f / ,' / THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES THE CHURCH BELLS HERTFORDSHIRE. THE CHURCH BELLS OF HERTFORDSHIRE THEIR FOUNDERS, INSCRIPTIONS, TRADITIONS, AND PECULIAR USES. BY THE LATE THOMAS NORTH, F.S.A., HONORARY SECRETARY OK THE LEICESTERSHIRE ARCH/EOLOGICAL SOCIETY, ETC. COMPLETED AND EDITED BY J. C. L. STAHLSCHMIDT, AUTHOR OF "SURREY BELLS AND LONDON BELL-FOUNDERS." IV/T// ILL USTRA TIONS. LONDON : ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C. 1886. cc 2-12. MSN's TO THE RIGHT REVEREND THOMAS LEGH CLAUGHTON, D.D. LORD BISHOP OF ST. ALBANS, 1 :5 1 s is fe, A SMALL CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECCLESIOLOGY OF A PART OF THE DIOCESE, IS, BY HIS lordship's SPECIAL PERMISSION, RESPECTFULLY AND GRATEFULLY DEDICATED. 718986 CONTENTS PART I. PAGE CHRONOLOGICAL ACCOUNT OF THE BELLS IN THE COUNTY AND THEIR FOUNDERS - - - - - - I PART II. LOCAL USES IN HERTS - - - - - 71 PART III. RINGING IN HERTS - - - - - 88 PART IV. HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE BELLS AT ST. ALBANS CATHEDRAL - 98 PART V. DETAILED ACCOUNT OF ALL THE BELL INSCRIPTIONS IN THE PARISH CHURCHES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER - - - II4 INDEX ...... 248 ERRATA. Page 5, line 12 for ~\fxtx'e read "^ifc. ,, 8, ,, 20. Reference to page 5. PREFACE. -!-*i Few words are wanted from me to preface this work of my deceased friend, Mr. North. I am very thankful to his widow for entrusting the completion of it to my unworthy self. At the time of his lamented death, the book was well advanced ; nearly the whole of the material was in hand, and a large portion of the text written. My work, then, has been mainly to edit, with the exception of the chronological account of the Bells of Hertfordshire, which is entirely my own writing. I mention this specially, in order that Mr. North may not be criticised on account of any of the theories therein contained. If he erred at all, it was on the side of over- caution, and I am by no means sure, if he had, happily, survived to have written the chapter, that he would have dealt with the various groups of bells in the same way that I have done. I have now to thank the many friends of his and mine who have given a helping hand, and in doing this, I fear that I shall be compelled to omit the names of some, perhaps of many. Mr. North left a careful list of all to whom he was indebted for rubbings or copies of inscriptions, but not of those who supplied him with other and valuable information, and I have had to gather them from a necessarily hasty perusal of a large mass of correspondence. I trust, therefore, X Preface. that any who are uninentioned by name will not deem us any the less grateful for their kindness. For rubbings and copies of inscriptions thanks are primarily due to the Rev. W. J. Webber Jones, who energetically and zealously visited every part of the county on Mr. North's behalf, supplying the necessary information for no less than 72 churches. Many thanks are also due to the following Clergy for similar information kindly supplied : — The Rev. J. Aitken. F. B. Butler. „ A. Brooking. ,, Bryant Burgess. W. Bone. J. W. Cobb. W. d'A. Crofton. „ H. C. Close „ W. T. Tyrwhitt Drake. ,, W. Davis. ,, E. R. Gardiner. ,, J. Griffith. „ F. H. Hodgson. ,, H. W. Hodgson. „ C. G. Lane. ,, R. L. Loughborough. ,, T. Marsden. ,, D. C. Mackenzie. ,, S. Nairne. R. H. Neate. „ G. J. Pierson. ',, W. Quennell. Preface. xi The Rev. J. J, Raven. W. Roberts. ,, A. C. Richings. E. Ryley. „ G. M. Squibb. H. T. Tilley. „ Canon Vaughan. ,, E. T. Vaughan, junr. R. M. Wood. „ J. Wardale. A. R. Wilson. C. L. Wingfield. To the following lay members of the Church like thanks are due : — H. H. Gibbs, Esq. John Evans, Esq., F.S.A. C. E. Keyser, Esq., F.S.A. J. E. K. Cutts, Esq. W. Osborn Boyes, Esq., LL. D. W. R. Baker, Esq. O. Foster, Esq., M.D. A. T. Perkins, Esq. E. J. Lake, Esq. W. A. Jacob, Esq. H. G. Daubeny, Esq., and Mr. G. M. Bates. For other antiquarian information we are indebted to the Rev. W. G. Dimock Fletcher, to Mr. J. L. Glasscock, junr., the Rev. J. G. Hale, Rev. A. C. Pearson, Rev. W. Wigram Rev. Alex. Buchanan, Rev. W. Bonsey, J. E. Fordham, Esq., xii Preface. Walford D. Selby, Esq., J. A. C. Vincent, Esq., and John Harris, Esq., and doubtless to many others. Very many thanks are due to A. D. Tyssen, Esq., for the kindly loan of wood-blocks for many of the illustrations in the following pages. J. C. L. STAHLSCHMIDT. FoNTENOY Road, Balham, January, 1886. THE CHURCH BELLS OF HERTFORDSHIRE. PART I. THERE are now in the Hertfordshire churches 712 church bells. That number includes 21 priest's and other small ones. The 691 large bells are thus distributed : — 3 Kmgs ot 10 bells 30 16 „ 8 „ 128 35 .. .. 