THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OE CALIEORNIA LOS ANGELES THE CHURCH BELLS OF KENT. Z u X UJ _i 1- lO < O CO c/) Q III UJ III LL _l CD :2 THE Church Bells of Kent Inscription?, Jounl)cr5, else? anb (jlrabitions. J. C. L. STAHLSCHMIDT, PAST MASTER OF THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OK FOUNDKRS, MEMBER OF THE ROYAL ARCH.EOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, AND OF THE KENT, ESSEX, AND SURREY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETIES ; AUTHOR OF "SURREY BELLS AND LONDON BELL-FOUNDERS," EDITOR OF THE '■' CHURCH BELLS OF HERTFORDSHIRE," ETC., ETC. ILLUSTRATED. LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW. E.C 1887. cc Dcbicatcb RIGHT HON. AND MOST REV. EDWARD WHITE BENSON, D.D,, NINETY-SECOND ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERnURY PRIMATE OF ALL ENGLAND. 7189S5 CONTENTS. lAOF. PREFACE - ^ - - - - " - IX PART I. AN ACCOUNT OF THE VARIOUS CHURCH BELLS EN THE COUNTY AND THEHi FOUNDERS — IN ORDER OF DATE - - - - I PART II. LOCAL USES OF UELLS — AN ACCOUNT OF SUCH OLD CUSTOMS AS HAVE SURVIVED TO THE PRESENT DAY OR ARE TRADITIONALLY KNOWN TO HAVE. EXISTED - - - - - - - 121 PART III. DETAILED ACCOUNT O.' THE INSCRIPTIONS ON THIC liJCLLS IN THE VARIOUS CHURCHES IN ALPHABETICAL (JRDER — WITH IMF l)L\MI IKK OF EACH BELL— NOTES ON THEIR USES — AND EXTRACTS FKOiM CIIUUCH- WARDENS' AND OTHTIK ACCOUNTS RICLATINC TO THEM - - \ H) PREFACE. UIDE-BOOKS are valuable in proportion to their accuracy. That proposition is, I think, in- controvertible — is what a German would call ' ein factum der monu- mente.' Secondly : It is desir- able that a book should be written by one well acquainted with the subject of which the book is to treat. I admit that a book may be much more amusing (to critics) when compiled by one happily or unhappily ignorant of his subject ; but in such a case what the cynic Q:ains the truth-seeker loses, I have made these remarks because, when nearly ap- proaching the end of my labours, I was informed that I was forestalling some one else — one whose local and general anti- quarian knowledge is far greater than mine. But as for a good many years this one particular subject has been my special study, which has not been the case, I understand, The initial letter used above is from the Oabriel V>c\\ at Boughton Aluplx X Preface. with the o;cntk'm;in in question, I think I may honestly, and without egotism, consider myself to be perfectly competent to write about the Church Bells of Kent, whatever may be his views or intentions for the future. I have dealt with the subject to the best of my ability, and in doubtful cases I have been careful to consult those whose opinions on such questions are of value. The list of such is, I regret, much smaller than it was a very few years ago. We have to mourn the loss of our patriarch, the Rev. H. T. Ellacombe, and of my dear good friend Mr. Thomas North ; and the year 1886 carried away with it Mr. Llewellyn Jewett, with his work on the Church Bells of Derbyshire still un- finished. I sincerely trust that the one most competent to the task, Mr. St. John Hope, may be induced to take it in hand and complete it. My work, which by the time this book is in print will have taken almost the whole of my spare time for three years and a half, has been very considerably lightened by the kindness of Mr. Amherst D. Tyssen, in placing at my disposal the large collection of rubbings and other information gathered by him and his father, the late Mr. J. R. D. Tyssen, some twenty years ago. My main work has been, to use a com- mercial expression, to " post these up to date ;" to supply the churches deficient in his collection ; to take the necessary " squeezes " for casts, without which it is impossible properly to collate and settle the various groupings of bells ; and lastly, to obtain extracts from those parish accounts which are still in existence. I trust my readers will be satisfied with the result. Preface. xi In all this I am glad to acknowledge the kind help of many friends — personal and other. A large proportion of the bene- ficed clergy were good enough to reply to my list of questions as to the present state of their belfries and the "local uses" of their bells. I have thanked them individually in the third part of this book. Here I beg to thank them collectively. For special assistance I am greatly indebted, first of all, to Mr. E. J. Wells, the secretary of the St. Paul's Ecclesiological Society, a native of the county, and a devoted campanist and practical ringer. He has rendered me most effectual service in verifying and cast-taking. My good friend Mr. J. Meadows Cowper, of Canterbury, has been equally kind — "steeple-chasing" is not his forte — but I owe many thanks to him for very much valuable information from the records of his city, parochial and civic. Another good friend, Dr. Francis Grayling, of Sittingbourne, has verified for me the belfries in his neighbourhood, and thereby spared me much labour ; for this and for other useful information I here record my best thanks. I am under much obligation to Mr. Herbert T. Sankcy and his partner, the worthy Town Clerk of Canterbury, for kindly undertaking several searches in the Registry of Wills, and for other help. Very many thanks are also due to the Rev. Cecil Deedes, for kind assistance in verifying the contents of several belfries ; to Mr. Walford D. Selby and Mr. J. A. C. Vincent for help at the Record Office ; to Mr. A. D. Tyssen for the loan of woodblocks ; and last, but not least, to Dr. R. R. Sharpe, the keeper of the records of the City of London, for courteous b 2 xii Preface. and valuable assistance during my cxaminalion of the docu- ments under his care. I am much obliged to Mr. A. S. Lawson, the present owner of the Whitechapel foundry, to Mr. S. B. Goslin, of the Cripplegate establishment, and to Messrs. Taylor, of Loughborough, each and all, for information kindly supplied as to work done by them in the county. My thankfulness to all who have in any way aided me, and my satisfoction at having ended my task, is tempered by only one regret, which I mention here to anticipate any hostile critic who might fall foul of me for an omission. The regret is that I am unable to include any entries from the Sacrist rolls of Canterbury Cathedral. They exist from an early period ; but the labour of examining them would be very great, and probably take several months. My own time is too fully occupied for me to dream of undertaking the work, and I have been unable to find a substitute. I did indeed try at Dr. Sheppard, but he was much too old a bird to be caught, although he very kindly promised me full assistance if I should undertake the work personally ; but in view of the above facts I was reluctantly compelled to relinquish the idea. The publication of the Cathedral Archives, however, is a matter which doubtless, before long, will be taken in hand by the Kent Archa:;ological Society. At pp. 24 and 25 I have given the evidence for the identi- fication of William Founder with William Dawe. Since that was in type I have found the reason why he so persistently described himself as William Founder. There was in the same ward, and at least partly contemporaneously with him, Preface. xili another William Dawe, by trade a " white-tawycr," or dresser of white leather. I find him on the Hustings Rolls for 1371. It is at least possible that the two were father and son. At p. 54 I have mentioned William Oldfeild, of Canterbury, as casting as late as 1551. Reference to the parish accounts of Bethersden (pp. 153 and 154) will show that he was still in the trade in 1557, and probably in 1561. My ascription of the treble bell at Loose to John Harding (see p. 61) is to a certain extent confirmed by the British Museum authorities. They pronounce the coins impressed on the bell to be " side-faced groats of Henry VHI." I have omitted at p. 44 to give the site of Hatch's bell foundry. It was, so Mr. James T. Hatch informs me, " on the north side of King's Wood, in Ulcombe (which wood ex- tends also into the parishes of Broomfield Leeds and Langley, in a field called at this day * the Welmonground,' evidently a corruption of ' the bellman's ground,' and the scoriae and debris remained upon the site within my time and memory." I am much indebted to this gentleman for this and other information. The date of Thomas Hatch's decease, which family tradition states as 1599, but which I have at p. 75 surmised as 1601, must be put still later. He was churchwarden of Broomfield in 1603, which is the; latest date at which I can trace him as alive. In the third part of this book I have givcMi tlu; number of bells existing at the time of the " Church Goods " Inventoriot^ of Edward VI. These are taken from the inventories printed in ArchcEologia Canliana, and are prefaced by the initials T. R. E,, a concise expression borrowed from " Domesday xlv Preface. Book," and standing for ''Tempore Regis Edwardi " (Sexti, of course, not Confessoris). Just as this sheet is going to press, I hear that the ring at Birchington has been increased to six by the addition of a new treble (by Warner and Sons), and put into thorough ringing order by S. SnelHng, of Sittingbourne, Finally, I have referred in several places in the book to information published by me in a former work, " Surrey Bells and London Bellfounders." I have thought it unnecessary to reprint what I had there given ; but if any subscriber to this should wish to have the former work, he can have a copy on application to myself or my publisher, at the original sub- scribers' price of i6s., so f^ir as the copies remaining unsold are sufficient to supply the demand for them. J. C. L. STAHLSCHMIDT. FoNTENOY Road, Balham, August, 1887. ERRATUM. Page 4C, line 19 ; for 1743 read 1473. PART I. CHRONOLOGICAL ACCOUNT. THE Church of England possesses within the borders of this county 597 places of divine worship. One of these — St. Paul's Church, Milton by Sittingbourne — has no bell of its own ; but the Town Hall bell is used to summon the congregation, and I have therefore treated it as a church bell. On the other hand, there are three places where there are bells but (practically) no churches. Such are Buckland by Faversham, Hope in Romney Marsh, and Warden in Sheppey. The total number of church bells is approximately 1,952. Possibly there may be a few more ; but, this book being primarily and mainly antiquarian in its scope and intention, I have, in collecting the materials for it, taken but little trouble with regard to churches founded within the last qu.'irter of a century ; and, in default of better information, I have credited such with only one bell apiece— the minimum prescribed by our Book of Common Prayer. Bells devoted absolutely to secular uses are outside the design of this work. There are many such in Kent — over Chronoloncal Account. Town Halls and market-houses, etc., and possibly there may- be an interesting one here and there among them ; but I have only (in addition to the Milton bell above mentioned) brought one under notice — the clock bell at Leeds Castle. It has, indeed, a quasi-church connection, for the " Evening Ave " or " Curfew" peal has been rung upon it nightly for upwards of four centuries and a half. Apart from this, however, it is a most interesting bell — the only specimen in England of French workmanship that I know of, I am much indebted to Mrs. Wykeham Martin for permission to take squeezes of the ornamentation which it bears, engravings from which form the frontispiece to these pages : I shall describe the bell in due chronological order. The total of 1,953 bells is thus distributed 60 408 480 305 104 252 76 251 17 6 rings of 10 5i „ „ 8 ... 80 „ „ 6 ... 61 „ M 5 ••• 26 „ „ 4 ••• 84 . 1 38 „ M 2 ... Single bells Sanctus, priest's, and clock belh 1,95, Of these the largest is ' Great Dunstan '—the clock bell at Canterbury Cathedral ; the most interesting is the Leeds Castle bell just mentioned, while the most amusing one is Chronological Account. 3 unquestionably the treble at Addington, with the pious medieval inscription of its predecessor reproduced, but gravely tortured into unutterable nonsense by a worthy but ignorant bell-founder in the early part of last century. In point of date the bells may be classified as follows : Pre-Reformation bells .. 98 Elizabethan, say 15 70- 1600 •• 38 1601 -1 700 •• 475 1701-1800 .. 578 Present century ... .. 711 Doubtful bells ... •• 53 Such classification cannot be made very exact. For instance, there are a few bells which clearly date from the transitional period — 1550 to 1570, hardly pre- and certainly not post- Reformation bells. I have, not without hesitation, placed them among the former — the 98. Again, there are a few which really belong to the Elizabethan class, although dated in the seventeenth century. Bells of transitional or " over- lapping" epochs are always difficult to treat, as will be seen later on when we come to the question of the dividing line between bells with Lombardic and those with black letter inscriptions. It is a kind of settled rule with campanists to regard as " ancients " all bells cast in or before 1600— those which in this county I have placed in the first two categories. The rule is an arbitrary one, not, to my mind, without objection, as will be gathered from what I have said above ; but in adopting B 2 4 Chronological Account. it I am only following my predecessors who have written on the subject. The proportion of "ancients" in the county is, as will be seen, a tritie under seven per cent, of the whole. This is very poor as compared with other counties farther away from London ; but it is double that in Surrey, and about the same as Hertfordshire. It may be attributed to two causes : firstly, the excessive energy of the local founders of the seventeenth century ; and secondly, to the mania for peals for change- ringing which obtained during the early part of the eighteenth century. These two causes have without doubt sent many a ring of three or four heavy " ancients " literally to pot, to provide a light set of six or eight bells for the local ringers to exhibit their skill in the melodious but mysterious art of grandsire triples, triple bob major, etc., etc. My task is now to deal with the bells of Kent in the order of their date, so far as can be positively ascertained or reasonably surmised. So much has been done during the last twenty years in carefully examining and recording the inscrip- tions, foundry stamps, and lettering used upon bells in the Midland and Southern counties of England, and in collecting from various sources — mainly unpublished — information bear- ing upon bells and their founders, that a certain amount of finality has been attained, and it is not a difficult task now to fix the date of a bell — not, as was formerly the case, by arbitrary guesswork, but by following certain established rules having reference to shape, character of inscription, lettering of same, stops used to mark the division of words, founders' trade-marks, and initial crosses. It may be useful if I just Chronological Accottnt. 5 explain, briefly, the conclusions my brother campanists and myself have come to on these points. Shape. — A bell abnormally long in the waist is sure to be an old bell. There is an excellent example at Durham, bearing the name of a London founder — Richard de Wymbish, whose date we know from City records to have been quite early in the fourteenth century. It must not be inferred from this that a bell which is only moderately long-waisted — i.e., of the shape usual down to the end of the seventeenth century — is necessarily later in date than a very long-waisted bell. Two bells at Bradenham, Bucks, by Michael de Wymbish, probably an elder brother of the above-named Richard, and certainly earlier in date, are only of normal long-waistedness. Character of Inscription. — A simple inscription such as + IOHANNES or -f AVE MARIA, with the letters widely spaced out so as to occupy the whole length of the inscription band, denotes an early bell. But there are also early bells with elaborate inscriptions. One at Goring, Oxon, is almost certainly not later than 1 290. Lettering. — Inscriptions in Lombardic letters, sometimes called Gothic capitals or uncials, are, if with stops between the words, earlier than 1400 (approximately). The use of black letter came in about 1390, and the two styles prevailed side by side for about twenty years. Inscriptions in capitals came again to be used in the second quarter of the sixteenth century ; but they are readily distinguishable from the earlier ones by the absence of stops. Great caution is needed in theorising from the actual lettering used ; the fact that two bells have inscriptions in precisely the same letters does not 6 CJivonological Account. connote that thc}- arc both by the same founder. Alphabets are traced from hand to hand for centuries. Stops. —These are used (with scarcely an exception) with Lombardic inscriptions only. The earlier consist of two or three dots, roundels, or diamonds, placed vertically, and these developed into more elaborate combinations. Fleurs-de-lis, crowns, leaves, and other stops are used on later bells. Foundry Stamps. — Rare with Lombardic bells, as they did not come into general use until the beginning of the fifteenth century. The assignment of them to their respective owners is the great difficulty with campanists. A patient Investiga- tion of ancient local records generally furnishes a clue sooner or later. Initial Crosses. — Very frequendy these are of great assist- ance in determining the authorship of a bell, but as they, like the letter-stamps, passed largely from hand to hand, they are very likely to mislead any but an expert. It is almost needless to state that in the above remarks I am dealing only with pre- Reformation bells. Since 1570 bells are almost as invariably dated as before that time they were undated. Into the general history of church bells I have no intention of plunging. What little is known about them has been already detailed by better hands than mine. It may, I think, be almost summed up in the phrase, " Bells* have been used in the Christian Church for some fourteen centuries and a half" Whether they were invented or introduced, we don't * Of course I am referring here to large bells — "Signa,' or "Nola' — not to small hand-bells, which were used by the ancients. Chronological Acconnt. 7 know. I suspect the latter, and that we must go to the far East if we want to learn more. How early bells were brought Into England is also unknown, but I think we may fairly conclude that Kent was the first place where they were introduced, and that not long after St. Augustine's time, if not, indeed, by him. No records, however, exist alluding to the subject, so far as I am aware ; and the fact that there was a detached campanile, in the Italian fashion, at Canterbury Cathedral, seems to be the only direct evidence in the matter. Bells, however, were certainly part of the furniture of churches prior to the Norman Conquest. Apart from records of provision of such for the larger monastic establishments, there is at least one inventory of church goods extant for a small village church of quite the early part of the tenth century, and in it bells are mentioned. This, however, is, at the present day, mere matter of history, no bells now hanging having ever been claimed to be of such remote date. There are, indeed, only two which can with any reason be claimed to be of Norman work — one in the neighbouring county of Surrey, and one in Yorkshire. Let us now take the bells of Kent in detail. The ninety- eight pre-Reformation bells must be subdivided into two groups: Firstly, those prior to 1400 — thirty in number — which we will call for the nonce " Lombardic " bells ; and secondly, those inscribed (mainly) in black letter, and of later date than the first group, numbering sixty-eight, which, although including the later bells inscribed in capitals, it will be most convenient to classify as " Black Letter" bells. 8 CJironolos^ical Account. LoMBARDic Bells. — The thirty which compose this class include seven bells which are devoid of inscription, but which from their early shape are clearly to be referred to this period. We may add to these thirty half a dozen others — viz., three which hci\e been re-cast in recent times, two of which we have records as existing a century or so ago, and one formerly in the Church of St. Mary in Castro, Dover, of which an account is preserved in the Surrenden MSS. Thus under this head we have exactly three dozen to bring under notice. And of these, unquestionably, the two earliest are the very quaint pair at I wade, locally (and erroneously) supposed to be two old ships' bells. I am much obliged to Mr. Francis Grayling, of Sittingbourne, for calling my attention to their peculiarities, as otherwise, being reported to me as " blank " bells, I should not have inspected them personally. They are abnormally long-waisted, with cylindrical crowns, and perfectly plain sides, and may, I consider, be dated as of the first half of the thirteenth century. I will next briefly dismiss three other bells, also devoid of inscription, but archaic in shape ; they are the bells at Coldred, Lullingstone, and Sutton by Dover. I have not seen them myself, but they have been examined by competent eyes, and are certainly to be placed in the list of early bells, not later than 1350, and perhaps much older. An early specimen at Stodmarsh comes next for notice. It has the inscription (reversed) : + ,^mer GQ^m^E^ ©:mm€rj©r ^j^^m^nw^ Chronological Account. 9 There are no stops between the words, but the shape is decidedly early, and the letters are placed on the shoulder- angle, which is very unusual. There is a similar instance at Bisley in Surrey. The lettering is quite of a rude type. I should place its date as not later than 1300; possibly much earlier. Snargate, in Romney Marsh, has two bells of this period. The 3rd is the older of the two ; it is inscribed : in exceedingly rudely-shaped lettering, very roughly stamped. It has no stop between the words, the letters of which are widely spaced. The other bell, No. i, has the inscription also widely spaced, but much better shaped lettering, and with a single- dot stop. With the next bell we are on very safe ground as to date, for it bears the founder's name. It is the 2nd at Durham, which I have already alluded to. The inscription is : the lettering of which, together with the floral commencing ornament, I have engraved on Plate VII. of my "Surrey Bells and London Bell-Founders," in which I have given all the information procurable as to this early London bell- founder. His date is 1290 to 131 5. The bell in question is abnormally long-waisted. lO Chronological Account. Fig. I will take next, although somewhat out of date — for it is decidedly a much later bell— the 2nd at Chalk. The inscrip- tion on this : is in the same lettering as the Durham bell just dealt with. But I feel sure it is not by the same man. It has the initial cross (Fig. i) placed saltire wise, and it has a two instead of a three dot stop. I have traced this lettering into the hands of later founders than Richard Wymbish — viz. : William Schep, Peter de Wes- ton, and William Revel successively, but I cannot find that this initial crass was ever used by any of the three. Peter de Weston died in 1347, and left a cousin, Thomas, who succeeded to his business for a very short time only — as he died in the awful Black Death year, 1349. No bells have been traced to his hand, but I am inclined to assign this Chalk bell to him, on the strength of the variation in the initial cross. If I am right its date will be as nearly as possible 1348. I now come to a group of eight bells, all clearly by the same founder, bearing the same foundry-stamp (P ig. 2.),'" the same * I find this shield depicted in Harl. MS. 6163 (a collection of armorial bearings made about the middle of the fifteenth century, and believed to have belonged to Segar, Garter King-at-Arms). It is there ascribed to " King Ethelrcd the Saxon." It is needless to state that armorial bearings were unknown in Saxon times ; but it is rather curious that a badge, or supposed badge, of a Saxon king should be used as a foundry-stamp in the fourteenth century. In the same MS. there is a somewhat similar shield to Fig. 3 (without the arrow), and ascribed as arms to " King Edmond." Chronological Account. 1 1 initial cross, and inscribed in the same lettering (z/Zfl^^^- Plate I.). They are : Bridge ... 3rd Canterbury, St. Dunstan 5th St. George ... 2nd St. Peter 3rd Kingstone ... ... 3rd Patrixbourne . . « ... 2nd Postling ... ... 2nd and 3rd The stop used is a double square dot. They are certainly not London cast bells ; their location points to Canterbury as their birthplace, and they are clearly of mid-fourteenth century date. Can we determine their maker ? I think we can. " Ancient records " have preserved his name for us, and consequently his date. In the " Pedes Finium," or (• — 2 I 2 Chronological Account. "Feet of Fines," of the iSth year of Edward II. (No. 807), we have the following : " Hec est finalis concordia facta in Curia dni Regis apud "Westin in Crastino sci Martini Anno regni Regis " Edwardi filij Regis Edvvardi decimo octavo coram " Wittmo de Bereford Jotine de Mutford Wittmo de Herle " Joline de Stonore & Johne de Bousser Justic & aliis dni " Regis fidelib'; tunc ibi presentib5 Int^Wiltm le Belyetere " quef & Petrum filiu Henrici Poteman de Cobeham & " Isabellam vxem eius deforc de vno mesuagio cum ptifi " in Cantuaf Unde pltm convenconis suiii fuit int^ eos in " eadem Curia Scitt qd pdci Petrus & Isabella recogfi *' pdcm mesuagiu cum ptiii esse Jus ipius Wirti Ut illud "quod idem Wilhns het de dono pdcoJj Petri & Isabelle " Habend & Tenend eidem Wittmo & her suis de Capit^ " dnis feodi illius p svicia que ad pdcm mesuagiu ptinent " imppm Et pterea ijdem Petrus & Isabella concesserunt " I? se & her ipius Isabelle qd ipi warantizabut p'dco " Wittmo & tiedib3 suis p'dcm mesuagiu cum ptifi " cont'' oines homines imppm. Et ^ hac recognicone " warantia fine & concordia idem Willms dedit p'dcis " Petro & Isabelle Centum solidos argenti. " Kane." Here we have, without doubt, the author of this group of bells. At what part of his business career William le Belyetere purchased the house in Canterbury it is impossible to say, but the record shows that he was there in 1325. He places his foundry-stamp sometimes on the inscription band and sometimes on the crown of the bell. The bell at Cliro^iological Account. n St. George's Church, Canterbury, has also on the crown a small shield with a plain cross upon it, which I shall recur to presently. The bells at Patrixbourne and Postling have each of them this shield (Fig. 3.), of which I am at a loss to make out the meaning. I have been told that it is to be found " some- where in the county," in some stained- glass in a church window, and that tradition assigns it as armorial bearings to Earl Godwin. This last is, of course, complete nonsense. But I should like to know if the first piece of information be correct, and whether it throws any light upon the meaning of the shield. William le Belyetere apparently had no successor, the next Kentish bell-founder traceable being too far off in point of date, and moreover, being almost certainly not an east Kent man at all. With him his foundry-stamp disappears, but the small shield with the plain cross remained in Canterbury, for it turns up on bells some 150 years later in date. The initial cross, the shield with three crowns, and the letter- stamps found their way into the eastern counties — most probably to Norwich. There are no less than thirty-eight bells in Norfolk inscribed in this lettering, and with the cross, and three of them have the shield (Fig. 3). One of them has also a well-known shield with three bells, the trade stamp at one time of the Braziers, bell-founders of Norwich, which is strong evidence that the alphabet was at one time in Fig. 3. 14 Chronoloi^ical Account. their possession. The inscriptions on nearly the whole of the thlrty-eii^ht are pecuHar to East AngHa. There are also some bells in Suffolk — so I learn from Dr. Raven's notes — with this letterin^^ and cross, and one of them at least has the shield (Fi. " Hec est finalis concordia fta in Cur dni Reg apud WestiTi " in octabis Sci Hillarii Anno Regni Reg Edwardi rcii a "conquestn tricesimo septimo corana Robto de Thorp "Jotie Moubray & Jofie Knyvet Justic & aliis Dni Reg "fidelib; tunc ibi j9sentib5 Int Stepllm de Norton Bel- "makere quer et Waltm Totynham & Agn uxem ejus " deforc de duob' mesuagiis sexaginta & quinq3 acris tre " & quatuor acris prati cu ptifi in Bocton Monchensy unde " pttm conuencois sum fuit int eos in eadem cur scih qd " pdei Walrus & Agn recogn p'dca mesuagia quinquaginta "& quinq^ acras tre & pdm pratu cum ptin de pdcis ten " esse jusi plus Steptii ut ilia que idem Stephus feet de done " pdco^ Walri & Agn Et ilia remiserunt & quietumclain de " ipis Walto & Agn & her ipius Agn jJdco Steptlo & her " suis imppm Et ptea iidem Walrus & Agii concesserunt " ,p se & her ipius Agii qd ipi warant pdco Stepho & her "suis eadem ten cu ptin conf omes tloTes imppm Et con- "cesserunt iidem Waltus & Agn p^dco Stepho decem acras " ire cu ptin de pdcis tef residuas et remiserunt & quietum- " clain quicquid tluerunt in eisdem decem acris terre cum "ptin ad imTn vite ipius Agii pdco Stepho & her suis " imj)pm Et \) hac recogn concessione remissione quietaclam " war fine & concordia idem Stephus dedit pdcis Walto & " Agn viginti marcas argenti " Kane." Among the Kent ArchcTeological Society's charters there is one printed in " Arch. Cant.," vol. x., p. 323. It is dated 48 Ed. III. (1375), and is a conveyance by John de Blakesole and Emma his wife, to Roger Dygge, Stephen de Nortone, and James de Peckham, of a messuage, a watermill, thirty- Chronological Account. 19 two acres of land, and some annual rents in Wrotham ; Stephen being clearly a feoffee or trustee for Peckham. But it is, although probable, not equally clear that he was the bell- founder. As Stephen Norton was, on the testimony of the Dover Castle bell, living in 1381, we may safely place his date as 1363-81. We know, too, for certain, that he was buried in Maidstone Parish Church, John Maplesden, by his will, dated 1528, requests to be buried in that church, " next to the tomb of Stephen Norton, bell-founder." This is all the direct information regarding him that I have been able to trace. Among the Chancery inquisitions for the 1 7 Richard 1 1 . (1394) is one which may refer to him or not. It is an inquiry held in accordance with' a writ " Ad quod damnum',' and it reports that it will not be to the King's damage or prejudice if he should permit Stephen Norton, of Chart by Sutton Valence, Stephen, the son of the said Stephen, and others, to grant and assign to the convent of the Holy Trinity at ** Modynden," certain messuages, lands and rents in money and in kind, in the parishes of Staplehurst, Headcorn, and Bocton Monchesy : the lands in the last-named parish being described as nine acres of meadow held of the Prior of Christ Church, Canterbury, as of his manor of Hollingbourne, at an annual rent of i8d., and certain accustomed services. Now, the fact that in 1364 we found Stephen Norton, the bell-founder, buying lands in that parish rather argues in favour of his identity with Stephen Norton, of Chart Sutton. But even if it be so, I do not think his foundry can have been at Chart Sutton. In those days bell-founding was not carried on in D 2 20 Clu'onological Account. remote country villages, but in the towns, and assuming the identity of the two Stephens, I would rather suggest that in his old age he had retired from trade and taken up his abode at Chart Sutton. Altogether I think Maidstone to have been the likeliest place for his foundry. The Rev. W. Scott, of Boughton Monchelsea, has been kind enough, in reply to a query as to there being any tradition of a bell-foundry there, to say that there is none, but that there is a Bell Wood between Othani and Maidstone, on the borders of the parish. It is quite possible that this may indicate the spot whence Norton got his fuel, and so is some corroboration, although slight, of my theory as to Maidstone. It is clear he had no successor, but the stamps which he used found their way to London, and are traceable to the successive possession of two or three bell-founders there of the fifteenth century. There are — or rather were, for one has been recast — two bells at Kingsdown by Sittingbourne, of this century. One — the smaller — is blank, the other (the recast one) was dedicated to St. Katharine. Cross and lettering alike are unknown to me, and I am unable to hazard a guess as to its maker. The stop is a " two dot " one. A bell— the 3rd — at Ringwould, is of the latter part of the fourteenth century. The inscription, with a cinque-foil stop between the words, is : The lettering is graceful and of much the same shape — only much smaller — as that on Plate III., which I shall notice presently. Cli7'07ioloo-ical Accotmt. 21 A bell formerly at Petham (the 3rd of the ring), on the authority of Mr. Bryan Faussett, should be mentioned here. From the nature of the inscription—" VOCOR CAMPANA lOHANNIS " — it was almost certainly a Lombardic bell. I now come to a group of five bells : Burmarsh ... ... ... Treble 2nd Treble 2nd 4th id of inscription ; but Mr. Tyssen states that it is apparently by the same founder as the second. Bells with the cross and lettering which these bear are not uncommon in the home counties, and are clearly London made. The stop is invariably a fleur-de-lis (Fig. 4). The cross is Fig. 5. The lettering will be found on Plate III. Rodmersham St. Mary's Seal The first of these is devo Fig. 4. Fig. 5. Fig. 5 a. I have given in the " Church Bells of Hertford " my reasons for assic^nino- these bells to William Burford of London, and o o I see no cause for altering my opinion. They arc decidedly 22 Chronoloi^ical Account, the work of his period — 1371-92 — and I know of no other founder to whom to ascribe them. It may be interesting to note that he was the first Londoner to call himself " Bel3eter ;" before his time they all styled themselves " potter " or " brazier." This was not the case in the country — William of Canterbury, may be noted as a case in point. I have printed William Burford's will — a lengthy but interesting document — together with what other information I have found respecting him, in " Surrey Bells." He was succeeded in his business by his son Robert, with whom I shall have to deal later on, as he belongs to the " Black Letter " period. My tale of thirty-six Lombardic period bells is now complete with one exception, and that is a bell which, I regret to say, is no longer in existence. It was the former treble at Cuxton, recast a few years ago. It bore the inscription : without any stop between the words ; but it had on the crown, three times repeated, a shield (Fig. 6) bearing a chevron Chronological Account. 23 between three laver-pots, which stamps it as of this date, i.e., the close of the 14th century. There is a bell at Little Hormead, Herts, inscribed in the same lettering and with a wheel-like stop, but without the shield on the crown, and with a different cross. There are other bells in Kent with this shield and with the same cross as the Cuxton bell (Fig. 7), but inscribed in black letter ; some of which can be abso- lutely placed as to their authorship, others which were, until quite lately, a puzzle to me ; but recent researches at Guildhall have brought to light a new bell-founder of this period (1395- 1420), William Wodeward, and I think the Cuxton and Little Hormead bells must be his handywork. I will merely advance the theory here, and leave further mention of him until I come to deal with the other bells which I con- sider must be his. Black Letter Bells. — We have now to pass under review the remainder of the bells of the pre- Reformation period. They number eighty-one — of which there are sixty-eight still hanging ; eight more have disappeared recently ; and there are five in addition, of which record has been preserved by Mr. Bryan Faussett. There does not appear to have been any local foundry in Kent during the fifteenth century ; all the bells of that date come from London sources, with two exceptions, one a French bell, the other from the Midland Counties — probably Notting- 24 C/iroJiolooical Account. h;im. When we come to the sixteenth century, however, we find the larger proportion are of local workmanship. The eighty-one bells are mostly inscribed in black letter smalls, with Lombardic initial letters, and in many Instances the latter are those which were used by some of the fourteenth- century bell-founders. In the sixteenth century— as I have before stated— inscriptions entirely in capitals come in again. The bells, therefore, may be divided into two categories, " Black Letter " and " Later Lombardic." I now propose to treat these in detail, subdividing them into groups, and assio-ning each group to its founder according to the best of my ability. They are rather difficult to treat exactly in order of date, as there were synchronizing bell-foundries in London all through the period with which we now have to deal. The first craftsman that we have to mention is one who belongs to the transitional period between Lombardic and black letter bells ; indeed, it was the determination of his date which mainly contributed to fixing the former. There are, however, no Lombardic bells by him in Kent, and so I am treating him as a black letter man. His name is William Dawe, and his date, approximately, 1385 to 1418. He has hitherto been known to campanists as William Founder, from the circular stamp (Fig. 8) which he uses as a stop, and there have been several shots made at his surname. I am rather proud of having solved the mystery. My friend Mr. Walter Rye very kindly allowed me to look throuofh a batch of old Chronological Account. 25 title-deeds relating to property at the East-end of London,* and belonging to the Cornwallis family ; among them I found two, dated respectively 1393 and 1395, relating to the same premises, and executed in the presence of the same four witnesses, one of whom stands described in the earlier deed as " William Dawe Found'," and in the later one as "William Foundor." This is about as strong evidence of identity as can be had, I consider, at this lapse of time. I find mention of him on the rolls of the Hustings Court, at Guildhall, as late as 141 8, again as witness to a deed. It was usual in the City for deeds to be executed in the presence of the alderman and leading men of the ward, and I take it that William Dawe's non-appearance in that capacity after 141 8 is fairly good proof of his death. I have failed to find his will. The wills proved in the Archdeacon's Court of London are missing for a long period from 1420, which no doubt accounts for my failure. I have reason to believe that he left a son — John — who, however, did not follow the parental calling, but apparently retired to the then pleasant suburb of Whitechapel, to live at ease on the money accumulated by his father. He died in 1435, requesting by his will, dated 2nd January, 1434, to be buried in the Church of St. Mary Matfelon, next to his mother-in-law — " iuxta matrem uxoris mee." He leaves everything to his wife — Alice — who, however, survived him but a few months, her will being proved in the following year by the sole executor, Richard Hille, whom we shall have to notice presently as a London bell-founder. " The part of the City which was inhabited by the bell-founders all through the Middle Ages. E 26 Chronolocical Accottnt. To return to William Dawe, the four bells in Kent which bear his stop (Fig^. 8), are the ist and 2nd at Downe, the 3rd at Upper Hardres, and the 2nd at Otham. The initial cross on three of these is the well-known Fig. 9. The exception is the 2nd at Downe, which has the cross (Fig. 7) already attributed to William Wodeward. It is to be noticed, too, that the bell at Upper Hardres has also upon the crown four impressions of the shield with the three laver-pots (Fig. 6). The use of the same stamps, by apparently two contemporaneous founders, is very puzzling, as will be seen when I come to deal with the next group. But as to the four bells under review, there can be no possible mistake.* It remains to note that the capital letters used on all four are alike. I give two of them here as a specimen : Fig. 9. * William Founder's circular stamp certainly survived him for a long time. Mr. A. H. Cocks, whom I am glad to welcome as a working campanist, doing good service in Bucks, has found it used as a bell at Radcliff in that county, inscribed to St. George, and probably from one of the Reading foundries of the sixteenth century. Chronological Account. 27 They passed into other hands after Dawes demise, as I shall show presently. The " smalls," however, vary ; they are all of them disproportionately large as compared with the capitals ; but those on the Upper Hardrcs bell are not quite so bad as the other three. I pass to a group of bells which, as I have before men- tioned, constitute a severe puzzle. They are, in addition to the treble (formerly) at Cuxton, dealt with under the Lom- bardic bells, ( Kemsing \ St. Paul's Cray ... ... 1st ... 2nd ) ( Canterbury, St. Paul ... 3rd j \ ,, St. Peter ... 2nd 1 \ Brenzett 3rd 1 Southfleet 5th It will be noticed that I have bracketed these both to left and to right. The left hand brackets denote similarity of initial cross ; those to the right similarity of capital letters. The first two bells bear the cross Fig. 7. The next three have the cross Fig. 10, while the Southfleet bell has a similar but larger cross (Fig. 1 1). As regards capital letters, those on the Kemsing bell are the same as at Cuxton — quite small. The next two have them of medium size, the same as those used by William Dawe and figured above. The next two have a very much larger and handsomer set altogether ; and the same capitals, but in this instance crowned, appear on the Southfleet bell. With respect to the black-letter " smalls," Kemsing and E 2 28 ClironoloQ-ical Accotcni. Fig. io. Fig. II. Canterbury St. Paul have comparatively small ones ; the other four have the same largest ones as are used by William Dawe, which, as regards the St. Paul's Cray bell, are utterly out of proportion, but with the other three harmonize very well. As regards other orna- mentation, the Kemsing and St. Paul's Canterbury bells have the small laver-pot shield (Fig. 6) on the inscription- band ; the St. Paul's Cray has it four times on the crown, as has also the bell at Canter- bury St. Peter's, but only three times ; while the Brenzett bell has a much larger Fig. 12. Chronological Account. 29 version of the same shield (Fig. 12), also three times on the crown. I am inclined to think that this shield was the badge of the " Bellemakers' Guild " which flourished about this time, and that the use of it was probably free to all members. I think my readers will agree with me that we have in these seven (including Cuxton) bells as pretty a puzzle to solve as can well be found. It is quite possible that some of them may be by William Dawe ; but I have elsewhere declined to reckon any bells as his that do not bear his foundry-stamp, and to that decision I adhere. If they are not his, I know of no other founder than William Wodeward to whom they can be ascribed ; and as he certainly survived William Dawe, it is quite on the card that some of the latter's stamps should have passed into his possession. Or there may well have been a partnership between the two, which would account for the simultaneous use of the same stamps. It is impossible without confusion to deal with the fifteenth century London bell-founders in strict order of date. I propose rather to follow now the various successive owners of a particular set of capital letters, so far as I am able to identify them. I had thought at one time that the letters in question were identical with those sometime used by William Dawe, and I stated so in a note at p. 20 of "Church Bells of Hertfordshire." Judging from rubbings, my statement ap- peared correct, but I have since been able to get casts of Dawe's lettering — especially the S — which is, as my reader will see, very different from that in the alphabet now under consideration, of which I give two examples. I find these stamps first in the possession of a founder whose initials, 30 Chronological Account. Fig. 13. Fig. 14. judging from the shield Fig. 13, were J. W. ; and as the only individual whom I can find connected with the trade and with those initials is John Walgrave — some time foreman to William Dawe — I have no hesitation in putting them down as his. Dawe's stamps, as I have already stated, probably passed to William Wodeward (who, however, only survived Dawe for a year or two) ; but I strongly suspect that the business connection went to Walgrave, bells with this trade- mark being frequent. The examples in Kent are nine in number, to which may be added one (Denton treble) which Chronological Accoiuit. 3T has been broken up and sold for old metal within the last twenty years. The nine are : Adisham ... 4th Fairfield ... 1st and 2nd Ightham ... 2nd and 3rd Stanstead ... ist Stelling ... 2nd and 3rd Wychling ... ist The initial cross on all of them is Fig. 14. The smalls on them differ — two different sets beinof used. I have found no trace at Guildhall of Walgrave, the only record of his existence being the mention of him in the will of John Plot, in 1408 ("Surrey Bells," p. 46); but I do not think that his business career was a very long one : I should estimate it as from 14 18 to 1440 or thereabouts. Life was short in the Middle Ages, and he must have been about sixty in the latter year. There is no question, however, that he had a decidedly good business ; and, of course, it is quite possible he was on his own account before William Dawe left this world. In connection with the next owner of these stamps, the 2nd and 3rd bells at Denton and the former 3rd at Ryarsh come under review. I am exceedingly concerned to note the disappearance of this last mentioned bell, as the dedication of It was, I believe, quite unique. It bore the Inscription : Hancfa Titrsula mxwxx Ho6aabus Wttis Orafe 32 Chronological Account. All these three bells have the same initial cross as the last group, the same capitals and the smaller set of minuscules used by John Walgrave ; but they bear a new foundry- stamp (Fig. 15), the letters on which doubtless perpetuate the initials of its owner. The two Denton bells have in addition the shield with three lions passant (Fig. 16). Fig. 15. Fig. 16. I can only offer a suggestion as to the author of this group. There are two men connected with the trade about this time who have these initials — Robert Crowch and Richard Cress- well. The former is named as a legatee in the will of William Powdrell, citizen and bell-maker, who died in 1438 ; the latter turns up in the will of Richard Hille, founder, dated in 1440 ; but as Richard was still only an apprentice at his master's death, while Robert was a journeyman two years earlier, I think the last-named is the most likely to have been the R. C. we are in search of. Perhaps before this book goes to press I may find something in the Hustings rolls Chronological Account. 33 to solve the difficulty. If not, Robert and Richard are both pretty men, and I leave my readers to choose whichever they like. The next group is one of four bells : Burmarsh ... ... ... 3rd Fairfield... ... ... ... ^rd St. Mary's Stone in Oxney and they are clearly connected with the last two groups, for they have the same initial cross and capital letters, while the black letter smalls are identical with the larger of the two sets used by Walgrave. They have, however, distinguishing marks in the following stamps (Figs, 17 and 18). Bells from Treble ^rd Fig. 17. Fig. 18. this foundry are well known and distinguished as " Royal Arms" bells. Evidence given in Dr. Raven's "Church Bells of Cambridge" and in the "Church Bells of Herts" leaves, I think, little room for doubt that they are the handiwork of one I. Danyell, who flourished about the middle of the fifteenth F 34 ChronoIoQ-ical Account. century. There are several of them which bear the initials I, D,, but none in Kent,'" I must now leave this set of stamps for a time and try back half a century, and take up the sequel of the stamps used by William Burford before mentioned. He was succeeded in 1392 by his son Robert, and to this latter I have no hesitation in ascribing- the following group of bells in Kent St. Martin, Canterbury ... ... 3rd Cowden Frindsbury Hartlip Nonington St. Mary's 3rd 3rd 5th 2nd 3rd to which may be added the former 3rd at Langley, recently recast or replaced by a modern bell. These are all " black letter " bells, but the capitals are those used by the elder Burford, and they have either the same cross (Fig, 5) or one identical in shape, but on an octagonal instead of a quad- rangular stamp (Fig. 5A). They are further differenced by having on them also the cross Fig. i, which somehow or other had passed into Robert Burford's possession. The * I can find no positive trace of this Danycll at Guildhall ; but a deed enrolled there in 1435 mentions John Danyell, Senior, of Edelmeton (Edmonton), which jjredicates a John Danyell, Junior. Again, in 1496 is mention of Jerard Danyell, fishmonger, whose mother, " Alice, wife of John Danyell," was buried in the Church of St. Margaret Moses in October, 1481, If the inscrii)tion on her tomb was "quondam uxor " {i.e., widow, not wife), probably we have here the man. Gerard Danyell's will was enrolled in 15 12, and he had property in Lime Street, which is parlously close to the bell- founders' quarter. Chronological Account. 3.-) capitals on the Langley bell were crowned — like Stephen Norton's. Robert Burford's date is quite established — 1392 to 1418. From his will, dated and proved in the latter year, which I have printed at length in " Surrey Bells," it would appear that he died childless, and that the foundry with its stamps passed into other hands. From the rolls at the Hustings Court at Guildhall, I find that his widow, Margaret, married one John Dommer, who is described in later deeds as a bell- maker, and whom I strongly suspect to have been Burford's foreman. Re-marriages, such as this, seem to have been almost universal in the Middle Ages. I suppose they were a necessity for the sake of protection.* The stamps used by Robert Burford passed into the hands of a founder who uses the trade-stamp Fig. 19; and as I find in the City records very shortly after 141 8 one Richard Hille mentioned — who was most certainly a bell-founder — I have every reason for believing him to have been the man. My arguments for this will be found in "Surrey Bells," p. 54. He was, Fig. 19. as I have already mentioned, sole * I do not think Dommer continued the business. The widow must have been very well-to-do, and there was probably no need. Clearly the stami)s passed into other hands, as will be shown directly. Dommer occurs at intervals on the Hustings rolls as late as 1438, and he was evidently a man of consequence in the ward. The house he and his wife lived in was known by the sign of " The Helm on the Hoop," and I trace its transfer from hand to hand for many years. It was in Algate Street, outside the City walls, />., in Portsoken Ward. 36 Chronological Account. executor to Alice, widow of John Dawe, which is to my mind strong evidence for connecting the said John with the bell-founding trade, and consequently establishing him as the son of William Founder. There are only two bells left in Kent which bear the above trade-stamp ; the 2nd at Luddesdown and the 3rd at Staple. But we know of three more ; the 3rd at the desecrated Church of St. Mary Magdalene at Canterbury, sold, it is presumed, for old metal when the church was destroyed ; the 4th at Cheriton, lately recast, and one of which Mr. Bryan Faussett has preserved the record ; the 4th at Great Chart. Of these the Luddesdown bell has — without any accom- panying legend — a cross (Fig, 5), the foundry - stamp (Fig. 19), fleur-de-lis (Fig. 4), the cross here given (Fig. 20), and another fleur - de - lis, all equally spaced round the haunch. The Staple bell has the crosses Figs. 5 and 20, and the foundry-stamp ; and the lettering, both capitals and smalls, is the same as ^'''^" ^°' that used by Robert Burford. The Cheriton bell was alike in every particular. The bell at St. Mary Magdalene, Canterbury — dedicated to St. Katharine — had also two (doubtless the same) crosses. Of the bell at Great Chart no note has been preserved as to the cross or crosses — it had the foundry-stamp and the motto — ^um ^osa ;Pu(sa{a XIiun6i Xllaria ^ocafa Richard Hille's will, dated and proved in 1440, is printed at length in " Surrey Bells." He left a wife and daughter Clwonological Account. 2>7 both named Johanna ; to the latter he bequeathed two hundred marks, to the former the residue of his estate after the usual pious bequests and sundry legacies. The daughter married Henry Jordan, of whom we shall hear a good deal presently ; the widow carried on the business. Among the town records of Faversham, there is a contract dated 28th March, 19 Henry VI. (1441), between "Johane Hille of Londone, widewe," and the parishioners of Faversham, being a warranty for the usual term of a year and a day of five new bells lately supplied by her. Bells are found with the foundry-stamp Fig. 19 on them, with a cross on a small lozenge-shaped stamp (here given) above the shield. These, I have no doubt, are Johanna Hille's work. There are none in Kent, how- ever, at the present day. There is another document among the Faversham archives — a similar guarantee for a new tenor bell — but this time the contract is with '' Johane Sturdy of Londone, widewe." It is dated 38 Henry VI. I think we may take for granted the identity of the two " widewes," and conclude that Johanna Hille had taken to herself a second husband ; and, again widowed, had, as before, still stuck to the business. The second husband was one John Sturdy whom I find mentioned on the Hustings rolls in 1449, living in the bell-founder's parish of St. Botolph, Aldgate. There is a bell at Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey, which has the founder's initials, I. S., placed on either side of the reverse of a silver penny of this period, the coin having placed above it 38 Chronological Account. the same lozenge-shaped cross as I have above ascribed to Johanna Hille. There are also two bells at Watlington, Nor- folk, with the same coin and superimposed cross. The Stoke d'Abernon lettering is found in Essex in connection with bells of this group ; that on the Watlington bells is the same as used by Stephen Norton (Plate II.). I take these bells to be the works of Johanna Sturdy during her second widowhood. At St. Mary Magdalene's Church, Canterbury, now pulled down, was formerly a bell (the 2nd) which, with a dedication to St. Peter — the capitals of which are those ascribed to the Burfords and R. Hille (the " smalls" differ) — had the initials I. S. on either side of the silver penny just mentioned. The initial cross on this is Fig. 21. There was formerly, also, a bell with the same coin and initials at St. John's Church, Margate, which we know, by the donor's name upon it, to have been cast about the middle of the fifteenth century. I don't think I shall be wrong if I place these two bells to the credit of John Sturdy, Johanna's second husband, and not improbably Richard Hille's foreman while the latter lived. The cross (Fig. 21) evidently came into his possession after the death of William Powdrell, in 1439, as will be noticed presently when I come to mention that bell- founder's extant specimens. The consensus of dates which I have adduced makes very much in favour of my original theory as to the ownership of the stamps used in connection with this group of bells. Fig. 21. Chronological Account. I will dismiss next a group of bells connected with the last three groups by lettering ; but I am unable, at present, to do more than "guess " at the founder's name. They are : ... 2nd Brook Newnham Penshurst Sandhurst 4th 3rd and 4th 4th and Fior. they 22. all bear the foundry-stamp, The Brook bell, devoid of inscription, has Stephen Norton's cross (Plate II.), but uncrowned. The Newn- ham bell has the same cross, but crowned, and the capitals are those used by Norton — it has also the cross, Fig. i. The inscription is a somewhat unusual Fig. 22. one — The Penshurst bells differ between themselves. The 3rd has two crosses, one formed of four fleurs-de-lis like Stephen Norton's, but on a diamond-shaped stamp like Fig. 9, not a square one ; the other cross is Fig. 23. The capitals are Stephen Norton's, but uncrowned. The Penshurst 4th has the same capitals crowned — Stephen Norton's crowned cross and the cross, F'ig. i. The Sand- hurst bell has also Norton's crowned capitals, and the same cross, twice re- peated, as that on the 3rd at Penshurst, first above mentioned. Fig. 23. 40 Chronological Account. I place the date of these bells as from 1460 to 1485 approximately, but I have not yet reached that date in my examination of the Hustings rolls at Guildhall, where it is possible I may find evidence in favour of the theory as to the founder's name which I now advance. The arms on the shield are those of Kebyll or Keble ; they were borne by Sir Henry Kebyll, Lord Mayor in 15 10, and a member of the Grocers' Company. In the parish accounts of St. Stephen's, Walbrook, under date 1480, there are payments amounting to ^5 6s. 8d. for bell-hanging to John Kebyll, wheelwright. Wheelwright, of course, means a member of the Wheel- wrights' Guild or Company ; and it is quite on the card that John Kebyll combined bell-making with bell-hanging, al- though I am free to confess that, as far as I know, such a thing was unusual in those days. I think on the whole, how- ever, the evidence is strong enough to assign these bells pro- visionally to a bell- founder of the name of Kebyll, of the date I have fixed above. A bell at Milstead (the 2nd) which has upon it only the impress of three coins of this period, is, of course, quite un- placeable. The Leeds Castle bell comes in well for notice here. It has the inscription : + Ian m cccc kxx u In each of the spaces indicated, there is a stop of a man's head. Below the inscription there are the three medallions autotyped on the frontispiece. They are so very quaint that I have thought it best not to have them drawn and Chronoloo-ical Account. 41 engraved, but to reproduce them in facsimile from my casts, with all the blemishes from casting, just as they appear on the bell. They depict, as will be seen, the Virgin and Child, the Crucifixion of Our Blessed Lord, and St. Michael and the Dragon. This ornamentation stamps it unquestionably as of French workmanship. I trust, as it is unique in this respect, some means will be taken for its preservation ; it is terribly worn where the clapper strikes the sound bow, as it well indeed may be after 450 years' daily usage ; and as the clock hammer strikes forty-five degrees away from the worn part, it would seem that "quarter-hanging" would not do much good. It is, however, in good hands. It will be handiest now to dismiss one more " odd" bell of this century, to leave us free to take up another connected story. The bell in question is the former 3rd at Luddes- down, recast not many years since at the Whitechapel foundry, and the ancient inscription reproduced, not very successfully. The legend is : if)c mmia kafcriua The cross is Fig. 24 ; the lettering is entirely in black letter, without any capitals whatever. Bells with this cross and lettering occur in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, and there is little doubt they came from the Nottingham foundry, which raises the question how a bell from S a foundry so far off came into the belfry of an out-of-the-way church in G + Fig. 24. 42 Chronological Account. Kent. I think the problem is determinable. I have in the '' Church Bells of Herts " mentioned that there were several bell-founders in London just about the middle of the sixteenth century, whose names we find recorded, but to whom no bells can be traced ; and I account for this by the theory that they dealt largely in second-hand bells, looted by the Government and other robbers from the monasteries and parish churches, and sold to the trade at old metal price. The Public Record Office contains a large quantity of notices of such sales. I believe that some, at all events, of these bells were not broken up, but resold ; and I believe, further, that this Luddesdown bell is one of such. And I am of opinion that a small pro- portion of the pre-Reformation bells now in our belfries owe their present resting-places to the same cause. For instance, there is a bell of Stephen Norton's at Chiselborough, Somerset, which is, to my mind, much too far from its birth- place to be in situ, especially when we come to consider the very great difficulties of transport in the Middle Ages. I have other instances in my mind, but these two will serve, I think, as fair samples. We must now return to the Metropolis, and the next two bells which I have to notice are by a founder whom I have only quite recently succeeded In bringing to light. His name is William Powdrell, and the two examples of his (the only ones I know of) are the 2nd at Stowting, inscribed : The cross on this being that (afterwards) used by Johanna Sturdy (Fig. 21). The other bell is the former treble at Ship- chronological Account. ^^3 borne, which disappeared in a wholesale sweep some five years ago. It bore the legend : with the impress of a coin and the same fleur-de-lis as the Stowting bell. The capitals used are large flat plain letters, and they were afterwards used by Henry Jordan, whom I have mentioned before, and whose works I shall take in hand next. William Powdrell — " civis et campanarius " — occurs in the Hustings rolls in 1438 only. His will, dated 21st October, 1439, was proved two days afterwards in the Commissary Court of London (rather speedy work). He desires to be buried at St. Botolph, Aldgate — the bell-founders' church — next to William Stokes, his former master. He makes the usual pious bequests, leaves legacies to his " servants," or workmen — Robert Crowch (see p. 32) being one of them — and to his executors, Galfridus Brydde — " civis et Brasier " — and two others, and the residue to his wife Agnes. In chronological sequence to him comes the man into whose hands his letters fell, Henry Jordan, citizen and Fishmonger {i.e., a member of the Fishmongers' Company, not a fish- monger by trade). His business career lasted, so far as City records tell, for some quarter of a century — 1442 to 1468 — and he must have been unquestionably the largest bell- founder of his time, for there is scarcely a county in Mid or South England but contains even now, at the lapse of four centuries, specimens of his handywork. Those in Kent are eleven in number, viz. : 44 Chronological Account. {Appledore Barming Bilsington Harblcdown / Bearsted } Eythorne ( St. Nicholas' Hospital, Harbledown 2nd Brookland ... ... ... ^.rd r Buckland by Dover \ Milstead 3rd 2nd 2nd 3rd 2nd 2nd and ^rd 2nd 3rd The first four have the flat-shaped capitals used before him by William Powdrell. The second three have those which we have traced downwards from John Walgrave to Danyell, from the latter of whom they evidently passed to Henry Jordan. Brookland has the large capitals ascribed to William Wodeward, and used at Brenzett and St. Peter's, Canterbury, while the last two bells have only devices without legends. The stamps used by him are the following, Figs. 25, 26, and 27 : Fig. 25. Chronolooical Account. 45 Fig. 26. Fig. 27. and all of these appear on nine of the bells in the above list, Milstead 3rd has only Figs. 25 and 27, the former being stamped twice on it. The bell at St. Nicholas' Hospital, Harbledown, has also Figs. 25 and 27, and in addition the cross, Fig. 14. Ofthese devices, Figs. 14 and 26 indisputably belonged before him to Danyell ; the other two are exclusively Jordan's own. I may mention that years ago I pointed out to the late Mr. North that I was sure Fig. 27 must be the trade-mark of a bell-founder who was " free " of the Fishmongers' Company. Not long afterwards Mr. Willis Clark found Henry Jordan's name mentioned in the accounts of King's College, Cam- bridge, and the mystery was solved at once ; for I recognised the name as that of one who, a fishmonger by craft, left 13s. 4d. to be distributed annually to poor founders of London through the medium of my own guild — that of the Founders — which amount is still annually paid. I have printed in " Surrey Bells " all I have been able to 46 CJu'onological Account. trace as to his parentage and belongings, and his lengthy but interesting will. He left the larger part of his very consider- able property to the great company of which he was a member — in trust for certain pious and charitable uses — and by them the greater part of it is still owned and administered, some premises in the parish of " Seynt Brigide in Fflete Streete in the subberbes of London " alone having passed from their possession. It is interesting to note that in those days Fleet Street extended eastward as far as Ludgate {i.e., half-way up the present Ludgate Hill), for the abuttals of the premises in question show them to have occupied the site of the public-house now standing at the north-western corner of Ludgate Hill. Towards the close of the fifteenth century, and for some years in the following one, there flourished in London a bell-founder named Thomas Bullisdon, no doubt a rela- tion of Robert Billesdon, who was Sheriff in 1 743, and Mayor in 1483.* J ordan's stamps, or at all events some of them, came into his hands, and we have a specimen of his labours in the 2nd bell at Cudham, with the trade-mark Fig. 28. It has no Fig. 28. initial cross, but the capitals are * Thomas Bullisdon, merchant of the Staple of Calais, who was M.P. for the City in 1492, had property in Portsoken Ward. I hardly think he can have been the bell-founder in question, but I have little doubt all three were related. Chronological Account. 47 those of the 2nd set mentioned in connection with Jordan, and originally belonging to John Walgrave. There is a very pretty ring of five bells by him at the interesting old priory church of St. Bartholomew the Great in Smithfield. They bear his trade-mark, the same capitals as above, and the cross Fig. 14. We are now approximating to the commencement of the sixteenth century, when we come upon the traces of local Kentish foundries. In the parish accounts of St. Dunstan's, Canterbury, the following entry occurs under date 1 500 : " Item payde to Rychard Kerner for new making of the same belle ... iij^. viijV." The "same" bell being the " Wakerell," or Sanctus bell. Here we have clearly a local bell-founder, probably of Canter- bury, although I have failed to find the entry of his admission to citizenship. The fact of the accounts containing no entry of payment for carriage is, I think, fairly conclusive on this point. There are four bells in Kent which I consider must be allotted to him ; two of them are in a Canterbury church, and one of those is dated 1505 ; and one of the other two is in a church not far distant. Altogether, I think the evidence is very strong. The four bells are : St. Mary Bredin, Canterbury ... 2nd and 3rd Hoath ... ... ... 2nd Old Romney ... ... 2nd 48 ChronoloQ-ical Account. They have all four the same initial cross (Fig. 29). The last two bells have, in addition, the shield with a plain cross upon it which we last saw used nearly two centuries before by William le Belyetere (p. 13). The luG. 29. 3rd at St. Mary Bredin is the dated bell ; it has the inscription : the last four letters being undoubtedly intended to represent the Arabic numerals, 1505. It is the earliest use of Arabic or quasi-Arabic numerals that I know of on an English bell. The Hoath inscription is : and I am free to confess I am unable to give its meaning. It is too early, I think, to stand for the initials of the church- wardens. The lettering used is well-shaped Lombardic. I give the most characteristic letters here : There is another Canterbury bell-founder yet to be alluded to, but as he will demand somewhat lengthened notice, I will Chroiiolo^^ical Account. 