bell. 1813 (17 ill- 
 
 Tenor 1 2 cwt. Clock bell by Thomas Mears. 
 A chiming apparatus was fixed up some years ago, but for a long time has been out of 
 
 order.
 
 446 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 373) : '5 bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 32) the same. 
 See Essex Review, 1S93, p. 113. 
 
 Death knell 1 2 or 24 hours after death ; tellers, three strokes for a man, two for a woman. 
 
 I'or Sunday services bells chimed only. 
 
 Ringing on great Festivals and New Year's Eve. 
 
 Gleaning bell discontinued some years since. 
 
 Thanks to Mr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 The Chapel of Ease of the B.V.M., r.lackmore End, erected 1S67, has one bell. 
 
 WICKEN BOIMANT. S. Margaret. Three bells. 
 
 I. Sanclc (§ liiica 
 
 (24 in. 
 
 2. ^ CANTABO : LAUDES : TUAS : DOMINE : DEO : ET : ECCLESIA : S : 
 MARGARET : WICKHAM : BONHUNT : DEDIT : REC-TOR^^SSa.^ : M : A 
 
 TAYLOR & C LOUGHBOROUGH (38,^ in. 
 
 3. >^ SONORO : SONO : MEO : SONO : DEO : DEDIT : JOHN SPERLING : 
 ECCLESIE : PATRONUS : 1859 
 
 TAYLOR & C" LOUGHBOROUGH (43 '" 
 
 Treble, 7th and 8th of a ring of eight, ^\■eights of 2nd and 3rd : 10 cwt. 2 qrs. 21 lbs. 
 and 13 cwt. 3 qrs. 14 lbs. 
 
 ist by William Culverden (p. 43); usual large capitals; cf. Tillingham 2nd. 
 
 The inscriptions on the other two are doubtless due to the donor, who was a well-known 
 ecclesiologist in his day and one of the earliest investigators of bell-inscriptions. It is probable 
 that on the 3rd he reproduced the old inscription, in which case the old bell would have been 
 by Robert Oldfield (cf. Radwinter 7th). The type used here is the same as at Heydon. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. 'iij belles by estimacOn of xj'^ weight.' (Stowe MSS. S27). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 58S): '3 Bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 52) the same. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1895, p. 190 and East Anglian, i. p. 223. 
 
 According to Mr. Sperling in the Ecclesiologist, xx. p. 212, there were five bells formerly. 
 
 Curfew rung at 8 p.m. (tenor bell) ; gleaning bell formerly. 
 
 Death knell immediately {i.e., as soon as possible) after death ; tellers 3x3, 3x2, and 
 3x1. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for services. 
 
 Ringing at 6 a.m. on Easter Day ; on New Year's Eve the old year rung out and the new 
 rung in, with twelve strokes at midnight. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. W. B. Bliss, Rector.
 
 WETHERSFIELD WICKHAM ST. PAULS 
 
 WICKFORD. 
 
 I. Siincts t(atcrina Oni Sro Hobis 
 
 \AJ Llj 
 
 UJ iAJ 
 
 2. Sit nouun Domini Bcnrtiiftum N**^' 
 
 447 
 Two bells. 
 
 (33 in- 
 (36 in. 
 
 Both by Kebyll ; Stephen Norton's crowned capitals (PI. V.) ; cross, PL ML, 4 ; see p. 21. 
 These bells are very curiously hung in the turret, one above the other, with a solid leaden 
 floor between ; one can only be approached from outside, the other only from inside. 
 Morant (i. p. 255) : ' In a wooden belfry . . . are 2 Bells.' 
 Muilman (v. p. 141): '2 bells.' 
 
 WICKHAM BISHOPS. St. Bartholomew. 
 
 I. MILES •-. GRAVE MADE .. ME si 1664 
 
 One bell. 
 (26 in. 
 
 This bell in 1S92 was in the coach-house at the parsonage. 
 
 At the new church there is a bell (^quite inaccessible) supplied by C. & G. Mears in 1850, 
 weighing 5 cwt. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 382): ' i Bell.' Muilman (v. p. 375) the same. 
 See Essex Rcvici;', 1894, p. 67. 
 
 WICKHAM ST. PAUL'S. All Saints. 
 
 I. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON. 1897. 
 
 On the waist :— ►Ji viVat VICtorIa reqIna nobILIs. 
 
 TO THE OLorY of THE EVbrLIVInQ kInQ 
 
 In gratefVL reCorD of the Longest brItIsh reIqn 
 C. D. Consecrates thIs beLL. 
 
 Five bells. 
 
 (29 in. 
 
 2. ^ DE 4< BVRI 4' ^ANTI -^ HDMONDI -^ ^TEFANVS -^ TONNl -^ ME FECIT •$• 
 WL ^ 1584 (30 in. 
 
 3. On shouldcy :- 
 
 Uiv9ini0 Cgvcgic ^ Uocor (samfanii fflavic 
 
 4. As 2nd to '^L; then: — 4* 1579 
 
 (32^ in. 
 (3Sl in.
 
 448 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 5. CDefJFjs es sspiUBpniv Lionnmi, pesep.un's. issa. 
 
 On ji'iiist :— ►J* in f>oaoi^ecQ Dei e© eipcQ Bp^eritoUffi 
 ffiecQOpjipm me ex (soapi^fis©^ cqilioris 
 GfjpT/e epffipfinfi ©onPLifinDfim oui^f^uis 
 &. oeeoes. i«t. e<3<SLi. uueeri Fies©oni cqdsssxsiii 
 eeoe noyp Bficaio offinifi. (3S in. 
 
 The present 2Ik] and 4th are both by Stephen Tonni (see p. 78; crown and arrows 
 PI. XXVI. 4 ; fleur-de-lys I'l. XXVI. 6), with Wilham Land's initials ; the 3rd a good specimen 
 from the Norwich foundry, with the Brasyer shield (PI. XVIII., 2) on shoulder, the stop being 
 PI. XVIII. 3, the capitals, Brasyer's smaller set (PI. XVII., 6-g). Cf. for the 5 of the date on 
 the 4th, the ist at Ramsden Bellhouse. 
 
 The new tenor (weight 9^ cwt., note B) was cast with additional metal from the old treble 
 of four, which for a long time lay broken on the belfry floor ; the cannons were broken off and 
 holes bored through the crown for suspension. It was inscribed 
 
 MILES GRAVE MADE ME M 1641 in i" 
 
 The old frame for the other three bells dated from about a century back, and probably 
 the treble being then broken and useless was discarded. The new frame was given by the 
 parishioners at the same time that the new bell was put up. The present treble is a further 
 addition in commemoration of Victoria's reign. The letters in larger type form a chronogram 
 of the date (DDCCCCCLLLLLLLVVVVVVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII = 1S96 ; Y = 2). 
 
 See Chiivch Bells, 14 April, 1893, and 9 April, 1897. 
 
 Inventory of 1297 : ' Item campanarium ruinosum et sine tecto. 
 
 Item ij campane. Item ij campanule.' 
 1458 : ' Duo tintinnabula, campaiia manualis. 
 
 Campanile patitur defectum in scindulis.' 
 Morant (ii. yi. 276): '4 bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 123): '4 bells.' 
 Essex Review, 1894, p. 119, 1S98, p. 98; Essex Arch. Trans., N.S., iii. p. 66. 
 
 Death Knell 24 hours after death, for one hour; tellers, 6 for a man or woman, one for 
 a child. 
 
 Tolling at funerals, followed by chiming for a few minutes when procession is in sight. 
 
 On Sundays bells rung or chimed for twenty minutes, followed by two bells for five 
 minutes and one bell for five. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. H. N. Shuttleworth, Rector. 
 
 WIDDINGTON. St. Mary. Three bells. 
 
 1. J: TAYLOR & C FOUNDERS LOUCHBOROUCH 1873. {^C^ in 
 
 2. The same. (39 'n- 
 
 3. The same. 'v (.|4 in.
 
 WICKHAM ST. PAULS WIDFORD 449 
 
 These were presented by Mr. Francis Smith, tlie cost being ;^33i los. 8d. They weigh 
 respectively 8J,, io4, and 14?, cwt. 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. ' iij l)elles a s.inctus belie & ij hand belles by estimacon of xxv<^ 
 weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 567): '5 Hells.' Muilman (ii. p. 401) the same. 
 Essex RcvicK', 1895, p. 185; Essex Arch. Trans., N.S. iii. p. 106. 
 
 Gleaning Bell (the second) at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
 
 Death Knell at 9 a.m. on day following; threes for male, twos for female, followed by 
 hair an hour's tolling. 
 
 Ringing at 6 a.m. on Christmas and Easter mornings, 7 and ir.45 pni. on New Year's 
 Eve; at 4 a.m. on May 29th; and for Weddings. 
 
 The Rector kindly contributes the following notes relating to the history of the bells. 
 
 In the Parish Register under date 15 May 177 i the following occurs: — • 
 
 "The whole steeple hom top to bottom, with ten feet in breadth of both sides of the body of the 
 church fell down. Three bells out of five were dug out of y= rubbish unhurt." 
 
 What was done under the circumstances is not recorded in the Parish Books, but the tale 
 was told until recently " in brick.? and mortar. The Churchwardens of that date sold the Bells, 
 and with the proceeds built up a wall of red brick at tne West end, not even restoring the ten 
 feet on either side but shortening the Church, thus destroying its original proportions, and 
 surmounted the work with a wooden dove-cot in which they placed a small bell. In this state 
 the church remained until 1871 " when restoration Ijecame imperatively necessary. 'Pradition 
 tells that " the bells were sold in i 77 i to the neighbouring parish of Henham, but that by some 
 subsequent arrangement they were carried on to the church of Coopersale, Theydon Garnon, 
 near Epping, and there put up. There are five bells at Coopersale Church, and four of them 
 bear the inscription " 1628 Miles Graye Made Me." [This is not strictly acciu-ate. Cooper- 
 sale Church was only built in 1852, and has only one bell, but the mother church of Theydon 
 Gernon has tiie bells alluded to; see pp. 227, 411. H.B.W.] There was a date 1631 on the 
 chancel wall of Widdington church, which the Rector thinks may allude to some repairs, 
 including a restoration of the bells. There may of course be something in the tradition ; we 
 have no means of knowing ; but similar traditions are curiously common (cf. e.g., at Birchanger 
 and Manuden). 
 
 Very many thanks to Rev. J. W. Court, Rector. 
 
 WIDFORD. St. Mary. Eight bells. 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK, WHITECHAPEL FOUNDRY, LONDON, 1888- 
 
 On waist :— THE GIFT OF ARTHUR PRYOR ESQ: 
 
 OF HYGHLANDS. (26] in. 
 
 2. The same. (27 in. 
 
 3. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1862 (30 in. 
 
 4. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1862 (32 "1- 
 
 57
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 450 
 
 5. As No. 4. 
 
 6. Tlie same. 
 
 7. As No. 3. 
 
 8. As No. 7 ; on the tiiaist : — OLD MIKE 
 
 (33 '"■ 
 (35 '"■ 
 (37 '11- 
 (40 in. 
 
 On the waist of Nos. 3-8 are the Royal Arms, with the word patent below ; the type on 
 Nos. 4-6 is thinner than on the other two. In good ringing order; weight of tenor 12 cwt. ; 
 note (;. 2nd and 6di hung above the rest. See for the erection of the new bells, Church 
 Bells, 4 Jan. 18S9. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 60) ; 'a wooden turret containing two bells.' Muilman (i. p. 275) : ' 2 hells.' 
 
 Death Knell as soon as convenient; 3 x 3 or 3 x 2 before and after tolling. 
 
 On Sundays a bell at S a.m. for 10 minutes; ringing for other services. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve, 1 1. 45-1 2. 15 ; for \\'eddings occasionally. 
 
 A bell rung for Vestry meetings. 
 
 A peabboard dated 1900 records the ringing of 5056 Kent Treble Bob i\Fajor. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. R. Thurlow, Rector. 
 
 WIGBOROUGH. GREAT. 
 
 St. Stephen. 
 
 Two bells. 
 
 J^-omcn jPagJafcnc Gampana Qtxd Jl^cfoSie 
 
 (36 in. 
 
 MILES 
 
 ^ r. 
 
 ■^. GRAVE ^ 
 
 m 
 
 MADE M ME WM 
 
 1622 
 
 (38 in. 
 
 ist by John Danyell : crosses Tl. XII., 5, 8. 
 
 2nd: cf. St. James' Colchester and see p. 94. The stops are PI. XXVII., Figs. 2, 3. 
 This bell is cracked. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 421) : '2 Bells.' Muilman (v. [). 442) the same. 
 Essex Review, 1894, p. 180. 
 
 WIGBOROUGH, LITTLE. 
 
 I. 1820 
 
 St. Stephen. 
 
 One bell. 
 (17 in. 
 
 Probably by Thomas Mears. 
 