6 „ 210 28 „ „ 5 M 140 5 n .. 4 n 20 24 „ 3 ,. 72 16 „ „ 2 ,, 32 Single bells ... 59 691 To these 712 church bells may be added, as worthy of notice, the clock and the market bells in the Clock Tower at St. Albans, the clock and two-quarter bells in that at Hod- desdon, and the bell in the Clock Tower at Layston — thus B The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. making a total of 718 bells to be described these may be classified as follows : Pre-Reformation ... 31 1560 to 1600 ... 21 1601 to 1700 ... 188 1 70 1 to 1800 ... 221 1801 to 1884 ... 228 Doubtful (uninscribed) 29 Chronologically It thus appears that only the very small number of 52 — or a trifle over 7 per cent. — can be positively said to have been cast In or before the year 1600. This proportion of " ancients " is the smallest that has yet been found in any one county — with the sole exception of Surrey, where the percentage is only 3^ ; Bedfordshire having 9 per cent.; Northants, io| ; Sussex, 13J; Leicestershire, 14!; Rutland, 16; Norfolk, about the same ; and Lincoln, 1 7^ per cent. There is only one complete ring (if two are worthy of that name) of certainly ancient bells now hanging in the county — that of two at Clothall. The two at Little Hormead are also both probably ancients ; but as the smaller one is devoid of Inscription, it is Impossible to speak positively. The single remaining bell at Letchworth is also ancient, and, having its Inscription in Lombardic letters, may fairly be ascribed to the fourteenth century. From the Inventories of Church Goods made by the Royal Commissioners in 1552 (which have been transcribed and published by Mr. J. E. Cussans) we are able to ascertain exactly the number of church bells then existing in the county. And it would seem that, unlike Lincolnshire and The Chw'cJi Bells of Hertfordshire. 3 some other counties, the old parish churches of Hertfordshire have suffered very Httle loss in the number of their church bells since the date of those Edwardian inventories. There were then 477 great bells and 150 sanctus bells — or a total of 627 ; there are now, as has already been stated, a total of 712. This increase is owing to a considerable extent to the formation of new parishes and districts, and the consequent erection of new churches. Many of the rings in the town churches have also, as will be seen, been augmented in the number of their bells for change-ringing. It must not, however, be supposed that the Hertfordshire folk were altogether proof against the temptations of the times. Not to mention here the robbery of the bells of the chapel of Allswike and the unlawful sale of a bell belonging to Much Hadham — both in the reign of Henry VHI. — we find that several of the parish churches suffered in later times from the cupidity or neglect of those whose duty it was to protect and preserve the church property. Thus the second bell at Letchworth has disappeared, tradition being silent as to the how and when. At Hexton again — where the inventories note four great bells, and where the pits for five still exist — there are now only three to be found. Albury too having a bell cracked, it was removed from its frame and was afterwards stolen. The ancient churches of Ayot St. Laurence, Ayot St. Peter, and Bayford lost their old bells when new churches were built. Bovinedon lost two bells about a century ago, when they were probably removed to enrich the mother church of Hemel Hempstead. Several churches lost bells in an unexplained manner ; for instance, Bramfield, Caldecote, Long Marston, Throcking, and Newn- ham have each lost two — the last-mentioned parish within 4 The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. memory ; and Buckland, Bygrave, LItde Gaddesden, Lilley, Totteridge, and Wormley, one each. Gllston lost a bell — and there is no talk of its restoration — during the preparation of the work, for the not very good reason that it was of very thin metal and out of tune. Two bells at Flaunden, two at Pelham Stocking, and one at Wigginton were sold, apparently, in each case to raise money to pay for repairs ; but the most reprehensible transaction was that enacted by the Welwyn folk, who, having