49 take first the remaining London-cast pre- Reformation bells which are to be found in the county. F^irst comes the 3rd at Down, a dated bell. It has the inscription : + HtJrge ntanc S^xrn^c 6co amto 6nt m 6 x\ The initial cross is Fig. y^)^ and in each of the spaces above denoted there is the stop Fig. 31. Further, it has upon the Fig. 30. Fig. 31. waist, in addition to the impress of two coins, the arms of the Prince of Wales. I have this last on a set of three bells at Aythorp Roding, Essex, cast by one John Tonne, a London bell-founder of about the third or fourth decade of the sixteenth century. I do not, however, think the Down bell can be his ; the date is, I consider, too early, and the cross, stop and lettering are not those used by him, so far as I know. But I do think it is by the founder from whom John Tonne learned his trade, and I trust one day to be able to drop upon him at Guildhall. The style of his work rather points to his being a foreigner, probably a Frenchman. H 50 Chronological Accotmt. There are two bells, Boughton Aluph 3rd and Graveney treble, which are the work of William Culverden, citizen and brazier of London ; they have his trade-mark (Fig. 32), which has frequently been engraved before, although bells by him are not very common. His date is 1513-23. Of the two bells under review, that at Graveney has an inscription which is decidedly a puzzle. It is as follows : ^ancfe + O IE T?" □ (Fig- zz) ^ O ^ Fig. 32. Fig. 33. The letters S and P are crowned, the V may be a reversed N ; Fig. '^■^ occuVs elsewhere in his bells — on one at Wimble- don, Surrey, for instance. I thought when I first saw the rubbing that part of the inscription must have been filed or chiselled off, but I have ascertained by personal inspection that this is not the case. I shall be glad if any one can rede me the riddle. The Boughton Aluph bell, dedicated to St. Paul has nothing peculiar about it. Chronolo(^ical Account. 51 Culverden's bell-founding career was very brief. His will, dated 29th September, 1522, and proved 2nd June, 1523, is printed by Dr. Raven in the " Church Bells of Cambridge- shire," 2nd ed., p. 44. From it we find that his foundry was in Houndsditch, and that he had sold his premises (leasehold of the Priory of the Holy Trinity) and all his trade implements to one Thomas Lawrence of London, bell-maker. It is to be noted, also, that among the witnesses to the will occurs " John Tynny," who is generally supposed to be identical with the John Tonne whom I have mentioned above. Thomas Lawrence, Culverden's successor, is represented in Kent by one bell — the singleton at West Cliffe, inscribed : ' and having the very handsome oblong medallion (Fig. 34), repre- senting St. John the Baptist, upon the waist. This medallion and the lettering, which is peculiar in shape, stamps it clearly as Lawrence's work, for they occur on undoubted examples of his at Margarctting and Leaden Roding in Essex. The lettering, it is to be noted, is Lombardic, and the bell is one which might very easily be mis- taken for a fourteenth century example ; indeed, a friend who visited West Cliffe belfry with me, and who is a fair judge in such Fig. 34. II 2 52 Chronological Accoimt. matters, is, I fancy, not quite convinced now that it is a " late " Lombardic bell. Apart, however, from the direct evidence as to the lettering and medallion, the absence of stops and the use of I H S instead of I H C clearly denote a sixteenth-century bell. The books of the Founders' Company, to which he be- longed, contain a few scraps of information about Thomas Lawrence. His name first appears in 1523 among the yeomanry or freemen ; in 1525 he was admitted to the livery, and in 1527 made an "assistant," or member of the court or governing body of the guild. He served the office of under warden in 1530, and upper warden in 1537, and there, so far as the books are concerned, his history ends ; for there are no lists of members for 1538 and 1539, and in the 1540 list his name is wanting. In the Lay Subsidy rolls of 1535-6 for Portsoken Ward, " Thomas Lawranns " is assessed at los. on a value of ^20. In similar rolls for 1 540-1, his name does not appear. The rapidity of his upward career among the founders argues, I think, that he must have been a wealthy man ; corroborative evidence of which lies in the fact that he paid Culverden no less than ^120 for his plant, which was a very large sum in those days. He no sooner disappears from London than he reappears in Norwich, of which place I think he must have been a native. He was admitted to the freedom of the City of Norwich on the 23rd March, i54i,and he was buried in St. Stephen's Church there on the 3rd December, 1545. There is no evidence or reason to believe that he practised the bell-founding art after he left London. Chronological AccoiLut. 53 I have now come to the last group of pre- Reformation bells, a group made up of eight now in existence, and four more known to have existed formerly. As the founder of them probably survived Queen Elizabeth's accession, it is quite possible that two or three of the eight are really Elizabethan, and so properly belong to the post- Reformation series. Cer- tainly I think from the cautious character of their inscriptions they may, at the earliest, be referred to the transitional period of the reigns of Edward VI. and Mary. But it will be most convenient to treat of them all under one head, and they are, after all, what are technically known as " ancients ;" and as their founder was a Canterbury man, William Oldfeild, and the bells are a particularly interesting lot, I propose, after detailing what little I have been able to find concerning the man, to give a full account of each of his works. We have no information as to where he learnt his trade. His habit of ornamenting his bells shows French proclivities ; but this was not unusual among some of the London founders of his date, I do not think he can have been an offshoot from the Oldfields of the Midland Counties, but it is possible ; the name is a common one in many parts of the kingdom, and inter alia it is to be found in East Kent, for a Thomas Oldfeld was churchwarden at Elham in 1552. The first absolute mention of him occurs in the Canterbury City Records for 1538, the entry of his admission to citizen- ship. " 1538. Item the seid Chamberleyn yeldyth accoumptis of the " receytis receyved of the Intraunts of six wardcs of the seid Citie as " particulerly hereafter appcryth Ncvvyngate, U of Oldefcld, " l^cl founder, xvjV/." 54 Chronological Account. In the same year the Chamberlain also takes credit for the following : " Payd to William Oldfeild, Bclfownder, for putting owte Thomas " Bekket from the Commen Scale, and gravying agayn of the same." An operation, by the way, which is perfectly evident on the City seal to this day. And in the year 1542-3 is an entry of a payment to him for "graving of the scochon for beggars." As to the length of his career I am uncertain ; he was, as we find from the parish accounts of Birchington, certainly casting in 155 1, and as the average duration of a founder's trade-life seems to have been about a quarter of a century, he may well have lived into Queen Elizabeth's reign. The following entries from the parish registers of St. George, Canterbury, probably refer to some members of his family : "1558, loth July. Married Richard Trin and Margaret Oldfield, " maiden." " 1 561, 19th Aprill. Married William Oldfield and Helen Apreys." I have quite failed to find his will, either at Canterbury or in London. I regret very much that I have only been able to find such scanty information about him, because he lived at a time of which the existing records are fairly abundant. It is a curious thing how many of his surname, if not of his family, took to bell-founding. For more than a century after his date we have them in London, York, and Nottingham, not to mention several itinerant ones whose local habitation has Chronological Account. 55 not been traced. The first of the Nottingham Oldfields was his contemporary, and when the history of the Notting- ham bell-foundries comes to be written, it is possible some connection may be traced between the two. There is, how- ever, no similarity in their work as regards lettering and ornamentation. Now for his bells. They are : [ Boughton Aluph < Kennington V Minster in Thanet ( Betteshanger ( Littlebourne Bapchild Murston Westwell 5th 5th 4th I St 2nd Single I St 4th Similarity of lettering denoted by brackets. That on the first three bells is given on Plate IV. That on the next two is plain, small, well-formed Lombardic. He is given to the use of devices — indeed, the inscription, if it can be so called, on the Bapchild bell is, with the exception of the sacred monogram, entirely made up of devices. The first four bells are certainly pre-Reformation ; the others, I fancy, are " transi- tional," as before mentioned. The Boughton Aluph bell Is a " Gabriel " bell, i.e., one used to ring the morning and evening " Ave " peals upon. It is inscribed with the somewhat halting verse — :iDTr:i>i ^Eimjh^B ^o^(^^{. ^6 Chronological Accowit. The initial letter of the angel's name is very quaint, and will be found at the commencement of the preface to this work. There are, of course, no stops between the words, but at the end of the legend there is the half-figure of an angel affrontd, and on each side thereof Fig. 35, which is more easily drawn than described. Fig. 35. The Kennington bell is similar in its lettering ; the legend upon it is : Contrary to rule, it has a coin between each word for a stop. At the end of the inscription our nondescript friend Fig. 35 again appears, twice repeated, and between the two a shield with the Royal Arms, France and England quarterly. Mr. Bryan Faussett states that two other bells (the then ist and 2nd) at Kennington bore inscriptions showing they C/irojioiocical Account. 57 were cast in Catholic times, I think it is very probable that they, too, were by William Oldfeild. The example at Minster in Thanet is possibly an old " Ave " bell. The inscription is unique — MJ^W OI^B^JFI©^ '^P'MM-'^ :R'" iill "'J''"' ''"■i'--'>- ll' '// M ,il'' Fig. 37. Fig. xZ. wrong way. 3. The royal arms, as at Kennington. 4. The Prince of Wales's feathers, crowned. 5. Oldfield's trade- stamp. 6. A curious oval medallion (Fig. 38) of the Annun- ciation, with the lily considerably larger than either the Blessed Virgin or the Angel. 7. The nondescript Fig. 35, with a coin on each side of it. CJi7'onological Account. 59 The Murston bell is uninteresting. It has the if)C, the cross as at Littlebourne, a lion passant, and the cross again repeated. The Westvvell 4th is somewhat similar. It has the sacred monogram twice repeated, with a coin between, and on the waist a grotesque figure, the subject or meaning of which is far from obvious. It has, apparently, come out imperfect from the casting, and so, although I got a good squeeze and a good cast therefrom, I cannot quite make out the object. It would seem to be an animal with a bird's body and legs, wings, a long curled tail, a goat's head, and human arms. Altogether a very '' fearful wildfowl." One more bell of his remains to be mentioned, and for this we are indebted to Mr. Bryan Faussett's notes of 1758. It was at the Church of St. Mildred, Canterbury, where, in the latter's time, there were five bells, of which only one, the treble or second, now remains. The bell now under review was then the tenor, and a full account of what the worthy antiquary found thereon will be found in the detailed description under the head of the parish. The stamp of " Our Saviour figured to the waist " which he mentions, was doubtless that on the Bapchild bell (Fig. ^j). This and the date 1536 (although the last seems somewhat early) prove it, I consider, to have been William Oldfeild's work. This finishes the pre-Reformation examples in Kent, and we now have to deal with the Elizabethan bells, ranging in date from 1560 (1575 is the earliest actual date found) to 1604. They number thirty-eight, to which we may add eight recast or replaced recently, and ten more noted by Mr. Bryan Faussett, making a total of fifty-six to be noticed. Of these, I 2 6o C/ironoho^ical Accoimt. thirty-six are of London make, thirteen are of local manufac- ture, four are indeterminable, and the remainder are by itinerant founders. I will take the " odds and ends " first, then the London bells, and the local ones last, as they form the best link with those we shall have to consider when we .come to the seventeenth century. Indeterminable Bells. — The 2nd at Preston by Faver- sham has the motto LOVE GOD and the date 1575. The lettering is quaintly ornamented, a kind of compromise between Lombardic and Roman. The 2nd at Stodmarsh is undated, but is, I think, of this epoch ; the inscription is, A BOVE ALL THINGS LOVE GOD; the lettering quite plain and of transitional character. The 2nd at Hartlip has a long dedicatory inscription, in ordinary Roman capital letters, with a diamond-shaped stop between the words, and the date 1578. The 4th at Cowden has simply the date 1584; there are similar examples in Sussex, and they are all probably by some Sussex itinerant ; but Mr. Tyssen has not succeeded in finding his name, and where he has failed I can hardly hope to solve the problem. Another Sussex founder did some work in Kent at this time as well as in his own county, Hants and Surrey, and his bells with the initials A W are well known. He cast bells for both Cranbrook and Hawkhurst, as their churchwardens' accounts testify, but the bells themselves have long since been consigned to the melting-pot. One of his bells survived until 1859, however — the tenor at St. Paul's Cray. It was dated 1597, and inscribed : PRAISE THE LORD 1597. A W Chronological Account. 6i The parish accounts just mentioned show his name to have been Antony Wakefeild ; but there is, as yet, no clue to his place of abode. Mr. Tyssen's " Church Bells of Sussex " contains mention of other bell-founders of this surname in Sussex, and he was doubtless a member of the family and certainly very much itinerant. John Cole, another itinerant of the latter part of the six- teenth century, has left two specimens of his handywork, the 3rd at Orlestone and the single bell at Shadoxhurst, dated respectively 1591 and 1592. Sussex and Hampshire are also indebted to him, and at Alresford, in the latter county, he is supposed to have lived when at home. He has a weakness for reversing his inscription, and for spelling " by " BI. — Vide Shadoxhurst, in loco. We come now to the London-made bells, and among these I will deal first with the treble at Loose, bearing simply the initials jj, and the impress of four coins round the same. There is a bell at Navestock, in Essex, similarly inscribed ; sufficient evidence, I consider, to reckon them both as by a London maker. Now Loose is one of the few parishes that have preserved their old churchwardens' accounts, and they are extant from very nearly the commencement of the seven- teenth century. But they contain no mention whatever of the casting of this bell, which is reasonable proof that it must be earlier. And as there was a London bell-founder in the middle of the sixteenth century whose name was John Hard- ing ("Surrey Bells," p. 130), I think we may fairly conclude the bell to be his. The next bell is, so far as is yet known, the sole remain- 62 Chronological Account. Fig. ing example of a London bell- founder whose name we have known for a long time, one Lawrence Wright, whose well- designed foundry-stamp is here given (Fig. 39) taken from the bell now under review, which is the 3rd at Thurnham. It has the donor's name — in not ill-formed black letter with rather wonderful old English capitals — and the date 1586. As this is probably the only occasion when Wright's name will come under notice, it may be as well to give here what little is known about him. He was employed in the year 1587 by the authorities of St. Michael's Church, Cornhill, London, to recast their great bell, called " Rus," after its donor, William Russ, Alderman and Goldsmith, who gave it about 1430. The following entry occurs in the vestry minute book, under date 17th December, 1587 :* " agreed yt the bellfownder shall have xiiij^' payd hym now " and upon ye lykynge off it here aft y^ pishe will consider off hym " better yff y^ bell holld and be betf^ lyked off then it is nowe so " moche as his dewe is to be accounted justly and y^ ov''plus is geven " hym off benevolenc." And we have in the accounts for the year : * These entries are from Mr. A. J. Waterlow's " Churchwardens' Accounts of St. Michael, Cornhill." Chro)iological Account. 63 " Paide to Lawrence Wrighte belfounder for xxx C & xiiijli for newe casting of Rus at vjs ye C ... Ix'' vj^ ix^ * " Paide more to hym for C &qrt & xiiij'i of newe mettle at vj'^ ye li put into Rus ... ... ... iijH xvij-^ " Paide more to hym graunted by a Vestrye ... xvjs iijcl Apparently the parish did not like it hereafter, for on the loth November, 1588, it was agreed in vestry "that o' bell Rus shal be newe cast uppon further advise of the .pishioners," Which was duly carried out by Robert Mot, of White- chapel. Wright's work was evidently cheap and nasty. The price of 6s. 8d. per cwt. for recasting is very low for the period, and the casting of a bell weighing a ton and a half would probably require better appliances than he — evidently a small man — had at command ; but he clearly grasped at a big order. I am afraid he was hardly so straightforward a British tradesman as he should have been. Mr. Tyssen found the following curious entries relating to him in the Records of the Court of Requests, dated the 34th Eliz. — the plaint against him and his reply : To the Queens moste excelent majestic. In humblewise complayning sheweth unto your excelent majestic your subjectes Rowland Rayner Thomas Rayner and William Mountsage of Hillingdon in the countie of Midd>^ yomen that where about twoo yeres since or more one Lawrence Wrighte * There is some error here, probably in transcribing. The price 6s. is incorrect, and the amount paid very much too large. I suspect the price should be 6s. 8d. ; the sum clearly ought to be ^10 6s. yd. The three entries together would then just make up the ^14 voted in vestr). 64 Chronological Account. of London Belfounder did faithfullie promise and undertake to and with yo'' said subjects that he woold within shorte time next ensuinge the said promise nevve cast and substancially make a great bell for your said subjectes and the rest of the parishioners there which bell so to be made and hanged up in the bell frame att Hillingdon aforsaid in his convenient place emongest fower other bells then hanging there shoolde be tuneable and agreable with the rest of the said bells and bound himself to your said subjects that he woold justlie and trulieperforme the same which in troth he never did performe in anie good order but altogether contrarie to his said bargaine and agreement made to yo'' said subjectes for making of which said bell in manner and forme before alleaged your said subjectes became bounde by their Deede obligatorie to the said Lawrence w^'^ condicon that they would satisfie and paie to the saide Lawrence the full some of so much monie as was agreed upon betwixt them for the same in manner and forme ensuinge That is to sale wt^in one moneth next after that the said Lawrence shoold performe his said bargaine and promisse to them made in forme aforesaid one half of the said soihe And within six monethes then next after the other halfe which some doth plainlie appeare in the condicion endorsed upon the said Deede obligatorie which remayneth in the custodie of the said Lawrence And forasmuch as the said Lawrence hath not in any pointe effectuallie nor justlie per- formed his said bargaine and promise yo^' said subjects doth forbeare to paie him the said somes of monie as in reason and equitie is lawfull for them to do. Nevertheless so it is and it may please yo'' Majestic that the said Lawrence of a gredie and unconscionable minde hath or meaneth to sue yo'' said subjectes upon the said Deede obligatorie intending there gretlie to vex troble and charge your said subjectes having no juste cause or consideracon so to doo or otherwise maie forbare to putt the said bonde in suite till after the death of yo'' said subjectes and Chronological Accoiiiil. 65 then maie vex treble and charge their executors or administra- tors or the executors or administrators of anie of them who for want of understandinge of the said bargaine shalbe unable to defend him in the said suite and so maie be unjustly charged by reason thereof contrarie to all right equitie and conscience. In consideracon whereof for the avoyding of the perille aforsaid yo"" said subjects most humbly beseecheth that it maie please your Majestic of your accustomed clemencie to award your most gracious writt of Privie Scale to be directed to the said Lawrence Wrighte him therbie comaundinge att a certaine dale or time therin to be limited personally to apeare before your Majesties counsell of yo^ highe Court of Requestes then and there to stand to and obey all such order and direction therein conserning the bringing in and canselinge of the said bonde as to yo'' Highnes said Counsell shall seeme meete and expedient and your said subjectes accordinge to their bounden dutie shall daylie praie to Almightie God for the long continuance of yo^" Highnes most noble and prosperous raigne. To which the bell-founder replied : The aunswer of Lawrence Wrighte defend to the bill of Com- plainte of Rowland Raiyner and Thomas Raiyner and William Mountsage complaynnte. The said defend, by protestacon not confessinge any matter or thinge in the said bill of CompU contayned and materyall to be aunswered unto by this defend, to be true in suche manner and forme as in and by the said bill of CompU there are surmised yet if they were true for asmuche as by the CompU-^ owne shcwinge yt dothe manefestly appear that the said Complaynnts maye have their sufficient remedy at tlie Conion lavve for the matter wherin theyc seeke to be relceved in this most honorable Courte if their owne allegacons in that behalfe be true therefore and K 66 Chronological Account. for other the defects and ymperfeccons of the said bill this defend^ dothe demurre and abide in lavve upon the same for the insLifficiencye therof yet nevertheles all the benefitt and advan- tage of exception to the insufficiency of the said bill of Compl^ to this defend^ at all times hereafter saved then this defend' for the better informcinge of this moste honourable Courte of the truthe of the matters and poyntes suggested against this defend' in and by the said bill of Compl' yf this defendante shall by the order and judgement of this moste honorable Courte be forced and compelled to make any further or other aunsvver to the said byll saith that about fower years paste ther passed speeche and comunycacon betwixte this defend' and the said Complaynants then parishioners of the said towne of Hyllingdon aboute the newe castinge and makeinge of a bell to be hanged upp in the bell frame at Hyllingdon aforesaid and in the end this defend' did undertake the doeinge thereof and the said Compla'^ did lyke- wise undertake and assuer for to paye unto this defend' the some of Fortie and seaven pounds to be paied at certaine dales and times betwixte them agreed upon and for the better and more sure paiement of the said some of fower score and fowerteen poundes of lawefuU monye of England neverles w''^ condicon therunto annexed or therupon indorsed that if the said compl's their executors or assignes or anye of them did satisfie and paie unto this defend' or his assignes the said soiTie of seaven and Fortie poundes at the daies and times in the said condition specified then the said obligacon to be voyd for the better expressinge and declaringe of the ctaintie wherof this defend' dothe referr himselfe to the condition of the said bonde And this defend' became allso bounde to the said Compl'^by obligacon in the some of threscore poundes of lyke lawefull monye of England to this or the like effecte that wheras this defend' had then deliv'ed to the said Compl'"^ one great bell wayeinge twentye hundred waighte or theraboutes. Chronological Account. 67 And if ill case it happened that the said bell after the newe safe placeinge and hangeinge upp therof in the righte and due place wthin the steeple of the parishe Churche of Hyllingdon aforesaid shall not be and continue of a true tune good sounde and agreable to and with the residue of the bells that then did hange in the said steeple or doe not breake or cracke throughe defaulte of Workmanshipp by or duringe the space of one yeare and a daye then next followeinge if then this defend' his execu- tors or assignes at his or their owne proper costes and chardges doe not onlye take downe and hange upp the said bell from time to time but allso within convenient time and space next after notice geven to him or them w'^in the said space of one yeare and a daye ymediatly after the nowe next placeinge and hange- inge up of the said bell to and with the residue of the said bells that then did hange in the said steeple from time to time until the said bell shall be and contynue of true sound and agreable with the other bells that nowe hange in the said steeple by the said space of one yeare and a daye next after the hangeinge up of the said bell as aforesaid for the better expressing the cer- tainty whereof this def"^ referreth himself to the condicon and obligacon aforesaid And this defend' further saiethe that he did newe caste and newe make the said bell and hanged the same in the said bell frame accordinge to the true intent and meaneinge of the contracte and agreement aforesaid and allso accordinge to the extent and true meaninge of the condicon of the said obligacon. And yet the said Compl's have not sathysfied and paied the said some of seaven and fortie poundes or anye parte or parcell thereof for the non payment whereof this defend' hathe attempted suite upon the said obligacon made unto this defend' as aforesaid againste the said Compla'^ at the Comon Lawc and the said Compl's have lykewise comcnsed suite against this defend' upon the said obligacon of threscore poundes made to (? by) this defend' unto the said Comp''^ as aforesaid whcr the 68 Chronological Account. said matter hathe bynne procecuted by the said Compl^s againste this defend^ iintill an yssue was thereupon joyned and novve restithe to be tried by a jurye of the said Countie of Midd^ And without that that ther is anye other matter or thinge materyall or eftectuall in the said bill of Complaint menconed or contayned and by this deft to be aunswered unto and not herein by this defend' sufficiently confessed and avoyded trauersed or denied ys true all w^h matters this defend' is reddy to averr and prove as this honorable Courte shall awarde and prayethe to be dis- missed forthe of this said honorable Courte w''^ his reasonable costes and expenses in this behaulfe alreddy wrongefully borne and susteined. xx"^e clie Aprilis anno Regni R"e Elizabeth &c xxxiiij. The issue does not appear, but the two incidents together tend to show that Mr. Lawrence Wrieht's "■ commercial morality " was not of the most scrupulous kind. I pass now to another London bell-founder, Robert Mot, the first owner, so far as is known, of the Whitechapel foundry, whose trade-stamp is here given (Fig. 40). I have already (" Church Bells of Herts ") given my reasons for believing that he was a native of East Kent, and the son of one John Mott, of Canterbury, who was very busy in 1553 buying up hand bells, organ pipes, latten candlesticks, and other loot from churches.* The name was and is still an East Kent one; I have found it myself recently, and I find it in records {"Inquisitions Post Mortem" and other) as early as 1392.1 * "Arch. Cant.," xiv., p. 316, etc. t Inquisitions 15 Ric. II., No. 61. " Joh'cs Mot pro Priore and conventu ecclie Sancti Grcgorii, extra Cantuar." Chronological Account. 69 However that may be, he started his foundry somewhere about the year 1570, on the north side of High Street, Whitechapel, where Tewkesbury Court now is.'" This would Fig. 40. seem to have been the first extension of the trade from the City to the county, quite accounted for by the centrifucral force which was then strongly operating in London. He carried on the foundry with considerable success until 1606, when he sold his business to Joseph Carter, of Reading, and he died at the end of March, 1608. I cannot trace where he served his apprenticeship and learned his trade, unless it was with Thomas Kempe, bell-founder, who was buried at St. Botolph's, Aldgate, in August, 1574, the only fact that is known concerning him. The period froni 1547 to 1570 must have been a " real bad time " for bell-founders. * " Church Bells of Sussex,'' p. 35. 70 Chronological Accotint. There are twenty-one bells by Mot still hanging in Kentish steeples, and four more which have been recast or replaced recently. Worthy Bryan Faussett has also note of nine more ; four at Chilham, the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th, the last being evidently a recast of an " Ave " bell, from its having the word " Gabrielis " on it. The other five were all at Wye, the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th numbers in the ring. The four recent disappearances are the 2nd at Ashurst, 6th at Hayes, 4th at Lynstead, and 3rd at Staplehurst ; the last, however, being sound and whole, has been preserved by Messrs. Mears and Stainbank — the present owners of the foundry — as a specimen of the handy work of their predecessor. The twenty-one are distributed all over the county ; it is not worth while to give a list of them here, I think. They are mostly inscribed in ill-shaped black letter smalls, with only a capital R (in Roman type) for Robert, the surname being almost invariably spelt with a small m. The one exception is at Biddenden, which has a capital M. This is also a recast, for it has " Petris " on it. The Fawkham bell is inscribed in queer quasi-Lombardic lettering, and has the date (his latest in Kent) 1604. Three bells by him at Rainham are very good specimens of his styles of lettering; the 2nd, dated 1601, has in the same lettering as Fawkham : The 6th, dated 1582, has his usual style of lettering. The inscription is : Robert ntof ma6c mc with a quatrefoil stop. Chronological Account. y i The 3rd, dated same as the 2nd, has a similar inscription, but the lettering is very different. It is large genuine Lombardic with very handsome ornamentation, specimens of which are engraved on Plate XIV. of " Surrey Bells." The 3rd bell at Smarden has the same letterino". There is a puzzle about this last-named lettering which I cannot quite unravel. The stamps were clearly originally the property of the Braziers, a bell-founding family in Nor- wich of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. How Mot got possession of them is, of course, unknown, nor do we quite know the date ; but it must have been in or before 1575, for a bell at Barnes, Surrey, of that date has one of the letters, and they are occasionally though rarely used by him all through his business career, and they passed from him to his successor, Joseph Carter, as we shall see presently. The puzzle is this : at the very same time and for many con- secutive years, the identical stamps were being used by the Watts family at the Leicester F'oundry. Ex 7ino disce omnes. I will give the first example I come across (there are very many). The 6th, 7th, and 8th at Clifton Beds have this lettering, with the date 1590 and the name of William Watts as their founder. I take it, the only conclusion possible is that there were duplicate sets of these stamps, the only instance I know of such a thing. It remains to be stated that nearly all Mot's bells bear his foundry-stamp figured above. His earliest bell in Kent is Bredgar 3rd, 1579; his latest, the single bell at Fawkham, . dated 1604. I pass now to a pair of local bell-founders, who complete 72 CJiJ'onolop'ical Accoiint. the account of Elizabethan bells, and, as it were, form a con- necting link with the next century, for they both clearly had successors, in one case the most important founder of the seventeenth century. The first of them, Giles Reve, is one whom all my endeavours have failed to locate. He left no testamentary disposition that I can trace, and no parish accounts that I have had the opportunity of examining contain any mention of him. His dates, so far as extant examples show, are not wide — 1584 to 1592 is the extreme range of them. Nor are his bells widely scattered, as will be seen from the following list of them. None are known to exist outside the county : Boughton Monchelsea ... 3rd Frindsbury ... 4th Hoo St. Werburgh ... ... 3rd Leybourne ... ... 2nd Offham ... ist Snodland ... 2nd Stoke at Hoo ... 3rd Cuxton ... 2nd Shipborne ... ... 2nd Only seven of the nine, however, are now in existence, the last two having been recast. His lettering is large sprawling Roman capitals, and he is much given to the use of coins, medals, grotesque figures of men and animals, etc. The Boughton Monchelsea example has a very handsome border of fleurs-de-lis above the inscription, and a crowned Tudor rose, a well-known Elizabethan emblem, used as a stop Chronolof^ical Account. y^ between the words. On the Frindsbury bell he spells his name REWE. The bells at Hoo St. Werburgh and Oftham have an ornamental border differing from that at Boughton Monchelsea. The Cuxton bell was remarkable for having the surname omitted — the inscription was : BY ME GYLLES BELLFOANDER 1589. As I have before stated, I cannot trace his place of abode. The name is not one peculiar to any especial part of Kent, and the only evidence in the matter is the neighbourhood in which his bells are found. This seems to indicate the northern part of Mid- Kent, and an exhaustive search of the parish registers might possibly solve the problem ; for this I have no time at my disposal, but I should feel grateful for any information on the subject. He may have preceded the founder whom I shall mention next, and whose (supposed) abode was Ulcombe and Broomfield, but I am doubtful. On the one hand they both have a weakness for ornamentation ; on the other, their styles of lettering differ very much, Thomas Hatch, the bell-founder just alluded to, is very sparingly represented in the county ; there are only two of his bells left, and one of them is cracked and useless. It is the treble at St. Margaret's, Canterbury; the whole bell is the treble at Langley. They both bear the same date, 1599. I know of two others, the former 3rd at Bearstead and 3rd at Lyminge ; this latter on the authority of Mr. Bryan Faussett, who affirms its date to have been 1585. There was formerly one also by him at St. John's, Margate, according to Lewis, who wrote in 1725. L 74 Chronological Accotint. Thomas Hatch was the first of a series of three bell- founders residing at Ulcombe or Broomfield (it seems to be a matter of doubt which), who did a very large business in the county, their united dates spreading over nearly eighty years. He therefore deserves some notice, more, in fact, than I am able to give. His lineal descendant, Mr. James T. Hatch of Lenham, tells me that he has been quite unable to trace the family tree farther back. I too have taken a good deal of trouble in the matter, but with equally ill success. Henry Hatch of Faversham, who died in 1533, and was a consider- able benefactor to that town, was doubtless a member of the family, which I find widely distributed, there being branches at Mersham, Sellinge, Smarden, Wormshill, Canterbury, and at Yalding, Nettlestead, Birling, and West Mailing, and the Christian name Thomas is of frequent occurrence ; but I cannot positively connect Thomas the bell-founder with any of them. I am inclined, however, to look upon him as more likely an offshoot from one of the East Kent branches than from those settled upon the upper course of the Medway. Further, I am by no means certain that his foundry was at Ulcombe, although his successors were certainly established there, I confess to a lurking suspicion that he lived in the good city of Canterbury. The date of his death is uncer- tain ; the "family Bible" gives it as 1599 which is certainly wrong, for I find him mentioned in a marriage license dated in the latter part of 1600. In this he is stated as of Broom- field ; but this may only imply that he had retired there to end his days. It will be noticed that no bells of his are dated after 1599. Chronological Accouitt. / Fig. 41. Thomas Hatch's lettering is Roman type, of a somewhat ornamental character, and he uses the foundry-stamp here engraved (Fig. 41). The Langley bell has also upon it the bust of a man, with rather a shock head of hair. The bell at St. Margaret's, Canterbury, has a series of stamps upon it ; but, like most bells in town steeples, they are so badly corroded from the sulphurous atmo- sphere as to be hardly made out. The Elizabethan crowned rose is most recog- nisable, but it is not from the same stamp as the one used by Gyles Reve. With Thomas Hatch my enumeration of Elizabethan bells ends, and we come to the consideration of those cast in the seventeenth century, no less than 475 in number, the handy- work of some twenty-seven or twenty-eight different founders — Metropolitan, local, and itinerant. Of these, local men contribute a tale of nearly 300. It will be most convenient here to continue the story of the Ulcombe foundry, under its next two proprietors, Joseph and William successively. It will also be most fitting, as there are no less than 155 by the former and twenty-five by the latter still existing. As I have already stated, we have no positive evidence as to the date of Thomas Hatch's death ; but as Joseph Hatch's earliest date is 1602, we may fairly suppose it to have been in 1 60 1. It is to be noted that on one of Joseph's earliest bells —the 3rd at Waltham— he uses Thomas Hatch's foundry 76 Chronological Account. stamp, Fig. 41. On all (or very nearly all) his other bells he uses a circular stamp with three bells on it. During the thirty-seven or thirty-eight years that he was founding, in spite of local and Metropolitan competition, he did a business which may fairly be described as enormous. This is clearly proved by the fact noted above, that in spite of the very large amount of recasting that has been done in Kent during the last and present centuries, there are still 155 of his bells in Kentish steeples. Of these there are entire rings at Boughton Malherbe, Fordwich, High Halden, Waltham, and Wouldham. No doubt originally there were many more. He was a shrewd man of business ; the entries in the Churchwardens' accounts of Cranbrook, to those who can read " between the lines " are very clear testimony of this. He died, childless and wealthy, in September, 1639, being buried at Broomfield on the 1 7th of that month. I give here a copy of his will and the nuncupative codicil thereto, as follows : In the name of God. Amen. The xxix''^ of June 1639. This is the last Will and Testament of me Joseph Hatch of the Parish of Ulcomb in the County of Kent Bellfounder made in my sicknes and weake in body but sound and perfect in my remembrance I heartily thanke the Lord God for it First and above all things I comend my soule into the Hands of Allmighty God hopeing for pardon of all my sinns by the death and passion of Jesus Christ and by noe other meanes and my body to the earth of which it was made to bee buryed in the Parish Church- yard of Bromefeild to bee buryed beside my deare Mother and Brothers And as conccrneing that porcon of worldly goods which CJu'onological Account. 77 God of his mercie hath sent I give it as followeth Itm. I give and bequeath unto the poore people of the Parish of Bromefeild the sume of Foure Pounds of lawful! money of England to bee given to them by mine Executor at the day of my buryall and my Tennants to have the biggest portion Itm. I give and bequeath unto my very loveing Wife Jane Hatch my now Dwell house with a little house ioyneing to it And further I give her a dwelling house, a wheate mill and a mault mill with the appurtences belonging to the said houses and all my lands lying and being in Ulcomb dureing her natureall life and after her decease I give and bequeath it all unto my Brother Thomas Hatch to him and his heires for ever Itm I give and bequeath unto my Brother Thomas Hatch my house at Maidstone beside the little bridge with the lands belonging to it being now in the occupation of John Shunks I give to him and his heires for ever Itm I give and bequeath unto the said Thomas my Brother more my house and lands with the appurtences belong- ing to it lying and being in Hedcorne and being in the occu- pation of John Wollett to him and his heires for ever Itm I give and bequeath to the said Thomas my Brother more one house and orchard lying and beinge in Bromfeild and being in the occupation of Daniell Morefoote to him and his heires for ever Itm I give and bequeath unto the said Thomas my Brother more one house and the lands belonging to it lying and being in Bromefeild and being in the occupation of John Mills to him and his heires for ever Itm I give unto the poore of the P'ish of Bromefeild for ever the sume of Fortie shillings the yeare to bee paid to them at two severall payments that is to say xx^ at the Nativitie of our Saviour Jesus Christ and xx^ at the Feast of Easter to bee paid by my Brother Thomas Hatch and his heires for ever Itm I give and bequeath unto my Brother Edward Hatch all my houses and lands lyingc and being in Harisham with their appurtences belonging to them to him and his heires 78 Chronological Account. for ever Itm I give and bequeath unto him the said Edward my Brother one house and orchard and all the lands and appurtences belonging to it lying and being in Hedcorne and being in the occupation of Goodman Giles to him and his heires for ever Itm I give unto him the said Edward my Brother one house with a corn and outhouse with the lands belonging to it with an acre of meadow land neere Thomas Robins all lying and being in Bromefeild and being in the occupation of Thomas Willmott to him and his heires for ever Itm I give and bequeath unto him the said Edward my Brother one house with three peeces or pcells of land belonging to it and being in Bromefeild and in the occupation of one Colens to him and his heires for ever Provided alwayes that the three other dwellings are to have free way for the draweing and carreing away water from the well standing in one of the peeces or pcells of land afforesaid Itm I give and bequeath unto my Sister Elizabeth the Widow of John Goddard all the rents and yearely pfitts of all my houses and lands which are within the Citty of Canterbury shee paying the quit rents goeing out of it dureing her natureall life and afterwards I give and bequeath all the said houses and lands to Thomas Hatch my Brother and his heires for ever Itm I give and bequeath to my Cosen William Clagett and his Wife 8 ac of land more or less lying or being in the Parish of Stapleherst to them dureing their natureall lives and after to their heires for ever Itm I give and bequeath to Joseph Proud the sonne of Thomas Proud my Godsonne the sume of Twentie Pounds to bee paid to him within one whole yeare after my decease by mine Executor Itm I give and bequeath to Joseph Proud the sonne of Richard Proud my Godsonne the sum of Twentie Pounds to bee paid to him within one whole yeare after my decease by mine Executor Itm I give and bequeath unto John Paul my Cosen the sum of Twentie Pounds within Six monthes after my decease if hee bee then liveing if not to his heires to be paid by mine Executor Itm I Chronological Account. 79 give and bequeath unto Thomas Gilbird and his Wife the house wherein hee now Hveth dureing their natureall Hves and after to Joseph Gilbird his Sonne my Godsone and his heires for ever Itm I give and bequeath to Joseph Hatch my Godsone the Sonne of WilHam Hatch the houses and backsides with fruit trees that Edward Christian, Widow Baker and Widow Turle dwell in being in Bromefeild to him and his heires for ever only the said William Hatch is to have the pfitt of the said houses till the said Joseph Hatch comes to the age of 24 yeares Itm I give and bequeath to Thomas Taylor the sonne of Thomas Taylor of Bromefeild late deceased one house and backside being in the occupation of Abraham Coppunt in Bromefeild to him and his heires for ever Itm I give and bequeath to William Hatch my Servant the sum of Twentie Pounds to bee paid to him within one whole yeare after my decease to bee paid by mine Executor" Itm I give and bequeath unto John Copper my Cosen the sume of Tenn pounds to bee paid by mine Executor All the rest of my goods and chattells moveables and household I give and bequeath unto my loveing W^ife Jane whome I make and ordaine my sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament and I make and ordaine my Brother Richard Proud my overseer of this my last Will and Testament and for his paines I give and bequeath to him the sume of Tenn pounds to be paid to him by mine Executor within one whole yeare after my decease In witness whereof I have hereunto set to my hand and seal Dated the day and yeare above written Joseph Hatch X his Marke Read sealed and delivered in the puce of us The Marke of X Thomas Willmott The Marke of X Daniell Morefote. A Codicill nuncupative to bee added and annexed to the last Will and Testament in writeing of Joseph Hatch late of Ulcomb in the Countie of Kent Belfounder deceased by him uttered and declared on or about the Thirteenth day of September Anno Dni 1639 being the very next day before his death hee being 8o Chronological Account. then in perfect minde and memory in these or the like words follovveinge viz. He willed and gave to the other three Sonnes of his Brother in law Thomas Proud not meconed in his Will in writeing Twentie Pounds a peece To John Sonne of John Woollett of Hedcorn Twentie Pounds To Edward Hatch his Brother Fiftie Pounds besids the Legacies given to him in his said Will in writeing To Elizabeth Spice his Wives Sister's Daughter Fiftie Pounds And to his Brother in law Thomas Proud hee gave a debt of Fiftie Pounds due to him by William Glover of Canterbury and Tenn Pounds in money to bee paid by his Executrix in sueing for the same debt and for recovery thereof At what time there were psent together in hearth of all the pmisses Jane Hatch the deceased Testator his Wife and Executrix, Thomas Hatch his Brother and William Hatch the writer of his Will. Jan Hatch. Thomas Hatch. Wil- liam Hatch. It will be noticed here that there is no bequest of the foundry, unless it be included in the residuary bequest to his wife, which I do not think. I am rather of opinion that it had already during his life-time been made over with the out- standing debts due to it to his nephew and successor, William Hatch, who had been his "servant" or foreman for some years, as evidenced not only by the mention of him in the will, but by the presence of his initials on some of the bells cast in Joseph's life- time and bearing the latter's name. There are instances at Ashford, Bethersden, Birchington, and Hinxhill, under date 1633-4. William Hatch's business career was in troubled times — those of the Civil War and Cromwell's usurpation. Men were too busy with other matters to think of bell-founding, and Chronological Account. 8i consequently his tale of work is very poor compared with Joseph's. His largest lots are the ring of three at Lower Halstow (1662), and four at Minster-in-Sheppey (1663). His total is twenty-five only. He died in 1664, and with him the Ulcombe foundry came to an end. There were, however, other bell- foundries in Kent during the seventeenth century besides that at Ulcombe, and I pro- pose now to pass them under review, and, as nearly as may be, in order of date. Stephen Swan, the first to be noticed, is, like Gyles Reve, a puzzle as to his place of abode. There are only four of his bells now in existence : Challock ... ... ... ... 3rd Darenth ... ,.. ... ... 2nd West Peckham ... ... ... 3rd Seal ... .. ... •••5th There was formerly one (the 3rd) at Shipbourne by him, and I think the 2nd at Ashurst is also his work ; it has upon it only the donor's UDme, but the date and lettering are to my mind fairly sufficient proof. Swan's dates only range from 1609 to 1 6 14; he uses the plain flat Roman letters, so common at this period, and a diamond-shaped stop. The West Peckham bell has the Royal Arms and the Prince of Wales's Feathers upon the waist ; on the Darenth bell are a quantity of coins. I have been quite unable to discover where he lived ; I had thought at one time that he might have preceded the Wilnars M 82 CJironolooical Account. i> ' (next to be noticed) in the Borden foundry, but a careful examination of the Borden registers fails to confirm my idea. The name does not occur in them. It is, however, not uncommon in many parts of North Kent, and, no doubt, some day will bring a solution of the difficulty. The Wilnars of Borden, who follow him closely in point of date, were not natives of the place where their foundry was situated, for the only notices of them on the registers relate to their burial, and that of the widow of one of them. This is some slightly corroborative evidence of my opinion that they, or at least the elder of them, John, learned the trade from Swan. The site of the foundry, which seems to have been established about i6t8, is well known, and bell-founder's refuse has been dug up on it. In spite of the serious competition of the Ulcombe and London foundries, John Wilnar had a very good business. There are still seventy-two of his bells hanging in Kentish steeples, ranging in date from 1618 to 1639. He was buried at Borden on the 5th of May, 1640. Henry Wilnar, probably a younger brother, succeeded him ; but only for a few years, his burial being recorded on 30th January, 1644. He is very scantily represented: the 3rd at Eastry, dated 1629, and the 4th at Challock, dated 1640, are all that remain in Kent. These and another two in Sussex are all of his works that I know of A^ Two of John Wilnar's bells, the 3rd and 6th at Hartlip, have their inscription in black letter ; all the rest are in Roman type, of the same kind as Swan's, flat broad letters so slightly raised upon the surface of the bell as to be hardly Chronological Account. 83 perceptible to sight or touch, and most difficult to get a good rubbing from. Mr. Tyssen's opinion, in which I quite concur, is that they were not produced with the ordinary stamps, but probably by the use of thin letters cut out of card or sheet tin. This is somewhat confirmed by the fact that the letters occasionally vary in shape and size. With Henry Wilnar the Borden foundry came to an end, and we must tramp off to East Kent in search of the next local founder, just outside the walls of the City of Canterbury, in the parish of St. Dunstan, where John Palmar appears to have established himself in or about the year 1636, and somewhere about the spot where the South- Eastern Railway Station now stands. He and his successors, Thomas the elder and Thomas the younger, were largely itinerant in their operations, like most of the bell-founders of this century. Their lettering is uniformly rough and badly stamped, and their spelling equally indifferent. There are many entries in the registers of St. Dunstan's Church relating to them, and I am much indebted to Mr, J. Meadows Cowper for kindly extracting them for me. They enable me to make up the following pedigree : M 2 84 Chronolof^ical Account. < Ih o s ^ ? ■+ 5 J3 lO ^ c VO rt hi O 1 — . cx rt -Q 't '5 - c M rt pq ^ <=;'-" ^ V) Anni bap, 1641 ^ oj +r . C -^ 1-1 VO S 11 HI •^ KH tn '-' C3 t^ -o H Ih - t3 . . ^ On C 2- t^ ON -" ^ M 1 . I-I oT . uo c £- vH ^.-S^ r-" t3 . On QJ NO '.— rt u-)vo C " ."7^ ^ VO hH c3 > '— ' CI. 1-^ cS _c ^■^ T^ . c3 ^ *^ br; M ^d'^-^ ^& .^rt o\5 _Q <:1. x:i "->^ >^ " f^ hH ^' N ■i-> t~~ »^ if NO 1 - Sarah bap. 1649. — "5 "^ • ^ d- 1 c 6 11 ^ 1-^ Ir lerl MARKS <) C <) W T. R. E. " Item ij bells in the stepill." ADDINGTON. St. Margaret. 4 Bells. I., 26-in. ARISTVS : PARPATVA : DA : NOBIS : TAVDIX : VITA : MB FECIT 1 7 10 II., 29-in. I <> W 1635 III., 3o|-in. lOHN ^ WILNAR <> MADE <) ME <> 1602 IV., 32-^. <) lOHN ♦ WILMER <> MADE (} ME The bell-frame is dated 1732, and there are pits for two more bells (tenor and treble) ; none, however, have ever been himg in tliem. The inscription on the treble is a puzzle to anyone but the initiated. It is clearly — from the stops — a reproduction of a Lombardic inscription, which ran CRISTVS : PERPETVE : DET : NOBIS : GAVDIA : VITE The bell is by Matthew Bagley, of Cripplegate, London, an offshoot from the Bagleys of Chacomb, Northants. See p. 100. I have no doubt the date 1602 on No. 3 is a mistake for 1620. S I 30 Inscriptions. ADISHAM. Holy Innocents. 4 Bells. I., 29-in. TRTER ■ DVMOVLF/l ■ D- D • RECTOR • OF • ADISHAM THOMAS • PALMAR ■ MADE • MEE • 1670 II., 3o!-in. Same as above. III., 34-in. Same as above. IV., 36-in. (^ (Fig. 14) ^0mcu XHagtralcnc CTampaua (5EV*tt XTlcluMc U (Fig. 13). For mention of No. 4, see page 31. No peculiar uses. In ringing the death knell, tellers are used at both beginning and end — 3 x 3 for a male, 3 x 2 for a female. One bell tolled for early service. Before Matins and Evensong the bells are chimed — "ringing in" for last five minutes, except on first Sunday in the month, when a peal is rung before Matins. Peals on Christmas Eve and last night of year. Best thanks to the Rev. J. H. Carr, Rector. ALDINGTON. St. Martin. 6 Bells. I., 30^-in. I mean to make it understood. That tho- I'm little yet I'm good. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1774 II., 32-in. Such wondrous Powr to Musicks given It Elevates the Soul to Heaven Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1774 IIL, 34iin. Jn"- Robus & Geo- Kilvert rzS?^i-&^ Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1774 IV., 37-in. W'.' HoBBS & VV"- Marshall ^^^^^y^^s? Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1774 v., 40-in. Edw? Steed & RobT Steed Church Wardens 1774 °-in. IM 1653 Bell doubtless by some local artist — probably of Maidstone. APPLEDORE. SS. Peter and Paul. 6 Bells and Sanctus. Sanctus, i6.\-in. Blank. /? I., 31-in. O ^ ^ lOHN ^ HODSON * MAD * MEE * 1685 ^f^ 10 * HR * CHVRCH ^ WARDNS * FRANCIS * DRAYTON * VICAR O II., 32-in. -ij? O O •)!(> lOHN * HODSON * MADE * MEE ♦ 1685 r;|(. 10 * HR * CHVRCH * WARDNS * ^ O * O 'k 0*0 IIL, 34A-in. Hmictc :CHcoIa Ora :jPvo Xlbio U © U s 2 cieti 1 3 2 Inscriptions. IV., 37|-in. lOHN * HODSON * MADE * MEE ^ 1685 .$. lOHN * OWEN * ^ HENRY * RICHARDSON * CHVRCH * WARDNS «■$> O O O O v., 40-in. » lOHN * HODSUN * MADE * MEE ^ 1685 * O O o o * lOHN * OWEN * HENRY * RICHARSON -^ CHVRCH * W r|. O VI., 45i-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1620 The stamps on No. 3 are Figs. 25, 26, and 27. See p. 44. The tenor bell is cracked. ASH BY SANDWICH. St. Nicholas. 8 Bells. I., 3ii-in.^ XL, 32-in. III., 34i-in IV., 36-in. v., 4o-i_n. VL, 42-in. VII., 46-in. VIII., 51-in. J Mr. Bryan Faussett states that the then ring of five bells bore the following inscriptions : 1 1581. (This was probably by Robert Mot.) II. Joseph Hatch made me 16 15. III. and IV. Joseph Hatch made me 1620. V. Henry Wilner made me 1641. The late Mr. J. R. Planche in his interesting account of this parish, under the title "A Corner of Kent," states that here, "Amongst other ancient customs, the curfew still ' tolls the knell of parting day,' and the ' five o'clock bell,' rung every morning, though it now only summons man ' to go forth to his work and to his labour,' formerly at the same hour called priest and people to ' Matins ' " — which last statement is incorrect. Before the Reformation " Matins " were not for the laity, unless members of a religious body. The early morning (daily) peal was styled the "Ave Bell " or " Morning Angelus," and it called church-folk to a certain number of repetitions of the angelic Tho^ Mears Late Lester Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1790 Rob^ Tomlin & Rich° Sutton Ch. Wardens Inscriptions. 133 salutation. The quotation from Gray's " Elegy," too, is a pretty bit of poetical fiction. A bell which is rung at 8 p.m. in the winter months oily (there would be no fire to " cover " in the summer), can hardly be said to herald the departure of a sun which had set some three or four hours before. ASH BY WROTHAM. SS. Peter and Paul. 6 Bells. I., 27i-in. Tho^ Mears of London Fecit 1795. James Lance & James Wayne Church Wardens IL, 28-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON RECAST AT THE CHARGE OF A. J. FLETCHER ESQ-'e OF RANDS HOUSE CHURCHWARDEN 1856 HL, 29-in. lOHN WAYLETT MADE rj, ME \1\1 ^ ^ IV., 32-in. c|. lOHN cj. GLADDISH CHVRCH WARDEN 171 7 v., 34-in. RALPH SELBY THE SON OF WILLIAM SELBY ESQ 1717 VL, 38-in. THE REV" SAM^ ATTWOOD M : A : RECT : lAMES LANCE HENRY COLLYER CHURCH WARDENS RICH°: PHELPS MADE ME 1727 T. R. E. Item iij bells in the steple suted. One sacring-bell — one hand-bell presented to be stolen since the inventory of 3rd Ed. VI. Death knell rung as soon as notice given (but not after sunset). Tenor for adults, treble for infants ; intermediate ages denoted by other bells. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female — at commencement. On day of burial, bell tolled prior to service only. Sundays, a bell chimed at 8a.m. ("Matins Bell"). For services, bells (three) generally chimed — occasionally the whole peal is rung. There is very little ringing here now, for want of funds to pay the ringers a trifle — which is a pity, as the ring is a particularly well-toned one, although a " scratch " lot. 134 Inscriptions. ASHFORD. St. Mary. io Bells. I., 25-in. ) QiLLETT & C" FOUNDERS CROYDON II., 27-in. J III., 28}i-in. Lester & Pack of London F'ecit 1762 IV., 29-in. Same. v., 31-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT 1620 VI., 34-in. WILLIAM HATCH MADE ME 1651 VH., 37-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT (i^) 1633 WH VIIL, 40-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT 1620 IX., 43-in. PETRVS PARRIS CW lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT 1620 X., 5 1 -in. John Bennett Horton & John Bayly Churchwarden 1796 Tho^ Mears of London Fecit T. R. E. " Item v great bells, one lyttell bell." In 1757 the tenor (then No. VI.) was inscribed : John Asherst CW Josephus Hatch me Fecit 1620. Nos. I. and II. do not, strictly speaking, form part of the "ring ;" they are used with the chiming apparatus only. The selection of tunes, one for each day of the week, is not very happy. ChristchuRch. I Bell. Modern bell in fleche, by Gillett and Co., of Croydon, dated 1884. Used for services and clock only. Thanks to Vicar, the Rev. W. M. C. Clarke. AS HURST. ? Dedication. 3 Bells. I., 24-in. -'EX^DONO^ ^ GEORGIA j. RYVERS <$> <:>MILITIS^ *) 1 6 1 2 IL, 25-in. Ill ' ^6-in /^^^'^ ^^ JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1879 Prior to 1879 there were only two bells — the present treble and a larger one, which was by Robert Mot, dated 1594. Inscriptions. OD Passing bell tolled " soon after death." Tellers — 3 x 3 for male or 3 x 2 for female at etui of knell only. Bell tolled for half an hour before funerals. Matins bell rung on Sundays at 8 a.m. Bells chimed for services, with five minutes' " ringing in." Bells rung at 6 a.m. on Easter Day and Christmas Day. Best thanks to the Rev. H. W. O. Polhill, Rector. AYLESFORD. St. Pinter. 8 and a Priest's Bell. Priest's 13-in. Blank. I., 26-in.^CAST BY GILLETT & C^ CROYDON 1885 HENRY ARTHUR BRASSEY GAVE ME n., 27-in. ^ CYRIL GRANT VICAR „T V ^°™Tnfr '''•''' 1 CHURCHWARDENS ni., 28-m.j JAMES COLE ) IV., 31-in. MICHAEL DARBIE MADE ME 1652 T MADGF/l v., 33-in. MICHAEL DARBIE MADE ME 1652 I BOGHERST VL, 36-in. : : THOMAS GOODMAM I0H>1 TAYLER IVMIOR CHVRCHWARDEXS 1708 R: PHELPS FECIT : : RECAST BY GILLETT & C^ CROYDON 1885 VII., 39-in. ROBERT KEMSLEY PHILLIP GRAVE CHVRCH- VVARDENS GOD SxWE KING CHARLES Y= 2" 1661 © VIIL, 43-in. AMTHOHY BARTLET MADE MEE 1666 CAP^ WARD LIVEFTENANT LONG TWO OF HIS MA"^'^ HOYMENN ® RECAST BY GILLETT & C^^ CROYDON The new ring was dedicated at a special service, on Saturday, 19th Decem- ber, 1885. In 1518, Thomas Cossington, of Alisforde, by his will bequeathed "To the buying of a treble bell to the thre belles at Alisforde xx\" — {Ex inform. Mr. E. H. IV. Dunkin, in '' Reliquary" for 1877-8.) Passing bell rung directly notice of death is received. Tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman. Age not marked. Sunday services : Bells rung fifteen minutes, toll ten minutes. Priest's bell five minutes to finish with. Down to about twenty years ago the small Priest's or Sanctus bell was runu at the close of the morning service. I o 6 Inscriptions. think this a decided survival of Sanctus bell use, only transferred from the " elevation " to the close of the service. Peals on Easter Day and Christmas Day at 6 a.m. Old year tolled out and new one rung in. Ringing on Queen's birthday and 5 th November. Best thanks to the Vicar, Rev. Cyril Grant, for above information, and for his kind permission to extract the following from the parish accounts : — 1608-9 Inprimis for a clapp of the bell It. for mendinge the stockes of the bells It. pd. to J. Dodson for worke about the belles It. pd. to Roberte Gillett for workinge aboute the belles It. for a rope for the little bell 1609-10 It. for fovver belropes ... Item for making one bel clapper 1610-11 Item for a bauldrick for the bell It. for belropes ... It. one daies worke about the bells done by Simon Brice ... 1611-12 Itm. for a bawldricke for y'^ great bell Itm. to y" Ring'^ when my L : Byshop did ride through y" pish to visit Ttm. for trussinge of a bell Itm. for mendinge a bell clapp Itm. for brads leath"" trussinge a bell & men- dinge a clapp Itm. for mendinge y" great bell bawldricke ... Itm. for a buckle for y*" great bell Itm. for trussinge the bells & brads ... Itm. for a * for the baldricke of a bell ... 1615-16 Imp'' for twoe newe baldrickes for the belles & mendinge of twoe onli Itm. for the mendinge of the great Bell clapp"" Itm. for yorne worke about the belles ... '\]s. ]d. ob. Itm. vnto Edwarde Simonson for worke about the belles ... ... ... ... ... iijj, * Undfeciphcrable. \s. \<)S. \\d. \\\]S. \]d. xiiij^. iiij^. XX. yis. ]s. viijV. y.s. \s. \]S. v]d. xxd. vn]d. \\]S. ijV. x'ljd. iiij^. viij^. ijd. \-\\]S. ui]d. XJ'. Inscriptions. 137 Itm. for a bawldricke for the Trebble... ... iij.f. Itm. vnto Richard Gillett the young"" for yorne worke about the belles ... ... ... xij^. Itm. vnto Richarde Gillett the young' for mcn- dinge the stocke of the St"" Bell ... ... vjV. Itm. for mendinge a bell clapp"' ... ... vjv/.. 16 16-17 Itm. for mendinge the Belles and the bell wheeles ... ... ... ... ... xs. Itm. for fower halfe intch boordes to mende the bell wheeles ;, Itm. for fower bell Ropes Itm. for mendinge a bell clappe"' and for speeckes and nailes for y*" bell frame Itm. for three Newe Baldrickes Itm. to John Bur for mendinge y" baldrickes of the belles Itm. unto Gillett for mendinge of a bell clapper Itm. payde unto Tootinge for twoe hoopes for the bell wheeles 1617-18 Itm. vnto John Bur for the mendinge of twoe baldrickes ... ... ... ... ... ij^-. Itm. for an yrone Pin for y" baldricke ... \]d. Itm vnto Edwarde Simonson for worke donne about the belles ... ... ... ... xviij/. 1618-19 Itm. vnto John Bur for the mendinge of twoe baldrickes ... ... ... ... ... w'yL Itm. for the mendinge of twoe clappers and the makinge of a newe baldrick ... ... \s. \]d. Itm. for the mendinge of y" great bels bald- ricke ... ... ... ... ... \'\\]d. Itm. for fower newe bellropes... ... ... vijj-. \d. Itm. for the mendinge of twoe baldricks ... xviij^/. Itm. for Iron worke about the belles ... ... iij-v. Itm. for worke about the belles ... ... iiij.>". 1619-20 Received for the ould bell clapper ... ... \\)s. \]d, Itm. (paid) for a baldricke ... ... .. \\]s. T IJ^. viijjT. xd. ij^. vij(/. vj^. xiiij^. iiijj'. 138 Inscriptions. Itm. to Rob' Brise for mendinge of a bell wheele ... ... ... ... ... vjV/. Itm. for a new clapper for the great bell wainge 42 pound at v'' the pounde ... ... xviJ5. vj^. Itm. for Rob' Newportes charge for and labor goinge for lime and tyles and to gob Sayers and to Carrie & fetch the great bell clapper ... ... ... ... ... \s. Itm. to John Wayman for mendinge of a bell wheele ... ... ... ... ... \]d. Itm. for mendinge of 3 baldrickes ... ... xviij^. Itm. one daye for a carpenter to mend the frame of the belles . . ... ... ... xvj^. Itm. to the Ringers on the Kinges coronation day xij^. Itm. for mendinge of twoe baldrickes... ... xij^. Similar entries in following years. 1620-21 Itm. for 4 bell ropes ... ... ... ... xijV. vjc/. 1621-22 Received for g poundes of mettell lost of the ould bell at x'' the pound ... ... ... vij^-. \]d. Payments : Itm. for the charges of the new bell Itm. for the new bell castinge of her the takinge of her downe the carriage hanginge 1" vij/. of her up and all other charges concerninge the bell Itm. for the makinge of the writinges con- cerninge the bell payde vnto M' Walter ffisher for them ... ... ... ... iiijj-. 1629-30 Item for takinge downe the thirde Bell ... \yis. Item for casting of the 3'' Bell w"' the ouer Mettall vij//. Item for carrying y° Bell & fetching it againe ... ... ... ... ... xx. Item for hanging her & mending the second xi-. Item for helpe to weigh the Bell twise ... ijj-. Item for two bondes for the casting of y" Bell \s. 5//. 6^. 8./. 2li. \2S. od. \os. od. 6d. \s. od 13^. Ad Inscriptions. 139 Item for a Rope to take downe the Bell ... j^. \]d. Item for helpe aboute y° 2'' Bell to putt in y'' Ouggin ]s. 1632-33 Inp. ffor castinge the third bell Itm. for 52'' of newemettall at xij'' the pounde Itm. for helpe to take downe and hang vp the said bell pd ... Itm. more to Robte Goffe Itm. more to John Wayman ... Itm. for carryinge and fetchinge home the bell 1633-34 Itm. to Robt Gillett for taking out the Brasses of the second Bell when they were to be cast and laying them in againe when they were new cast Itm. to the Clarke for helping him Itm. to Christopher Cockerell for castinge the saide Brasses together w'' the new Mettall w'' was added to them 1635-36 It. for fower new belropes weighing 23li 1640-41 ffor help to take downe the greate bell and for fetching and carying the Takles vsed about taking downe the saide bell ... ... vijV. ffor writing a bond for the Belfounders warrant- ing the greate belle sufficientie and for (&c.) ]$. \]d. Spent upon the belfounder when he came over ... ... ... ... ... ... iijj-. ffor casting the greate bell and for the new mettall w'* was put in paide to Hatch . . . xij//. viijx. ffor carying the said bell to casting and fetch- ing the saide bell home againe ... ... xiiij.c. To John Best towardes his worke and tymber to hang the bells paid ... ... ... ... viij//. xiiijy. \]d. Since paid to Crust for his iourney coming over to see the frame and spent upon him for his advice ... ... ... •■• \\\]s. ffor oyle ffor the bells when theye were new hanged ... ... ... ... ... \\\]d. T 2 ]s. s]d. \]d. n]s. \]d. xj.\ \]d. 1 40 Inscriptions. 1641-42 It. to George Dayc for the Belleframe and hanging the bells pay'' in pte ... ... xix//. xy. To Willm Hatch for exchanging the old brasses for the bells ... ... ... ... ]U. )s. ffor taking dovvne the bells taking downe the old frame and laying the same in the church ... ... ... ... ... j//. ffor carying the old brasses & bringing home the new payd to Richard Coates ... ... \]s. \]d. ffor a bond of covenante concerning George Daye's making y" frame & hanging the bell ... ... ... ... ... ... ]s. 1644-47 ffor a Rope to the little Bell (/>., the Sanctus) \s. To Humphrey Bowne of Maidstone for a new sett of Bell-Ropes ... ... ... ... xvji-. viij^. 1647-48 It. for a sett of new Bell Roapes ... ... xv.y. 1650-51 It. for a new sett of Bell Roapes ... ... xvj.y. 1660-61 Inprimis to the Ringers when the King was proclaymed ... ... ... ... ... 55. od. 1661-62 It. to y'^ Ringers when the Kings birth daie &c. was observed ... ... ... ... 6^. To the Ringers upon the v' of November given 35. od. It. for writing the bargaine betweene Anthony Bartlett and y^ Church Wardens concerning casting the fowerth Bell pd ... ... 6^/. It. for expences when the Bell founder was here 2s. dd. It. for help and expences when the Bell was taken downe pd ... ... ... ... ^s. It. more to Willm Long's folk for help when y*" Bell was brought home ... ... ... \s. It. to John Kidwell for hanging the new bell and other work at that tyme about the Bells pd 10^. 5^. lo^. Inscriptions. 1 4 j It. for candles and beere which the Ringers had when the Bells were tryiTied vpon New yeares eue i^. srt'. It. to Robert Gillett for iron worke about the Bells... It. to John Birchall for going to Kidwell and for helping him twoe dales about the bells 2^-. Q,d. It. more spent in beare on New yeares daie vpon John Kidwell and the Ringers and some other which had helped abouut the Bell ^s. It. paide for beare when the bell was drawen vp in y^ steeple i.r. It. paid to the Bell fownder for casting the Bell 7//. os. od. It. for the overweight p'' to y'= Bell fownder ... io.y. It. for caryage of the Bell to and from the Bell founders and for Wharfage at London paide Zs. It, for carying the Bell from the church to the waterside ... ... ... ... ... \s. It. more for fetching the Bell from Millhale to the Church againe p"* ... ... ... u. It. paide more to Willm Long for soe much he saide he spent at London staying for the Bell and vpon the Bellfounders 35-. 