 Morant (i. p. 423) : ' i little Bell.' Muilman (v. [>. 445) : ' i bell. 
 
 Essex Review, 1894, p. 180.
 
 WIDFORD WIMIUSH 45 I 
 
 WILLINGALE DOE. St. Christopher. Four I)l-11s. 
 
 I. THOMAS HEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1797 <J<1^> (29 in. 
 
 2 lOHN FRENCH HENRIE PAVET CHVRCHWARDENS IC 
 MADE ME 1634 (,o^ in 
 
 3. THOMAS BARTLET MADE THIS BELL 1631 (^ (33i in. 
 
 (35 i in- 
 
 2nd : by John Clifton ; but the C looks very like an O. 
 
 3rd : one of the latest of Thomas Bartlet's bells (see p. 74). 
 
 4th: In the Brasyer lettering (see p. 72); note the mark after the date, also used by 
 T. Bartlet. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 479): '4 Bells.' Muilman (iii. p. 296) the same. 
 
 Buckler, Essex Churches, p. 156 : ' Suspended to a modern framing are four Bells.' He 
 gives the dates, also the inscription on the tenor, and a woodcut of the letter L. 
 
 Death Knell 24 hours after death ; tolling for an hour. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed, followed by tolling for last five minutes. 
 
 Ringing at 5 a.m. on Christmas Day and midnight on New Year's Eve. 
 
 Gleaning Bell at 8 a.m. until about ten years ago. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. J. Swayne, until recently Rector. 
 
 WILLINGALE SPAIN. All Saints. Two bells. 
 
 1. Blank. (27.V in. 
 
 2. ^ lofipnnes # spjissi # gpfje ^ omGRfipje # bpjo # robis ® oi-jfipje 
 
 (33] in- 
 
 2nd by John Langhorne ? (see p. 22); small capitals (Plate VIII.); cross Herts, fig. 7 as 
 stop throughout. The first is, according to Mr. Miller Christy, a bell of similar make. 
 Muilman (iii. p. 303) : ' 2 bells. 
 Buckler, Churches of Essex, p. 153, gives the inscription and a woodcut of the word 
 
 DINGNARE. 
 
 WIMBISH. All Saints. Three bells. 
 
 I 5obanc8 Clarke 1f3anc fecit Canipanain 1590 
 
 (32 in. 
 2. m M ^ M (34 in.
 
 452 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3. THOMAS •^ GARDINER ^ |^ ^ SUDBURY ^ ^ |i FECIT 
 
 No. I hangs in a frame in the Church}-aid ; nos. 2 and 3 arc in the coach-house of the 
 Vicarage. See p. 84. 
 
 2nd by R. Mot or hi.s predecessor (p. 67); the crosses are alternately PL XXII., Figs. 
 9 and II. (Cf. Little Bentley). 
 
 T.R.E. 5 Oct. 1552. ' iij belles in the steple by estimacon of xxx": weight a sanctes bell 
 by estimacon of xij'' weight a hand bell vj'' weight.' (Stowe MSS. 827). 
 
 Muilman (ii. j). 387): '3 bells.' Essex Arch. Trans., iii. p. 107. 
 
 It is said that when the church was struck by lightning in the eighteenth century the bells 
 were sold to Ashdon. This of course is nothing more than a tradition. 
 
 WITHAM. St. Nicholas. Six bells. 
 
 1. l^EC/IfST BY JOPJVI W/II^]VE1^ ?• .SOJVfS LO1VID0]VI ]S77. (30 in. 
 
 2. The same. (t^;^ in. 
 
 3. ©y eiiooui DGDigi i^enoufisp uooe DoseFje i©oi 
 
 {/>'eloK':—) RICARDVS BOWLER ME FECIT ^) (35 in. 
 
 4. DGS QQO sonmvm BOO e^er^^ffi DQIJ m DOD es DQD 
 
 {Below:—) RICARDVS BOWLER ME FECIT ^^ (38 in. 
 
 5 MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1O27 (41 in 
 
 6. MARK «^ DRAPER «^ SAM = HARRIS ^ C + W'- THO = GARDINER 
 4^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT ^ ,74^. ^ ^ ^ ^^^ . ^ 
 
 Tenor i8 cwt., note F. Treble, 5 cwt. 2 qrs. 4 lbs., note D: 2nd, 7 cwt., note C. The 
 old I St and 2nd were inscribed : 
 
 1. lOHN HODSON MADE ME 1669 
 
 2. THOMAS GARDINER SUDBURY FECIT 1743 
 
 3rd and 4th inscribed in good Gothic or semi-Ciothie sprigged capitals (PI. XXIX.) as far 
 as the date; the stop on the 2nd consists of three small rosettes Rfjf] vertically placed and
 
 WIMRISH WIVENHOE 453 
 
 thrice repeated. The medallion (I'l. XXX., ii) contains the letters R H with an arrow 
 between, presumably for Richard lloldfeld (cf. Upminster 3rd, and see pp. 88, 105). 
 
 It has been suggested that the first two words on the 3rd are for tuum eloijvivm, "Thy 
 word" as in the Vulgate of Ps. cxix. 38, 41, etc., the last syllable being omitted for metrical 
 reasons. Thus the inscription would read " I have learned how to teach thy word with 
 renewed voice," a happy thought for a recast from a medieval invocation. Dcdici for didici 
 may he an East Anglian trait. In the 4th, ihk is for ihesvs (to be scanned Jesus). Bowler 
 may have concocted these lines with the aid of some authority in Colchester Grammar School. 
 
 No mention of bells in Morant or Muilman. 
 
 Some account of the bells is given in Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iv. p. 91, where they are 
 referred to in wrong order; the old inscriptions on the two first are given here. The date on 
 the old 2nd and 6th is supposed to coincide with the replacement of the wooden belfry by a 
 brick tower. The bell-frames removed in 1S77 were a fine specimen of carpentering and in good 
 preservation, but were too large for the present bell-chamber. One beam was inscribed in 
 relief 'John Hast framed me 1743 :' on other timbers were ' W. Sands 
 
 S. Harris Churchwarden 1 743. 
 J. W. 1743.' 
 
 See also Essex Review, 1897, p. 147, for further details, and suggestions as to the 
 inscription on the 3rd : also East .Anglian N. and 0. i. pp. 252, 266. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell : beli raised and rung a few strokes occasionally for an hour; tellers both at 
 beginning and end ; age denoted by size of bell used. 
 
 On Sundays bells chimed for a few minutes at 7 a.m. The tenor rung at 9 a.m. For 
 Services, bells chimed ; " toll in " on tenor for last fifteen minutes. 
 
 The Chapel of Ease of All Saints, erected in 1842, has one bell. 
 
 WIVENHOE. St. Mary. Six bells. 
 
 1. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDKRS, LONDON, 1905. 
 
 On waist .•— MAY GOD BLESS ALL 
 
 WHOM WE DO CALL. (25! in. 
 
 2. As No. I. 
 
 On waist :— PROSPERITY 
 
 TO THIS CHURCH AND PARISH. (27 i"- 
 
 3. As No. I. 
 
 On waist : — WHEN SWEETLY CHIMES THIS BELL, 
 O'ER SEA AND HILL AND DELL, 
 MAY JESUS CHRIST BE PRAISED. (28^ in.
 
 454 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 4. As No. I. 
 
 On waist :— FOR THE HONOUR OF GOD, 
 
 AND THE USE OF THIS CHURCH, 
 
 THESE BELLS WERE RAISED. (30 in. 
 
 5. As No. 1. 
 
 On waist ;— LORD, MAY THIS BELL FOR EVER BE 
 
 A TUNEFUL VOICE O'ER LAND AND SEA, 
 
 TO CALL THY PEOPLE UNTO THEE. (32 in. 
 
 6. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1905. 
 
 On waist : — THIS PEAL OF SIX BELLS 
 
 WAS RECAST AND REHUNG 
 A D. 1905. 
 THE COST BEING DEFRAYED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION 
 SINCLAIR CAROLIN, M.A., RECTOR. 
 
 f.i: HfixH,] CHURCHWARDENS. (35^ ;„. 
 
 Weights : i) 3 c\v 
 
 (jrs. 15 lbs. 
 
 4) 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 23 
 
 : 4 
 
 5> 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 '4 
 
 : 14 
 
 6) 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 '7 
 
 qr. 3 lbs. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Note A. 
 
 2) 4 : I 
 
 3) 4 : 3 
 Total weight 32 cwt. i 
 
 This new ring was dedicated July 20th, 1905 (see Essex County Standard, 22 July, 
 and Church Bells, 28 July). Mr. Price, Churchwarden, writes: — "The restoration originated 
 as follows: In 1903 we (the Churchwardens) received an anonymous letter enclosing a ^^lo 
 Bank Note, which the donor says ' is offered as the nucleus of a Fund which it is hereby 
 proposed and recjuested shall be raised for the purpose of restoring and rehanging the bells of 
 the Parish Church with all new oak framework to same.'" The total cost was about ^^250. 
 A photograph of these bells, taken by Mr. Hughes, is reproduced in Trans. St. Paul's Eaies. 
 Soc. vi. (1907), pi. 2. 
 
 The old ring of six was inscribed as follows : — 
 
 1. Thomas Hears of London Fecit 1802 o^xix^x:^ (25 in. 
 
 2. The same. (27 in. 
 
 3. TIic same. (28 in. 
 
 4. The same. (30 in. 
 
 5. ft H ft H ft Thomas Mears of London fecit 1802 (33 in. 
 
 6. THOMAS mears of LONDON FECIT ^ § ft ^ ^ ^ § ^ ^ (36 in.
 
 WIVENHOE WOODFORD 455 
 
 Weight of tenor 8 cwt. Some of these were cracked, and the cannons of the treble l)roken. 
 On 5th and 6th, the ornament PL XXXIII. 2. 
 
 A letter written by a resident, dated 14 Feb. 1803 (printed in Cliurclt Hells, 28 July, 1905) refers 
 to tlie dedication of this ring : — " This day there was much bell-ringing in Wyvenhoe in consequence 
 of their having six new bells. The parishioners invited some men from Great Tey to ring them for 
 the first time, which they did to the satisfaction of all present, they being quite proficient in the art. 
 The wind being about west, they were not heard very distinctly at Fingringhoe but ... on the 
 North Geeting Marsh . . . the sound of the bells had a very pleasing effect." 
 
 No mention of bells in In.ventories. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 189) : ' five hells.' Muilman (vi. p. 164); ' a clock and 5 hells.' 
 
 Essex Review, 1893, p. 233, 1905, p. 241. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Curfew formerly rung at eight p.m. Captain Penney, now resident in Colchester, used 
 with another boy to ring the big bell every evening at eight up to 1852, and it was also rung at 
 6 a.m. 
 
 Death Knell ;i x ^ for m.ile, 3 x 2 for female ; age denoted by one stroke for each year. 
 
 Ringing at Funerals when requested (? only one liell) ; the same for Weddings. 
 
 On Sundays bells rung for half-an-hour before services. 
 
 Ringing on New Year's Eve. 
 
 A bell rung for Vestry meetings previous to the establishment of the new Urban District 
 Council. 
 
 Best thanks to F. C. Price, Esq., Churchwarden. 
 
 WIX. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 Sit P.omcn Domini ficnciicfum _ __„. 
 
 (37 '"• 
 
 By John Danyell. Crosses, PI. XII., Figs. 5, 8. The minuscules are large in proportion 
 to the capitals. The bell hangs in a wooden campanile in the churchyard. 
 
 T.R.E. ' WvcKS. Such ornaments as be remayni'g still in oure church and chuKchyarde. 
 It. iij bells in the stepyll, w' a litill bell in the chawncell.' 
 
 Two hand bells were also sold to 'Thomas Chawes the peterer dwellying in Lawforde ' ; 
 and the account ends : ' which money \y^^ the said bells are dd. to Nicholas Steward to the 
 King's use, and the residew of the p'mysses which do remayne are dd. to the church wardens 
 ther for dyvyne s'vyce.' (Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. i. p. 26). 
 
 Essex Review, 1893, p. 109. 
 
 WOODFORD. St. Mary. 6 + i bells. 
 
 1. RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1721 9b db Sb DOMINE SALVUM FAC REQEM Cfc 6b 9b (28 in. 
 
 2. RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1721 * db ± DEU5 BENEDICAT BENEFACTORIBUS NOSTRIS 
 
 ****** (29 in.
 
 456 THE CHURCH HELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 3. RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1721 a: * a: *** *** * & flt *** 
 
 (31 in. 
 
 4. The same. (32 in. 
 
 5- 
 
 ThB RKVo: Mk: RICHd: MASTER I): D: RKCTOR Mu: RicHd: RoQE-R^ MarTIN BUl T: CM: 
 WARDENS 17J1 R: P: Ft: (^6 
 
 6. The gift of the lady Elianor Rovve anno lOhs new cast with the other s bells 
 
 1721 R: PHELPS MADE MK: 
 
 Below : — 26 impressions of coins all round. (40 in. 
 