a ring of five bells sold them, in 1 746, in order to raise money to erect a turret, " or some other con- veniency," for the hanging up of a single large bell and a priest's bell, and those two are still all the bells they possess. Northaw has been unfortunate ; the church there lost, in some unexplained manner, two of its three Edwardian bells before the disastrous fire in 1881, when the third one was melted and also lost. The good people of Sandridge lost a bell, and cannot make up their minds whether their ancestors sold it to Wheathampstead or their neighbours at Hatfield stole it : the solution must be left to them, as no documentary evidence is forthcomingf. The dedications and legends of the fifty-two ancients may thus be classified. Five have reference to the Blessed Virgin : E.g. the 3rd at Ardeley, inscribed — the second at Hexton, which has — thc bell at Letchworth before mentioned, bearing — The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 5 An unhung bell at Barkway has a similar inscription, but in black letter, and correctly spelled, while the 2nd at Little Berkhampstead has the angelic salutation in full — + AVE MARIA GRACIA PLENA DOMINVS TECVM BENEDICTATV IN MVLIERIBVS Three bells (the 6th at Ardeley, the 5th at Kimpton, and the 4th at Little Munden) are inscribed with the not uncom- mon legend, " Sit Nomen DoxMINi Benedictum." The 3rd at Bushey has the suffrage — The 2nd at Bramfield bears the leonine hexameter — (STrisfus :]Perpcfitc :iS)ef :Elobts @?au6irt TTifre Both the ist and 2nd at Albury have a similar triple in- vocation for protection — :Eiioc .Stcjnum Heri^a !^pi X3Elaria ^I^oma Of dedications to Saints and Angels we have the following : To St. Katharine (a favourite Saint for bell-dedications — probably from the connection both of Saint and bell with a wheel) there are three — Pelham Furneaux 4th. Widford 3rd. Wyddial 2nd. Two are dedicated to St. Margaret — Little Hormead 2nd. Westmill 3rd. Two to St. Peter — Little Munden 2nd. Norton 2nd. 6 The CJmrch Bells of Hertfordshire. Two to the Archangel Gabriel — an appropriate dedication for a bell used to rino^ the " Anofelus " — Little Hadham 2nd. St. Albans clock bell. The Clock Tower bell at Hoddesdon is dedicated to St. Ann ; the sole remaining bell at Pelham Stocking to St. Vincent ; the Anstey tenor to St. George ; the 4th at Harpenden to the Archangel Michael ; and the treble at Wadesmill to St. John Baptist. While to purely English Saints we find dedications at Eastwick (the 2nd), to St. Augustine ; and Kimpton (4th), to St. Dunstan. The very common medieval inscription (somewhat mangled however) — %Xi xaEluIfis annis ^esonaf ©Tantpana lo^anes appears on the 3rd at Harpenden, in this case with the date 1 57 1, and thus a rather curious instance of " survival." The Elizabethan bells, as a rule, bear only the founder's name and the date ; the following are exceptions : the 2nd at Flaunden, which has — ©loria m ca-elcis ^co 1578 the 5th at Hemel Hempstead, which bears, without date — (att)5 afc 60 mini and the 5th at Braughing, bearing — 5eu5 iit a6iu(oriu mcu xw fcn6c and in addition the date 1562 and the initials I C — doubtless those of the founder, as will be seen later on in the detailed account of the bells. The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 7 The fourteenth century 4th at Westmill bears the name of its founder, William Rofforde. A bell (the ist) at Clothall has the most curious inscription in the county, viz. : — which may contain an allusion either to Saint or Founder, according as the predicate in the legend is translated, as will be mentioned later on. Two bells — Wyddial 3rd and Eastwick treble^bear stamps of devices only. Three — Clothall 2nd, Norton 3rd, and the sino-le bell at Newnham — have devices and letters, the latter in apparently meaningless combination. The earliest- dated bell in the county is the 5th at Braugh- ing above mentioned, of the year 1562 ; indeed, it seems to be the earliest-dated Elizabethan bell yet found, with one exception. The largest bells are the tenors at St. Albans Cathedral, at Baldock, Hitchin, Sawbridgeworth, and Tring. The most interesting — according to Mr. North — is the bell in the Clock Tower at St. Albans. I am not sure, however, that the palm in this respect is not to be given to the treble at Clothall, just named, from the singularly puzzling character of its inscription. With regard to the sources from which the Hertfordshire bells