1665-66 ffor all charges about taking downe y*" great Bell paide 65. dd. expended ye 12"' & 13"' of ffebruarie about bargaining w"' James Bartlett when he took the great Bell to cast ... ... ... ^s. ffor making a wryting concerning the bargain (or agreement) paide ... ... ... \s. To James Bartlett in pt when he took the saide Bell to cast paide in hand ... ... ... 1//. os. od. More to John Tayler in satisfaccon of soe much his mony which Thomas Ward Disbursed to y° Bell fownder for casting y*" Bell 8//. 1 4 2 Inscriptions. More for 20 pownd of mettall put in (more then the old Bell weighed) at 10'' p pownd paide \(iS. 8d. (Other payments for carriage, wharfage, beer, etc., etc.) 1666-67 Aset of bell ropes, weighing24pounds, costs i45'. To the Bell founder for 100 weight of mettall adding soe much weight to the Bell more then shee weighed before ... ... ... 5//. 05-. od. 1682-83 Three of the five bells apparently rehung — payments entered amounting to^i2 14^-. 6d, including " twopence a day for drink for y" bell hanger y." Other payments for general repairs to bells, wheels, etc., total up another ^4 or ^5. 1688-89 Paid for hanging of two Bells with new wheells And new stocks ... ... ... ... 6//. Paid for 85 pound of new iron work about y*" two Bells att 4*^ p pound ... ... ... i//. Ss. 4d. Paid for working the old iron for y" 2 bells ... 6s. 1693-94 " A sett of Bell Roops " cost ;^ i . New bell ropes almost annually until 1713. The old ones were the churchwardens' per- quisites, being very useful for plough traces, etc., when not too much worn. 1708-9 Gave ye Ringars upon y'' Duke of Marlborow's Victory ... ... ... ... ... 4^^. Gave ye Ringars upon Lyle being taken ... 4.$-. Gave ye Ringars upon Gunpouder treason ... 5^-. Paid Tho Wardfor waying of y"" 3 bell ... 2s. Paid for warfing y*" bell ... ... ... lod. ffor help to gett her out & Into y'' Church & to gett her up in y'' steepell ... ... 35-. Spent upon y*" Ringars &: y*" bell hangar ... 3^-. March 29, 1709. Paid Mr Broumfield* for new casting of y" 3"' Bell Thirteen pounds as apears by his bill ... ... ... ... ... 13//. * Broomfield was a local bell-hanger who evidently acted a.s agent for Robert Phelps. See under head of Stowting for a contract made for recasting, etc., with one of these local agents. Inscriptions. 143 Paid him for eight pound of new Bell Mettell 8j. Paid him for takeing down y*" other 4 Bells and fastning the Brasses & gudjens and hanging them up again Three pounds 3//. Paid him for new Roles and new Salleys* ... 15.?. For ordering y'' Clapers & mending ye wheels \os. Paid Dauid Woodde for Carrying & bringing y'-' bell from Milhall 5^-. Paid Hodges for Beere y" Bell Hangar had willst he was heare ... ... ... ... 6^-. for Oyle for ye Bells ... ... ... ... 2^-. dd. Paid Will : Pett for Iron Worke Done about y" bells as apears by his bill ... ... ... \IL \^,s. 1711-12 A new sett of bell ropes (as usual), £^\^ and also for a rope for y*" Saints bell ... ... ... 2s. (td. BADLESMERE. St. Leonard. i, formerly 3 Bells. I., 34-in. iosc^^l) i)o,id) mabc mc 1635 This bell was formerly one of the ring at Reculver Church, which was dis- mantled early in the present century. How it came here I do not know ; there was only one bell in Hasted's time, but he notes that two others hud been " taken away and sold many years ago towards the repair of the Church." I suppose the survivor got cracked, and the present bell was bought to replace it. BAPCHILD. St. Laurence. i, formerly 3 Bells. L, 30-in. 0*0 ilK D i()C U U 5^ O O A very curious specimen of the handywork of William Oldfield, of Canter- bury, probably cast about 1550. For an account of it and engravings of the various stamps see p. 58. The other two bells were sold by the churchwardens to purchase the chandelier. In a continuation of Mr. Bryan Faussett's notes (by another *" Tlic worsted work on the ropes to save clialiiiL; and give a better t^rip. 1 44 Inscriptions. hand) it is stated that the other two " were piously disposed off by the Parishioners to defray the expence of some Repairs." For service : Bell pulled up and rung, and then lowered and chimed. Passing bell rung as soon as notice of death is received ; unless at night, when it is rung at 8 a.m. next morning. Bell tolled for ten minutes, and then tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female. The tellers are also given before the funeral (a very unusual " use "). During the cholera epidemic it was found necessary to stop ringing the passing bell, the announcement of a fresh victim in this way apparently proving injurious to the living, scaring them, in fact, into the disease. No other peculiar uses, except in relation to " bell coom," or the dirty grease from the gudgeons, which is much sought after as an infallible cure for ringworm. Best thanks to the Rev. James Horan, Vicar. BARFRESTON. St. Mary. i Bell. I., 15-in. Blank. In 1758, Mr. Faussett notes here "two small bells without inscription." BAR HAM. St. John the Baptist. 4 Bells. I., 3oi-in. lOH^ k WIL^AR ^ MADE <^ ME ^ 1633 II., 32|-in. Thomas Mears of London Founder 1834 III., 34-in. BASIL O LUNN O CW O SK Q FECIT Q ME Q 1730 O O O O IV., 37-in. SAMUELL KNIGHT MADE ME 1730 In 1758, the 2nd bell was similarly inscribed to the treble. Mr. Faussett, however, states the date (on both) to be 1623. BARMING. St. Margaret. 5 Bells. L, 28-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1883 MARGARITAIsI MARGARETA NUNTIO IL, 30-in. Hmtctc X^ctrc Ora X^xo U (Fig. 25) (Fig. 26) \j (Fig. 27) :Elobis III., 32-in. FILI DEI TE ROGAMUS AUDI NOS Imfarc; IV., 35-in. SANCTA TRINITAS MISERERE NOBIS I Mt^^RS & v., 38-in. LAUS DOMINI IN ECCLESIA SANCTORUM r^ '^^ ^"^^ ^' Inscriptions. 145 No. 2 bell by Henry Jordan (see p. 43). Only three bells before 1SS3, apparently the survivors (i, 2, and 4) of a peal of four, as the frame is made for the latter number. The two recast bells (i and 4) were both by Joseph Hatch, and dated respectively 16 16 and 1629. The cost of the recasting and of the two new bells was borne by a local benefactor, Mr. Ellis. The dedication of the new ring is thus noticed in " Barming Bells and Home Words " for March, 1S84 : "The service of dedication of the bells was held on the nth of February, and was attended by a large congregation. The prayers were read by the Rev. J. H. Nowers, and after the second lesson, the clergy — among whom were the Rev. Canon Elwyn, the Rev. D. H. Whitehead, and the Rev. J. Alison — proceeded to the belfry, headed by the choir singing a beautiful and appropriate processional hymn, whose opening lines run thus : In Sinai's dreary waste The trumpet's silver call Summoned of old the Jewish host To feast and festival. A special form of dedicatory prayer was here read by the Rev. J. H. Nowers, after which the ringers sounded a short peal, and a final hymn was sung, beginning : Now at length our bells are mounted, To their holy place on high, Ever to fulfil their mission, Midway 'twixt the earth and sky. The Rev. Canon Elwyn then preached eloquently and impressively, pointing out how the various sounds of church bells affected Christians, and alluding to the inscription upon these bells, and to the generosity of the donor of them." Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. The usual tellers — 3 x 3 for male and 3 x 2 for female— are used, and the age is tolled. Funerals : Bell tolled or chimed about 8 a.m., and tolled at intervals during the funeral. No regular custom as yet for Sunday services, the Rector wisely determining to get his ringers well-organized and trained first. Ringing in the early morning on the four great festivals— Easter, Christmas, Ascension Day, and Whitstin Day. U 146 Inscriptions. Special local use on last night of year: Bells rung until 11.45, ^^^"^ prayer, then date of year struck on tenor (omitting the centuries). At midnight^ twelve struck on treble, and then a peal. Ringing also on loyal anniversaries. Best thanks to the Rev. T. W. Carr, Rector, who has framed an excellent set of belfry rules. BEARSTED. Holy Cross. 6 Bells. I., 28-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1877 IT., 3o^in. Wcv ,^3.Ul]t1Gtinc .Soncf In i3^in'c :x3ei U © U III., 32-"'in. MEARS &" STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1877 IV., 34-in. Robcrfus + mot + ine + fccif + 1 B tp 1590® v., 37-in. lOSEPH HATCH MADE ME ® 1606 VI., 40-in. THO^ LESTER OF LONDON MADE ME WILLIAM LOT CH: WARDEN 1742 The former treble was by Richard Phelps, dated 1729, and recording the names of its donors " W"' Lott Ch : W. Tho. AUman, W" Eagles, W" Sutton & divers other subscribers." The former No. 3 was by Thomas Hatch, and dated 1599. The stamps on No. 2 are Figs. 27, 26, and 25. BECKENHAM. St. George. 6 Bells. I., 29-in. The Rev° W Rose Rector Rob'^ Hoggart & Tho^ Randell Church Wardens George Grote & Rob"^ Tanner Overseers Tho^ Mears of London Fecit 1796 II., 31-in. WIILIAM ■ LAI^BART MADE • A'E R L 1640 III., 321-in. THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1624 IV., 36^in. THOMAS BARTLET MADE THIS BELL 1629 © v., 4o^-in. Same. 1625 © VI., 45-in. Same. 1629 © T. R. E. Item iiij bells of bellmetell suted in the steple whereof on was broken. Item ij litle sacryng bells of brasse. Mem. : " one hand bell and one Sacrament bell of brasse " had been sold. In 1454, Ralph Langle of Beckenham by his will bequeathed " ordinacioni nove campane ibidem iij' iiij''." — {Ex inform. Mr. E. H. IV. Dunkin in '■'■ Reliquary'''' for 1877-8.) Inso'iptions. 147 Christchurch. I Bell. Modern church (1S76) with presumably one modern bell. Holy Trinity. i Bell. Modern church (1S7S) with presumably one modern bell. St. Barnabas. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. St. James. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. St. Michael and All Angels. i Bell. Presumably only one modern bell. St. Paul. i Bell. Modern church (1873), and has probably one bell of that date. BEKESBOURNE. St. Peter. 4 Bells. I., 3o-in.\ ^^/■' -^"!"' MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1SS4 III., 34-m. IV., 37-in./ These supersede a brace of inscriptionless bells. Passing bell rung as soon as possible after death. Tellers — first 2>'^ Z for man, 3 x 2 for woman, 3x1 for child, then jjause and toll. Funerals : Bell tolled at 8 a.m., and at time of interment. Bells chimed for divine service. Best thanks to the Vicar, the Rev. H. J- Wardcll. BELVEDERE. All Saints. i Bell. I., 2i-in. W S 1757 See page 105. U 2 14S Inscriptions. BENENDEN. St. George. 8 Bells. I., 30-in. Tho"' Mears of London Fecit 1802 II., 31-in. Same. III., 33-in. JOHN TAYLOR & C° LOUGHBOROUGH 1882 IV., 35-in. The Rev° Joseph Dunn Vicer Sam"- Hunt & Alex'' Wheller Ch Wardens Lester and Pack of London Fecit 1764 v., 38-in. T. Mears of London Fecit 1819 VI., 40-in. Kunquam Errabo In° Saunders l : l : b : vie : Geo : Gibbon Ric : Grant Edm : Gibbon Sam : Hunt Managers R. P. Fecit 17 19 VII., 44-m. DEUS BENEDICAT FUNDATORIBUS NOSTRIS IS GG EG RG SH PHILL : GIBBON ARMIGER DINISSIMUS BENEFACTOR VIII., 49-in. NEWCAST 1753 THE REV^ M'' lOHN WILLIAMS VICAR lOHN CARLY SEN'' & THOMAS RICHARD- SON CH: WARDENS THOMAS LESTER & THO' PACK OF LONDON FECIT BETHERSDEN. St. Margaret. 6 Bells and Sanctus. Sanctus, 16-in. W H 1662 I, 30-in. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1759 II., 33-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1634^ W Hj III., 35-in. W" Mears of London Fecit 1787 IV., 38 J -in. ^^m. \ mrwi^w-^B \ j^^mmj-b \ :ei©-- v., 42-in. WILLIAM HATCH MADE ME WP FW CW © 1662 VI., 45-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT TW CW TM CW © 1630 See p. 15 for mention of the 4th bell. T. R. E. Item v great bells in the steeple. Item a Sanctus bell. Bells chimed on Sunday for services. Inscriptions. 1 49 Thanks to Vicar, Rev. Robt. Palmer. The churchwardens' accounts here are singularly perfect from the year 15 14 to the present time— there is, I think, only one year wanting. I am very much indebted to their present custodian (Mr. James Adams) for access to them, and beg to thank him most heartily for his kind hospitality on the occasion of my visit to make the following extracts : — 15 14-15 It. payed for a newe Belroppe ... ... \xd. It. payed for mendynge of the bawdrykks for the year iij^. (This entry occurs annually for many years — it was evidently the sexton's yearly allowance.) 1515-16 Ite. paid for halfe a skynof led', for bawdrykks xd. Ite. paid for mendyng of & the belwelys ... ... ... ... ... ij^f- Ite. paid for makyng of bawderykks ... ... i]d. Ite. paid to Elys of plukle to se the bells yf they had nede of re,pacions ... ... ... \']d. Ite. paid for a nyw belrop ... ... ... ix^. Ite. paid for mendyll of a bell wele .. ... \\]d. Ite. paid for a planke for a bele wyle... ... \\]d. Ite. payd for mendynge of too bele whelys . . . iiji". Ite. paid for too nyw belropys ... ... \\]d. It. payed for a newe belrope ... ... ... \\]d. ob. Itm. payd to John Hasell for yerne vvorke to the grete bell and the funt xviij^. Itm. payd to Edward Haulnast for mendyng of all the belles xviija'. Itm. payd for a new bel Rouppe ... ... xjd?. Itm. payd for a galan of oycl ... ■■■ ••■ xvjV. Itm. payd for mendyng of the hand belles ... iiij^. 1522-23 Itm. payd for cord for the sancts bcl ob. Itm. payd to John Haseel of tent'dyn for men- dyng of ij bell clappers ... ••• •■• iij-^' Itm. payd to I'homas blake for beryng foreth of the forsayd cleppers and brcyngyng a geyn ... .•■ •■• ••• •■• ii'j'^- I5I6- -17 I5I7- -18 I5I8- -19 I5I9- -20 1520- -2 1 I52I- -22 1 50 Inscriptions. Itm. payd for ij new bell Rouppes ijj-. 1523-24 Itm. payd for mendyng of the stokys of the bellesse iiij^. Itm. payd for a new bel roop .. ... ... xij^. Itm. payd for a new bauwedreke ... ... \d. Itm. payd for mendyng of bauwed Rekys ... iijV. 1525 Ite. paid for having doune of the sanctus bel cS: for mendyng of hym .. ... ... ij^. Ite. paid for ij nyw belropys ... ... ... xx^/. Ite. paid to Robert Sylke for a nyw bawedryk y]d. Ite. paid for half a horshede ... ... ... \d. 1526 Ite. paid for ij nywe bellropys... ... ... xx^. 1528 Ite. paid to Edmunde Holnest for mendynge of the bells ... ... ... ... ... iij^. Ite. paid for a nyw bawdryk ... ... ... \\)d. Ite. paid to John mapyllysden for stokking of the sanctus bell ... ... ... ... yM]d. Ite. paid for mendynge of a bras for a bell ... \]d. Ite. paid for a j^cell of led' to a mende baw- drykks ... ... ... ... ... \\\]d. Ite. paid for makyng of a bawdryk ... ... ij^. 1529 Ite. paid for ij nyw belropys ... ... ... xxj/s'. Ite. paid for mendyng of a vyndow in the stepyl ... ... ... ... ... yd. 1530 ffirst paid for mendynge of bawdriks ... ... iij^. Ite. paid for ij new belropys ... ... ... xviij^- Ite. paid for too nyw bawdrykks ... ... \\\)d. 1531 Ite. paid for iij nyw belropys ... ... ... xxj^. 1532 Ite. paid for halfe a horsse hede of lether ... -md. 1533 lie. payd for mendyng of the bells weylys ... viij^'. Ite. payd for ij nyw belropys ... ... ... xvj^. ob. Ite. payd for mendyng of one of the canstyks & a handbell... ... ... ... ... xvj^ 11534 Ite. paid for a nyw belrop ... ... ... \y.d. 1535 Ite. paid for a nyw belroppe ... ... ... xj^. 1536 Ite. paid for too nywe belropys ... ... xix<2^. Ite. payd for a nyw bawdryk ... ... ... ij^. Inscriptions. 1 5 1 Ite. paid for too moo other beiropys ... ... ij^-. 1537 Ite. payd for a nywe belrope ... ... ... ix^. ob. 153S fifirst paid for ij nywe beiropys... ... ... xv\\]d. Ite. paid for a nothir nyw belrop ... ... hid. Ite. paid for makyng of a box for one of the bells iiij^. 1539 Ite. paid for mendyn of too clapys of the bells ixs, Ite. paid for mendyng of a handbell ... ... vd. 154.0 Itni. payde for mendyng of the bells wylse ... vij^. Itm. payde for myndyng of a claper of a belle. . . \]d. Itm. payde for iij bellropese ... ... ... ij^-. viiij^/. Itm. payde for haufe a horse hyde ... ... xij^. Itm. payde for a newe bawdryke to Robert Sylke... ... ... ij^. 1 541 Itm. payde for myndynge of a clapper of a belle ... ... ... ... ... ... n\]s. \i\]d. 1542 Itm. payde for bawdrykes ... ... ... n]d. 1542 Itm. payde for myndynge of a clapper of a belle xvj//. Itm. payde for a newe baudryke ... ... '^d. Itm. payde for iiij newe bellropes ... ... \\]s. n\]d. Itm. payde for myndynge of the sanse belle ... ob. 1543 Itm. payde to Waterman for myndynge of the bele n]d. and for mete and drynke at the same tyme ... iiij^. Itm. payde for myndynge of the belle whcylls 'yi. Itm. payde for hanggynge vpe of the rope of the sance belle ... ... ... ... jd. Itm. payde for bawedrykes to the syxtyn ... iijd. 1544 Itm. payde for a baderyke ... ... ... y']d. Itm. payde for ij new belle ropes ... ... xx]d. Itm. payde for myndynge of the grcate belle \d. Itm. payde for myndynge of the bawdrikcs ... iij^. 1545 Itm. payde for ij nywe belleropes ... ... ij.r. vj^. Itm. payde for myndynge of the grctc bell ... \d. Itm. payde for a lyne for the smalle belle ... yf. ob. Itm. payde to the syxtyn for bawderykes . . . 'i\]d. 1 5 2 Inscripfions. 1546 Itm. paycle to Water Wythe for myndyng of y° secundc bell ... ... ... ... iij^- Itm. payde for a nywe bawderyke ... ... vj^/. Itm. payde for wyte ladder ... ... ... \v]d. Itm. payde for makynge of a bawdryke ... ij^- Itm. payde for bawdrykes to thj syxtyn ... iij^- 1547-48 Itm. payde for belles ropes ... ... ... \'S. 1550 It. payd ffor a rope to y" sants belle ... ... iiij<^' It. payd to Symo Knyght ffor mendyng off y"" belle ... vjd'. 155 1 Itm. p"^ to Ralfe Pellon for & for a pynne for the bawdricke of the gret bell ... iij^. Itm. p"^ to Thomas Mawdesle for two bawde- rickes one for the gret bell and the othtr for the thred bell \]S. \'\\]d Itm. p'' to Ralfe Pellon for turninge of the thred bell claper xvj^. Itm. p'' for a quart of oyle for the Bells ... \d. 1554 It. p'' for whyte ledder & mendyn of the thyrd bell wheyll ix^. It. payd for on pyntt of oyle for the bells ... iij^. ob. It. p'' to Rayffe pelland for leron worke for the fourth bell viij^. It. for my costs at Canterburye when I bar- gaynyd for y" bell ... ... ... . • • viij^. It. p'Vto the bellfounder to bynd the bargayne iiij^. It. in expencys at the fechyng of y"" same bell xvj^. It. p"" to lengle for a bell whyle and hys ex- pensys viji-. \]d. It. p"^ to Rayffe pelland for leron worke for bells xix^. It. p'^ to myselffe for tymbre & pvision to haue vp the greatt bell vi-. 1555 Itm. p'^ to William Turner for mendyng the bell whyle v^. Itm. p"^ to John Bale for makynge of the bell whyle vjj. \\\]d. Inscriptions. 153 Itm. p"^ for clepis about the bell whylls ... iij^. Itm. p'' for vj tupps for the buckell for the baldryks of the Bells ... ... ... \]d. Itm. p*^ for makynge of the Bells and mendynge of the clappers for the Bells ... ... vij^. 1556 Itm. p'' to John Sale for makynge of a bell whyle and mendynge of the other whiles . . . vij.y. 1557 Itm. p'* for my expencf at Canterbure when I made Bargayne w^ the bellfounder ... ix^. Itm. p"^ for my expencf there when the Inden- tures where settled ... ... ... ... ix^. Itm. p'^ to John Wedtherden for his labour and expencf to Cantourbure the same tyme xvj^. Itm. p'* for hauynge dovvne of the bell out of the Steeple ... ... ... ... ... y\]d. Itm. p'' expenc^ when the bell was caried to Cantourbury ... ... ... ... ... \\]s. \]d. Itm. payd to John Glou' for carynge of the same bell to Cantourbury ... ... ... ... \s. Itm. for my owne labour when the bell was hanged vppe ... ... ... ... vj^. Itm. p'^ to John Waterman for hauynge uppe of the same bell ... ... ... ... iiiji". Itm. p'' to John Wedtherden for writtyng of the Indenture and obligacons betwene the Bel- founder and the Church Wardens ... ... viij^. Itm. p'' for paper ... \\\\d. Itm. p'' to William Oldefelde for Shootynge of the bell ... ... ... ... ... xxxiij.?. iiij^. Itm. p'' for mendynge of one of the bell wheles \d. Itm. p'' to Raffe Pelland for mendynge the thred bell claper ... ... . , ... ... \\d. 1558 Itm. payd to Nycolas Harrys for myndyng of the bele clapper ... ... ... ... vs. Itm. payd to maudesle for wyt ledder ... \)d. 1559 Itm. payd to thomas lophome for beryng of the clapper of the grcte belle ... ... ... iiij^- 154 Insc7'iptions. Itm. payd for a bele Rope ... ... ... xx^. 1560 Itm. for a lyne for the lytylle belle viij^. 1561 Itm. layd out for the bele clapper ... ... '\)s. \\\]d. Itm. payd for fetting of the seyd clapper ... v^. Itm. payd for hangyng of the belle ... ... \]s. \d. Itm. payd for yerne worke ... ... ... vj^. Itm. payd to the belfounder ... ... ... v//. Itm. payd to Rychard whatle (?) for hangynge of the belle viiji. 1562 Itm. payde for ij bele Roppes ... ... \\]s. \)d. Itm. for a bele Roppe ... ... ... ... xx^. 1563 It. for mendyng of the beles ... ... ... \]s. \]d. It . payd for a bel Rop ... ... ... ... ij-^. 1564 It. layd out for mendyng y"" bel claper ... \s, \\\]d. It. for a Rop for y*" for bel xv^. It. payd to Raff pelan for mendyng iij clapers iiji'. 1565 It. payd to Rychard Davy for mendyng y" bel whell iiij^. 1566 Item payd y'' sexton to Ring y" bel ... ... \]d. Item payd for whyt lether & for oyell ... \]d. Item layd out for a bawdrack ... ... ... iiij^. Item for a bell rop ... ... ... ... xv\\\d. Item payd to gillam for turnyng of a claper ... iiij^. Item for a pvnche to pvnche y*" bawderickes \]d. Item for a bawderick ... ... ... ... iiij^. 1567 Itm. for mendyng of a bell claper ... ... \]s. \\d. Itm. payd for makyng of bellwhyll and for mendyng of a nother bel wheyll ... ... xj.y. iiij^. Itm. layd for mendyng of the batheryk & lether v]d. 1568 Itm. payd to Gyllam for yern worke about y*" beles vji-. iiij^. Itm. payd to Thomas Lopham & Jarman turner for makynge y*" bell stokes ... ... ... xjj. Itm. for tow bell stokes ... ... ... vj". Itm. for ij bell ropes \\]s. \\\]d. Itm. for lether for y*" bell ropes ... ... wd. Inscriptions. 1 5 5 Itm. for mendynge iij badrekes ... ... \]d. Itm. for ij newe badrekes ... ... ... viiji/. Itm. for mendynge tow badrekes ... ... m]d. 1569 Itm. for a bell Rop ... ... ... ... \x\]d. Itm. payd to gyllam for mendynge the bell claper ... ... ... ... ... vj^. Itm. payd for a new badrec ... ... ... iiij<^. 1571 Itm. payd for lether for the bell ropes ... \\]d. Itm. for grece for the beles ... ... ... '\]d. 1572 Itm. payd to gyllam for mendynge the sheres of the beles iiij^^- Itm. payd for mendynge of the bell wheles ... \]d. Itm. payd for horse lether to make badreckes vn]d. Itm. payd for makynge of a badrecke . . . iiij^. Itm. payd to the sayd george (larken) for towe dayes work about the beles ... ... ... ij-^. Itm. payd to Jarman Turner for ij dayes about the same worke ... ••• ••• ••• 'j-^- Itm. payd to Raff Pelland mendynge the yerne worke about the beles ... ... ... ij^- vj^/. Itm. payd to hym for persynge the skyrgogen of the fowerthe bell viij^/. Itm. payd for makyng a badreck for the great bell iiij'2'- 1573 Itm. payd for mendynge the bell frame ... xviij^. Itm. payd for a bell rope xviij^. 1578 Itm. payd to a carpenter to stoke & mendynge the bellframe viij:f. \d. 1579 Itm. payd for toe newe bell Ropes ... ... iij->"- ^]d. Itm. payd for mendynge the gujen of the fowerth bell viijd'. Itm. for a corde for the letle bell ... ••• j^- Itm. payd unto gyllam for mendynge the gugen of the great bell & for a yrone wcop xrf. Itm. payd for mendyng the claper of the thurdc bell iiij-^- X 2 156 Jnscriptunis. 1582 Itm. for nayles for the letle bell house ... ]d. Itm. payd for mendynge the letle belhouse ... iiij"^. 1583 Itm. payd for halfe a hors hyde to make badreckes ... ... ... ... ... xiiij^. ij newe bell ropes ... ... ... ... \\\)s. \]d. 1587 tallow for the badreke lether ... ... ... ]d. ob. gillam for a Keye for one of the belles ... ob. 1588 x\ "sese" made by general consent for recasting the great bell, with a list of the contributors, commencing " ffyrst m'' wyllyam lovelace esquire xx^-.," the total being x//. \\\]s. The expences and charges that the sayd churchwardens have bene at aboute the newe makynge of the sayd bell and what money the bell founder receaved for his worke accordinge unto his bargayne made w"" the parisheners and also for mettall that was lakynge to make her of suffyciente substance and tunable accordynge to his bargayne. ffyrst, wee spente when wee made ou'' bargayn w* hym iiij^- Itm. wee spente when the bell was taken down ix^. Itm. wee payd unto Wyllyam Brooke to make a weyth to wey her ... ... ... ... xij^/. Itm. wee spente when the bell was carrye forth \\)s. \\\]d. Itm. wee spente when wee wente to se the bell shoott x^- Itm. wee spent when the bell was shoott . . . \]S. \\\]d. Itm. wee spent more when wee went for the bell ij.f. iiij^. Itm. payd for a newe staple for the bell ... xvj<^. Itm. payd for buckles and brades for the bell x^. Itm. we spente when the bell hanged up ... xd. Itm. payd to Wyllyam brooke for his help then ... ... ... ... ... ... \\)d. Itm. payd to george larken for his help then xvjV. Inscriplions. 157 Itm. layd out then for horslether to make badreckes ij^. \\d. Itm. we weare charged further for that wee cold not receave the money of those that wear sessed to paye the bell founder accordynge to bargayn he did procure a wrytt agaynst us the w''"' charges weare ... ... ... ijm. Itm. wee payd the baylly for a bande & copie of the wrytt ... ... ... ... ... viij^. Itm. wee payd more to the baylly after we ded agre w"' the bell founder for the wryttes ... ij^. viij^. Itm. wee spente when we wente to agre w* hym v\\]d. Itm. wee spent more when we w^ent to paye hym xij^. Itm. wee payd for drawynge the action ... yX\\]d. Itm. payd for sertayne plankes to make pro- vysyon to hange up the bell ... ... \]s, Itm. payd the bell founder for shuttynge the bell ... ... ... ... ... ... iiij//. yis. Itm. payd for thurtene scorr and tene pounde of mettall for that she laked so muche of her substance to make her tunable at 'vixyi. the pounde the whol som is ... ... ... iiij//. X5. Itm. payd to John Harrin for wryttynge ou"^ fyrst bylles of this ses ... ... ... xij^. Itm. payd him mor for wryttynge out this ou" accompt to be layd in at the courte when wee sued andrewe and capenter for that thaye refused to paye the said ses ... • ■ . xij^'. Itm. payd hym more for wryttynge this ou' accompt into the churche booke ... ... xij^/. The som of theis Receyts is x//. yX\)s. xj^. 1588 Itm. p'' the bell founder for mendyngc the seconde bell &: mendynge the claper ... iij.f. vj^. 1589 Itm. payd for mendynge t\: puttynge in the gugen of the 4 bell ... ... ... ... s\\yi. 158 Inscriptions. Itm. payd to brooke & larken for mendynge the frame of the 4 bell ... ... •.• xxdT. 1 59 1 Itm. payd to Kynge for mendynge the bowll of the fowerth bell claper and the gugen of the tenor and for brads ... ... ... viJ5. Itm. payd to Wyllyam Brooke for newe hang- inge of the tenor and mendynge the frame xij^. 1595 Item payed to John Philip for mendinge the badricks of the bellse agaynst the crownacion day xij^- Itm. payed for mendinge the third bell whille with one elapse of iorne ... ■•. ■.• vj^. Itm. payed for thre tovets of coUes when the Bell was sodred ix^. Itm. payed for sodringe of the gret bell ... xxx^. 1596 ij newe bell ropes ... ... ... ... vij.f. y.d. 1598 2 bellropes at Canterbury the 26 of July ... v^-. xixyi. 1600 Item layd out to the bell founder the second of november 1600 for shooting our bell ... iij//. xvj.f. Item payd to John Hills for his helpe to stocke our bell \\\]d. Item payd to Thomas Maslye for carrying our bell and bringing her agayn ... ... vj.y. 1 60 1 Item layed out when he was sited to court about the Bells Item layd out for a great Rope Item spent when we had in the bells ... Item payd for carying of the bells to Brom- feild xxjj. Item payd for a peece of tymber to take up the bells v]d. Item payd to M'' Grezbrocke for wryting a bonde & a presentment ... ... ... ... xij^. Item payd to John Hills for having out of the bells xxij^. Item payd to John Murvell for worke about the bells \]s. V]d. 3^- ij^. ix5. iiij^. ij^. iij^. Inscriptions. 159 Item payd to John Hills for hauing up of the bells and for hanging of them Item to the smith of Woodchurch for mending of a clapper ... Item payd to Georg Gadsbye for making tS: mending a clapper ... Item payd to George Morris for mending of a clapper Item payd to the smith of Woodchurch for making of a clapper .. Item payd for carrying forth the clapper and other worke .. . Item payd to the smith of AVoodchurch for mending of a clapper Item payd to Georg Morris for mending of a clapper Item payd for carrying for of an other clapper to mend ... ... ... ... ... \)d. Item Hatch had for shooting of our bells & for the metall of the overpluse that went into them ... ... ... ... ... 14/. iSjt. A note of remembrance of the waight tSi charges of the bells Imprimis the great bell wayed xiij hundereth & a half Item the fourth bell wayed xiiij hundereth be- fore they weare new shoote Item the great bell wayed xv hundereth & xxj pownde Item the fowrth bell wayed xiij hundereth when they weare new made vj^. X}d. iiiji". v]d. viiji'. iij.y. vj^. viij^. \]S. x^. \]S. 1606 Item for a rope for the chauncell bell* ... y]d. 1608 Pd to Robert Hubbart for newe boulcing of the clapper of the fourth bell ... ... xijj-. * I suppose this must have l)een the sanctus bell, placed in a little pent-house over tiie chancel arch. See next entry hut one. It is now at tlie top of the tower. 1 60 Inscriptions. 1609 p'^ for mendeing the Saints bell house ... ij^. vj^. 1612 Item paied to the Bellfounders man when hee tooke the bell ... ... ... ... ij^. Spent more on him in bread and beare ... v^. Item when I went to Feversham to gat the bell carried to London for my dinner ... ... \]d. Item for my horse meate ... ... ... y]d. Item spent when wee tooke downe the bell in bread and beare ... ... ... ... xij^. Item spent when I went to London to see the waight of the bell for fowre dales ... ... iiij.y. Item for my goinge upp and downe in the barge... ... ... ... ... ... iiij^. Item for my horsemeate at Graves ende ... xviijii- paid for expences when y*" bells were new hanged 2//. os. 3^. 1690 To Edm Leedes for drawing the Keyes of the bells & putting in a batherick to y° tenor ... 4^- To him for hemming the' Hosthaire for the window & splicing Bell ropes is. 1 69 1 To the Ringers on the Thankesgiving day (? Nov. 17) 1692 To John Marks for trimminge the Bells 1700 p'' to y'-' Ringer at gunpouder ploat day 1706 p'' for Ringing at y'' day of Reioycing for Malbory 2s. Gd. A set of bell ropes purchased regularly every year at this time. 1713-14 Spent when the bell was taken down ... 2s. Paid to M"" Edmunds for carrying the Bell to and from London ... ... ... ... los. Paid to W"^ Small Rob' Beeching & John Brenchley for new hanging y" Bells as p Bill 2//. 4^. Paid Tho Bright for carrying the bell to and from Maidstone ... ... ... ... 135. Paid M'' Phelps for new casting y"" Second Bell* weighing 8 Hund. ... ... ... ... 8//. 12s. Paid for four Letters from y" Bell founder ... is. 1 7 16 (iave the Ringers upon the Kings safe return 55. 1721 We whose names are subscribed to the above written account with severall other inhabi- tants of this parish do agree & order for y" time to come that ten shillings & no more * The present 3rd. Inscriptions. 165 shall be given by y° churchwardens to y^ ringers in maner following to wit half a crown on y*" Kings birth day & his cronation day y^ princes Birthday and y*" fifth day of November. 1736 P'' to M"" ffurner as by bill_;^6 12^-.* 1759 Paid John Foster of Egerton for making a new frame for the Bells & Furnishing a new Treble Bell and Hanging of the six Bells & making the wood work for 6 Stays ... 1760 Paid Robert Gilbert for altering the frames and the Hanging of the Bells 1784 Paid Williams Simmons for two Setts of Bell Ropes 1787 p'* M"" Steddy for a New Bell p'^ M'^ Steddy for reparing the Bells ... p'^ M'' Steddy for new hanging the Bells 95//. 15^. 8//. 155. 3/^ S^li i/i \s. Ui i^ <\d. I., 2l|- n., 25-in. UL, 27-in. BETTESHANGER. St. Mary. 3 Bells. m^j^^^%j^ ^j^m^iw^ (^^ij^m%^ XHcars :Floun6cr :Eion6on XH6cccIi^ J WARNER & SONS CRESCENT FOUNDRY LONDON 1854 The treble (by William Oldfeild, of Canterbury, see p. 55) is the survivor of a ring of three, all of doubtless the same date — some time late in Henry VHI.'s reign. We get the following account of them in Hasted (Folio Edition, vol. iv., p. 185): " On the treble bell is this legend in old English letters, ' Maria plena gracia mater misericordie.' An escutcheon, on each side of which 'Sea Maria.' The arms: Quarterly 1st, Cocks; 2nd, per chevron, in chief 3 escallops; 3rd, two bends ; 4th, a bend ermine between two swans, impaling Clifford and Guldeford, (quartered with Colepeper. * Sec p. 105, and under Plaxtol, post. 1 66 Inscriptions. "On the 2nd bell, ' Istoe tres noloe sunt fratrum dona duorum.' An escutcheon — on each side ' Scs Thomas.' Arms : Cocks and the other three coats first above mentioned. " On the 3rd bell, ' Hie olim pastor atq : patronus erant.' Arms the same as the 2nd bell, and under, ' Scs Edmundus Rex.' " The arms are all reversed from what is mentioned above through the ignorance or mistake of the bell founder. At the end of each of the above sentences is the reverse of a silver coin of the date of the bells — probably Henry VI. "Thomas Cocks, who died in 1558, was the patron, and his brother, William Clericus, was the pastor. They were the sons of Alice Cocks, the daughter of Litchfield. Thomas married Margaret, daughter of Sir Lewis Clifford, by Bennet, daughter of John Guldeforde, which Sir Lewis was the son of Alexander Clifford by Mary, daughter of Walter Colepeper." We have a little further light thrown on the family at p, 184, as follows : "Roger Lychfeld died 4 Hen. VHL, and left Betshanger to Edward, son and heir of his son William, deceased, in tail, remainder to his son, Gregory ; and then in like tail to his three daughters, Alyce Cocks, Joane Rutter, and Betryne Wolett, who at length, by the deaths of the said Edward and Gregory without issue, became entitled to it, and on the division of their inheritance this manor was allotted to Alyce, who entitled her husband, Thomas Cocks, Esquire, customer of Sandwich, to the possession of it, and he at the latter end of that reign alienated it to John Boys " (of Canterbury). The coat of arms (reversed) on the treble is as under : 2 I o_ Oi Cliflbrd ? Cocks ro "-» T) S 0, 4 3 s (D Q t; 0^ Clifford ? Lichfield »-( ft) ~^ »-t ^ ^ V Church Wardens Inscriptions. 167 Baron. — i. A chevron between 3 stags attires fixed to the scalps ... ... ... ... ... Cocks. 2. per chevron. In chief 3 ^5/(?/7t'.f ... ... llVi^^ston. 3. Two bends Lichfield. 4. A bend between two swans... ... ... 'i Pctvin. Feinme. — Clifford. Chequy or. and az : (fesse or bend) within a bordure. Guldeford. A saltire between 4 martlets. Colepeper. A bend engrailed. BEXLEY. St. Mary. 6 Bells. I., 2s\-\n. THOMAS J AN AWAY OF LONDON FECIT 1763 IL, 27|-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1827 Tho^ Harman Charles Francis. III., 28Wn. YE RULERS THAT ARE PUT IN TRUST: TO JUDGE OF WRONG AND RIGHT BE ALL YOUR JUDGMENTS TRUE AND JUST : REGARDING NO MANS MIGHT T: JANAWAY FECIT 1763 IV., 2^\-\x\. Same as on No. i. v., 32-in. THOMAS JANAWAY OF LONDON MADE US ALL 1763 VI., 36-in. ABRAHAM BODLE & ROBERT REEVES : CH : WAR- DENS 1763 Tho^ Janaway of London Fecit T. R. E. Item iij bells suted in the steple and one lytle bell and one hand bell. Hasted notes that prior to 1763 there were five bells new cast in that year "into a small peal of 6, besides which there is a sancta bell." This last has apparently since disappeared. Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Begin with " tellers " — 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female — then minute strokes. At funerals : bell tolled until corpse reaches the lich-gate. On Sundays, ringing commences half an hour before service. " Ringing in " during last ten minutes. New Year's Eve ringing discontinued. The ringers evidently looked upon it as a purely commercial transaction, and ran the price up too high. Best thanks to the Rev. J. M. Fuller, Vicar. 1 68 Inscriptions. BEXLEY St. John. i Rell. A modern church with presumably one modern hell. Holy Trinity (Lamorby). i Bell. Modern church with one modern bell. (Welling.) i Bell. " Mission Church. BEXLEY HEATH. Christchurch. i Bell. I., igWn. Thomas Mears of London Founder 1836 BICKLEY. St. George. i Bell. I., 25Hn. J WARNER & SONS LONDON 1864 BICKNOR. St. James. 4 Bells. L, 15-in. NAYLOR VICKERS & C° SHEFFIELD 1862 N" 3222 II., i8|-in. Same. N"^ 3062 IIL, 20-ln. Same. N° 3068 IV., 2 1 -in. Same. N° 3143 These are all steel bells. In 1760 there was but 'one small bell' BIDBOROUGH. St. Laurence. 2' Bells. L, 24-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 185 1 II., 251-in. C H 1684 The remains — so it is said — of a ring of four or five. Local tradition affirms the missing ones to have gone to the neighbouring parish of Leigh. Doubtless they were sold during the 1 8th century for funds to "repair and beautify " the church. Thomas Fane, gentleman, of the parish of St. Peter-le-poer, London, by his will in 1532, devised sundry lands in this and other Kentish parishes to his son, Thomas, with sundry " remainders over ;" — ^lastly to Edward Garth — " on condition that he pays c/. to the amendment of the highways about Tunbridge within five years, and to a tuneable tenor bell to the bells at Bytborough." — {Testamenta Veiusta, p. 657.) Inscriptions. 1 69 Passing bell rung as soon as notice received by sexton, but not after sunset. Tellers, 3 X 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female — no distinction for age. No knell on day of funeral, but bell tolled for about half an hour before the burial. Sundays : A bell chimed for five minutes at 8 a.m. (Matins bell), otherwise used for services only. BIDDENDEN. All Saints. S and Priest's Bells. I., 30-in. John Mather Rector Rich" Beale & Jam^ Freeman Church Wardens 1784 Rob^ Patrick of London Founder II., 31-in. The First & Second Bell Subscribed for Anno Domini 1784 III., 33-in. HERE YOV MAY SEE THE YOVTH BOVGHT iME I : I : R : D : CH : W : R : P : FECIT 1 7 1 2 IV., 37-in. Robcrtus + Mof + fecit + mc + Pctrio + 1599 R7A © v., 40-in. Benj^ Behen Ch. Warden 1763. Lester & Pack of London Fecit VI., 42i-in, Recast 181 2 Rev° Edw° Nares Rector W'" Coley Jn° Dean Church Wardens VII., 46-in. lOHN MATHER RECTOR . BENI . BEKEN & CHA^ DAY CH. WARDENS 1759 LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT VIIL, so^-in. lOHN lENNINGS ROBERT DIBLY CHVRCH- WARDENS RICHARD PHELPS FECIT 17 12 Priest's 15^-in. Francis Taylor ch : \v : 1717 r : phelps fecit The Sanctus or Priest's bell is lying in the church porch, unhung and clapperless. It is a pity it is not put to some use. Death knell — rung as soon as notice received; tenor bell for men, first, tellers of three strokes tivice repeated; toll for five minutes and ring for half an hour. Same bell and use for women, but tellers 2x2 only. For children of both sexes the 6th bell is used. On day of funeral, in early morning the first six bells are each struck thrice or twice, according to sex ; same repeated ; then tenor rung for half an hour. For children, the first five bells are similarly struck, and then 6th bell rung. Tenor tolled in all cases for an hour before burial. Sunday ringing— 8 a.m. or "Matins Bell" rung for five minutes (2nd bell) ; Z I ']0 Inscriptions. 9 a.m. or " Mass Bell;" two bells (4th and 5th or 6th and 7th) rung for a quarter of an hour, and then all eight bells chimed. Immediately after sermon 2nd bell rung for five minutes, to denote an after- noon service. At 2 p.m. the bells are rung as at 9 a.m. This is a very curious custom — can it be a survival of anything } For service, tenor tolled for twenty minutes. Ringing on Easter Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and when con- firmations are held. Tenor bell tolled for three minutes before vestry meetings. Ringing on the usual loyal anniversaries, and on the Forester's Day. There are many notices of peals rung by the Society of Biddenden Youths. Best thanks to the Rev. W. Peterson, Rector. BILSINGTON. SS. Peter and Paul. 2, formerly 3 Bells. I., 29-in. MICHAEL lEMETT CH : WARDEN RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1710 IL, 39-in. In XHuIfis J5^nnis ^efottcf (Sfampana lol^annis u e u Both bells are cracked. T. R. E. Item iij belles in the steple. The stamps on the larger bell are Nos. 27, 26, and 25. BIRCHINGTON. All Saints. 5 Bells. I., 2Si-in. SAM = KNIGHT ME FECIT 1728 O O O II., 29-'in. WILLIAM AS PERSON SK ME FECIT 1728 HI., 3oi-in. WILLIAM JEPP CW SK ME FECIT 1728 IV., 35-in. to'jcpl) I)afc(; ma5c xwo^ ® 1633 WH v., 36-in. SAMUEL KNIGHT MADE ME 1730 Death knell usually rung at 7.30 on morning after death. Tellers at both beginning and end — 3 x 3 for male, 2 x 2 for female. On day of funeral bell tolled early, and at time of interment. Bells chimed for services — " ringing in " on treble for the last five minutes. No peals rung now, the bells being out of order. Inscriptions. 171 There is a very light ring of twelve bells in the tower of Quex Park in this parish. They are by Thomas Mears the younger, and dated 18 18. Best thanks to the Vicar, the Rev. J. P. Alcock, jun., for above informa- tion, as well as for leave to extract the following from his parish accounts, which are of unusual interest, commencing in the year 1531 : 1532 Itm. for ij belroyps on to the grett bell and one other to the smalbel the p'' ... ... ... xviij//. Itm. for one pott of oylle ... ... ... \\]d. ob. 1533 Itm. Ryngyng at the tempes to thomas nor- mane .. ... ... .■■ ... ••- \]d. Itm. for one pott of oylle ... ... ... v]d. Itm. for one bell roype ... ... ••• x^. Itm. for mendyng of the clappyr of the grayt bell ij^. vj^/. 1534 Itm. for one bell rope ... ... ■•■ -•• x^- Itm, for mendyng of the grt bell clappyr ... xij^/. 1535 Itm. for ij bell Roppys ■■• ••• ••• xviij^. Itm. for Ryngyng at The tempes \]d. 1536 Itm. for medyng of The grayt bell clappyr ... xjV. 1538 Itm. for ij bell rops ... ••• ••• ••• ij-^- Itm. for medyng of ij bell clappyrs iij.y. \(\]d. 1539 Itm. for on bellclappyr medyng xx^/. Itm. for on bawdryk ... ... ... ••• ^^d- Itm. payt for medyng of the greyt bell clappyr \]s. \d. Itm. for one bawdryk to the same bell ... ixr/. Itm. for on bell rope ... ... ■•• ••• viij(/. 1540 Itm. to John Swane for medyng of the bell clappyr and the bokkyll ... ... ... ij'^- Itm. for one bawdryk ... ... •■• •■• ^^''^^ 1541 Itm. for Ryngyng at the tempes ij'^- Itm. to the Smyth for medyng the greyt beil hernesse ... ... •■• •■• ••• ^J"- Itm. for one bell Rope ... .•• ••• ^^''^• Itm. for mendyng of the bellys to the Smyth xx^. 1542 Itm. one bell Rope the pee ^v^^- Itm. on other bell Rope the pee viij^'^^- ffor a bell rope .•• xxij^- 1567 ffor a bell rope \\\)d. ffor ij weynskottes to make the whele for the litle bell iiij^- p'^ to the worckman and his ij men for three daies worcke ... ... ... ... • • • "^'V- p^ to John Caules for theyr meat & drinkc ... Vi'. 1569 paid for a belrope ... ... ... ••• ^^''^• 1574 Itm. for a bellroppe ... ... ... ••• '^^' Itm. for a bellrope ... ..■ .•• ••• ^'-'^^• ?i576 Ffirst to W" Wartman for a bell rope ... ijj^. iiij^- 1/4 Inscriptions. 1578 1579 1581 1585 1586 158S 1590-91 1600 Itm. to Skilton the carpinter for two dales worcke for him and two men about trussinge upp the belles Itm. to W"' Simons for Iron worcke about the belles... Itm. for ij bell ropes Itm. spente at the pullinge downe of the Bell.. Itm. in charges aboute Bell Itm. for the Bawdricke of the greate Bell Itm. the Dinner of V men Itm. for the Dinner of the Belfounder and his mann... Itm. for the daies worcke of a carpinf Itm. for the Smithes worcke ... Itm. for drincke at the waiynge of the Bell and at the castinge of the same ... Itm. for iiij horses meate Itm. for cariage of the Bell Itm. for the castinge and for mettall to the Bell ffirst makinge the greate Bell clapp"' w'^*' waied xxxiij'' at iij^. the li ... Itm. for Roundeinge the clapper of the seconde Bell Itm. for ij Bell Roppes Itm. for a belrope Itm. to Isaacke Simons for mcndinge the bell clapp"^ ffor baudrickes to the belles ... ffbr two bell Ropes for mending the bell clappers ... for bell roopes ... It. for mendinge the bell clapper It. to the carpenter for workcman shipp & timeber for the bells ... It. payd for bawdrickes 1605 It. for charges at taking Downe the bell xviij^. xxij^. \]s. \\\]d. \\]s. \\\]d. xij^. xx^. x^. \]d. xviij^. xiiij^. xvj^. vj^. \\\]d. vj//. VUJ^. \\]S. \]S. \\]S. xxd. ujd. ixd. \}s. \n)d. ij^. iij^. 4d xx'ijd. viij^. vj^. i]d. xvujd. xxxixs. iiiji'. viij'/. Inscinptions. ii- VI J jr. xxiij^. iiij^/. \]S. viij^/. xviij^/. xxijd'. xviijj. XXVi'. xij^. iiji'. \\\]d. iij^. myi. vj^. xd. \s. v]d. viij//. vj//. for part payment 1606 Inprimis for taking downe the 2 bells It. for carrying & recarrying the bells... ... iij//. It. for other charge in going & coming It. for baudricks It. when the belfounder came at Christmas ... (Paid by other warden) Inprimis for taking downe the bells It. at carying and recarying the bels ... It. p*^ to the Carpenter... It. p^ to the Sawyers ... (Other payments in large detail) It. for charges in going to Cant, w*^ the founder It. for going \v*^ the founder the 2 tyme It. for two new bell ropes It. for making the ey of the clapper ... It, p"^ to the founder at Christmas It. p^ to hire the 2 tyme This recasting was clearly by Joseph Hatch. His receipt is still preserved, and is as follows : Receved by me Joseph Hatch of the pishe' of Bromfeild in the County of Kent the summe of viij//. w* is in f)t of payment of xxiij/z. xviijV. viij^. payable by the wardens of the pish of Birchington in the Isle of Than- nett for casting ther bells as by an obligation more playnly appeareth. I say reC^ by me at the handes of Robert Cavill one of the wordens aforesayd the viij'*^ day of January 1606 Delivered in the presence of Joseph I H Hatch James Badnore minister by his m'ke 1607 to 1619 Only small payments recorded. 1620 It. for Beer when y«^ Bellfounder came ou' ... 2s. Gd. It. at taking down of y'^ Bell ?>s. 4'/. It. to Joseph Hatch for casting of y"" bell ... 7//. \(is. 8^/. It. for myselfe and my horse 2 Dayes about y*^ Bell lo-f- o'^- viijV/. 3^- 6d. 2S. od. 2S. 6d. 2S. od. Ad. 7S. 2d 1/6 Inscriptions. It. for Beer at y^ taking up of y^ Bell... ... 2S. od. It. to y" Shoomaker for mending y*" Bells Bath- rickes ... ... ... ... ... \s. od. It. to Thomas Trier for carrying y*" Bells «Sc shindies ... ... ... ... ... 2//. o^. od. It. for my iourney to Canterbury & my horse to pay y° Bellfounder his last payment It. for a bathricke for on of y" Bells ... It. to Thomas Groomes for making y" writings betwixt y*" Bellfounder & us... It. for another bathricke for on of y" Bells ... It. to John Hayward for fetching of that bath- ricke .. It. to Robert Cauell for work about y" Bells . . . 1624 It. for a messengers hyre to goe to y" Bell- founder & for y*^ Bellfounders supper and breakefast when he came ou' ... ... 10^. od. It. for making one paire of Indentures between him & us ... ... ... ... ... 2s. 6d. It. for charges at y" taking downe and up of y" Bell It. for carrying y" old Bell & bringing y^ new It. to y*" Bellfounder for new casting y*" Bell ... It. for 31 pound of mettle wayighing more than y° old Bell ... ... ... ... ... ili. lis. od. No items of much interest for some years. Curiously enough, there are no entries at all of the recasting of the present No. 4 in 1633. It would there- fore seem to have been done at the expense of some private benefactor. In 1642, two new bell ropes weighing 20^ lb. cost 6d. per lb., and there are pay- ments of 30^. to bell-hanger and his man for nine days' work, and of 26s. for a new wheel and other materials. During the Parliamentary period, the entries are still more scanty. In 1655 50 lb. of rope cost 5^. per lb. ; George Smith is paid is. 6d. for mending the little bell, and " Nuby " a similar sum " for the little bells baldricke." And there are a few other like items. Activity commences with the Restoration. 5^- 8d iH. I OS. od. Ili- I OS. od. Inscriptions. 177 1663-65 Spent at the Bell founders takeing downe the Bells in Beere ^s. Spent when we got the Bells into the church is. Paid to John Neame for fetching the first two bells i//- Paid for fetching the Treble from Canterbury 5^-. Item at the same time spent on y*" Bell founder \s. pd for fetching the Bell frame from Minster ... 5^. Spent on the workmen w'-'' came to worke on the bell frame ... ... ... ... T.f. 6^. pd Tho Fuller for the fframe ... ... ... 20//. p'' for 4 bardricks and the putting them on ... 125. Item spent on the Carpenter & Ringers that daie the bells were hang'' upp ... ... ^s. Item p"* Newby for makeing of a Bardrick for the fowerth Bell 5.?. 6^. p'' Goodman Moyse for 5 Bell roapes ... iS^'. It. p'' Robert Twyman for 3 new Clappers w' 48"' 2//. 8^. It. for mending the other clappers 3^. Many other payments for the frame and hang- ing follow here. Item paid Thomas Palmer Bell founder as appears by his accquittance the sume of ... 25//. 1668-9 paid to Goodman Twidden for drilling of 4 holes in the 3 bell and mending of all the rest 3^'- paid moer the same time to John Smith for lether to use about the belles ... ... 8^. 1683-4 5 Bell rops cost n-^- 9^- Spent upon y'' Ringers on ])ouder i)lott . . . 2jr. td. paid Henrie Hills for drink for y"^ Ringers which was drink pouder plot 1683 ... ■•• 2s. 6d. 1684-5 4 Bell ropes cost ^^^- ^^• 1685-6 for 5 new Belroops wayinge 28"'^ at 5!'' •■• i2j-. 7^/. 1686-88 To Mary East Smithe (&c.) To y" said Mary for mending y^^ bell guggens is. 6d. 2 A 178 Inscriptions. To y" said Mary for 4 bolts about the bells ... 2s. To y" said Mary for forelocks and Keas about the bells ^s. Sd. To y*" said Mary for speeks and brads about the bells ... ... ... ... ... ... IS. To Robert Cotton for the Ringers one holiday is. paid for the Ringers being pouder Treason ... 2s. 6d. To Richard Coleman for Leather about the bells ... ... ... ... ... ... 2i. 1688-9 A set of bell ropes i2>s. Henceforward nearly all payments are " as by bill," and the bell entries are consequently almost impossible to be picked out. The following relate to the last recastings that have taken place. 1728-9 Spent at a parish meeting about y" Bells ... 4.S. <^d. Spent on y^ Bell founders agreeing to cast ... 2s. At a meeting and takeing down y'' Bells & charges on Founders ... ... ... 17.^. ^d. Ordered to M'' Harris & another for seeing y" bells weigh'd... ... ... ... ... 2s. For Carriage to & from Canterbury y" Bells ... i//. 6^-. paid for Help to unload y*" bells when y^ came back ... ... ... ... ... ... T^s. paid to M' Harris &c. to drink for seing y*" bells weigh'd after cast ... ... ... 2s. paid for y*" Bell hangers on first comeing according to custom Spent for help in drawing y*" Bells up in y'' Staple Paid y" Founders for casting & hanging as ap- pears by bills 1729-30 Paid to Knight y" founder for over mettle last years ac' Paid for help unloading y° Bell Charges on y" Founders Paid for help drawing y" Bell up in y'' Steple Paid for casting y*" Founders Bill ... ... 5//. 2S. U. Ss- 2d 25//. lli. IS. 3^- 6d 3^- Inscriptions. 1 79 Paid for overweight in y*-' mettle of her ... i6i'. Paid for hanging her & as it all appears by y" bill ... ... ... ... ... ... \li. \os. 1 730-1 5 Bell ropes ... ... ... ... ... \Zs. There is an annual payment of 151. for ringing, and payments for bell ropes occur regularly, but not annually, as is very common. In 1638, according to Lewis's " History of Thanet," the inhabitants fixed the clerk's perquisites for tolling at funerals, as follows : Inprimis. The great bell for a knell ... iiiji-. iiij^. It. the second bell ... ... ... ... \\]s. It. the littell bell \]s. \od. BIRCHOLT. St. Margaret. This church possessed in 1552 " ij bells in the Steple." In 157S it was reported at the visitation that there was no church standing. In Hasted's time there were some small portions of the walls still standing — probably now " perierunt etiam ruina." BIRLING. All Saints. 6 Bells. I., 241-in. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1759 II., 26-in. M"^ Armigill Whitting C" Warden 1746 T : Lester Made Me III., 28-in. Tho'' Lester Made Me 1746 IV., 29 in. iooepl) \)aici} mabc \\\c 163 1 v., 3ii-in. Same. © 1631 VI., 34-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT RE CW © 1631 BISHOPSBOURNE. St. M.'vry. 4 I>ells. L, 26-in. CHRISTOPHER Q HODSON Q AL^DE Q ME Q ^^^S O O II., 2S-in. toGcpI) ()afct) wxabc mc TC + CW + ® 16 18 III., 30^ in. Same. IV., 34"in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT TC CW © 1618 Passing bell rung — unusual " tellers " — one stroke for a man, two for a woman. A bell rung at 8 a.m. on Sunday — the old " Matins " bell. Bells chimed for service. Sometimes rung, ex. gr., on festivals. Best thanks to the Rector, the Rev. 'V. Hirst. 2 .\ 2 1 So Inscriptions. BLACKHEATH. All Saints. 2 Bells. Properly speaking, one and a priest's bell. The latter, 13 J in. diameter, is by Warner and Sons, dated 1858 ; the larger bell is presumably from the same foundry, and later in date. St. John Evangelist. i Bell. L, 41-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1853. St. Germain. i Bell. I., i8-in. THO" JANAWAY LONDON FECLr 1769. This chapel was, according to Hasted, built by a Mrs. Graham, who died in 1698. She is also stated to have endowed it with, inter alia., two pounds per annum for ringing the bell. So far, however, as I can learn, this last endow- ment has been lost. St. Michael and All Angels. i Bell. One modern bell. Morden College. i Bell. A small bell about iS in. diameter, apparently modern and devoid of inscription. It hangs in an open cupola over the entrance gate, and is used primarily as a clock bell; but it is also used to ring for service, and so is included here, although not properly a "church" bell, not being near the chapel. BLEAN. S.S. CosMAS and Damian. i Bell. L, 22-in. W F T P 1650 Bell by Thomas Palmer, of Canterbury. Date probably 1659 BOBBING. St. Bartholomew. 6 Bells. I., 26^-in. - IL, 28kn. IIL, 3oiin. IV., 32-m. v., 35Wn.^ VL, 37^-in. Thomas Mears of London Fecit Thomas Colley Church Warden 1804 Hasted notes here only five bells. It would therefore seem that a heavy ring of five was recast into a light peal of six in 1804. They were re-hung by Warner and Sons in 1884. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 1804 Inscriptions. i8i Death knell rung morning after death. Tenor tolled for half an hour before funeral. Bells rung for services on Sundays. No special ringing on festivals, etc., either sacred or secular. A bell tolled for vestry meeting. Thanks due to the Rev. E. D. Carpenter, Vicar. Tenor of this beautiful ring has recently cracked from having the clapper flight tampered with (September, 1886). BONNINGTON. I., 23-in. Blank. St. Rumwald. I Bell. T, R. E. Item ij bells in the steple. BORDEN. I., 3o|-in.^ II., 3ii-in. in., 33|-in. IV., 36i-in. v., 39-in. VI., 41-in. VII., 45J in. VIII., 51-in. S.S. Peter and Paul. 8 Bells. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 180; The present eight Bells were cast from a former •PEAL OF six M"" John Vinson M" William Wise Jun"^ Ch. Wardens Tho"" Mears of London Fecit 1802 Clock strikes on tenor. Passing bell rung as soon as death is known. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 X 2 for female. No ringing at funerals. Peals on Easter Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. Also on the Queen's and the Vicar's birthdays. This last is a " local use," peculiar, I think, to Borden. The ring has lately been put into thorough order, at a cost to the parish of about ;^7o, by Snelling, of Sittingbourne. Practice every Monday evening, excepting in June, July, and August. Best thanks to the Rev. F. E. Tuke. 1 82 Inscriptions. BOUGHTON-UNDER-BLEAN. S.S. Peter and Paul. 6 Bells. I., 29-in. AlTHO. I AM BOTH UGHT & SMALL. I WILL BE HEARD above you all Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1775. II., 31-in. If you HAVE A judicious ear. Youll own my Voice is SWEET & Clear Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1775. III., 33-in. To Honour both of God & King. Our Voices shall in Consort Ring Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1775. IV., 34-in. Whilst thus we Join in Chearfull Sound. May Love & Loyalty Abound v., 38-in. Ye Ringers all that prize your Health & Happiness. Be Sober Merry Wise & You'll the same Possess Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1775. VI., 42-in. W" Hills & Osborne Snoulton Ch : Wardens 1775. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit Passing bell does not seem to be rung unless specially requested. There is a knell on day of funeral, and tolling while corpse is carried to grave. Bells chimed for Sunday services, " tolling in " on tenor. Thanks to Vicar, the Rev. H. M. Spooner. BOUGHTON ALUPH. All Saints. 5 Bells. I., 2S^-in. jyilliam I)ak() wxaix*. mc R B C w 1653 II., 29-in. Same. E K C W © 1652 III., 35-in. .Sauctc ^w<^ xii©-:d^ ^m- e-jixiH ^ u ^ (Fig. 35) T. R. E. Item iiij bells in the steple and one hande bell. The third bell is by WilHam Culverden (see p. 50). As regards the tenor bell, the Rev. P. S. Nottidge tells me he has been informed that it was prubably the gift of one of the Burghersh family. I am Inscriptions. 183 afraid his informant's campanistic knowledge is very limited. Anyhow, he was mistaken. The Burghersh family sold the Manor in 1365, and the bell is nearly 200 years later. It was cast by William Oldfield, of Canterbury, pro- bably about 1540 (see p. 55). It bears the figure of a demi-angel in high relief, no doubt intended for St. Gabriel. The initial G is very quaint in character, and will be found engraved as an initial letter to the Preface. A grand old belfry in a very dilapidated condition. The bells, too, are in bad order, and one of the trebles is cracked. BOUGHTON MALHERBE. St. Nicholas. 3, formerly 4 Bells. I., 29I in. ioscpl) I)a{c() iita5c me © 1624 II., 34i-in. Same. III., 38-"in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME PECIT © 1624 BOUGHTON MONCHELSEA. St. Peter. 6 Bells. I., 2S-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1880 DIGIT PETRO DOMINUS TU SEQUERE ME DEO GLORIA ET IMPERIUM IN S/f:CULA S^XU- LORUM IL, 30-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON t88o DEUM TIMETE REGEM HONORIFICATE SUSCITO VOS IN COMMONITIONE IIL, 32-in. BELL KMAPPE RVD STO^/1 ESQVIRE 1592 IV., 35j-in. NATHANEL TVRNER CH : WARDEN lAMES BART- LET MADE ME 1693 © v., 39-in. tosc^r) ^afcl) ma6c mc I C C w o 1614 VI., 43^-in. ED WEDD O CW O 1727 O lOHN WAYLETT LONDON MADE ME O O O O O The third bell is by Giles Reve. It has an ornamental border above the inscription, and between each word there is a crowned Rose. BOXLEY. St. Mary the Virgin and All Saints. 6 Bells. I., 30-in. "i /'803 IIL, 33i-in. IV., 35-in. J II. , 31-in. \ ^ ^, ^ ^ 1803 ' Thomas Mears of London Fecit ' 1804 1804 II., 3ii-in- III., 33i-in- IV, 37i-in. v.. 40^, -in. T. R. E. 1 84 Inscriptions. v., 3S},-in. .Thomas Mears of London Fecit 1804 VI., 42i-in. John Hunt Church Warden Thomas Mears of London Fecit 1803 Bells re-hung some ten or fifteen years ago, and apparently in excellent order. In Hasted's time there were here "4 small bells, cast in 1652 by M. Darby." BRABOURNE. St. Mary. 5 Bells. I., 29-in. jDttliam ()afc() ma6c \\\c FY C W 1656 WILLIAM HATCH MADE ME HA C W © 1656 Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1774 Richard Kennett Church Warden Pack & Chapman OF London Fecit 1774 lOSEPH HATCH MADE ME © 1605 Item iiij bells in the steple. Item one herse bell. Mr. Bryan Faussett's note of 1758 as to the bells here is " 5 Bells all made by Joseph Hatch, 1656." This is manifestly incorrect as regards I., II., and v., but it points to the probable fact that III. and IV. were similar to I. and II. in inscription. Passing bell rung on day of death. Tellers — the usual 3x3 for man or 3 X 2 for woman. Bell tolled before funerals and while corpse is being carried to the grave. Bells chimed for services. Peals on Easter Day, Whitsun Day, New Year's Eve, and harvest festival. The parish books contain the following entries, kindly sup])lied by the late Rev. P. B. Perry Ayscough : 1699 Spent about putting out* the bells & steeple Paid M' Hunt for taking the bells down... 1702 Paid Jn'^ Walke and W™ Walke Bell hangers Paid Jn° Walke and W"> Walke for brasses for the bells 1704 paid Jn" Walke for doing the bells 1711 paid W'" Walke for work about the bells spent on hanging the clapper * The work to be done — the steeple was pulled down and rebuilt, and bells re-hun^ 1699- 1702. 85. lod. l//. OS. od. 16//. OS. od. l//. 8x. od. ^s. od \\s. od. dd. Inscriptions. 185 BRASTED. St. Martin. 6 Bells. I., 2S-in. GILLETT & BLAND CROYDON THIS PEAL (1730) WAS RECAST IN 1881 II., 3o-in.x III, 32-in.( QjLLE'p'p ^ BLAND CROYDON 18S1 IV., 34-in. v., 37-in.j VL, 40-in. GILLETT & BLAND CROYDON. TPIIS PEAL WAS RECAST IN 1881 J. W. RYND RECTOR W FEARON TIPPING^ r^ ..j^, , ^ CHURCH WARDENS T WELLS j The ring which these six replaced were as follows : I., 28-in. R: Phelps fecit 1730 II., 30^-in. Same. III., 33-in. Same. IV., 34|-in. Same. v., 38-in. Same. VI., 41-in. THE REV" GEORGE SECKER D : D RECTOR : lOHN YOUNG & ROBERT SMITH : CHURCH WARDENS 1764 THOMAS JANAWAY OF LONDON FECIT BREDGAR. St. John the Baptist. 5 Bells. I., 30-in. THE GVIFT OF THOMAS ALDERSEY GENTLEMAN 1692 lACOBVS BARTLET ME FECIT II., 321-in. lOHN ^ WILMAR ^ MADE ME a i69o III., 36-in. + Robert + mot + nmbc + mc + mdlxxix ■^ ^ IV., 39-in. lOHM WILMAR 1634 v., 40-in. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1842 In a continuation to Mr. Bryan Faussett's MS., dated 1760, it is noted that there were then here " five bells, upon the largest of which y^' clock strikes, dedicated to St. John. For services : Bells chimed, tolling on tenor, treble rung up for last five minutes. 2 B 1 86 Inscriptions. The following lines are preserved here ; they date from last century " My friendly Ringers I to you declare You must pay i^ (Fig. 10) ^y^wi^is Sisfo XXlclis "yTocor Campana T. R. E. Item iij gret bells and ij hand bells. For account of tenor, see p. 27. BRIDGE. St. Peter. 3 Bells. I., 33-in. Blank. II., 36-in. Blank. III., 39-in. ^ ,^TgC3 : XIl,^mi.^ : ^^^JT^miLjT^ : ^j!^mMF^ ■■ j^j^s : m^M'^ u (Fig. 2) For mention of tenor bell, see p. 1 1. BROADSTAIRS. Holy Trinity. i Bell. I., 34l-in. NAYLOR VICKERS & C"^ 1861 SHEFFIELD E. RIEPE'S PATENT N" 2734 BROCKLEY. St. Cyprian. i Bell. Modern church (18S2), with probably one bell of that date. BROCKLEY HILL. St. Saviour. i Bell. Built 1866, probably only one bell of that date. BROMLEY. SS. Peter and Paul. 8 and a Sanctus Bell. I., 29-in. PROSPERITY TO THE PARISH OF BROMLEY T: J AN A WAY FECIT 1773 IL, 30-in. MUSICA EST MENTIS MEDICINA THOMAS J AN AWAY FECIT 1773 IIL, 321-in. HE AND HE ONLY AIMS ARIGHT WHO JOYNS INDUSTRY WITH DELIGHT THO^JANAWAY FECIT 1773 2 ]! 2 iSS Liscriptions. IV., 34^in. WHEN FROM THE EARTH OUR NOTES REBOUND THE HHXS AND VALLEYS ECCO ROUND THO^ J AN AWAY FECLr 1773 v., 37i-in. THO'^ JAN AW AY FECIT 1773 VI., 38i-in. THOMAS JANAWAY FECIT 1773 VH., 42-'in. THE RINGERS ART OUR GRATEFUL NOTES PRO- LONG APOLLO LISTENS AND APROVES THE SONG THOMAS JANAWAY FECIT 1773 VHI., 47Mn. JOSEPH SHIRLEY & lOHN MANN CHURCH WARDENS 1773 THOMAS JANAWAY FECIT Sanctus, 24^-in. THOMAS JANAWAY FECIT 1777 T. R. E. Item iiij greale bells suted in the steple, one sants bell and iij lytle sacrying bells, one hand bell. St. John Evangelist. i Bell. Modern church (1880), presumably one bell of that date. BROMLEY COMMON. Holy Trinity. i Bell. I., 2ii-in. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1S41 BROMLEY. St. Mary, Plaistow. i Bell. Built 1863. Has probably one bell of that date. BROMPTON (NEW). St. Mark. i Bell. A modern church, with doubtless one equally modern bell. BROMPTON (OLD). Holy Trinity. i Bell. I., 29-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1S48 The Vicar, Canon D. Cooke, says : " AVe have no bells ;" but as he puts the objective in the plural and not in the singular, I presume there is still one bell, as there was twenty years ago. BROOK. St. Mary. 3 Bells. I., 28^in. Blank. II., 30-in. + u + u III., 32i-in. tnsepri Ijafcli matiE mc 1612 Inscriptions. 189 T. R. E. " Three bells." For mention of No. 2, see p. 39. The foundry-stamp is Fig. 22. Death knell — tellers {z^Z ^oi' i^i^le, 3x2 for female) both at beginning and end. Bell tolled at funeral. Sunday services — bells first rung, then one tolled, fifteen minutes each. Bell rung for vestry meetings. Best thanks to Rector, Rev. J. Philpott. BROOKLAND. St. Augustine. 5 Bells. I., 3ii-in. lOHN * HODSON * MADE * MFE * 1685 O •}}(» O I ^ EVE * W * CLARKE * CHVRCH ^ WAR- DENS «)J(. II., 33-in. Same. III., 34-in. Q\i '^untcn ^wmtnt X^cnctitcfiJm U ® U (Figs. 27, 26, and 25). IV., 36-in. lOHN -¥ HODSON •¥ MADE ^ MEE ^ 1685 Q "ilp O '■Jp lOHN * EVE * WILLIAM * CLARKE ^ WARD * ENS c)J(. v., 4 1 -in. Same. T. R. E. Item in the steple iiii small bells, and in the ckurch one warn- ing bell, one hand bell, and one sacringe bell. No. 3 bell by Henry Jordan. See p. 44. Death knell — tellers (3x3 for male, 3 x 2 for female) both at beginning and end ; toll for quarter of an hour, raise bell, then minute strokes for half an hour. Funerals — knell after sunrise, bell tolled slowly for an hour, and the same again before funeral, and when leaving the church for the grave. Marriage peals — rung both before and after wedding, and again in the evening. Eight o'clock bell on Sunday mornings, "and when sermon" (2nd bell used). For vestry meetings 2nd bell — " Call bell" — rung. The wonderful wooden campanile, like three huge extinguishers one atop of the other, is well known. It is probably built of old ship-timber. Best thanks to the Rev. W. Baldock, Vicar. 1 90 Inscriptions. BROOM FIELD. St. Margaret. 3 Bells. I., 25i-in. Blank. II., 26|-in. UtiltiAm Iiafiii malre nte MB CW 1663 III., 28-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1879 The former tenor bore the date 1579, but no founder's name or stamp. BUGKLAND BY DOVER. St. Andrew. 3 Bells. I., 2i-in. 1754 XL, 22-in. U © U (Figs. 27, 26, and 25). III., 25-in. I * S * C * \V r|. IH * ME * FECIT * 16S3 * No. 2 by Henry Jordan. See p. 44. Death knell, twelve hours after death (but not at night) ; usual tellers 3 X 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman. On day of funeral a knell is rung if paid for. Begins with age of deceased, and then same as passing bell. Sunday services — all three rung for five minutes, then single bell for fifteen minutes. Old year tolled out and new one rung in. Best thanks to the Vicar, the Rev. T. Evans. BUGKLAND BY FAVERSHAM. i Bell. Church in ruins ; only western end and part of south wall with a handsome Norman doorway remaining. The bell, however, is preserved at the farmhouse hard by. It is 17^ in. diameter, and bears only the date " 1696." BURHAM. St. Mary THE Virgin. 3 Bells. I., 25-in. RICHARD PHELPS FECIT 1700 II., 25i-in. D ^\.%^i^j^^\.^^ \ :©©■ : "yr^"^^X3a:Bj:H III., 29-in. RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1734 No. 2 is an exceedingly interesting specimen of quite early fourteenth cen- tury work. It is " long waisted," and consequently, although according to its diameter it is placed second in the ring, it is deeper in tone than No. 3, and should really be considered as the tenor. See p. 9. Passing bell rung immediately after death. Tellers (unusual) :iyy- 2, for adults, 3x2 for children. Inscriptions. 191 Bell tolled for half an hour before funeral. Bells rung for service, " ringing in " for last ten minutes on one only. Best thanks to the Vicar, the Rev. W. A. Keith. BURMARSH. All Saints. 3 Bells. I., 29-in. Blank. II., 30-in. + ^oy^msy^^n^B ^ ©'HP? ^ ^lO^ixm^Et III., 36-in. + Xiamen XHagtialcnc O^tnipana Gcinf jOrictuME D U T. R. E. Item iij bells in the steple. I have not seen these bells myself, but Mr. Tyssen notes on the rubbings that Nos. I and 2 are apparently by the same founder. The initial cross on No. 2 is Fig. 5, the stop Fig. 4, The cross on No. 3 is Fig. 14, and the other stamps Figs. 18 and 17. CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL. Christchurch. 