 S. CAPT • lOHN ■ NICHOLSON • CHVRCH • WARDEN 1708- 
 
 {Below:—) RICHARD ■ MASTER ■ RECTER •:■ :\IATH • RAGLEY ■ FECIT ^ 
 
 (22 in. 
 
 Tenor 13 cwt., note E. The only ring by Pheljis in Essex. For Malthew IJagley, see 
 p. 129. The sanctus bell is hung outside on the lop of the tower, and rung as a 'ting-tang' 
 before services. 
 
 T.R.lv ' It. we have in ower stepyl! iij bells and by estimac'on the lest of the' weyth viij 
 hundred. Itm a sanctus bell by estemac'on x.\x'' ponds.' 
 
 ' M*" We sold ij handbells iij cadelstyks a bason for y pascall w' other brashc .... 
 xvj^ viij"*.' {Essex Arch. Trans. N.S ii. p. 247). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 39): '6 Bells.' Mailman (iv. p. 206) the same. 
 
 The following extract from " \\'oodford in Olden Times," a pamphlet printed for [irivate 
 circulation, is taken from the Parish Rooks: — "September 1721. The Churchwardens pro- 
 duced a written list of subscri[)tions of the most influential parishioners promising to contribute 
 the sums named therein towards hanging the liells and several of them agreed to contribute 
 towards having the number increased to six ; and the churchwardens also showed an estimate 
 of the cost thereof. It was resolved that the old bells be changed and six new ones cast and 
 forthwith hung and that a faculty from the Bishop's court be obtained for the purpose." 
 
 26 Dec. I 72 I. The churchwardens are desired to pay the bell ringers for ringing the 
 bells as follows: Christmas 12s., Easter 12s., Whitsuntide 12s., May 29, 12s., Inauguration of 
 King George 12s., at the Coronation 12s., and on 5th November 12s. Total ;^4 4s. 
 
 A list of charges for tolling at funerals is fixed up. 
 
 Dame Eleanor Roe (see tenor) was the wife of Sir Thomas Roe, Knt., and lady of the 
 Manor, but sold the estate to Sir B. Thorowgood. She died in 1675, and was buried in the 
 chancel. The Rev. Richard Master was Rector 1 703-1 729. (See Tysons, Environs of 
 London, iv. pp. 274, 279). 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell tolled ; tellers 2i ^ 3 ''^'''d 3x2; age tolled if known. 
 
 On Sundays liells rung or chimed ; ' ting-tang ' as noted above ; a bell tolled after 
 Evensong.
 
 WOODFORD WOODHAM MORTIMER 457 
 
 Ringing at 6.30 a.m. on the morning of Christmas, Easter, and Whitsunday ; for Weddings 
 when paid for. 
 
 On New Year's Eve bells rung hall'-muftled till midnight ; then an ojjen peal. 
 
 A bell rung for Vestry meetings. 
 
 In the ringing chamber are various peal-boards. 
 
 ISest thanks to Rev. A. Hughes, the late Rector ; also to iVlr. C. H. Hawkins. 
 
 WOODFORD. Holy Trinity. One hell. 
 
 Church built 1887. 
 
 WOODFORD BRIDGE. St. Paul. One bell. 
 
 Bell supplied by John Warner & Sons, dated 1854 or 1855 ; diameter 22 in., weight 
 2 cwt. I qr. 7 lbs., note F shar]i. 
 
 Church built 1S54 ; parish taken out of Woodford. 
 
 WOODFORD WELLS. All .Saints. One bell. 
 
 Bell supplied by John Warner &: Sons in 1874; diameter 19 in., weight i cwt. 2 qr. 3 lbs., 
 note B. 
 
 Church consecrated 1875 ; parish taken out of ^V'oodford. 
 
 WOODHAM FERRERS. St. Mary. One bell. 
 
 I. T. Mears of London Fecit 1819 <x»x'i> (29 '"■ 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 34) : 'a Tower of brick, newly built, which contains four Bells.' Muilman 
 (i. p. 200) : '4 bells.' 
 
 Mr. H. W. King noted in 1857: 'Tower down . . . bells now in a wooden chamber 
 above the roof.' 
 
 WOODHAM MORTIMER. St. Margaret. Three bells. 
 
 I. MILES . GRaVE MADE ;: ME j 16?7 (-4 '"• 
 
 1^^ ^^1 (28 in. 
 
 3. MILES GRAYE MADE ME 1612 (3° '"• 
 
 2nd by John Danyell ; crosses PI. XH. Figs. 8, 9. 
 
 3rd: older variety of lettering (see p. 93); date figures smaller than letters. 
 
 T.R.E. ' iij bells in ye stepuU by cure Judgerae'tt in weyght hunder pounds a letull Ijcll 
 X pond.' (Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 241). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 342) : '3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 292) the same. 
 
 58
 
 ^.^8 the church hells of essex 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 Death Knell 12 hours after death; larger bell for adults, small for children ; tolling for 
 half an hour before funerals. 
 
 On Sundays chiming and tolling for services. 
 
 Ringing for Weddings. 
 
 Thanks to Rev. W. H. Poland, Rector. 
 
 WOODHAM WALTER. St. Michael. Three bells. 
 
 I. MILES : G^aVE MaOE •.: ME o 1676 (25 '" 
 
 (28 in. 
 
 3. THO = GARDlNER ^ SUDBURY ^ FECIT "E^ 1^ ^ i743 
 
 # * 
 
 (30 in. 
 
 The stamps on the 2nd are Henry Jordan's (I'l. XII. 5, 6) ; it is quite exceptional to find 
 theni without the third shield (PI. XII. 4), his special trade mark. 
 
 T.R.E. ' \VooDH.\M Water. Itm iij bells in the stejiiU conteynynge in wayte by 
 estimacion viij c' (Essex Arch. Trans, v. p. 242). 
 
 At the Visitation of 1612 it was reported: 'They want a bell rope and a baldrick {Essex 
 Review, 1906, p. 40). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 340): '3 Bells.' Muilman (v. p. 287): '3 bells.' 
 
 See Essex Revietv, 1892, p. 92. 
 
 The Churchwardens paid on 
 
 Nov. 5, 1770 To Sir Jn" Harris for Ringing the Pells 
 
 026 
 
 Death Knell 24 hours after death ; 3 for male, 2 for female. 
 On Sundays bells chimed for twenty minutes, tolling for ten. 
 Ringing for Weddings if required. 
 Cdeaning bell formerly at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. 
 Thanks to Rev. R. II. Falkner, Rector. 
 
 WORMINGFORD. St. Andrew. Three bells. 
 
 I. -t- PIliRI '. IIXHRVNT • VENKRABILIS • OVLIHLMVS '. WALUKORAVE • MILES '. ET 
 
 * . . . . • • 
 
 • aVLIi;L.\\V.S ' LINNE *. QENEROSVS ; in>\ (^^2 '"•
 
 WOODHAM MORTIMER WORMINGFORD ^CQ 
 
 e© □ c-iyiiieLtffius f] umne Q cjenei^osus Q 1591 \~\ 
 
 >^ K^ 0±21 U±2i 
 
 bit llomfn Domini Brnriiiftum 
 
 (35 i'l- 
 
 ist ami 2nd by Richard Bowler (p. 87), the 2nd in good Gothic capitals (IH. XXIX.) 
 with the A reversed throughout ; the initials of GuI,TEL^rvs and Waldecrave are Roman 
 letters, 'i'he cross is PI. XXIX. i, the stop^ on the 2nd are PI. XXIX. 8 and PL XXVIII. 8. 
 
 3rd by Joanna Sturdy ; Stephen Norton's capitals crowned (the I and S from the smaller 
 set); crosses PI. VII. i, 5. 
 
 Pits for four bells ; old triangular frames ; wheel of treble broken. All three are beautiful 
 castings. 
 
 T.R.E. ' Itm iij Bellys in ye stepyll Ilm a lytle bell in ye chansell.' 
 
 ' Itm payde for a Bell Rope xxijd. {East Anf^lian N. and Q., N.S. ii. p. 283). 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 233) : '4 Bells.' Muilman (vi. p. 227) the same. 
 
 See Essex Review, 1893, p. 234. 
 
 Sir William Waldegrave, Knight, of the well-known family who had their chief seat at 
 Smallbridge, Bures St. Mary, Suffolk, kept his first court for the manor of Wormingford in 
 1584 (Morant, ii. p. 231). He was born about 1535, married in 1560, and died in 1613, 
 being buried at Bures. It is curious to find the archidiaconal epithet vcnerahilis here applied 
 to the Knight, as equivalent to our " Sir." 'Phe Lynne family were settled at Westrop or 
 Westwood Green in the adjoining parish of Gt. Horkesley. William Lynne, gent., was buried 
 in that church, 12 Nov. 1616 (Morant, ibid. p. 235). Cf the sanctus at Maldon All Saints. 
 
 The late Dr. Raven kindly contributed the text of a petition relating to \Vormingford 
 bells temp. Edward IV., from the Early Chancery Proceedings. The original transcript was 
 made by Mr. A. n. Tyssen. 
 
 To the rev'ard fader in God and full noble and g^cious lord the Bissliop of Excestr chaunceler 
 of England. 
 
 Mekely besecheth your g''cious Lordshipp your continuell Oratour and s'ir''nte William Wolston 
 that were Thomas Walgrave Knyght and Geffrey Rokel Squier in lenton past was full in coicacion 
 with your said s'u''nte to chaunge the belles of the church of Warmyngford in Essex and to have 
 new of your said suppliante, and therupon was concluded that the said Thomas and Geffrey should 
 send to your said s'u^nte theire olde belles and to content your said s'u^nt the ou'plus for his newe 
 belles which conieth to xiiij'' or theraboute and theruppon the said Thomas and Geffrey sent their 
 olde belles and your said s'u^nte hath made the said newe belles and is redy at all tynies to make 
 delyv'aunce of them so that he may be sure for his duete and also nowe late the said Geffrey and 
 your said s'u^nte were in bergennyng of c'teyn wode of the same Geffrey whiche drewe to the value 
 of xl'i and it was aggreed that your said s'u=>nte should have had the space vi iij yeres to fecche away 
 the said wode and the said Geffrey to be bounde that your said s'u^nte durynge the said space should 
 have fre comyng and goyng to fecche the said wode withoutc eny let or int'ujKion of eny p'sone and
 
 460 THE CHURCH HK1.I.S OF ESSEX 
 
 lli^ said ou'pUis fni' tlie iicue Ijelles to be in parly of payment for the same wode and lierupon 
 endentures should have he made betwene them and all be it that ther was neu'e more p'cedyng in 
 the said bargayn of wode nor eny wrytyng upon the same made nor sealed nor eny parcell of the 
 said wode was had by your said s'u^nte or eny other in his name yet notwithstandyny the said 
 Geffrey liath let arest your said s'u^nte for the same wode at Colchestr and also hath aresle your 
 said s'u-^nte there for the said belles gretly against trouth and conscience for so nioche as your said 
 s'u^nte is redy to dclyu'e the said belles he beyng content as reson ys. Please it your g'acious lord- 
 ship the p'mysses considered to g'unte vnto your said s'u-^'nte a c'tiorar (?) ' directe to the Bailifs of 
 Colchestr to examyn the mater a[gain ?] for your lordship and your said s'u-inte shall sp'ally p^y God 
 for your noble estate. 
 
 The date of the petition is 1-8 Edward IV (1461-68). The present tenor is clearly one 
 of the new bell.s with which the petition is concerned; Johanna Sturdy's date is about 1458- 
 1470. 
 
 WRABNESS. All Saints. One bell. 
 
 I. J. WARNER & SONS CRESCENT FOUNDRY LONDON 1854 
 
 On ihc K'aisi : KoyalArms , j^^^ 
 
 PATENT 
 
 Weight 4 cwt. 2 (p-s. 17 lbs. ; note E. 
 
 T.R.E. 18 Sept. 1552: ' Itm iij small bells.' (Sold) ' ij small hand bells.' (Essex Arch. 
 Trans. N.S. i. p. 25). 
 
 Morant (i. p. 493) : ' Formerly a stone tower, with 5 IJells ; now only 2, in a wooden 
 Turret.' Muilman (vi. p. 87) the same. 
 
 .See Essex Review, 1893, p. 109. 
 
 WRITTLE. All Saints. Eight bells. 
 
 I. RECAST A D 1811 By Voluntary contribution and parish Rate ^ 
 
 (2iid line :—) JAME3 CAMPER WRIGHT KOBr BAILEY CHURCH WARDENS T- MEARS FECIT: 
 
 (29 in. 
 
 2. Recast ad isil by Voluntary Contribution and Parish Rate 
 
 {2nd line :—) JAMES CAMPER WRIGHT ROB. BAILEY CHURCH WARDENS T. MEARS OF 
 
 SI). 
 