come, they are several. London, as might be expected, has supplied the majority, but by no means an insignificant number have been produced in the county itself. Reading and Bury St. Edmunds in pre-Reformation times, Colchester, Cambridge, Drayton Parslow (Bucks), St. Neots, Wootton, and Loughborough since then, have each contributed its quota, and a very fair proportion are the handiwork of itinerant The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. founders. It will now be our task to give a detailed description of the most interesting bells in the county, treating them, as far as is practicable, from a chronological point of view. Dealing, then, first with the pre- Reformation bells, which may be divided into two classes — first, those inscribed in Lombardic lettering, all of which may safely be reckoned as earlier in date than the year 1400, and secondly, those having their inscriptions in black letter — we shall pass thence to the Elizabethan bells, and so complete the account of the "ancients " now existing in the county. The seventeenth- century bells — of which, as already stated, there still remain 188 — will next be reviewed, and then — more briefly, as less interesting — the 449 bells of the last and present centuries. The " Lombardic " bells are nine in number, and while it is impossible to place these in due sequence of date, it is still possible, with some of them, to hazard a shrewd guess as to the time of their foundinof. First among these we would call attention to the 2nd at Little Berkhampstead, the inscription on which has been given above (p. 5). The initial Cross on this is Fig. i, _ which has not as yet been found elsewhere. [^^--^=:^s^=s;^=^ The lettering is well formed, but roughly stamped, about f in. high, and it occupies the whole length of the band, there being no stops between the words. It was, so far as can be surmised at present, the in- variable custom of early fourteenth-century founders to use a stop, consisting of two or three dots placed vertically between the words of the inscription, and in the later years of that century such stop developed into other and more varied The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 9 devices, as will be shown presently. Whether the entire absence of any stops on this bell denotes an earlier origin it is quite impossible to say, but it is at least possible. It remains to be remarked that, so far as regards shape, the bell is of the normal type, and that it is possible that the omission of stops is caused by the simple want of room to insert them. A pair — the 3rd at Ardeley and the single bell at Letch- worth — claim attention next : they are both inscribed, as has already been stated, to the Blessed Virgin. The letter- ing, small and elegant, is alike on both, and the initial cross of the same shape (Fig. 2), but not quite of the same size, the Letchworth cross being somewhat smaller than that on the Ardeley bell. This cross and lettering are well known ; and as they do not occur in either Kent, Surrey, or Sussex, nor, so far as has yet been ascertained, in Essex, they were probably the property of some founder in one of the Midland counties. Pjq 2. The " stop " on these is the usual early four- teenth century one of three vertical dots. The treble at Clothall is a singularly interesting bell. It bears the initial cross (Fig. 3) and the ^ mysterious legend — This cross and lettering were once the property of Richard Wymbish, well known Fig X. ^^ ^^ early fourteenth - century London bell-founder. A bell at Berechurch, Essex, lO The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. recast about eight years ago, but of which Mr. Tyssen has preserved a rubbing, had that founder's name upon it in these letters, and the same initial cross. The lettering passed later into the hands of another London founder — Robert Rider — (who died in 1386), as appears from the 3rd at Ridgewell, Essex. Whether the Clothall bell was cast by either of these is matter of doubt. So far as is at present known they both seem, as a rule, to have put their names on their bells ; and if, as Dr. Raven suggests, the word CAIIT stands for ^' cale- fecit,'' the bell may be the handiwork of some intermediate bell-founder whose name was John. This interpretation of the inscription seems to be the most likely one. The archaic Latin verb calo — calare, does not appear to have been used in medieval times, except in the past participle, calattts; and