10 Bells, Clock bell, and Curfew bell. I., 3ii-in. Thomas Mears London Fecit A D 1S02 Pace Reddita IL, 32-in. T PowYS D^ W Welfitt V D^ H Radcliffe T"^ E Walsey R"" T Mears Fecit 1802 III., 34-in. Samu^ Norris Gul^ Gostling A M S K 1726 AD MDCCCLV Benj Harrison A M Thesaur° H G Austin Archit*^ C & G Mears Founders London IV., 36-in. U GVL-AYERST STB GVL EGERTON LED JO- HANNES GOSTLING AM SAM- KNIGHT 1726 v., 38 in. U SAM-HOLCOMBE STP JOHN CLARK STP SK 1726 RB VI., 40-in. David Wilkins STP Edwardus Wake STP SK 1726 ad mdccclv Benj Harrison AM Thesaur*^ H G AusiiN Archit'^ C & G Mears Founders London 192 Inscriptions. VIL, 43Un. U lOHNNES GRANDORGE STP JOHNNES HAN- COCKE STP SK 1727 VIII., 46f in. U EDUARDUS TENISON STP HON-EDUARDUS FINCH AM SK FECIT 1728 IX., 5U-in. RADULPHUS BLOMER STP ELLAS SYDAL STP SK FECIT 1726 X., 57i-in. Ye ringers all that prize your health and happiness Be sober merry wise & you'll the same possess Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1778 Clock Bell, 70-in. Gulielmo Friend STP Decano Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1762 W^' Chapman Molded me "Bell Harry." lOSEPH HATCH ME FECIT 1635 Of these the first ten constitute the "ring." The Clock bell (Great Dun- stan) is also used as a Death bell. "Bell Harry" is at the top of the centre tower, and is used to call to daily matins and evensong. It is also rung daily at 5.45 a.m. in summer, and 6.45 a.m. in winter, and at 8 p.m. These, with- out doubt, are survivals of the ancient morning and evening "Ave" bells — the latter also known as the Curfew or Ignitegium. Its other use is to notify the death of the Sovereign or the Archbishop of the province. Many thanks for this information to Rev. P. W. Loosemore. On the subject of the bells of the earliest successive Metropolitan cathedrals history is silent, until we come to that erected by Archbishop Lanfranc in 1070-77. No doubt they had bells. With almost equal certainty we can conclude that they were in a detached campanile, after the Italian custom. Such a building did actually exist here on an ascertained spot to the south of the Cathedral as late as 1382, when it was destroyed by an earthquake. Whether the erection which then perished was the work of Saxon or Norman, or later times, is unknown ; possibly it had been rebuilt more than once. The cathedral built by Lanfranc, as above mentioned, was, as is well known, very considerably altered and enlarged, within thirty years, by two successive Priors — Ernulph and Conrad — and it is in connection with these two that we get the first positive mention of bells. Prior Ernulph would seem, from the entry in Anglia Sacra^ to have given one large bell — this bell was recast by his successor, Conrad, who added to it four smaller ones. Prior Wybert, some sixty years later, added a sixth of very large size, the entry concerning it being that he " Signum quoque magnum in clocario posuit, quod triginta duo homines ad sonandum trahunt." hiscriptions. 193 This entry is quite conclusive of the fact that the bell in question was not rung in our English fashion with a rope, but in the Continental manner by treading on a plank or planks fastened across the head stock. Thirty-two men hanging on to a bell-rope is clearly impossible. I think, too, we cannot doubt that Conrad's five, as well as Wybert's tenor, were all " in clocario " — in the campanile. The next bell operations of which we have any note are those of Henry of Eastry (Prior 1285-1331), who in 1316 added to the other bells in the Cam- panile one dedicated to St. Thomas the Martyr, which weighed 8,000 lbs. He bought other bells in that and the following year, of which I shall speak pre- sently. Of later additions to the campanile we have only one record. Prior Hath- brand (1339-70) placed " duas magnas campanas in clocario, viz., Jesu et Dunstan " — both dedications singularly appropriate, the Cathedral itself being dedicated to Our Blessed Lord, and St. Dunstan being not only Primate, but also, if chronicles are to be trusted, a bellfounder, if not actually per se, certainly per alios. Hasted states (incorrectly) that these two bells were in the south-west tower. The worthy historian, no doubt, was ignorant of the fact that " clo- carius " does not mean clock tower but bell tower, and confounded the old detached campanile with the comparatively modern south-west clock tower. When the campanile fell from the shock of an earthquake in 1382, no doubt the bells were broken ; but there is no record of the disposition of the metal. It is, however, I think, traceable. We have now to transfer our interest in the subject to the Central or Angel Tower, first built by Archbishop Lanfranc. This does not seem to have been stocked with bells until the Priorate of Henry of Eastry before mentioned. He in 13 17 bought three new bells and placed them in it. The largest is- stated to have weighed 1,460 lbs., the middle one 1,210 lbs., and the smallest 1,124 lbs. They cost j[,(ii 9s., exclusive of the frame and hanging. Archbishop Arundel gave a ring of four bells, whose weights are stated ta have been 1,646 lbs. 2,272 „ 3.646 „ 7,188 „ respectively, and placed them in this tower. I own that I am rather sus- picious as to this " gift," looking to the close coincidence of the date with that 2 C 1 94 Inscriptions. of the destruction of the campanile, and am much inclined to surmise that the Archbishop merely paid for the casting, and that the metal used was that of the broken bells- — Dunstan and his fellows. Prior Thomas Chillenden (1391-1411) is stated to have given a bell, dedi- cated to the Blessed Trinity, which doubtless also found an abode in the Central Tower. The record of the benediction of the five bells is still pre- served in the Registry at Lambeth, and is as follows : Memo^nd qd Octavo die Mensis Aprilis Anno dni Mittimo CCCC">°- nono Reveren"i*is jn xpo pater & diis dns Thom'\s dei gra Cantuariefi Archiepus tocius ^c*^ unxit benedixit & solempnirconsecravit quinq3 campanas novas in campanili Angelo^i ext^ chorum sue sancte Cantuarieii eccie. pendentes quas prius inibi appendi fecit et dicte sue eccie predonavit et diversa nomina eisdem apposuit Prime vidett maiori imposuit nomen Trinitatis Secunde nomen Marie Tercie nomen Gabrielis Archangeli Quarte nomen Sci Blasij Ac quinte & minime nomen Johannis Evangeliste. Presentib3 tunc ibidem venabi^z & discretis viris Dfio Johanni Wikeryg Archno Cantuar Magris Philippo Morgan vtriusq'^ iuris Doctore ac Wiltmo Milton Archno Buck & alijs cticis & laicis in multitudine copiosa It will be observed from this that our modern custom of reckoning a ring from the treble upwards did not apparently obtain in the fifteenth century, the certificate plainly mentioning the tenor as "No. i." This may, however, be owing to ignorance on the part of the Diocesan Registrar. Quite at the close of the century the tower appears to have been re-built, and the five bells consecrated by Archbishop Arundel, and commonly known as the " Arundel Ring," were removed thence to the north-western tower, which thenceforward bore the name of the Arundel Tower. Other bells, however, remained in the Angel Steeple, viz., Eastry's three and two others, of whose casting no record seems to have been preserved. These five were confiscated by the Crown at the dissolution in 1540, and their metal sold. The Rev. N. Battely {Cantiiaria Sacra, Part II., pp. 24, 25) gives the follow- ing curious information as to this sale : " From a Record communicated to me by my very good brother, Charles Battely, Esq., Keeper of the Records of the late Augmentation Office, I am informed that on the 5'^ of July, Anno 32 Benrici WW., there was sold to Henry Crips, oi Burchington, and Robert l7isc7'2ptions. 195 St. Legcr, ai Feversham, certain Bell-Metal, containing twenty-four thousand, six hundreth, one quartern, twenty and one pounds in waight, being parcel of the five Bells late in the great Bellfrage of Christchurch in the City of Canterbury.' There is some very curious mistake here, which I cannot solve. Hasted mentions the above sale (no doubt copying from Battely), and gives the weight as 24,646 lb. This, making the bells average nearly 5,000 lbs. apiece, is, I think, very much too large. I have carefully examined the Augmentation Office papers at the Record Office, but I cannot find the document above referred to, and must, therefore, leave the story half untold. The Central Tower, now known as " Bell Harry " Tower, contains now only one bell — " Bell Harry " — which tradition affirms to have been the gift of Henry VHI., and to have been brought out of France. If this be correct — and the name given to it seems corroborative — it has been recast, as it now bears the date 1635. We must now take up the story of the North-Western Tower, to which, so far as records serve us, the first donor of bells was Prior Henry of Eastry, in 1316. He placed therein four bells, three of which, weighing respectively 2,000, 2,200, and 2,400 lbs., were apparently intended to serve as a ring; the fourth, a smaller one weighing 756 lbs., being used only to summon the chapter. To this tower, as has already been mentioned, the five bells of the Arundel ring were removed. We have no record of any further changes or additions, but in 1726 the tower certainly contained six bells, and these were then taken down and recast into a peal of eight by Samuel Knight of London. They were, however, not replaced in the same tower, but shifted to the South- west or Chicheley Tower. The inscriptions, preserved by Hasted, on the old ring, show clearly that Eastry's five bells had been recast, probably more than once. They were as follows : I. Josephus Hatch me fecit 1635 II. Josephus Hatch me fecit 1636 III. TG, Prior, Sancte Thoura Ora Pro Nobis IV. ER. Robertus Mot me fecit 1585 V. Joseph Hatch made me 1606 VI. Beate Trinitati Campana Hec Sacra primo fusa 1408 sccundo 1624 Josephus Hatch me fecit. The inscription on the treble is suspiciously like that on " Bell Harry." This brings us to the S.W. or Chicheley Tower. Until 1726 it does not seem ever to have held but one bell— Great Dunstan-first given by Prior 2 C 2 19^ Inscriptions. Molash in 1430, and stated to have weighed 8,105 ^bs. Battely gives the following account of its dedication : "Magna Campana Cant., a.d. 1459, 14 Die Mensis Junii. Dominus Richardus Episc. Roffens. benedixit magnam campanam in Navi Ecclesie in honore S. Dunstani Archiepisc. cum magna solemnitate. Prior istius Ecclesiae erat ibidem revestitus in Pontificalibus. Ista Campana facta fuit Londini Anno 1430 Tempore Domini Wilhelmi Molass." Here again the record is not quite so trustworthy as might be wished. In the first place it is rather curious that a bell should have to wait twenty-nine years for its dedication ; and secondly, there was no Richard Bishop of Rochester at or about the period mentioned. We may, however, accept the fact of the gift of the bell by Prior Molash. It was evidently intended to replace Prior Hathbrand's " Dunstan " destroyed in the fall of the campanile. Whether it survived until 1758 is unknown; but in that year it or its successor was cracked in an attempt to toll it by striking with a hammer. A futile attempt to mend the crack with solder was made — of course to no purpose — and it was eventually recast within the precincts in 1762 ; an operation which led to the introduction of the Mears family to the bell-founding trade. William Chapman, then foreman to and afterwards partner with Lester and Pack, of London, being sent down to do the work, noticed a youth intensely interested in the performance, and offered to take him to London and teach him the business ; the offer was accepted, and the youth, William Mears, eventually succeeded to the sole ownership of the Whitechapel Foundry, first established by Robert Mot, who was probably, as I have shown elsewhere, also a native of Canterbury. The Mears are an old Canterbury family, and it is fitting that in dealing with the bells of the Metropolitan Cathedral, their name should be mentioned. The last of them, Mr. John Mears, has lately passed away at a good old age, and I am heartily glad to place on record here the many thanks I owe him for help in collecting the materials for this book. CANTERBURY. All Saints. i Bell. I, 30-in. iascpli I| Inscriptions. i-js. 4S. od. 2d. 5^- od. S^- od. 5'- od. 5^- od 8:r. (yd. 1722 Bell ringing paid for to the tune o( jQi 5^. A set of Bell Roops and put in them uop 1725-6 Payd M' Jarman for mending the claper of one of the Bells 1727 Various payments for work about the bells. 1728 The "dis Bors Ments of John Quested." for Ringing for King geore in ter sesion* for Ringing one King george Croune Asyone ... for Ringing one ye one ye prinse of whale Birthday for wringing one ye Queens Beth day ... 1729 March 9, at a vestry for A new bell explained by the following minute : March ye 9, 1729. At a vestry holden in ye Parish Church of Holy Cross Westgat in Canterbury By ye parishoners it was unanimusly agreed That ye Church Wardens have a sess Granted at ye Rate of one Shilling In ye pound to buy a new bell That is to be a treble bell to make ye ring better & ye said bell Is not to Cost a bove twenty one pounds Allowed by us (Thirteen signatures follow.) Canterbury Nov. 16, 1730. Agreed at A vestry that ye Churchwarden shall Be Allowed ye money he shall Disburst on acct of ye New wheele & ironwarke That is to be put to ye new bell & other Charges he Shall be at in Repareing ye fram & wheels of ye other bells out of ye next sess That shall be granted. 1730 Nov. 16 pd M"^ Eastman for a tennet rope ... Spent on will Baker for Buying ye Mettle for ye bell Nov. 19 Spent on ye bell founder Spt on ye bell founder & potterf Nov. 21 Spent at Casting ye bell A hors & Cart &: men to help ye bell home Lowance at M' Clarks for potterf Paid Knight for ye bell ... At parkers for lowance for fisher and potter Spent at Danll: parkers for getting ye bell up ye steeple... 5^- od. 2 1 //'. IS. 6d. IS. vi- \s. ed. 2S. Id. 45. 6d. \s. Id. OS. od. \s. \o\d. 6d. * Accession. J Potter was the bell-hanger. ilL OS. 9^. 2lL \6s. 6d. ili. 195. Sd. Inscriptions. 1 99 Knight's boy ... ... ... ... ... dd. Paid Knight for Casting All ye braces for ye bells Jan. II Potters bill for changing ye bells M"^ Jarman for ironwork Paid ye Judge of ye Court for signing ye Sess for ye bell ... ... ... ... ... \s. od. In 1 73 1, " weging ye bell and Spiles for ye new bells " cost 35'. 7^. Seven new bell ropes were also paid for this year. This newly added treble did not last very long ; perhaps the " mettle " pro- vided by the churchwardens was of indifferent quality. It had to be recast in 1739, but under what precise circumstances is unknown, as the parish books for that year are wanting. The lettering, however, shows it to have been cast by Thomas Lester, of the Whitechapel Foundry. CANTERBURY. St. Alphege. 3 Bells. I., 29 in. HENRY TOMLIN GEORGE MAY CH : WARDENS I H MADE ME 1692 II., 31-in. Blank. III., 34-in. ttrsspli fiafcfi ntatjq mc © 16 16 T. R. E. Item one bell for the dede peple Item in the Steple iiij bells and a wagerell bell St. Andrew. i Bell. I., 3i?>-in. R0bci[fiT0 + m0f + «xc, + t'ccit+ 1597 ® Mr. Faussett mentions here four bells in 1757-8, inscribed as follows : I. William Hawker Nathaniel Hulse 1699 II. and III. No inscription. IV. Robertus Mott me fecit Anno 1576. The worthy antiquary's information is corroborated, as regards the tenor, by the following extracts from the i)arish accounts, which have been kindly fur- nished by Mr. J. Meadows Cowper : 1576 It. for casting of the greate bell ... ... lix^. It. for earring of the said bell to and from the place xij^- 200 Inscriplions. It. for a new stocke for the said bell ... ... xij^. It. for ij dais & a halfe of worke of towe car- pinters & for bringing & carryeng of a gynn & lathers to hang the said bell ... ... vj.f. 1598 Item payed vnto Chesman for waying the two Bells ... ... ... ... ... ... iC\]d. Item payed for bread and bere when the bell was hounge vp to those that did help and for the hanging vp of the bell ... ... ... xij^. Item payed for thre Baldrokes for the bells ... i]s. \]d. Item payed to master Boddel for his worke ... v]S. \]d. Item payed vnto Daves the Smyth for lorn for the Bells and the charges of the Church ... xx.f. Item payed more to the Belfunder for Tewn- ing of the Bells ... ... ... ... '\]s. Item payed vnto Ledes for two Brasse peces to Lay vnder the Bells ... ... ... ... \s. 'm]d^ Item payed for a new Bell waying fyve hundred & halfe hundred and xiiij//. at viij^. thepound xxj//'. Item payed vnto Yeoman Coxson & Daves for takyng downe the Bell ... ... ... iiji'. Item payed to Daves the smyth for happes hookes & pynes ... ... ... ... \]d. This new bell was possibly the one now hanging ; but I am by no means sure ; the weight paid for does not quite correspond with the presumed weight of the present bell, judging from its diameter. And, again, I do not see how Mr. Faussett could possibly have missed the inscription. I am more inclined to believe the present bell to have come from St. Mary Bredman. That church has lost two bells somehow, and its sole remaining one is by R. Mot, and dated 1597. CANTERBURY. St. Dunstan. 6 Bells. I., 28^-in. This treble was addid to this Peal to make them six BY voluntary subscription in 1777. Mears & C° London Fecit II., 29-in. ANTHO ROOP ARM lAC PEMY VIC SPENCER tnaepll Iiafcli mabe me 1629 W SANDYE OECONO- MICIS Inscriptions. 201 III., 32-in. This bell was recast by voluntary subscription 1777 Mears & C° London Fecit IV., 35-in. lOSEPH HATCH MADE ME © 1605 IF CW v., 40-in. U(Fig. 2) + ,^Ta@-:XIl,^m3E,^:©m,^®*3[.^ VI., 45-in. HENREY LANMAN lOHN HACKTNO C W T P M 1676 In 1758 there were only five bells, and the then 2nd (present 3rd) was in- scribed : Thomas Palmar made me 1660. Tho Simpson Ch : Warden. For account of No. 5 see p. 1 1. Passing bell rung " for decent people " an hour after death — " some leave it later." This is a little mysterious, but it comes on the authority of the sexton. I take it that he means that he does not reckon people " decent " unless they send him notice at once. There may be in this an unconscious reminiscence of the time when the Passing bell was rung when soul and body were actually parting. Tellers : For man 3x3, for woman 3x2, for child 3 x 2 on a smaller bell. Bells chimed for services. Peals on the great Church festivals, at confirmations, and some other special occasions. I am greatly indebted to Mr. J. Meadows Cowper for the following extracts from the parish accounts, which are extant from an unusually early period : 1485 Item for a rope for the gret bell ... ... viijtf'. It. for a rope for the wakereli ... ... ... iij^. It. payde to John Long for bawderyks ... xj^. Item for ryngyng ij pryncypall dayes .. . ... 'my/. It. payd for the reparacyons of the bells ... iijj\ xd. It. spent at Wylliam Sprotts when the clappers were mendyd ... ... ... ... j//. The account for this year begins thus : This is the acompte of Wyllyam Balle and John Thomas Church Wardeyns of Seynt Don- stonys Aol) mcccclxxxv 2 D 202 Inscriptions. The "reseyts" amount to v//. xix-f. \d. oh. The " costs & payments & expensis " come to vj//. yA]s. \\]d. And the account concludes with the following note, handing down to pos- terity for 400 years the fact that worthy John Thomas was very careful of No. I : " So rest in deb. to John Thomas all thyngs clerely acomptyd & alowyd the day & yere aboue sayde xiJ5. iiij^. ob. therefore he kepyng a chalys in plegge," &c. For the next four years the accounts are only summarized. No details are given. 1490 Inprimis payde to Wyllyam Sprotte for schet- tyng of the mydyldyll bell claper ... ... viij^. It. payde to Ingram for a newe rope to the gret bell ix^. It. payde to Long for iij bawdryks makyng & mendyng ... ... ... ... ... xy\.m^ :p:no III., 37-in. THOMAS DVNKIN WILLIAM KILCHELL C W THOMAS PALMAR MADE MEE 1664 IV., 42-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT Q 1623 Clock bell. Same. For mention of No. 2, see p. 11. Hasted notes here, in his day, four bells, and one formerly in the turret. This last is, of course, the present Clock bell. It apparently had another use in bygone days. There is an entry in the city accounts, under date 15 86, of an annual stipend of^i 6s. 8d. to be paid to a person, who shall every morning at 4 o'clock ring the great bell in "St. George's steeple for one quarter of an hour." This w^is clearly, prior to the Reformation, the morning "Ave bell" — continued, or, perhaps, re-established on account of its secular utility. Death knell, according to Rector, rung thrice — after death, on morning of funeral, and at time of burial. A bell is rung for vestry meetings. Best thanks to the Rector, the Rev. T. F. Dixon. St. Margaret. 3 ]]clls. I., 27-in. BY ^ ME ^ THOMAS <) HATCH <> T C> M <) C > W U 1599 II., 30-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1625 Vi VI HI., 33-in. Same. I) E T. R. E. Item iij bells and the waggerell bell in the steplc. The treble is badly split and quite useless. There is a crowned rose upon it under the date. Apparently no local uses. 2 E 2 I o hiscriptions. CANTERBURY. St. Grfxory thk Great. 3 Bells. Modern church and equally modern bells. St. Martin. 3 Bells. I., 25i-in. Blank. II., 30-in. T Mf.ars ok London Fecit 1829 III., 34-in. + (Fig. 5A).S«incta Kafnina ©ra ^1*0 ^oliia + (Fig. i.) For account of tenor, see p 34. T. R. E. Item iij bells and one wagercll bell in the steple. In 1758 the 2nd bell bore : John Palmar Thomas Palmar made me 1641 Death knell as soon as notice is received. Bell tolled for fifteen minutes, then tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman. This is repeated on the morn- ing of the funeral, and a bell is tolled while the corpse is being carried through the parish. Bells chimed for services. A bell rung for vestry meetings. Ikst thanks to the Rev. L. E. Goodwin. St. Mary Bredin. 3 Bells. I., 19-in. THOMAS FRANCIS CH : WARDEN lyii R : PHELPS FECIT II., 2ii-in. +(Fig. 29) XnJi XII -^ III., 22-in. +(Fig. 29) ^TT-e- : :is)©">r : jkjj-'^roiijcn-^H : T. R. E. Item iij bells and the wagerell bell in the steple. For account of the two larger of these, see p. 47. St. Mary Bredman. i Bell, formerly 3. I., 24-in. +1 + 54-9 + 7 + This is by Robert Mot, of Whitechapel. St. Mary Magdalene. Formerly 3 Bells. I., 28i-in. iufcjjfi rjafcli ma^c mc 16 16 II., 3oi-in. +H'inctc ;pefrc Ot^a X*ca X^alJia -f I O ^ III., 32 in. -f Hiincfa ^afcttina ©ra X^ra XltJl'isi+ U (Fig. 19) Inscriptions. 21 I I am doubtful as to what crosses there were on No. 2, the inscription was very much corroded and the rubbing consequently far from distinct. There is no rubbing of No. 3, but I surmise the crosses to be Figs. 5 and 20. Church pulled down in 1S71 and bells sold — only the tower left standing. St. Mary Northgate. 4 Bells. I., 26-in. i0srplj Iiafcfi ^ua^c mc © 1623 II., 28^-in. iuscplj Ijatcfj watic mc 1616 III., 31-in. iascpli Iiafiij mal3E mc O 1623 WILLIAM CRIPPr/I C W IV., 34i-in. T IMears of London W" Mutton I B Miette Church Wardens 1813 T. R. E, Item iij bells in the steple with a wagerell bell. In 175S the tenor was inscribed : Joseph Hatch made me 1623. St. Mildred. 1 Bell. I., 29-in. RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 171 1 " Uses " same as at All Saints' Church. T. R. E. Item iiij bells in the steple and the wakerell bell. Mr. Bryan Faussett's note of 1 758 gives here "5 bells thus inscribed: I. and II., Richard Phelps made me 1711; III., no inscription; IV., Joseph Hatch me fecit 1622 ; V., Ihs have Marse on the Sovvles of Thomas Wood and Margarete his wyfe and the following coat and our Saviour figured to the waist." A drawing of the arms is given, and on this the late Mr. Godfrey Faussett makes the following remarks : " There was a monument to this couple pre- served by Weever in this church, in a note to w'' my great-grandfather says, 'See their coat on the 5th Bell, with this date MCCCCCXXXVI,' but he does not mention the date in his account of the bell. * INIargarete his wyfc ' was daughter of John Moyle, and these are the arms of Moyle impaled by AVood, each quartering some other coat : 2 E- 212 Inscriptions. "The Blazonry is : i. Ar. a fess raguly betw" 3 fl. de lis or, for Wood. 3. Gu. a mule passant ar., a cinque foil ar. in chief for Moyle. 4. (As I find from other shields of Moyle and Finch.) Ar. a saltier sa. between 4 cinque foils of the 2nd. " I can find no name given to this shield anywhere, but I feel inclined to hazard a conjecture that it may be Jerdan or Jurdayn, a monument at East- well making a Sir Tho^ Moyle husband of a Katheryne Jurdayn, and it being somewhat similar to the arms of that name. — T. G. F." This bell was doubtless by William Oldfeild (see p. 59). CANTERBURY. St. Paul. 3 Bells. I., 26-in. EDWARD BACKER lOHN WILLIAMES C W P P THOMAS PALMAR MADE MEE 1661 II., 2Si-in. EDWARDE BAKER lOHN WILLIAMES 3 W THOMAS PALMAR MADE MEE 1661 III., 32-in. ►J^ (Fig. 10) ©"fcvntit J5.nnts Xli^f^^wct CUampaua ^0l|£ittts U (Fig. 6) T. R. E. Item iij bells and a wagerell bell — a bell for the Clok. Item ij bells to bere before peple to burying. For mention of tenor see p 27. Local uses same as at St. Martin's Church. St. Petkr. 3 Bells. I., 30-in. lOHN LEE SENIOR AND WILLIAM BALDVDKE CHVRCH WARDENS 1637 lOHN PALMAR MADE MEE U(Fig.6) U II., 34-in. + (Fig. 10) JiTli^^mtra OTvisU ^E^are ^IDt^navc ^r^ U ^xi&iit OvavE U (Fig. 2) III., 37-in. + B Ji\-\^.}:2>m M^ .ciii5-Ti3E,au e:a.^ For mention of the two larger bells, see pp. 1 1 and 27. Local uses same as at Holy Cross, ^Vcstgate. Inscriptions. 213 In 153S the good local folks appear to have gone in strongly for the new views, for we find the Grand Jury presenting William Sandford, parson of this church, " for maliciously tolling the Avie bell in the said church after the evening song done, with a view to set up again the Bishop of Rome." St. John's Hospital. i Bell. vStated by the late Mr. John Mears to be a bell "of no interest." T. R. E. Item thre bells in the Steple. Item syx lityll bells sometyme called Sacryng bells. Only one left in Mr. Bryan Faussett's time — 1758. Eastbridge Hospital. No Bell. T. R. E. Item a buryall bell and a small bell. Item ij bells in the belfrey. Poor Priest's Hospital. i Bell. Bell inaccessible, but as the place has been desecrated for very many years, and the bell used for the clock, it may very possibly be a modern one, sup- plied when the place was the City police-station. CAP EL. St. Thomas. i Bell. I., 2 7fin, ^ lOHN ,) HODSON <) MADE ) ME ^ 1670 .$? C H «)J(> T. R. E. Item in the Stepyll ij small bells. CAPEL LE FERNE. St. Mary. i Bell. I., 25-in. Blank. CHALK. St. Mary. 3 Bells. I., 28-in. 1634 II., 29-in. X (Fig. i) XX^e" : ^%m : :RJiiOS : XHiiXil©' III., 32-in. lOHM k WIL^IAR WILNAR '> MADE ^ ME <) 1634 II., 34-in. lOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 1724 III., 37-in. STEPHANVS <> SWAN ^ ME h FECIT v 1614 ♦ IV., 4iA-in. FIENRY 7 WILNAR (> MADE v ME 1640 2 1 4 Inscriptions. T. R. E. " Fower bells in the Steple." Death knell as soon as notice is received. Tellers— 3 x 3 (males) or 3 x 2 (females). On day of funeral, bell tolled before service and while body is carried to the grave. Bells rung for services. A bell for vestry meetings. Ringing formerly on 5th November, now (happily) discontinued. Best thanks to the Vicar, the Rev. Julian Pratt. CHARING. SS. Peter AND Paul. 6 Bells. 1., 28-in. \ II., 30-in. Ill 32-m. ^^ TAYLOR & C^ LOUGHBOROUGH 1S78 IV., 33-1"- ^ v., 37-in. VI., 4 1 -in./ ^'eights : cwt. qr. lb. 5 2 6 I 12 7 I 4 7 3 -> 10 1 13 o 15 T. R. E. Item fower bells in the steeple and a sauncts bell. Item ij handbells. Death knell rung as soon as notice is given. Funerals : Bell tolled before 8 a.m. and at the funeral. Bells rung or chimed for service. Tenor rung for vestry meetings. The four bells and sanctus (the latter doubtless hung in the opening above the chancel arch) probably remained until 1590, when, according to the diary of a parishioner, " The Parish Church of Charing was burnt upon Tuesday, the 4th of August, and the bells in the steeple melted with the extremity of the fire. Nothing of the church was left but the bare walls, except the floor over the porch and the floor over the turret, where the weathercock doth stand. The fire chanced by means of a birding-piece, discharged by one Mr. Dios, which fired in the shingels, the day being extreem hot, and the same shingels very dry." From Weever we learn that this birding-piece was discharged at a pigeon then upon the church. Inscriptions. 2 1 5 The single bell, which was superseded by the present ring, bore the date 1608, and was probably by Joseph Hatch. A local distich, alluding to this bellj ran as follows : " Dirty Charing lies in a hole, It has but one bell and that was stole." A rhyme which is found in many other places where the bell is a "singleton." In the present case, however, it is essentially libellous, as Charing lies on the slope of the North Downs, more than 300 feet above the sea, and the necessity of finding funds for the re-building of the fire-ruined church is quite suf- ficient to account for the paucity of bell furniture. Of course the bell was not "conveyed," but gotten honestly. The good folks of Charing were quite unacquainted with the Latin adage : Rem facias, rem, Si possis recte, seel non quocunque mode, rem. Best thanks to the Vicar, the Rev. A. Starey. CHARING HEATH. Holy Trinity. i Bell. A modern church, with presumably one modern bell. CHARLTON. St. Luke. 3 and a Sanctus Bell. L, 22i-in. ABRHAM i WHELOR ) CHVRCH /.> WARDEN C H ;> MADE ) ME <■> 1685 H., 24Hn. CHRISTOPHER ^ HODSON <) MADE ME 1685 '-> ABRM ^ WHELOR ^ C !> WARDEN III,, 28-in. Joseph Cooper Farmer Floyd Church Wardens iSiS T Mears of London Fecit Sanctus, i4iin. R: PHELPS FECIT 1713 T. R. E. Item iij bells of bellmettell hangyng in the steple there. Item j saints bell hangyng in the saide steple. Hasted states that Sir Adam Newton's trustees (Av;//. James I.) gave a new ring of bells to this church. St. Paul. 1 Bell. I., 35-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON TO THE CALORY OF GOD AND IN HONOUR OF SAINT PAUL 1867 2 1 6 Inscriptions. CHARLTON. St. Thomas. i Bell I., 27-in. J WARNER & SONS FOUNDERS LONDON 1850 CHARLTON BY DOVER. SS. Peter and Paul. i Bell. I., 19-in. iSi I St. Bartholomew. i Bell. A modern bell. CHART (GREAT). St. Mary. 6 Bells. I., 30 in. JOHN TAYLOR & C° LOUGHBOROUGH 1S76 n , 32-in. Same. in., 35-in. Same. IV., 36-in. Same. v., 4o|-in. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1761 VL, 43i-in. Thomas Mears & Son of London Fecit 1S05 T. R. E. Item iiij°'' greate bells and a saunce bell. Item ij handbells. In 175S the five bells were inscribed as under, according to Mr. Bryan Faussett : L Nicholaus Toke S G H I W 1636 II. Joseph Hatch made me 16 10 III. Joseph Hatch made me WM CW 1614 IV. Sum Rosa Pulsata Mundi Maria Vocata U (Fig. 19) V. Joseph Hatch made me 1606 CHART (LITTLE). St. Marv. 5 Bells. L, 27Hn. NATHAMELL O COLr/IGTOM IVN SAMP KmOPIT FECIT 1722 II., 291-in. 2AMVELL KNIGHT Q FECIT Q 17^2 O O O O IIP, 32-in. lOHN ASHBEE lOHN lENINGS C W S K FECIT 1722 IV., 34-in. SAMVELL KMIGHT MADE ME 1722 v., 37-in. The Rev" M" Tho^ Pearson Rector Io"" Ashbee Io" At- way Ch'Jt Wardens R $ Catlin Fecit 1742 *J. T. R. E. Item two hande bells. Item iiij bells in the Stepyll. Inscriptions. 217 Passing bell rung an hour after death. Tellers : 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female, then toll for half an hour. Bell tolled on morning of funeral from 7 to 8 a.m., and again for half an hour before the funeral. Bells rung or chimed for Sunday services. Ringing on Christmas Eve and on New Year's Eve. The re-casting of the tenor in 1742 was carefully noted at the time in the parish register by the Rev. Thos. Pearson. Best thanks to his successor, the Rev. R. S. Oldham. CHART SUTTON. St. Michael. 6 Bells. I., 32-in. Chapman & Mears of London Fecerunt 1783 II., 345-in. Same. III., 36-in. Same. IV., 38|-in, Same. v., 42|-in. Same. VI., 45-in. The Rev" M" Henry Jones Vicar Mess"^ Tho^ Marchant & Rob''" Pattenden ChWardens Chapman & Mears of London Fecerunt 1783 No information obtainable as to local uses — the Vicar " did not think it necessary to reply to " my communication. CHARTHAM. St. Mary. 6 Bells. I., 30-in. lOHN MOATE THOMAS GEORGE THO~" PEARCE S KNIGHT 1728 II., 31-in. lOSEPH HATCH MADE ME O 1605 III., 33-v-in. Same IV., 36|-in. Same, v., 4o-*in. THOMAS DENCE CW AVSTEN HOMVVOOD CW ® 1605 VI., 44|-in. Same as No. II. T. R..E, Item iiij bells with a Wakerell. CHATHAM. St. Mary. 2 Bells. I., 281-in. WILLIAM HATCH MADE ME RM SF CW ® 165 1 II., 38-in. Recast 1812 for Chatham Parish by order of Arch" Cha* Windeyer Gideon Davis Church Wardens The smaller is only used as a clock bell. 2 F 2 1 8 Inscriptions. CHATHAM. St. Bartholomew. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. St. John the Divine. 2 Bells. I., 20.1 -in. 1798 II., 3o37-in. T. Mears of London Fecit 1820 S. Paul. i Bell. I., 26-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1854 CHELSFIELD. St. Margaret. 5 Bells. I., 29-in. lOHN ^HODSON^ MADE ^ ME <$> 1672 ci{(,IOHN ALLEN O O O O O O 'ijp WILLIAM <;'CHARMAN ^ CHVRCH V WARDENS O O O CH O O -il? II., 30^ -in. Same. IIL^ 32-in. Same. IV., 35 W"- Same. v., 39-in. Same. A maiden peal. T. R. E. Item iij bells in the steple suted of brasse. Item on hand bell of brasse. Death knell rung as soon as convenient after death, always within twelve hours if possible. For a inan tenor bell used ; tolled for an hour, then tellers 3x3. For woman 4th bell for same space of time, tellers 3x2. For youth from seven to sixteen, same as for man, but with 3rd bell. For girl of same age, as for woman, on 2nd bell. For children under seven, treble bell used, tellers i x i x i. Bell tolled for one hour before funeral, the same one being used as had been for the death knell. Bells chimed for half an hour before service ; ring in on tenor for three minutes. Peals on church festivals. Ringing on New Year's Eve temporarily dis- continued. That on 5th Nov. (happily) obsolete for the last twenty years. For vestry meetings, ist and 2nd bells chimed for five minutes. Wedding peals usual at end of marriage service. Inscriptions. 2 1 9 There is an endowment for bell ropes here, consisting of a field of about three acres, bequeathed by Dame Alice Bray in 15 10. It produces about £1 5^. annually. The bells were quarter turned and rehung in iSSo by Gillett and Bland, at a cost to the parish of ^75. Best thanks to Mr. Robert Brooker, churchwarden. CHERITON. St. Martin. 6 Bells. I. PRAISE GOD IN HIS HOLINESS MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1881 IL PRAISE HIM IN HIS NOBLE ACTS MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON t88i III PRAISE HIM UPON THE LOUD CYMBALS MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1881 IV. LET EVERYTHING THAT HATH BREATH PRAISE THE LORD MEARS &: STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1881 V. YE SPIRITS & SOULS OF THE RIGHTEOUS BLESS YE THE LORD MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON i88i VL DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1881 Tenor, 7I cwt. These replace a ring of four as untler : I., 27-in. i0rcpfi I|afcl| ma^e mc WH 1634 IL, 29|:-in. Same. TP C\V © 1634 III., 3i|-in. Same. 1607 IV., 34|-in. y^ (Fig. 20) .Sif XH^ttti^n X2)wmtni X^cjtctrtcfum >^ (Fig. 5) U (Fig. 19) T. R. E. Item a iij bells in the steple. " Sold," ij hand-bells. Passing bell falling out of use. A bell is tolled, but there is no rule as to time or method. A bell tolled at funerals. Bells chimed or rung for services ; ring in on one for the last five minutes. 2 Y 2 2 20 Insc7'iptions. Peals on church festivals and New Year's Eve. A bell for vestry meetings. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. A. H. Hall. CHEVENING. St. Botolph. 2 (formerly 6) Bells. I., 2S-in. IN HON : ANN^ F : NATU : MAX : GEOR : ET WIL- UM HELM : PR : WAL : R : PHELPS MADE ME 17 15 n., 39-in. Fac : A° : Felicissim^ inaug : GEORGII M : B : F : & Hib : Regis F : D : P : P : pro salute rel : prot : Eccl : & Legum Regni Edw : Gee : d : d : rector benef : A : Ward R : Denham I : Smith T : Cotton ch : w 17 15 R : Phelps fecit The remains (Nos. i and 5) of a ring of six. Another (No. 3) of the ring was in existence twenty years ago, but cracked. It was inscribed : M^ IN HON : WILHELMIN^ PR : WAL : REGE-E SOBOLIS FELIC : MATRIS ••.• I : SMITH T : COTTON CH : W : 1715 Hasted does not give the number in his day. It is very sad to see two- thirds of a ring gradually coming to grief, doubtless through careless usage, and so disappearing altogether. The ring would seem to have been given, probably by General (afterwards the first Earl) Stanhope, to commemorate the accession of George 1. to the throne of England. CHIDDINGSTONE. St. Mary. 8 Bells. I., 22-in. Henry Streatfeild Esq"^ Robert Patrick of London Founder 1784 IL, 24-in. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1S38 III., 25-in. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 1813 IV., 2 5i-in. Same as No. II. v., 2 7.V-in. Rev" Sackville Stevens Bale Rector William Seale & Richard Price ch . Wardens Robert Patrick of London Founder 1784 VL, 32-in. THOMAS LESTER & THO^ PACK OF LONDON R FECIT 1753 STEATFEILD MANEAT NOMEN Inscriptions. 221 VII., 36-in. THOMAS LESTER & THO'^ PACK OF LONDON MADE ME 1753 W. W. WARD RECTOR BAR- T NARD HYDE & JOHN WOODGATE GEN CH. WARDENS VIIL, 38-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON Laudo Deum verum. Plebem voco. congrego Clerum. Defunctos ploro. pestem fugo. Festa decoro : : R"^ Catlin Fecit 1750 REDINTEGRATA 1867 r.!?.'JfM*;^!fr''°|cHURCHWARDENS ABRAHAM HALL J The curfew is rung here at 8 p.m. between November and March. CHILHAM. St. Mary. 8 Bells. L, 28-in. \ II., 29-in. [ JOHN TAYLOR & C^ LOUGHBOROUGH 1883 III., 31-in. ) IV., 34-in. Recast. Joseph Read Edw° Denne C" Wardens 1810 v., 361-in. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1760 lOHN POTTER BELLHANGER VI., 39i-in. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1760 VII., 43b. STEPHEN SUTTON & EDWARD COZENS CH.. WARDENS 1760 LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT VIIL, 471-in. WADHAM KNATCHBULL VICAR ANTHONY LUKYN CURATE 1760 LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT T. R. E. Item in y'' StepuU in there frames v bells and in the same StcpuU on lytell bell. Item ij bells caulyd hand bells. Payments noted as follows : Item to John Nycolson for mcndyng of the bell stocke ... ... ... ... ... ... \]s, \\\]d. Item for makyng of ij bell roopes ... ... ... x^. Item for makyng of y'' third bell clapper and bryng- yngwhonie... ... ... ... \s. \\\]d. 2 2 2 Inscriptions. Item for makyng of ij baldryckes and for a new bockell xij^. Item for makyng of the gret bell rope ... .•• v^. The entire peal of six was clearly recast in 1760. In 1757, Mr. Bryan Faussett noted here six bells inscribed as follows : I. Richard Phelps made me 1709. The gift of y'^ Rev. Mr. John Nichols, Mr. Robert Sprakeling and others. II. Robertas Mot Me Fecit 1594. III. and V. Robertas Mot Me Fecit 1595. IV. Joseph Hatch made me 1616. VI. Robertas Mot Me Fecit 1599. Gabrielis. Sir Dudley Digges left by will in 1638 JQ20 per annum to the Church- wardens in trust to pay {inter alia) on 19th May, to the young men of Chilham who should ring a peal in remembrance of him, 20^. for their dinner. — ■ Hasted. CHILLENDEN. All Saints. i Bell. I., 22-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1847 In 1758 the single bell here was one by Joseph Hatch. CHISELHURST. St. Nicholas. 8 Bells. I., 29-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1858 II., 3oi-in. Same. III., 32^-in. Same. IV., 34-in. Same. v., 37-in. Same. VI., 3S-in. Same. VII., 41-in. Same. VIII., 46-in. Same. These replace a ring of six, which was destroyed in the fire of 1857. T. R. E. Item iiij great bells suted of brasse in the Steple and one Saints bell of brasse. Item ij hand bells and iij sacryng bells of brasse. Passing bell as soon as notice received. Tellers at beginning and end — three strokes for male, two for female. Inscriptions. 223 Bells chimed for all services — " toll in " for five minutes. A peal rung to usher in the New Year after late service, which ends at 12.15. Peals at Easter, Christmas, Whitsun-Day, Holy Thursday, and Harvest Festival. Best thanks to the Rector, the Rev. F. H. Murray. Annunciation. i Bell. Church built 1870 ; has presumably one bell of that date. Christ Church. i Bell. Built 1872 ; probably one bell of that date. CHISLETT. St. Mary. 6 Bells. I., 31-in. IM ■ A LEGACY • GIUE>I BY ■ STEPHEI/1 • HUMT ■ GEMT LATE OF • THIS PARISH • WHOE PlOW . LYETH ■ BURYED - VA ■ THE CHAMCELL OF • THIS • CHURCH • 1681 SK 1729 II., 331-in. lOHN FARMAN SK ME FECIT 1729 III., 35-in. Henry Denne & Jn° Wacher Ch. Wardens 1786 W" Mears of London Fecit IV., 38i-in. WILLIAM WHITING SAMUEL KNIGHT ME FECIT 1729 v., 42-in. THO: LESTER & T: PACK FECIT 1752 VL, 48-in. SK ME FECIT 1729 lOHN DENN lOHN WHITNALL CHURCH WARDENS Nos. III. and V., prior to recasting, were also by Samuel Knight, and bore the same date as the rest of the ring. A tablet on the south wall of the chancel records that Stephen Hunt, the donor of the treble bell, died 4th August, 1680, aged 38. The Vicar, the Rev. F. G. Haslewood, LL.I). (to whom best thanks), informs me that no special customs as to ringing obtain here. CLIFFE AT HOO. St. Helen. 8 Bells. I., 31-in. JOHN TAYLOR & C° LOUGHBOROUGH i860 IL, 32-in. Same. IIL, 33-in. JOHN TAYLOR & C" FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH A:D 1859 ^JCHURCHWARDENS 2 24 Inscripiions. IV., 36-in. Same. v., 37i-in. Same. VI., 39-in. Same. VIL, 42A-in. JOHN TAYLOR & C° BELLFOUNDERS LOUGH- BOROUGH LEICESTERSHIRE 1859 VIIL, 47-in. ARCHD^ CROFT RECTOR REV^° E : H : LEE CURATE JOHN TAYLOR & C" FOUNDERS LOUGH- BOROUGH 1859 ALBERT G : MURTON^ JOHN OSMOTHERLY Prior to the recasting in 1859, two of the former peal were inscribed as follows : (? I.), 31-in. ROBE>IJ. BELIMOVW (? II.), 41-in. tofcpfj rjalclj niatrc ntc ® 1616 IC RV AC VL OE E OR TM DDT No local customs, according to the Rector, Dr. Stanley Leathes. CLIFFE (WEST). St. Peter. i Bell. I., 28-in. TMB ^IX M^ :^ % M- D (Fig. 34) See p. 5 1 for an account of this interesting bell, by Thomas Lawrence of London. CLIFTONVILLE.— F/^/^ Margate. COBHAM. St. Mary Magdalene. 5 Bells. I, 3ii-in. tofcpfi I|afcf| ma^t mt Q 1632 H., 33-in. Messrs Huggins & Wells Ch. Wardens Tho^ Mears Late Lester Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1790 IIL, 37-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT Q 1623 IV., 4oMn. Same. T T W I C W © 1632 v., 44-in. Same. W H ® 1632 Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Tellers both at beginning and end — 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female. Tenor bell used for adults ; 2nd for children. Tolled very slowly for half an hour. Inscriptions. 225 This is repeated at noon on day of funeral. At time of funeral, bell tolled slowly for fifteen minutes, and more quickly when the body has arrived at the gate. Sunday Early Peals.- — Until about ten years ago a bell was rung at 7 a.m. At 8 a.m. the ist and 2nd are chimed for five minutes, and then the 2nd rung for another five. These are, no doubt, survivals of the old " Matins " and " Mass " bells, but an hour earlier than usual. Services : Bells chimed twenty minutes, rung five. Ringing-in five minutes. Peals on Christmas Day. These uses, however, are in process of alteration, and before these lines are in print the following will be the rule : " The bells shall be rung in changes for half an hour previous to each Sunday, Christmas Day, Easter Day, Ascension Day (evening) services, before and after New Year's Eve services, also on Christmas Day and Easter Day mornings at 7 o'clock. The bells shall be chimed on Sunday morning at 8 o'clock for a quarter of an hour, for half an hour previous to service on Good Friday, and on all week-day evening services, and for a quarter of an hour previous to the week-day morning services." Best thanks to the Rev. Arthur H. Berger, Vicar. COLORED. St. Pancras. i Bell. I., i8^-in. Blank. Mr. Faussett notes the existence here of a western gable pierced with arches for two bells, but states that the single remaining bell was hanging in a loft or turret at the west end. I have not seen this bell myself, but Mr. E. J. Wells, the Secretary of the St. Paul's Ecclesiological Society, tells me that it is certainly an " ancient.' COOLING. St. James. 3 Bells. L, 27fin. lOHN k HODSON } MADE ( ME k 1675 ' 1596 for a dayes worke mendyng the Bell frame ... ... \]s. v\\]d Payments to Edw'^ Knight for carrying weights to waye the 3''^ Bell — to John Rede Smith of ffryttendon for mending the great bell Clapper — to Symon Evernden for "work about the bells '" — to Rich'' Hovenden " for a cable rope spoyled about the Busy- ness" 8.J. — to William Hylls for mending the frame of the treble bell 2s. — and to Will"' Weller for carrying weights and helping. 1596-7 Payment to Will'" Bressenden for repairs 56.?. 8d. to Joseph Smith i6(/. Itm. p' to Anthoney Wackeffylde the Bell- founder the fyrst of September \]li. Itm. p'' unto Anthoney Stedman of Beddenden for the mendinge of too of the Clapperes of the Belles (12'h Sept') xvji-. Carrying & fetching same \2d. Itm. p' Rich Turcke joyne' for plankes & boordes for the Bell wheels... ... ... \]s. Itm. p'' to one Hovenden a Roppe macker for a Roppe for the Chansell Bell. Som. . . . xij//. Payments to John Reede of "js. ^d. for 2 new Bell Stockes — and of 2>9^- 5^- ^o Symon Evenden Smith for Iron worke. Inscriptions. -OD 1597-S Itm. p'' to dyveres men at the appointment of Anthony Wackfylde Bell ffownder & for the prestes Debte to (?) Since Dew the som . . . xj//. xvijj>. iiij^. Itm, p'' for mendinge of the Clapper of the second bell against the Cronacion day ... \]s. Itm. p'' in a breckfast uppo the Ringers at the Corronacion daye & for one to Kepp the church ... ... ... ... ... ys. \\\]d. Sundry payments for repairs in this and follow- ing years : 1603, 29"' April. Rules to be observed by the Sexton : ImjJmis that he doe ringe or cause to be rong the great bell every morning at fower of the Clocke & euye evening at eight thorough out the yeare according to the Ancient cus- tome. It. from tyme to tyme to finde and jJvide belropes & bawdrickes to the bells of his owne charge as hath bene heretofore. (In default, Churchwardens to find and de- duct from his wages.) 1604 Inventory of Church Goods. Inprimis v great bells one small bell & a watch bell to y^ Clock. It. xxviij//. of bell mettell. To this last item is added in another hand- writing : " Deliv'' since by John Vincet Anno 1606 to Joseph Hatche when he cast the bells." 1604-5 p'' the 5"' of July for my charges to Canterbury about the bells xiij^/. Payments to W'" Hylls and others for repairs. 1605-6 It. p'' at Canterbury being cited about the bells \)s. \\\]d- It. p'' for charges in Riding thither ... ... \]s. It. p^' for a Rope for the litle bell xx;'j^''- It. p'' mo'- to W^'" Hills for 8" of brasse ... iij^". iiij^- It. p'^ to the founders for casting the brasses wch wayed out So" & were returnd in agayne 91" xxxj^. It. p'' to Henry Beale for 26'' of mettall at 5'' the //. for brasses ... . . • . • • • • x-^- ^^• It. p'' for two Skiddcs for the frame of the bells v.f. iiijr/. 240 Inscriptions. Payments to Evernden for iron workc 13^-. 3^. and Hills for work \2d. 1610-11 It. p"' for the litle bell rope ... ... ... . xviij^/. An inventory of this year gives : Imp'mis five great bells one small bell & a watch bell. Itm. an yron bludding* to helpe take up the belles. Itm. a cable with a hooke to pull up the bells. Itm. a great iron chapef for the same purpose bought by Thomas Colwill 1608. 1611-12-13 Only payments for small repairs. 1613-14 It. p'' to Joseph Hatche for casting the bells + xl//. Payments to W"" Hills for worke and for various small repairs, including a " frame for the lytle bell." 1 6 14-19 Various petty payments not worth copying. 1 6 19— 2"'* April. Regulations as to Ringing of Knells, etc., by the Sexton : Item that he shall not ring the greatest bell for a Knell for any Corps neyther for a Solempne bell before the bringing of the Corps to Churche except the ptie deceased had landes or were esteemed to be worth one hundred poundes or were the sonne or daughter of one of the same estate. Item that the dutie or fees for ringing the greatest bell for a Knell shall be iij'- iiij''- and for the bury all 2o''- Item that his fees for ringing the fourth bell shalbe ij"- and for the buryall xij''- Similar regulations for 3'''' & 2'"' bells — iS""- & 10''- and I4''- & lo''- respectively. * Qy. bludgeon — probably an iron bar to use with the winch, + rrobal:)ly an iron shoe for a swinging derrick. X Final jDayment— the bells being now at last all in good order. InscriplioJis . 241 Item for the small bell S' and for the buryall 8''- if it be a grown body but if a childe 4''- 1624 Great Bell ordered to be rung every evening at 8 from Michaelmas to Lady Day. 1625-6 It. p'' to the Ringers one Coronation dale ... iij.s-. iujd. 1 63 1-2 It. paied for a new rope for the Saunce bell ... x\i/. 1667-8 Item paied for a pece of stufe to make a cech* for the second bell & for seting of it oan . . . 35. 6d. Item paied for altering the pins of the fourth bell claper & sum other worke aboute the bells ... ... ... ... ... ... 4i-. 1669-70 E.xpended w'*^ the beell founder ... ... is. 1670-1 p'' to Tho Boorman for his help &: whate hee expended upon help for to new truss the bells 2^-. p'^ for tliree new choulesf for the bells ... i^". p'^ to Tho^ Boorman for goeing to Rolvenden for to treet with the beell founder himself 6c hors ... ... ... ... ... ... 2s. Expended on the bell founder when hee came to vew the bells ... ... ... ... 2^-. p'' to John Goodman & Tho Boorman for goeing over to Rolvenden for to make a bargaine with the bellfounder ... ... 6s. \-)'^ to W'" Wake & for other help for to have the bell doune oute of the StepUe ... ... y. <>/. p"* to Tho Boorman for goeing to Rolvenden hors & himself ... ... ... ••• ^s. 61/. p'' to Tho Boorman for carryinge of mettUe to Rolvenden for to put to the bell & expenccs with the founder ... ... ■•• ■■• 3,s. p'^ Tho Boorman 2'- for him & his hors & alsoe expended at Rolvenden in beeing there for to see the bell cast ... ... ••• •■- 1^- p'' to Tho Boorman & other help for to have the bell up againe & to W'" Wake & his man to haing the bell 95-. 10^/. * A catcli. . i Qy. jowls— what fur, I cannot guess. 2 I 2S. IS. \S. 6d. IS. 13^. lOS. 5'- Id. Ad. 242 Inscriptions. p'^ to Nalhaniell Bennett for 45 pound of pot brass & for 20 pound of peuter for to putt to the bell ... ... ... ... ... 2//. 05-. 6d. p'' to Tho Boorman for three pound & a half of old bell mettle p'' to the founder for mettlle ... p'' for a staple for the bell p'' to M'' Leigh for writeing of a bond p'" to M"" Hovenden for carting & fetching of the bell p'' to ffrancis ffoster bell founder* ... ... GIL p^ Henry Cruttenden for altering the claper (&:c.) 1676-7 p'' for a choule for the 4"^ Bell 1685-6 p"" toJohnBrumfeild for new hanging of the bells and for new Stocks wheels & ropes for the Bells 26//, p*^ for writeing the bargaine between him & the parish and of a bond for the performeance of it ... ... ... ... ... ... 3^. Exspended one the Bellhangers & Ringers when the Bells wher raised at the first time & for Oile for the Bells ... ... ... S^- 2^/, 1695 paid for casting the second Bell and a Clapper and adition of mettall Charge in hanging the Bell the carriage of the Bell to {sic) paid to Richard Daw for a new Clapper and other Iron Work Spent at the Bell founders and wyre & nailes... 1702 For two Bell ropes 1703 For a rope for the Chimes and a Rope for one of y'' Bells 1 7 15-16 to John Brissenden for a sett of Bellropes ... for ringing To Tho Skinner for carrying two Bells to Maid- stone & for Bringing two Back ... ... 2//. * Of Salisbury— evidently peripatetie. He cast a bell fur Rustint^ton, Sussex, in this year. 1 4//. gs. lli. 3^- ill. 155. Ad. 2li. 12s. qd. 5^- zd 7^. Gd. 10s. lli. Ts. lOS. Inscriptions. 243 20//. \li. 40//. I o//. I oil. 2li. 2//. l//. l//. 2// 5^- 15^. \2S. Zs. \s. ids. I 2^. Gd. To Henry Butler for leather for a bell ... Zd. To M"^ Hollingworth for writeings ab' y'' Bells \os. To Cotterell & Mear for beare to workemen ab' y" Bell frame ffor warfage weighing & Landing the Bells . . . To Mr. Phelps To Tho Bridgland for Bringing two Bells & two clappers ... To Sam' Bridgland for Carrying y*" first Bell to Maidstone to be new Cast ... To Dan Eldridge for Ash for the Bells Stays... To Good" Harden for carrying y*^ first Bell to be new Cast ... ... ... ... ... Zs. qd. To Rich. Phelps towards casting the Bells ... p"* to Sam Stephenson halfe part for hanging the Bells p*" Jn" Diamond Towards y" Bell frame p'^ James Bridgland for carrying & bringing two Bells to & from Maidstone ... p"* Tho Bridgland for carrying & bringing of y^ Bells p*^ M' Allard for carrying 5 bells to London*... p'* M"" Edmonds for Bringing y*" Six bells Downc Warfage & Weighing p'^ & weighing y'' bells ... p'i & in takeing downe y*" bell frame... ... ... ... ... ... 125. p"^ Parks towards carrying y" bell frame ... ds. l)"^ Henry Butler for a Baderick Debts noted as unpaid at end of year : To M' Stephenson for new hanging y° Bells ... 10//. To M' Phelps for new casting y" Bells & new Clappers ... ... ... ... ... 34//. To M"' Edmonds for carriage of bell in 1716... To Jn° Diamond remainder for Bell frame (S:c. 36//. (ui- Cd. Zd. 6d Sd They were to be cast into a lii^lilcr liiit. if six (sec iiLxl ciitiy). 2 1 244 Inscriptions. The results of tliis do not seem to have been satisfactory, for in April, 1718, at a Vestry, the following resolution was made : " Whereas three of the six bells are out of order Mr. Phelps the bell founder hath agreed to cast them into eight bells for twenty guineas the parish allowing ten pounds extra for car- riage it is therefore ordered by this Vestry that the six bells shall be sent to London and cast into eight without any further charge to the parish except the ;^io." This, however, was not carried out ; probably the terms offered were in- sufficient, and so the parishioners contented themselves with having two of the bells re-cast. 1718 A letter from M'' Phelps about the Bells Ringing at several times ... ... ... 2//. p"* Sam Parks for carrying two bells to Maid- stone and fetching them home again ... i//. p'^ for taking down the Bells for beer ... 1 7 1 9 p'' M"" Edmonds carrying two bells to London & back again ... ... ... -■• i//. p'' Jn° Jackson mending Bell Clappers 2 yrs as pr Bill \n. 6.9. U. p*' M' Phelps for casting two bells adding 14!" of mettall fitting Clappers & Carriage from y" waterside ... ... ... ... ... 4//. 2s. 1764 p'' Tho'' Sweeilove for Bell hanging as p' bill... 9//. p'' Tho'' Jenner for Leather for the Bells ... 6.f. p'' Gilbert the Bellhanger on last years account 5,?. 1782 — 19 April. At a meeting "assembled for consulting about taking down the great Bell and Cast- ing the same into three small ones to make the peal eight It is unanimously agreed that the same shall be done Provided that the expence of the same can be defrayed by subscri])tion and the superfluous metal." Zd. 9.y. S\d. 95. 3^'- 6d. 125. 2 2//. I OS. l//. 155. 24//. 165. 3^/- 45. 7./. 5^- 155. 1)1 script ions. 245 This was apparently carried out ; but, as the following entries show, the parish did not come off scot-free : 17S3 p'' for an Umbrella* p'' M' Gilbert for hanging the bells ... 1785 Rob' Gilbert (bell hanger) as pr Bill ... 1786 p'' M' Mears the Bell founder as pr Rec^ Exp'^ settling M' Mears's bill p'' M' Leigh for a new Tenor rope p'^ for an Umbrella* Later accounts are unsearched by me ; but I learn from Mr. Tarbutt that these eight bells did not last long, that for some years at the close of last century two of them at least were out of order, and on the 19th June, iSoi, a Vestry determined upon providing an entirely new peal, at an estimated cost of about ;z^ 300. The actual cost, however, amounted to ^463 3s. Since 1801 the expenses connected with the bells may be briefly summarized as follows : 1812 Rehanging at a cost of. .. ... ... ... ^20 1825 Fifth bell recast by Mears & some re-hanging cost ... ... ... ... ... ... ;^5i 185. id. And the carriage ... ... ... ... ;£\ 195. 9^/. The bell being cracked was not Id down, but thrown down out of the tower. 1843 Re-hanging cost ... ... ... ... ^Qio \2S. dd. The work was so badly done that Mears had to be sent for, and thus we find that in 1845 paid M"" Mears for re-hanging the bells ... ;^ 18 185-. 1858 The 7"' bell was re-cast & re-hung, cost ... ^^^2 \\s. Zd. From 1800 to 1825 new bell-ropes were purchased annually, at a total cost of about ;^ioo for these " churchwardens' perquisites." After 1825, however, the cost is less, being about ;^4o to 1870, the ropes being allowed to wear out before being replaced. * Nihil ad rem, of course — but I could not resist inserting llic entries. Wiiat were llic umbrellas for? and why were two Ijought wiliiin three years? I sujipose tiicy were for u.'-c at funerals in wet weather. 246 Inscriptions. Mr. Tarbutt calculates that the cost of the Cranbrook bells from (say) 1525 to the present time, calculated at the present value of money, would amount to very nearly ^3,000, CRAY (FOOTS). All Saints. 3 Bells. I., 2\-W\.\ II., 23-in.l JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1S63 III., 25-in. 1 In 1863, when the church was restored, there were here but two bells, both of them cracked and useless. They were sold to Messrs. Warner and Sons in part payment for the present peal of three. T. R. E. Item ij bells suted in the steple conteynyng in compas eyther of them iij foote and a half of brasse. Item ij sacrying bells. Apparently no local uses. CRAY (NORTH). St. James. 3 Bells. I., 2ii-in. J. WARNER & SONS LONDON 1S74 IL, 25-"in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1857 IIL, 28-in. R: PHELPS FECIT M*^ lAMES BEADLE CH: WAR- DEN 1727 T. R. E. Item iij bells suted in the steple and a litle handbell of . Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female, then tenor tolled (minute strokes) for half an hour for a child, for an hour for adults. Tenor bell tolled before funerals. Sundays : All three bells chimed at 8 a.m. (" Matins" bell). For services bells chimed at intervals, toll in on treble last five minutes. Bells chimed for Vestry meetings. Best thanks to Rev. H. W, Johnston, Rector. CRAY (ST. MARY). St. Mary. 5 Bells. I. , 3 1 ^-in. Rulict^t -t- nt0f + matre + ntc + 1 5 83 © II., 33-in. Same. III., 35-in. lOHN HODSON ^ MADE ^ ME ^ 1655 $ EM ^ ESP CHVRCH W ^ IV., 39-in. Same. Inscriptions. 247 v., 42|-in. EDWARD .} MANNING a EDWARD ^ SPVRLING lOHN ^ HODSON ^ MADE ME M655 ^ CHVRCH WARDINGS .jj? W ^ H ^; T. R. E. Item v bells suted in the steple and a saincts bell of brasse. Bells re-hung by Gillett and Co. in 1882. Passing bell rung as soon as notice received by sexton, provided it be between sunrise and sunset. Tenor tolled for one hour for adults. Tellers — 3 X 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman — both at beginning and end. Third bell used for children. Funeral ringing unusual. A half-muffled peal has been rung lately at the funeral of a bell-ringer. Sundays : Treble bell rung for five or ten minutes at 8 a.m. This may be either the "Matins" or "Mass" bell. According to the usual Kentish custom it was probably the latter. For services : Bells rung or chimed after being struck three times all round. Toll in on tenor for seven minutes, then treble for three. Early peals on the great Church festivals. On last night of year a half- muffled peal before the-midnight service, tenor tolled for last three minutes of year, and after service an open peal is rung. Best thanks to Mr. Stanley B. Welch, Conductor of the local Ringers' Guild, for above information. He tells me also of a curious occurrence, which I will give in his own words : " One evening, when we had stopped our prac- tice, our conductor said to the sexton : ' That tenor has been sounding so mournful to-night that I'm sure you will have to toll it for a death in a day or two.' The sexton, to my astonishment, agreed, and both the men repeated their prophecy with certainty on my chaffing them. The bell was tolled for a death or funeral on five days out of the following week. Is this a general belief, or local ?" As to the above facts there is no doubt. The question is, was it a mere coincidence or something more? Qiiien sabe? CRAY (ST. PAUL'S). St. Paulinos. 3 Bells. I., 3o^-in. BRIAN VS ELDREDGE ^ ME FECIT 1624 U (Fig. 6) U U II., 32-in. ►J^ (Fig. 7) XiJlianncs ©visfi (Sfitrc X)i0»'^vc X^vw U X^ubio Ovavc III., 33-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1859 248 Inscriptions. T. R. R. Item iiij bells sated in the steple on saints bell. Prior to its being re-cast in 1859, the third bell was inscribed : PRAISE TFE LORD ^1597 A W This was by Anthony Wakefield, a Sussex itinerant founder (sec p. 60). For account of No. 2, see p. 27. Passing bell as soon as notice is given. Tenor tolled for an hour. Tellers ■ — 3 X 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman, 3 x i for child. CRAYFORD. St. Paulinus. 8 Bells. I., 26-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1876 OF WHICH THE TENOR BORE DATE 1624 IL, 27-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1876 IN LIEU OF A PEAL OF FIVE BELLS III., 28-in. MEARS (as above) EDWARD HORNER ]^^,,^^„ ....t^t^t^xtc THOMAS HUTCHINSOnK^URCH WARDENS IV., 30-in. MEARS (as above) BENJAMIN FREDERICK SMITH RECTOR v., 32-in. MEARS (as above) TO THE Px\RISH OF CRAYFORD 1876 VI., 34-in. MEARS (as above) THIS PEAL OF 8 BELLS WAS PRESENTED BY HIS FAMILY VII., 37-in. MEARS (as above) IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAVID EVANS OF SHENSTONE VIII., 41-in. MEARS (as above) TO THE GLORY OF GOD The ring which these replaced were inscribed as under : I., 29-in. lOHN k HODSON MADE k ME ^ 1672 '; THOMAS 1} EVERS O O -ilp lOHN ^ HVSSEY } CHVRCH h WAR- DENS «jj(.CHOOO'){(»WHOO«)|p IL, 31-in. lOHN ^ HODSON h MADE k ME ^ 1672 THOMAS ^ EVERS (» lOHN HVSSEY ^ CHVRCH ^ WARDENS W II O O O C II O O C «ij(> O O O r;!? Inscriptions. 249 III., 33-in. lOHN * HODSON * MADE * ME * 1672 * THO- MAS * EVERS ^ lOHN * HVSSEY * CHVRCH * WARDENS # CH O O O WH O O O IV., 36f in. ©liltrjrImXiV .1^'^"^ :i^.rcif X-Qc I i5 %^^ 161 5 v., 41-in. THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1624 O T. R. E. Item iij greate bells of bellmettell hanging in the Steple there. Death Knell.^ — ^Tenor for all above eighteen, treble for younger people. Tolled for about half an hour. Tellers at end only — 3 x 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman, none for child. Funerals. — Bell tolled for half an hour before corpse arrives, and then more quickly until it reaches the lich-gate. Sundays. — Bells chimed at 8 a.m. and at 10 a.m. Query survivals, the last-mentioned hour being a very unusual one. For services : Bells alternately rung or chimed. Tolling in for ten minutes. The following entries occur in the parish accounts : 1725 — -Sept. 30. Paid M' Gilburd for ringers when y" King dined at May Place ... ... ... ... ii.f. od. 1820 — Nov. 17. For Beer for the Ringers for the King's coming through Crayford ... ... ... loj-. od. Best thanks to the Rector, the Rev. B. F. Smith. CROCKEN HILL. All Souls. i Bell. A modern church with one equally modern bell, and, as the Rev. F. N. Style (to whom thanks) tells me, no local uses. CROOKHAM HILL. Holy Trinliy. 1 Bell. I., 27-in. Thomas Mears Founder London 1842 CRUNDALE. St. Mary. 3 Bells. I., 28i-in. ROBERT CATLIN FECIT 1750 II., 33-in. WILLIAM IVCE THOMAS PALMAR MADE MEE 1663 III, 37-in. R0ltcrtiJs-t-m0f + mc-i-tcnf + i593 ©U U U T. R. E. Item iij bells in the steple. Mr. Bryan Faussett thus describes a coat-of-arms on tlie tenor: "(1^') 3 Gaibs within a Bordurc engrailed (viz. for Kempe) ^^^ many other different 2 K 250 rnsc7'iptions. quarterings as on ye 3'''' 4"' 5"' 6"" & 8"' Bells at Wye which were cast at the same time ; (2'"') a Fess Wavy between 9 Guttes du Sang; (3'''') a Cheveron Ermine between 3 Swannes by y" name of Svvann." This refers only to the 3rd shield. The two first he does not describe, and I cannot well make them out from the rubbings. Tenor bell unused at present for want of a clapper. Passing bell as soon as notice received. Tellers — 3 x 3 for males, 3x2 for females. A Bell chimed on morning of funeral, and at the interment. Bells chimed for Sunday services, then " toll in." Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. W. A. Vaughan. CUDHAM. SS. Peter and Paul. 3 Bells. I., 27-in. ^ lOHN t^ HODSON 4p MADE 'y ME «ij(. 1661 «){(. I B ^ T E •ijp C O O WARDENS O 11., 29i-in. 3"anctc ^^Sy\^ Ova ^x^ JT^itbia \j (Fig. 28) in,, 33''in. I B « T F O CHVRCH h W^ARDENS ^ lOHN '; HODSON 7 MADEf/ MEH661 ... O •■• W H O T. R. E. Item on litle hand bell of brasse. Item iiij bells in the steple suted of brasse. There were four bells here within living memory— the one which has gone had no clapper, and on the occasion of a wedding a local idiot got up in the belfry and struck it with a large hammer, with the result of breaking it irre- trievably. The metal was sold. CUXTON. St. Michael. 5, formerly 3 Bells. I., 27-in. II., 28-in. III., 30-in. IV., 33-in. v.. -.6-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1866 Here were formerly three bells ; two of them (both cracked) survived until the present ring were cast. They bore the following legends : Inscriptions. 251 U (Fig. 6) I., 291-in. ^ (Fig. 7) t^+U U There were formerly three bells ; the treble, being cracked, was sold about twenty years ago. It measured 27I inches, and was inscribed : + TwI|anncs ^.at ^itmcu JE,iita U (Fig 13) so that Denton possessed until lately an untouched medieval peal (see pp. 30 and 31). The cross on each is the same (Fig. 14). The shields on the two remaining bells are Figs. 15 and 16. Death Knell. — Tellers somewhat unusual — 3 x 3 for man, 3x2 for woman, 2 X 3 for male under twenty, 2 x 2 for girl under twenty. Bell tolled at eight on morning of funeral, and again before the funeral takes place until the corpse reaches the gate. Best thanks to the Rector, the Rev. C. J. Hussey. DEPTFORD. St. Nicholas. 8 Bells. I., 3o|-in. £701. II., 31-in. 1701. III., 33i-in. 1 701. IV., 37-in. 1701. v., 39Hn. 1702. VI., 42-in. 1701. VII., 45i-in. S N I H 1701 VIII., 49i-in. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1842 REV" A E SKETCHLEY M A VICAR T. R. E. Item v great bells of bell mettell sutcd hanging in the steple there. Item j little bell called a Saynt bell. Mem : " on little bell sold," 2 54 Inscriptions. According to " Registruni Roffense," Isaac Loader, Esq., was a liberal bene- factor towards the cost of this peal, the tenor of which was re-cast (so Hasted states) in 1780, and, as will be seen above, again in 1842. The tower looks very dilapidated outside, and it was stated not long since that it was not safe to ring the bells ; but I am told that they are still rung almost daily, and that the tower is as stable as when first built. I am much indebted to Mr. Geo. Lockyer for trouble taken to find out from the parish accounts the names of the founders of the ring. Unfortu- nately it was labour in vain, as the accounts do not go back as far as 1701-2. DEPTFORD. St. Paul. 3 Bells. I., 27j-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1823 IL, 33i-in. T Mears of Lnodon Fecit 1825 Tho^ Haycraft) ^ T^ o TT r Church Wardens Edw° Hawke ] IIL, 40^-in. Mess"*^ James Abbott & Rich° Harreden Ch. Wardens 1772 Pack & Chapman of London Fecit Christchurch. I Bell. I., 36-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1862 St. Barnabas. i Bell. Presumably one bell of quite recent date. Church built 1882. St. John. 8 Bells. A peal of eight from the Whitechapel Foundry, dated 1874 — tenor 14 cwt. St. Luke. 8 Bells. Church built 1872— has a ring of eight bells by Warner and Sons. St. Mark. i Bell. Built 1883 — presumably one bell of that date. St. Peter. i Bell. L, 25-in. 4857 A steel bell. Inscriptions. 255 DETLING. St. Martin. i Bell. I., 27-in. iwlVp^i I|*ifc^I ma^c mc 1603 Pits for three bells still remain — the other two were sold about twenty-five years ago for funds to repair the church. No local uses. Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Thanks to the Rev. John Cave-Browne, Vicar. DITTON. St. Peter. 2 Bells and a Priest's Bell. Priest's i4|-in. Borodino. 1825 I., 25-in. TM CW WH 1656 II., 26-in. EDWARD MIDDLETON C W 17 17 Quite lately rehung and in thorough order. DODDINGTON. St. John Baptist. 2 Bells. I., 31-in. ROBERT CATLIN FECIT 1751 II., 33-in. RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1712 In 1760 there were here " six bells, but three of them useless, being cracked and out of their frames." So much Mr. Bryan Faussett. It appears, however, that this unsatisfactory state of things had been caused by a fire, the steeple having been struck by lightning in or about 1650 and badly damaged. At the beginning of the present century, it was taken down and replaced by a fabric of wood, four of the bells being sold to defray the expense. Of the present survivors, only one is in use at present, the other being not in ringing order. Best thanks to Vicar, Rev. W. J. Monk. DOVER. St. Mary. 8 Bells. I., 28 Wn. S KNIGHT FECIT 1724 IL, 29-in. SAMVEL KNIGHT FECIT 1724 III., 2()\-'vci. Same. IV., 3r^-in. Same, v., 371-in. FEAR GOD ALL YOV THAT RING 3K FECIT 1724 VI., 38-in. lOHN DILL THOMAS lOYNER CHVRCHWARDENS SK FECIT 1725 256 Inscriptions. VII., 41-in. HONOVR THE KING SAMVEL KNIGHT MADE THIS RING 1724 VIIL, 46-in. STEPHEN HAMMOND lAMES PERCHE CHVRCH- WARDENS S KNIGHT FECIT 1724 No information to be had as to local uses. DOVER. St. James the Apostle, Old Church. i Bell. I. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1872 This is a very poor substitute for the ring of six which it replaces. They were, it is understood, traded away for the wretched steel bells now in the new church. They were inscribed as follows : L" G^ SACKWELL T^ REVELL ESQ^^ GAVE ME I^ GOD- WIN THO^ KID lOHN ^ WILNAR j) MADE ^ ME 1637 U lOHN ^ WILNAR ^ 1637 lOHN WTLNAR U lOHN ■> WILNAR k MADE 5> ME 1637 Same. W ^ W X) R S C^ W St. James the Apostle, New Church. 