 {yd line:—) LONDON FECIT (31 in. 
 
 3. RECAST A -D 1811 BY VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION AND PARISH RATE ^ || ^ || § 
 
 {2nd line :—) JAMES CAMPER WRIGHT ROBi BAILEY CHURCH WARDENS T.. MEARS FECIT 
 
 (32 in. 
 
 ' I'roliil'Iy fciiiorari.
 
 VVORMINGFORD WRITTLE 46 I 
 
 4. RECAST A.D 1811 BY VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION AND PARISH RATE JA-- CAMPER: 
 
 {2nd Hue .— ) Wright robi Bailey church Wardens t. mears of London Fecit. 
 
 (34 in. 
 
 5. Recast A-D 1811 by Voluntary contribution and Parish Rate James Camper 
 
 {2nd line : — ) WRIGHT ROBi BAILEY CHURCH WARDENS T.. MeARS OF LONDON FECIT 
 
 (37 ill- 
 
 6. As the Inst, except that WRIGHT is in first line. (40 in. 
 
 7. RECAST A. D 1811 BY VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION AND PARISH RATE M'= HENRY 
 LAMBIRTH BREWEa 
 
 {2ud line :—) OF THIS PLACE SUBSCRIBED ONE HUNDRED POUNDS TOWARDS THE EXPENSE 
 OF RECASTING & HANGING 
 
 (3)7/ line :—) THE 8 BELLS JAME3 CAMPER WRIGHT ROB' BAILEY CHURCH WARDENS 
 
 T.. MEARS OF London Fecit. (43 in. 
 
 8. As No. 4 down to BAILEY 
 
 {2nd line :—) CHURCH WARDENS THE RIGHT HONulk WILLIAM HENRY FRANCIS LORD 
 
 Petre Baron of this Place presented 
 
 {^t'd line : — ) THE PARISH WITH SIX LOADS OF TIMBER FOR THE PUjIPOSE OF MAKING THE 
 
 Frames &c. to hang the 8 Bells. 
 ^fji line :—) T MEAR5 OF LONDON FE3IT (48 in. 
 
 Tenor, 18 cwt. 2 qrs. 2 lbs., note 1'^. In good order and well looked after, the Rector' 
 being a well-known patron of Change-Ringing. 
 
 On the bell frame is rudely incised : — ETT T PAPRIII 
 
 18-11 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 69) : ' a ring of 8 Bells.' Muilman (i. p. 286) : ' 8 bells.' 
 
 Mentioned by Buckler, Essex Churches, p. 204. 
 
 A writer in the Gentleman's Magazine, 1800, pt. i. p. 473, records that the tower and 
 bells fell in 1800, the latter being destroyed. This was evidently the occasion of the new ring 
 being provided. 
 
 Customs : — 
 
 ' Since this account was sent to press ihe l\cv. T. I.. Papillon, to whom frccjuent reference has been here 
 made, has resigned the living.
 
 462 THE CHURCH BELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 Death Knell as soon as may be after death ; tellers three for male, two for female ; one 
 of the smaller hells for a child, a heavier one for an adult ; tenor only used for the Sovereign, 
 the A'icar, or the Warden of New College, Oxford (the patrons). 
 
 On Sundays ringing for Morning and Evening services, with first two chimed and then 
 one tolled for the last ten minutes; two bells chimed for early celebration (except on Easter 
 Sunday). 
 
 Ringing before 7 a.m. service on Easter Sunday, and on New Year's Eve, when they are 
 half muffled from ii.o to 11.55, when they are left standing and the muffles removed. At 
 midnight the ringer of the tenor gives twelve pulls with his bell (as the clock cannot strike 
 while the bell is up), and the whole eight are then rung open for ten or fifteen minutes. This 
 custom, says the Vicar, is much appreciated, and is performed by a band of competent ringers, 
 with whom he himself sometimes joins. 
 
 Ringing for Weddings, and on special occasions if the ringers wish it. 
 
 This is well-known as a ringing centre, and change-ringing is assiduously practised, the 
 Vicar being the Master of the Essex Association and well known for his interest in the subject. 
 He writes that they require " no rules except the unwritten laws of good behaviour and sobriety. 
 The constant presence of the clergy in the belfry has rendered formal rules unnecessary." The 
 ringers are not paid except by a collection made at Christmas. 
 
 In the ringing chamber are several peal-boards, about eight in all, the inscription on one 
 of which is kindly sent by Mr. Miller Christy : — 
 
 Was rung in this tower by the Writtle Company on Mond.iy May 31st i8ig a complete Teal of 
 Bob Major containing 5040 changes, by the following persons : 
 
 1. Jas. Porter 5. Robert Thornback 
 
 2. Jos. Howard 6. Rob' Low 
 
 3. W"' Hunt 7. Jas. Archer 
 
 4. John Baker 8. Jas. Roland 
 
 Tenor waying 18 cwt. This Peal was called by Jos. Howard & nobly Ijrought round in 3 hours 
 7 minutes — John Bright. 
 
 Many thanks to the Rev. T. L. Papillon, for full information relating to uses, etc. 
 By his kind permission also we are able to give the following extracts from the Church- 
 warden's Accounts [from Mr. R. H. Browne's transcript] : — 
 
 1588. item payd to Henry Yownge lawyer [tanner ?] for one liorshyde and 
 
 calves skynne for baldrycks for the bells viij'* 
 
 item pay^' to Jeremy Goldstone smylhe for laynge the neppell (.') of 
 
 the bells 
 item pay'' for meat and dryncke for the Rynggers on the CrfAvnnacyon 
 
 Day 
 1593. for bell clappers and other charges abought the bells as by a byll 
 
 appe'yth 
 1597. Itm pay'' John Dyer the bell founder for casting of the great bell 
 
 for caraying of the great bell to Chelmsford & bryngyng her hom 
 
 agayne vj* viij'' 
 
 u) Robert Hothe for helping to lood the great bell and waghe her ij' vj*" 
 
 for meet and drynck for Robert Hothe \- o'selves when we carayed 
 
 the bell to Chelmsford and at to other tymes when we dyd waye 
 
 the bell iij' vj'' 
 
 
 xlvj^ 
 
 viij'' 
 
 
 v- 
 
 ,j'' 
 
 
 XVJs 
 
 iij'' 
 
 xj'i 
 
 i vj-^ 
 
 viij''
 
 WRITTLE YELDHAM 463 
 
 to John I'amplyn for fewer bell ropes waying xlviij pownd att iij" the 
 
 pound >^'j'* 
 
 to hym more for a saunce bell rope 
 
 for half a horse hyde and half a calves skyne for the bells 
 for three womes to Abraham Goose to make the bawderykes for the bells 
 for ij pownd of tallowe 
 
 to Robert Sallow for makyng of fyve baderykes 
 
 for Goodman Dyer's dynner & his mens when he dyd take down the bell 
 for mett and drynck for the ryngers on Coronatyon daye 
 to John I'amplyn for a bell rope waying xiij pownd & a half 
 to Francis Critche for makyng of the fowerth bell clapper and mending 
 
 of the fowerth bell & mending of the same bell clapper & for nayles &c 
 to Francis Crytch for makyng of the great bell clapper 
 to John Goldstone for one payer of sheres (?) for the great bell mad out 
 
 of new yerne waying fower pownd 
 to John Goldstone for the workmanshipe of four sturrupes & on payer 
 
 of sheares (?) 
 to John Goldstone for a pownd of nayles 
 (to the same) for mending the gudyng of the second bell 
 (to the same) for viij spyles' for the make fast the gudgins in the stock 
 
 and spylling chyssell 
 of John Brand in money that he gathered towards the casting of the 
 
 great bell 
 to Thomas Ashbye for a pece of oke to pece the stock of the great bell 
 
 1602. To Francis Erye'^ for making the ey of the treble clapper 
 to John Goldstone for mending the flyght of the treble clapper & the 
 
 ey of the second bell clapper 
 to Francis Erye for making an ey for great bell clapper 
 to the Bell founder for casting of the thyrd bell, and for two houndereth 
 
 & fyve pownd of mettall : 
 
 for carayeg & brynging home a gayne the thyrd bell from casting 6c 
 
 the church'''^"!' meat & drynck 
 
 1603. Rec<^ of Wylliam Hawkyn & Henry Shettleworth the benevolence of 
 
 the batchelers toward the casting of the thyrd bell 
 1622. To Goodman White for a soles for the bell wheel 
 
 Rec° of i\r Whitecombe w"^'' he gave of his owne free will toward the 
 hanging of the S'* bell 
 1641. for 4 iron pynns for the trundles of the bell-ropes-nayles 
 to James Graye for mending the bells 
 to [Mother Bewyte's] passing bell and knell 
 
 YELDHAM, GREAT. St. Andrew. Six bells. 
 
 Old ring : — 
 
 I. Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1766 (25 in. 
 
 ' Pegs ; cf. p. 3S2, 
 
 ■Tor this name cf. the 2nd al Grc.it Sampford. 
 
 xviij'' 
 
 iiij' 
 
 vjd 
 
 
 XX"! 
 
 
 viij'' 
 
 
 xx'i 
 
 1 iij^ 
 
 viij'' 
 
 vj"' 
 
 viij'' 
 
 ")- 
 
 vij'' 
 
 xvj'* 
 
 
 x^ 
 
 
 
 xvj'' 
 
 ''r 
 
 
 
 iiij'' 
 
 
 xij'' 
 
 
 vij'' 
 
 'li xij' 
 
 , ijd 
 
 
 vjd 
 
 
 xvj'' 
 
 
 xvjii 
 
 ij' 
 
 
 i'' xiij'^ 
 
 vijd 
 
 XX vj * 
 
 viij'' 
 
 xxiij* 
 
 yd 
 
 j" 
 
 iiijd 
 
 
 xxd 
 
 01 
 
 02 
 
 00 07 00 
 
 00 I 
 
 00
 
 464 THE CHURCH RELLS OF ESSEX 
 
 2. The same. (26 in. 
 
 3. MILES •-. GRAVE - MflDE » ME - 166O T ;•. P (27^ in. 
 
 4. As the iast as far as date. (29 in. 
 
 5. ^> fL?,c mabc the hanb of Inilliam 'I.anb ^jj^ I k X (33 in. 
 
 Below, impressions of coins. 
 
 6. RALPH PAGE CH: WARDEN LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1766 [I] I ID 
 
 I ! Q (35 i"- 
 
 3rd : T. P. may denote Thomas Plume of Yeldham Hall. 
 
 5th: Cf. Ram,sden Belhouse ist; but thi.s Land may be the earlier contemporary of 
 Stephen Tonne (see p. Si). The initials I L may denote a brother or associate; at Kirkos- 
 wald, Cumberland, W. B. similarly appear. The marks are Plate XXVI., Figs. 5, 7, 11-13. 
 
 6th: the marks are a scallop-shell (PL XXXIII. i), the cherub stamp as at St. Osyth 
 (PI. XXXIII. 3), a square surrounded by loops (XXXIII. 5), a helmet between eagles 
 (XXXIII. 6) and the shell repeated. 
 
 In August 1908 the inner four were recast by Warner, the old inscrijitions being retained. 
 The weights and notes of the present ring are : — 
 
 i) (old bell) 3 
 
 2) 3 
 
 3) 3 
 
 4) 4 
 
 5) 5 
 
 6) (old bell) 7 
 
 The ringing chamber is very dark. 
 
 Morant (ii. p. 303) : '5 Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 212): '6 bells.' The former probably 
 wrote before 1766, when it may be presumed there were only five. 
 
 Essex Review, 1898, p. 234; Essex Arch. Trans. N.S. iii. p. 68. 
 Thanks to Rev. E. L. Tomson, Vicar, and to Messrs. Warner. 
 
 YELDHAM, LITTLE. St. John Bapti.st. Two bells. 
 
 I MILES r. GRaVE MADE -.: ME a 1674 
 
 2. The same. 
 
 Bells rehung and belfry put into thorough order and rei)air, 1905. 
 Morant (ii. p. 305): 'two Bells.' Muilman (ii. p. 1S4): ' i bell.' 
 See Essex Review, 1898, p. 234. 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 F sharp. 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 E. 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 D. 
 
 I 
 
 14 
 
 C sharp. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 B. 
 
 
 
 
 
 A.
 
 INDEX 
 
 Abberton, 102, 155 
 
 Abbess Roothing, see Roothing, Abbess. 
 
 Abbotsham, Devon, 27 
 
 Age tolled in death-knell, 149 
 
 Aldborough Hatch, 155 
 
 Aldgate, see London. 
 
 Aldham, 2, 23, 26, 39, 40, 60, 155 
 
 Alfriston, Sussex, 25 
 
 Alphamstone, 53, 60, 82, 156 
 
 Alresford, i 56 
 
 Althorne, 41, 60, 10 1, 157 
 
 Ambrosden, Oxon., 8 
 
 Ampton, Suffolk, 48 
 
 Amvvell, Great, Herts., O5 
 
 Appledram, Sussex, 10 
 
 Arabic numerals, early use of, 40, 44, 59, 252, 
 
 374, 397 
 Ardleigh. 15, 60, 109, no, 117, 125, 133, 151, 
 
 157 ff. 
 Arkesden, 119, 133, 159 
 Arms, coats of, on bells, 20, 27, 109, 177 
 
 (Bayning), 211, 218 (Colchester), 238 
 
 (Jenoure), 253 
 Ascension day hymn, 28 ; ringing on, 147 
 Ashdon, 53, 60, 103, 135, 138, 151, 160 
 Asheldham, 63, 161 
 Ashen, 2, 2,7, 46, 60, 16 r 
 Ashingdon, 162 
 Assington, Suffolk, 9 
 Audley End, 381 
 Ave Peals, 145 
 
 Aveley, 42, 60, 74, 121, 151, 162 
 Aylett family, 44, 75, 374, 404 
 Aythorpe Roothing, see Roothing, Aytliorpe. 
 
 Baddow, Great, 137, 138, 163 
 Baddow, Little, 13, 37, 60, 83, 100, 164 
 
 Bagleys, founders, 128; Matthew, 128; James, 
 
 129; Julia, 381 
 Barber, John, founder, 41 
 Bardfield, Great, 93, 97, 121, 164 
 Bardfiekl, Little, 27, 60, 81, 166 
 Barker, William, founder, 49 
 Barking, 130, 166 
 Barkingside, 168 
 Barling, 83, 114, 169 
 Barnes, Surrey, 67 
 Barnston, 169 
 Bartlet, Thomas, 73, 354, 365 ; Anthony, 75, 
 
 76 ; James, 77 
 Barwell, founder, 142 
 Basildon, 27 1 60, 81, 169 
 Batheaston, Somerset, 9 
 Baxter, Richard, founder, 48 
 Bayning, Paul, 69, 1 77 
 Beauchamp Roothing, see Roothing, IJe.iu- 
 
 champ. 
 Beaumont and Moze, 1 10, 170 
 Beckenham, Kent, 112 
 
 Bedford, St. Mary, 40 ; supposed foundry at, 12 
 Beech, High, 170 
 Belchamp Otten, 5.7, 60, 122, 170 
 Belchanip St. Paul's, 99, 123, 126, 171 
 Belchamp Walter, 28, 63, 124, 132, 140, 172 
 Bell-Fields or BcU-ropc Fields, 170, 174, 200, 
 
 209, 230, 235, 246, 275, 284, 301, 303, 310, 
 
 313, 317. 321, 346, 2(>2, 387, 403, 410 
 Bell-founders, see Founders. 
 Bell-foundries, see under difleient headings. 
 Bellyeteres (at Lynn), 47 
 Benfleet, North, 2, 60, 173 
 Benfleet, South, 31, 60, 103, 114, 173 
 Bentley, Great, 121, 125, 174 
 Bentley, Little, 69, 93, 99, 17s 
 
 59
 
 466 
 
 INDEX 
 
 nenton, History of Rochford Hundred, quoted, 
 162, 201 (Canewdon), 244, 361 (Prittlewell) 
 Berdcn, loS, i ili, 143, 177 
 l?ciechuicli, 4, 5, 63, I 78 
 ISer.nholt, East, SiifTolk, 88, 105 
 Ik-i-holt, West, 37, 39, 63, 178 
 Herifle, Jolin, 191 
 
 Berners Roothing, see RooiIiiiiL;, I'eniers. 
 lietliersden, Kent, 9 
 liillericay, 3, 5, 64, 179 
 Hiicli, 125, 179 
 liirch. Little, I, 179 
 liiiclianger, i So 
 liird, Jolin, founder, 27 
 llirdbiook, 82, 85, 86, i8o 
 Hirdham, Sussex, 8 
 ISirmingham foundry, 142 
 l)ishop's Stoitfoid, Herts, 120 
 Bisley, Surrey, 6, 317 
 Bitterley, Salop, 12 
 Black Chapel, see Great Wakhani. 
 Black-letter inscriptions, 2, 12, 14, 22, 24 ff. 
 IMackniore, 101, iSo 
 Bobbingworth, iSi 
 Bocking, 56, 60, I 10, 182 
 Borden foundry, T06 
 Boreliani, 94, 99, 113, 126, 183 
 Borley, 78, 124, 185 
 
 Bowell and Son, founders, 143, 319, 342 
 Bowers (jifford, 2, 7, 13, 60, 185 
 Bowler, Richard, founder, 86 ff., 89, 105 
 ' Bowsers' Knot, 244 
 Boxford, Suffolk, 47 
 r>oxted, 124, 185 
 Boyton, Wilts, 35 
 Brackcr, Austen, founder, 82, 156 
 Bradfield, 25, 60, 186 
 liradlcy, Great, Suffolk, 4 
 Bradwell-by-Coggeshall, 97, 98, 100, 186 
 
 Bradwell-on-Sea, 130, 186 
 
 Brailcs, Warwickshire, 28 
 
 15 rain tree, 187 
 
 Brambcr, Sussex, 8 
 
 Brandon, Thomas, 76, 301 
 
 Brasyers of Norwich, 48 ; and see 69, 72, 1 1 1, 
 214 
 
 Braxtcd, Clrcat, 25, 27, 64, 114, 189 
 
 Braxted, Little, 3, 190 
 
 Bredon, Worcestershire, 112 
 
 Brend, John, founder, 81 
 
 Brentwood, i, 190 
 
 Briant, John, founder, 12, 132, 427, 429 
 Brightlingsea, 26, 60, igi 
 Bristol foundry, 85 
 Bromley, Great, 123, 125, 126, 192 
 Bromley, Little, 14, 60, 193 
 Brooke, William and Agnes, 443 
 Broonifield, 83, 97, 194 
 Broxted, 95, 100, 195 
 Buckhurst Hill, 195 
 
 Buckler, Cliurclies of A'.f.vi/.v, quoted, 188, 190, 
 260, 265, 306, 331, 337, 350, 398, 400, 441, 
 
 451 
 Bullisdon, Thomas, founder, 38, 343, 443 
 Buhner, 93, 97, 98, 122, 124, 195 
 Bulphan, 196 
 
 Bumpstead, Helions, 95, loi, 196 
 Bumpstead, Steeple, 125, 126, 197 
 IJures, Mount, 2, 14, 37, 60, 198 
 Burford, William, founder, 13 ; stamps of, used 
 
 by later founders, 16, 21, 32, 432 ; Robert, 
 
 founder, 14 ; stamps of, used later, 16, 42 
 Burham, Kent, 4 
 Burnham, 31, 6[, 198 
 Burstead, Great, 31, 61, 124, 199 
 Burstead, Little, 75, 84, 200 
 Bury St. Edmunds foundry, 49 K., 77 fT., 156, 
 
 161, 261, 363 
 Buttsbury, 37, 61, 200 
 
 Calit, 6 
 
 Cambridge, foundry at, 104, 118 ; King's College 
 
 bells, 29, 33, 41, 51 ; St. Mary the Great 
 
 bells, 51 
 Canewdon, 100, 114, 121, 133, 200 
 Canfield, (keat, 58, 59, 61, 84, 100, 114, 201 
 Canfield, Little, 108, 202 
 Canning Town, 279 
 Canvey Island, 203 
 
 Capital letters in Gothic inscriptions, 2 fif., 22 
 Carillons, 323 
 Carter, Joseph, founder, 46, 67, 71 ; William, 
 
 founder, 72 
 Castlcthorpe, Bucks, iS 
 Catesby, Northants, 4 
 Callin, Robert, founder, 130 
 Caversficld, Oxon., 3, 8 
 Chacomb foundry, 12S 
 Chadwcll, 74, 117, 135, 203
 
 INDEX 
 
 467 
 
 Chalk, Kent, 4 
 
 Chamberlayne, William, founder, 38 
 
 Chaplyn, Thomas, 171 
 
 Chapman, Rev. 1!., 161 
 
 Chapman, William, founder, 136 
 
 Chappel, 103, 203 
 
 Charterhouse, see London. 
 
 Chelmsford, 132, 137, 13S, 204 
 
 Chertsey foundry, 107 
 
 Chesterford, Great, 54, 61, 114, 127, 133, 20O 
 
 Chesterford, Little, 22, 64, 207 
 
 Chichester foundry, 8 
 
 Chickney, 2, 21, 61, 208 
 
 Chiynal St. James, 85, 20S 
 
 Chignal Smealey, 3, 63, 209 
 
 Chigwell, 128, 120, 131, 2og 
 
 Childerditch, 210 
 
 Chilton, Berks, 46 
 
 Chiming for services, 146 ; at funerals, 149 
 
 Chingford, 78, 108, 210 
 
 Chipping Ongar, see Onyar. 
 
 Chirche, see Church. 
 
 Chishall, Great, 2 10 
 
 Chishall, Little, 21 i 
 
 Chiswell, Richard Muilman Trench, 232 
 
 Chittern, Wilts, 39, 41 
 
 Choir Practice, bell for, 147 
 
 Chrishall, 48, 64, 106, 133, 143, 211 
 
 Christchurch, Oxfoid, 28 
 
 Christmas, ringing at, 147 
 
 Christy, Mr. Miller, 157, 164, 181, 195, 206, 229, 
 235, 236, 282, 283, 303, 338, 339, 343, 451, 
 462 
 
 Chronograms, 355, 448 
 
 Church, Reginald, founder, 50 ; Thomas, 
 founder, 5 1 ff. 
 
 Church Aston, Salop, 38 1 
 
 Chid ill Bells quoted, 371 
 
 Churches, ruined or destroyed, 1 
 
 Churchwardens' accounts : Ardleigh, 159; Bore- 
 ham, 185 ; Chelmsford, 205 ; Chesterford, 
 207 ; Coggeshall, 214; Colne Wakes, 227 ; 
 Danbmy, 231 ; Dunmow, 239 ; Epping, 
 246 ; Hallingbury, (heat, 267 ff. ; llauning- 
 field. East, 281 ; Heybridge, 295 ; Ley ton, 
 324 ; Roydon, 377 ; Saffron Walden, 380 ; 
 Stifford, 401 ; Stisted, 402 ; Terling, 407 ; 
 Thaxted, 410; Waltham Abbey, 429; 
 Waltham, Little, 434 ; Weald, South, 442 ; 
 Writtle, 462 
 
 Clacton, Great, 96, 101, 124, 211 
 
 Clacton, Little, 32, 61, loi, 126, 212 
 
 Clacton-on-Sea, 212 
 
 Clare, Suffolk, 25 
 
 Clarke, John, founder, 65, 84 
 
 Clavering, 2 i 2 
 
 Clerkenwell, see Lf)ndon. 
 
 Clibury, WiUiam, f<iiuuler, 69 
 
 Clifton, John, founder, 75 
 
 Clock-bells, ancient, 183, 206, 252, 328 
 
 Clothall, Herts., 6 
 
 Clunbury, Salop, 69 
 
 Coats-of-arms on bells, see Arms. 
 
 Cocks, Mr. A. If., 3, 12, 15, 21, 30, 32, 46, 128 
 
 Coggeshall, 77, 103, 124, 126, 133, 213 
 
 Coins of John of Portugal, 351, 3S9 
 
 Colchester foundry, 2, 86 ft". ; All Saints, 86, 93, 
 
 97, 98, 103, 215; Holy 'I'linlly, 100, 216; 
 
 St. liutolph, 216; St. Giles, 102, 216; St. 
 
 James, 94, 216; St. John, 21S; St. 
 
 LeonanI, 21, 36, 61, 123, 124, 126, 218 ; St. 
 
 Martin, loi, 219; St. Mary, 110, 219; St. 
 
 Mary Magdalene, 219 ; St. Nicholas, 16, 
 
 18, 61, 122, 220 ; St. I'nul, 221 ; St. Beter, 
 
 135, 221, 420; St. Runwald, 98, 222; 
 
 Town Hall, 23, 24, 6r, 222 
 Cold Norton, see Norton, Cold. 
 Colne, Earls, 122, 126, 223 
 Colne Engaine, 93, 97, 99, 103, 124, 126, 225 
 Colne, Wakes, 37, 61, 102, 122, 226 
 Colne, White, 227 
 Coopersale, 227 
 Copford, 27, 29, 38, 61, 79, 227 
 Cornard, Little, Suffolk, 119, 123, 156 
 Cornhill, see London. 
 Cornish Hall End, 253 
 Coronation Day, ringing on, 148 
 Corringham, 74, 83, 228 
 Coton, Cambs., 53 
 Cranham, 2, 29, 34, 35, 38, 61, 22S 
 Cressing, 124, 229 
 Cresswell, Richard, fotmder, 32 
 Cricksea, 229 
 Cripplegate, see London. 
 Croftes, Sir John, 80, 296 
 Cross-keys shield, 36 
 Crowch, Robert, founder, 32 
 Croydon foundry, 142 
 Crucifixion, medallion of, 33, 78 
 Culverden, William, founder, 42, 55
 
 468 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Curfew, 145, T 50 
 Customs, ringing, 145 ff. 
 