6 Bells. L, 29-in. NAYLOR VICKERS & C° 1S62 II., 31-in. Same. 1861 III., 35-in. Same. 1862 IV., 39-in. Same. 1862 v., 41-in. Same. 1861 VI., 45-in. Same. 1861 Steel bells, about as rusty as they make them. Holy Trinity. i Bell. A small modern bell, inaccessible. St. Mary in Castro. i Bell. A 29-inch bell by Warner and Sons, dated 1880. This exceedingly interesting ancient church has, thanks to God, been lately, after some two centuries of desecration and neglect, restored to I., 30^-in. IL, 33^"- IIL, 37-in. IV., , 38-in. v.; , 43-in- VL, , 47-in. Inscriptio)is. 257 His service. Tradition states that in the seventeenth century there was here a ring of six bells, but whether they were in the church tower or in the old Roman Pharos, as Hasted states, is somewhat doubtful. Tradition is equally contradictory as to the fate of the said ring. One authority states that Prince George of Denmark, at the intercession of Admiral Rooke, caused them to be removed to Portsmouth and placed in the tower of St. Thomas's Church there. Another authority slates that the order for removal to Portsmouth was never carried out, but that the bells went to St. Margaret at Cliffe. Neither of these traditions is, I think, correct ; the dale of the present ring at Portsmouth disproves the one, and the fact that St. Margaret at Cliffe possesses only one bell, and that of earlier date than the supposed transfer, militates equally against the other. The element of truth lying at the bottom of all this is, I think, that the bells were broken up and the metal sent to Portsmouth Dockyard for casting purposes. We have, however, in the Surrenden MSS., a piece of information as to one of these bells which is perfectly trustworthy, as being within the personal knowledge of the narrator. Sir Edward Deering. It is given as follows in "Arch. Cant.," vol. i. It appears that there was at that time (1630) in this church a brass (of which a sketch is given) to Sir Robert Astone, and the following note is added by Sir Edward : "The circumscription of the great bell heere and weighing 3000 lb. weight, and which was the gift of that S' Robert Astone, hath every letter fayre and curiously cast, and each crowned with a ducal crown ' Dominus Robertus de Astone Miles me fecit fieri A° quarto R. Ricardi scdi G.' Lower than this in small letters was cast " ' Stepne Norton of Kent Me n;ade in god intent.' " It is to be noted that these last two lines appear on a bell now at Chisel borough in Somerset, cast by the said Stephen Norton, and that on the only two other specimens of his workmanship known now to exist, viz., those at Snave and Holy Cross, Canterbury, the inscriptions are in very handsome crowned capitals. See p. 16. Best thanks to the Rev. H. Tudor Craig, senior chaplain, Dover, and to the Rev. A. du B Hill, our best authority on Hampshire bells. 2 L 258 Inscriptions. DOWN. St. Mary the Virgin. 3, formerly 4 Bells, I., 33-in. + (Fig. 9) j0l|anncs o ©"tttsii o ©^ai^c o X^iijn.tvc o ^rra o ,l^o&la o (Diiaxte IL, 36-in. + (Fig. 7) Hum o XltTsa o ;]S)ulsata o XH«"^i o Jl.atci[iua o "^Z^ftata III., 39iin. t (Fig. 30) .©"itxtge | mane | f^Vlnitc I trca | anna 1 ^ni I m I tr I xt o U An interesting trio; see pages 26 and 49. The stop on Nos. i and 2 is Fig. 8. That on No. 3 is Fig. 31. T. R. E. Item iij bells of brass suted in the steple and one saincts bell of brasse and ij hand bells for procession, and a sacryng bell of bras. DUNKIRK. St. Saviour. i Bell. I., 27Hn. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1841 VILLE OF DUNKIRK CHURCH KENT The Vicar, Rev. W. J. Springett, tells me there are no local uses. DYMCHURCH. SS. Peter and Paul. 3 Bells. I., 22-in. CH o MADE o ME O 1685 O O O O II., 24-in. Same. III., 28-in. CHRISTOPHER o HODSON o MADE o ME o 1685 00000 T. R. E. Item ij bells in the steple. According to Hasted there were five bells in his time (about 1800), EASTCHURCH. All Saints. 5 Bells. I., 271-in. lOHN WILNAR 1634 II., 30-in. lOHN WIENER 1623 III., 33|-in. lOHN WIENER 1623 WB IV., 36-in. lOSEPH HATCH MADE ME 1605 v., 4oi-in. lOHN WIENER 1623 Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. Bell tolled for an hour- tenor (query) for adults, treble for children. Tellers at both beginning and end — 3 X 3 for male, 3x2 for female. Repeated on morning of funeral. Inscriptions. 259 Bell tolled for about an hour before burial. Sunday uses. Treble bell rung at 8 a.m. for about five minutes (ancient " Matins " bell). Bells chimed for services only at present, being in bad ringing order, and about to undergo a general overhaul. Very hearty thanks to the Rector, Rev. R. H. Dickson, for above notes, and also for permission to make the following extracts from the Parish Books : 1662-3 giuan to the ringers at tim^s and spent at sauarals 1663-5 P^i^ to Essex the Bel-hanger for new hanging our Bellf paid to Thomas Huggens y^ wheeler for Tymber used about the Bellf & worke done about the Church yard paid to Richard Eglestone for iron worke done about the Bellf & Church ... To Gregory Baylie for sawing ... ffor 5 new Bellropes ffor oyle for the Bellf ... paid more to Essex the Bellhanger in full of his worke 1665-6 for 5 new Bellropes for Sallyes for the Bells 1666-7 Item paid to John Atwater for a new wheele & other worke done about y" Bellf Item paid to the Wid Manwaring for oyle 1667-8 for nayles and mending y^ Belfry doore for 5 Belropes weighing 28"^ ... 1668-9 ^'^- f^'" 5 Belropes weighing 30"^ Decemb' 22' It. paid to Rich: Eagleston for work to y^ Bells 1669-70 It. payd to Thomas Huggins for mending a bell whele ... It. for mending the Bells It. more for mending the Bell ... 1670-71 It. payd to Goodman Bromfild for a new whele & four days worke don to the bels 5//. 2S. Zli- 5-^'- od. . lU. 6s. 5^. iSs. 6d. 2S. s 3^- 4d. . ill. i.y. od. IS. %d. 4^. IS. Ss. \xd 1 6s. \li. t^s. M. ^s. 8^/. IS. 6d. \2S. M. 2//. L 2 26o Inscriptions. It. to Yonge for 2 days worke to helpe him ... 2s. 8d. It. for feching the Bell whele over ... ... 2s. It. spent one the Bellhanger ... ... ... 2s. It. for He 6^. It. for wood vsed about y^ bells ... ... is. It. for 5 bells rops 13^- ^^• 167 1-2 Item for to horses &: a man to fetch y^ three bel whels ouer ... ... ... •■• 4-^' Item for 4 new boards to make a petission between y*= tener & third ... ... ... 4-^- Item for a pint and a i of oile for y^ bells ... is. Item for a new seet of bell ropes ... ... 17.^. 9^- Item for three new bell wheels ... ... 3//. Item for catches & stays & for fower shivers and pins ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 9 J. Item for 5 days worcke for brumfeild and his son ... ... ... ... ... ... 1//. S^- 1672-3 Item for a horse & a man to fetch y^ treble wheel ouer Item for a quart of oile for y= bells Item p'^ two Will brumfeild his yeares wages* 2/1. 1675-6 paid to y" ringers agen pouder treason 1676-7 paid to y"" Ringers att severall times ... 1677-8 spent upone y*" ringers att severall times 1683-4 Given to y*" Ringers a gonpouder treson It. paid to Richard Eaglestone for Ironworke & nailes about y'' bells & other things 1684-5 given to y'' Ringers att y^ crownation .. . 1685-6 It. spent upone the Ringers at seueral tines ... It. paid to wodgat for mending the bells It. paid for new Ropes for y'' bells 1686-7 It. paid to Will"! loue for 12 dayes worke and for som wood about the beles ... ... i//. It. given to the Ringears att severil times It. paid for som lethers for y'= belles ... * Appears regularly for some ten or twelve years, clearly an annual fee for looking after the bells and keeping them in order. 2S. 2S. 2S. 5'- 3^- I IS. 6d. 2S. dd. i8s. lod. 5^~- 12^-. (yd. 2S. 6d. JSS. ^d. 6s. 7s. 6d 3^- Inscriptions. 261 1687-8 paid to y^ Ringars ffor seavarall times ringing 12.?. dd. paid to John Egelstone ffor lorne worke be- longing to y" bells (etc.) ... ... ... \2s. 2d. paid ffor a sett of bell ropes ... ... ... \li. 5.?. paid ffor Leathare used att a bell ... ... \s. 4d. 1688-9 Given to y*" Ringers at three times ... ... los. Spent att y" Coronation of King Will & Quen Mary on the Ringers & for beere att y^ bonfier i//. 3^. 1689-90 paid for mending y" bells ... ... ... ii.y. Given to y'' Ringers ... ... ... ... 55. 1 69 1-2 Given to y" Ringers a gunpowder treson ... 55-. 1692-3 paid for belrops ... ... ... ... i//. Given to y*" Ringers a crownation day ... 4s. paid for fers for a bonfier & for beere att y" same time ... ... ... ... ... i//. i8s. 1694-5 paid for a bathreck for y'' trebble ... ... 2s. paid for Ringing y^ Quens Knell ... ... 2s. ^d. paid to John Eaglestone for new working y"" tenner claper & mending ye trebble claper & y" casment... ... ... ... ... 15^'. 6d. 1695-6 paid for casting y^ brases & new hanging y" five bells ... ... ... ... ... 6//. Spent in y'' time of y^ bells new hanging ... 5^". paid for a new set of bellropes ... ... 15.^. paid for Bromfield for his Jorny over to vew y" bells & could not agree ... ... ... 5^'. Given to y'^ Ringers at severall times ... ... 11^. 1696-7 paid to John Eaglestone for worke & nailes about y" Church & Bells att several times as apears by his bills i/i. 16s. 6d. 1697-8 Given to the Ringers at the proclamacon for peace... ... ... ... ■•• •■. 5^- 1699-1700 paid Mr Burges for a sett of Bell ropes ... 17^. gd. paid Thomas Vidgen for 3 Batharicks ... 6s. jjaid to Henary Lilly for worke aboute y" Bells 14//. for fetting of stufe from y" Key ... ... 5^". 262 I use ript 20 }is. paid i\r Finch for a bond ... ... ... 3.$'. (>d. paid Thomas fox for worke dune in y*" Bellfery 4^'. 1700-1 paid for a new set of Bellropes ... ... i^s. 6d. 1 701-2 It. paid to Lilly for looking after y" bells one year at our Lady day 1702 it being ended* \lt. paid to Tho. Vigeon for a piece of sole leather for 4'^' bell ^s. 1702 Given to y*^ Ringers on y" Queen's Crownation day 5:f. 1704 Item paid John Egleston for mending a bell clapper & a lock ... ... ... ... 2s. lod. 1706 Spent on y*" Ringers on y" Union day being y" i^' of May ... ... ... ... ... TOi-. 1707 Given y^ Ringers on y*" 2 9'^^ of May ... ... 55. 1712-13 Giueng to the Rengers apon Sand Gorge is day ^s. Geien to the Ringers more when pece was pro- clamed ... ... ... ... ... icy. gd. 1 7 14-15 Spent on y" Ringers when y*" Arch-Deacon was here ... ... ... ... ... ... ^s. 1716-17 Paid Tho: Vidgeon for a Bathrick for y'^ 5"^ Bell ... 1724 Allowance had when y*" Bell was Hanged 1725 Paid Jn° Beard for a new Set of Bell Ropes as ap'* by Bill ... ... ... ... ... i//. 1726 Paid Richard Loudon for Buteres for y" Bells 172S-9 p"* for a Bathareck 1729-30 p"^ for a new set of Bell Ropes as pr bill ... i//. 1730 p"^ Hen. Hills for \ a Year Looking after y" Bellst 1730-31 P'* ]^° Beard for y'' Bell Rops... ... ... ili. 1732-3 for mending y*" Bells clapper ... 1733 j to > No accounts for these years. 1786 ) 1786-7 May 26 To M' Rouse for a set of Bell Ropes i//. 9^-. 17S7 March 24 p"* M' Rouse for Bellropes ... i//. 2>s. * Occurs in later years regularly. t Occurs again for some ye.Trs in succession. 3^- 6d. 4^. lod. 6^. 6d. 25. 6d. 2S. 6d. 6s. lOS. 6d 6s. 6s. InscriptiO}is. 26 ^795~6 Bell Ropes aj pr bill ... Paid W Brett for M' Roust for Bell ropes ... 1798-9 Paid Hodges for Leather for Bell 1799-1800 Paid Rouss Bell ropes ... 1835 Claringbold as per Bill for a set of Bell Ropes 1839 Similar entry 1840 Paid Taylor for a new strap to a Bell... There is very little information in this last book ; nearly all the payments are to so and so "as per bill." ili. I \s. 6d. \li. gs 6d. 3S 6d. \Ii. I IS. 6d. 2//. 15^ 2//. 13^ 6d. 2.>- 6d. EASTLING. St. Mary. I., 25f-in. Tho^ Mears of London Fecit 1793 IL, 27-in. 6 Bells. IIL, 29-in. IV., 30-in. v., 32|-in. VL, 36-in. R: Phelps fecit 17 17 The reverend D": W*': Wickins sen: rect: W" Wickinsiun: CURAT Dan: Kemp Ch: warden R: Phelps fecit 171 7 Death-knell rung as soon as notice given. Tenor bell used for adults, 2nd for children. Commence with tellers z^ Z ^o^ male, 3x2 for female ; then chime for twenty minutes, then raise bell and strike a few strokes, finish with tellers as at commencement. On morning of funeral at 8 a.m. the bell is raised, and after tellers, is rung for a quarter of an hour. Before the funeral the bell is tolled. For services bells rung or chimed, usually the latter. Peals rung on Easter morning, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and on New Year's Eve ; and occasionally during the winter months, but there is a diffi- culty in keeping a band of ringers. The following lines are on a board in the ringing chambers, and as they are unusual in this county, are worth printing here : This is a bellfry that is free And for all them that civil be And if you choose to chime or ring It is a very pleasant thing. ARTICLES. There is no music play'd or sung Like unto bells when they're well rung Then ring your bell well if you can Silence is best for every man. But if you ring in spur or hat Sixpence you pay be sure of that And if a bell you overthrow Pray pay si.xpence bclorc you go. 264 Inscriptions. EASTRY. St. Mary. 5 Bells. I., 35-in. Rubci^f mof + mabe mq O 1584 © II., 37-in. ♦ :iul|aunca Clarltc 'Banc Jffccit Campauam 1609 WILLIAM IDLEY Z THOMAS VVHITFVLDE CHURCH- WARDENS in., 4o|-m. HENRY <> WILNAR > MADE -^ ME ^ 1629 IV., 45-in. xM-^THOMASRAMMELL CHURCH WARDEN RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1734 v., 49-in. Thomas Kite William Filpoit Church Wardens ■.• Robert Catlin Fecit 1740 Apparently no passing bell. " A knell " rung at funerals. Sunday uses. The "matins" (8 a.m.) and " mass " (9 a.m.) bells were rung here until the early part of the present century, when the former was discontinued. At present a bell is rung at 8 a.m. for the early celebration, and the 9 o'clock bell has been shifted to 9.30. Unless this last is rung for any special purpose, it seems rather unmeaning — what one might call a case of strangulated survival. For other services bells chimed ten minutes, then fifteen minutes' pause, then chime five minutes, " toll in " on two bells ten minutes. Peal rung on last night of year. Wedding peals "sometimes." A meadow near the church (now an orchard) was called "bell pasture" because one of the bells is said to have, been cast there. This is doubtless a true tradition, and refers to the 2nd bell, the maker of which, John Clarke, was so eminently peripatetic over all the home counties, that the most careful researches have hitherto utterly failed in finding him a local habita- tion. Best thanks to the Rev. W. F. Shaw, Vicar. EASTWELL. St. Mary. 6 Bells. I., 29-in. Thomas Mears Founder London 1842 II., 31-in. Same. III., 33-in. Same. IV., 35-in. Same. v., 38-in. Same. VI., 43-in. The Rev" Philip Parsons rector Thomas Dobson Church Warden Tho"^ Mears of London Fecit 1794 Inscriptions. 265 T. R. E. Item in the steple iij bells and a lytle sanctus bell. In 1758, according to Mr. Faussett, Eastwell had but three bells, thus inscribed : I. Joseph Hatch fecit me 1605 II. Sancta Maria Ora Pro Nobis III. Josephus Hatch fecit me 1653 This last is clearly wrong, either in name or date ; Joseph Hatch died in 1639. In Hasted's time there were three bells — his date on this point is rather uncertain —probably they were the three mentioned by Faussett. In 1794 these three appear to have been exchanged for (or cast into) the present tenor, and Eastwell remained with this single bell until 1842, when the Earl of Winchilsea gave the present Nos. i to 5 at a cost of ^295 Zs. 2d. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. G. E. Gwynne. EBONY. St. Mary. i Bell. I., 25i-in. Thomas Mears & Son of London Fecit 1805 T. R. E. Item iiij gret bells and a saunce bell. Mem. " Stolen " .... a hand bell. EDENBRIDGE. SS. Peter and Paul. . 6 Bells. I., 31-in. In sweetest sound let each its note Reveal Mine shall BE first to lead THE DULCET PeAL T MeARS & SON OF London Fecit 1807 II., 33|-in. When Female virtue weds with Manly worth We catch THE rapture and WE SPREAD IT FORTH T MeARS & SON OF London Fecit 1807 III., 34|-in. Hear let us Pause and each with one accord Salute the Church triumphant in the lord T Mears cV Son of London Fecit 1807 IV., 36-in. Should battle rage and hostile foes Contend We hail THE VICTOR when hes Britains Friend T Mears & Son OF London Fecit 1807 v., 39in. May Peace and Plenty smile on Albions Shore And Wars dire Tumult Cease for Evermore T Mears & Son of London Fecit 1807 VI., 43-in. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 181 3 2 M 266 Inscriptions. In ringing the death knell the age is denoted by the bell used — tellers 3x3 for male, 3 x 2 for female. A bell tolled at funerals. Sunday uses rather elaborate — 7 a.m. ("Matins" bell), 8 a.m. ("Mass" bell). Sermon bell at 9 a.m. and again at 2. Bell again at i p.m. and 6 p.m. Can these last be survivals of the old mid-day " Angelas " and evening " Ave " bells, or is the former " a dim recollection " of the Sanctus bell at high mass ? * Wedding peals. Bell rung for vestry meetings. Ringing on festivals under Vicar's direction. The cost of the peal recast in 1807, according to the parish books, was about ;!^ 1 80. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. C. F. Gore. EGERTON. St. James. 6 Bells. I., 27-in. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1759 IL, 2g-in. Same. in.,3i-in. lOSEPH HATCH MADE ME © 1602 IV., 34-in. Peace And Good Neighbovrhood <^ Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1759 v., 36-in. ROB~" HOPE AND THO~ WILDESH C W 1717 VL, 39-in. JOSEPH HATCH MADE ME Q 1602 SP RB T. R. E. Item in the stepyll v bellys Item a bell over the quier (No doubt the Sanctus bell.) .... hand bells. Passing Bell. — Tenor tolled thirty minutes, then raised and rung thirty minutes ; tellers at finish, 'x,y. :^ for male, 3x2 for female. Funerals. — A knell rung at 7 a.m., each bell in turn being made to speak seven times. This is done three times foj; a male, twice for a female. Then tenor raised and rung half pulls for an hour, with two fifteen-minute intervals of silence. A bell tolled for an hour before the service. Sundays. — Sermon bell at 8 a.m. (2nd and tenor) and again at noon (2nd only). Bells chimed half an hour before service. Peals on Christmas morning and on New Year's Eve. A bell rung for Easter Vestry. There is a bequest called the Bell-rope Charity, no doubt an endowment for ropes. Best thanks to the Vicar, the Rev. F. R. Mercer, Inscriptions. 267 ELHAM. St. Mary. 8 Bells. I., 2S-in. Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1763 IL, 29-in. Same. III., 30-in. Same. IV., 32j-in. Same, v., 34-in. Same. John Potter Bellhanger VI., 36-in. Same. ■VII., 41-in. Thomas Mears & Son of London Fecit. Rob VVestfield & John Horton Churchwardens 1809 VIII., 45-in. Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1763 T. R. E. Item v great belles. In 1757-8 Mr. Bryan Faussett notes here " 5 heavy bells all made by John Wilnar in y" year 1659." These doubtless came from the church of St. Mary at Sandwich, local tradition preserving the record of the transfer ; their date, however, was 1639, not 1659; the entry of the payment for their casting is given in Boys' " History of Sandwich," and will be noticed in connection with that town and church. At present the frame is in bad order and the bells can only be chimed. I am sorry to see that the reprehensible practice of " clocking " has been introduced. The sooner it is discontinued the better for the bells. Death knell as soon as notice received. Toll one hour — tenor bell for adults, other smaller bells for children according to age. Tellers 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female at end of knell. This is repeated at 8 a.m on day of burial, only the bell is " pulled up," not tolled. Sundays — a bell chimed at 8 a.m. (" Matins " bell). There is a local tradition as to No. 7, that it was sent here by mistake for Wye, and that the Wye people have got the Elham bell. ELM LEY. St. James. i BelL I., i8-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1854 ELMSTEAD. St. James. 6 Bells. L, 27-in. lOHN WAYLETT FECIT OOO1721OOOO IL, 28i-in. lOHN WAYLETT FECIT O O 1721 O O O IIL, 3i-*in. ST lAMES U U S U K 1721 U U U 2 M 2 268 Inscriptions. IV., 33|-in. lOHN WAYLETT FECIT 1721 v., 35-in. Same. VI., 40-in. Chapman «Sj: Mears of London Fecerunt 1783 T. R. E. Item iiij bells in the steple and iiij small hand bells. No local uses. The bells were rehung at the expense of Sir J, W. Hony- wood, Bart., some five years ago ; prior to this there had been no ringing for many years, and the old ringers dying out meanwhile, the old uses passed into oblivion. Best thanks to the Vicar, the Rev. A. Collett. ELMSTONE. Dedication unknown. 3 Bells. I., 27-in. Thomas Mears & Son of London Fecit 1808 IL, 281-in. MR: WILLIAM GIBBS CHVRCH WARDED RICHARD PHELPS FECIT 1712 .)|(. IIL, 31 Mn. MR: WILLIAM GIBBS CHVRCH WARDEM RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1712 «ij(. + «j{(> In 1758 the treble was like the other two. ELTHAM. St. John Baptist. 6 Bells. I., 2 7|-in. Tho^ Noves & W" Glazbrook Ch. Wardens 1794 Tho^ Mears of London Fecit II., 29-in. Same. III., 3oi-in. Same. IV., 32|-in. Same. v., 34|-in. Same. VI., 37^-in. The Rev° I Kenyard Shaw Vicar Tho^ Noyes & W" Glazbrook Church Wardens 1794 Tho^ Mears of London Fecit T. R. E. Item iij great bells in the steple and a saunt's bell of brasse. Death knell tolled within twelve hours after death. Tellers at end only — 3 X 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female. Bell tolled at funeral. Bells chimed for service. Peals on Easter Day, Christmas Day, Ascension Day, Whitsun Day, Feast of Patron Saint, and Harvest Festival. Also on New Year's Eve and Queen's birthday. Inscriptions. 269 Many thanks to Vicar, the Rev. W. J. Sowerby. The following entries from " A Bocke of the accountes off the Churche Wardens called a Ledgere begininge the xij day of July in the yeare of our Lorde Gode 1554," were copied by Mr. Tyssen several years ago : 1554 the charges of the ij bells Sum=i ... ... \\s. \\\]d. Item paid to Robert Esbruke for takinge downe of the belle and hanginge of hir upe agayne and trussinge of the great bell ... ... \\\)s. \\\]d. Item for wainge of the same bell ... ... viij^. Item paid for makinge of the oblygatione ... xx^. Item paid for carringe of the bell into South- warke ... ... ... ... ... ... vj^. Item paid for carringe of the bell unto the bell fownders to Henry Scrockeson (Church Warden) \]S. s\\]d. Item paid for brininge home of the bell ... iiij^. Item paid for our charges for ij days warke ... iij.y. iiij^. Item paid for on hondrethe and a haulf and vij//. of mettell for y*" bell a iiij^. the //. Iviijjr. iiij^. Item paid to the bell founder for castinge the bell iij//. vij^. Sum^ vij//. \]S. vjd. Item paid to Bourne for makinge of the bell clapper and for irone for the same ... ... vs. 1556-7 Item paid to the rope maker for a bauldricke for the great bell i)s. u\]d. Item paid to John Bourne sen"^ for making of the great bell clappir and the little bell clapp"" and spike for the carpinter for the dogge one the neive beame and ij forlocke for the great belle over and besides xiiij// of ould irone that he had of the jJrishe for ij laye upon them v.r. Item paid to ould Bourne for makinge of a bauldricke viij^. for haulf a hyd of white leathers xx^. ijj. iiij^- Item pd to the same man for new boults of iron spike and chekes \v''> a newe buclec for the bell clapp"" and diu''se othe things occupied about the great bell iij-^- "ij'^- 270 hiscriptions. Item pf^ to Mills carpinter of Bexley for takinge downe of the great belle doune and new hang- inge of hire vpe and mendinge of the bell whill* ... \\]s. iiijV, Item geven to the men that did helpe take downe the bell and hange hire againe in bread and drinke iiij^. Item paid for grease for the bells ... ... \^d. Item the iij day of Decemb' 1557 for a new clapper for the greate belle wayinge xlvj//. a iiij the pounde ... . . ... ... xv.y. 1558 Imprimis paid the ij day of May to Hunte the carpentere for the makinge of a wheele for the littelle belle ... ... ... ... ... '\]s. v]d. Itm. paid more to the smithe for mendinge of the storupe to the same bell ... ... ... iiij^. Itm. laid oute for boordes that I had of M"" East for to mend the whell of the littell belle and the fremes besides .. ... ... ... xij^. 1559 Itm. paid for a bauldricke for the great bell ... xij^. 1560 Receaved of John Bourne for the broken bell claper viij^. Itm. paid for a bauldricke for the great bell ... w'yi. Itm. paid for a pine for the baldricke ... ... ]d. Itm. paid for the clapper for the littell bell ... v']d. Itm. paid to John Petley for makinge a whell for the sayd bell ... ... ... ... xviij^. Itm. paid for a pine for the baldricke ... ... id. Itm. paid for candells that was brent at the hang- inge of the bell whill ... ... ... ... ']d. Itm. paid for mendinge the storupe of the bell whille ... ... ... ... ... ... ]d. ob. 1561 Item paid for gresse for the bells ... ... \d. 1562 Imprimis paid for a crosse bare for the meadle bell • v]d. * An unintelligible word follows, apparently "wergrart," which may mean "where cracked ;" I can think of no other explanation. Inscriptions. 2 7 1 Itm. paid for naylles to mend the bells and y" churche gate ... ... ... ... ... \]d. Itm. paid to John Petley for hanginge the great bell faste ... ... ... ... ... x^. Itm. paid for ij folke to helpe the carpinter ... xvj^. Itm. paid for ij baudes for the bells whille ... \]d. Itm. paid for a crosbar for the bell ... ... viyi. Itm. paid for naylles for the belles ... ... \]d. Itm. paid for a plate for the great bell vvhill ... ij//. Itm. paid for greasse for the belles ... ... \d, Itm. pay for naylles and mendinge the great bell whell ... ... ... ... ... ... \\\]d. 1563 Itm. paid for making an J for the great bell claper ... ... ... ... ... ... iij^. \\\]d. Itm. payd for a crosse bare for the great bell ... iiij^. Itm. payd for naylles to mende the bell whells ]d. 1564 Itm. paid to John Petley for mendinge the belles xij^. Itm. paid for shuting the storupe of the great bell ij^. Itm. paid for a staye for the great bell whelle ... v]d. Itm. paid for a bell clapper ... ... ... iij^. \\\]d. 1565 Itm. paid for half a hyde of whit leather to mend and for to make the bauldricke when they have neade ... ... ... ... ... ij.f. \]d- Itm. paid to John Bourne for a bare for the great bell ... ... ... ... ... v\d' Itm. paid for brades to mend the belles ... '\)d. Itm. paid for a bucelle and a pine for the greate bell ijV- Itm. paid for makinge a bauldricke for the great bell iiij^. Itm. paid for ij keyes for the belles ... ... \d. Itm. paid for a pounde of candelles at the hang- inge of the belles ... ... ... ... lij'/. Itm. paide for tallow for the bells \d. Itm. paid for a stapelle for the great bell ... \d' Itm. paid for a pine for the great belles bauld- ricke ... ... ... ••• ••• )d' \d. 272 hiscriptions. 1566 Itni. paid for spykes for the belles and mending the sturrupes for the bells and mendinge the keyes ... ... ... ... .•■ ••• '^)d. Itm. paid for tallow for the belles of All Sayns even Itm. paid to John Pelley for ij days worke for mending the belles ... ... ... ... ^s. Itm. paid to John Bourne for a dayes work at the mending y" belles ... ... ••. x^/. Itm. paid to Henri Stubbs fo a dayes worke at the mending y'' belles ... ... ••. x^. Itm. paid for a noo J for the great bell claper to John IJorne iiF- iiij'^- Itm. i^aid lo John l]ournc fo makinge of a bawldricke and mending another bawldricke for the belles vj^. 1567 Itm. for making ij new bawldrickes ... ... viij^. llm. paid lor whit lether to make the bald- ricke of x^. llm. i)aid for mending the fore bell claper ... iiij'/. Itm. paid for sope for the belles ... ... ij^- Itm. jxaid for a new J for the medell bell ... \)s. 1568 Itm. paid for ij now bawdrickes cs: mending on bawdrick for belles ... ... ... ... iij'^. Itm. paiil for drinke for the Ringcres at ij times when the Queene cam throw the towne Itm. paid for sope for the belles Itm. paid for mending the belles and the church stille 1 569 Itm. paid for haulf a hid of whit lether and mend- inge the great bell bauldricke Itm. paid to John Petley for iij dayes worke for mendinge the great belle whelle Itm. paid to Willm Hamshire for ij dayes worke for the same ... Itm. paid to John Llourne for bare to bcare the bell \\\]d. \d. \\\)d. \]S. \\]S. 'wd. w]d. \]S. iiij^. hiscripti07is. 273 Itm. paid to John Eoure for laing the pine for the bell ... . . ... ... ... \d. Itm. paid to John Boure for mendinge the strowp for y"" bell ... ... ... ... \\d. 1570 Itm. receaved of the wardens of the xv* peny for the pament of the amcndinge of the to belles vij//. and paid by vs ... ... ... vij//. Itm. paid for the charges of the ij belles above the sui of vij//. as apeareth by a bille . . . \\s. \\]d. Itm. paid for mendinge the beares for the medell bell v\d. Itm. paid for brodes ... ... ... ... iiij^. Itm. paid for iij keyes ... ... ... ... \)d. Itm. paid to John Petle e John Bourne for a dayes worke a peac for to hang the middlee bell ijj. Itm. paid for sope fo"^ the bells ... ... ... \]d. Itm. paid for nayelles for the bell whille ... \]d. Itm. paid for mendinge the storope of the bell \]d. Itm. paid for mending the fore bell whille ... \]d. 1571 Itm. paid for mendinge a bauldricke ... ... \\\]d. Itm. paid for castinge of the ij belles to the churchwardens ... ... ... ... vij//. 1572 Itm. paid for mendinge the great bells baul- dricks vj^. Itm. paid for soppe for bells ... ... ... \d. 1573 Itm, paid for a bauldricke for the for bell ... xiiij^. Itm. paid for a baudricke for the medell bell ... xiiij^/. Itm. paid John Bourne formakingc the fore bell claper ... ... ... ... ... ••• iij-^- 1574 Itm. paid for mendinge the medell bell whell the same then did reinge for the coronation of the quen ... 1575 Itm. paid for mendinge the great bell bauldryck tV for sope for the bells ... • • • ■ • • '^j'^^' \}d. Lands s(i calli. 2 N 2 74 Inscriptions. 1576 Itm. for mendinge the great bells baudryke and for brods changinge in the stocke ... ... xxd?'. Fo"" candells for the ringers ... ... ... \d. Itm. paid for helpinge to truse the great bell ... y]d. payd to John Bourne for iron & worke ... \]s. \\\]d. payd for help to hang y'^ belles ... ... ... xijd?^ payd for sope for belles ... ... ... ... ij^. 1577 Itm. payd for y" bel claper ... ... ... viij.y. 15 78 Itm. paide for a baudricke for y" great bell and apinneofiron ... ... ... ... xxj^. Itm. rayne owne labour aboute y*" rearinge of y*" bellfree lofte ... 1579 Payed for one pounde of gresse for the bells ... Payd unto Willm Roop and unto Willm Brog- mington for helping of John Petley about the bells Itm. payd unto the Ringers on the coronation daye ... Itm. payed for a haelf one pound of sope for the bells 1580 pd for mendinge of y° roller of the bell and for ij inc nailes pd to John Dardon for soderinge of o"" middell bell pd for a sacke of coales... pd to Richard Borne for iron worke for y*" bell pd to Anthony Nott and for helpinge of him to hang the bell ... Spent in charges at the takinge down of the bell Some xxiiiji'. \\\]d. November pd to the Ringers the xvij dale of Nou y*" w^ is called Coronation dale Spent more in charges on the ringers ... pd to Richard Boure for iron work for the belles ... pd to John Petle and John Gentleman for mend- inge the two wheles of y' bells xij^. \d. wd. \]S. v]d. lid. \]d. XVJ5. xij^. iiij.f. ij^. iiij^. xij^. iij5. \]d. \s. y\]d. xvd. xd Inscriptioiis. 275 for nailes for the wheles ... ... ... ... \]d. for sope for the belles ... ... ... ... \d. 1 58 1 pd to Thomas Gierke for makinge a new whele unto y*" fore bell ... ... ... ... ij^. iiij^. for grease for the belles ... ... ... ... iij^. pd for ij bvvdrex for the belles ... ... ... \\]s. \\\]d. pd for greces for the belles ... ... ... ]d. pd to the Ringers the xvij day of November ... iij.f. pd more to the Ringers in charges iiiji-. \yi. pd unto John Petle for mending the wyell of the bell vj^. 1582 pd for grece for the bells ... ... ... \d. for nayles to mende the bell wheeles with other necessaryes ... ... ... ••. •■ vj//. Itm, for sope & nayles for the bells iiij^. 17 November Itm. laid out the same day to the Ringers beinge then in remembrance of Coronation day ... ... ... -.• ix.r. vj^. 1583 Itm. for takinge downe the bell and all other charges |^tayninge to y' only excepted the ^ Founderes wages as by a bill of |Jticulars may appear in toto... ... ... ••• •■• xx: Itm. for a pound of sope for the bells ... Itm. laid owt for mending the great bell clapper and the middell bell clapper w'^ the charges to the same belonging Itm. paid to the carpenters for worke aboute the bells Itm. paid more the same time to Rich Borne for iron work abowte the bells It. payd to the Bell founder for casting the bell iij//. It. for mending the bell clappe' charges in going ... ... ..• ••• ••• ••• ^J-^* It. for grease waxe & sope against the ringing daye for the bells iiij^- It. in charges on the Coronation day for the ringers... ... ... ... •.• ■•• xvx, 2 N 2 '\]S. vjd. u'y/. ob. '(\]S. iiij^. ws. \\\]d. []s. myi. \s. 276 Inscriptions. Receyed gathered of the {^ishe for the bell ... xxiji'. 1585 paied to the CoUermaker of Leawsam for a bawdricke for the great bell ... ... ... iiji'. paied to John Peatly for mendinge the great bell wheall & for nayles xviij^. paid for towe bell ropes iij^. vj^. 1586 paied for a bell rope for the great bell xviij^. paied to John Petlye for stokeing y'' great bell \\\]s. paied to Richard Bourne for makinge the iorones for the great bell stocke ... ... ... iij^. paied for breade & drynke for them that did helpe up & down with the bell ... ... ix^. paied for soppe ... ... ... ... ... \d. paied for Goodman Leayses helpe ... ... ij^. 1 58 7 paid for a bell rope at the crownation daie last 1587 xx^. paied to Rycard Bouren for nayles and a buckell for the newe bawdricke and for mending the yornes of the great bell 1588 paied for mendinge a bawdricke for y*^ fore bell paied for a bawdricke for the fore bell ... paid for a bell rope for the great bell ... paied to Goodman Petley for settinge the greate bell faste in the stocke & for John Aleays helping of him paied for a bell rope for the myddell bell 1589 Also allowed backe by Thomas Roper for the bell ropes aforesayd ... 1590 paid for the grett bell clapper ... paid for brades & nayles for the stocke & for the whell for the great bell ... paid for brede & drynk for lettyng down & tak- ying y' up agayne paid to John Pettly for mending of the stock of the gret bell for ij dais worke paid to Richard Boure for ieren work for the stoke of the bell at the same tyme ... xij^. v]d. \)S. xvj^. \]S. xix^. ws. y]d. xi-. viij^. vj^. ij^. iiij^. xix^. Tnscriptio7is. 277 paid to Goodman Astell & goodman Yonge for helpying of the bell when it was taken down & sett up agayne at the same tyme ... ... xviij^. paid for grece for the bell ... ... ... \]d. paid for makyng of the whelle for the grett bell '\]s. paid to Richard Bourt for his paynes for carying of the claper of the grett bell to Bedford & for helpying of the bell at the same tyme ... xijV. paid to John Homffere the carpenter for mak- inge of the whell for the great belle & for fyndyng of the stoufe belongen the^'to & also for lokyng to the same bell for one year ... \s. paid for a rope for one of the belles ... ... xvj^. paid for a sturrupe & a stey for the gret bell & for brads ... ... ... ... ... ijc paid to Richard Bourne for brads & keys for the belles xij^. paid to Goodman Astell for helpyng the car- penter at the same daye ... ... ... v\\]d. paid for ij dais helpyng downe of the bells &: up agayne for brede & drynke the same daye ... xijV. paid for Grece for the belles the same tyme . . . '\]d. J 591 paid to John Homfrey for the mendynge of ij belles xviij^. paid for mendyng of the bell whelle a pound of nayles ... ... ... ... ••■ ••• W- paid for the grett belles clapper ... ... viiij^. paid to Dickson for makyng of the grett bell whell vij^'. paid to goodman Wykes for keyes & naylles for the grett belle paid for a new baderik for the grette bell paid for a pownd of grece for the belles paid for a badereke for one of the belles 1592 paid for mendinge of the greatt bell clapper ... \]s. \]d. \]s. xd. j^. \]s. hd. xij^. 2 7^ Inscriptions. The following entries also occur in another book : 1610 The carigge of the grete belle to be newe caste M Morrte bell fownder dwellinge in white cappell wcthe owte Ailgate being agreed welliall {ux v/. and to deliver ett at the ^Vate that he rercfcd itt att that wass ix hundred and a hallefe and att the recessing of the bell backeaganc it waied \\)xx. and vij//. more then it dcd before there was iij.v.v. and iiij//. att \\\]d. the ])ovvnd and iij//. at \\s. \]d. the pownd being called ten and tenglaes* the hoUe somis... ... ... ... ... ... vij//. \s. paied for carreing and brenging home of the grete bell from white cap[)ell wethe owte alle gale ... x^. paied att l.ondcjii brege for lowle and alt All gate xv. " I). illiii|;, "/.<-. , |iulliii|'. :i new ImII 01 li.iiimici in|; llu" i>Kl our into sliiiju*. Inscriptions. 279 payed the iiij'^ day of Aprill 161S tow Thomas Wode bellwhele carpenter for towerninge all the iij belles faisted in the stockes ... ... xxj. payed for all owre expences there att Lowndone for three dayes attending one the belle and the fownder 161S ... ... ... ... xxix^. iiij^T, 10 Aprill 16 iS pin. MRS: CORNELIA BATKMAN GAVE loo'^^ TOWARDS THESE BELLS v., 34l-in. James Marsh Ch. Warden 1763 Lester Cc Pack of London Fecit VI., 37-in. 1703 : R : PHELPS : FECI T (Rest of inscription defaced.) VII., 41-in. Same as Nos. I. and II. VIIL, 44;l-in. James Marsh Ch:Wardex 1763 Lester .S: P.\ck of London Fecit 28o Inscriptions. The former No. 7 was by R, Phelps, dated 1703. T. R. E. Item iij bells suted of brasse in the steple and one litle bell of brasse. Death knell tolled " at any hour convenient." Tellers at end only — 3 x 3 for a man, 3 x 2 for woman, 3 x i for child. At funerals, tenor tolled when funeral procession comes in sight. On Sundays bells rung for morning service, and sometimes for evening. Peals on New Year's Eve only. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. T. W. Hardy. ERITH. Christ Church. ' i Bell. Presumably only one modern bell. EWELL. SS. Peter & Paul. i Bell, formerly 3. I., 30-in. t0SBpf| I|afcl| malie mc 1603 There were formerly three bells — one was sold in 1821, being probably cracked and useless ; of the inscription on this no record remains. Another was sold in 1859; it was Ty^y inches in diameter, and bore the following inscription : i00Ep{| fjafcli matrc ntc ® 16 10 This was also cracked. The barbarous local custom of striking the bells with a hammer at weddings and on other festive occasions is, so the Vicar writes, probably the initial cause of the disappearance of these two bells. Passing bell rung as soon as notice of death is received. Bell tolled (minute strokes) for an hour. Tellers at beginning only —3x3 for man, 3x2 for woman, none for children. On day of funeral minute strokes from 7 to 8 a.m., and again for fifteen minutes before funeral. Sundays. — Bell rung for about fifteen minutes before services ; bell also rung at 10 a.m. for about five minutes, called " \Varning Bell." Bell rung for vestry meetings. The sale of the cracked bell in 1821 is noted in the parish books, thus : M' St Newing makes up his account with the Parish of Ewell, April 19'*^, 182 1. Received of W"^ Pitt for a church bell ^14 i7.r. od. Inscr'iptions. 281 The later sale in 1859 is also entered : To cash received for Church Bell that was cracked and sold by the recommendation of Archdeacon Croft ... ... ... ... ^50 14^. 2d. While in the expenditure for this year occurs : July 12 Carriage of Church Bell to Dover Station ... 5^. Dec. 31 Carriage of Church Bell per rail to London Bridge t^s. 2d. Postage Stamps & incidental expenses attending the sale of bell ... ... ... ... 5.^, Best thanks to the Rev. J. Turnbull, Vicar. EYNSFORD. St. Martin. 6 Bells. I., 28-in. THE G^ OF LAD^' DYKE I HARWOOD T COLLINS CH W^ R^ CATLIN FECIT 1748. IL, 28i-in. lOHN h HODSON ^ MADE <) ME ^ 1674 rij? O O C H OOOO')!? ^ THOMAS ^ KINGSLAND ^ AND ^ THOMAS <5> HAY- WORD ^ C ^ WARDENS in., 31-in. MICHAEL DARBIE MADE ME 165 1 HE IV., 33-in. MICHAEL DARBIE MADE ME 165 1 T T v., 36-in. lOHN HAYWARD THOMAS COLLINS CHURCH WAR- DENS 1746 Thomas Lester of London Made Me VL, 39-in. ^)p lOHN * HODSON * MADE * ME '♦^ 1674 * Q O O 000'i!('CH^;{(>000 .jjp THOMAS * KINGSLAND ^ THOMAS * HAYWARD * C * WARDENS 4p T. R. E. First, iij bells suted of bras in the steple. Death knell rung as soon as notice received (but not at night). Commence with tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female ; on tenor for adults, treble for children. Then minute strokes for an hour. Knell repeated half an hour before funeral. Tellers as above, then toll, quickening as the procession approaches the church. 2 O 282 Inscriptions. Sunday Mornings. — One or more bells chimed for five minutes at 8 a.m. For services bells either chimed or rung— usually the latter — " tolling in " on treble. Bells in good order and well cared for, but some of them want quarter turning badly. Many thanks to the intelligent Parish Clerk, whose name I regret I did not take. EYTHORNE. SS. Peter & Paul. 3 Bells. I., 30-in. iofcpli I|.tfcl| ma^c nte © 1622 II., 33Wn. H'tUL'fa ^IKafcrjina O^a ^r^w ^^x^Vx^ U © U III., 36-in. X^mncjt XH*^0tr'ttvnta dampana Ocvct XXl^ti^^i^' ueu The two larger bells are by Henry Jordan, of London. See p. 44. The stamps are Figs. 25, 26, and 27. FAIRFIELD. St. Thomas A'Becket. 3 Bells. L, 22i-in. + ^r|s U II., 23|-in. + TEI|ta U III., 25-in. + Haucfe ^^ntrxrec Ot^a '^ty^ ^ittiis n U Of these three bells only the treble is usable, the other two are badly cracked. See pp. 31 and 33 for account of them. The initial crosses on all three are alike, viz., Fig. 14. The foundry-stamp on Nos. i and 2 is Fig. 13. The stamps on the 3rd bell are Figs. 18 and 17. T. R. E. Item in the steple iij small bells. Mem : Sold . . . one handbell and a sacryng bell. FARLEIGH (EAST). ? Dedication. 3 Bells. I., 30-in. 4p lOHN * HODSON ^^ MADE * ME * 1674 Q O C H O O THOMAS ^ SIMES * lOHN * FVLLER =K CHVRCH * W <){(. II., 3i|-in. itrfcpli Ijafcf| wabc mc © 1610 WATER III., 33 Wn. t0|'tpl| IiafrJi matrc ntc ® 1615 Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. A bell tolled at 8 on morning of funeral, and again before service. Bells rung for Sunday services. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. Canon Elwyn. Insci'iplions. 283 FARLEIGH (WEST). All Saints. 3 Bells. I., 26-in. Uiilliam Ijafcfi lua^c nic I L C W 1655 II., 28-in. TPM 16 STA CW III., 29-in. lOHN lOHNSON CHVRCH O WARDEN 00000 SAM O NEWTON O AND o I PEELE O MADEoMEE 1705 Part of the inscription on No. 2 is illegible. The bell is by Thomas Palmar. FAR N BO ROUGH. St. Giles the Abbot. 2 Bells. I., ii-in. 1664 II., 281-in. r|, lOHN k HODSON ^ MADE h ME ^ 1667 'ilp W H «jj(. fjjp rjjj, T. R. E. Item iij bells suted of brass in the steple. FARN INGHAM. SS. Peter & Paul. 5 Bells. I., 28j-in. «)|(. SR /} IC V KNT ^ h lOHN ) HODSON h MADE h ME h 1656 11., 3o|-in. Jos. Cox & W" Jessup. Ch. Wardens Pack & Chapman OF London Fecit 1772 III., 32-in. DAVID CRVTTELL CW •) lOHN ^ HODSON h MADE k ME k 1656 IV., 34J-in. T ^ C '} YOVMAN <} R ^ B ^; YOVMAN D '/ C ^ C 'i W J I + H + MADE^E'; 1656 v., 38|-in. THOMAS CHAPMAN EDWARD LOXLEY CHURCH WARDENS ROB^ CATLIN -j- FECIT 174s-:- T. R. E. Item iij bells suted in the steple. No peculiar uses. FAVERSHAM. St. Mary of Charity. 8 Bells. I., 281-in. R' CATLIN 1748 II., 29^-in, Same. III., 3ii-in. RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS 18S2 IV., 33lin. RC 1748 v., 37-in. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 1797 VI., 38-in. Robert Catlin Cast Us All 1748 VII., 421-in. R C 1748 VIII., 46^-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1872 202 284 Inscriptions. The former tenor bore the following inscription : Rob'^ Lukyn Esq"^ Mayor Rich" Marsh Vicar Step" Rose Hen^ Cobb Ch Wardens Rob"^ Catlin Fecit 1748 Passing bell tolled immediately after death. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female — sixth bell used. The same bell is generally tolled at funerals, but occasionally a muffled peal is rung. Bells (6th, 7th, and tenor) usually chimed for Sunday services, but rung sometimes. Peals on Easter Day, Christmas Day, and last night of year. Also on Queen's birthday, Coronation day, Lord Mayor's day (Qy. Prince of Wales' birthday), and 5th November. There is an endowment from Smith's Charity of 5^. to each ringer, condi- tional upon the bells being rung on Christmas Eve (which, if the above particulars be absolutely correct, they are not). Best thanks to the Rev. C. E. Donne, Vicar. FAWKHAM. St. Mary. i Bell. I., 25-in. jx(2>i^G^\mi^s ^ xnovi? '^"^^^ ^ :H^ CLARK <) AND ^ EDWARD (> NORDEN ^> GAVE <>ME 1637 I ^ VV IL, 32|-in. lOHM AOVMO IHO^ DARBIE MADE ME 1656 3 W III., 37-in. + (Fig. i) 3"it ^0mcn ^wmtnl X^encMcfum + (Fig. 5A) IV., 4oi-in. BY ME O G REWE BEL F0VI4DER T B 1584 v., 44-in. ROBERT WATSON GENT. I : RAWLINSON I : PENNI- STON I:W 1638 RECAST 1865 J: FORMBY VICAR T:WICKENDEN W:ELEY CHURCHWARDENS J. TAYLOR & C'^ FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH The old tenor was inscribed as follows : ROBERT <) WATSON 'v GENT ^7 I 'v RAWLINSON 1E\V MADE 1707 R: P: VL, 42i-in. THE GIFT OF lOHM BATHVRST OF TRILLmO- HURST GEMT: AMHO : DOM: 1697 MEW MADE 1707 R P 2 I' 2 292 Inscriptions. VII., 48 in. RICHARD PHELPS MADE THESE SIX BELLS AMMO DOMIMI 1707 AM>1A REGIMA VIII., 54-in. GouDHURST Great Bell Recast 1834 Thomas Mears of London Founder W. B. Harrison Vicar D. West Vj^^rch Wardens J. JohnsonJ Death knell rung for one hour. Tellers (apparently at finish)— three strokes for a man, two for a woman, then age tolled. Bell tolled again for an hour at funeral. Sundays.— Two bells chimed at 8 a.m. Bells rung for service when there is Holy Communion, chimed on other Sundays. Peals on the great festivals and on New Year's Eve. A bell tolled for vestry meetings. Best thanks to the Rev. J. S. Clarke, Vicar. GRAINE (ISLE OF). St. James. i Bell. L, igHn. WILLIAM Q WRI Q SAMVELL Q LONDON GRAVENEY. All Saints. 3 Bells. I., 31-in. ^"ancfc + O 3E TSC D (Fig. 33) X^ O U (Fig. 32) IL, 32-in. + lOHN + PALMAR + MAQE + THIS + BELL + 1637 + T B + I W + T P I + PRAISE + GOD IIL, 331-in. lOHM WILMER MADE ME 1618 Treble by William Culverden of London. See p. 50. The inscription is decided puzzle ; the letter next to the I may be either a U or a reversed N. The stamp next to it (Fig. 33), is also incomprehensible. I had thought at one time some part of the inscription had been filed or chiselled off, but it is not so. The belfry is in a most disgraceful state, by far the worst I was ever in. There are pits for four bells, and of the three that hang, only one — the largest ■ — is in use or usable ; and as that is " clocked," it will probably soon share the fate of the rest. No. i has no rope and no boss to the clapper, and is reported to be cracked ; No. 2 is clapperless and has a large piece broken out of the sound-bow, and the whole of both bells and frame is dilapidated and filthy beyond description. Inscriptions. 293 GRAVESEND. St. George. 8 Bells. L, 28-in. P WADE ESo MAYOR G" RACKSTRAW G THOMP- SON • CH ■ WARDENS © 1771 O O O Th. Swain Fecit II., 29^-in. Several Gentlemen Strangers gave this Bell 1736 Recast at the charge of the Parish 1793 John Tucker. A.M. Rector Geo. Thompson & James Kirk Ch. Wardens Tho^ Mears of London Fecit III., 33-in. Geo : Arnold Esq'^ Mayor Tho^ Killick Iohn Hales Ch. Wardens T Mears of London Fecit 1813 IV., 34-in. THE INHABITANTS OF GRAVESEND GAVE THIS BELL THO: HARRIS REC^:W'^': HARRISON HEN: WOOTTON CHURCH WARDENS 1736 v., 37-in. JN":JOYNES WA^:NYNN W": LANCE ANTH : IRE- LAND W^':MYERS JN« : FOX JN'^:BOLGER JN": HUGHES JA : ROE GEO : CLARKE TRUSTEES FOR THE SUBSCRIPTION MONY GAVE THIS BELL 1736. JOHN APPLEBEE & RICHARD PHELPS MADE THESE EIGHT BELLS VI., 38^-in. lAMES ■ WADE ■ MAYOR ■ ES'^"^ GAYNHAM • RACK- STRAW ■ GEORE • THOMPSON CH • WARDENS © ^771 000 Th°^ Swain Fecit VII., 42i-in. THE lURATS GAVE THIS BELL WILLIAM HAF- FENDEN ESQ : DEPUTY MAIOR IOHN lOYNES ESQ: lUSTICE 1736 l VIII., 47-in. The Corporation gave 50 towards these Bells. William Man Esq : Maior 1736. This Bell was Re- cast AT the Charge of the Parish 1793 John Tucker A.M. Rector. Geo. Thompson & James Kirk Ch : Wardens.— Tho"^ Mears of London Fecit Vol. XI. of " Archasologia Cantiana " (p. xlviii.) mentions that in 1522, at Bishop Fisher's visitation, the churchwardens of Gravesend omitted to ring the bells in his honour, for which terrible ecclesiastical offence they were cited and fined. 294 Inscriptions. According to Cruden's " History of Gravesend," the 3rd bell, prior to re- casting in 1 813, bore the same inscription as the present treble. The original peal of eight cast in 1736 was by R. Phelps, with whom appears to have been associated one J. Applebee, who was, I suspect, the bell carpenter or hanger. The tenor was inscribed to the effect that " J. APPLEBEE, R. PHELPS MADE THESE EIGHT BELLS." GRAVESEND. St. James. i Bell. L, 26-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1851 GREENHITHE. St. Mary. i Bell. Modern church and modern bell. GREENWICH. St. Alphege. 10 and a Clock Bell. L, 29-in. W" Green & R'^ Colegate Ch. Wardens Tho^ Mears OF London Fecit 1792 II., 29J-in. THESE TWO LEAST BELLS WERE BOUGHT BY SUBSCRIPTION A.D. 1734 THO : lEFFERY CHA : BAYLY CH : WARD^ ^ III., 3 if -in. T. Mears of London Fecit 1815 IV., 32|-in. THE GIFT OF OUR MOST GRACIOUS QUEEN CAROLINE R: PHELPS FECIT 1731 v., 34-in. CHARLES SIMPSON SEXTON R : PHELPS FECIT 1731 VI., 38-in. Tho^ Mears of London Fecit 1792 VIL, 40-in. R: PHELPS FECIT 1731. VIII., 43-in. Same. IX., 47|-in. Recast 1814. The Rev° G. Matthew Vicar James MoRLEY John Tranter Church Wardens T Mears of London Fecit X., 53-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1824 Rev° George Mathew Vicar Mr Tho'' Orr 'i^ ,, ^ ^ yCHURCH Wardens Mr Charles RitchieJ Clock, 314-in. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 1814 Inscriptions. 295 T. R. E. Item .... a smale latten bell. Item iiij bells, the greatest mesured from brymme to brym iij fote vij inches di. Item the \]d. iij foot iij inches the iij'^'^ iij foote j inche the iiij'^ ij foot xj inches. Item j saunts bell of brass .... and ij hand bells of brasse. Passing bell only rung when specially requested. Tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 3x2 for woman. Tenor bell tolled for an hour at time of funeral iJ paid for. "Sermon bell or early morning bell on Sundays, Christmas Day, and Good Friday. Treble and 2nd at 7 o'clock, 7th and 8th at 8 o'clock." This is not quite clear. Is either of these last the sermon bell, and if so, which ? Or is it rung at some earlier hour still ? Bell chimed for services. Peals on Christmas Eve and last night of year. A bell rung for the Easter vestry meeting. Bells rung on loyal anniversaries, not now (Deo gratias) on 5th November. Best thanks to Mr. Henry S. Richardson. GREENWICH. Christ Church. 2 Bells. 1849 II., 39-in. HEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1876 Holy Trinity. i Bell. I., 27^-in. THOMAS HEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1S39 St. Mary. i Bell. I., 4oi-in. T Hears of London Fecit 1825 St. Paul. i Bell. L, iS^in. J WARNER & SONS LONDON 1865 St. Peter. i Bell. Hodern church and modern bell. St. Andrew (Hission Church). i Bell. Modern church and modern bell. 296 Inscriptions. GROOMBRIDGE. St. John Evangelist. i Bell. I., 2i3j-in. THOxMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON ELIZA SAINT 1841 GUSTO N. St. Martin. i Bell. L, 25-in. Blank. HACKINGTON. St. Stephen. 8 Bells. I., 25-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1844 II., 25J-in. Same. Ill, 28"in. RT CATLIN FECIT 1746 IV., 30-in. Same. v., 31-in. PROSPERITY TO ALL OUR BENEFACTORS R C 1746 VI., 33-in. ROBERT CATLIN CAST US ALL 1746 VII., 36-in. Prosperity to this Parish R^ Catlin Fecit 1746 VIIL, 39v-in. R^ Catlin Fecit 1746 HADLOW. St. Mary. 8 Bells. I., 26-in. Pack & Chapman of Lonqon Fecit 1775 II., 27-in. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1775 IIL, 29-in. I AMES BARTLET ME FECIT 1696 ® IV., 30-in. Same. 1695 © v., 34-in. Same. VI., 36-in. Same. VII., 38-in. Same. VIIL, 421,-in. HENRY BARTON EDMOND NORMAN CH WARDENS ANDREW REANY VICAR 1695 lAMES BARTLET ME FECIT HIGH HALDEN. St. Mary. 5 Bells. I., 30-in. iirfcplj I|afcl| ntatie mc 16 n II., 33-in. Same. 16 10 III., 36-in. Same. 1609 IV., 39i-in. Same. © v., 43-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH FECIT 1620 (^ REFOLD MAY C AV Inscriptions. 297 HALLING. St. John the Baptist. 5 Bells. I., 2Si-in. lOHN h HODSON h MADE h ME h 1675 ^'^ O C H O O O HENRY {^ ACORTE ^ CHVRCH /) WARDEN ^)i?000 0')? II., 30-in. Same. III., 32-in. Same. IV., 35-in. lOHN h HODSON h CHRISTOPHER h HODSON 7 MADE h ME h 1675 HENRY'} ACORTE^/ CHVRCH nVARDEN «il(> c)!? O O O O v., 39-in. lOHN * HODSON ^ CHRISTOPHER * HODSON * MADE * ME ^ 1675 h HENRY ^ ACORT ^ CHVRCH r|, WARDEN * O O 'ijp O O "ilp U HALSTEAD. St. Margaret. i Bell (formerly 5). I., 29^-in. &cMrafEtr fit gulJ aulJ liis service ttij fijomas Unttisitn Ee;jxtirc W © C Ula^c Jn Wit ijcarc itf mtr ITori? 16 12 D Bell by William Carter, of London (see p. 93). It is the solitary survivor of a ring of five, all similarly dated, dedicated, and inscribed. One other was in existence twenty years ago. Under the foundry stamp is Fig. 42, indicating that it was moulded by Carter's foreman, Thomas Bartlett. Passing bell rung as soon as possible. Tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 2 x 3 for woman, 2 x 2 for child. Bell rung for vestry meeting. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. R. Wood. HALSTOW (HIGH). St. Margaret. 5 Bells. I., 28J,-in. J : TAYLOR & C" FOUNDERS LOUGHliOROUGH 1861 II., 3oi-in. ^)p lOHN h HODSON h MADE ^ ME k 1675 f|. E T v REC- TOR r;|(> O O C H O O THOMAS h DVNNING ) lOHN h LOAN '} CH^T^LCII } WARDENS 0000 - - - IIL, 3iJ-in. T. Mears of London Fecit 1825 2 Q 298 Inscripfions. IV., 34-in. T. Mears of London Fecit 1825 George Smith ) ^ Tv^ ^ \ Church Wardens Michael Comport J v., 38-in. lOHN * HODSON * MADE * ME * 1675 ^ EDWARD * TVRNER * RECTOR THOMAS ^ DVNNING * lOHN ^ LOAN ^ CHVRCH * WARDENS O C H O No peculiar uses. Very many thanks to the Rev. Charles Longfield, Rector. LOWER HALSTOW. St. Margaret. 3 Bells. I., 26i-in. UTilliaut Ijafcll watrpt me 1662 II., 29-in. Same. "III., 3iHn. IH HE CW © 1662 Utiriiaut I|afrlj mat>c nti? HAM. St. George. r Bell. I., iS-in. 1701 HARBLEDOWN. St. Michael. 3 Bells. I., 27-in. iuVi-'P^I 'I'^iclj iiiai^e mi^ 1603 I B II., 3oi-in. 0761 aan aavH t • t w o t h a i III., 33-in. Hitucfi^ Jiatqittua Oti^t ^\xs j^iTbts © U The 2nd bell is by Thomas Palmar ; tenor by Henry Jordan iodide p. 44). The stamps on this last are Figs. 27, 26, and 25. St. Nicholas' Hospital. 4 Bells. I., 24-in. t0|*cpr| IjaUii matn| mc 1622 IL, 251 in. 3EiJl|.tuttis ©"sf ^I^ltrmeu QHtis U + U III., 28-in. iuscpli Ijafdi matrq m\ 1619 IV., 31-in. Same. 1614 The shields on No. 2 are Figs. 25 and 27 ; the cross between them is Fig. 14. HARD RES (LOWER). St. Mary. i Bell. I., 26-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1832 Inscriptions. 299 In 1757-8, the sole occupant of the belfry was inscribed : R. P. Fecit 1723 M"" Benjamin Foreman Church AVarden. But there must have been more bells than this in years gone by. The ac- counts of the Corporation of Canterbury, under date 1542-3, record: Receyved of the parishioners of Nether Hardres for the cities part of iij bells to them sold out of the Church of Saynt Mary Castell ... ... iiij//. When, why, and how these three became reduced to one is unknown ; but it was clearly before Hasted's time, as he notes only one bell here. HARDRES (UPPER). SS. Peter and Paul. 3 Bells. L, 271-in. SAM= KNIGHT MADE ME o O 1727 I B o O 11. , 33|-in. tuVi'Pfl fl'^tcli ma^C UtC 1609 u u u III., 36-in. -f ^"um o Xinsa o jpulsafa o XHuntJi o ^afci^ttta U The shields on tenor are Fig. 6, the initial cross is Fig. 9, and the stop Fig. 8. HARRIETSHAM. St. John the Baptist. 8 Bells. I., 27-in. THO^ LESTER MADE ME 1744 II., 27L-in. YOU CANNOT BE MERRY WITHOUT ME 1744 T: LESTER MADE US IIL, 29i-in. T: L 1742 IV., 3i-'in. 1742 T •:• L MADE ME v., 32i-in. TH" LESTER MADE ME 1742 VI., 33i-in. Tho^ Lester Made Me 1742 VII., 37-in. TH'^ : LESTER MADE US ALL & ROB' BOT FEE HANGED US ALL 1744 VIII., 4i^in. Tho^ Lester Made Us All l\mes kniuht alex" liOTiLE church wardens 1742 i to the church v^ liveing call cv: to \^ graue i summons all 202 3 GO Inscriptions. Passing bell rung as soon. as death is known. Tellers — three strokes for a man, two for a woman, at beginning. Bell tolled both before and after funeral. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. J. W. Nutt. HARTLEY. All Saints. 2 Bells. II., 22-in. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1771 T, R. E. Item ij bells suted in the steple. Mem : on hand bell presented to be stolen. For mention of treble bell, see p. 15. No local uses. HARTLIP. St. Michael. 6 Bells. I., 2SJ,-in. Messrs Jn° Midhurst & Rich° Goord Ch. Wardens W" Mears of London Fecit 1785 IL, 29-in. lOHM '} EDWARD } ROSERT ^ AMD f; ANDREW I) OS- BORNE GEN h HRETHREPl k BORNE h VA k THE ^ PAR k ISH k OF h HARTLIP k FOR k LOVE k THEY ^ BARE k TO ^ THE SAME f; HAVE k FRELY h GIVEN h THIS BELL AM h QMI 1578 III., 3i^in. 'Sxs\\\\ ^ Untnar fj? mntrc «$? ineq 1628 IV., 36-in. lOHN k WILNAR k MADE {) ME h 1632 v., 39-in. ►I^CFig. 5)* %\\ XHwttis J5-iinis Xiffonttt (STampana j0l|anttis y^ (Fig. i) VI., 42|-in. KtJlin ^ Untnait ^ mairi^ mcc ^ 1628 For mention of No. 5, see p. 34. Treble has a large piece broken out of the shoulder. Passing bell rung immediately upon notice given. Age denoted by size of bell at discretion of sexton. Bells chimed for Sunday services fifteen minutes. " Ring in " on treble ten minutes. Best tbanks to Vicar, the Rev. F. T. Scott. * Or 5a, I am not sure which. Inscriptions. 301 HARTY. St. Thomas. i Bell. I., 27-in. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1760 HASTINGLEIGH. St. Mary. i Bell. L, 24-in. JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1862 T. R. E. Imprimis three bells in the steple. Parish united with Elmstead. Probably no "local uses," as Rector does not mention any. HATCHAM. All Saints. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. St. James. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. HAWKHURST. St. Laurence. 8 Bells. I., 3o2-in. + Xialiucss untu tl|c Ji^artr + (BT autr (5 XH^ars ^DiuntuJU fouttiicrs 1847 II., 3ii^-in. Same. III., 32|-in. THE REVEREND M'^ THO : GLOVER MINISTER lAMES TESTOR THO : MARTIN CH. WARDENS RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1734 IV., 35-in. lOHN V WILNAR '; MADE h ME h 1633 I B ^; T M } C k ^V k v., 36?,-in. iwfcvli Ijaftl| ma^c we lOHN SLOMAN C W © 1613 VI., 40-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 161 7 VII., 42J,-in. + ^itlincBs unfa ff|e, ,T£i:0iilr 1612 Xlccasf 1847 Gr ^ VIII., 51-in. Rev" Edward Montague Salter Minister T Mears of London Fecit 1824 Francis Ayerst ) ^ ,,, ^ Churchwardens William Gregson) Curfew rung every night at 8 from 25th October to loth March, except during the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany. This is without doubt a genuine case of survival ; Ilawkhurst Church was built by the Monks of 302 Inscriptions. Battle, and was served from the Abbey as late as 1291, when the first rector was appointed. Passing bell as soon as notice of death received. Sunday Uses. — Peculiar. Bell at 8 a.m. Bell at 9, warning for matins at TO. 30; and another at 1.30, warning for evensong at 3. A few years ago, in winter, evensong was at 2.30, and then the warning bell was rung at i. Bells rung or chimed half an hour before service. Priest's bell used (Qy. treble). Peals on all great Church festivals, and on Queen's birthday ; not (happily) on 5th November. A bell for vestry meetings. Many thanks to Canon Jeffreys. I regret very much I have been unable to get access to the parish accounts, which are of peculiar interest. The follow- ing few extracts are partly from " Arch. Cant," vol. v., and partly from notes made for j\Ir. Tyssen some twenty years ago. 1549-50 Receipts. Itm. for iiij handbells wayenge xx'' ... ... iiij^. iiijV. 1550-51 Payments. Item p'^ to John Browne for ledther for a bawderyck ... ... ... ... ... vXyl. Item pay"* to Robt Standen for mendynge of the bell whylls ... ... ... ... viij^. i55i~54 Paid for ij bell ropes ... ... ... ... iiij.r. P'^ to the glasyer for mendynge of the bell house wyndowe and in the churche besids xiijj-. iiij<^/. P*^ to Rychard Seceley for mendynge of the frame abowt the great bell ... ... ... x^. P"^ to Bolt for makynge of viij bawdericks ... xvj^. P"* to Thomas Standen for new laynge the gudgyn of the great bell ... ... ... viij^. P'' to John Goodman for halffe a horsse hyd xvj^. 1558-9 Itm. p'^ for whyte lether for the bells ... ... xv^. 1559-60 Itm. p"^ for makinge the bauderyckes to fre- man ... ... ... ... ... ... xiij^. P'' for making towe bell whilles ... ... yis. P'* for bred and drynck when they wer sett up vijV. 1568 Layd out for ij bell roopes ... ... ... iiijV. 1573 It. to Goldsmith for a bell clapper ... ... ij.y. \]d. It. for a new vvhyle for the great bell ... ... vij.y. \\\]d. Inscriptions. 303 1594 It is agreyed by the consente of the picynors that a Sesse shall be made by halfe a dosen men of the ,piche for the ex- chayngynge of the belles before the laste daye of July next comynge. 1596 and xiiij//. xi". uppon a sesse made for castyng of two belles & other nessesary reperacyons. 1597 Also the saied Tho. Butler chargethe himselfe w"^ the receipt of xxjj'. vijir/. levyed uppon a sesse made for the castinge & repayringe of the Bells in the tyme of John Woodgates church- wardenshippe. Also the sayed Tho: Butler chargeth himselfe w"' the receipt of xxix//. \]s. \\\]d. gathered by a sesse made the xvij''^ of September in the xxxviij'^ yere of the Queen for the Re- payreige of the church & bells of the f>ishe church of Hawk- herst. 1 60 1 Item there remayneth still in the hands ot the said Richard Theball towards the satesfiynge of Anthoney Wakefeild bel- founder y*" money due to him for the castinge of one of the bells in Tho. Butlers & Rich. Austens yeres ... v//. \\]s. The following mem. also appears : The treble cast by J. Brett & Tim Mercer Wardens 1633 The second by 161 3 The third by 161 7 The fourth by 161 2 The tenor by Joseph Hatch, J. Mercer & W'" Chittenden Churchward 1617 1595 A Tax by John Woodgate for casting 2 Bells. Anthony Wakefield cast one Bell 1596 or 97. 1622 John Robbins p'' for casting one Bell & Mettle. HAWKHURST. All Saints. 3 Bells. I., 29-in.^ II., 30-in.lG. MEARS & C° FOUNDERS LONDON t86i III., 32-in.J 504 Inscriptions. St. Michael. HAWKINGE. I., 25-in. Blank. T. R. E. Item ij bells in the Steple Bell. St. Mary. 6 Bells. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1882 Same. Same. T Mears of London Fecit 1832 lOHN '} HODSON h MADE } ME <;{(> 1670 .)^ C H .jj? ■^0lJcr{\JS XH*Ji + XHc fmf + 1602 © The cross on tenor between " Mot " and " Me " is this — evidently from an old stamp which had come into Mot's hands, for I found it on a fifteenth century bell at Little Hadham, Herts : HAYES. I., 26-in. IL, 27-in. IIL, 29-in. IV., 31-in. v., 33Wn VL, 37-in. T. R. E. Item iij bells suted and one saints bell. Mem : a handbell a sacryng bell ij litle bells presented to be sold. Death knell at earliest convenient time. Tenor used. Tellers — three strokes for a male, two for a female ; same on treble for child. Sundays. — Fifth bell rung for five minutes at 8 a.m. "to notify service at eleven." Inscriptions. 305 Bells rung or chimed for services, then tenor rung for ten minutes, and 3rd for five. For week-day services a bell generally tolled. Saint's Day use same as Sundays. No ringing or chiming in Lent. Peals at 6 a.m. on the four great festivals. A bell (5th) for vestry meetings. No ringing except for ecclesiastical purposes. Very carefully drawn belfry rules obtain here— erring, if at all, in being a little too elaborate. Best thanks to the Rector, the Rev. G. V. Reed. HEADCORN. SS. Peter and Paul. 8 Bells. I., 3o|-in. GIVEN BY John Hudds Richard Greenhill Executor Tho^ Bayly Tho^ Ledger C" Wardens 1766 Lester & Pack of London Fecit IL, 3i|-in. Same, excepting T. Bayly and T. Ledger. IIL, 32i-in. S K 1732 IV., 34iin. R: PHELPS FECIT 1714 v., 38-ln. RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 17 14 VI., 4oi-in. Same. VIL, 43^in. EDMOND PECHE DANIEL BENISON CHURCH- WARDENS RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1720 VIIL, 49Lin. VNTO THE CHVRCH I DOO YOV CALL DEATH TO THE GRAVE WILL SVMMONS ALL RICHARD KITE lOHN WORE CHVRCH WARDENS SAMVELL KNIGHT MADE ME 1732 HERNE. St. Martin. 6 Bells. L, 3o|-in. THO_ FEARIMAN PETER TALL S K 1724 IL, 32"in. THO'^ VANDEPEER THO^ STEPHENS CHURCH WAR- DENS SAMUEL KNIGHT MADE ME 1737 IIL, 34-in. ROBERT STAINBANK FOUNDER LONDON 1868 IV., 371-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT ® 162 1 v., 40-in. W^' Chapman of London Fecit 1781 Gilbard Pembrook Church Warden VL, 44fin. ROBERT STAINBANK FOUNDER LONDON 1867 2 R J 06 Inscriptions. In 1758 Nos. 3 and 5 were both by Joseph Hatch, and dated, respectively, 1624 and 1638. The former tenor was also by him, and dated 1624. HERNE BAY. St. Saviour. i Bell. I., 20-in. 1S16 HERNHILL St. Michael. 5 Bells. I., 27-|-in. W" Mears of London Fecit 1785 II., 2 9i-in. Same. III., 31-in. Same. IV., 33. ^-in. W" Court & John Johncuck Ch. Wardens W Mears OF London Fecit 1785 v., 36-in. Henry Poole Vicar W" Mears of London Fecit 17S5 Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 X 2 for female. Funerals. — A bell tolled for half an hour at 7 a.m., and again before the service. Sundays. — A bell tolled at 9.30 a.m., "to call attention to the fact of the day being Sunday." Bells chimed for services and on great festivals, rung afterwards. Wedding peals after any marriage of consequence ; and when a parishioner celebrates his "silver" or "golden" wedding— a graceful custom. Peals to ring in the new year, on Accession Day, 5th November in the evening, and on 29th May at 5 a.m. This ring now consists of eight, three having been added in January, 1887. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. W. D. Springett. HEVER. St. Peter. 5 Bells. I., 28-in. R: P: FECIT 1703 II., 29-in. Same. III., 3oi-in. Same. IV., 33i-in. MR : THO : LANCASTER : REC : R : P : FECIT : 1703 v., 37-"in. MR : WM : STREATFEILD : MR : WM : WICKENDEN : CH • WARD : R PHELPS FE ■ 1703 No. 3 is broken. Inscriptions. 307 HIGHAM (Old Church). St. Mary. 2 Bells. I., i6|-in. I H II., 331-in. GEORGE SMITH VICAR ANNO DOM ^,1713 WILLIAM V BOGHURST C h WARDEN I ^ HADLEY •:• F •:• Passing bell rung as soon as notice of death is given. Tellers : 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female. Thanks to Vicar, the Rev. W. S. Wood, D.D. HIGHAM (New Church). St. John. 5 Bells. L, 25-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1863 II., 26^-in. Same. IH., 27|-in. Same. IV., 30-in. Same. v., 32|-in. Same. HILBOROUGH. St. Mary. i Bell. L, 36-in. i0Vcp(j l|'iicf| ntaiiE me 1635 This bell is one of four which were at Reculver, of which desecrated church this is the modern representative. HILDENBOROUGH. St. John. i Bell. I., 33^-in. ^^Ij0mas XIH^'^t's ^.ctii l]kont»tnt HINXHILL St. Mary. 2 Bells. I., 32-in. Blank. IL, 35|-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT ©1634 W H T. R. E. Item iij gret bells and ij smalle hand bells. In 1757 there would seem to have been still three bell?, the smallest of which has since disappeared. It was devoid of inscription, like the present treble. Local uses same as at Brook, which see. 2 R 2 3o8 Inscriptions. HOATH. St. Mary the Virgin and the Holy Trinity. 3 Bells. I., 23 in. I C 1696 II., 25A-in. + .s" ,ii X3C1 ^ n III., 2()\'vs\. I C 1696 The shield on No. 2 bears a cross plain — it occurs elsewhere (see p. 47). The cross is Fig. 29. I am quite unable to guess at the meaning of the inscription ; read it forwards or backwards it is equally unintelligible. The date {circa 1500) is too early for churchwardens' initials, HOLLINGBOURNE. All Saints. 6 Bells. I., 31-in. SAMVELL o K>1IGHT o MADE O ME THE LEDARE O OF o THIS o RIHG TO BE 1723 II., 331-in. S KPIIGHT FECIT 1723 T S T T A B III., 36-in. 1723 IV., 37Hn. RICHARD SPICE IOH^/[ TAPLEY SEMER RICHARD RVSSELL IV>1ER 1723 v., 41-in. RICHARD RVSSELL CH WARDED SAMVELL KPIIGHT FECIT 1723 VI., 45-in. EDWARD WATERMAN VICAR RICHARD CHALONER SAM~ KMIGHT FECIT 1723 HONOR OAK. St. Augustine. i Bell. Church built 1873 ; doubtless one bell of that date. HOO. All Hallows. i Bell. I., 2oi-in. Floral ornament only. Death knell any time after death between sunrise and sunset. Tellers — 2 X 3 for male, 2 x 2 for female. Funerals. — Bell tolled during procession to church. Sunday Services. — Bell tolled three times at intervals. The churchwardens' accounts for 1555 contain the following entry : Itm. to Wyllm boyer for mendying the bell & frame ... \\\yL There is a local (and unreliable) tradition as to a ring of bells being stolen from here by men from Leigh, in Essex. Best thanks to Rev. E. B. Wensley, Vicar. Inscriptions. 309 HOO. St. Mary. i Bell (formerly 3). I., 37-in. + JOHN \ HODSON ■ MADE \ ME % 1662 + PHILLIP \ RAYNES I «)!(» •)!(• «i(» lOHN h LEVES ^ CHVRCH ^ WARDENS «)Jp W o H o O Death knell rung. Tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 3 X 2 for woman, 2 X 3 for boy, 2 X 2 for girl. Thanks to Rector, Rev. C. J. Roberts. HOO. St. Werburgh. 