 Dagenhaiii, 229 
 
 Danbury, 67, 94, 98, 101, 126, 230 
 
 Danyell, John, founder, 33 
 
 Darbie, John, founder, 109, 234, 371 
 
 Darbie, Michael, founder, 11 1 
 
 Dawe, William, founder, 22, 25, 31, 186 
 
 Dearn, William, 221 
 
 Death- Knell, 148 
 
 Debden, 52, 63, 232 
 
 Dedham, 14, 61, 109, 123, 126, 233 
 
 Dedications of mediaeval bells, see 60 fit. ; also 
 
 1 3. 3°: 5 5 
 Dcflbid, Worcs., 12S 
 Dengie, 40, 61, 235 
 Deptford, Kent, 12S 
 Derby, founder, i i, 47 
 Didlington, Norfolk, bells at, 12, 13 
 Dier, John, founder, 59, 65, S3, 403 
 Disney, Mr. E. N., 306 
 Dobson, William, founder, 132 
 Doddes, Robert, founder, 66 
 Doddinghurst, 44, 45, 61, 70, 129, 235 
 Donyland, East, 236 
 Dovercourt, 13, 61, 67, 236 
 Downe, Kent, 27 
 Dounham, 85, 103, 124, 237 
 Downhani, Lanes., 31, 32 
 Downham, Norfolk, 132 
 
 Draper, Thomas, founder, 79, 80, 22S, 391, 397 
 Diinmow, Great, 108, 109, no, 237 
 Dunmow, Little, 125, 239 
 Dunstable, Beds., 8 
 Dunton, 240 
 Dunton, Beds., 106 
 Dyer, see Dier. 
 
 Earl's Coinc, see Colne, Earls. 
 
 Easter, ringing at, 147 
 
 Easier, Good, 17, 18, 64, 113, 124, 125, 240 
 
 Easter, High, 28, 61, 71, 83, i 19, 241 
 
 Easthorpe, 102, 242 
 
 Eastleach Martin, Gloucs., 46 
 
 Easton, Great, 29, 34, 37, 6r, 114, 242 
 
 Easton, Little, 56, 61, 63, 118, 122, 243 
 
 Eastwood, 13, 61, 117, 244 
 
 Edmonton, Geoffrey of, 3, 179, 388 
 
 Edward III, head of, 10, 427 
 
 Eighteenth-rentury founders, 119 ff. 
 Eldridge, lirian, founder, 107 
 Ellacombe, Rev. Canon H. T., 82, 423 
 Elliston, Peter, 262 
 Elmdon, 1 19, 245 
 Elmstead, 245 
 Elsenham, 43, 61, 83, 245 
 
 Elthani, Kent, churchwardens' accounts of, 80 
 Epping Town, 113, 247 
 Epping Upland, 108, 121, 246 
 Essex, statistics of bells in, 1,2; local foundries 
 in, 56, 85, 86 fF. ; ringing customs in, 145 ff. ; 
 ])rincipal rings of bells in, 150 
 Essex .'^.ssociation of Ringers, 161, 164, 168, 175, 
 
 183, 184, 199, 262, 308, 377, 462 
 Everard, Richard, 184 
 Evesham, NLatthew Bagley at, 128 
 Eyre, Rev. H. T. W., 155, 157, 186, 187, 215, 
 
 23I1 332, 420, 424 
 Fairstead, 7, 9, 6r, 87, 124, 132, 247 
 Fambridge, North, 248 
 Fambridge, South, 248 
 Farnham, 98, 99, 248 
 Faulkbourne, 14, 61, 249 
 Feering, 99, 249 
 
 Felstead, 59, 61, 99, 101, 121, 251 
 Fen Ditton, Cambs., 105 
 Festivals, ringing at, 147 
 Fifteenth-century founders, 14 fif. 
 FInborough, Great, Suffolk, 72 
 Mnrliinyfield, 132, 252 
 Fingringhoe, 53, 61, 99, 254 
 Fire-bell, 150; at Barking, 168 
 Fobbing, 74, 121, 254 
 Ford, Sussex, 8 
 Ford End, 254 
 P'ordham, 100, 255 
 Forest Gate, 277, 279 
 Foulness, 255 
 
 Founders, unknown, 8, 13, 143 ; in Essex, 56, 
 85, 86 ft. ; and see under individual head- 
 ings. 
 l''oundry-sliields, see Trade-marks. 
 Fourteenth-century founders, 3 fif. 
 Foxearth, 101, 103, 132, 256 
 Frating, 21, 27, 61, 102, 257 
 Fressingllcld, .Suffolk, 48 
 Frickley, Yorks., 75 
 Frinton, 258 
 Frocester, Cdoucs., 112
 
 INDEX 
 
 469 
 
 Fryeniing, 70, 123, 258 
 Fuller, Dn, quoted, 428 
 Funerals, uses at, 148 
 Fyfield, 2r, 64, 100, 259 
 
 Galleywood, 260 
 
 Garboldisliani, Norfolk, 8 
 
 Gardiner, Thomas, founder, 124 fT, 173, 179, 
 
 186, 207, 299, 307 
 Giitl/i-ma)i'.i Aftrj^a::i/ii! quoted, 362 
 Gcstingtliorpe, 53, 64, 78, 96, 102, 260 
 Gillett and Co., founders, 142 
 Gleaniny bell, 1 50 
 Godynge, Johannes de, founder, 47 
 Goldhanger, 102, 262 
 Golding, Mr. Charles, 89, 2S6 
 Good Friday uses, 147 
 Goring, Oxon., 4 
 Gosfield, 47, 61, 100, 122, 263 
 (iothic, use of, in inscriptions, 3, 12 
 Graye, Miles I., 89 fif., 165, 19') 
 
 — Miles II., 90 ff., 95 
 
 Miles III., 90 ff., 96, 155, 298, 300 
 
 , others of the name, 89 fif. 
 
 , Lord, of Warke, 247 
 
 Grays Thurrock, 40, 64, i 16, 264 
 
 Greene, Abraham, founder, 79 
 
 Greenstead (Colchester), 124, 264 ; (Ongar), 81, 
 
 265 
 Greenstead Green, 265 
 Grene, John, founder, 83, 246 
 Guildhall, see London. 
 
 Guisnes Court, Tollesbury, 45, 54, 63, 420 
 Gun-founders, 49, 52, 65 
 
 Hadhani, John dc, founder, 6 
 
 Hadham, Little, Herts, 67 
 
 Hadleigh, 106, 265 
 
 Hadstock, 119, 123, 126, 136,266 
 
 Hallingbury, Great, 56, 58, 61, 121, 133, 266 
 
 Hallingbury, Little, 8, 23, 25, 61, 63, i 16, 273 
 
 Halstead, 28, 61, 86, 100, 122, 126, 274 
 
 Halstead, Kent, 73 
 
 Ham, East, 23, 26, 61, 276 
 
 Ham, West, 130, 140, 277 
 
 Hampton Court, Middlesex', 41 
 
 Hanningfield, East, 126, 133, 280 
 
 Hanningfield, South, 282 
 
 Hanningfield, West, 103, 282 
 
 Harbert, William, 94, 184, 335, 342, 377, 434 
 
 Harding, John, founder, 65 
 
 Hardy, John, founder, 79, 296 
 
 Harlow, 283 
 
 Harpenden, Herts, 32, 83 
 
 Harrington, Latham, and Co., 196 
 
 Harringworth, Northanis, 105 
 
 Harrys, Thomas, founder, 41, 157 
 
 Hartley, Kent, 8 
 
 Harvest Festivals, ringing at, 147 
 
 Harwich, 285 
 
 Hasr,ingham, Norfolk, 9 
 
 Hatfield Broad Oak, 131, 132, 136, 286 
 
 Hatfield Peverel, 129, 288 
 
 Haulsey, William, founder, 105 
 
 Havering-atte-Bower, 288 
 
 Hawkes, Peter, founder, 85 
 
 Hawkins, Mr. C. H., 155 — 445 /(Z.f.v/w. 
 
 Hawkwell, 139, 289 
 
 Hazeleigh, 290 
 
 Heckfield, Hants, 9 
 
 Hedemtun, see Edmonton. 
 
 Hedingham, Castle, 16, 61, 122, 290 
 
 Hedingham, Sible, 35, 45, 46, 61, 94, 95, 98, 99, 
 
 103, 104, 291 
 Hempstead, 58, 61, 78, 114, 126, 292 
 Henham, 41, 61, 95, 100, 101, 293 
 Henny, Great, 14, 61, loi, 102, 294 
 Herriard, Hants, 26 
 Hertford foundry, 107, 132 
 Hertingfordbury, Herts, 113 
 Heybridge, 35, 61, no, 295 
 Heydon, i 19, 296 
 Highwood, 65, 79, 296 
 Hille, Joanna, 16, 36; Richard, 16 
 Hockley, 99, 114, 297 
 Hodson family, 1 12 (if. ; Christopher, 114; John, 
 
 "3 
 Holborn, see Lr /idon. 
 Holborow, William, 198 
 Holdfeld, Richard, founder, 88, 104 
 Holland, Great, 2, 22, 35, 62, 297; Little, 298 
 Hoo St. Werburgh, Kent, 124 
 Horham, Suffolk, 1 1 i 
 Horkesley, Great, 53, 54, 62, 80, 96, 103, 124, 
 
 126, 298 
 Horkesley, Little, 28, 62, 98, 103, 299 
 Hornchurch, 76, 137, 138, 300 
 Horndon, East, 74, 75, 125, 301 
 Horndon-on-Hill, 75, 121, 302 
 Horndon, West, 307
 
 470 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Hove, Sussex, 41 
 Hughes, Alfred, 141, 202, 208 
 Hull, William, fouiulcr, I 14 
 Ilulton, Rev. Canon, 433 
 Hurley, lierks, 46 
 Hushnnds, Sir Samuel, 3S5 
 Hulton, 76, 81, 135, 303 
 Hyde, the, see Inyateslone. 
 
 Idbury, Oxon, 8 
 
 llford, (ireat, 304 ; Link-, 305 ; St. Miiry's 
 
 Hospital, 305 
 Impington, Cambs., 16 
 Inyatestone, 85, 102, 122, 135, 136, 303; the 
 
 Hyde, I, 8, 62, 306 
 Ingrave, 125, 306 
 Inscriptions, Gothic, 3ff., ijll, 22; on bells Yiy 
 
 Dawe and Bird, 28 ; on ISury bells, 55 ; 
 
 early English, 44; rhyming, 96, 122, 124, 
 
 'j7 
 In worth, 307 
 
 Ijiswich, St. Nicholas, 122; foundry at, loy 
 Isleharn, Cambs., 49 
 hverne Minster, Dorset, 6, 317 
 
 Jenour, Andrew, 238 
 
 Jermyn, \'en. 11. \V., 168 
 
 Jordan nr Jurden, Henry, founder, 33, 34, 36, 458 
 
 Kcbyll, John (?i, founder, 20 
 
 Kecno, Kiihard, founder, i 18, 160, 266 
 
 Kelvcdon, 93, 97, 98, 122, 133, 300 
 
 Kclvedon Hatch, 21, 62, 309 
 
 Kempe, Thomas, founder, 66 
 
 Kencote, 0.\on, 43 
 
 Kimber's drawings of inscriptions, 208, 339, 
 
 360 
 King, H. W., i|uoted, 163, 169, 187, 199, 23<t 
 
 3^'5. 394. 398. 401, 415, 438, 445 
 King's College, Cambridge, bells, 29, 33, 41, 51 
 Kingsbury, Middlesex, 8 
 Kingston, Sussex, 4, 6, 8 
 Kirby-le-Soken, 101, 125, 135, 309 
 Knight, .Samuel, founder, 121, 130 
 Kyrkeby, Roger de, 10 
 
 Laindon Clays, 27fr., 62, 68, 74, 310 
 Laindon Hills, 44, 62, 310, 31 1 
 Lamarsh, 122, 312 
 Lambert, William, founder, i 1 i, 364 
 
 Lambournc, 75, 77, 312 
 
 Land, \\'illiani, foimder, 79, 80, 228, 397, 464 ; 
 John (.?), 81 
 
 Landen, Roger, founder, 46 
 
 Langenhoe, 313 
 
 Langford, 20, 64, loi, 122, 313 
 
 Langham, 93, 314 
 
 Langhfirnc, John, founder, 22 
 
 Langley, 119, 314 
 
 Latchingdon, 3 1 5 
 
 Latton, 65, 108, 121, 315 
 
 Laver, High, 7, 8, 62, 316 
 
 Laver, Little, 76, 317 
 
 Laver, Magdalen, 5, 6, 62, 66, 317 
 
 Lawford, 103, 122, 317 
 
 Lawling, 318 
 
 Lawrence, Thomas, founder, 43, 4^ 
 
 Layer lireton, 3, 63, 318 
 
 Layer-de-la-Haye, 20, 63, 98, 103, 124, 318 
 
 Layer Marney, 13, 63, 64, 122, 319 
 
 Leaden Roothing, see Roothing, Lc.ulen. 
 
 Leader, Rev. Thomas, 243 
 
 Lee, West, 31 1 
 
 Leigh, 103, 1 10, 320 
 
 Leighs, (H-eat, 95, too, 321 
 
 Leighs, Little, 103, 322 
 
 Lenne, Thomas de, 46 ; John de, 47 ; and see 
 Lynn. 
 
 Lester, Thomas, founder, 134, 309 
 
 Lewes, Sussex, 55 
 
 Lexdcn, 63, 322 
 
 Leyton, 25, 62, 75, 116, 323 
 
 Leytonstone, 325 
 
 Lillington, Warwick, 41 
 
 Lilly, Rev. John, 312 
 
 Limpsfield, Surrey, 15, 41 
 
 Lindsell, 14, iS, ^7, (1-, (^4, 32f) 
 
 Listen, 53, 62, 103, 327 
 
 Littlebury, 55, 57, 62, 119, 133, 327 
 
 Little Heath, 304 
 
 London foimdries, 2, 3ff. ; in Aldgate, 4, 14, 
 2 iff., 43; in Clerkenwell, Cripplegate, and 
 Moorfields, 116, 127, 128, 141 ; in Holborn, 
 130; in Whitechapel, 66fr., 133ft".; bells in 
 churches : St. 15artholomew-the-(;reat, 
 Smilhlield, 40; St. Uarlholomew-the-Less, 
 24; St. Clement Danes, 116; St. Michael, 
 Cornhill, 66, 134 ; St. Stephen, Coleman 
 Street, 120; St. Stephen, Walbrook, 20; 
 Charterhouse, 74, 80 ; Clerkenwell, St.
 
 INDEX 
 
 471 
 
 James, 30 ; Westminster Abbey, 6, 69 ; 
 
 St. James, I'irradilly, 116; records at 
 
 Guildhall, 3 
 Longfield, Kent, 9 
 Long-waisted bells, 2 
 Lopliam, South, Norfolk, 25 
 Loughborough foundry, 142 
 Loughton, 108, 329 
 Lucas, Mr. E. V., quoted, 120 
 Luckyn, Sir Harbottle, 340 
 Lukis, Rev. W. C, 250 
 Lumley, Sir Martin, 165 
 Lynn, Richard, 19, 331 ; Willi.Tni, 87, 459 
 Lynn foundry, II, 46, 82?, 117, 162 
 Lysons, Daniel, quoted, 168 
 
 Magdalen Laver, see Laver, Magdalen. 
 
 Maldon, ."Ml Saints, 17, 19, 62, 122, 136, 330; 
 St. Mary, 95, 100, 122, 124, 126, 331 ; St. 
 Peter, 77, 332 ; borough archives, 333 
 
 Manningtree, 143, 334 
 
 Manuden, 94, 98, 335 
 
 .Maplestead, Great, 33, 34, ^'2, 122, 125, 335 
 
 Maplestead, Little, 336 
 
 Margaret Roothing, see Roothing, Alargaref. 
 
 Margaretting, 2, 14, 31, 39, 42, 44, 62, 336 
 
 Markshall, 87, 337 
 
 Mark's Tey, see Tey, ^Lark's. 
 
 Mashbury, 338 
 
 I\Latching, 42, 64, loS, 338 
 
 Mattins and Mass bells, 146 
 
 May 29th, ringing on, 148 
 
 Mayland, 102, 339 
 
 Maynard, William, 160 
 
 Mayor's Day, ringing on, 148 
 
 Mears, William, 137, 164, 205; Thomas L, 
 139; Thomas IL, 139, 411; Charles 
 
 and George, 140 ; and Stainbank, 
 
 141 ; and see Stainbank, Hughes. 
 
 Mediaeval bells in Essex, 2 ; founders of, 3ff. : 
 list of, 6off. 
 
 Melbury Sampford, Dorset, 25 
 
 Meldreth, Cambs., 120 
 
 Mersea, East, 16, 62, 339 
 
 Mersea, West, 124, 340 
 
 Messing, 125, 340 
 
 Middleton, 126, 341 
 
 Millington, Thomas, 264 
 
 J//A), Milonem, for Miles, 95, 96 
 
 Mistley, 126, 341 
 
 ' Mixed Gothic,' use of, 2, 22, 24 
 
 Monk's Elegh, Suffolk, 9 
 
 Moore, Holmes, and Mackenzie, 143, 393 
 
 Moorfields Foundry, see London. 
 
 Moreton, 94, 99, 100, 124, 135, 342 
 
 Moiice, Rev. IL, 230 
 
 Morning bell, 150 
 
 Mortar of bell-metal, 81, 107 
 
 Mot, Robert, founder, 66ff., 175, 236 
 
 Moulsham, 103, 343, 368 
 
 Mount Bures, see liures, Mount. 
 
 Mountnessing, 38, 40, 62, 343 
 
 !\Ioze, see Beaumont. 
 
 Mucking, 66, Si, 114, 343 
 
 Muffled peals, 147, 150 
 
 Muilman, Peter and Richard, 232 
 
 Mundon, 24, 62, 344 
 
 My land, 344 
 
 Navestock, 31, 62, 65, 95, 100, 345 
 
 Nazing, 345 
 
 Nelteswell, 23, 26, 62, 346 
 
 Nettleden, Bucks, 41 
 
 Nevendon, 346 
 
 New Year's Eve, ringing on, 147 
 
 Nevvland St. Lawrence, see St. I^awrence Newland. 
 
 Newman, Charles, founder, 117; Thomas, 
 
 founder, 1 18, 244 
 Newport, 2,1, 62, 94, 98, 132, 347 
 Newton, Samuel, founder, 127 
 Nicholas, founder, 8 
 North End, see Great Waltham. 
 Northill, Beds., 39, 41 
 Norton, Cold, 34S 
 Norton Mandeville, 34S 
 Norton, Stephen, founder, 12; capitals used by, 
 
 16, 21 
 Norwich, St. Giles, 47 ; St. Lawrence, 8, 9 ; St. 
 
 I'eter-per Mountergate, 48 ; foundry at, 47, 
 
 Si, 1 18, 122, 126 
 Notley, Black, 348 
 Notley, White, 100, 102, 348 
 November 5th, ringing on, 148 
 
 Oakley, Great, 349 
 
 Oakley, Little, 93, 95, 97, 98, 100, 102, 349 
 Ockendon, North, 98, 116, 349 
 Ockendon, South, 114, 115, 350 
 OkUield, Robert, founder, 107 ; William, 
 founder, 106, 415
 
 472 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Oldfields of Nottingham, 107 
 
 Oliver, Rev. W. M., 1S2 
 
 Ongar, Chipping, 76, 133, 350 
 
 Ongar, High, 72, 121, 134, 136, 351 
 
 Orsett, 351 
 
 Osborn, Thomas, founder, 131, 2S7 
 
 Ovington, 99, 352 
 
 Owen, Samuel, 65 
 
 Owen, Rev. T. M. N., 31, 43, 104, 106, 117, 177 
 
 Paglesham, 83, 117, 352 
 
 Palin, SSifford and Neighbourhood, quoted, 401, 
 
 414, 416, 445 
 Pancake liell, i 50 
 Panfield, 93, 97, 102, 352 
 Papillon, Rev. T. L., 461, 462 
 Parndon, Great, 108, 353 
 Parndon, Little, 74, 354 
 Passing liell, 148 
 Patrick, Robert, 131, 287 
 Pattiswick, 100, 103, 354 
 Peal-boards: Ardleigh, 1 58; ISentley, Great, 
 
 175; Chelmsford, 205; Colchester .St. 
 
 Peter, 222 ; Finchingfield, 253 ; Foxearth, 
 
 257; Harwich, 286; Hornchurch, 301 ; 
 
 Kelvedon, 308 ; Saffron Walden, 380 ; 
 
 Stebbing, 400; Waltham Abbey, 431; 
 
 Widford, 450 ; Writtle, 462 
 Pebmarsh, 27, 62, 103, [25, 354 
 Peele, John, founder, 127, 368 
 Peldon, 97, 356 
 
 Pentlow, 95, 99, 100, 103, 123, 357 
 Pepper, John, 18S 
 Peter's Marland, Devon, 6 
 Phelps, Richard, founder, 133 
 Piddlehinton, Dorset, 13, 19 
 Pitsea, 37, 62, 106, 357 
 Plaistow, 279 
 
 Pleasant, Henry, founder, 121 
 Pleshey, 26, 62, 98, 126, 358 
 Plume, Dr., 332 
 I'opplcton, Mr. J. E., 106, 415 
 Potter, Thomas, founder, 47 
 Powdrcll, William, founder, 19, 20, 36, 424; 
 
 Agnes, 19, 424 
 Pre-Reformation bells, see Mediaeval. 
 Preston, Kent, 67 
 Prittlewell, 104, 105, no, 359 
 Pudding bell, 146 
 Purlcigh, 95, 100, 135, 361 
 
 Quendon, 362 
 
 Radwinter, 54, 62, 108, 133, 362 
 
 Rainham, 74, 114, 363 
 
 Ramsden Bellhouse, 81, iii, 133, 364 
 
 Ramsden Grays, 74, 365 
 
 Ramsey, loi, 110, 124, 126, 365 
 
 Raughton, William, founder, 10 
 
 Raven, Rev. Dr. J. J., 2c, 27, 33, 42, 43, 47fr., 
 52, 55, 86, 89, 105, III, 219, 220, 223, 224, 
 226, 227, 292, 319, 336, 376, 438, 444, 459 
 
 Rawreth, 2, 5, 6, 62, 63, 366 
 
 Rayleigh, 14, 40, 62, 1 14, 133, 134, 366 
 
 Rayne, 3C7 
 
 Reading foundry, 71 
 
 Redenhall, Norfolk, 49 ; foundry at, 143 
 
 Redstone, Mr. \'. 15., 49(1, 55, 78 
 
 Reepham, Norfolk, 78 
 
 Reformation, effects of, 64 
 
 Registers, e.xtracts from : lielchatnp Walter, 
 172 ; Humpstead, Helions, 197 ; Peering, 
 250; Fryerning, 259 ; Hanningfield, East, 
 281 ; Tollesbury, 419; Toppcsfield, 422; 
 Widdington 449; see also 71, 77, 89, 126, 
 
 134 
 
 Rettenden, 127, 135, 367 
 
 Reve, Roger, founder, 52, 54, 233 
 
 Revel, William, founder, 8, 9 
 
 Rickling, 1 19, 135, 368 
 
 Rider, Robert, founder, 8 
 
 Ridgewell, 5, 8, 9, 62, 87, 369 
 
 Ringers' Jug, 189 
 
 Ringers' Rules, 301 (Hornchurch), 390 (Spring- 
 field) 
 
 Ringing, Customs, 145ft'. > '" Essex, see Esse.x 
 Association, Peal-boards. 
 
 Rings of bells in Essex, i ; details of jirincipal, 
 150 
 
 Ringwould, Kent, 13, 319, 388 
 
 Rivenhall, 369 
 
 Rochford, 74, 370 
 
 Roe, Dame Eleanor, 456 
 
 Romford, 15, 62, no, 121, 135, 370 
 
 Roothing, Abbess, 31, 62, n4, 372 
 
 Roothing, Aythorpe, 57, 62, 372 
 
 Roothing, Heauchamp, 103, "^T^ 
 
 Roothing, lierners, 83, yj}, 
 
 Roothing, High, 373 
 
 Roothing, Leaden, 44, 45, 62, 374 
 
 Roothing, Margaret, 374
 
 INDEX 
 
 473 
 
 Roothing, White, loS, 114, 115, 374 
 
 Roxwell, 85, 121, 375 
 
 Royal anniversaries, 148 
 
 Royal Arms, 33 
 
 'Royal heads,' 11, 12, 427 
 
 Roydon, 94, 99, 121, 135, 376 
 
 Royston foundry, 1 iS 
 
 Rufford, John and William, founders, 1 1 
 
 Runu-ell, 1 9, 64, 68, 71, 377 
 
 ' Rustic ' capitals, 66fr. 
 
 Saffron Walden, 133, 378 
 
 St. Barbara, 55 
 
 St. Clement Danes, see London. 
 