6 Bells. I., 32-in. George Pearce & John Graves Church Wardens •*♦• T Mears of London Fecit 1825 IL, 34|-in. O ^ JOHN \ HODSON \ MADE \ ME \ 1662 X WILLIAM \ COSENS \ lOHN X PEETT ^ CHVRCH | WARDENS t W O H I «i{(. .Jl(> in., 36-in. ^ BY * ME * GYLES REVE -J* BELL ♦ FOVPIDER * 1588 On waist, a dragon twice and the crowned rose twice. IV., 39|-in. WILLIAM HATCH MADE ME MC HC CW ® 1641 v., 44-in. Samuel Smith & Thomas Wickens Ch. Wardens W" Chapman of London Fecit 1781 VL, 48-in. THOMAS + GARDINER + MADE + ME 4- SVDBURY + SUFFOLK 4- + 1738 4- 4- 4- No ringers ; bells chimed with apparatus. No local customs ; bells only used to chime for service or toll for a funeral. Thanks to Rev. Percy G. Benson, Vicar. HOPE. All Saints (in ruins). I., 32-in. Blank, Lying unhung in New Romney Church. T. R. E. Item ij lytle bells in the steple. Item one hande bell. 3IO Inscriptions. HORSMONDEN. St. Margaret. 6 Bells. I., 32-in. • S K 1737 II., 34-in. CARI NATALIS LOCI SEMPER MEMOR G^ H^ SMITH MARRIOTT ME D. D. AD 1882 III., 37-in. S K 1737 IV., 39 in. S K 1737 v., 44-in. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 18 10 VI., 49-in. John Ollive & John Ashdown Ch:Wardens Pack & Chap- man OF London Fecit 1769 Passing bell as soon as possible after death. Bell tolled for an hour, after which the tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman. Bell tolled for an hour before funeral. Sundays. — Eight o'clock peal (two bells). For services bells rung ist Sunday in month, chimed only on other Sundays for half an hour before service. " Priest's bell " (Qy. treble) last five nfmutes. On great festivals, bells rung both before and after service. On Good Friday only tenor tolled. New Year's Eve : Peal rung. Old year tolled out (twelve strokes) at mid- night ; then another peal. Bell for vestry meetings. Best thanks to Rector, Rev. H. F. Smith-Marriott. HORTON KIRBY. St. Mary. 3 Bells. I., 30-in. T. Mears of London Fecit 181 7 . JR: P: FECIT GOOD CHRISTIANS ALL II., 30-in. I ^^^^ rj, ^^ PRAYERS WE CALL "^ WE HONOUR TO KING AND BRIDES JOY DO BRING *** TRYUMPHS WE TE AND RING THE DEAD IIL, 335-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1826 T. R. E. Item iij bells in the steple suted of brasse. In Hasted's time there were five bells ; the other two have long disappeared, but the lower beams of their framing still remain. The present middle bell is in a most dilapidated condition, having a large piece of the crown and shoulder completely broken out. As, however, the lower part of the beJl is Inscriptions. 311 perfect, it is capable of being chimed, and in that way is still used. Its mutilated state accounts for the imperfect inscription above recorded. By supplying "LL" to the upper line, and " MANS KNELL" to the lower one, it may be conjecturably completed. HOTHFIELD. St. Mary. 5 Bells. L, 281-in. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1762 II., 30-m. Same. III., 3ii-in. Same. IV., 33i-in. JOHN SMEED & THO^ HUMPHREY CH. WARDENS 1762 LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT v., 37-in. lOSEPH HATCH MADE ME © 1607 T. R. E. Item iij gret bells in the stepyll and ij hande bells with iij sacrynge bells. Item a sanctus bell brokyn in the crown. Item by this tyme also ij sacrynge bells wantynge. In 1758 Mr. Faussett notes here four bells only, inscribed as follows : I. Henry Williams C W 1741 Thomas Carter of London Made me II., III. and IV. Joseph Hatch made me 1607 And he states No. II. to be cracked. " Thomas Carter " on the treble is clearly a mistake for Thomas Lester. Passing bell rung immediately after death. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female. Bell tolled at funeral. Sundays.— Eight o'clock bell rung. Bells chimed for services— " before chimes, tenor bell for sermon." Ringing on Coronation Day. Best thanks to Rector, Rev. R. C. Swan. HOUGHAM. St. Laurence. 3 Bells. I., 27-in. t0feplj ftatclj mairc me T H W F C W 1634 ir., 28-in. Wn.LI PH.CHER C W RICH" HARVEY H" OF YE PAR" S K 1724 III., 31-in. Blank. Passing bell rung as soon as possible after news of death. No difference is made in the knell for sex or age. 3 1 2 InscriptioJis. ' Tenor bell rung for Sunday services, five minutes only. A bell rung for vestry meetings. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. Edward R. Orger. Christ Church. i Bell. Modern church and modern bell. HUCKINGE. St. Margaret. 2 Bells. I., i8i-in. Blank. II., 2iA-in. Blank. HUNTON. St. Mar v. 6 Bells. I., 27-in. rj. lOHN WAYLETT MADE ^ ME 1717 II., 30-in. GEORGE HATLEY ^ ^ 17 17 III., 32-in. lOHN ^ HATLEY ^ «^ 1717 IV., 32|-in. Same as No. i. v., 36-in. ^ lOHN cjl^ BISHOP ^ CHVRCH ^ WARDEN ^ilp 1717 VI., 4iHn. .$. MR GEORGE ^ PAGE ^ RECTOR <)|(» 1717 Passing bell rung as soon as notice of death is received. Tellers — 3 x 3 for a male, 3 x 2 for a female — then bell tolled for an hour. Funerals. — Tenor tolled from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., and again for an hour before the service. Sundays. — Three bells chimed at 8 a.m. All six rung for an hour before morning service, and two or three before evensong. No ringing in Lent. Peals on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve ; also on Accession Day, Queen's Birthday, May 29th, and November 5th. Fourth bell rung for vestry meetings. The churchwardens' accounts contain the following entries : 1675 Item payd Goodman Bingham for oyle for the bells 6^. Item paid for bell ropes which waid thirty-five pound 1698 paid for a new stock and hanging y'' third bell paid for trushing (trussing) y*" treble ... 1717 for expenses about the bells ... payd for Bellropes payd to M' Waylett for casting of the bells ... IJS. 6d. Ui. IS. 2S. (yd. 8s. 6,/. \H. 3^- .oil. Inscriptions. 3 13 There is no doubt the present ring were cast on the spot — in the church- yard, in fact. Local tradition affirms this ; and in digging a grave a few years ago the sexton came upon a quantity of bell metal. Best thanks to the Rector, the Rev. Canon Hall. HYTHE. St. Leonard. 10 Bells. I, 28 in. M. A. ROTHSCHILD MP FOR THE BORO H B MACKESON ESQ) WARDFNS E H RONALDS j ^^- ^^^^^^^I^NS J FRIEND CONDUCTOR II., 29-in. THESE TWO TREBLES ADDED AD 1861 III., 3oin. Tho^ Mears of London Fecit 1802 IV., 3oi-in. Same. v., 32-in. Same. VI., 34|-in. Same. VII., 37-in, Same. VIII., 41-in. Same. IX., 43-in. Same. X., 48^-in. R Shipden EsQ'^-i Mayor W Ferry W Card Church- wardens H Down Ringer T Mears London fecit 1802 Mr. Bryan Faussett's note as to this church (under date 175 7-8) is as follows : " The tower fell down a few years -ago, but is now rebuilt. It stands at the West End. In it hang 6 very Musical Bells. The First or smallest of them having been broke by y*" Fall of y" Tower was recast by Robert* Pack of London in 1752 the Year the new Tower was finish't. The other 5 were all founded by John Waylett in y^ year 1720." Here are valuable Corporation records, from the report on which by H.M. Historical MSS. Commission I give the following extracts : "Ch. Wardens account 1480-81. Extracts: " The same William and Henry (C W) answer for a collection for devout- ness from certain men & women for the bells and to make the frame of the bell tower. Collections on Sundays ' By wvay of indulgence '—-then follow — *■ A mislakc for 'rhoma.s. 2 S 3 1 4 Inscriptions. " Among Expenditure : " For two bawdrikes 8^. Paid to the belfoundere in full payment 505-. 8^. Paid John Hamme as earnest for doing the work of the bells 4^. Paid for the board of John Hame and two men working with him for two weeks iti takynge doivjie of the olde frame of stepulle 6s. Expended upon victuals for men carrying new timber for the said steeple 2s. ^d. Paid John Hamme and two Hammes {sic) working for 10 days upon making the new frame for the steeple 55-. Paid for 4 gogynys and other ironwork pertaining to the said frame 35'. To John Hamme in full payment of his agreement for the same 10//. Paid the expenses of John Hamme in the house of William Lune 5^/. Paid for le daJ>ero(the largest bell 6s. Sd. For /e daper of the fourth bell 2od. Also paid Robert Gierke for le claper. "A list then follows of 'Receipts by William Waryne and Henry Her- mann from certain men and women for devotion sake towards the bells of Hethe and other works pertaining to the steeple of the said Church for the time of the account of the said William and Henry.' The sub- scriptions of the 12 Jurats are first set forth — 10^. the largest sum being con- tributed by William Lune. A long list of Commoners then follows, the executors of John Dokeney contributing 205-., the largest sum — 125-. 2d. being the subscription of Laurence Marche. The smallest sums are subscriptions of one penny each, received from 'one Richard, a laborer,' and five others — men and women." ICKHAM. St. John the Evangelist. 4 Bells. L, 27-in. I0H>1 • FAYERMAM • AMD ■ MICHAEL ■ TRAPPS • WARDENS lOHM • PALMAR • MADE ■ MEE • 1641 n., 3oi-in. Same. '1641 in., 32i-in. Same. \6\'\ IV., 36-in. LORD •!• lEVS •{• CHRIST -t- RESEVE '\' EACH •!• SOL -t- FOR •:• HOME •:• THIS -J' BELL -t- SHAL -t- TOL •;• AMEN •*♦• lOHN • PALMAR • MADE - ME lOHM • FAYERMAM - AMD ■ MICHEL ■ TRAPPS • WARD- MES 1641 One bell is cracked. Passing bell rung as soon as possible after death. A knell also rung at 8 a.m. on morning of funeral, and again at the burial. Inscriptions:, 3 1 5 Sundays. — Bell rung at 8 a.m., and again after morning service. Usual ringing for services. According to "Arch. Cantiana," vol. xiv., p. 125, Richard Townlcy, by his will, dated 1525, left a house and garden for the curfew ringer. Apparently the endowment has been lost and the custom has ceased. Best thanks to Rector. IDE HILL. St. Mary the Virgin. i Bell. I., 20-in. 1807 Bell no doubt a second-hand one. Church quite recent. I FIELD. St. Margaret. i Bell. I., 2o|-in. C & G MEARS LONDINI FECERUNT AD MAGNAM DEI GLORIAM D D WILLIELMUS EDMEADES ARMIGER DE NUR- STED 1845 IGHTHAM. St. Peter. ^ 5 Bells. I., 25|-in. THE REV" RALPH LEIGH M : A : RECTOR EDWARD BATT CHURCH WARDEN R:P: FE' 1732 II., 27|-in. 4-J5-lUtCC ?VPi XtJ^I'lUUCiJ U III., 29J-in. 4-"yrrrx J5-lUt^slint .Scncf jEn J^^l^r^c X'^ct xj IV., 32-^-in. W & T Mears Late Lester Pack &: Chapman ok London Fecit 1789 v., 34-in. lOHN <•> WI TNAR <^ MADE A ME « 1620 For account of Nos. 2 and 3, see p. 31. The crosses are alike — h'ig. 14. Foundry stamps, Fig. 13. T. R. E. Item iij bolls (? bells). Death knell rung " as soon as may be," but always between sunrise and noon. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female. Bell tolled at funerals. Bells chimed for services. A bell tolled for vestry. Peals at 7 (? a.m.) on the great festivals. None on November 5th (happily). Best thanks to Rev. J. l'olchami)ton, Rector. 2 8 2 3^6 Inscriptions. IVYCHURCH. St. Martin. 5 Bells, I., 32-in. lOHZ WIL>1ER MADE ME 1624 II., 34-in. Same. III., 37-in. Same. IV., 41-in. Sam knight fecit 1724 william thomas cw v., 44-in. Same as No. i. T. R. E. Item iiij bells being in the Stepill. Item ij litill bells. In 1455, William Warde bequeathed 40^^. to the parishioners on condition that they should buy new bells, otherwise the legacy was not to be paid.* Passing bell tolled "at death." Tellers — 3x3 for a male, 3x2 for a female — then bell tolled quickly for a few minutes, and then minute strokes. On day of funeral, bell tolled at 7 a.m., and again at the service. Sundays. — Bell tolled at 9 a.m. when there is morning service, and at noon when service is in the afternoon. Best thanks to Rector, Rev. W. C. L. Wingate. I WADE. All Saints. 2 Bells. I., i9|-in. Blank. II., 20-in. Blank. Doubtless the two oldest church bells in Kent — long-waisted, with cj'lindrical crowns and perfectly plain sides. They are supposed locally to be two ship's bells, and of Low Country manufacture, but I see no grounds for the correct- ness of this. The church is, in its earliest parts. Transitional Norman, but the tower is Early English, and I think the bells are co-eval with it. KEMSING. St. Mary. 2 Bells. I., 32-in. + (Fig. 7) ^fcrntji J5-nnts ^cf0ttcf damjtana ^rrliannts U (Fig. 6) ir., 34^-in. ?f? cj, SOLIDEO ^ HONOR ^ ET cj? GLORIA I H C+ + TS 4- IF ^ I M 4- GF + WF + AV : ^V For mention of treble, see p. 27. Dedication probably to St. John the Baptist. The annual fair is on that saint's day, which points to a local guild in his honour. * "Arch. Cant.," xiii. 452, Inscriptions. 317 Death knell rung morning after death. Tellers — 3 x 3 for a man, 3 x 2 for a woman or a child. Bell tolled before funeral. Sundays. — A bell rung at 8 a.m. Bells chimed for services. A bell rung for vestry meetings. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. G. B, Lewis. KENARDINGTON, St. Mary. i Bell' I., 26|-in. Tho maylam chvrch warden Q Ioh^ wayleTT fecjT 1720 No local uses. Tradition affirms that the church formerly had more bells but that they were "destroyed by the Spaniards in the year 1559." I am afraid this tradition is not reliable. I am obliged to the Rector, the Rev. Sydney B. Lobb. KENNINGTON. St. Mary. 6 Bells. I., 2S-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 18S3 V^ MIHI SI NON EVANGELIZAVERO IL, 30-in. Tho^ Mears of London Fecit 1804 III., 32-in. ^HolTcitfus + ^EiaX + m\ + fqrtf 1602 ® IV., 33-in. Mess"*^ Jn" Roots & Francis Sibert Ch. Wardens Chapman & Mears of London Fecerunt 1784 v., 37-in. 'J-'MB O y^.Bm O J5-<3aO J^ O ^IXJSC^B -X- (Fig. 35) U (Royal Arms) ^ (Fig. 35) VI., 40-in. J^t^^J&cittws + XH>?t + Jttc -Y fnnf + 1602 ® \J For mention of No. 5, see p. 56. The coat of arms on the tenor is that of the EUys family,* who owned one of the manors here. — Ellys, who had the manor in 1602, doubtless bore the expense of recasting the then 2nd and 5th. The cross figured under Hayes is also used by Mot on one of the bells here. T. R. E. First fyve bells in the stepyll. In 175S the (then) treble and No. III. were also pre-Rcformation bells. They bore : I. Sancta Maria Ora Pro Nobis II. Sancte Paule Ora Pro Nobis Passing bell rung as soon as possible after death, but always between sun- rise and sunset. Tellers at beginning — 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female. Bell * Ar. on a cross sa. five crcsccnls of the field. Nnt five lortiau.xr^ for ( Ircinillc. as staled by Hasted, J 1 8 Inscriptions then raised and kept up for a short time, then lowered and tolled. Age denoted by bell used, e.g., tenor for old people, 5th for middle-aged, 4th for young, and so downwards. On day of funeral a knell is rung at 7.30 a.m. ; always on tenor. First tellers as above, then bell raised for a short time and then lowered, and a few strokes tolled. Muffled peals for Vicar or a ringer, or an old inhabitant. Sundays. — Formerly a bell was rung at 8 a.m. and i p.m. J'or services the bells are chimed, except on great festivals, when they are rung ; there are also peals in the early morning on these occasions. On New Year's Eve the old year is rung out with a half-muffled peal, and the new one rung in at midnight with a full open peal. Peals on Queen's birthday and other national and local anniversaries. An old inhabitant of the parish, who died in 1883 at the mature age of 94, well recollected the old treble's being recast in 1804. He had helped on the occasion to draw the bell up to its place in the cage. He had been one of the ringers {ot three-quarters of a cent ury\ viz., from 1804 till 1878. In the old smuggling times, the earlier part of this century, the ringers were often assist- ants in cheating the revenue, and when hard pressed by the officers they would carry the smuggled tubs or other packages up into the belfry and fasten them up inside the bells, tying them on to the clappers. The following entries occur in the parish accounts : 1 7 1 1 Item paid for new sett of Bell ropes ... ... 15^. o(L 1 7 13 Item (a similar entry). 1714 Item paid to y'^ ringers at the Proclaiming of King George ... ... ••• ... ... ••• 25-. 6c/. Itetn, paid more to y'" ringers at the coranation of King George ... ... ... ... ... 55. 1 715 Item paid for a form of Prayer on Thanksgiving on y"" first day of August* Item paid to y" Ringers on same day T716 Item For a proclamation for the thanksgivingt y*" 7 day of June Item paid to y° (ringers) on the same Item paid the ringers at the King's coming home * Accession clay of George I. f Probably for ihc suppression of the insurrection in .Scotland. i.y. 2S. 6d. \s. 2S. 6d. 2S. Gd. Inscnptions . 319 1722 Item P'' at the puting out the Bells* ... ... 55-. Gd. Item spent on the bell hanger at several times ... 3^-. Item paid for a quart of oyle ... ... ... 2s. Item p'' the Bell hanger the full of his money at 2 payments ... ... ... ... ... js^s. Item spent on him att y'' last payin 3^-. 6d. and IS. att y" first payin ... is. 4s. dd. Item p'' to Edvv'^ Austen for puting up the Sally beams ... ... ... ... ... ... 2s. For a sett of new Bell ropes ... ... ... 15^-. 1724 Item p'' goodman Walke his bill for work done about the bell frame ... ... ... ... \li. \2s. o\d. Paid for oyle ... ... ... ... .. 9^/. Item paid Tom^ pain a bill for iron work done about the bell frame ... ... ... ... Zs. My own bill for timber about the bell frame ... ? ? 1726 p'^ to goodman Walke a bill for making Bell wheell and other work about the Bells ... ... 19^. dd. paid for a pint of oyle ... ... ... ... is. 1729 Item gave the ringers on crownation day... ... 5^". p'^ for Bell ropes ... ... ... ... ... 15^'. 1730 p"* at the King's crownation ... ... ... 2s. Gd. 1735 Item p'^ to Tho^ Pain for mending the clapper of a bell 2J-. Gd. 1737 Item p'^ to Rich^ Tucker fo five new bell ropes ... i5j-. 1740 (about) Paid for work dun about the church and bells when the bell Tumbel doon as will appear by Bill ^ii- ^s. 5< 1742 Item p^' to William Walke a bill for bell work ... n)s. 1745 Item gave the ringers for ringing of the Fast day for the suppression of the Rebellion ... ... loi-. 1746 Item paid the ringers for ringing on the Dukest birthday ... ... ... ... ••• ••• S^- 1 75 1 pd M"" Tucker for bell ropes ... ... ... 16^-. 1755 p'' for two ringing days ... ... •■• ••■ lo-^"- * I.e., iniltinsj; out Ihc work to be done on thciii. t The Initcher Cumljerlaiul, 320 Inscriptions. 1757 Item p'' for bell ropes ... ... ... ... 17.^. 1775 — July 2. Barber the ringing money for y" year 1775 5^- 1783 — May 17. M' Springett a bill for 4 brasses for the bells ... ... \U. 2s. <)d. and ow'tset 21 pound of old Brass 10s. 6d. 12s. _ 3^.. 1784 — Feb. Paid James Rolfe for carreing the bell to Faversham ... ... ... . . ... (^s. 3^. M' Sibert Ringing money for year ... ... 55-. May 25, James Rolfe for bringing the bell from Faversham ... ... ... ... ... 7.^. Dec. 31. John Steddy for hanging bell ... ... *^li. ^s, M' Welson for bringing the bell Home from London ... ... ... ... ... ... i ox. 6d. M' William Mears for the new bell in ballance ... 7//. 17.^. 1786 Howland for a sett of new bell ropes ... ... iqjt. 1787 M' Sibert the ringing money 5J-. 1788 M' Steddy for putting the third bell in tune ... 10s. 6d. Set of bell ropes ... ... ... ... ... 19.^. 1789 M' Sibert for ringing money ... ... ... 5.^-. 1790 — January 3. Paid M"" Springett for Brasses for the bells 1//. 8x. 3U Very hearty thanks to Canon Welldon and his intelligent parish clerk, Mr. Robert Head. KESTON. Dedication unknown. i Bell. I., 22-in. THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1621 T. R. E. Item ij small bells of brasse suted in the steple on handbell of brasse and one smale sacryng bell. Only rung for service and at funerals. Thanks to Rector, Rev. C. H. Wright. KIDBROOKE. St. James. 1 Bell. I., 36-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1S66 * Part of cost of recasting probably included in this ; Steddy was doubtless INlears' local agent. Iiiscriptions. 321 KILNDOWN. Christ Church. 6 Bells. II li'l^ IV V 1 Jitiji^s 342" 1 \VTT T TAM STDFRV "» VII., 39i-i„. (^j^o;j^g po3^^^3}cHURCHWARDENS .S40. VIIL, 44-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1886 T. R. E. Item iij bells in the steple. Item a long ladder and a shorter in the belfrey. Death knell as soon as possible. Age tolled, but apparently no " tellers." Bells rung for Sunday, chimed for week-day services. No ringing in Advent or Lent. Ringing on Patron Saint's Day, and on New Year's Eve. Bell rung for vestry meeting for election of churchwardens. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev, F. H. Law. Christ Church. i Bell. L, 25Mn. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1854 Good Shepherd. i Bell. Probably one quite modern bell. Holy Trinity. i Bell. I., 24-in. J WARNER & SONS LONDON 1863 St. Mildred. 3 Bells. Church consecrated 1879, the three bells arc probably of that date. LEEDS. St. Nicholas. 10 Bells. I., 27 in. THE GIFT OF THE HON: ROBERT FAIRFAX OF LEEDS CASTLE RC 1751 II., 29-in. Same. R C 1751 III., 29J.-in. Same. R^ CATLIN FECIT 1751 326 IV., 3ol-in v., 32-in. VI., 34-in. VII., , 36-in. VIII., . 39-in- IX., , 43-in- Inscriptions. THE GIFT OF HON: ROBERT FAIRFAX OF LEEDES CASTLE R C 1 75 1 HEN: MEREDITH ESQ"^ OF LEEDS ABBY BENE- FACTOR R^ CATLIN 1 75 1 WILLIAM WOOLLETT ROBERT HATCH CH WAR- DENS R CATLIN FECIT 1751 lOHN /} WILNAR ^ 1638 Same. HONORI DEI k VSVI k ECCLESIAE lOHN $ WILNAR 1638 X., 47I in. HOMORI DEI VWSVI EC^TI^ MEMORI^ lOHAM- ms LAMBE XPOFER WOLLET C W lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT O 1617 Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Tenor bell tolled for half an hour, and then rung for the same space of time. On morning of funeral, at 8 o'clock, strike eight bells — three times for man, twice for woman, once for chiM ; then raise tenor and ring at intervals for forty-five minutes. Tenor tolled for an hour at time of funeral. Sundays. — Bells used for services only ; " ring in " on treble last two minutes. Peal on last night of year. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. A. P. Morris. LEEDS CASTLE. Clock Bell. !_ Ian # m @ rccc @ xxx # 1j D D D A striking witness to the fact that a clock is so called because it strikes on a cloche or bell. It would seem probable that the first clocks were like this, without a face, denoting the time only by striking on a bell or bells at certain intervals of time. I believe that the mechanism of this clock is very interesting, and that it is of the same date as the bell, viz., 1435. That it should have lasted for four centuries and a half bears strong testimony to the faithful workmanship of its maker. It is without doubt the oldest clock remaining in any secular edifice in England. I believe the bell to be of French manufacture ; not only from the fact of the inscription being in French, but from the medallions below the inscrip- Inscriptions. 327 tion band. They depict the Blessed Virgin and Child, the Crucifixion, and St. Michael slaying the dragon (see frontispiece). Such medallions are quite usual on French bells, and quite unknown on English ones of this date. So far as I know it is a unique example in this country. I am much indebted to Mrs. Wykeham-Martin for permission to take S([ueezes of the inscription, etc. In addition to its use as a clock bell it is used for domestic notices, and the curfew is rung on it every night at 8. Local tradition affirms that this lias never been omitted since it was first hung. It is worn rather thin in the sound bow where the clapper strikes, and needs attention ; but I am afraid quarter- hanging would be no use, as it would bring the clock hammer on to the weak l^art, and so tend to hasten a crack. LEIGH. St. Mary. 5 Bells. I., 26-in. \ II., 28i-in. Ill, 31-in. ►- IV., zz\-yci. v., 36-in. HEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1871 THOMAS MAY VICAR Prior to the recasting, the bells were inscribed as follows : L, 25-in. THE GIFT OF ABRAHAM HARRISSON ESQ-^ 1731 IL, 261-in. THE OF ABRAHAM HARRISSON ESQR 1731 IIL, 291-in. nWH636 IV., 3i-"in. I OW ^ MADE ^ ME 1636 v., 33 i-in. H W 1640 Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Tenor for adults, a smaller bell for children. Tellers— 3 x 3 for a male, 3 x 2 for a female. Bell tolled at funerals. Sundays.— Bell rung at 8 (" Matins Bell ") and 9 a.m. (" Mass Bell "), and after morning service (Qy. " Angelus " bell, or reminiscence of " Sanctus " bell ringing). Peals, at Easter, Christmas, and on New Year's Eve. Ringing on 5th November (happily) fallen into disuse. Best thanks to the Vicar, Rev. H. R. CoUum. ,28 Inscriptions. LENHAM. St. Mary. 8 Bells. I., 29-in. ROBERT CATLIN FECIT 1751 O O O O O O II., 30-in. Same. III., 32-in. RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1709 IV., 33^,-in. Same. v., 36|-in. Robcvtfus + nxtrf + mxj + fecit 1592 ® VI., 39J-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT ® 1619 VIL, 43-in. Richard Barnard Edward Hope Church Wardens Robert Catlin Fecit 1751 VIIL, 5oUn. THOMAS ROBBINS RICHARD CARTER CHVRCH WARDENS I AMES BARTLET MADE ME 1686 ® The weights are as follows : I. II. III. IV. V. VI VII. VIII. No information as to local customs. The following extracts from the parish accounts were kindly furnished to Mr. Tyssen by a former Vicar, the Rev. Charles Parkin, in 1855 : 1682 It. paid to Robert Hyham for trussinge the Bells It. paid for works about the Bells to Taply 1683 It. paid for a lock for y'' Belfrey door It. paid for belropes and putting them on 1684 It. paid for mendinge a belwheel & nails It. paid for a Clapper for y'^ Great Bell 1685 It. paid Jo" Tapley in p' for hanging the bells It. paid Jo" Tritton for a new sett of Bell Ropes It. paid Jo" Tapley for the new Bell ... It. paid to Jo" Tapley in full for hanging y*^ Bells 16S7 It. paid Bromfield for new hanging the Tenor and re- pairing y^ other bells ... ... ... ... 08 Cwt. qr. lb. 6 24 8 2 8 10 2 10 12 3 I 14 2 8 16 3 6 18 2 4 23 lib. s. d. 00 03 00 01 10 06 00 01 04 01 16 10 00 01 00 01 07 00 05 05 00 01 06 00 -^ 05 00 05 00 00 lib. s. d. oo 05 ■ 00 17 17 09 00 05 00 00 02 06 00 04 00 00 01 06 03 01 00 00 10 00 00 or oS 00 02 06 00 10 00 01 00 00 00 06 00 00 10 00 00 20 00 Inscriptions. 329 It. pd Ad: Walrish for a Bell rope ... It. pd M'' Bartlett the Bell founder It. pd for skirting & mending y'^ Bells It. pd Alban for work about y*" Bells & Dyall It. pd at trying y" Bells It. pd for Oyle for y"" Bells 1688 It. pd R. Ffox for Boarding f Bell Loft It. pd Jn'^ Parker for ringing y'' Bell ... It. pd him for oyle ab' y° Bells & a dust Baskett 1689 Allow'd y*" Ringers Gunpowder Day ... pd Ja Parker for ringing y'^ Bell pd to M"" Oliver for Bell ropes ... Spent on y" Ringers at y*" Coronation 1690 Spent on y"" Ringers one Gunpowder Treason & proclamation Day of King Will. & Queen Mary ... pd James Parker for Ringing of Curfirs Spent on Bromfield att the hanging «S^ fitting the Bells 1 69 1 The Ringers for Ringing on the Kings Happy Return from Ireland on y*= 25 Der: and the i of Jan John Bromfield for hanging the bells with 2 new Stocks and fixing them in order p'^ for a sett of New Bell Ropes for Ringing on the Coronation Day ... p"* James Parker for Ringing the 8 o'clock Bell 1692 Paid the Ringers at the Queen's Birthday Paid for the Ringers the 5"' of November Paid for the Ringers the 26"' of November Paid for the Ringers the i January ... Paid John Oliver for a Clock rop Paid Parker for looking to the Clock... Paid Parker for ringing the Night Bell 1694 Given to the Ringers at the Kings return from Flanders Paid James Parker for ringing the evening Bell 1695 ffor oyle for y^ Clock & Bells .. . 9 9 I 10 2 6 10 2 6 5 5 2 6 12 I 10 2 6 TO 1 2 U 330 1697 1698 lyoo 1701 Inscriptions. lib. s. d. 2 6 9 ffor oyle and Brooms for y" Bells of Church ... P^' M-- Road for a pint of Oyle for y"^ Bells Allowed y*" Ringers att several times on several occa- sions ... ... ... ... ... ... ... I o o Paid Transom for ringing y^ Bell ... ... ... 12 3 Paid Transom for ringing y'= Bell & looking after y*" Clock... ... ... ... ... ... ... I 10 o For peecing y*^ Clapper of a Bell & sundry smith's work ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 oh 1703 Paid Transom towards looking after y^ Clock &i Ring- ing y'' Bell 5.y. for i dozen of Tresses 6s. ... ... 11 o Given y*" Ringers att y"" victory over y*" ffrench ... 16 1704 Paid Transom for cleaning y" Bell Loft o 6 Paid John Tritton for y*" Black Ropes ... ... 15 6 Paid Transom for digging a hole for y'= Chimes waite o 6 1707 Spent on the Ringers new years day ... ... ... 5 o Paid Peter Epps for mending y" Bell Clapper ... 80 Spent on the Ringers on St. Georges Day ... ... 5 o 1709 Paid Edward Gosling for a Clock wheel ... .. i o 1712 Spent on y" Ringers att A Day of rejoycing ... ... 5 o P'* M' Bronifield Towards his looking after y" Bells 2 years & towards ye compleating y" treble & y'' second Bells being new cast & hanging them up againe ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 o o P"* John Bronifield towards y*" new casting of y*" Bells as appears by Bills ... P'' Transom for a chime rope .. . P'^ for y*" Ringers at severall times 17 1 7 For Candles & Oyle for y*" Bells 1720 Paid Transom for a chyme rope as appears by Bill .. 1726 paid Good" Transom for a chyme rope 1728 Paid for Ringing eight times ... 1733 For a set of Bell Ropes LEWISHAM. St. M.^ry. 8 Bells. I., 28-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1819 IL, 29^-in. Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1766 6 I 10 4 8 II I 4 7 17 2 I 8 Inscriptions. 331 III., 3i?,-in. Same as No. I. IV., 33:/-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1859 HONORABLE & REV° H LEGGE DCL VICAR S. SOUTHORN IrHTIPCHWARDFNS CHARLES ATKINS /^^^^"^"^^^^^^^^ v., 37-in. Ye Peopi,e all Who Hear me Ring Be Faithfull to YOUR God and King Pack «& Chapman of London Fecit 1777 VI., 39]-in. Cast in 1743 Jn" Baker & Geo: Thornton Ch. War- dens Recast in 1776 Paul Valentine & Jn7 Evens Ch. Wardens Pack & Chapman of London Fecit VII., 43|-in. Henry Corbett & Joseph Hartwell Ch. Wardens 1766 Lester & Pack of London Fecit VIII., 48^-in. This Bell was Paid for by Voluntary Subscription 1777 Paul Valentine & John Evens Church War- dens Pack & Chapman of London Fecit T. R. E. Item iiij greate bells of brasse sutyd in the Steple. Item on sants bell of brasse called the morowmas bell. Item on hand bell & ij sacryng bells of brasse. Death knell rung on day of death before sunset. Tenor bell used. Tellers — 3 X 3 for male, 3x2 for female ; then raised and tolled, minute strokes. Funeral peals when ordered. Bells half muffled. First the age is rung on the eight bells, and then tolled on tenor ; ' then drop ten down to twenty, and then drop one to nothing, first on the eight bells,' and then tenor tolled. Finish with age tolled on tenor. Daily Service.s. — 3rd, 4th, and 5th chimed. Sundays. — Same three chimed for early celebration, and for children's service in afternoon. All eight rung on the first Sunday in the month for morning and evening service, and only chimed on other Sundays. No ringing in Lent. Peals on "royal and parochial" occasions, and on New Year's Eve. Also for the Easter vestry. Not (hai)pily) on 5th November. A "salary" (qy. endowment) of ^30 15s. per annum for ringing and chiming. Ik'sl thanks to the Rev. V. Payne Galhvey. 2 U 2 T,T,2 Inscriptions. LEWISHAM. Ascension. i Bell. Corusecrated 1883 ; presumably one bell of about that date. St. Mark. i Bell. Built 1870 ; probably one bell of about that date. St. Stephen. i Bell. I., 29|-in. G MEARS & CO FOUNDERS LONDON 1864 Southend Chapel. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. Transfiguration. i Bell. From the Whitechapel Foundry, dated 1883. LEYBOURNE. SS. Peter c^- Paul. 2 Bells (i and a Priest's Bell). I., 19^-in. 1 82 6 II., 34-in. D D THOMAS Q GODDIN Q GEHTELMA>1 Q 1585 Q w *)!(? *)5? ROBARD D OLVER D Y0U>1A"/1 D E D D The larger bell is by Gyles Reve ; it has curious figures of beasts upon it, more siw. There were formerly three bells, but the tower fell some sixty years ago, and two of the three were broken and sold, the small priest's bell being provided in their stead, and the balance of the purchase money no doubt went in * repairs.' The family of Olver or Oliver was of some abidance here. Oliver in or about 1680 left an annual sum of ^6 for binding apprentices. LEYSDOWN. St. Clement. 2 Bells. 1. 1 CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1874 II.) VENITE EXULTEMUS DOMINO Prior to 1874 there was here only one bell, which is now at Murston. There is room in the turret for a third beil. The two present ones are inaccessible for measurement. •No local uses. Insc rip tions. 'x^'^'}^ LINTON. St. Nicholas. 6 Bells. I., 29-in. «$. PRAISE .$. THE <$. LORD rj. 1717 II., 3ii-in. ^ lOHN ^ WAYLETT ^ MADE ^ ME 1717 III., 33-in. ^ lOHN «)}(. ^ RICH cijp C W 17 17 IV., 35-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1824 v., 40-in. Tho^ Lester Made Me 1748 VI., 45-in. T Lester of London Made Me M"^ iohn martin & m'' ALEXANDER USBON CHURCH WARDENS 1 746 LITTLEBOURNE. St. Vincent. 5 Bells. I., 28-in. D •:• D IOHN PALMAR MADE THIS BELL 1639 II., 28J in. + soii^j :E)e^o j^^i e^3? ©■JikCD:El3;ii. U O C (Fig. 36) IIL, 32i-in. tttscpli f|afcl| ntatiiJ nie 1610 IV., 36-in. Raljcrtlis + nt0t + nti^ + fi^cif + 1597 MB® V.,39-in. D D © 1650 WILLIAM HATCH MADE ME For mention of No. 2, see p. 57. Death Knell. — Tellers — 3 for man, 2 for woman, i for child. Bells chimed for Sunday services. Ringing on New Year's Eve only. A bell tolled for vestry meetings. Thanks to Vicar, the Rev. N. H. McGachen. LONG FIELD. St. Mary Magdalene. i Bell. L, i5i-in. + -^^M^i^m'x^^ix^EB ■• xx^^m:i^ -. X3^e- : T. R. E. Item ij litle bells of bras suted in the steple. Mem: a handbell of brass presented to be stolen. See p. 14 for account of this interesting piece of antiquity. Access rather difficult. The "descensus," however, is "facihs;" namely, by sliding down the roof of the church. Death knell rung " when convenient," clerk living at some distance. Bell tolled for about twenty minutes. No tellers. Thanks to the Rector, Rev. P. H. Jennings. 334 Inscriptions. LOOSE. All Saints. 3 Bells. O I., 31-in. O H O (on Waist) O II., 33-in. iuscpli f|atii| matic ntc © 1603 III., 371-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1635 Tenor cracked in the sound-bow. The treble is a decided puzzle. There is a bell similarly inscribed at Navestock, Essex. The parish accounts here, which go far back, contain no mention of its casting, which argues in favour of its being older than 161 5. See p. 61. Curfew bell formerly rung here, but discontinued at least fifty years. Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Age signified by size of bell used, viz., tenor for adults, middle bell for boy or girl, treble for children. A knell on morning of funeral, and bell tolled at time of service. Sundays. — Eight o'clock (" Matins ") bell rung. A mid-day bell was rung until about thirty years ago. For services, bells chimed fifteen minutes, then tenor ten minutes ; " ring in " on treble five minutes (" Parson's " bell). Ringing on Christmas Day and last night of year. Very hearty thanks to Vicar, the Rev. J. D. Kingdon, for above notes, and also for access to parish books, from which I have extracted the following : 16 1 5 It. Layd out for drawing the covenant betwixt Joseph Hach and vs ... ... ... 2s. 6d. It. Layd out for my expenses when the bell was cast & when I went to buy y" timber ... is. dd. It. Layd out for wayinge carriing and fetchinge y^ bell ... ... ... ... ... ']s. od. It. Layd out for lether and newe makeing the batheracks for the bells ... ... . . 31. od. It. Layd out for boards for makeinge and mend- inge the wheels It. Layd out for the carpenters worke ... 2//. It. Layd out for .48' of ouer mettle to Josheph Hatch 2//. It. Layd out for makeinge the cradle... It. for casting the bell ... ... ... ... 4//. 2S. 8d OS. u. OS. od. OS. 8d I OS. od Inscriptions. 335 1606 payd Jesper Shaw for mendind y" bell ... os. 6d. } iGiG payd Jesper Shaw for mending y° bell ... i.$-. od. 161 "J layd out for mendinge the badricke ... ... ix^. 1618 Ite. payd to John Terry for three bell ropes ... vji-. Ite. payd to John Newport for tucking vpp the bells ... ... ... ... ... ... ijs. \]d. Ite. payd for two new Badricks & mending the ould Ite. payd William Charlton for mending the clappers 1619 Item for mending y*" bellfree window ... ... iji'. Ite. for a locke for y'' bellfree dore ... •■. \\\\]d. 1620 layd out to Goodman Terry for two bell ropes iij-. \\]S. ]s. \y{. ]^. \\\]d. \]s. \\\]d. \\\)d. \\]S. \s. VJd. \]S. \'d. ]s. vj./. \]S. \]d. ]s. iiij(/. \s. \]d. \]s. \]d. \s. \s. \\']d. 6s. Ad. IS. od. ()S. Sd. \]s. 4-v. Gd. 9^. 6d. X ',',0, Insci'iptions, 1647 It. for three belropse ... " for puting out the Kings Armes " ... 1649-50 Item paid for three new whiles for the beles It. for iornwork for the beles ... 1650-51 It. paid for bell ropes ... It. for taking doune the brase in the churche 1653 Itm. paid to John Charlton for yron vvorke about the Bell wheele 1657 Item for bellropes 1659 Similar entry ... 1663 Similar entry ... 1665 Paid to goodman Chambarlen for a new batha reck for the bell mor for my worke on the beles It. for mending the fram of the beles... It. paid to goodman Gilbart for tember for the belles frame ... It. for a rope for the greate bele It. for 2 bell Ropes It. payd for mending the bells... It. for bell rops... It. p"^ for bell Roops ... It. p'' for the bethricke of the bells . . . p'^ for mending y^ Bell p'' for Bellropes payde for thre bellropes mending the bell mending the Bells ... It. payd for the bell Rops It. paied to Robart Wilkens for new hinging the belles and mending the wheles... It. paied for the greate bell Rope It. paied to Goodman Hatch* for iorne worke for the belles... 1679-80 paid for belropes 1680-81 for a new belrope 1666-7 166S-9 1671 1672 1674 1676 1677 167S 678-9 l//. 6.-. od. \s. Oil. I OS. od. 6s. od- ^s. od OS. 2d i]s. 7s. od Ts. od IS. Gd IS. lod. OS. 6d 2S. od 95. od 3^- 4d. 4^. 6d 5^- od 7^. 6d 8s. 6d. 2S. 6d IS. od. gs. od 8s. 6d 2S. od 2S. od 9S. od i8s. od 3^- 6d. V- gd 5'- od 2S. 6d. (?) William Hatch, churchwarden this year. 339 4S. 6d. IS. od. 'Ts. Gd. Inscriptions. 1681-2 For 2 new Belropes 1682-3 P' Wilkins mending y*^ Bell p'' for Three Bellrops ... It. paid to goodman Wilkins for hanging the bel 7^. od. 1683-4 It. paid to goodman Wilkines for mending the belles... 16S5 It. for y"" belropes and 3 matts It. for work about y° bells and bel wheels It. paid for one bathereck for the lettel bell ... paied for 3 bell Ropes ... paied for a new gouging for the lettel bell and poting it in . . . It. paied to the Chapender for 5 dayes worke &:c. &c. mending . . . the bells 1687 It. p*^ to gooman copen for menden the bel whell It. p'' for a set of belrops 16S9-90 It. p'' Goodman Coppen for a new Beel wheele and menden of the other Beels 1690-1 for belropes ... ... ... ... ... for mending y'' bell wheels 1 69 1-2 for bell ropes ... 1692-3 for mending y" bell gugen and lathar ... for a nu set of bell ropes 1693-4 paid for bell Ropes 1 702-3 p'' to Good'" peirce for a new Stock and wheele for the tennor bell ... ... ... ... \Ii. \^s. od. for mending the two other wheels & pitting in new Satys Kiehes and fiting in the 6 brasses and taking out 3 godgings and fasening in Againe and two ne^/olly Roicls* Sz puting in 1704-5 p'' to John Broumfield for Hanging y'' Bells ... gave to y" Ringers at y" Queen's Coronation... 1707-8 p'' for a winch for y" Bells p'' for Oyl for y" Bells ... IS. Ad. \os. od. 3^- 6d. 25-. od. 7.?. od. 2S. Gd I 05-. od. 2S. od 8^. Gd, 10^, od 7-9. od. 3^- od. 7^-. od I.e. od. 7.S-. od. 7,^. od t//. 2S. od. 12//: OS. od. 2S. od. 2S. od. OS. 6d. Sir, ciy. meanini^. .\ 2 I72S-6 1726-7 1729-30 I75S 1759 12S. 0,1 3^- od. 65. od. 17^. od. 5^- od IS. 6d. 8s. od. 14s. od. 14s. od. 340 Inscriptions. To ]\r Stevenson for mending y" Eell weals ... \li. Gave the Ringers at the King's Crown-'" Will Jcffery for mending the Bells frame & Stuff i//. Paid for Trushes* and Bell Ropes p'' Abell Crispe for Sheetingt and new linding the ball of the Bell Clapper... p'^ for a leather for the Clapper p'^ for Bell Ropes 1764-5 for new Stocks J ... ... ... ... i//. 177S A sett Bell ropes The following copy of the contract made with Joseph Hatch for re-casting the tenor bell was made by Mr. Tyssen, some years ago, from the original in the possession of Walter B. Gilbert, Esq., of Maidstone : Articles of Agreement indented made and agreed upon the seventeenth day of September anno domini 1635 Between Henry Burdon and Thomas Crispe Churchwardens of the Parish of Loose in the County of Kent of the one part and Joseph Hatch of Ulcombe in the County aforesaid Bellfounder of the other part as followeth viz. : Iraprimus the said Churchwardens shall carry or cause to be carried and delivered unto the said Joseph Hatch at his dwelling house in Ulcombe the Tenor Bell of the parish Church of Loose at or before the last day of this present month of September to the intent to have the same Bell newcast being now broken. Item the said Churchwardens or their Successors shall pay unto the said Joseph Hatch his executors or assignes in and upon the last Thursday which shall be in the month of May now next ensueing in or at the now dwelling- house of Gabriel Knight situate in Maidstone in the County above written the sum of four pounds and ten shillings of current English money for the new casting of the said Tenor Bell. Item the said Joseph Hatch shall new cast the said Tenor Bell and make the same tuneable with the rest of the Bells in Loose aforsaid and also shall at or before the first day of November next ensueing the date hereof deliver the said Bell sound and tuneable at Ulcombe aforesaid unto the said Church- wardens or their successors requireing the same. And if it shall happen the * Hassocks. + Qy. shilling or casting. % Not for the bells, I think. Inscriptions. 341 said Bell not to prove sound and tuneable to the rest of Bells in Loose afore- said then the said Joseph Hatch shall make the same sound and tuneable within two months after the bell is delivered unto him and so continue by the space of one whole year after she is hanged fit for the ringing and if the said Bell shall be broken in ringing within one year after the same shall be hanged in the steeple of the Church at Loose or not prove tuneable to the rest of the IJells there then the said Joseph Hatch having the Bell brought to him to Ulcombe shall new cast the same so often' till the same bell shall continue sound and tuneable for the space of one whole year after the same shall be hanged in the steeple ready to be rung. Item the said Churchwardens or their successors shall pay unto the said Joseph Hatch his executors or assignes on the same last Thursday in May at the place aforesaid twelve pence a pound for each pound of good metal which shall be put into the Bell if the Bell shall weigh so much the more so that the same metal which shall be so put in exceed not the weight of twenty-five pounds weight and if the same good metal which shall be so put into the Bell aforesaid shall exceed the same weight of twenty-five pounds then the said Churchwardens shall pay no more for the same but four pence for each pound weight of good metal which shall be put into the Bell aforesaid. Item if the said Joseph Hatch shall take any metal out from the Bell afore- said or spoil or waste any that then he shall ]:iay for each pound twelve pence so that there be not above twenty-five pounds taken away or wasted and if there be more than twenty-five pounds taken away of the metal of the Bell or wasted that then the said Joseph Hatch shall pay thirteen pence for each pound weight that shall be taken away or wasted from the entire weight of the Bell aforsaid. In witness whereof the parties aforesaid to these Articles interchangably have put their hands and seals the day and year aI)ove written. Joseph Hatch I H his mark. Sealed and delivered in the presence of John Charlton Henry H B Broman his mark. LUDDENHAM. St. Mary. 1 P,l11. I, 32-in. iuscpli Ijafcli iitAttc mc 1610 T B S C 000 O 342 Inscnptions. Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Commence with tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for a female, then toll. This is repeated early on the morning of the funeral, and before the actual service the bell is tolled. Otherwise, the bell is only used to summon to service. Hasted states that there were three bells here in his time, in which I think he is probably correct ; there is plenty of room in the tower for three beUs. The frame, however, is for one only, and the sexton knows of no tradition of there ever having been more. LUDDESDOWN. SS. Peter and Paul. 3 Bells. I., 28-in. Blank. II., 31-in. + (Fig. 20) f|> + (Fig. 5) U (Fig. 19) «){(> III., 34-in. + il|c maria Itafniua XHcaxis ■& ^fatnltanU ;i5T.0mtt>etts J>IlLrn^tTn 1866 The treble seems to be a pre-Reformation bell. For mention of No. 2, see p. 36. The old inscription on the former tenor has been reproduced by Messrs. Mears and Stainbank ; but if it is intended for a fac-simile, it is cer- tainly not the best I have ever seen. See p. 41 for an account of the former tenor, which was certainly a Nottingham production. Passing bell rung as soon as possible after death. Minute strokes for about half an hour. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female, both at beginning and end. Tenor bell for adults, middle one for children. A bell tolled for about half an hour before funeral. Sundays. — Treble bell rung for early celebration ; all three chimed for other services, ringing in on one bell last five minutes. One bell rung for daily matins and evensong. Best thanks to the Rev. A. Wigan, Rector. LULLINGSTONE. St. Botolph. i Bell. I., 282-in. Blank. Bell apparently coeval with the church, so says Dr. Raven in his MS. notes. T. R. E. Item one bell in the steple. Mem: cxcepte on bell whereof a cloke is nowe made for the comodilie of the parish. Iiisci^iptions. 343 LUTON. Christ Church. i Bell. I., 171-in. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1842 No local uses apparently. Thanks to Rector, the Rev. E. A. Claydon. LYDD. All Saints. 5 Bells. I., 30-in. wfcjili I|itfcl| nta^c iitc © 160S II., 32-in. Same. III., 34?, -in. Same. IV., 38-in. lOSEPH HATCH MADE ME © 1607 v., 43-in. lOHN ^ HVDSON * MADE * ME * 1693 o O HENRY O lENKIN O O «ij(> RICHARD o HANNEKIN O CHVRCH O WARDENS OOOOOOOO Tenor bell tolled (twelve strokes) on the first Saturday in each month for sessions. The curfew bell is also rung.* There are most interesting Corporation accounts (which I have vainly endeavoured to get at), containing frecjuent mention of the church bells. From the report on them given in the fifth report of H.M. Historical MSS. Commission, I have extracted the following : 1445 Paid Thomas Love carpenter for making the gynne for casting+ of the belfry. Paid Richard Wodeman Carpenter for making doors for the new belfry 26^. 8^. 1445-6 Received of lyjte selvyr 30^. this year which was spent for making of the beleflore and hanging the bells. The gift of William Say Esquire to the new work of the belfry y. 4^. Lead for the belfry mentioned bought in London & shipped to Sand- wich. 1447-9 Delivered to the Church Wardens of Lyde for expenses upon the hangyng of the bells 53^. 4^. Paid John Bale and Laurence Elys their expenses at London about the bells C)S. lod. 1449-50 Paid John Buntyng an old debt due to the servant of the Bailiff of Marshelonde that carts might pass upon the wall (sujjcr Wallam) when the belfry was making according to a promise made to him 20^. * " Arch. Cant.," xiii. 255. j I W N III., 34-in. Messrs Tho^ Forderd & Jn" Swaine Church Wardens W" Mears of London Fecit 17 85 IV., 38-in. will'^ march robart wood c w sam~ knight FECIT 1727 v., 41-in. Same as on No. III. VI., 46-in. RICHARD KENNETT CHURCH WARDEN 1759 LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT T. R. E. Item v belles in the steple. Item ij hand belles and ij sacryng belles. In 1756-7, Mr. Faussett reports the bells here to be five in number, with the following inscriptions : I. Present No. II. II. J. B. 15S5. In y"" name of God Amen T H IIL Present No. IV. IV. William Ridgen Samuel Knight fecit 1727 V. Sancta Maria Ora Pro Nobis. Thomas Duffyn, Vicar of this parish, who died 1508, bequeathed ;^20 towards the tower of the church, and ^12 for a new bell. This last was the old tenor (which was recast in 1759), of which Mr. Faussett has preserved for us the inscription. Local tradition affirms that the smallest bell was cast on the green near the church, and that silver coins were thrown into the molten metal by members of the Honywood family of Sibton. This no doubt refers to the old treble (present 2nd), and is ])robably true. Best thanks to the Rev. Canon Jenkins, Rector. Inscriptions. 345 LYMPNE. St. Stephen. 5 Bells. I., 29-in. THO I AM BUT SMALL I WILL BE HEARD AMONGST YOU ALL •:• R •:• CATLIN FECLr 1742 IL, 3oi-in. ROBERT CATLIN CAST US ALL 1742 IlL, 33-in. lOHN BRIDGER lOHN FIRMINGER ROBERT CATLIN 1742 IV., 36-in. R .;. C .;. FECIT 1744 v., 391-in. HENRY BACNALL VICAR THOMAS GREENLAND RICHARD HOWARD CHURCHWARDENS R •;• C FECIT 1742 T. R. E. First iiij bells in the stepell. Apparently no local uses to record. Thanks to Vicar, the Rev. H. B. Biron. LYNSTEAD. SS. Peter and Paul. 5 Bells. I., 28Hn. lOHN ^ WILNAR ^ MADE ^ MEE ^ 1639 II., 3 1 i-in. Rubru^firs + uvoi + uic + fccif 1597 © IIL, 321-in. lOHN <) WILNAR ■> 1639 IV., 36-in. RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS 1884 v., 39i-in. R0trexi,tti'a + mut-i-mi:^ + tVcit 1600 © The former No. 4 was by Robert Mot, and a very indifferent specimen of his workmanship. Death knell rung and differentiated for man, woman, and child, but in what way is not stated. Tolling at funerals. Sundays. — Eight o'clock (" Matins ") bell rung. Two bells tolled (? chimed) for services. Ringing on morning of Christmas Day and on New Year's Eve. A bell rung for vestry meetings. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. J. Hamilton. 10 Bells. I., 3oi-in. Chapman & Mears of London Fecerunt 1784 11., 32-in. Same. 17S3 IIL, , 33A-in. Same] 17 '"^4 IV., 34 in. T. Mears of L,ondon Fecff 1S29 2 V 3 4 6 Inscriptions, v., 37-in, Same as Nos. i and 3. VI., 4o|-in. Same. VII., 43|-in. W" Mears of London Fecit 1786 VIII., 47-in. Same as Nos. i and 3. IX., 51-in. Same. X., 57-in. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON REV" JAMES REEVE MINISTER HENRY ARGLES ( „T-rTT-r.^TTTTr at-.t-v-t'xto o THOMAS LAURANCEf CHURCHWARDENS 1840 MAIDSTONE. Holy Trinity. i Bell. I., 26-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1828 St. Faith. ' i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. St. James (Mission Church). i Bell. One modern bell. St. John the Evangelist. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. St, Michael and All Angels. 6 Bells. A light peal of six by Warner and Sons. It is hoped some day to add two more — treble and tenor — and room is left in the frame for them. Bells rung for Sunday morning and evening services, chimed for all others. St. Paul. i Bell. I., 291-in. NAYLOR VICKERS & C° i860 SHEFFIELD N° 2129 E. RIEPE'S PATENT CAST STEEL St. Philip. i Bell. One bell by Gillett, Bland, and Co., of Croydon — weight, 8 cvvt. St. Peter. i Bell. A small 3 cwt. tinkler by Gillett & Co., of Croydon. St. Stephen — Tovil. i Bell. I., 25-in. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1841 Inscriptions, 347 MALLING (EAST). St. James. 6 Bells. I., 29-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1831. II., 29|-in. THIS BELL WAS ADDED BY BENEFACrORS 1 B ME FECIT 1695 © IIL, 31-in. lAMES BARTLET ME FECIT 1695 IV., 32|-in. Same. v., 36 in. Same. VL, 40-in. lOHN GROSSE VICAR 1695 ABRAHAM WALTER THOMAS HOBERT CH WARDENS ® lAMES BARTLET ME FECIT Death knell rung as soon as practicable. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female. Bell tolled at funerals. For old ringers a dumb peal is rung. Sundays. — Bells used for services only. Treble bell tolled for early cele- bration. For other services bells chimed fifteen minutes and treble tolled fifteen minutes. Sermon bell discontinued for many years ; traditionally it (the treble, present 2nd bell) was rung on Sunday mornings when there was no sermon. Vestry bell disused fifty years. Peals on Easter Day, Christmas Day, Epiphany, Ascension Day, Whit- sun Day, and Harvest Thanksgiving ; also on Queen's Birthday and Accession Day. Ringing on 5th November stopped (Deo Gratias) by present Vicar, eight years ago. The present treble was added in 1831, and the old "Sanctus" bell, which hung at the top of the tower, was done away with. This last was locally known as the "Tinker" (? Tinkler). Best thanks to the Vicar, Rev. S. Wigan. Holy Trinity, New Hythe. 3 Bells. I. ^ No particulars. They are dated 1S54, and are all but certainly from II. I the Whitechapel Foundry, but I do not find them in the f(jundry III.) lists. MALLING (WEST). St. Mary. 8 Bells. 1., 26-in. I j^E^/^j^s & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1S69 II., 27-in. j 2 Y 2 34^ Inscriptions. III., 2Si-in. <$> lOHN « AN ^ CHRISTOPHER a HODSON <^ MADE A ME ,^ 1677 O O ' IV., 29i-in. lOHM WILMAR 1637 v., 3iWn. ABRAHAM MASON lOHN FLEETE CHYRCH- WARDENS 1698 I © B lOHN WEEKI,EY IVNIOR GENT VI., 34-in. Same as No. 4. VII., 372-in- Same as No. 4. VIII., 4oi-in. Same as No. i. The former tenor had the following inscription : ^)f?OOO^h lOHN * AN ^ CHRISTOPHER * HODSON ^ MADE * ME * 1677 O ')|p RICHARD * SEAGERS * WILLIAM * DVMWOOD •¥ CHVRCH * WARDENS MAPLESCOMBE. No Church. In 1552 : On little bell of bras broken with the fallyng downe cute of the saide steple decayed aboute ij yeres last past. MARDEN. St. Michael. 6 Bells. I., 32-in. At Proper Times My Voice I will Raise &: Sound To My Sukscriers Prase Tho^ Lestar Made Me 1745 IL, 33i--in. M"" John Burr Church Warden 1775 P'^ck & Chapman OF London Fecit in., 3s|-in. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1758 IV., 38-in. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1777 v., 41-in. Tho^ Lester of London Cast me Geo Osborne & Iames Packham C" Wardens 1745 YI., 46-in. EDWARD o BESBEECH ^ lOHN * HODSON * MADE * ME * 1693 * •iJpOOOOOOO EDWARD * GARVISS * CHVRCH ^ WARDENS The curfew bell is rung here during the winter months. Death knell rung as soon as notice given. Tellers— 3 x 3 for a man, 2x3 for a woman. Tolling at funerals "from the church to the grave." Sundays.— Bells rung at 8 (" Matins " bell) and 9 30 a.m. (Qy., Is this MARGATE I-, . 32- in. n.; . 33- ■in. III.^ .36- •in. IV., i 39: •-in. v., 4IJ L-in. VI.. , 42- in. VII., 45^ ,-in. VIIL, 52- in. Inscj'ipiious. 349 last for 10 o'clock service, or is it the old "Mass" hell a little later than usual ?) Ringing on New Year's Eve. A bell for vestry meetings. Sermon hell used to he rung after morning service. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. T. A. Carr. St. John Baptist. 8 Bells. T Mears of London Fecit 1823 Same. W" Mears of London Fecit 1785 Same. Same. Same. Same. Jn" Dannddeleon Mess*^"^ Tho^ Wood & Jn" Brooman Ch. Wardens 1785 W" Mears of London Fecit Hasted notes here six bells, without doubt the present III. to VIII. Brayley in his " History of Thanet," dated 1819, states that the tower con- tains a ring of five bells, the 3rd and 4th of which are inscribed respectively with the following lines : XTTTiissi ;i5)c <3 cits ^altcti J^lnmcn CSabt^ielis And that the tenor was the gift of one of the Dandelyons, and bore this inscrip- tion : ;i5)auni»Elcim I X ^» ^^Ji^inifafi; .©"actta S'xi ^cc ^^m\mna ;i3cafa It is quite clear that Brayley was copying from some much older writer, as the five bells had been recast into six many years before the date of his book. Probably the tenor was the work of John Sturdy (see p. 38), and as he was living until 1449, the bell is quite likely to have been the gift of the John Dandelyon who died in 1445, and whose brass is still preserved in the church. Brayley states further, on the authority of Lewis, that the inhabitants of Margate were wont to repeat the following rhyme, apropos of this bell : " John Duundelcon with his great dog .Brought over this bell on a mill cog." ;^SO Inscriptions. Mr, G. P. Bevan, in his "Tourist's Guide to Kent," goes farther, and states that these lines were on the bell itself. Here are two cases of copying with- out verifying. It is a pity that compilers of books don't take a little more trouble to ascertain the correctness of the facts they detail. The fact of the gift is perpetuated by " Dannddeleon " on the present tenor. No doubt, too, the lines are traditional, probably somewhat altered from their original form. " Cog " or " Cogue " is an old English term for a small vessel or boat. Since writing the above I have consulted Lewis's History of " The Isle of Tenet," and I find that Brayley has in the main copied from him. Lewis, who wrote in 1723, is very severe on the fad for recasting which obtained in his day. He states that the church has "five very tunable ones, and by much the largest of any hereabouts ; the other parishes having cast their old bells anew, and, to save charges, made candlesticks of them as to sound." He also gives the inscriptions (incorrectly, however,) on the then treble and second as follows : Treble. Thomas Hench made me Second. Joceb hath made me 1615 T N R P. My readers will have no difficulty in fathering these upon Thomas and Joseph Hatch, respectively. MARGATE. Holy Trinity. i Bell. I, 41-in. T Mears of London Fkcit 1829 St. Paul, Cliftonville. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. MARK BEECH. Holy Trinity. t Bell. Church about thirty-five years old ; presumably one equally modern bell. Death knell as soon as convenient. Tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 3x2 for woman. Bell tolled both before and after funerals. Thanks to Vicar, the Rev. R. S. Hunt. MATFIELD. Vide Brenchley. Insci'iptions. 3 5 i MEOPHAM. St. John Bai>tist. 5 Bells. I., 31-in. I S R W AMTHOMY BAR TLl^T MICHAEL DARBIE MADE MEE 1650 IJ., 32-in. «ij(> o O O O ^ lOHN ^y AN h CHRISTOPHER {. HODSON V MAIDE /) ME () 1677 'iJi'O O O O-iJc* WILLI AM* SWIFT ( FRANCIS vBRIGHTE *C^ WARDENS ^ IIL, 341-in. lOHN * AN * CHRISTOPHER * HODSON * MAIDE * ME * 1677 000 ^ WILLIAM * SWIFT * FRANCIS * BRIGHT * C * WARDENS o O O IV., 37-in. MICHAEL DARBIE MADE ME 165 1 W R v., 41-in. ut into the melting pot when the two trebles were added in 18S0. Best thanks to the Rev. IC. C. Lucey, Rector. Inscriptions. ^ c a MILSTEAD. St. Mary and Holy Cross. 3 Bells. I., 25J-in. THE REVEREND W" BATCHELLER D : D : RECTOR R : PHELPS ME FECIT 1730 n., 27-in. 000 III., 31-in. U (Fig. 25) U (Fig. 25) U (Fig. 27) No. 2 has three coins only. It is difficult to place in point of date, but is certainly a pre-Reformation bell. Tenor by Henry Jordan of London (see p. 44). Death knell as soon as possible, but not after sunset. Tellers— 3 x 3 for male, 2 x 2 for female. On day of funeral, a knell at 8 a.m. Strike bell 200 times, then tellers as above, then toll for a time. Toll again half an hour before funeral. Sundays. — Tenor rung at 8 o'clock, called "Summons" (? "Sermon") bell. Bells chimed for service. Ringing on New Year's Eve. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. H. Hilton. MILTON BY CANTERBURY. St. Nicholas. i BelL I., i8-in. 1S29 MILTON BY GRAVESEND. SS. Peter and Paul. 6 Bells. I., 31-in. Thoal'^s Mears & Son of London Fecit 1810 G Rich W Cook Church Wardens IL, 31-in. lOHN J HODSON ) MADE ^ MEE + 1656 \ WILLIAM [ HVLL \ III., 32i-in. lOHN k HODSON /) MADE ^; MEE {' 1656 \ LETTER ■} BROWNE k WATERMAN \ IV., 34^-in. THOMAS \ MORRIS % SMITH j W | H | lOHN \ HOD- SON h MADE h MEE % 1656 | v., 38-in. I lOHN h HODSON k MADE •} ME *} 1656 + lOHN ,) SMITH ,} DISSTILAR VI., 42-in. 1 lOHN V HODSON J MADE h ME h 1656 h WILLIAM /; ANTROBVS k lOHN h HALL k CHVRCH \ WARDNES. US TM « PB MASARS % % A bell tolled at funerals. Three bells chimed for Sunday services. 2 Z 354 Inscriptions. No ringers and consequently no ringing. Thanks to Rev. W. D. Johnston, Rector. In Cruden's " History"of Gravesend" it is stated that in 1797 the then five bells had not been rung for many years, owing to the dilapidated condition of the frame. A new frame was made and the present treble added in 1810 at the expense of the parish. The inscriptions are f given in the book, but, as usual, incorrectly. MILTON BY GRAVESEND. Christ Church. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. Holy Trinity. i Bell. I., 251-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON HOLY TRINITY CHURCH MILTON 1845 AD MAGNAM DEI GLORIAM St. Andrew. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. MILTON BY SITTINGBOURNE. Holy Trinity. 5 Bells. L, 29-in. O lAMES O BARTLET MADE O MEE 1681 © II., sofin. I AMES BARTLET MADE MEE 1681 ® III., 324-in. Same. IV., 36-in. Same. v., 40-in. lOHN O HVNT O THOMAS PACKMAN CHVRCH- WARDENS 1 68 1 Q The whole ring in bad order, and tenor cracked by carelessness a few years ago. MILTON BY SITTINGBOURNE. St. Paul. There is no bell ; but the bell at the Market House, measuring 28^ inches, and inscribed : SH ') RF ^ CW lOYm () WILMAR <> MADE {> ME '^ 1631 ^ is used to call to service, and for funerals and other parish purposes. It is, therefore, reckoned among the church bells. It was formerly rung at market-time, and on Shrove Tuesday* and every night at eight as curfew until the cholera year. * "Pancake" Bell. Inscriptions. 355 MINSTER IN SHEPPEY. SS. Mary and Sexburga. 5 Bells. I., 29-in. c;iLLETT & CO CROYDON RECAST 1883 II., 31-in. luilliam I|afcl| mat»e luc 1663 III., 33-in. Same. I P 1663 IV., 36-in. WILLIAM HATCH MADE ME T D T M C W © 1663 v., 39i-in. Same. S S T D T M C W © 1663 Death Knell. — Tellers at beginning — -3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female. Then toll for an hour. Bell tolled at funerals. Sundays. — Bells chimed or rung for service ; " ring in " on 4th hell. A bell for vestry meetings. Best thanks to Rev. W. Bramston, Vicar. MINSTER IN THANET. St. Mary. 5 Bells. I., 35-in. iufcpri I|afcl| ntatic mt © 1636 IL, 37-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1626 III., 39-in. WILLIAM AMBROSS lOHM GRAPIT C W THOMAS PALMAR MADE MEE 1660 IV., 42 in. KOTi:^^ x3aji:Ei©^-x- :]^:Bi,^Y-x- :Ho:n ■X- TT^ O (Fig. 36) D v., 46|-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1636 No. 4 is a very interesting bell by William Oldfeild, of Canterbury. (See p. 57.) The stop upon it is Fig. 35. The curfew is rung (on tenor) at 8 p.m. during the winter months, the day of the month being rung on the treble bell. No information as to passing bell. Sundays. — Bells chimed for service, except on the great festivals and I harvest Thanksgiving Day, when they are rung. Ringing on New Year's Eve. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. A. H. Sitwell. MOLASH. St. Peter. i, formerly 3 P.ells. L, 34-in. taJV^tlj Ijafclj m.itrc ntt^ © 1608 T. R. E. Item in the stepuU iij bells. Item on hand bell. Stolen, on other lytcll bell. 2 / 2 356 Inscriptions. Mr. Faussett has preserved for us the inscriptions on the two missing bells ; they were Nus. I. and III. in the ring. I. Sancte Martine Ora Pro Nobis III. Joseph Hatch made me 1622 MONGEHAM (GREAT). St. Martin. 5 Bells. I., 2 7i-in. By subscription 1787 W & T Mears late Lester Pack & Chapman of London Fecit II., 2 9.Vin. Mears & Stainbank Founders London 1876 III., 31-in. Rich" Wood Ch Warden W & T Mears late Lester Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1787 IV., 335-in. Mears & Stainbank Founders London 1876 v., 36-in. G Mears & C^ Founders London 1862 In 175S there were only four bells. Death knell rung immediately notice is received. Tellers at end of tolling — 3 X 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman, 3 x i for child. On day of funeral at 7 a.m. the bell is tolled for about half an hour — " three times together for a man, twice for a woman, and once for a child." Before funeral, tenor bell tolled for an hour, minute strokes. Sundays. — Tenor bell rung at 9 a.m. ("Mass" bell) and at i p.m. Bells rung for services. On Easter Day and Christmas Day peals at 7 a.m., and in the evening of the last night of year. Bell rung for vestry meetings. Peals on loyal and other secular anniversaries have been discontinued for more than twenty years. A dumb peal is rung on the death of the Archbishop or of a member of the royal family. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. J. B. Harrison. MONK'S NORTON. St. Peter. 3 Bells. I., 13-in. a\ie patcAt tic.x rx^cafni; ann0 lin^tstt mliccixltJtt XL, 2i-in. JiT^e- : It^EJJ:^^ : T]k"liC'X : HJ5-Jii"yr,i5.^0n It praise yc fr|c C^J^;^ fai: it is 000b fit sintt jiitaisis Vo Viwx^ (LHTh fai^ if is pUMcauf a^^ ;u*aisc is camcltt. 9 9 peter an^ \^^\\\ ueUu-Ijurcl) rcrast m^^L•c.\ll1 Inscriptions. 359 IL, 31-in. lOHM ^ WILNAR •} 1637 III., 331-in. lOHPl ^ WILPIAR h MADE h ME 7 1637 IV., 37-in. lOHM ^ WILPIAR V 1637 v., 41-in. Same. T. R. E. Item iiij bells in the steple. Mem : Sold . . . . ij little sacryng bells. Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. Tellers at beginning — 3 x 3 for male, 2 x 3 for female. Bell tolled at funerals. Occasionally a muffled peal for an old ringer. Sundays. — Third bell rung at 8 a.m. ("Matins" bell) and at noon. For services : Bells chimed half an hour, " toll in " on one bell ten minutes. Peals on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve ; also on Queen's Birthday and Coronation Day, and on 5th November. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. W. Cobb. NEWENDEN. St. Peter. i Bell. I., 20-in. G. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON GIVE THANKS i860 SING PRAISES t86o In 1 701 the church appears, from the following, to have come considerably to grief : " 24'^^ April, 1 70 1. Received for the fees of a Faculty to take down the ruins selling two of y*^ bells and removing the rubbish of the Parish Church of Newenden — with the fiat for the passing of y*^ Faculty at Lambeth in all ;^5 \']s. A,d. being passed at the Vicar General Office. " C. A. Lukin." And the following entry in the churchwardens' accounts for that year : Paid for an order to take down y*" ruins of y*" Chancel & Steeple and repairing y*" Body of y'^ Church £s ijs. 4^/. Received for y*" Bells ^2 7 1 os. od. Apparently no local uses. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. W. R. Greenhill. NEWINGTON BY HYTHE. St. Nichot.as. 5 Bells. I., 27-in. SAM' KNIGHT o o FECIT o oiy^SOOOOOOO II., 30-in. SAM'- o O KNIGHT o O FhXTT o O 1725 o 60 Inscriptions. III., 3 1 -in. HEMRY BILTOH o CVRET o O S K o FECIT 1725 O IV., 33J-in. WILLIAM o SLODDEN o THOMAS o TAYLOR CH. WARDENS o S K FECIT o 1725 o v., 38-in. lAMES BROCKMAN ESQ"^ O SAM' KNIGHT FECIT 1725 o o T. R. E. First iiij bells in the stepell wherof wee doo owe to the bel- founder for showting* of one of the same bells xxvj^. \\\]d. Death knell rung as soon as possible, but not at night. Tellers — 3 x 3 for a man, 2 x 2 for a woman — then toll for about an hour. Bell tolled before funeral and when proceeding to grave. Peal for ringer deceased. Sundays. — A bell tolled for a few minutes at 9 a.m. ("Mass" bell). Bells rung or chimed for services. No ringing in Lent. Peals on Easter morning and New Year's Eve. Sometimes a bell for vestry. Best thanks to the Rev. L. Buckwell, Vicar. NEWINGTON BY SITTINGBOURNE. St. Mary. 6 Bells. I., 27i-in. John Fowle & Rich" Sears Church Wardens Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1774 IL, 291-in. lOHM WILMAR <) 1622 MD RL HB IM WK ID WR RB WB CW IIL, 32^y-in. Blank. IV., 36-in. lOHN WILNARv 1622 v., 39-in. lOHN ^ WILNAR 1622 VI., 42i-in. lOHN WILNAR ^ MADE ^ ME 1622 Death Knell. — Tenor for adults, a small one for a child. Tellers — 3 x 3 for a male, 3 x 2 for a female. On day of burial, bell tolled for half an hour in the early morning, and again for the same period before the funeral. Sunday Services. — Bells chimed, ten minutes tolling on tenor, and "toll in " on small bell for last five minutes. The bells are in bad order, and consequently there has been no ringing for the last twenty years or more. They would appear to be "clocked," i.e.^ small ropes are attached to the clappers for lazy-pulling. This is a reprehensible practice, and very harmful to the bells. * Casting. Inscriptions. 361 Local tradition affirms his Satanic Majesty to have been very much about when the church was being built. Among other tricks, he is reported to have carried off one of the bells and dropped it in a round pool of water, which still exists in a boggy hollow hard by. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. G. R. Baker, who supplies the above in- formation, but does not vouch for the truth of the last paragraph. NEWNHAM. SS. Peter and Paul. 4 Bells. I., 24-in. Blank. II., 27?, -in. Blank. III., 30^-in. Tho^ Wanstall & Tho* Elvy Church Wardens Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1772 IV., 33i-in. +(Fig. i) J=Lt» Cu'cli ^una X^J^rtmcaf XH^s X^atcc.iua + U (Fig. 22) For mention of tenor bell, see p. 39. Church restored about twenty years since, and cages for two additional bells provided, which, however, have remained unfilled for lack of funds. Death knell rung as soon as practicable. Bell tolled for about twenty minutes, and finish with tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female. On day of burial, a bell tolled at 8 a.m., and again for half an hour before the funeral. On Sundays, and all days when there is to be Divine Service, a bell is tolled for a short time at 8.30 a.m. For services : Bells chimed twenty minutes, and then " toll in " on single bell for ten minutes. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. P. Kingsford. NONINGTON. St. Mary. 3 Bells. I., 321-in. J WARNER & SONS CRESCENT FOUNDRY LON- DON 1854 II., 34-in. ^ (Fig. 5) Hancfa ^KLafc^iiina Oil^t ^v^ XFluDia + (Fig. i) III., 37 in. r;{(> lOHN * HODSON * ME * FECIT * 1683 * lAMES * NASH ^ AND * ROBART ♦ PAVN1-: * C ^^^ ^\'AR- DENS % A 62 Inscriptions. The present treble is apparently a substitute for a discarded tenor. In 1758, Mr. Faussett notes here "3 Heavy bells," Nos. i and 2 of which are identical with the present 2 and 3, while No. 3 was inscribed : Josephus Hatch me fecit 162 1. See p. 34 for mention of No. 2. The initial cross is Fig. 5. I am doubtful about the other, but tliink it is No. 1. NORTHBOURNE. St. Augustine. 5 Bells. I., 25-in. ROBERT CALLAWAY VICAR MATH BAGLEY FECIT 1711 II., 27i-in, Vallentine Hoyle Mathew Bagley Fecit 171 i III., 3oi--in. Danll Colder Iohn Whyborne MB 171 1 IV., 33-in. Math Bagley of London Cast These Five Bells 171 i v., 36-in. S"^ Rich Sands Chvrch Warden Rob Nethersole M B ■ Fecit 17 11 Passing bell rung as soon as death is known. Tellers — 3 strokes for a man, 2 for a woman. Bell tolled at funerals. Bell chimed for Sunday services, then " toll in." Ringing on Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year's Eve. Thanks to Rector, the Rev. T. Wood. NORTHFLEET. St. Botolph. 6 Bells. L, 30-in. LESTER AND PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1758 II., 32-in. T. Mears of London Fecit 1817 111.,341-in. LESTER & PACK FECIT 1757 IV., 37-in. T Mears of London Fecit H J Pitcher R Snovvden Church Wardens 181 7 v., 39Hn. THO" LESTER & THO' PACK OF LONDON MADE THESE SIX BELLS 1758 VL, 43i-in. G. MEARS & CO FOUNDERS LONDON 1864 FREDERICK SOUTHGATE VICAR GEORGE T RICHMOND) WILLIAM SPENCER jCHURCHWARDENS. According to Thorpe's " Registrum Roffense," a new bell frame was made and the bells rehung in 171S. Inscriptions . NORTON. I., 22j-in. Blank. Apparently no local customs. St. Mary. St. Mildred. I Bell. NURSTED. I., 2 7|-in. Blank. The Rector " has no information to give." For which, many thanks 1 Bell. St. Peter. I, formerly 3 Bells. OARE. I., 22^-in. Blank, Death knell rung at noon or 8 o'clock following morning. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 2x2 for female. Then bell tolled fifteen minutes. On day of burial, bell tolled at 8 a.m. for fifteen minutes, and again for half an hour before the funeral. Sundays. — Bell rung for half an hour for service. Very hearty thanks to Mrs. Woolrych, who, in the Vicar's regrettable illness, has kindly spared time to reply to my paper of queries. OFFHAM. St. Michael. 3 Cells. I., 251-in. r|, BY si? ME r^ GYLES <^ REVE ^ BELFOVNDER ^ 1590 II., 30-in. ^ lOHN * HODSON » MADE * ME » 1674 » Q C II O O O ')!(' ROBART * LVRINDEN * CHVRCH » WARDEN O O 'il? III., 33i-in. lOHN 7 WILNAR ') MADE a ME ^ 1633 Death knell rung. Tellers— 3 x 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman, 3 x i for child. Sundays.— Tenor bell rung at 8 a.m., called " Warning " bell. For services, bells chimed fifteen minutes, then tenor for same space of time. The following entries in the churchwardens' accounts have reference to the recasting of the 2nd bell in 1674 : £^ s. d. for casting the bell for hanging the bell for the stocke charges about the bell for carriage of the bell to Brooker for his work* No doubt for trussing the hell. Drookc 06 05 GO 00 10 00 00 02 10 00 16 00 or 02 00 00 04 00 was llie vill age smilli. A 2 364 Inscriptions. In the year 1664, the sum of ^3 loi-. had been spent "for Repayre of tlie Bells." Best thanks to the Rev. H. F. Rivers. ORLESTONE. St. Mary the Virgin. 3 Bells. I., 27-in. lOHM ^ WILMAR ^ 1631 II., 28-in. I^, W^i635 III., 30-in. BIME-IOHN COLE BELFOVNDER AN NO DO MI NI 1591 T. R. E. First iij bells in the steple. Thomas Stokke, of Orlaston, by his will, proved 1525, bequeathed: to the rejfecion of the steple of Orleston, v^. No local uses. Thanks to E. Ward Oliver, Esq. ORPINGTON. All Saints. i Bell. I., 29-in. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1813 T. R. E. Item iiij greate bells suted of brasse in the steple and one saints bell of brasse. Steeple was struck by lightning and burnt down about fifty years ago. Local tradition says a peal of bells was then carried to St. Mary Cray. This is partially correct ; there were only two bells here in Hasted's time, and they probably went to, but did not stop at, St. Mary Cray ; they doubtless went on to London and were sold to raise funds for the repairs, the present single bell taking their place. Apparently no local uses. Thanks to Vicar, Rev. J. N. Heale. OSPRINGE. SS. Peter and Paul. i Bell. I., 36-in. loHN White Vicar Edward Toker Francis Hope Church Wardens Robert Catlin fec"^ 1741 Weever (" Funerall Monuments," p. 278), writing about 1630, states that the inscription on the then bell was Hac in conclaue Gabriele tu pange suaue. He doubtless blundered in copying. See the 5th bell at Southfleet for the correct inscription. It would almost seem, from the way he writes, that Ospringe had then, as now, only one bell. Inscriptions. 365 Hasted states that there were four bells here in his time (i 790-1800), but I think he must be wrong. The parish books record the sale of the other bells (probably three) " in the last century," apparently " without authority." Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. Begin with tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female ; then toll bell, and finish with tellers again. This is repeated at an early hour on the day of funeral. Bells used on Sunday for services only. A few warning strokes half an hour before service, and ring for last fifteen minutes. Best thanks to the Rev. W. N. Griffin, Vicar, OXFORD. St. Bartholomew. 2 Bells. I., 291-in. THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1622 © n., 39l-in. r;{(. o IH ^ MADE .} ME ^ THIS h BELL ^ WAS ^ GIVEN k BY ^ ELIZABETH ( POLHILL ^ & ^ HEARE \ PLACED E AGVST /} Y 7 ^ 1674 k AGED 60 h YEARES ^ o O O C H o O o o No. I cracked and useless. The bell is tolled at funerals. Used on Sundays for service only. Rung on New Year's Eve. Elizabeth Polhill, the donor of the larger bell, was widow of David Polhill, who gave the communion plate in 1666. The family were landowners here for several centuries. Best thanks to the Rev. J. Hunt, Vicar. OTHAM. St. Nicholas. 3 Bells. I., 30-in. LESTER & PACK FECIT 1755 II., 321,-in. + lulianncs O Girtett O <^^\^ O ,lS)iitnaiic O ^^I^^ HI., 35-in. W : Keeble I: Groombridge ch : w: W: Simmonds a:m: RECT : T: Taylor curate R: Phelps made me 17 14 Middle bell by William Dawe, better known as William Ffounder, of London. See p. 26. Initial cross is Fig. 9 ; stop. Fig. 8. Passing bell rung an hour after death, if it occurs between sunrise and sunset. Begin with tellers— 3 x 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman, 3x1 for child 3 o 66 Inscriptions. IS. Afd. 8^. Zd. 4:f. od. then toll for about half an hour, and finish with tellers every five minutes for a quarter of an hour. On day of funeral bell tolled for half an hour at 8 a.m., and again for the same period before the service. Sundays. — Used for services only ; chime fifteen minutes, toll tenor for ten minutes, then toll treble (" Parson's " bell) for'last five. Very many thanks to Rector, the Rev. F. M. Millard, for above informa- tion ; and also for permission to make the following extracts from the church- wardens' accounts, which are extant from 1664, with an unfortunate hiatus from 1689 to 1 7 16 inclusive : 1665 p'' for a Bathrick for one of the bells ... 1666 pd for 2 Bellropes to Tilden 1667 paid for a bell rope to {sic) paid to Jason Day for three new bell whelles and a new stock for the tennor and mending of the frame ... ... ... ... ... 4//. os. od. paid to William Grombridge for Iron worke the som of ... ... ... ... ... xds. od. paid to M'' Fetten for six new brasses the some of ilL 1671 It. for 2 badreckes It. for a stay for a whele It. for a sete of bellropes 1672 It. for oyorns* to the belles waid 18"^ & a quarter It. for mending the claper of the great bell ... It. for Eyorens* for to belles waid 34"' It. paide to the Carpenter for hainge {sic) the Belles It. for timber for the frame 1681 Item paid for a set of bellropes Item for mending of the Claper 1682 It. to the Battrex of the bel 1683 It. for 3 bathrikes for y'' bells 1686 p'' fifor a bartricke fifor a bell ... p'' ffor a bell Rope ffor one bell '•' Qy. irons (trusses). C)S. 6d: 5''- OCt. OS. 6d. ros. 6d. 6s. id IS. od. I IS. Ad 1 8s. od. 2S. od. OS. od. 4S. od. IS. od 6s. od. IS. 4d 3-f- od. Inscriptions. ;67 nearly every succeeding 1687-8 paid for 2 bawcks 1717 paid for bellropess 1721 p'' the Ringers Nov. (Similar entry in year.) p' John Willes for mending the wheels and other work ... 1722 payed the Ringers Crouwnation 1723 Three payments for ringing, is. 6d. each paid for new bell rops ... ... ... paid for mening of the bel Claper an for hock an Climbers* 1724 Three payments to Ringers of 2s. 6d. each Aug. 18, Oct. 20, and Nov. 5. 1726 p'' Edward Beeson for gobbst for the bels p'^ for a seet of bellrops 1727 — Oct. II p'' the Ringars att the Crownacion 1 728-1 732 Payments for ringing only. 1733 p"^ Reader for Bellrops .. . 1739 p'^ for Bell Ropes 1 741 pd Tho Betts For Mending The Bell pd jno Wiles for Mending the Bell (etc.) Spent at hanging the Bell and For Oyle 1 743 p*^ fof {sic) bell ropes ... 1744 p^' Tho^ Betts for mending the bell 1 745 p'i for belrops ... 1747 Oyle for y*-' Bells 1748 p^ William Eagels for new Bellropes 1749 Spent on y^ wringers ... 1753 p^ for new Bellrops 1754 p^' for Bellrops ... p'' for a New Bell for caring the Bell to Maidstone and home again ... M'' Bensted for caring the Bell to London . . * Qy., for a hook and something n(jt identifiable, t ',)y., for " joI)s about" the liells. 45. od. 95. od. 2S. Gd. 155. 2S. gs. 5^- OS. c)s. gs. CIS. 16s. gs. IS. gs. Ss. gs. OS. gs. js. gs. gs. I o//. 1 gs. 5^- 6s. \Ii. \li. od. dd. od. .6d. 6d od. od. od. od. 6d 6d. 6d. od. od. od. Gd. od. Gd. od. od. id. od. od. 368 Inscnptions. 1757 p'l to Geting y*" Bell up & other Expences ... 2S. 0(l 1758 for new belropes C)S. od. 1761 p'' for Bell Ropes lOS. 6d. 1762 Oyle for y"^ Bells IS. od. 1763 p'' for Bell ropes 10s. U. OTTER DEN. St. Laurence. 1 Bell. I., 24-in. I H By Joseph Hatch. PADDLES WORTH. St. Oswald. i Bell. I., 24-in. J WARNER & SONS LONDON 1859 R MARCH C W T. R. E. Item iij bells in the steple. In 1758, "a small crack't Bell," apparently inscribed, but inaccessible for want of a ladder. PADDOCK WOOD. One small modern bell. St. Andrew. I Bell- PATRIGKSBOURNE. St. Mary. 3 Bells. 1664 CHRISTOPHER I., 26|-in. THOMAS PALMAR MADE (rest illegible) U U II., 29-in. + 3^-^m : xii,^m:iJ3:- : (^^^M^m%M^ - IIL, 30-in. T P C S For mention of No. 2, see p. 11. Nos. I and 3 are clearly by the same founder ; the lettering on the Palmers' bells is never particularly good. The parish registers contain a note of the recasting, and mention the weights, 329 and -^ZZ Q respectively,* which I do not understand. Judging from the diameters, they weigh about four and five hundredweight respectively. The ist shield on No. 2 is Fig. 2, the other Fig. 3. For lettering and cross, see Plate I. * "Arch. Cant.," xiv. 171. Lnscriptions. 369 PECKHAM (EAST). St. Michael. 6 Bells. I., 30-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1825 John Biggenden^^ „, . }Church Wardens William Allen J II., 32i-in, W" Mears of London Fecit 1785 Mess"^^ Jn" Bigoenden &: Tho^ Pattenden Ch. Wardens III., 35-in. Same. IV., 36-in. Prosperity to this parish r c fecit 1747 v., 39-in. Robert Catlin Cast And Hung Us All 1747 VL, 43-in. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 18 12 Edw° Monckton)^„ „^ _ ^ \'W Wardens John Jeffery j Passing bell rung directly after death. Tellers — 3 strokes for male, 2 for female. Tolling at funeral. Sundays. — For services bells chimed, tenor tolled, "toll in" on treble. Ringing on New Year's Eve. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. H. R. Merewether. Holy Trinity. 2 Bells, Two small modern bells ; probably from the Whitechapel Foundry. Passing bell rung on larger bell for adults, smaller for children. Tellers — 3 X 3 for males, 3 x 2 for females. On day of burial a few strokes at 8 a.m. on breaking ground, and bell tolled for fifteen minutes before funeral. Sundays. — A short peal at 8 a.m. (this cannot be a survival). For services bells rung till ten minutes before, then ring in on treble. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. J. C. Whish. PECKHAM (WEST). St. Dunstan. 3 Bells. iirfcplj Ijattli ma^c mc 1624 O CHRISTOPHER o HODSON O MADE O ME o 1685 000 STEPHANVS A SWAN H ME t FECIT $ ANNO h DOMINI D (Royal Arms) ')J('(l'i"- of Wales' feathers) ■J I 6 I 1 % B I., 26^-in. II., 29-in. IIL, i Sifi"' 3 70 Inscriptions. Death Knell. — Tenor for adults, treble for children. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female ; then minute strokes. Bell tolled before funeral. Sundays.— A bell tolled at 8 a.m. ("Matins" bell). Bells chimed for services. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. R. Swan. P EM BURY. St. Peter. 3 Bells. I., 271-in. O O II., 29-in. ^){f lOHN {^ & ^ CHRISTOPHER ^ HODSON k MADE ^ me: 1677 «$> 000 ^ lOHN k & ) THOMAS k GIBENS ^ CHVRCH h WAR- DENS cjl? o o o III., 32-in. lOHN : WILNAR ^ MADE h ME ^ 1620 Two of these are cracked, the treble and one other. Apparently no local uses. PENSHURST. St. John Baptist. 6 Bells. I., 33|-in. GiLBERTVS spencer ivn : gen : me dedit : R : Phelps fecit 1701 II., 35-in. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 1802 III., 36-in. + jStf ^^2\:^\\\t\\ X>JJn""t ^cncbtcfum + U IV., 41-in. + 3:n XIluHis J^nnts defunct C^Jamirana ^^fiamtis + U v., 45-in. Michael Saxby Richard \Voodhams ChurchWardens Tho"^ Mears of London Fecit 1S02 VI., 47A-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1619 Nos. 3 and 4 are by the same founder, see p. 39. The foundry-stamp is Fig. 22. The initial cross on No. 3 is Fig. 23 ; the other is like Fig. 9, but not quite identical. Initial cross on No. 4 is Fig. i ; the other is that formerly used by Stephen Norton, and engraved on Plate II. PERRY STREET. All Saints. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. Inscriptions. 371 PETHAM. All Saints. 6 Bells. I., 25^-in. GEORGIVS III REX LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1760 XL, 27-in. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1760 III., 28i-in. Same. IV., 30-b. Same. THO^ HALKE v., 32-in. Same. lOHN POTTER BELLHANGER VI., 34-in. BRYAN FOSSETT CURATE W^' FOORD CH : WAR- DEN 1760 LESTER & PACK FECIT Before 1760 there were only three Bells, inscribed: I. Richard Phelps fecit me 1706 Thomas Halke C W II. Josephus Hatch Feset 16 17 HI. Vocor Campana lohannis In 1760 the tower, which was low and much decayed, was taken down half-way and rebuilt, and the present light ring of six substituted for the former (probably heavy) three. The weights of the six are thus given by Mr. Faussett : Cwt. qr. lb. I- 3 3 I II. 4 I 6 in. 4216 IV. 4 3 II V. 5 3 2 VI. 6 3 6 Vide Bromley. PLAISTOW. PL ATT. St. Mary. i Bell. L, 30-in. THOMAS MEARS LONDON 1843 Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Tellers— 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female ; then toll for half an hour. Bell tolled for half an hour before funerals. Sundays. — Bell rung at 8 a.m. (Reminiscence of " Matins Bell," not a survival, as the church only dates from 1S43.) Rung for half an hour before services. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. V. T. Gregory. ^ 1; 2 I., 31-in. II., 33-i"- Ill, 35-i"- IV. 37-in. ' V. 4oi-in. VI. 441-in. 372 Inscriptions. PLAXTOL. Dedication Unknown. i Bell. I., 2U-in. lOHN : STEEPHENS : CHVRCH : WARDEN : VVIL : EVRNER : 1709 Apparently no local uses. The Rector has kindly searched the parochial records for information as to William Furner, whose name appears on the^bell, but without success. His name, however, appears nowhere else, and so we may probably conclude he was not a bell-founder. He was more likely^the donor. Thanks to the Rev. J. Tate. PLUCKLEY. St. Michael. 6 Bells. r C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON RESTORED JUNE 1853 BY SUBSCRIPTION AND RATE SIR EDWARD C DERING BART M P REV" ASHTON OXENDEN RECTOR jEssI shcerI^""^™ wardens T. R. E. Item v bells in the steple with a sauncts bell. Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Tolled for a quarter of an hour — tenor for adults, small bell for children. On day of burial, tenor tolled for a quarter of an hour before funeral, and again when corpse is carried from church to grave. Sunday use not stated. Ringing on New Year's Eve. Not on 5th November (happily). A bell for Easter Vestry. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. E. J. Selwyn. PLUMSTEAD. St. Nicholas. 4 Bells. I., 27i-in. o CHRISTOPHER O HODSON O MADE O ME O 1686 000000 O lOHN O EVERITT o THOMAS O FITCH o CHVRCH O WARDENS O II., 2g|-in. Same. III., 3ii-in. Same. IV., 36-in. Tho"^ Mears Late Lester Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1790 T. R. E. Item iij bells of bell mcttcll sutcd hanging in the steple there. Inscriptions. 373 PLUMSTEAD. St. James. i Bell. Presumably one bell of the date 1878. St. John Baptist. i Bell. Church built 18S4 ; probably one bell of that date. St. Margaret. i Bell. I., 25^^^-in. XHi'.ai^s ^0Utt^cr ^Ekonbuu All Saints (Shooter's Hill). i Bell. Church built 1875 ; presumably one bell of that date. POSTLING. St. Mary the Virgin. 3 Bells. I., 32-in. iafcpli Iiafcli m:iiit mt, 1623 U U II., 35-in. + BMjsi<&:m^ ■■ :ip©'^^mer : omii : :pmo n n III., 38-in. + sM-'MmmM- : pii^5^:mMM- ■■ ci>:BiM- For mention of Nos. 2 and 3, see p. 11. The shields are Figs. 2 and 3. T. R. E. Item iij bells in the steple with one hand bell. Stolen .... one hand bell. PRESTON BY FAVERSHAM. St. Katharine. 3 Bells. I., i9|-in. J WARNER & SONS LONDON 1853 II., 22-in. J^OyfG: X (^0:0 X 1575 X III., 25-in. G : SYKES T : SMITH CHURCH WARDES 1725 No. 2 has a curious *' stop " — an open hand — between the words. See p. 60. Passing bell rung directly notice is received. Tenor bell tolled, and tellers at end of knell — 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female. This is repeated exactly at 7 a.m. on day of funeral ; and the tenor is again tolled for about twenty minutes before the service. For service on Sundays and weekdays, the bells are chimed for fifteen PRESTON I., 27|-in. 11, 291-in. III., 3 1 -in. IV, 34-in. V, > 37i-in- 3 74 Inscriptions. minutes, and then the tenor is tolled for a similar space of time. When there is to be a sermon, the tenor bell is raised previous to the chiming. Best thanks to the Rev. J. Russell Cooke, Vicar. BY WINGHAM. St. Michael. 5 Bells. ROBERT WYBORPIE GEMT : BENEFACTOR R : PHELPS EEC: 1712 RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 17 12 Same. Same. M-^: lOHM HARRISOM WILLIAM LVCKIT CHVRCH- WARDEl^S RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 17 12 Passing bell rung as soon after death as possible. Tenor for old, 2nd bell for young people. Tellers— three strokes for males, two for females. Bell tolled before funerals. Service Uses. — For daily matins, tenor first tolled, then treble ; then the day of the month is tolled on the 2nd bell. Sundays. — Bells chimed, then tenor tolled until the last two minutes, then treble for one and a half minutes ; finally, day of month on 2nd bell. No ringing or chiming in Lent. On Good Friday the ** funeral knell " is used before all services. Peals on all the great festivals, and on their eves. No ringing (happily) on 5th November. Prior to 1712 there were only four bells. These were sent to London and recast into the present ring of five, at a cost of ;^5i Zs. od. The carpenter's work for altering the frame was ^15 \os. od. At this period, and for some years both before and after, new bell ropes seem to have been bought every year. Bell ropes in those days (and, indeed, very much later) were the churchwardens' perquisites, being useful for plough traces ; and it was needful to secure them before they were too much worn. Many other places in Kent tell the same story. Very hearty thanks to the Vicar, the Right Rev. Bishop Jenner. QUEENBOROUGH. Holy Trinity. 5 Bells. I., 24-in. AMTHONY BARTLET MADE MEE 1667 (^ II., 25i-in. Same. III., 27^-in. Same. Inscriptions. 375 IV., 29-in. Same. v., 32-in. THE WORSHIPFUL ROBT": EVANS ESQ: MAIOR lAMES ONGLEY CH : WARDEN R : PHELPS I\L\DE ME 1722 The tenor is broken and useless. RAIN HAM. St. Margaret. 6 Bells. I., 33-in. o CHRISTOPHER O HODSON O MADE O ME o 16S5 0000000 O lOHN o TAYLAR o THOMAS o OSBONE o DONARS 00000 iL, 34i-in. ^^oi^m^iw^B> ^ ^^om ^ xner ^ 'JE{^<^'%W X 1601 © iiL, 36-in. ^^Qy:^m^\M^^ ^ iiQCDp? •)!(» xi:ie" ::Re'©'3E^ ^ 1601 © IV., 4oi-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1618 v., 451-in. W^' TUCK & LUKE MILES CHURCH WARDENS PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT 1773 VL, 49-in. Rtj&crf + mat + matic + ntc + 1582 + + x + + Here are some old churchwardens' accounts, to which, unfortunately, I have been unable to get access. They appear to comprise the years 15 17-19, and 1565-69 inclusive. From the account of them which appeared in Vol. XV. of " Arch. Cant," I have extracted the following entries relative to the bells ; but I do not know whether they are all which the accounts contain: Payments. Itm. payde to John Bungay for a key for the stepuU 1517-19 dore It. payd to Jacobbe of maydston for a bell clapur It. payd to John hurton for hangyng of the gret bell and stokkyng It. for strykyng downe of the same bell ... It. payd to John hurton for makyng of the stepull wyndowe and for trussyng of the iiij''' bell ... \]s. Itm. payd for mendyng of the baudryks ... ... \\\\]d. Itm. payd to Bungay for the lytyll bell clapur and other werks done in the churche ... ... vij-v. myi. \s. iiij^. xiji'. \\d. iij^. \\]S. 3 7^ Inscriptions. Itm. payd to John hurton for takyng down of the gret bell iij^. Itm. payd to Sylke for makyng of bell ropys . . . xijV. Itm. payd for Sawyng of borde for the Stepull wyndowe... ... ... ... ... ... \\d. Itm, for tukkyng gyrdylls ... ... ... ... \)d. Itm. payd for borde that the lath was made of ... xij^. Itm. payd to John Alen and hys man for fyve days werkyng on the florys of the Stepull ... ... \]s. \d. Itm. payd to harry Joyner for iiij days werkyng in the same werke ... ... ... ... ... \v]d. Itm. payd for ther mete and drynke to boungay... iilj.f. iiij^. Itm. payd to John hurton for makyng of iij wyn- dowys to the Stepull ... ... ... ... viji-. Itm. payd to Coklett for reparacon of the bells ... xiijx. Itm. payd to Webbe for makyng of ij bell ropys... xij^. Itm. payd for ij bell ropys... ... ... ... ixd. Itm. payd for ij bawdryks ... ... ... ... xj^. Itm. for mending of the ij grett bellys to Cokklett -as. Itm. payd to a Smyth of london for a bell clapur xijx. ix^. Itm. payd to Bungay for vj Sterroppys for iij wyn- dowys of the Stepull and for the lytyll bell clapur ... ... ... ... ... ... \s. 1565-66 Ffirst payed to a Carpenter for hangynge of the bells ... ... ... ... ... ... '\]s, vW'yi. Itm. payed to Raynold terenden ffor Stockyng of the bellys ... ... ... ... ... xx.y. 1566-68 Itm. payed to hysted ffor makyng of iij bawdryks & makyng of a newe Rope for the second bell \i]d. RAMSGATE. St. George. i Bell. I., 39-in. T. Mears of London Fecit 1827 Christ Church. 3 Bells. One by C. and G. Mears, of London, dated 1847 ; and two by Gillett, Bland, and Co., of Croydon. Inscrzptioiis. 377 RAMSGATE. Holy Trinity. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. St. Mary. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. St. Paul. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. RECULVER. Formerly 4 Bells. In the old church, now dismantled and in ruins, there were in 1758 four bells, all made by Joseph Hatch in 1635. One of these is now in use at the new church at Hilborough, and there is another at Badlesmere ; the others, probably, like last winter's snow, melted. There are old parish accounts here, commencing in 1638, and for the following extracts from them I am indebted to the Rev. A. T. Browne, curate in charge of Hilborough : 1637-8 It. p'' unto Abraham Twigden for nyne daies and a halfes worke att two shillings the daie for mendinge of the timber worke of the belles ... igs. od. It. for a peece of timber of seaven foote to make two stockes for the bells It. p"^ for five staples with keies for the belles It. p"^ for yronn worke done about the bells by Rob' Extill It. pw * :Eioxiie-:m * IV., 29-in. I V W 1638 v., 32-in. u DEO h ET i) ECCLESIAE '; DEBIT .) FRANCISCVS h DER- ING ^1638 I } W For mention of the 3rd bell, see p. 20. The shield on the tenor bears the Dering arms — a saltire with a mullet in chief. The curfew bell is rung at 8 p.m. in the winter months,* for which there is an endowment of a piece of land half an acre in extent, called curfew land. Death knell tolled. Apparently no "tellers." Sundays. — One bell chimed at the half hour. At the quarter before service the bells are generally chimed, but occasionally rung. Ringing on New Year's Eve. Best thanks to the Rector, Rev. M. A. Nisbet. I regret to hear that this entire ring has been recast this year at the White- chapel foundry. RIPPLE. St. Mary the Virgin. 2 Bells. I., 23-in. 1 W 1639 E C C W II., 25-in. I k W 1639 Passing bell rung as soon as possible. Age denoted, but apparently no " tellers." Sundays. — Bells rung for service only. Thanks to Rector, the Rev. H. N. Bernard. RIVER. St. Peter. i Bell. I., 23L-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1876 This replaces a pair which were inscribed as follows : B I., 17-in. S S 1680 II., 23-in. WILEIAM WHITMILL SAMVELL LAMOTT CHVRCH- WARDENS 1671 Apparently fruiii All Souls' day till Camlleinas. O C 2 380 Inscriptions. Of these, one had disappeared prior to 1867, and the other was cracked and useless. The larger one came from the church of St. Michael, Crooked Lane, London, pulled down in making approaches to new London Bridge. I cannot even hazard a guess at the founder of the smaller bell. It is so small as probably not to be the work of a regular bell-founder. No local uses. Thanks to Vicar, the Rev. C. Morice. RIVERHEAD. St. Mary. i Bell. L, 2 6]y-in. T Mf.ars of London Fecit 1831 ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL. Christ and the B. V. M. 6 Bells. I., 34-in. Cast in The Year 1695 Recast in The Year 1770 by Pack & Chapman of London IL, 34|-in. Blank. IIL, 40-in. lOHN r^ WILNAR f; MADE (^ ME 1635 IV., 44-in. Iames Bagley Of London Made Me 1712 A U R IB v., 48-in. *CHRISTOPHERVsVhODSON =«^ A"D * MDCLXXXIII 0000 FECIT 00000000 ANNOQVE * SERNIS * REGIS * CAROLI * IP ^ XXXV (Royal Arms on Waist.) VI., 52-in. Fecit Chr^ Hodson. A.D. MDCLXXXIII : Regis Caroli II. XXXV Refecit Tho" Mears. A. D. MDCCCXXXIV : Regis Gulielmi IV. V. Very little indeed is known of the history of the bells of the Cathedral until comparatively recent times. Mr. St. John Hope, the great authority in all matters connected with the history and fabric of the minster, has hitherto failed to find any " Fabric " or " Sacrist's " rolls, although he does not quite despair of some of them turning up, perhaps, in the Bishop's registry. For the present, however, we are driven to the scanty notices to be found in " Registrum Roffense," and the chronicle of William de Dene contained in "Anglia Sacra." Of the bells (if any) furnished to King Ethelbert's original structure, we know absolutely nothing. If there were none at first, doubtless the want was soon supplied. English churches certainly possessed bells prior to the Inscriptions. 381 Norman Conquest, for there are records of their casting ; and there is still preserved at York an inventory of the goods ot the church of Sherburn in Elmet, in the early part of the tenth century, and it includes " iiij hand bellan & vj hangende bellan."* Nor are we any better informed as to what Bishop Gundult did in this respect when he rebuilt the Cathedral in 1080 or thereabouts. No doubt, however, he made due provision and, as Abbot Paul de Caen had done at St. Alban's Abbey a few years previously, stocked (instauravit) the central tower with bells. We have to wait seventy years and more before we come to the first recorded bell transaction. In 1 154, Prior Reginald " fecit duas campanas et posuit eas in majori turri. Una fracta apposita est ad aliam campanam faciendam." The mention of the broken bell clearly shows that this was not the first supply of these very necessary adjuncts, and I think that it points also to something else of decided antiquarian interest. It will be noticed that they were placed in the larger tower. This is readily identifiable, por- tions of it still remaining in the angle formed by the north transept and the eastern limb. It was, according to Mr. Hope, built previously to the Cathe- dral, detached from it, and probably a defensive work. I think we have here an instance of a belfry in the original and proper sense of the word, viz., a watch-tower ; f and that the broken bell was the watch or alarm bell which it had previously held. Such towers, with their bells, are still to be found on the Continent ; but I am not aware of one in England unless my theory here is correct. The three bells placed in it by Prior Reginald appear to have given a name to the tower, and as late as the sixteenth century it was known as the " three- bell steeple." Some years later we find the following : " Thalcbot sacrista fecit et cloccam magnam que usque in hodiernum diem optinet nomen predicti Thaleboti." Later still, in or about the year 1200 : " Radulfus Bretun habuit in custodia de fratre suo qui necatus est transfretando, xv marcas argenti. Qui Radulfus in articulo mortis assignavit predictas marcas ad faciendam campanam pro anima fratris sui. Qui denarii traditi sunt Radulfo de Ros tunc sacriste ([ui cepit campanam fractam que longo tempore in navi ecclesie steterat et duxit Londonias et fecit campanam que dicitur Bretun que custavit xliv marcas." * Fabric Roll.s of York Minster, " Surtees Society." t See Skeat's "Etymological Diet., Art. Dellry." o 82 Inscriptions. About sixty years later (1251-74) we read that " Ricardus de Waledene, XX monachus, sacrista, fecit campanam vocatam Andream que custavit IIII marcas." The next entry (and unfortunately the last) occurs in the year 1343, when Bishop Haymo de Hythe caused the central tower to be heightened : " Necnon et quatuor campanas novas in eodem ponere quarum nomina sunt hec, Dunstanus, Paulinus, Itamarus atque Lanfrancus." Thenceforward for nearly 300 years the history is a blank. In 1635, as we know simply from the inscription, the 3rd bell was recast. In 1683 a contract was entered into with Christopher Hodson (described as of St Mary Cray, where he had a branch establishment, he being really a London founder) to recast the 5th and tenor bells for the sum of^i2o. The contract still exists among the muniments, as also a note of the respective weights of the old and new bells, as follows : Cwt. qr. lb. Cwt. qr. lb. Tenor (old) 29 00 10 (New) 30 01 05 fiifth „ 20 02 16 ,, 21 02 18 It would seem that the operation was performed somewhere quite handy, if not in the Cathedral precincts. In 1695, the treble was recast by John Wood, of Chancery Lane, London (^nde p. 91), at an expense oi ;Q<). The contract for this has also been pre- served. In 171 1, the well-known Richard Phelps, of the Whitechapel Foundry, suppUed an estimate of ^25 for recasting a cracked bell weighing 15 cwt. ; this apparently did not lead to business, as the bell in question (the 4th) was recast in the following year by James Bagley, of Cripplegate, London, on behalf of his father, Matthew Bagley, who was then very close to the end of his earthly career. His warranty for this and the work of " quarter-hanging " the 2nd bell is dated ist December, 1712 ; by it he warrants for himself and Matthew Bagley, his father, that the 4th bell newly cast by him is a sound bell, and also that the 2nd bell, which he agreed to turn, " the striking sides or parts being much worne, shall be as good as a new bell, and retain the same note." The later history of the ring may be gathered from the inscriptions. Pro- bably the present six represent and contain much of the metal of the six whose manufacture we have chronicled above — Talbot, Breton, and the four with saintly dedications. Inscriptions. ROCHESTER. St. Margaret. 6 Bells. I., 28-in. Jno"^ Weller & Tho^ Huggins Ch. Wardens Tho^ Mears OF London Fecit 1790 CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1884 RECAST 1884 IL, 29-in. - G. PEAKE VICAR T HEDGCOCK T littlewoodT Same as No I. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1621 Same. 1624 Same as No. II. CHURCHWARDENS III., 32in. IV., 34-in. v., 36-in. VI., 39|-in Prior to recasting, the tenor bore the following inscription : HE THAT RINGS ME WALL THE TENNOR NOTE I WILL TRULEY TELL THO^ BAKER & IN^ HICKOTT CH : WARDENS 1 761 LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT The former 2nd was also of the date 1761, and by Lester and Pack. T. R. E. Item in the steple v smawlle bells one lacking the clapper. Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Commence with tellers (abnormal) — 3 x 3 for a man, 3x2 for a woman, 2 x 3 for a boy, 2x2 for a girl ; then toll for about quarter of an hour. Tenor bell always used. In 1503, Amisia Manser, of this parish, by her will bequeathed : " Pro factura campane ibidem de novo \\]s. \vd. {Ex inform. Mr. E. H. W. Dunkin in Reliquary for 1877-8.) St. Nicholas. 2 Bells. L, 2si-in. lOHN BVRGES THOMAS SYMONS CHVRCHWAR- DENS 1695 I ® B IL, 37-in. WILLIAM HATCH MADE ME M C I H C W ® 1654 T. R. E. No mention of bells in inventory. I., 24-in. St. Peter. J WARNl'LR & SONS LONDON 1858 I Bell. 384 Inscriptions. St. Matthew Borstal. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell only. Bridge Chapel. In this chapel, now not in existence, there was a bell in 1552 ; and the inventory further presents that a sacryng bell of silver had been stolen. RODMERSHAM. S. Nicholas. 4 Bells. II., 36-in. uw 1633 III., 37-in. lOHM DARBIE MADE ME 1657 T A GV WC IV., 41-in. lOHN <$> WILNAR ^ MADE ^ ME 1620 For mention of treble, see p. 21. Cross and stop are Figs. 5 and 4 re- spectively. Tolling tenor by ringing it up before any chiming for services, always done by the old clerk. ROLVENDEN. St. Mary the Virgin. 8 Bells. I., 28i-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1819 II., 29|-in. Same. III., 31-in. Same. IV., 33-in. Same. v., 36-in. Same. VI., 37i-in. Same. VII., 4o|-in. Same. VIII., 46-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1827 John Hutton Hole Church Warden 1820 Death Knell. — Tenor tolled — then for a male three small bells each chimed three times, for a female two bells each twice ; then tenor tolled again. For a child under ten, 7 th bell used instead of tenor. On day of burial a knell at 7 a.m., and a bell tolled at the funeral. Sundays. — A peal at 8 a.m. (" Matins" bell). Bells chimed for services. Peals on Easter Day and New Year's Eve. Also on Queen's birthday. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. E. H. Jones, Inscriptions. 385 ROMNEY (NEW). St. Nicholas. 8 Bells. I., 27-in. Thomas Mears & Son of London Fecit 1809 II., 28-in. Chapman & Mears of London P'ecerunt 1784 III., 31-in. Thomas Mears & Son of London Fecit 1805 IV., 34-in. Same. v., 36-in. Jacob Walter & Charles Rolfe Churchwardens 1776 Pack & Chapman of London Fecit VI., 38-in. Same. VII., 43-in. Same as No. III. VIII., 47-in. Iames Brissenden O Iohn Rvssell Q Chvrch Wardens R •;• c 1748 Death knell tolled on tenor for adults, small one for children. Tellers — three strokes for man, two for woman, one for child. A bell tolled at funerals whilst the body is being taken to the grave. Sundays. — Bells chimed for service. Small bell rung after morning service to let people know that there is an evening service. Peals sometimes on New Year's Eve. A bell for vestry and for some meetings of the corporation ; presumably those which by an old (and bad) custom, are held /;/ the c/iiinh. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. R. M. South. Church the sole survivor of three which existed here in the Middle Ages. One of them, dedicated to St. Martin, was removed by authority of Arch- bishop Cranmer in 1549. It then contained five bells weighing 46 cwt., and valued at ^48 /^s. od., which tradition affirms to have been transferred to St. Nicholas.'''" ROMNEY (OLD). St. Clement. 3 Bells. I., 30-in. i0rcijl| fiafcfi matrix nttt ® 1634 U II., 34-in. ^ BM-mW-M- M:M:iElM- 0^^m5^ ^XXO IIL, 36-in. 10: DEFFRAY : R : R ■ CHITTENDEN CHVRCH ; WARDEN : MAT BAGLEY : FECIT 1709 . An account of the 2nd bell will be found at p. 47. The shield has a cross, plain, as at Hoath. Initial cross, Fig. 29. " Arch, fnnl.,'' xiii. 241. o 86 Inscriptions. ROOKSLEY. No Church. In 1552 there were here : ij bells of brasse suted in the steple. j sants bell of brasse. There are, I believe, still some small remains of this church. The place was once of sufficient importance to give its name to the Hundred. The family who derived their surname from it are well-known both in Kentish and City annals. ROSHERVILLE. St. Mark. i Bell. I., 3ii-in. G. MEARS & OP FOUNDERS LONDON ^\\\ Otff 0r (Sxiimtc :Orencfnni :tixjsrn|it Ji:© 1862 Jf» (M* ©initut lEntuntlti^nt RUCKINGE. St. Mary Magdalene. 5 Bells. I., 29|-in. SAMVELL KNIGHT MADE ME U 1721 U U II., 3i|-in. lOHN U WAYLETT FECIT ME r|. 1721 ^ III., 32|-in. 1721 IV., 361-in. lOHN WAYLETT FECIT ME «)}(. 1721 cjjj, v., 412-in. PETER WADELL RICHARD LONKHURS 1740 T : LeSTER MaDE Me In 1517 Clement Harlakynden bequeathed "^d. "to the bells of Rokinge." In 152 1 Roger Haukyns gave 2S. to "the reparacion of the bells in the steple ;" and in 1529 John Sharp gave the proceeds of sale of two houses at Halton on death of his son without issue, as to 10^., for masses and "the residue my feoffees shall cause the mony to go to the byeng of a trebuU bell for the churche of Roking."* T. R. E. Item iij bells in the steple. Sold ... a saunce bell. Death knell rung. Tellers — 3 x 3 for a man, 3 x 2 for a woman. Bells sometimes rung, sometimes chimed, for services. A bell for vestry meetings. Best thanks to the Rev. E. M. Muriel, Rector, RUSTHALL St. Paul. i Bell. I., 48-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1850 Death knell rung. Tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 3x2 woman, 3x1 child. Thanks to the Rev. F. F. Walrond, Vicar. * " Arch. C;inl.," xiii. 234. Insci'iptions. 387 RYARSH. St. Martin. 3 Bells. I., 30^-in. Rea° M^ James Thurston Minister Jeremiah Heaver Chuurch Warden 1779 Pack & Chapman of London Fecerunt II., 3i|-in. ia|epl| r|ctin^ Ora y^x^x^ ^otits D (Fig. 18) U(Fig. 17) II., 361-in. X (Fig. 5) s.^m ^ :moxii©-:m. ^ :E)Oiiixi?i3t III., 40-in. ^ (Fig. i) ^Eii XHirlfis J^^nuts ^Hcfaucf (ST^^mji.init ^uliaunis ►^ (Fig. 5) T. R. E. Item iij bells in the steple. No doubt the same that are now there — an interesting untouched pre-Reformation peal. ST. NICHOLAS AT WADE. 5 Bells. I., 35-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1625 II., 37-in. tuVcjTii Iiafcli matre mc © 1615 III., 40-in. Thomas Mears & Son of London Fecit 1S07 IV., 45 I in. lOSEPH HATCH MADE ME © 1615 v., 49V-in. THOMAS BRIDOES RALPH GREEDERS CH WAR- DENS I H 1692 ST. PETERS. 6 Bells. I., 3r-in. THO^ SWAIN Q MADE MEE IN i777 O O O Tho' Swain Fecit. II., 31-in. ROBERT CATLIN FECIT 1746 III., 34-in. Same. Inscriptions. 389 IV., 37^-in. Robert Barfield Henry Shivens Church Wardens 1822 T. Mears of London Fecit v., 39^-in. Robert Catlin Cast us all 1746 VI., 44i-in. The Rev° John Pigot Vicar John Mockett & Thomas Pain Ch. Wardens. Th(/ Mears op London Fecit iSoo, Bells generally in bad order and some cracked ; consequently no ringing, only chiming for services. Apparently no local customs. Best thanks to the Rev. A. Whitehead, Vicar. Lewis, in the "History of Thanet " (1723), states : " Anciently five bells, which a few years ago were cast into six, the Great Bell being made two." Cracked bells recast and ring put in order this year, 1S87. SALTWOOD. SS. Peter and Paul. 5 Bells. I., 281-in. lOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 1722 II., 29-in. THOMAS PEPPER IVNER 1722 III., 30-in. Same as No. I. IV., 34|-in. Same as No. I. v., 38i-in. DAVID OVLDFIELD THOMAS BLACKCOCK C:W lOHN WAYLETT FECIT 1723 T. R. E. Item iiij bells hanging in the steple of the same parisshe. The third word on No. 2 bell is rather a puzzle ; the first letter is clearly an I, and whether the words stands for " Junior " or " Tuner," it is equally misspelt. I rather incline to the former theory myself, as the name of Pepper occurs locally in the registers of this date. SANDGATE. St. Paul. i Bell. A small modern tinkler, invisible and, according to the Vicar, almost inaudible. "Remote, unfriended, melancholy, slow." SANDHURST. St. Nicholas. 5 Bells. I., 30^-in. t0}'cpl| \\^Xt\\ lUAtu; ntc 1607 A F II., 33 -in. lOSKPH HATCH MADE ME ® 1607 III., 36-in. WILLIA ,5 HVLL MADE ) MEE /; 1678 ^ !j ,} r^ ■} THOMAS ^; CRVTTENDEN lOHN ^ RVSELL «} CHVRCH /) W «jj(> 'm "& # •© w w IV., 37 j-in. + ^n XTlultis ^ uutit Xlcfjjncf CT'^iup'^Uii ^Ei'llituuia + U (Fig. 22) v., 42;|-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT© 1619 390 Inscriptions. For mention of the 4th bell, see p. 39. The crosses are like Fig. 9, but not identical. Death Knell. — Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female ; then toll for about an hour. Rung about two hours after death, unless at night, then at 8 next morning. Bell tolled for an hour before funeral. Bells rung for five minutes at 8 a.m. on Sundays, and holy-days when there is service. (Qy. survival ?) For morning and evening services ring half an hour ; small bell alone for last five minutes. Also for five minutes after morning service. Ringing on New Year's Eve. A bell for vestry meeting. The following are extracts from " A Register Booke of y" Sesses and dis- bursments for y° Church and y" Poore and also divers other necessary thinges fit to be kept in memorye." Book ranges from 1615 to 1695, but is not perfect : 1648 Item payd to Gynder for mending the bells Item payd the smith for Iron work 1651 It. payd for repairing the Bells 1653 Imprimis payd to Steven Gynder for repairing the bells ... ... ... ... ... ... 35. od. Item payd unto J. Tedman for a new Clapper being 37 lb weight ... ... ... ... \^s. od. 1656 Item payd unto Steph. Gynder for work about the bells ... ... ... ... ... ... \li. ifS. 2d. 1664 It. payd Stephen Gynder for making of a new wheel and Trussing of two Bells y'' sum of ... i6.y. Zd. 1677 payd for Smith's work about the bells ... ... \s. od. 1678 Item paid to Will. Hull for casting the fourth bell and for hanging of others of the bells as his re- ceipt makes appear ... ... ... ... 8//. 4^". od. Item paid to Will. Woods for Iron work used about the belles as his bill makes appear ... ... 2//. is. Sd. Item paid to Joseph Cruttenden of Rolvenden for carrying the bell to Hailsham and bringing her back again ... ... ... ... ... iSj-. od. Item paid to Goodman King for stock for y'' third Bell xs. 6d. 4S. od. IS od 4S. id. OS. oa. 6s. od. 3S- ed. Ss. 6d. Insanptions. 391 Item paid to Will. Moore for going to Hailsham to see the Bell made ... ... ... ... ^s. od. Item paid to Will. Moore for lodging the Bell- founder and fetching the Stocks from the Green 4.$'. (yd. Item spent upon the men that did helpe take down the bell i-J. od. 1684 Item paid to M"" Broomfield for new Stocks and new wheels and hanging of the bells ... ... 22//. Item paid to the men for mending the fourth bell Item for expences when we put out the bells Item wee spent at several times about the bells ... 1685 Item paid to Will. Woods for mending the Clapper of the 3 bell 2.J. od. 1689 paid to Will™ Woods for cleaning the brasses of the Bells & oil to fill the brasses again i-f- (>d. The bells were new hung, fitted with fresh wheels, gudgeons, etc., by Messrs. Warner and Sons, in 1876, at an expense of upwards of ^70. Very hearty thanks to the Rector, the Rev. George Ridout. SANDWICH. St. Peter. 8 Bells. I., 27i-in. I MEAN TO MAKE IT UNDERSTOOD THAT THO' I'm LITTLE YET I'm good mears &: c'^ fecit 1779 II., 30-in. TO HONOR BOTH OF GOD & KING OUR VOICES SHALL IN CONSORT RING W' MeARS & C° LONDON FECIT 17 79 III., 32-in. WHILST THUS WE JOIN IN CHEARFULL SOUND MAY LOVE AND LOYALTY ABOUD W' MeARS & C° LONDON FECIT 1 779 IV., 34J-in. music is medicine to the mind Mears & c" 1779 v., 36-in. IN Wedlock bands all ye who join with hands and HARTS unite SO SHALL OUR TUNEFULL TONGUES combine TO LAUD THE NUPTIALS RITE MeARS & C" FECIT VI., 38^in. PEACE & good neighbourwood W" Mears & c" loxdon FECIT 1779 VII., 42-in. YE ringers all THAT PRIZE YOUR HEALTH & HAPPINESS BE SORER MERRY WISE & YOU'lL THE SAME POSSESS W' Mears & c" of London Fecit 1779 VIII., 46!-in. FORBES 1779 THE rev" m'' j conant a m rector w w braima' w brice ch. wakdicns 1779 392 Inscriptions. It is stated, on what authority is unknown, that prior to the recasting in 1779 there were six bells, known as the "Six Oxfords," which had been trans- ferred here from Christ Church, Canterbury. In 1758 there were here " 5 Bells. The 4 smallest were made by Joseph Hatch, 1625, and the Largest or Tennor by S. Knight, 1727." — Bryan Faussett. Boys' " History of Sandwich " states that the recasting in 1779 cost ;^43o \2S. 6d., which was defrayed by the metal of the old bells, a subscription among the inhabitants, and a moderate contribution from the rates. He gives the weights, as follows : Cwt. qr. lb. I. 4 2 27 n. 5 o 13 in- 5 3 15 IV. 7 I 24 V. 7 2 23 VI. 92 I VII. II 3 13 VIII. 15 2 9 . £ s. d. 67 3 13 @ £s ^s- o^- 365 19 ii Bell ropes ... ... ... ... ... ... i 14 o New stocks, iron work, altering frame, etc. ... ... 59 o o Landing and wharfage of the old bells 3 18 7 Weight of the six old bells 55 cwt, i qr. 6 lb. @ ^4 \os. od. 246 12 6 Subscription ... ... ... ... ... ... 147 10 o The following notes as to local uses here are copied from the same book ; I don't know whether they exist at the present day : "The Sexton .... has a salary from the parish of 40^. for tolling the Tenor whenever service requires. He rings likewise the tenor bell every night at 8 o'clock, unless there be a burial at the church, and again in the morning at 4 o'clock, from a fortnight after Michaelmas to a fortnight before old Lady Day, except on Sundays, and in the 12 days after Christmas, for which he has from the Corporation annually 3 pounds, and an allowance of Inscriptions. 393 Gs. 8d. for Candles and Oil. Are not these a continuation of the ancient corfew and matin bell ? The Sexton formerly had an annual allowance of 4^. from the Corporation for ringing at this church ' brandgose ' bell at i o'clock and the ' curfu ' at 8. " The sexton also rings the 4th bell at every common assembly by way of notice to the freemen that the Mayor and Jurats are proceeding to the Hall. This custom originated probably in a decree made in 1534, that at a common Assembly, when the Mayor comes into the Hall, a bell at St. Peter's called brandegoose bell shall begin to ring and continue to be rung half an hour, and fines were fixed for non-attendance in that time. For this and for ringing the bell on Market day the Sexton was allowed a salary of 45." This " Brandgoose " bell (can any one suggest a derivation ?) was clearly the market bell ; the town ordinances laying down that fish and poultry were not to be sold until it had been rung. SANDWICH. St. Clement. i, formerly 5 Bells. ]., 32-in. * lOHN ^ HODSON * MADE * ME * 1672 4? lOHN * WHEELER «){(' O O O O ^ ISAAC * PEARCE * CHVRCH * WARDENS c|. r|. CHRIS- TOPHER * HODSON The other four bells of the ring were similarly inscribed. They were sold not many years since to help raise funds for the restoration of the church. In 1508 Benett Webbys bequeathed to the reparation of the bells of St. Clements vj^. viij^/.— (" Testamenta Vetusta," p. 492.) St. Mary the Virgin. i Bell. I., 25-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1S76. This replaces a bell which bore the following inscription : THIS BEL WAS BOUGHT & STEEPLE BUILT AD 17 18 I : BRADLEY R : HARVEY CH : WARDENS R : P : F : The tower fell in 1667, carrying the then ring of five bells with it. It was not rebuilt until 171S; in the meantime the bells, so local tradition states, were sold to Elham Church. This is doubtless correct, 0.3 has been shown in connection with that church. The following entry of their casting appears in the parish accounts here : 3 E 394 Inscriptions. 1640 Paid Henry Wilnor for the use of the widow of John Wilnor for casteing of our five bells and hanging them ... ... ... ... ... ;^32 os. od. To Thomas Barret for makeing the quarters to strike upon the 4'^^ Bell 23^. 8^., the Dutch paid halfe \\s. 6d. Prior to 1639 there had been three bells only. In Boys' " History of Sandwich " it is stated that in the BederoU of bene- factors to be here prayed for occurs i?iter alios : " Also for the sowle of Robard Crystmesse of whos goodys was gevyn unto the chaunge of these bellys, xl/7." The churchwardens' accounts here date back as far as 1444, and of course there are entries relating to the bells. The "great bell " or " best bell," the " Mary bell," the " little bell," and the 4th bell are all mentioned, from which it would seem that the three which were recast into five in 1639 were only the remains of a ring of four or five. There were also the "sacring " bell, and the " wakerell " or sanctus. In the accounts for 1444 to 1582, the items for making new clappers and providing new ropes are very frequent. The bells were rung in thunder- storms, as ai)pears from the following : 1507 Paid for bread and Drink for the Ringers on Saint Lambards day at night in the Thundering ... ... ... ... jd. To the Sexton for drink when it thundered ... ... ... ihd. In 1632 it was at a vestry "generally consented by free voices that Rob' Liddell shall ring the Bell to the sermon every Saboath day." In 1639 the churchwardens were empowered to agree with "John Wilnor of Borden in y*" said County, Bell founder," for the recasting. It appears that the 3rd bell only was cracked, and that to recast that by itself would cost ;^i6, while to recast the whole three heavy bells into a light ring of five would only cost ;^36 ; so this last was the course agreed to. It would seem that the payment of ;^32, above mentioned, was the final payment at the end of the " year and a day " for which, doubtless, the bells had been war- ranted. The cost of the bell purchased in 1718 was ^^'^ 5i". \\d. Passing bell rung, but not at any fixed interval. Tellers- — 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female ; both at beginning and end of peal. Inscriptions. 395 On day of burial, bell fung at 7 a.m. for about half an hour, called the " knell." Tolled also at time of funeral service. Sundays. — Warning bell rung for a few minutes at 9 a.m. or i p.m., accord- ing to whether service is in morning or afternoon. Rung also, of course, before service. Bell rung for vestry meetings. In the costs of an obit, the following occurs among the payments : To the Sexton for 2 peals with all the bells ... ... 12^/. Very many thanks to the Rev. A. M. Chichester, Vicar. SANDWICH. St. Bartholomew's Hospital. 1 Bell. I., i5|-in. P i66e Bell doubtless by Thomas Palmer, of Canterbury. St. Peter. 5 Cells. ^ lOHN k HODSON \ MADE v ME \ 1660 j W T ; I L ■ O ^v H o C I WARDENS ^^ «ijp lOHN % HODSON t MADE \ ME J 1660 \ WILLIAM h THOMPSON O ^^ lOHN % LOVEIOY \ CHVRCH \ WARDENS 'ijp O VV H O '){(» THO^ LESTER & T: PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1758 v., 3Si-in. ST PHANVS SWAN ME k FECIT h ANNO DOMINI 1609 ^ h WILLIAM h COX h h lOHN v RAVEN k WARDI:NS 000000 For mention of 4th bell, see p. 21. Cross is Fig. 5 ; stop, Fig. 4. Death knell rung as soon as possible. Tellers— 3 x 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman. Sundays.— A peal at 8 a.m., and again at mid-day. Ringing on New Year's Eve, and on 5th November. A bell for vestry. Thanks to the Rev. C. E. Few, Vicar. -; E 2 SEAL. I., 30-in. 11., >3i^ -in. III., 34 -in. IV., ^36i -in. 396 Inscriptions, SEAL. St. Laurence. 2 Bells. Modern church, with presumably two modern bells. SEASALTER. St. Alphege (Old Church). i Bell. I., 23-in. Rultcrfira {i wvoX i< m^ >} fi'cit ^ 1592 ® St. Alphege (New Church). i Bell. I., 421-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON THE GIFT OF M-^^ WYNN ELLIS OF TANKERTON 1845 SELLINDGE. St. Mary. 5 Bells. I., 2 7},-in. S K 1723 XL, 29-ln. SAMVELL KmCHT 1723 IIL, 31-in. GVLIELMVS HV^T SAMVELL KmCHT FECIT 1723 IV., 34-in. THO- ELGAR HE^ERY BARTOl^ CW SK 1723 v., 37i-in. Mess""^ Tho* Baker & Caleb Caister Churh Wardens Chapman & Mears of London Fecerunt 1783 T. R. E. First in the stepell iiij bells. Item a hand bell. The tenor was also by Samuel Knight, and dated same as the rest^before 1783- One of the ring is cracked and dismounted, awaiting recasting. Death knell rung. Tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 3x2 for woman, 2x3 boy, 2x2 girl. On day of burial, a bell tolled at 8 a.m., and again at the time of the funeral. Sundays. — Bells used for services only. One bell rung for a few minutes at the half-hour before — and continuously for the last ten minutes before — service. A bell for vestry meetings. Apparently no peals, the tower being out of repair. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. R. S. Pattrick. SELLING. St. Mary. 6 Bells. I., 28|-in. Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1766 IL, 3oJ-in. Same. Inscriptions. 397 III., 32l-in. Same. IV., 33-in. These Six Bells Cast by Subscription Anno D^ 1766 Lester & Pack of London Fecit v., 35-in. John Potter Bellhanger Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1766 VI., 38A-in. Same as No. i. In 1760 Mr. Faussett gives us the following inscriptions on the then ring of four : I. Sancte Roberte Ora Pro Nobis II. Sit Nomen Domini Benedictum III. In Multis Annis Vocor (? Resonet) Campana lohannis IV. William Hatch made me Mary 1567 (? 1657) SEVENOAKS. St. Nicholas. 8 Bells. I., 31-in. George Lake Esq" 1769 I Hope To Make It Under- stood That Tho' I'm Little Yet I'm Good Pack & Chapman of London Fecit IL, 3iA-in. If you Have a Judicious Ear You'll Own my Voice is Sweet & Clear Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1769 III., 33-in. Such Wondrous Pow'r to Music's Given It Elevates The Soul to Heaven Pack & Chapman of London 1769 IV., 36-in. Ye People all Who Hear me Ring Be Faithful to Your God & King Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1769 v., 39i-in. Whilst Thus we Join in Chearful Sound May Love & Loyalty Abound Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1769 VL, 41-in. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1769. This Bell and Seven Others of the Same Date Were Pur- chased BY The Subscriptions of The Parishioners Added to The Metal of Six Old Bells Melted Down MusiCK Is Medicine To The Mind VII., 46-in. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1771 Jn° Covkll T Wood R Palmer T Mills Overseers 398 Inscriptions. VIII., 5r-in. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit T. Curteis DD Rector & Vicar T Wright Mich. Holmden C" War- dens 1769 In Wedlock Bands All Ye Who Join With Hands Your Hearts Unite So Shall our Tongues Combine To Laud The Nup- tial Rite Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Tenor bell used for adults, 6th for children. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female — then toll, and repeat tellers at finish. Not repeated on day of funeral — bell tolled for service only. Bells rung or chimed for Sunday and week-day services. Peals in the early morning of Easter Day, Christmas Day, and Whitsun Day. On last night of year, a dumb peal rung before midnight and an open peal after. Best thanks to Sexton, Mr. Hills. St. John Baptist. i Bell. L J. WARNER & SONS LONDON 1S57 Thanks to Vicar, the Rev. J. S. Bartlett. St. Mary (Kippington). 1 Bell. I. GILLETT BLAND & C^ CROYDON 1880 Weight, 5?> cwt. Thanks to Rev. G. E. Tate, Vicar. SEVENOAKS (Weald). St. George. i Bell. I., 28|-in. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1839 SEVINGTON. St. Mary. 4 Bells. \ HATCH 1630 ' 282-1"- 1 RECAST MEARS 1SS5 II., 31-in. i0fcpf| \ixU\\ mat»i| mt ® 1630 HI., 33Wn. Same. IV., 37-in. lOSEPllVS HATCH ME FECi'i' ® 1^30 Inscriptions. 399 T. R. E. Item a sacrying bell. Item iiij bells in the stepel with an hand bcl for corsyse. Prior to the recasting, the treble bore the same inscription as Nos. 2 and 3, but without the foundry-stamp. SHADOXHURST. SS. Peter & Paul. i Pell. I., 32i-in. "aaaNAOJiaa aaoo nhoi aiv m 1592 r t T. R. E. ij bells in the steple. Sold . . . ij little bells in the churche. Hasted states that in his time, the close of the last century, there were here three bells. He is, however, not quite trustworthy on this point, and I think he is wrong here. There has never been but one within the memory of the oldest inhabitant, and the present turret certainly has no -room for more. It is, however, I believe, a comparatively recent erection, and therefore of not much use as evidence. Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 X 2 for female ; no distinction made for children. This is repeated at 7 a.m. on the day of the funeral. Bell otherwise used only to call to service. Thanks to Mr. Woodgate, parish clerk. SHEERNESS. St. Paul. i Bell. A small bell by Warner and Sons, dated a few years back. Holy Trinity. i Bell. Also a small bell by Warner and Sons. Dockyard Chapel. 3 Bells. I., 15-in. 1814 II., i8-in. 1814 III., 28-in. C & G MEARS F0UND1-:RS LONDON ^ I'he two smaller bells were destroyed in the fire a few years ago. ^\■hat has become of the other one I don't know ; but I understand that three new ones (19, 21, and 27 inches) have recently been supplied by Messrs. E. Dent and Co. The two smaller bells are (and were) quarter bells only. 400 Inscriptions. SHELDWICH. St. James. 6 Bells. I., 28|-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1865 11., 30-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1867 in., 33-in. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 1801 IV., 34|-in. Same. v., 372-in. Same. VL, 42|-in. John Cobb Jun'^ Joseph Humphery ChurchWardens Tho^ Mears of London Fecit 1801 May all whom I shall summon to the Grave The blessing OF A WELL SPENT LiFE RECEIVE The frame has been altered of late years, and Nos. 4 and 5 are on a higher tier than the others ; apparently a clumsy expedient to save expense. There is plenty of room on the one tier for all six, but it would have involved almost an entirely new frame. Death knell as soon as notice given. Tenor bell for adults, 4th for children. Commence with tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female ; chime ten minutes, raise bell and ring for a short time, finish with tellers as at beginning. At 8 a.m. on day of funeral, sound tellers, then raise bell and ring (double) minute strokes. Bell tolled before funeral. Peals rung on Easter morning, Christmas Eve and Day, Whitsun Day, Ascenfeion Day, Queen's birthday, and (generally) on New Year's Eve. Here are very excellent rules for the ringers. SHIPBOURNE. St. Giles the Abbot. 6 Bells. I., 26|-in.^ IL, 281-in. III., 31-in. IV., 33-in. v., 352-inJ The old peal of four which these replace, were as under : L, 25-in. cj(> ^ancfe C^abml Ora ^rw ^Ulabis II., 28-in. © GYIES REVE B F Q 1585 (Curious figures of men and animals.) III., 29-in. k STEPHANVS $ SWAN k ME k FECIT h § 1614 ^ IV., 32-in. IB $ HK ^ CW h h lOHM k WILMAR i MADE $ ME k 1633 Inscriptions. 40 1 It will be noticed that an awfully bad shot has been made on the new tenor ; Giles Reve, the bell-founder, of 1585, has apparently been confounded with the Patron Saint of the church. Old inscriptions had better not be reproduced at all than be blundered. See p. 42 for account of former treble, by William Powdrell, bell-founder, of London. Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. Toll fifteen minutes, and same just before funeral. Sundays. — Rung for services only. A bell for vestry meetings. Best thanks to the Rev. A. P. Wharton. SHOLDEN. St. Nicholas. 3 Bells. I., 27i-in. THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1623 ® W $ H ^ H m ^ CHVRCHWARDENS II., 29-in. «jj(. lOHN k HODSON § C H f MADE ^ ME i 1675 r^ O O 0000000 ^ WILLIAM k HILDE h GxWE h THIS h BELL h BY 7 HIS ^ WILL f P ^ B^- ^ W ^ S IIL, 3o|-in. THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1623 © WILLIAM HILDE AND HENRY HARWARD CHVRCH- WARDENS SHOOTER'S HILL Vide Eltham and Plumstead. SHOREHAM. SS. Peter and Paul. 6 Bells. I., 27^in. lOHN CAPON ROGER ATWOOD CHVRCHWARDENS 1693 II., 28i-in. lOHN 9 HODSON k MADE a 1675 rjJpOOCOCHoo ^ RIVERS k STEDOLPH ^ GEORGE k SMALL v C r ^^■AR- DENS o III., 29.1 -in. r;|(. lOHN h HODSON § MADE h ME h 1672 ^)(f EDWARD $ OLIVER ^ MINISTER ^'tp WTLLIA^^ k GIBSON ^ FRANCIS h EVEREST ^ C 7 W o O C H o IV., 32-in. I h W 1635 v., 34i-in. lOHM WTL^AR 1635 VI., 39i-in. C & C; MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1S50 3 F 402 Inscriptions. SHORNE. SS. Peter and Paul. 6 Bells. I., 27-in. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 1803 II., 29-in. Same. III., 3 1 -in. Same. IV., 32-in. Same. v., 34|-in. Same. VI., 37i-in. The Rev^ Rob|' Foote Vicar M"^ Jarvis Noakes M"^ William BiLBOE Ch. Wardens T Mears Fecit 1803 No information obtamable from Vicar. SHORTLANDS. St. Mary. i Bell. Modern church with presumably one modern bell. SIBERTSWOLD. St. Andrew. i Bell. I., 24-in. Blank. A modern bell. SIDCUP. St. John Evangelist. 6 Bells. tt'' ^o-"'! C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1844 II., 28-in. j ^^ IIL, zo-m.\ IV "^^-m ^;' -'" . ■ - THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1839 v., 34-m. ' -^^ VI., 37-in. SISSINGHURST. Holy Trinity. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell, stated to be devoid of inscription. Church built 1838. SITTINGBOURNE. St. Michael. 8 Bells. I., 3r-in. Cx\ST BY JOHN WARNER .V' SONS 1884 VENITE EXULTEMUS DOMINO II., 3U-in. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS 1884 W. H. DYSON VICAR HENRY THOMAS TIDY^j ^^^^^^^^^^ ,,r . t.x.t..t^ ROBERT CHAPMAN j^HURCH WARDENS Inscriptions. 403 III., 32-in. lAMES BARTLET MADE ME 16S7 © THOMAS LVSHINGTON IV., 34J-in. lAMES BARTLET MADE ME 1687 © v., 38-in. Same. VI., 40^ -in. Same. VII., 44|-in. Same. VIII., 49-in. Same. lOHN KEETE lOHN EASTMAN CHVRCH- WARDENS WILLIAM CATLETT ® Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. First chime tenor, then raise 6th or 7th according to age, lower, end with tellers on tenor — 3 x 3 for male, 3 X 2 for female. Tenor tolled when funeral is passing. Sundays. — The 8 and 9 o'clock peals were discontinued about ten years ago. The 7th was used, excepting on "Sacrament Sunday," when the treble was used at 8. Bells rung for all Sunday services ; " toll in " on tenor last five minutes. Peals rung on all Church festivals and loyal anniversaries. No vestry bell now. Best thanks to the Rev. Henry Venn, Vicar. The old ring of six is very fine in tone. Not long after their being placed here they were an object of admiration of a transatlantic visitor, Samuel Sewall, an American judge, who notes thus in his diary, under date 15 August, 1689 : "So to Sittingburn, lodge at the George, rains hard in the night. In the morn a good Ring of 6 Bells entertains us : no whether for the Ringers to work." Part of the frame for the old sanctus bell still exists, close to the eastern window of the belfry. It was evidently rung from there. A doorway still exists, giving a clear view of the high altar. Holy Trinity. i Bell. A small " factory-hung " bell, dated 1868, by Warner and Sons. Reported locally as " the scourge of the district," rung three-quarters of an hour before every service. SMALL HYTHE. St. John Baptist. i Bdl. I., i7i-in. T ? F 5 ; V 2 404 Inscriptions. SMARDEN. St. Michael. 5 Bells. I., 34-in. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1760 IL, 37-in. James Pope Ch : Warden 1769 Pack & Chapman of London Fecit IIL, 39-in. XiO:i3©-m^TStH ^ X3ClO^ ^ xn©- ^ '^.^m'^m 1601 ® IV., 43-in. THOMAS GREENHILL ROBERT HOOKER CHURCH- WARDENS R: PHELPS LONDINI FECIT 1729 v., 48-in. M'^ THO^ DANE & W^ W^ GIBBON CH : WARDENS 1760 LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT T. R. E. Item v bellys and a saunc' bell. There is an interesting series of the churchwardens' accounts, from 1536 downwards. The following entries occur in them : 1546-7 It. payd to Edward Pellande for medyng of the lytle bell claper & for mendyng of the canapye It. payd for shutynge of xxxiij li of brasse for the bellys \\]d. the pownde It. payd for xix li of newe brasse vjV. the li the snia It. payd for new trussyng of the bell and hangg- ynge It. payd for carynge of the brassys twesse to Godmersam 1548 Itm. resseuyd of Henry Ponnet ffore belle brasse & latten 1557 Itm. paid to father Sharpe for a litle bell Itm. to Pelland for mendinge the clapper of our bell (& other work) ... 1563 Itm. rec. of Willm Whytt for a bell and a cruett ... 1572-3 Itm. laid out for the ringers when the quenes grace was here 1573 Itm. layde oute for ringinge for the queene 1580 For leather for bawdricks 1585 For carynge the bell to Maidstone VIIJ^. iiijj". XUJi'. \]S. \]S. XJ". xxijn 3i'il hell. iij^. iiij^. xviijd'. iijj. viij^. vj^. viij^. iiji". iiij^. XXVJJT. viij^. xxxiijV. viij.f. xvj^. iiJ5. v\\]d. \\\)d. iijV/. xxj//. xviij^. xviij^. xj.-. ]d. 4o6 Inscriptions. 1611 Item payd for our dynners the fowerth of Sep- tember when the belle was hadd uppe into the steeple... ... ... ... ... ... ij^-. \]d. 1622 Item to y*^ Ringers on y*" Kings majestyes coro- nation ... ... ... ... ... ... 7^f, 1623 John Rabbett for mending the dogs of the third bell and helping to new hang him ... ... \s. 1632 To John Rabbit for ringing the sermon bell ... 6^. 1 703 Item given the ringers to ring upon y*" queens crovvnacon day ... ... ... ... 5.5". 1729 P*^ M' Stephenson for casting the bell ... ... 13//. 13^". o^. The following bequests are on record : In 1464 William Matteras gave five marks towards a new bell. In the same year William Marlar, another parishioner, not only gave 13.^. a^d. to the new belfry, but he made the new bell his residuary legatee : " residuum vero bonorum meorum non legatum do et lego ad novam campanam," are the words of his \v'ill. In 1498 John Skinner left \2d. — "ad repacoem unius campane itim." There is also here (or rather, I am afraid, was) an endowment for bell ropes, and the deed by which this was given is sufficiently curious, I think, to be given in extenso, from a copy of a horribly bad translation, apparently made in the seventeenth century. The " coppie " is as follows : Know all men by these presents and to come that I John Hamden have given granted in pure and everlasting memory and by this my present writting confirmed to y'' maintenance of y"" Rops Cords and Leather together for y" Bells in the steeple of Smarden hanging when it shall be needfull the said Bells anew be like to repaire six shillings of lawfull ready money yeerly to be paid to be Issueing and goeing out for every yeare for ever of all my Lands and Tenements wheresoever lying upon y'' Denn of Barthlyden in the parish of Smarden to be taken by the churchwardens which for that time being. To be paid by me the said John my heiors or assigns at y"" Feast of y° Pass- over Three Shillings and at y'^ Feast of St. Michael y** Archangel Three Shillings of good and lawfull Sterling ready money yearly to be paid to the Church of Smarden, and if it shall happen the aforesaid yearly rent to be behinde at any of the times and Termes aforesaid in part or in all, then it shall be lawfull for y" Churchwardens of the Church aforesaid (which then shall be) with y" p'ishoners of y*" sd Church, into all y^ aforesaid Lands for Inscriptions. 407 y^ rent aforesaid then behinde, To I>istreine, and the Distress or Distresses theire so found and taking to Lead and Deteine untill y" sd Churchwardens and p'ishoners of y'' aforesaid rent be fully sattisfied. And hereupon when the Rops, Cords and Leather shall want to be repaired, the ancient Rops, Cords and Leather shall be delivered to me y'' sd John, my heiors and assigns and to remaine for ever, and if any of the aforesaid rent shall be remaining in Exspence, besids for y*-' use of y*-' aforesaid Bells, then to y*" use of the Light of the Altar of y° Blessed Virgin Mary in the same Church to be Dis- posed, according to y° Discretion of the p'ish, and I y<= sd John Hamden and my heiors, the aforesaid yearly rent with y'' appurtenances to the Church- wardens of y^ Church which for that time being, in forme aforesaid will warrant for ever. In witness whereof to this my p'sent writting Indented Interchangabley to one part have put, And John at Pleine Churchwarden of the Church aforesaid on y" other part in y"" name of the p'ish his seale hath put, at Smarden on Friday in the Feast of St. Stephen in y'' yeare of the reigne of Edward the third after y"" conquest of England y'^ five and fortieth, and in the yeare of his reigne of France y^ two and Thirtieth : in the p'sence of these Witnesses William Euignden, Simon Chellingden, John Gylot, Thomas Watts, Roger Halynghurst, William Baker, and others. This is a true coppie of that coppie which was taken out of y original Deede in English by Mr. Tho. Curtice. The Deede was Dated y" 26'^^ of December in y'= 45"' yeare of the reigne of Edward the third and in y*" yeare of our Lord 137 1 (which should be 1367). Entries in the parish records note the receipt of this small endow- ment, e.g. : 1 7 19 Received of M"" Greenhill for bell ropes, ending at Easter ... ... ... ... ... ... oli. ds. od. 1796 Received for 2 years Sess due in passing last account for the Bell-rope field ... ... ... ... oli. \2s. od. The same time 4 old Bell ropes were sold for "js. 11^., and the money paid to Thomas Londwcll (Ch. Warden) on behalf of the Parish. 