 St. Edward, dedication to, 421 
 
 St. Katherine, 14, 30 
 
 St. Lawrence Newland, 38 1 
 
 St. Mary, dedications to, 55 
 
 St. Mary Cray, foundry at, 115 
 
 St. Osyth, 102, 133, 3S1 
 
 Salcot Virley, 382 
 
 Salcot Wigborough, 382 
 
 Saling, Great, 98, 382 
 
 Saling, Little, 383 
 
 Sampford, Great, Si, iii, 114, 383 
 
 Sampford, Little, 11, 62, 384 
 
 Sancta Maria, William de, 188 
 
 Sanctus bell, 146; ancient examples of, 316, 
 
 330 
 Sandon, 1 13, 384 
 Savin, William, founder, 131, 401 
 Saxmundham, Suffolk, 20 
 Schep, William, founder, S 
 Secular bells of interest, i, 205, 222, 306, 370 ; 
 
 uses of bells, 147 
 
 Sedlescombe, Sussex, 67, 72 
 
 .Seiger family. So, 296 
 
 Sermon bell, 146 
 
 Seventeenth-century founders, 7 iff., 80, 86ff. 
 
 Shalford, 53, 64, 87, 117, 385 
 
 Shapwick, Dorset, 26, 30 
 
 Sheering, 94, 9S, 116, 119, 386 
 
 Shelley, 386 
 
 Shellow liowells, 386 
 
 Shenfield, 74, 76, 100, 139, 386 
 
 Shillington, Beds., 106, 107 
 
 Shoebury, North, 387 
 
 Shoebury, South, 387 
 
 Shopland, 85, 3CS 
 
 Sible Hedingha 11, see Hedinyham, Sible. 
 
 Sixteenth-century founders, 64ff., 77, 82ff. 
 
 Smithfield, see London. 
 
 Smyth, Stephen, 181 
 
 Smyth, William, founder, 38 
 
 Snoreham, see Latchingdon. 
 
 Soame, Sir Peter, 296 
 
 Somerton, West, Norfolk, 47 
 
 Southampton, foundry at ?, 10 
 
 Southchurch, 4, 5, 13, 62, 388 
 
 Southend, 388 
 
 Southgate, Middlesex, 73 
 
 Southminster, TJ, 134, 288 
 
 Speed, Rev. R., 301 
 
 Sperling, Rev. J. H., 296, 446 
 
 Springfield, 100, 113, 125, 126, 389 
 
 Stahlschmidt, J. C. L., 3,4, 6, 10, 11, 13, 16, 
 25, 3iff-> 35> 36, 65ff., 107, 112, 128, 131, 
 132, 163, 165, 192, 210, 213, 245, 248, 252, 
 253, 261, 284, 315, 336, 376, 401, 418, 420, 
 444 
 
 Stainbank, Robert, founder, 208 ; and see 
 Mears. 
 
 Stambourne, 80, 122, 125, 391 
 
 Stambridge, Great, 391 
 
 Stambridge, Little, 85, 392 
 
 Stamp, Rev. ]. H., 427ff. 
 
 .Stanford-le-Hope, 117, 119, 121, 133, 143, 392 
 
 Stanford Rivers, 72, 76, 395 
 
 Stangate, see Steeple. 
 
 Stanstead Mountfitchet, 56, 58, 64, in, 121, 
 
 395 
 Stanstead, Suffolk, 59 
 Stan way, 79, 93, 97, 123, 397, 398 
 Stapleford Abbots, 398 
 Stapleford Tawney, 72, 108, 39S 
 Stebbing, 399 
 Steeple, 24, 62, 100, 401 
 Steeple Bumpstead, see Bumpstead, Steeple. 
 Stifford, 75, 125, 131, 401 
 Stisted, 133, 134, 402 
 Stock, S3, 84, 402 
 Stoke-by-Clare, Suffolk, 56, 59, 60 
 Stondon Massey, 28, 63, 68, 70, 403 
 Stow Maries, 103, 404 
 Stow, West, see West Stow. 
 Stowting, Kent, 19, 20 
 Stratford, 280 
 Strethall, 2, 7, 9, 63, 404 
 Sturdy, John, l6ff. ; Joanna, i6ff., 460 (and see 
 
 HiUe). 
 
 60
 
 474 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Sturmer, 17, iS, 63, 98, 102, 404 
 
 Sudbury, Suftblk, All Saints, 49 ; foundry at, 
 
 119, 1 2 1 ft". 
 Sullington, Sussex, 55 
 Sunday uses of bells, 145 
 Sutton, 75, 404 
 Swain, Thomas, 130, 209 
 Swayn, John, 331 
 
 Takeley, 43, 63, 66, loS, 405 
 
 Tangley, Hants, 55 
 
 Tarring Neville, Sussex, 33 
 
 Tattenhoe, Bucks, 8 
 
 Taylors of Loughborough, 142, 291 
 
 Tellers, 149 
 
 Tendring, 54, 64, 98, 99, 406 
 
 Tennyson, Lord, 429 
 
 Terling, 98, 124, 132, 407 
 
 Terrington, Norfolk, 105 
 
 Tey, Great, 99, 109, no, 133, 407 
 
 Tey, Little, 122, 123, 408 
 
 Tey, Marks, 136, 408 
 
 Thaxted, 126, 409 ; foundry at?, 56 
 
 Thetford, Norfolk, foundry at, 80 
 
 Theydon Bois, 34, 63, 67, 410 
 
 Theydon Gernon, 99, 133, 411 
 
 Theydon Mount, 75, 411 
 
 Thomas, l)ellyetere, 47 
 
 Thorinyton, 37, 63, 125, 412 
 
 Thorington, Suftblk, 65, 438 
 
 Thornton, John, founder, 123, 266 
 
 Thorpe-le-Soken, 22, 64, 117, 413 
 
 Thunderley, see Wimbish. 
 
 Thundersley, 68, 70, 414 
 
 Thurnham, Kent, 66 
 
 Thurning, Hunts, 6 
 
 Thurrock, Grays, see Grays. 
 
 Thurrock, Little, 133, 414 
 
 Thurrock, West, 75, 414 
 
 Tilbury-by-Clare, 97, 125, 415 
 
 Tilbury, East, 106, 415 
 
 Tilbury, West, 74, 117, 416 
 
 Tilbury Docks, 417 
 
 Tillingham, 38, 43, 63, no, 122, 417 
 
 Tilty, 85, 418 
 
 Tiptree Heath, 418 
 
 Tollesbury, 93, 97, 102, 125, 418; and see 
 
 Guisnes Court. 
 Tolleshunt D'Arcy, 126, 136, 420 
 ToUeshunt Knights, 87, 103, 421 
 
 Tolleshunt Major, 22, 63, 125, 421 
 
 Tolling for Funerals, 149 
 
 'Tolling-in,' 146 
 
 Tonne, John, founder, 55ft"., 372 ; Stephen L, 
 
 59, 252 ; Stephen IL, -jj, 185 
 Toppesfield, 76, 122, 136, 422 
 Torksey, Lincolnshire, 33 
 Totham, Great, 18, 44, 64, 422 
 Totham, Little, 18, 19, 63, 102, 424 
 Tough, Aberdeenshire, 42 
 Trade-marks or foundry-shields, 16, 20, 24flr., 
 
 30, 36, 38, 43, 48, 49, 68, 75, 76, 88, 104, 
 
 106, 109, 124 
 Traditions, 180, 1S7, 192, 196, 207, 231, 236, 
 
 264, 291, 294, 306, 315, 335,336, 398,415, 
 
 419, 420, 442, 449, 452 
 'Transitional' bells, 2, 64!?. 
 Trevor, \'alentine, founder, 66 
 Tufnell, J. J., 433 ; Samuel, 332, 358 
 Tumour, Sir Edward, 267 
 Twinstead, 28, 63, 424 
 Tyssen, Dr. A. D., 36, 41, 107, 136, 137, 164, 
 
 231. 393- 443 
 
 Ugley, 99, loS, 125, 424 
 
 Uff'ord, Suffolk, 27 
 
 Ulting, 100, 425 
 
 Upminster, 17, 21, 63, 69, 70, 104, 425 
 
 Upton Park, 277 
 
 Vange, 135, 426 
 
 \'estry Meetings, bell rung fui-, 150 
 
 \'ictoria Docks, 280 
 
 \'itgin Mary, see St. Mary. 
 
 W., P., 10 
 
 Wakering, Great, 426 
 
 Wakering, Little, 121, 426 
 
 Wakes Colne, see Colne, Wakes. 
 
 Walbrook, see London. 
 
 Waldegrave, William, 459 
 
 Walgrave, John, founder, 30 
 
 Walker, Hugh, founder, 66 
 
 Waltliam Abbey, 12, 133, 426ff'. 
 
 Waltliam, (ireat, 7, 9, 31, 63, 68, 70, i 10, 114, 
 
 115, '25, 431 
 Waltham, Little, 100, n4, 126, 132, 433 
 Walthamstow, I36ff., 434ff. 
 Walton-on-Naze, 437 
 Wanstead, 65, 438
 
 INDEX 
 
 475 
 
 Wailey, Great, 74, 439 
 
 Warley, Little, 25, 63, 439 
 
 Warners, founders, 141, 374 
 
 Watford, Herts, 116, 428 
 
 Waylett, John, founder, 1 19 
 
 Weald, North, 76, 121, 135, 440 
 
 Weald, South, 76, 116, 125, 135, 440 
 
 Webster, Rev. E., 201 
 
 Weddings, bells run^ at, 147 
 
 Week-day uses of bells, 147 
 
 Weeley, 2, 14, 38. ^3. 443 
 
 Weever quoted, 244 
 
 Wells, E. J., 3, 13, 19, 291, 304, 393, 411, 424 
 
 Wendens Ambo, 119, 443 
 
 Wendon Lofts, 444 
 
 Wennington, 76, 445 
 
 Westcliff, 361 
 
 Westmill, Herts, 1 1 
 
 Westminster, see London. 
 
 Weston, Peter de, S ; Thomas de, 6 
 
 West Stow Hall, Suftblk, 79, 296 
 
 Wethersfield, 9S, 445 
 
 Whitechapel foundry, London, 66ff., 133!?. 
 
 Whitmore, William, founder, i 12, 42S, 430 
 
 Wicken Bonant, 43, 63, 446 
 
 Wickes, Robert, 84, 403 
 
 Wickford, 2, 21, 63, 447 
 
 Wickham liisliops, 103, 447 
 
 Wickham St. Paul's, 48, 63, 78, 101, 447 
 
 Widdington, 448 
 
 Widford, 449 
 
 Wigborough, (Jreat, 35, 63, 94, 98, 450 
 
 Wigborough, Little, 450 
 
 Wightman, William, founder, 115 ; Pliilip, 116 
 
 Willingale iJoe, 72, 74, 75, 45' 
 
 Willingale Spain, 23, 24, 63, 451 
 
 Wilner, John and Henry, founders, 106 
 
 Wimbish, 67, 84, 125, 45 1 
 
 Wimbledon, Surrey, 67 
 
 Windsor Castle, 1 13 
 
 Wingrave, Bucks, 72 
 
 Wiseman, John, 202 
 
 Witham, 87, 88, 99, 105, 114, 126, 452 
 
 Wivenhoe, 453 
 
 Wix, 35, 63, 455 
 
 Wokingham foundry, 46 
 
 Wood, John, founder, 117, 416 
 
 Wood Ditton, Cambs., 59 
 
 Woodford, 129, 134, 455ff- 
 
 Woodham Ferrers, 457 
 
 Woodham Mortimer, 35, 63, 93, 97, 102, 457 
 
 Woodham Walter, 38, 63, 103, 126, 458 
 
 Woodward, William, 24, 27 
 
 Worcester Cathedral bells, 12, 13 
 
 Worlington, Suffolk, 47 
 
 Wormingford, 17, 20, 63, 87, 458 
 
 Wrabness, 460 
 
 Wratting, West, Cambs., 47 
 
 Wright, Lawrence, founder, 66 
 
 Writtle, 460 
 
 Wroxhall, Warwick, 40 
 
 Wymbishes, founders, 4 
 
 Wyverstone, Suffolk, ill, 383 
 
 Vare, William, founder, 72 
 Yaxley, Henry, founder, III, 383 
 Yeldham, Great, 81, 102, 135, 136, 463 
 Veldham, Little, 103, 4'''4 
 
 JOLLY AND SONS, rKINTERS, ABEUDKEN,
 
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 10, 11. ROYAL HEAD STAMPS. 
 
 8, 9, 12, RID(;i';\VELL (P.W.) 
 13. WILLIAM RLFFORD'S CROSS.
 
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 1-4. STEPHEN NORTON'S CAPITALS and STOP. 
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 7, 8. R. HIELE'S STAMPS. 9. KEHYLL'S TRADE-MARK.
 
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 1-8. STAMPS OF W. DAWE, WODEWARD, and J. HIRD.
 
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 1-7. CAPITALS USED BY WALGRAVK, DANIELL, and JORDAN. 
 8 12. CAPITALS USED BY POWDRELL and JORDAN.
 
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 STAMPS USED BY LONDON FOUNDERS, WALORAVK TO lU'LLISDON.
 
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