1798 Sess for Bell rope field paid by Thomas Hinds ... o/i. 6s. od. My informant adds that the last entry of payment occurs in iSii, so that it would seem that the endowment is lost. Probably it was considered too small to be worth collecting. 4o8 Inscriptions. I am indebted for the above extracts to the Rev. F. Haslewood's books on the parish, from which my friend, the Rev. Cecil Deedes, has kindly copied them for me. SMEETH. St. Mary. i Bell. I., 32-in. tulV^Tii IjafcJi maiie ntc ® 1603 T. R. E. Item iij bells in the stepill. In 1758, three bells, one of them noted as " fallen " — which, is not stated. Treble remains; of the others II. had no inscription, III. had " Josephus Hatch me fecit 1620." The two were probably sold not long after. The Rector states that " there were six good bells once." I think he must have been misinformed ; I doubt if there were ever more than three. The two sold last century were sold by a churchwarden for funds to repair the roof, instead of making a rate. This was probably with the concurrence of Rector and Archdeacon ; they were not particular in the middle of the eighteenth century. Death knell rung. Tellers at commencement — 3 strokes for man, 2 for woman. A daily morning peal at 8. This is, I think, the sole example in Kent. Sundays. — The bell is " simply rung for everything." Rung for vestry meetings. Best thanks to the Rev. C. H. Robertson. SNARGATE. St. Dunstan. 3 Bells. I., 30-in. ^ J5^-M^ ■ (Q^i^miig- II., 30-in. lOHN ^ HODSON * MADE * ME * 1673 cj. Q C H Q 000 <$> RICHx\RD ^ HALL * CHVRCH * WARDEN * O O 000 iiL, 36-in. >i^B>M-^^mwm :iB-^^m^^^M:M^ T. R. E. Item in the steple iij bells and in the churche one worning bell one hand bell and one sacryng bell. For mention of the remarkable treble and tenor bells, see p. 9. Insc7'iptions. 409 SNAVE. St. Augustine. 3 Bells. I., 30-in. Benjamin Streeten Church Warden Tho^ Mears of London Fecit 1795 iL, 33-in. + B'm^^'M.Msy^'^i: s> I mQ)isvm MADE ^ ME 1636 Before the remodelling of the peal there were tliree bells only. Nos. i and^ 4 are additions. No. 2 replaces the old treble, which was by Anthony Bartlett, and dated 1654. The bells are hung without wheels, so that they can only be chimed. St. John Evangelist. i Bell, Frame for six, but only one bell at present, by Gillctt & Co., of Croydon ; weight, 7 cwt. 3 ^ 4 1 o Inscriptions. SOUTHBOROUGH. St. Peter. 6 Bells. A light peal, by Gillett and Co., of Croydon, replacing a single bell, dated 1830 ; the tenor bears the inscription : In Memory of Stephen Hurt Langston MA 24 years Vicar of this parish. Passing bell rung directly after death. Tellers— 3 x 3 for man, 3x2 for woman. At funeral, minute strokes till procession comes in sight, then more quickly until arrival at church. Sundays. — An early peal at 8. For services all six rung, "toll in " on tenor last five minutes. Ringing on New Year's Eve. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. W. H. Chapman. St. Thomas. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. Christ Church. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. SOUTHFLEET. St. Nicholas. 6 Bells. I., 29j-in. R: PHELPS FECIT 1705 (Rest of inscription defaced.) II., 31-in. The Rev'' Peter Rashleigh MA Rector Rob^ French & John Colyer Church Wardens Tho^ Mears of London Fecit 1794 III., 321-in. ^^%J^'M.^'X^^^''^s> mJ^^imm^^. xa^©- :R©' C <5> O <^ P ^-^ CHVRCHWARDENS D (Fig. 42) 1610 IV., 35in. R: P: FEC^ 1705 v., 38|-in. ^ (Fig. n) :&iitc Irt OfancIauE ©a&ittBt :iFlunnc X^anixq Hwaui^ U (Fig. 6) VL, 42-in. THE REV° W" GEEKIE D : D : RECT : lAMES BIGGS WESTON COWERS CH : WARDENS M : P : C : R : B : RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1736 lOHN GARLAND SIDESMAN Inscriptions. 4 1 1 No. 4 is in a very dilapidated condition, the cannons broken off, and an iron band shrunk on just below the shoulder, apparently to counteract the effects of a crack in the crown. See p. 27 for account of No. 5. T. R. E. Item iiij bells of brasse suted in the steple and ij handbells of brasse. " Registrum Roffense " is responsible for the following statement : " On a brass plate fixed in the south wall of the belfry is this inscription : Johannes Swan Magister Willielmus Swan et Ricardus Swan fratres ac Magister Thomas Swan et Willielmus Swan nepotes dederunt ecclesie banc campanam maxim am." SPELDHURST. St. Mary. 6 BeHs. I., 29i-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1849 II., 3ii-in. Same. III., 335-in. Same. IV., 34-in. Same. v., 39-in. T. Mears of London Fecit 181 2 vL, 42-in. m j^\:mrm © ,cci©-,^:m.@ j^ ^>ons (iLon6ott 1882. III., 33-in. iutlliam Iiafclj ntat»c «tc T S C W ® 1656 Account of treble at p. 31. STAPLE. St. James. 4 Bells. I., 33-in. lOHN O HODSON O MADE O ME O 1680 Q RICHARD O TERRY Q WILLIAM Q V/OODWAR Q CHVRCH O W O S O II., 34i-in. Same. Inscriplions. 413 III., 37i-in. ^ (Fig. 5) ^it ^wmen Xi)i?«ttnt X^Bncbtdiim^^ (Fig. 20) U (Fig. 19) IV., 41-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1623 For account of 3rd bell, see p. 36. Death knell rung either on morning of death or following morning. Tellers — 3 X 3 for a male, 3 x 2 for a female. Bells rung before burial, and as body is borne to the grave. Sunday Services. — Ring or chime fifteen minutes, then a single bell ten minutes, and another for last five. Formerly a bell was rung at 9 a.m. to give notice of Holy Communion after Matins. Ringing on New Year's Eve. A bell for vestry meetings. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. R. F. Blake. STAPLE HURST. All Saints. 8 Bells. L, 29-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON PRAISE TO GOD THE ETERNAL FATHER G. F. REYNER STP RECTOR 1885 II., 3oi-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON PRAISE TO GOD THE ETERNAL SON J H C M^GILL MA CURATE 1885 III., 32i-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON PRAISE TO GOD THE ETERNAL SPIRIT JOHN NUNN WILLIAM WICKINGSJ™"^^"^'*'^^''-^^ '^^^ IV., 35-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1885 GOD BLESS THE CHURCH THIS BELL IS IN PLACE OF ONE CAST IN 1748 v., 37Hn. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1885 GOD BLESS THE QUEEN THIS BELL IS IN PLACE OF ONE CAST IN 1663 VI., 40-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1885 GOD BLESS STAPLEHURST THIS BELL IS IN PLACE OF ONE CAST IN 1594 VII., 44-in. HEMRY TVRMER C W WILLIAM WOLLESS C W ® 1605 lOSEPH HATCH MADE ME T S 4 1 4 J nsi )i/>/ loiis. VIII., 4«.^in. TillS'l'ION'ORVVIlICM IS IN PLACE OF ONE CAST IN ir,.i9 AMI) THE 6'"' 5'" 4'" 3"" 2n>'&TREIU>E BELLS WIOKIO CAST I5Y MEARS cV STAINI5ANK IN 1S85 DONA Dia DEO. The former ring was of five only, the No. 4 of which is the present No. 7. The inscriptions, et< ., on llie others, were as follow : I., 34-in. lAMICS LOVE THOMAS HARTICN CII : WARDENS 1748 T: LICSTICR Ol- LONDON MADE ME II., 37-in. UtiUiam Ijatcli mai»c uni 1663 1 1 1., 4 1 -in. koiuntfuo + XT^at + nn| + fiicU 1 594 © v., 49J,-in. ^(.m IIVIVS SOMVS AT CTTRTSTI SALVS TIEPIRICVS KICMT RECTOR THOMAS SCOOMi: RICHARD l'RA^CI<:S WARDI'lNIvS lOHH PALMAR MADE M S MEE 1649 The weights of the new ring are as follow : (^vt. (jr. lb. 1. 5 3 •9 II. 6 2 '.3 III. 7 6 IV. H 2 6 V. 9 1 27 VI. I 2 I iS VII. LS 2 8 Tenor. 2 1 2 13- -Note, E b They were solemnly dedicated to Cod's service on St. Mark's Day, 1885, at a s])ecial service for tiuit pur|)ose, the following account of which is taken from the Guardian : "The first service in the belfry was conducted by the Disliop of Hereford, foinurly I'ellow of St. John's College, Cambridge, the rectory of Staplehurst being in (he patronage of that society. This consisted of a few prayers and a formal admission of the members of the Ringers' Cuild, sixteen in number. Till- I'lishoi) likewise gave a brief and ])ra(tical address to them at 3 p.m. The liisho]) lead in ilie behry the prayers which formally dedicated the new peal. Immediately ahcr the prayers the bells were rung. At 3.30 the general service was commenced with the Old Hundredth as a processional. The service Inscriplions. 415 being ended, a short peal ensued, which was followed by a special hymn. The Bishop preached from Exodus xxxix. 43." Passing bell tolled immediately after death ; half-minute strokes on 7th bell. On Day of Burial. — " Funeral knell " at 7 a.m. Commence with tellers — 3 strokes for a male, 2 for a female ; then toll for an hour, half-minute strokes. Before funeral, " minute bell " tolled for an hour, quickening as procession nears church, and again whilst the body is being carried to the grave. Sundays. — Second and third bells chimed at 8 a.m. (" Matins bell "), and again at i p.m. Bells chimed or rung for half an hour before services. Peals on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, also on Queen's birthday and festival of the local benefit society (4th June). Bell (7th) rung for Easter Vestry. The curfew was rung here (on old 4th, present 7th) up till about forty years ago. Very many thanks to the Rev. J. H. C. McGill. STELLING. St. Mary. 3 Bells. I., 26|-in. Blank. IL, 30-in. + "\r0X jg^gurtini B^ntl JM M-'uxt :E)ci U III., 34i-in. + .Sanrfa ^Kafcrina (Dtja ^tja :ill0bts U See p. 31 for account of the two larger bells. The treble is rather a puzzle — it has ornamented cannons, and is rather longer in the waist tha:i the other two. Casting rather rough. Possibly the oldest of the three, l iie crosses on Nos. 2 and 3 are Fig. 14 ; the foundry stamp Fig. 13. The whole three, so far as frame and fittings are concerned, are in a disgrace- ful state of repair. They have not been rung for years; and I am really in doubt, as regards the two larger, whether it is quite safe even to chiiiie them. It is a thousand pities to see an untouched medicXval peal no better cared for. Death knell rung as soon as clerk has notice. Commence with tellers— 3 X 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female— then toll for half an hour. This is generally (but not invariably) repeated at 8 a.m. on day of funeral ; otherwise the bells are only used to chime to service. 4 1 6 Inscriptions. STOCKBURY. St. Mary Magdalene. 5 Bells. I., 3c-in. lOHN WILNAR 1634 II., 3iJ,-in- Same. III., seln. I0H>1 WILMAR MADE ME 1634 IV., 38i-in. Same. v., 42|-in. I^W 1635 In 1456, Reginald atte Pette of this parish bequeathed towards a new bell called trebyll vj.y. viijV, ("Testamenta Vetusta," p. 286). Passing bell rung as soon as notice received, but not after sunset. Tenor bell used for adults, 4th for those between twelve and twenty, 3rd for children under twelve. Tellers, 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female. Minute bell on day of funeral. Same bell used as for passing bell. Bells usually chimed, but occasionally rung for services. Peals formerly on loyal anniversaries, but discontinued " on the abolition of church rates," i.e., when local funds ceased to afford a tip to the ringers. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. T. Cobb. STOD MARSH. St. Mary. 2 Bells. I., 24-in. + wi:yitmy^^ ^i:€r,^mrs^-%M^mi mM-^^mm^n. ^m^M-^i^m XIl©" 1615 Passing bell rung as soon as possible. Tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman. Bells chimed on Sundays for services only. Ringing on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve; also on 5th November. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. W. J. Smallwood. STOWTING. St. Mary. 4 Bells. L, 25-in. WILL. ANSELL S K 1721 IL, 25-in. + ^^M ^ ^ III., 28-in. S U K I U W FECIT 1721 IV., 30-in. lOHN ANSELL RECTOR S K 1721 For mention of No. 2, see p. 42. The Sanctus bell-cote at east end of nave still remains, but tenantless now ; the bell, however, was there within living memory. Inscriptions. 4 1 9 Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. Tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 3x2 for woman. On day of burial, a bell tolled in the morning and again at time of funeral. Sundays. — Tenor bell rung at 8 a.m. (" Matins " bell). For services, all four bells are chimed. Ringing on New Year's Eve. According to the parochial records, new bell-ropes were purchased almost annually here, as in many other places in the county, so long as church rates existed. The old ones were the perquisites of the outgoing churchwardens, being very useful (especially when not too much worn) for plough-traces, etc. The following agreement for recasting the three old bells into four, in 1721, is copied from the original, preserved in the parish chest : Articles of Agreement indented made and concluded on the seventeenth day of May in the seventh yeare of the raigne of our souaigne Lord George by the grace of God now King of Greate britain etc Annoq, dni 1 72 1 Betweene William fifuks Churchwarden of the parish Church of Sto wting in the county of Kent of the one parte and Job Potter of Leeds in the county aforesaid Carpenter of the other parte as followeth — viz. Inp"^ Whereas there is belonging to the said Church in Stowting now but three old bells it is covenanted granted concluded & mutually agreed by & betweene the said parties that the said Job Potter His executors admo""^ or assignes shall & will cast or cause to be cast the said three old bells and make of them four good tunable new bells But if in case at the time when the new bells shall be weigd to the said Churchwarden the four new bells if the waite of them be more then the three old was when waid that then the said William ffukes his successors or assignes shall pay or cause to be paid unto the said Job Potter his heires or assignes the sum of thirteen pence per pound for euy pound waite that shall be more then the old bells waid soe that there be not exceeded in waite above one halfe hundred waite more but if in case the four new bells shall be in waite less then the three old was then the said Job Potter his heires or assignes shall pay or cause to be paid unto the said William flukes or his successars the sum of twelve pence per pound for euy pound as shall be in waite wanting of the waite of the old bells. Item the said Job Potter doth for himselfe his heires or assignes covenant promise & agree to «S>: with the said W'" ffukes his heires <& assignes That he the said Job Potter his heires & assignes shall & will make a good sufficient new frame to place the said new bells in & to find all Jron worke stocks i\: ^ IJ 2 420 l7isc7'iptions. wheeles & ei'iy thing thereunto belonging (he or they haveing all the old worke thereunto belonging) The ropes & the Carriage of the old bells to Hythe And fetching of the new bells to Stowting Church when new cast which the said W"^ ffukes or his successars is to be at the charge of only excepted And further that if in case the said parishioners shall judge or find any of the bells not tunable when rung then they being at the charge of the carriage as aforesaid the same shall be new cast and made tunable. Itm that the said new bells shall be cast i\nd that all the worke shall be done and finished strong and substanshally within three months time next ensueing after the date hereof fitt to be rung. Itm the said William ffukes for inconsideracon of the fJmisses doth for him- selfe and his successars covenant promise & agree to and with the said Job Potter his heires & assignes That he the said ^Villiam ffukes or his successars shall and will well & truely pay or cause to be paid therefore unto the said Job Potter his heires or assignes the full & just sume of five & thirty pounds of Lawfull money of Create britain in maner & forme following (that is to say) seventeen pounds & tenn shillings pt thereof on the day the said bells shall be first rung And seventeen pounds &: tenn shillings residue thereof on that Twelvemonths next ensueing thereof without any fraud or further delay in either of the said payments x^nd for the true performance of all &: ei'iy of the abovementened covenants Articles & agreements either of the said parties bindeth themselves unto the other firmely by these |^sents In witness wherof the said |ities first above named to this fJsent Articles of Agreement their hands & scales have hereunto interchangably sett. Dated the day & yeare first above written. William fukf (^ Sealed &: delivered &c in the p'sence of Job Potter (ls) Patience Gibson Gibson This is very interesting. Job Potter was clearly a bell-hanger, and probably local agent for Samuel Knight, of London, and the bells were cast by John Waylett, at Hythe. The inscriptions also tell us that Mr. John Waylett did not recast all the bells ; the present No. 2 was doubtless the treble of the old ring of three. This No. 2 is rather a puzzle. It is a question whether the initials are P W or W P. If we reckon the + as commencing the inscription, as was most usual, it would be the latter (see p. 42). hiscriptions. 421 Very hearty thanks to the Rector, the Rev. A. Upton, who has kindly looked through the parish records for me, but found nothing of interest but the above. It speaks well for the excellence of the work done in 1721, that beyond petty repairs bells and bell-frame have wanted nothing done to them till within the last year or two, when they have been re-hung. STROOD. St. Nicholas. 3 (formerly 6) Bells. I., 30-in. WA WC WB SB GB WP 1765 II., 32-in. WM MUMFORD WM BENNETT CHURCHWARDENS JOHN WARNER FOUNDER OF LONDON 1788 III., 36-in. Same. T. R. E. Item iiij belles in the Stepill. Item a lytill sanctus Bell. Death knell rung immediately after death. Tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman • for boy 2x3, for girl 2 x 2 — then ring treble for about twenty minutes. A bell tolled for fifteen minutes before funeral. Sundays. — All three chimed at 8 a.m. ("Matins" peal), and for services. Ringing on New Year's Eve. Ic is traditional custom here for a new vicar to "ring himself in." Formerly six bells ; the other three (being cracked) were sold about fifty years ago, the proceeds being mainly appropriated to the purchase of a new clock. Best thanks to the Vicar, the Rev. C. H. Banning. St. Mary. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. STURRY. St. Nicholas. 5 Bells. I., 28|-in. tDfcpli I|aicl| matic mc ® 1622 II., 3o-"in. The Rev'^ W" Chafy Vicar Tho^ Wotton Tho^ Crouch Ch. Wardens Tho^ Mears of London Fecit 1802 IIL, 34-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1622 IV., 37-in. Same. v., 40-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1856 Rev° Charles Wharton Vicar Tho* Rammell ) ^ ,,, [ Church W audkn's Wll.l.lAM BOCKWKIJJ 42 2 Inscriptions. In 175S, No. 2 was by Richard Phelps (dated 17 10) and the tenor by Joseph Hatch (1622). Passing bell tolled (as soon as notice received) for about half an hour. Apparently no tellers. On day of burial, a half-hour's knell at 7 a.m., and again before funeral. Sundays. — Chime twenty minutes for service, then toll for ten minutes. Sermon bell discontinued. Peals on Church festivals in the early morning, and on New Year's Eve. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. P. B. Collings. SUNDRIDGE. Dedication Unknown. 5, and a Sanctus Bell. I., sii-in. O O CHRISTOPHER * HODSON ^ MADE * MEE * 1683 O O •¥ ESLY * CRANWELL * CHVRCH * W * lOHN * LYNN •¥ II., 33-in. ^ THIS h BELL k WAS v RAISED ^, BY THE ^ PARISH ONERS >} OF SVNDRISH k O «^ WITH ^ THE h ASSISTANCE -) OF '} THEIRE FFREINDS 1666 ^ IH « NC SSR O «)!(. WO ^ WC MH ^ MADE ^lE ^ O WH O III., 34|-in. «-|.IH NC h SSR WO ^ WC.iJ(>OWH Q ^ lOHN h HODSON h MADE 'h ME h 1666 ^ IV., 38-in. THOMAS BARTLET MADE ME 1619 Q v., 44-in. Samuel Wellar Rector Iohn Lancaster IoH^^ Everst Church Wardens '\' S K '\' 1737 Sanctus 1 2^ in. Blank. The Rector, in kindly replying to my queries, states " none recast." Messrs. Gillett and Co., of Croydon, however, claim to have recast the tenor. As a Churchman, I am bound to give clerical assertion preference to lay, and so I leave the inscriptions above unaltered, merely noting here the difference of opinion. Passing bell rung. Tellers — 3 x 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman. Sundays. — Bells chimed at 8 a.m. — a doubtful case of survival, as it seems to be a peal in lieu of the sermon bell, formerly rung at this hour. Bells chimed for services, excepting on great festivals, when they are rung. Peals on great festivals, Ne\v Year's Eve, and Queen's birthday. hiscriptioiis. 423 A bell rung for vestry meetings. The sanctus bell is unused. Best thanks to the Rev. Egerton D. Hammond. SUTTON BY DOVER. SS. Peter and Paul. 1 Bell. I., 23|-in. Blank. A " long-waisted " bell. SUTTON (EAST). SS. Peter and Paul. 6 Bells. I., 27-in. PRAISE THE LORD 1720 n., 28i-in. These 5 bells were new casT ai The charge of ve parish BY lOHN WAYLETP 1719 III., 29-in. lOHN earles & iames waTerman chvrch wardens 17 19 IV., 3oi-in. EDWARD FILMER ES^ 17 19 v., 31-in. S'' ROBERT FILMER BAR'^^ 1719 VI., 37-in. S'' EDWARD FILMER K^ 1614 MEW CAST BY S KNIGHT 1723 SUTTON AT HONE. St. John Baptist. 3 Bells. I., 27|-in. Blank. II., 32j-in. THO Harris chvrch Warden 1727 III., 35-"in. G. MEARS & C° FOUNDERS LONDON 1862 T. R. E. Item iij bells suted in the steple and a dollyng bell iij sacryng bells in the Quere. Before its recasting in 1862 the tenor bell was inscribed as follows : See p. 15. SUTTON VALENCE. St. Mary. i Bell. I., 32-in. ED-' WELDISH lOHN SHIRLY CH : WARDENS R : PHELPS MADE ME 1732 SWALECLIFFE. St. John Baptist. t Bell. I., 20-in. Blank. 424 Inscriptions. SWAN LEY. St. Paul. 3 Bells. I., 2S-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1860 II., 30-in.) ^jg^j^g ^^ STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1867 III., 32-in. i Passing bell rung. Tellers — three strokes for a man, two for a woman. Sundays. — Bells used for services only. Ringing on New Year's Eve. Best thanks to Rev. M. S. Edgell, Vicar. SWANSCOMBE. SS. Peter and Paul. 6 Bells. I., 3o.Vin. THE GIFT OF SAMUEL CHILD ESQ'^ ROBERT CATLIN FECIT 1751 IL, 32i--in. Thomas Mears of Lonqon Fecit 1804 IIL, 35-"in. HEALTH AND PROSPERITY TO ALL OUR BENE- FACTORS R"^ CATLIN FECIT 1751 IV., 37-in. Rich" Forrest & Jn" Bayly Ch. Wardens Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1769 v., 4o!',-in. William Bright Iohn Small Church Wardens R. Cat- LiN Fecit 1751 VL, 432-i"- Samuel Bayly & Edward Mason Church Wardens Thomas Mears of London Fecit 1802 T. R. E. Item iij bells of brasse suted in the steple. Item j corse bell of brasse. The old " Matins " bell at 8 a.m. on Sunday mornings has been discon- tinued within memory. Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Tenor bell for adults, a smaller one for children. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3x2 for female — both at beginning and end. Not repeated on day of burial, but bell simply tolled before the funeral. Bells chimed or rung for services, usually the latter, as there is a good body of ringers in union with the Diocesan Association. Best thanks to Mr, T. Coombes. SWANSCOMBE. All Saints. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. I use ripHons. 425 SWINGFIELD. St. Peter. 1 Bell. I., -in. lOHN RICHARDS W 1696 BY ME I W T. R. E. iij bells . . . ij little bells. In 1758 there were three bells; the other two, which were the smaller ones of the ring, were inscribed : IW. IR. 1696. They were clearly all three from the same founder — John Wood, of Bishopsgate, London (see p. 91). SYDENHAM. St. Bartholomew.. 1 Bell. I., 36-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1832 St. Philip. i Bell. Church consecrated 1S66, has probably one bell of about that date. Holy Trinity, i Bell. Consecrated 1866. Presumably one bell of that date. St. Michael and All Angels. i Bell. I., 22-in. Blank. Christ Church. 1 Bell. I., 25i-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON An obliterated inscription on waist. Probably a second-hand bell. St. Matthew. 8 Bells. A set of eight hemispherical bells, largest weighing 2^ cwt. They are by Mears and Stainbank. St. George (Perry Hill). i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. TENTERDEN. St. Mildred. 8 Bells and Sanctus Bell. Sanctus, 15-in. Blank. I., 3o!-in. By Voluntary Subscription 1769 Non Nonis Solum Sed PosTERis Lester & Pack ok London Fecit % I 426 Inscriptions. II., 34-m. BELL OF 1769 NON NOBIS SOLUM SED POSTERIS RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1884 S C LEPARD VICAR H A PRATTj CHURCHWARDENS IIL, 36|-in. THOMAS LESTER MADE ME 175 t IV., 4oi-in. John Bexhill Tho^ Paine Church Wardens Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1774 v., 44-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1826 VI., 46-in. RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS 1884 VII., 51-in. Same. VIIL, 56-in. BELL OF 17 17 RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS 1884 (Vicar's and Churchwardens' names as on No. 2.) The old Nos. 2 and 7 were by Pack and Chapman ; No. 6 was by Lester, Pack, and Chapman, dated 1769, the same as No. 2 ; No. 7 was dated 1774 ; the old tenor was by Richard Phelps. These all commemorated church- wardens, and the tenor the vicar of the day as well. Richard Berne, of Canterbury, by his will, dated 28 April, 1461, bequeathed to the building of the new bell-tower of Tenterden vj.f. viij^. (" Testamenta Vetusta," p. 292). Death Knell. — Commence with tellers — three strokes on each of three bells for a man, two on each of three for a woman, three on each of two for a boy, two on each of two for a girl — then tenor bell is tolled. Sundays. — Used for services only. Chime all eight for twenty minutes, toll tenor for ten minutes, finish on sanctus ("Parson's") bell. A bell rung for vestry meetings. The sanctus (or more properly Priest's) bell is at east end of nave, and may be ancient, but I rather deem it a seventeenth century production. Very many thanks to Vicar, the Rev. S. Campbell Lepard. TENTERDEN. St. Michael. i Bell. One bell, by Gillett and Co., of Croydon, weight about 8 cwt., dated 1884. Apparently no " local uses." Thanks to Vicar, Rev. W. M. C. Clarke. Inscriptions. 42 7 TESTON. SS. Peter and Paul. 3 Bells. I., 25l--in. T Mears of London Fecit 1832 II., 29-in. Same. III., 33-in. RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1875 T. R. E. Imprimis in the steple three belles. TEYNHAM. St. Mary the Virgin. 6 Bells. I., 2S-in. R C 1743 II., 3o|-in. Inscription defaced. IIL, 31-in. R C 1743 IV., 32|-in. Robert Catlin Cast & Hung us all 1743 v., 36-in. Prosperity to the parish of tinham r'^ catlin fecit 1743 VI., 392-in- The Rev° M^ Iohn Swinton Vicar Isaac Kemp Richard Hubbard Church Wardens RC 1743 Passing bell rung as soon after death as possible. Tenor used for adults, fourth for children. Begin with tellers —3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female — then toll for ten minutes, raise bell and ring five minutes, lower and repeat " tellers." This is repeated at 8 a.m. on day of funeral, omitting the ten minutes' tolling. Bells chimed (occasionally rung) for services. Ringing on Easter Day, Christmas Eve, Whitsun Day, and New Year's Eve. Also on Queen's Birthday, Accession, and Coronation, and on 29th May, and 5th November. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. E. J. Corbould. THANINGTON. St. Nicholas. 3 Bells. L, 27-in. tufcpli I|afcl| matte mc, ® 1624 II., 30-in. GEORGE HOOPER ARTER RVCK WARDENS IOHN PALMAR MADE THIS BELL 1638 IIL, 32-in. i0V»^iti| Iiafcfj malrc me © 1623 Passing bell rung immediately upon notice of death being received. A bell tolled at funerals. Sundays.^ — Bells rung for half an hour before services. " Ring in " on treble for last five minutes. A bell for vestry meetings. Best thanks to Rev. W. H. Holman, A'icar. X I 2 428 Inscriptions. TH ROWLEY. St. Michael. 6 Bells. I., 2y^-in. The Gift of John Montresor Esqr of Belmont in Throw- ley 17S0 Pack & Chapman of London Fecerunt IL, 31-in. Same. IIL, 33-in. Same. IV., 34j-in. Same. v., 37-^-in. Same. VI., 42-in. Same. Information as to local uses unattainable. The Vicar has apparently no sympathy with any antiquarian work but his own. TH URN HAM. St. Mary the Virgin. 3 (formerly 4) Bells. L, 28|-in. Blank. II., 32-in. Blank. IIL, 34i-in. Hcniticits <) ;©ir0i:kritn <} £)j^nitttrrmts <:) Anw <0 1586 © All three bells in bad order — one unused, and two reported to be cracked — but I think a judicious overhauling would prove this not to be the case with more than one, if that. The two smaller bells are probably seventeenth century work. The tenor is by Lawrence Wright of London (see p. 62), and is, I think, the only speci- men of his workmanship now existing. Apparently no local uses. Best thanks to Vicar, Rev. G. C. Master. TILMANSTONE. St. Andrew. i Bell. I., 26^-in. T Mears of London 181 6 In 1758, " I small bell without inscription." Apparently no local uses. Thanks to Vicar, Rev. J. H. Jaquet. TONBRIDGE. SS. Peter and Paul. 8 Bells and Sanctus. I., 29-in. I mean to make it understood. That tho' I'm little yet am good II., 31-in. If you have a judicious Ear. Youll own my Voice is sweet & Clear. Inscriptions. 429 III., 32^-in. To HONOUR BOTH OF GOD & KiNG OUR VOICES SHALL IN CONSORT Ring IV., 34|-in. Whilst Thus we Join in chearful sound. May Love & Loyalty abound v., 37Wn. MusiCK is Medicine to the Mind VI., 40-in. Ye People All Who Hear Me Ring Be Faithfull to Your God & King VII., 43i-in. Ye Ringers all that Prize your Health & Happiness Be Sober Merry Wise & you'll the same Possess All the above have in addition : Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1774 VIIL, 51 in. REV° HENRY HARPUR VICAR • JOHN MUGRIDGE & W • MARTIN CHURCHWARDENS 1774 PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT Sanctus, i3|-in. Blank. St. Stephen. 3 Bells. L, i8-in. J TAYLOR & C^ FOUNDERS 1879 II., 22-in. Same. IIL, 29-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1852 Death knell rung as soon as notice received. Commence with tellers (abnormal) — -3 x 3 for a man, 3-2-3 for a woman, 3x2 for a child ; then toll for half an hour. Not repeated on day of burial ; only a bell tolled for half an hour before the service. St. Saviour. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. TONBRIDGE WELLS. Christ Church. i Bell. I., 29-in. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1S40 Holy Trinity. i Bell. I., 24-in. W Gilbert 1829 King Charles the Martyr (?). 1 r>cll. I., i9|-in. W. GiLiiERT 1821 430 Inscriptions. TONBRIDGE WELLS. St. James. i Bell. I., 42-in. G. MEARS & C° FOUNDERS LONDON 1863 St. John. i Bell. L, 29^-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1857 St. Peter. 6 Bells. A ring of six, by Warner and Sons, London. The five largest are dated 1876 ; the treble was added in 187S. Tenor measures 41 inches, and weighs close upon 12 cwt. St. Stephen. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. TONGE. St. Giles. 3 Bells. L, 24-in. Chapman & Mears of London Fecerunt 1784 IL, 28-in. Blank. IIL, 31-in. lOHW WILMER 1626 TROTTISGLiFFE. St. Peter. * i Bell. L, 31-in. WILLIAA^r HATCH MADE ME I G I D C W Q © 1639 TUDELEY. All Saints. 3 Bells. L, 26-in. Tho'^ Mears of London Fecit 1795 H., 27-in. W & T Mears of London Fecit 1788 HL, 31-in. Peter Pearson Ch : Warden : Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1774 TUNSTALL. St. John Baptist. 6 Bells. L, 27-in. -f ;i3i^ttcMcifc 0muia xjpeita [©irmtni ^mnintr + mtrrrcxltii + n., 28-in. -I- ;t:^aii&afc ;iS)0minlnu in cum&atis b(?nij it0nanfitiijs + ntticccxiiii HL, 30-in. 4- Jiialibafc ^0ntiniJm in tumbalissi ibliitaiwttis + nttm-LWliii IV., 32-in. + Omnia sjiiitiliis laXttti^t lIDumtniim + nttrcwxliii hiscriptions. 43 1 v., 35-in. THOMAS HEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843 SANCT - SANCT • SANCT - DNUS DEUS SABAOTH VI., 37-in. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843 MORTUI RESURGENT IN NOMINE DEI AMEN WILL. HOWLEY ARCHEP - CANTUAR GEORGIO BRIDGES MOORE RECT GEORGIO BAKER PAROCH^'^ AD MDCCCXLIII These six replace a ring of five which were inscribed as follows : I. Robertus Mot me fecit 1596 II. Same. 1600 III. R. Phelps fecit 1702 IV. Praise ye the Lord 1573 U V. John Wilnar made me 1630 Apparently no local customs. Many thanks to Miss Moore. For service, treble bell rung the last five minutes, tenor tolling ten minutes previously. ULCOMBE. All Saints. 6 Bells. I., 28^-in. The Founder he has Play'd his Part : Wich shews him Master of his Art So Hang me well and Ring me true And I will sound YOUR Praises due Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1757 II., 30-in. mscpfi Iiaicfi \\\?i^^ wxt^ W H ® 1632 III., 33-in. Same. IV., 35-in. Same. v., 38-in. WILLIAM HATCH MADE ME C P R N C W © 1640 VI., 42^-in, the rev° w" bell : rector : GEO'' merriaini & ja^ hope : CH : wardens 1757 Lester and Pack Fecit UNDER RIVER. St. Margaret. 2 Bells. Two small modern bells of no interest, and only used to ring to service. Thanks to Vicar, the Rev. John H. Hardy. 432 Inscriptions. UPCHURCH. St. Mary. 6 Bells. I., 29-in. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1866 II., 3oJ-in. lOHN WILMAR 1637 III., 34-in. lOHM (' WILMAR k MADE ^ ME 1632 IV., 34-in. Same. v., 37Hn. G. MEARS & CO FOUNDERS LONDON 1862 REV" JOHN WOODRUFF VICAR W^' SOLOMON CHURCHWARDEN VL, 4o|-in. Same. UPNOR. SS. Philip and James. i Bell. Church built 1874 ; has one small bell of that date. Death knell rung immediately. Three strokes for man, two for woman, one for child ; repeated for a quarter of an hour. Bell tolled at funerals. Rung for services. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. Dr. Bailey. WALDERSHARE. All Saints. i Bell. L 1832 Inaccessible for measurement. Mr. Bryan Faussett notes here : " One Small Bell, the Gift of Lady Arabella Furnese in y" year 17 14 at or soon after her Marriage." WALMER. St. Mary. 2 Bells. I., 251-in. iafcpli fjafrli matn:! mc 1635 IT., 27-in. Blank. There is an "alarm " bell at Walmer Castle which bears date 1662, and the royal initials, C. R. Its diameter is 22 inches. St. Saviour. i Bell. Bell inaccessible, but certainly modern. Inscriptions. 433 WALTHAM. St. Bartholomew. 4 Udls. I., 30-in. ittfcpli Iiafclj matic mc 1631 II., 3i|-in. Same. © 1631 III., 34-in. Same. X) (Fig. 41) 1602 IV., 37-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT ©1631 The 3rd bell, which is by Joseph Hatch, bears Thomas Hatch's foundry- stamp, and is therefore probably his earliest production. There are two bells at Egerton, similarly dated 1602, but they have Joseph's own circular stamp. WARDEN IN SHEPPEY. St. James. I., 24-in. Blank. Now lying in the belfry at Minster. It is locally believed to be by Joseph Hatch, and cast about 1602. Church and burial ground washed away by the sea. WAREHORNE. St. Matthew. 5 Bells. I., 30-in. lOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 1721 II., 3i|-in. Same. III., 32Hn. lOHN WAYLET MADE ME 1721 IV., 361-in. lOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 1723 v., 39-"in. THOMAS HODGES WILL~ BVTCHER C W 172 1 T. R. E. Item fower bells in the Steple. Item a saunce bell and a hande bell. Passing bell rung in the evening if death occurs before 12, otherwise at 7 the next morning. Toll for half an hour ; finish with tellers — 3 x 3 for a male, 3 X 2 for a female. Bell tolled for half an hour at funerals. Sundays. — Peals at 8 a.m. and at noon. For services, bells chimed half an hour. Ringing on New Year's Eve and on Benefit Club days. Best thanks to the Rev. T. R. Mayhew, Rector. 3 I- 434 Inscriptions. WATERINGBURY. St. John Baptist. 6 Bells. I., 24-in. G MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1859 THE REV° HY STEVENS VICAR E J goodwinI^hurchwardens niluvoRKlo^RSEERS II., 26|-in. Same. III., 28^-in. Same. IV., 3r-in. T Mears of London Fecit 1831 v., 33-in. Same. VI., 36-in. Same. Steeple destroyed by fire last winter ; the bell frame charred and tenor bell cracked. It is now (September, 1886) in London being recast. WELLING. See Beckenham. WESTBERE. All Saints. 3 Bells. I., 20-in.\ II., 2i-in.l C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1853 III., 22-in.i In 1758 : " 2 small bells without inscription." Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. Age and sex denoted, but how is not stated. Sundays. — Used for service only. Best thanks to the Rev. J. H. Hughes Hallett, Rector. WESTERHAM. St. Mary. 8 Bells. I., 3oi-in. THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FOUNDER 1837 11., 31-in. Same. III.^ , 34-in. Same. IV., , 36-in. Same. v., , 38i-in. Same. VI., 41-in. THOMAS MEARS LONDON FOUNDER 1837 VIL, 45-in. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1837 Inscriptions. 435 VIII., 48i-in. G HEARS FOUNDER LONDON THE GIFT OF GEORGE LEWIS VICAR 1722 RECAST 1858 The curfew was rung here at 8 p.m. until about sixty years ago. The "Pancake" bell was discontinued about the same time. Passing bell rung. Tellers — three strokes for man, two for woman. A smaller bell used for children. SuND.ws. — A single bell rung at 8 a.m. Bells chimed for service. Peals at Easter, Whitsuntide, and on New Year's Eve. A bell for vestry meetings. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. H. C. Bartlett. WESTGATE. St. James. 1 BelK A small 4 cwt. tinkler by Gillett and Co., of Croydon. St. Saviour. 1 Bell. Presumably one^modern bell. WESTMARSH. Holy Trinitv. i Bell. Modern church and modern bell. WESTWELL. St. Mary. 4 Bells. L, 33-in. lOHN AUTNAR MADE ME 1630 II., 34-in. iufcjJli I|atcl| ma^c mc ©1609 III., 36-in. Same. 16 16 IV., 43-in. tllC itic T. R. E. Item iiij ryngyng bells in the bell howse. Item one bell over the Chauncell. Item ij smalle hand bells. No. 4 has a grotesque figure on the waist ; it is no doubt by William Old- fcild, of Canterbury (see p. 59;. Death knell rung when notice received ; also on morning of funeral. SuND.vYS.— A bell rung at 8 a.m., called " Seniion " bell. Thanks to Vicar, the Rev. H. H. D'Ombrain. 436 InscriptionSs WHITFIELD. St. Peter. 1 Bell. I. Blank. Inaccessible for measurement. WHITSTABLE. All Saints. 6 Bells. I., 25^-in. SAMUEL KNIGHT MADE ME 1730 II., 26-in. Same. III., 28Hn. Same. IV., 29|-in. Same. v., 32|-in. Same. VI., 35-"in. lAMES MARCH lOHN ANDREUS MICHEAL GOAT- HAM CW 1730 WICKHAM BREAUX. St. Andrew. 6 Bells. I., 27-in. SAMUELL KNIGHT FECIT 1728 II., 28-in. Same. III., 291-in. S K 1728 IV., 32-in. Same. v., 34-in. S K 1 7 28 lOHN BING lOHN EUERNDEN CH. WAR- DENS VI., 38-in. ALL = YOUNG RECTOR SK MADE ME 1728 WICKHAM (EAST). St. Michael. 2 Bells. L, 24i-in. ^^ lOHN <^ HODSON ^> MADE <$> ME .)J^ 1660 r;^ WW «$. C <> WARDEN II., 27-in. Blank. T. R. E. Item ij small bells of brasse suted in the steple. " on sacryng bell and one hand bell sold." WICKHAM (WEST). St. John B.^ptist. 5 Bells. I., 29|-in. GLORIA ^ DEO -ij? IN «;!(» EXCELSIS ^ 1640 c;{(. B .jj? E IL, 31-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1857 IIL, 33|-in. •)!(» O «)!p IOHN <> HODSON k MADE ^ MEE i^ 1669 ^ EDWARD WOODEN 'ifp ^ CHVRCH 'i WARDEN ^ ^ WH 4? '^^ -h '^h '-> Inscriptions. 437 IV., 37-in. BRIANVS V ELDREDGE ^ ME ^ FECIT ^ 1624 v., 42-in. GLORIA t'iif DEO ^ IN r^ EXCELSIS f$» BRYANVS «)J(. ELDRIDGE ^ MADE r|. MEE 1640 T. R. E. Item iiij grete bells suted in the steple and a Saints bell of brasse. Nos. I, 4, and 5 are from the Chertsey foundry (see p. 87). Passing bell rung. Age denoted by size of bell used. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 x 2 for female. A half-mufifled peal after the funeral of any church official or of a ringer. Sundays. — Bells chimed for service — three chimes of five minutes each. On the great festivals the bells are rung. Peals on New Year's Eve, Queen's Birthday and Coronation, and on 29th May and 5th November. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. H. B. Roberts. WILLESBOROUGH. St. Mary. 6 Bells. I., 27-in. JOHN JAMES HORATIO PENNINGTON LATE SPARROW MA RECTOR HENRY BLACKBURN) CHURCH WARDENS GEORGE ANDREWS [ EASTER DAY 18S6 LLEWELLINS & JAMES BRISTOL II., 30-in. John Seddy Ch. Warden Lester Pack cc Chapman of London Fecit 1769 III., 3iJ-in. lOSEPH HATCH MADE ME ® 1605 IV. 34-in. Same, v., 38-in. WILLIAM FLINTSTONE CW lOSEPHVS HATCH J^IE FECIT® 1625 RW VI., 4o|-in. GILES MASTERS CW lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT 1623 T. R. E. Item fower great bells in the Steple. Item iij small bells called Sacryng bells. Item one bell being called a hand bell stoUcn out of the wyn- dovve of the churche. The present No. 2, prior to its recasting in 1769, was inscribed the same as Nos. 3 and 4. 43 S Inscriptions. WILMINGTON. St. Michael. 3 Bells. I., 2S-in. xtttUiam lanti ma^c mc if ttr 16 18 II., 30-in. CHRISTOPHER O HODSON O MADE O ME O 1685 000 III., 3ii-in. WILLIAM LAND MADE ME 1636 T. R. E, Item iiij bells suted of brasse in the Steple One procession bell and a saints bell of brasse presented to be stoUen. In 1774 the bells were as they are now. Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. A bell tolled before funerals, Sundays. — Bells chimed for five minutes half an hour before service, and one bell rung for last five minutes. Best thanks to Vicar, the Rev. R. Jamblin. WINGHAM. St. Mary the Virgin. 8 Bells. L, 28-in. BEI^ : PARLETT R : PHELPS MADE ME 1720 IL, 29-in. R : PHELPS FECIT 1720 III., 32-in. Same. IV, 34A-in. R : PHELPS MADE ME 1720 v., 37-in. Same. VI., 39-in. Same. VII., 43-in. PROSPERITY APID HAPPYMESS TO ALL OUR WORTHY BEMEFACTORS R : PHELPS FECIT 1720 VIII., 48-in. THE REVEREMD W : WEWTOM CURAT : T : WIN- TER W: EAST CHURCHWARDENS R: PHELPS MADE ME 1720 WITTERSHAM. St. John. 5 Bells. I., 34-in. -^Qysm^^'M^^^ (MM^nM^^n. oi©- '%^- 1609 II., 36-in. Same. Inscriptions. 439 III., 39i-in. Same, and the following incised below : ^ THOMAS ODIARNE ^ lEREMY ODIARNE ^j ISAAKE ODIARNE GAVE THIS BELL 1609 D (Fig. 42) IV., 43j-in. Thomas Mears & Son of London Fecit 1808 v., 46f-in. lOHM (} WILMAR ^; MADE v ME } IB h GF k CW 1629 T. R. E. Item v gret bells and ij hand bells. The frame will take six bells. It would be a decided improvement to add a 32-in. treble to this excellent heavy peal. Death knell rung as soon as notice is given. Tellers for sex probably as usual — 3 X 3 for man, 3 x 2 for woman, 3x1 for child. This is repeated at 8 on morning of funeral. Sundays. — A bell rung at 8 a.m. This is also rung on Saints' days and other week-days when there is going to be service — a somewhat quaint com- bination of ancient " matins " and modern " warning " bell. For services, bells chimed, except on the great festivals, when they are rung. Peals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Easter Day, Whitsun Day, Ascension Day, Queen's Birthday, and last night of year. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. S. H. Parkes. WOODCHURCH. All Saints. 6 Bells. I., 31-in. JN« CLARKE JUN"^ & GABRIELL RICHARDS CH : WARDENS LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT II., 33-in. t0repl| fiafcli matiB mc © 1608 III., 35-in. Same. IV., 38-in. lOSEPH HATCH MADE ME © 1608 v., 42-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT © 1623 VI., 45-in. JOHN CLARKE JUN'^^ GABRIEL RICHARDS CH : WARDENS 1755 LESTER & PACK FECIT WOODLANDS. St. Mary. i Bell. Modern church with presumably one modern bell. 440 Inscriptions. WOODNESBOROUGH. St. Mary. 5 Bells. I., 32-in. ^^0000 CHRISTOPHER * HOUSON ^ lOHN * HODSON * MADE * ME ^ 1676 RICHARD ^ PORDAGE * RICHARD * NEAME * CHVRCH * WARDENS O O O O O II., 34-in. Same. III., 36-in. Same. IV., 40-in. Same. v., 44-in. Same. I have credited this church with five bells, rather unfairly, perhaps, for No. 3 of the ring lies in pieces on the belfry floor. The second also is cracked. WOOLWICH. Sr. Mary Magdalene. 8 Bells. I., 27|-in. T Mears of London Fecit 182 i II., 2S-in. Same. III., 3oi-in. Same. IV., 3i|-in. Same. v., 34-in. Same. VL, 352-in. Same. VII., 39-in. Same. VIII., 42^-in. Same. Hugh Eraser Rector William Roff ) ^ -r, ,^ i- Church Wardens Peter Morgan] T. R. E. Item iij bells of bell mettell suted hanging in the Steple there. Item j little Saints bell of brasse hanging in the saide steple. Holy Trinity. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. St. John. i Bell. I., 27-in. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON iS^6 St. Michael and All Angels. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. Inscriptions 441 WOOLWICH. Dock-Yard Chapel. i Bell. I., 24^-111. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1778 St. George ((Harrison Chapel). i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. Royal Arsenal Chapel. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. WOOLWICH (NORTH). St. John. i Bell. Presumably one modern bell. WOOTTON. St. Martin. i Bell (formerly 3). I., 32-in. mfcpfi I|afcl| mab^ mc ® 1629 Mr. Faussett (1758) states that the other two bells "were sold not long ago in Order to raise money for y<^ Re])airing & beautifying y*^' Church." Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. Use rather peculiar — for a man the bell is toUed^^ln triplets, while for a woman double strokes, and for a child single strokes are used. Bell tolled before funeral. Sundays. — Chimed for services. Rung for vestry 'meetings. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. R. N. Durrant. WORMSHILL St. Giles. 4 Bells. I. NAYLOR VICKERS & C" 1863 II., 25|-in. R Phelps fecit 17 18 III., 27-'in. THOMAS UVTNALL CHVRCH WARDEN : R : IMIFLPS FECIT 1 7 19 IV., 3a-in. NAYTOR VICKERS & C" 1863 Treble and tenor are steel bells. Passing bell rung as soon as notice received. Bell tolled for half an hour before funerals. 3 1' 442 Inscriptions. Sundays. — Bell chimed for ten minutes, then two separate bells for five minutes each. A bell rung for vestry. No ringing for some years, tower unsafe. Best thanks to Rector, the Rev. H. Newport, WORTH. SS. Peter and Paul. 2 Bells. I., 24-in. JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON i88i OLD BELL CAST 1760 RECAST 1881 E. GENT EN- GLNEER II., 26-in. Same, except date of old bell, which is 1675. The former bells had the following inscriptions : L LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1760 II. .$» lOHN k HODSON ^ MADE ^ ME k 1675 r^J? o O O C H 000 ^'ip RALPH h PHILLPOOT <> CHVRCH '■; WARDEN r;J(. O O O 000 In 1758 the treble bore the following inscription : Sancta Maria Ora Pro Nobis. WOULDHAM. All Saints. 4 Bells. I., 29-in. iotVplj IjatL'li* mat»c mc © 1624 II., 3il-in. Same. III., 34-in. Same. IV., 37|-in. lOSEPHVS HATCH ME FECIT ® 1624 T. R. E. Item there remaynet thre bells in the stepull. And a sants bell y' is bassellyd awaye by M" Jhon mon beeng then person. Passing Bell. — Age indicated by size of bell used. Tellers — 3 x 3 for male, 3 X 2 for female ; then toll for about ten minutes. On day of burial a bell tolled for a few minutes at noon, and again for a quarter of an hour before the funeral. Sundays. — Only chimed for service. /use n'/y/ ions. 44-5 Early morning peals on Easter Day, Christmas Day, Ascension Day, the first day of the New Year, and on Accession Day. A very excellent set of ringers' rules. P>cst thanks to the Rector, Rev. (^ (i. Andrcwes. WROTHAM. St. Ckomv.i.. S i'.ells. I., 29^-in. Ai/rifoiicn 1 am hoih i.icht & .smam, : i wii.i. v.v. uv.wV' AMOVE voi; all: 'I' : Dkstkr iS: V : 1'a( k I'Imii '754 II., 30 in. Ar propkr 'iiMiis our Voices wk will raise : in sound- ing TO OUR BkNEKACTORS I'RAISK t: LESTER & t: I'ack fecit 1754 III.,3i-in. . PKACE AND GOOD NICKIMHOURHCK)!) : THOMAS LESTICR & TIIO'^ I'AOK Ekcit 1754 IV., 33-in. Our Voices shall VVini Jovkuli, Sound Make Hills and Valleys echo round Eesier h I'ack Fecit 1754 v., 36-in. V'e Ringers all thai' prize, your Health amd Haim'i- NE.S.S. THOMAS LESTER & THO' I'ACK I'l'-CIT 1754 Be Souer Mi'.rrv Wise: and you'll 'thic same possess. VI., 3X^-in. 'i'o \\()>i()\]\< P^n lolianups U (Fig. 13) II., 27 Wn. I AMES BARTLET xMADE ME 1700 In 1760 there were three bells; the then treble, which has disappeared, is stated to have been inscribed, I I 1639. This is probably an error for I. P. (John Palmar). The copyist, a Mr. Smith, who continued Mr. Faussett's notes^ niakes an awful hash of the inscription on the then No. II., now the treble. WYE. SS. Gregory and Martin. 8 Bells. I., 30-in. I mean to make it understood That though i'm little VET I'iM GOOD II., 30^-in. Whilst thus we join in cheerful sound Mav love and LOYALTY abound III., 34-in. Such wondrous power to music's given It elevates the soul to Heaven IV., 36-in. MusicK IS medicine to the mind v., 39-in. Ye people all who hear me Ring Be faithful to your God & King VI., 41-in. While thus we join in cheerful sound May love and loyalty abound VII., 46-in. Ye ringers all who prize Your health & happiness Be sober merry wise And you'll the same possess All the above bear, in addition : Pack cS: Chapman of London Fecit 1774 VIII., 52-in. N.B. This new Peal of Bells was cast at the unani- mous CONSENT of the Parish. Philip Parsons Curate of Wye John Clement &: Rich° Dane Churchwardens 1774. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit T. R. E. Item fyve greate bells and a morowe masse bell. Payments noted : Item for ropes and reparac'ons of the Bellys ... xxviji'. iiijV. In 1758 Mr. Faussett notes as follows with regard to the inscriptions on the bells here : I. The gift of John Sawbridge of Ollantigh R. Phelps Londini fecit me 1734 Inscriptions. 445 II. The gift of the Town of Wye R. Phelps Londini fecit me 1734 III. and IV. Robertus Mot me fecit 1594 V. VI. and VIII. Robertus Mot me fecit 1593 VII. R. Phelps made me 1709 No. VII. was broken by the fall (of the steeple in 1685). The treble has on it the arms and crest of Sawbridge. Nos. III. IV. V. VI. and VIII. have all of them the arms of Kempe, with many quarterings. The curfew is rung at S p.m. every evening from 29th September till 25th March. Death knell very peculiar. Three times ten strokes for a male, twice fifteen for a female. Tenor for adults, 5th bell for children. Bell tolled for half an hour before funeral. A muffled peal for a ringer. Sundays. — A bell at 8 a.m., and again at i p.m. For services chime fifteen minutes, then toll 2nd bell fifteen minutes. A bell for vestry meetings. Ringing on the Great Church Festivals, New Year's Eve, Accession and Coro- nation Days, and on nth October (old Michaelmas Day). The bell frame bears the inscription : " John Brovmfield made this frame 1709." Very many thanks to the Rev. J. H. Dixson, Vicar. WYMENSWOULD. St. Margaret. i Bell. I., 25i-in. THO I AM BUT SMALL I WILL BE HEARD AMONG YOU ALL 1749 Death knell rung the morning after death. Ring for five or six minutes before funeral. Sundays. — Used for services only. And for the vestry meeting on Lady Day. Thanks to Vicar, the Rev. J. McKee. Bell probably, from the inscription, a second hand one. SS. Peter and Paul. 6 Bells. YALDING. I., 32i-in. 1^ W 1696 IL, 35-in. P \V 1696 III., 37^-in- P W T696 IV., 40-in. P W 1697 446 Inscriptions. v., 43 ^-in. THE rev" IOHN ward vicar STEPHEN & HENRY GROOMBRIDGE CH • WARDENS 1759 LeSTER & PaCK OF LONDON FeCIT VI., 48-in. ROBERT COX CLEMENT ELIOTT C HVRCHWARDENS MADE BY PHILIP WIGHTMAN 1696 Death knell rung as soon as notice received, but not after sunset. Tellers at commencement — 3 x 3 for a male, 3x2 for a female ; then raise and set tenor. After an interval of one minute the bell is struck twice and set, and so on during each minute for the space of half an hour, then lower bell. On day of burial, this is repeated at 7.30 a.m. Before funeral tenor tolled ; half minute strokes for half an hour, until procession is in sight, then chimed until arrival at church gate. Sunday. — Two bells chimed or rung at 8 a.m. (" Mass " bell). For services, bells rung or chimed at intervals until ten minutes before, then 5th bell for five minutes, and treble for the last five. Peals at 5.30 a.m. on Christmas Day and Whitsun Day. A half-mufifled peal at intervals on Good Friday. Ring on New Year's Eve. An early peal on Queen's birthday. Within living memory a bell was chimed on Sundays and Saint's days at 7 a.m. (" Matins" bell), followed by the peal on two at 8, as at present. The following entry, as to the recasting in 1696, is in the parish registers : Yalding bells were Hanged, Nov' 30* 1696. The Bell Hanger to have ;£\() ; he finding wheel & stock for treble, the Parish the rest. The Weight of the Bells : Cwt. qr. lb. Imp. The Tennor. 18 01 15 the Fifth. M 00 ^3 Fourth. 1 1 01 19 Third. 09 01 19 Second. 08 00 09 First. 06 02 04 y<= Tot : 67 03 23 I 6 Clappers weig : 01 03 GO The founder for casting to have 20s. per Hundred, for all new Mettle he is to be allowed _;^6 10 shillings p'' Cwt. We had 60 c. of o"" own mettall. Very many thanks to the Rev. D. Lamplugh, Vicar. Inscriptions. 447 YALDING. St. Margaret. i Bell. T., 22-in. C & G HEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1848 Death knell tolled as soon as notice received. About fifty strokes. Tolled also before funerals. Rung for services. Thanks to Vicar, the Rev. F. F. Starbuck. INDEX. Navies {or Initials) in italics are tJiose of Bellfounders. AcoL, 129 Acryse, 86, 129 Addington, 3, 102, 129 Adisham, 130 Aldington, 105, 112, 130 Alkham, 98, 131 Allington, 89, 131 Alresford, Hants, 6r Appledore, 44, 98, 131 Ash by Sandwich, 113, 125, 132 Ash by Wrotham, 106, 123, 133 Ashford, 80, 119, 134 Ashurst, 70, 81, 123, 134 Ave Bell, 121, 124 Aylesford, 91, 95, 119 124, 135 Aythoip Roding, Essex, 49 Badlesmere, 143 Bagley, Henry ^ 100 ,, James, 102 ,, AIattlieu\ 100 Bapchild, 55, 143 Barfreston, 144 Barham, 144 Barming, 44, 144 Barnes, Surrey, 71 Jjartletf, Anthony, 9i> 95 „ James, 88, 95, 109 ,, Thomas, 93 I^earsted, 44, 73, 146 • Beckenham, 90, 94, 146 Bekesbourne, 118, 147 Bellemakers' Guild, 29 Belvedere, 105, 147 Belyetere, Will'" le, 12, 16, 48 Benenden, no, 148 Berwick, Sussex, 91 Bethersden, 15, 80, 148 Betteshanger, 55, 165 Bexley, 114, 167, 168 Bickley, 168 Bicknor, 168 Bidborough, 123, 168 Biddenden, 70, no, 114, 122, 124, 127, 169 Bilsington, 44, 170 liirchington, 54,80, 108, 127, 170 Bircholt, 179 Birling, in, 179 Bishopsbourne, 123, 127, 179 Bisley, Surrey, 9 Blackheath, 114, 180 Blean,86, 180 Bobbing, 117, 180 Bonnington, 181 Borden, 82, 1 17, i8r Boughton Aluph, 50, 55, 182 Boughton under Biean, us, 182 Boughton Malherbe, 76, 183 Boughton Monchelsea, 17, 72, 97, 106, 183 Boxley, t 17, 183 Index. 449 Brabourne, 184 Bradenham, Bucks, 5 Brandgoose Bell, 126 Brasted, 114, 119, 185 Brazier, 13, 71 Bredgar, 71, 97, 185 Bredhurst, 186 Brenchley, 1 10, 186 Brents, 186 Brenzeit, 27, 44, 86, 187 Bridge, 11, 187 Broadstairs, 187 Brockley, 187 Bromley, 114, 187, 188 Brompton, 188 Brook, 39, 188 Brookland, 44, 98, 123, 189 Broomfield, 190 Buckland by Dover, 44, 98, 190 Buckland by Faversham, i, 190 Bullisdoti, Tho% 46 Bur ford, Robert, 22, 34 ,, William, 21, 34 Burham, 5, 9, 109, no, 127, 190 Burmarsh, 21, 33, 191 Bury St. Edniunds, 90 Canterbury Cathedral, 2, 108, 112, 125, 191 „ All Saints, 196 „ Eastbridge Hospital, 213 „ Holy Cross, 16, 123 197 „ Poor Priest's Hospital, 213 „ St. Alphege, 99, 199 „ St. Andrew, 199 „ St. Dunstan, 1 1, 86, 1 13, 200 ,, St. George, 11, 13, 86, 125, 209 „ St. Gregory, 210 „ St. John's Hospital, 313 Canterbury, St. Margaret, 73, 209 „ St. Martin, 34, 86, 210 „ St. Mary Bredin, 47, 210 „ St. Mary Bredman, 86, 210 „ St. Mary Magdalene, 36, 38, 210 ,, St. Mary Northgate, 211 ,,. St. Mildred, 59, 211 ,, St. Paul, 27, 86, 212 St. Peter, 11, 27, 44, 85, 124, 212 Capel, 213 Capel le feme, 213 Carter, Joseph, 66, 71, 88, 92 „ William, 92 Catlin, Robert, 107, 108 Chacombe, Northants, 100 Chalk, 10, 213 Challock, 81. 82, 213 Chapma?i, William, 1 1 2 Chapman and Mears, 1 1 3 Charing, 119, 214, 215 Charlton, 99, 215, 216 „ by Dover, 216 Chart, Great, 36, 111, 119, 216 „ Little, 108, 216 „ Sutton, 19, 113, 217 Chartham, 2 1 7 Chatham, 217, 218 Chelsfield, 98, 218 Cheriton, 36, 118, 219 Chertsey, Surrey, 87 Chevening, 1 10, 220 Chiddingstone, 114, 125, 220 Chilham, 70, 111,221 Chillenden, 222 Chiselborough, Somerset, 42 Chiselhurst, 118, 127, 222, 223 Chislett, 108, 223 Clarke, John, 87 Cliffe at Hoo, 1 19, 223 Cliffe, West, 51, 224 \ M 450 The Chmxh Bells of Kent. Clifton, Beds, 71 Cobham, 122, 123, 224 Coldred, 8, 225 Cole, John, 6 1 Cooling, 85, 91, 225 Cowden, 34, 60, 122, 125, 226 Cranbrook, 60, 89, 117, 122, 125, 227 Cray, Foots, 246 „ North, 123, 246 „ St. Mary, 86, 97, gS, 99, 123, 246 „ St. Paul's, 27, 87, 247 Crayford, 89, 118, 122, 248 Cressivell, Richard, 32 Crocken Hill, 249 Crookham Hill, 249 Cro7uch, Robert, 32, 43 Crundale, 86, 249 Cudham, 46, 98, 250 Culver den, William, 50 Curfew Bell, 121, 124, 125 Cuxton, 22, 27, 72, 118, 250 Danycll,/., 2>i, 44 Darbie,John, 88, 91 „ Michael, 88, 91, 95 Darenth, 81, 251 Dartford, 92, 125, 251, 252 Datch worth, Herts, 87 Davington, 252 Dawe, John, 25, 36 Dawe, William, 24, 27 Deal, 99, 252 Death Knell, 126 Denton, 30, 31, 127, 253 Deptford, 103, 118, 253, 254 Detling, 255 Deventer, Holland, 88 Ditton, 255 Doddington, 255 Dommer,John, 35 Dover, 255, 256 St. Mary, 108, 255 ,, St Mary in Castro, 8, 16, 256 Down, 26, 49, 258 Draper, Tho% 90 Dunkirk, 258 Durham, 94 Dymchurch, 99, 258 Eastchurch, 123, 258 Eastling, no, 263 Eastry, 82, 87, 122, 264 Eastwell, 118, 264 Eayre, Joseph, 107 ,, Thomas, 107 Ebony, 265 Edenbridge, 118, 122, 123, 124, 265 Egerton, 123, 124, 266 Eldridge, Bryan, 87 Elham, 123, 267 Elmley, 267 Elmstead, 106, 267 Elmstone, no, 268 Eltham, 90, 114, 26S, 279 Erith, no, in, 279 Ewell, 123, 280 Eynsford, 91, 98, 123, 281 Eythorne, 44, 282 Fairfield, 31, ■7y'i^ 282 Farleigh, East, 282 „ West, 86, 104, 283 Farnborough, 283 Farningham, 98, 283 Faversham, 109, 283 Fawkham, 70, 71, 284 Felps, Thomas, 109 Folkestone, 112, 119, 125, 127, 284 286 Fordcomb, 286 Fordwich, 76, 123, 286 Forest Hill, 287 Foster, Francis, 89, 242 Founder, William, 24 Four Elms, 287 Frindsbury, 34, 72, 88, 287 Frinsted, 123, 127, 288 Frittenden, 117, 289 Index. 451 Funtington, Sussex, 87 Furner, William, 105 Gardiner, Thomas, 107 Gillett and Co., 119 Gillingham, 92, 110, 289 Gleaning Bell, 126 Godmersham, 99, 127, 289 Goodneston by Faversham, 290 „ by Sandwich, 102, 123, 290 Goring, Oxon, 5 Goudhurst, 17, no, 123, 127, 291 Graine, 292 Graveney, 50, 85, 292 Gravesend, 109, no, 293 Greenhithe, 294 Greenwich, no, 122, 294 Groombridge, 296 Guston, 296 Hackington, 109, 296 Hadleigh, Essex, 107 Hadley, Isaac, 103 Hadlow, 97, 296 High Halden, 76, 296 Hailing, 98, 297 Halstead, 93, 127, 297 Halstow (High), 98, 297 ,, (Lower), 81, 298 Ham, 298 Hampnett (West), Sussex, 87 Harbledown, 44, 86, 298 Hardi7ig, John, 61 Hardres (Lower), 298 (Upper), 26, 299 Harrietsham, in, 127, 299 Hartley, 15, 300 Hartlip, 34, 60, 82, 300 Harty, 301 Hastingleigh, 301 Hatch, Joseph, 75 ,, Thomas, 73 ,, William, 75, 80 Hatchara, 301 Hawkhurst, 60, 122, 124, 125, 301 Hawkinge, 304 Hayes, 70, 123, T27, 304 Hcadcorn, no, 305 Hernc, n2, 305 Heme Bay, 306 Hernhill, 113, 123, 306 Hevcr, no, 306 Higham, 103, 119, 307. Hilborough, 307 Hildenborough, 307 Hille, Johanna, 37 „ Richard, 25, 32, 35 Hillingdon, Midd^, 63 Hinxhill, 80, 307 Hoath, 47, 86, 308 Hodson, Chrisf, 86, 97 „ John, 88, 97 HoUingbournc, 108, 308 Honor Oak, 308 Hoo, All Hallows, 127, 308 „ St. Mary, 309 „ St. Werburgh, 72, 107, n2, 309 Hope, I, 309 Hormead (Little), Herts, 23 Horsmonden, 108, 123, 310 Horton Kirby, 310 Hothfield, ni, 123, 3n Hougham, 3 1 r Huckinge, 312 I lull, iVilliam, 88, 97 Hunton, 106, 123, 312 Hythe, 106, n8, 313 I C, 86 Ickham, 85, 123, 124, 125, 314 Ide Hill, 315 Ifield, 315 Ightham, 31, 315 Ipswich, Suffolk, 88 Ivychurch, 316 Iwade, 8, 31C) Janaway, Tho\ i 1 4 Jordan, Henry, 37, 43 ^ M 2 452 The CJiurch Dells of Kent. Kebyll, , 40 Ke7npe^ Thomas, 69 Kempley, GlouC, 109 Kemsing, 27, 87, 123, 316 Kenardington, 317 Kennington, 55, 123, 124, 317 Kerner, Richard, 47 Keston, 94, 320 Kidbrooke, 320 Kilndown, 118, 321 Kingsbury, Midd-\ 104 Kingsdown by Deal, 321 ,, by Sittingbourne, 20, 321 „ by Wrotham, 103, 321 Kingsnorth, 108, 321 Kingstone, 11, 123, 322 K flight, Saiiu/el, 106, 107 Knockholt, 114, 322 Knowlton, 322 Lamberhurst, 322 Lambert, William, 90 Lamorby, 323 Laud, IVili'", 89, 279 Langdon, East, 123, 323 West, 324 Langley, 34, 73, 324 Lawrence, Thomas, 51 Leaden Roding, Essex, 51 Leaveland, 324 Lee, 325 Leeds, 109, 325 Leeds Castle, 2, 40, 326 Leicester, 14, 71 Leigh, 118, 122, 124, 327 Lenham, 97, 109, no, 328 Lester and Pack, 1 1 1 Lester, Pack and Chapman, 112 Lester, Tho\ no Lewisham, 330, 332 Leybourne, 72, 332 Leysdown, 332 Linton, 106, in, 2,3Z Littlebourne, 55, 85, 127, ^^t^ Lleivellin and James, 119 Longfield, 14, ^2>3 Loose, 61, 123, 124, 125, 334 Luddenham, 341 Luddesdown, 36, 41, 342 Lullingstone, 8, 342 Luton, 343 Lydd, 99, 125, 343 Lydden, 344 Lyminge, 73, 344 Lympne, 109, 345 Lynstead, 70, 123, 345 Maidstone, 19, 113, 119, 345 Mailing, East, 97, 347 West, 97, 98, 347 ,, South (Sussex), 88 Maplescombe, 348 Marden, 99, ni, 123, 125, 127, 348 Margaretting (Essex), 5 1 Margate, 38, 73, ii^, 349 Mark Beech, 350 Mass Bell, 122 Matfield, 350 Matins Bell, 122 J\ fears, C. and G., 118 ,, and Stainbank, 118 ,, TJio' the Elder, 113, 117 ,, Tho'' the Younger, 118 „ William, 112 „ W. and T., 113 Meopham, 91, 95, 98, 351 Mere worth, 107, 123, 351 Mersham, 352 Mid-day Bell, T23 Milstead, 40, 44, 123, 127, 353 Milton by Canterbury, 353 „ by Gravesend, 98, 353 ,, by Sittingbourne, i, 97, 125, 126, 354 Minster in Sheppey, 81, 355 „ in Thanet, 55, 86, 125, 355 Molash, 355 Mongeham, Great, 114, 123, 124, 356 Monks Horton, 356 Monkton, 86, 127, 357 Index. 453 Mot, Robert, 63, 68, 92 Mottingham, 357 Murston, 55, 95, 35S Mydley, 358 Nackington, 358 Navestock, Essex, 61 Nettlestead, 92, 358 Newchurch, 123, 124, 358 Newcome, 14 Newenden, 359 Newington by Hythe, 108, 123, 127, 359 Newington by Sittingbourne, 360 Newnham, 39, 123, 361 Newton, Samuel, 103 Nonington, 34, 98, 361 Northbourne, 102, 127, 362 Northfleet, 362 Norton, 363 N'orto}i, Stepheii, 16, 38, 39 Norwich, 13, 71 Nottingham, 41, 54 Nursted, 363 Oare, 127, 363 Offham, 72, 123, 363 Oldfeild, Will"\ 53, 153 Orlestone, 61, 364 Orpington, 364 Ospringe, 364 Otford, 94, 365 Otham, 26, 365 Otterden, 36S Pack, Thomas, 1 1 1 ,, and Chapman, 1 1 2 Paddlesworth, 368 Paddock Wood, 368 Falma7',John, 83 „ Thomas, 83 Pancake Bell, 125 Passing Bell, 126 Patrick, Robert, i 1 4 Patricksbourne, 11, 13, 86, 36S Peckham (East), 127, 369 (West), 81, 123, 369 Peele, Joh7i, 104 Pembury, 98, 370 Penshurst, 39, 370 Perry Street, 370 Petham, 21, 1 1 1, 371 Phelps, Rick\ 109 Piatt, 123, 371 Plaxtol, 105, 372 Pluckley, 118, 372 Plumstead, 99, 372 Postling, II, 13, 373 Potter, Job, 106 Poivdrell, William, 32, 38, 42, 44 Preston by Faversham, 60, 373 „ by Wingham, no, 127, 374 QUEENBOROUGH, 95, 374 Quex Park, ii8 Radcliffe, Bucks, 26 Rainham, 70, 375 Ramsgate, 376 Reading, Berks, 87, 92, 108 Reculver, 377 Rettenden, Essex, 104 Reve, Giles, 72 Revel, Will'", 10, 14, 15 Richmond, Surrey, 90 Rider, Robert, 15 Ridley, 378 Ringwould, 20, 125, 378 Ripple, 379 K-ivcr, 95, 379 Riverhead, 380 Rochester, 97, 383 ,, Cathedral, 91, 99, 102, 380 Rodmersham, 21, 88, 384 Rolvenden, 89, 118, 123, 127, 3S4 Romney (New), 127, 385 (Old), 47, 102, 385 Rooksley, 386 Roshcrville, 386 454 The Clnircli Bells of Kent Ruckinge, io6, 386 Rusthall, 386 Ryarsh, 31, 387 St. David's, 105 St. Laurence, 118, 387 St. Margaret at Cliffe, 87, 388 St. Mary in the Marsh, 21, 2,Z', 34> 388 St. Nicholas at Wade, 99, 388 St. Peter's, 109, 388 Salisbury, 89 Saltwood, 106, 389 Sandgate, 389 Sandhurst, GIGS'", 85 „ Kent, 39, 88, 123, 124, 389 Sandwich, 86, 113, 125, 126, 391 Savill, William, 105 Si hep, IV'", 10 Schimmel, G err it, 88 Seal, 21, 81, 98, 123, 124, 395 Seasalter, 396 Sellindge, 108, 396 Selling, III, 396 Sermon Eell, 122, 123 Service Bell, 122 Sevenoaks, 1 12, 397 Sevington, 398 Shadoxhurst, 61, 399 Shalford, Surrey, 1 1 6 Sheerness, 399 Sheldwich, 118, 400 Shenley, Herts, 93 Shipbourne, 42, 72, 81, 400 Sholden, 94, 401 Shooter's Hill, 401 Shoreham, 99, 401 Shorne, 1 18, 402 Shortlands, 402 Sibertswold, 402 Sidcup, 402 Sissinghurst, 402 Sittingbourne, 97, 116, 122, 402 Small Hythe, 403 Smarden, 16, 70, 404 Smeeth, 125, 127, 408 Snargate, 9, 408 Snave, 16, 123, 409 Snodland, 72, 95, 409 Southborough, 119, 123, 410 Southfleet, 27, 93, no, 410 Speldhurst, 118, 122, 411 Stalisfield, 412 Stanford, 14, 412 Stansted, 31, 412 Staple, 36, 98, 412 Staplehurst, 70, 85, 123, 124, 125, 127, 413 Stelling, 31, 415 Stockbury, 416 Stodmarsh, 8, 60, 416 Stoke at Hoo, 72, 416 Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey, 37 Stokes, J Fill'", 43 Stone by Dartford, 417 Stone in Oxney, ^3^ 4^7 Stourmouth, 93, 418 Stowting, 42, 106, 108, 123, 418 Strood, 114, 123, 421 Sturdy, Johaiina, 37, 42 » JoJm, 37 Sturry, 421 Sudbury, Suffolk, 107 Sundridge, 94, 98, 123, 422 Sutton by Dover, 8, 423 Sutton (East), 106, 423 Sutton at Hone, 15, 423 Sutton Valence, 423 Stvain, Thomas, 109 Swalecliffe, 423 Swan, Stepheti, 81 Swanley, 127, 424 Swanscombe, 109, 123, 424 Swingfield, 91, 425 Sydenham, 425 Taylor and C'\ 119 ''Tellers," 127 Tenterden, 1 12, 425 Teston, 427 Index. 455 Teynham, 109, 427 Thanington, 85, 427 Thornton^ John, 107 Throwley, 1 12, 428 Thurnham, 62, 428 Tilmanstone, 428 Tonbridge, 112, 127,428 Tonbridge Wells, 119, 429 Tonge, 430 To?i7ie, Jo/in, 49 Tofuii, Stephen, 90 Totteridge, Herts, 104 Trottiscliffe, 430 Tudeley, 430 Tunstall, n8, 430 Ulcombe, 74, 431 Under River, 431 Upchurch, 432 Upnor, 127, 432 Wakefield, Anthony, 60, 234, 303 Wakefield, William, 88 Wakerell Bell, 126 Waldershare, 432 Wal grave, Joh7i, 30, 44 ^Valmer, 432 Waltham, 75, 76, 433 Warden, i, 433 Warehorne, 106, 123, 124, 433 Warner, fohn, 114 War tier a?id Sons, 1 18 Warning Bell, 123 Wateringbury, 434 Watlington, Norfolk, 38 Watts, William, 71 Waylett, John, 105 Westbere, 434 West Cliffe, 51, 224 Westerham, 118, 123, 125, 126, 127, 434 Westgate, 435 j Westmarsh, 435 Weston, Peter de, 1 o, 1 5 „ Thomas de, 10 Westwell, 55, 123, 435 ^\hitfield, 436 Whitstable, 108, 436 Wickham Breaux, 108, 436 „ East, 436 West, 87, 97, 436 Wight man, Philip, 92 ,, William, 92 Willesborough, 112, 119,437 Wilmington, 89, 438 Wilnar, Henry, 82 „ John, 82 Wimbledon, Surrey, 50 Wingham, 1 10, 438 Wisborough Green, Sussex, 85 Wittersham, 92, 123, 438 Wodeward, William, 23, 29, 44 Wood, John, 91 Woodchurch, 439 Woodlands, 439 Woodmancote, Sussex, 85 Woodmansterne, Surrey, 103 Woodnesborough, 98, 440 Woolwich, 1 1 8, 440 Wootton, 127, 441 Wormshill, 1 10, 441 Worth, 442 Wouldham, 76, 442 Wright, Lawrence, 62 Wrotham, 19, iii, 122, 124, 443 Wychling, 31, 97, 444 Wye, 70, 112, 123, 124, 125, 1 444 Wymbish, Michael de, 5 „ Richard de, 5, 9 Wymenswould, 445 Valding, 92, 123, 124, 127, 445 Yare, William, 93 York, 54 Elliot Stock, Patcritoslcr A" inc, London. PLATE 1 iir^\' rm]iuuu j iui.n_».i,« w»/ M »>ty^a>f^;;v..,.[i^.>f.-iiM ia ^qq*ei) ^ -^ \ ---.. — ■ ■ auM *1 LETTERING CROSS I STOP USED BY WILLIAM LE BELYETERE OF CANTERBURY. CIRCA 1326 . V *» PLATE 11 LETTERING CROSS t STOP USED BY STEPHEN NORTON 1363-92 PLATE 111 LETTERING ASCRIBED TO WILLIAM BURFORD 1371 _ 82 . PLATE IV LETTERING USED BY WILLIAM OLDFEILD OF CANTERBURY 1536-60- /// croicni 4/0., hound in dot h^ price 2\&. Surrey Bells and London Bell Founders. A Contribution to the Comparative Study of 15ell Inscriptions. r.v J, C. L. STAR LSCHM IDT. The book contains much interesting information as to the early Bell Founders of London. It is copiously illustrated with woodcuts, and has fifteen full-page plates oi facsimiles of lettering, etc., used on bells. 0})inion6 of t^e (precB* ' Bears upon almost every page evidence of deep research.' — City Press. ' The sequence of Metropolitan bell founders is an amazing " find." ' — Athcmviivi. ' Honest and thorough.' — Academy. ' Much that is original, interesting, and curious .... hardly a dull page in the book.' Saturday Rcvie'u. ' Campanists will be delighted with Mr. Stahlschmidt's laborious and scholarly work.' Surrey Comet. Utiiform with '■Surrey B ell s^^ price 20s. The Church Bells of Hertfordshire : THEIR FOUNDERS, INSCRIPTIONS, TRADITIONS, AND USES. BY THE LATE THOMAS NORTH, F.S.A., Author of Works on the Church Bells of Leicester, Northampton. Rutland. Lincoln, and liedfordshire. COMPLETED AND EDITED i;V J. C. L. ST AH LSCHM IDT. Similar in design and execution to Mr. NORTH'S other works, and as fully illustrated. O))tnion0 of t^c (prcec* 'Distinguished by no less accuracy and completeness in its restricted ^\c\A.' —Academy. ' Admirably arranged.'— iVi^to and Queries. 'A piece of thorough workmanship, worthy of the two men whose names it hc.irs." Saturday Rr.'ir.i'. 'We welcome with pleasure this valual)le addition to tlie arch;vological litcralurc of our county. ' — Herts Advertiser. LONDON : ^liLLIOT STOCK, 62, I'ATKRNOSTKR ROW, K.C. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-100m-9,'52(A3105)444 bells CC 212 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILI llrllli III illll ill lilt iilii I'll' AA 001 211076 3 li i ( i ■ II r: I \ I ■ ;//' ' ii fmT i > i ■ ( \