if it had been, one must surely credit the men of the time with sufficient knowledge of the Latin language not to have pro- duced an utterly ungrammatical sentence. It is possible that the inverted L may be intended as a mark of abbreviation. We have next to deal with a group of three bells — the 2nd at Hexton, the 4th at Westmill, and the 3rd at Wyddial — all of them bearing the same initial cross (Fig. 4). They are, however, probably not the work of the same founder. About the Westmill bell there can be no mistake, as it bears the name of its maker, William Rofforde. From the evidence adduced as to him in " Surrey Bells and London Bell Founders," page 36, it would seem that he was a London founder of about the Fig. 4. middle of the fourteenth century, and The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 1 1 the lettering used by him is engraved on Plate X. of that work.* The Hexton bell bears the inscription — in quite a different lettering, of simpler form, roughly impressed, and so apparently earlier in date. The bell at Wyddial has no lettering, but a series of devices only, so badly stamped in as to be almost illegible. They are six in number, and reckoning the cross (Fig. 4) as the ist, the 3rd, 4th, and 6th are identical, each apparently formed of four fleurs-de-lis in a circular stamp. The 2nd and 5th are even more illegible ; but a very careful examination proves them to be the portraits of Edward III. and his queen, Philippa (Figs. 5 and 6). These " royal heads " are well known, and evidently passed through the hands of many bell-founders. They are 1 found in Cambridgeshire, in connection with the cross (Fig. 2) ; while, as a proof of the long life of some of these founder's stamps, the head of Queen Philippa appears on a bell at Duffield, in Derbyshire, cast by Pledderley of Nottingham, as recendy as 17S6. Two more " Lombardic " bells remain to be noticed, cer- * There is apparently some connection between William Rofforde and the founder of the two bells at Letchworth and Ardeley just dealt with. Their alphabets differ in size consider ably — Rofforde's being \\ in. high, the other fin.; but the two are identical in shape and in the character of their ornamentation. One small piece of evidence tends to show that Rofforde got his letters from another man, and not in a perfect state. It is this — the S and T used by him on the Westmill bell do not belong to the same alphabet ; they are much thicker and coarser than the other letters. Fig. 5. P^IG. 6. 12 The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. tainly of later date than any of those mentioned. One is the 2nd at Little Hormead, inscribed in very elegant small letters — The cross is Fig. 7. ^^^^^__ It has not, I think, been engraved before. It occurs, with the same lettering, and the same wheel-like stop (Fig. 8), . on some bells in Essex. ' ^fer^rnrrT^iii^^-TTfrn^^ P Fig. 7. The stop also occurs on Fig. 8. a bell at Deopham, Norfolk, with the initial cross, afterwards used by William Ffounder (Fig. 17). There is, however, no reason for attributing- the Little Hormead bell to him. It was more likely the work of a predecessor, from whom the letter- ing came into his hands, as evidenced by its appearance on the 2nd at Bramfield. Last, comes the 5th bell at Kimpton. It bears the inscription — The cross (Fig. 9) is well known ; the stop is a fleur-de-lis (Fig. (^d). Bells from this foundry — the greater number of them with this same Fig. Fig. 9^. The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 13 inscription — are found all over the South of England. There is no doubt they are of London make, and no one is more likely to have been the founder of them than William Burford, belleyetere, whose will, dated and enrolled in 1390, is printed at length in " Surrey Bells and London Bell Founders," page 38. All the London bell-founders before him style themselves "potter" or "brazier," indicating that bell-casting formed only a portion of their business. He is the first to call himself "belleyetere" pur et simple; and as from his will he was evidently a wealthy man, he must have had a large business. When one finds, then, a large number of bells all over the South of England, evidently of this date, the inference naturally follows that they must be his. There is indeed no one else to whom they can at all be referred. The bells by William Efounder, his partial cotemporary, are readily distinguishable : crosses^ stops, and lettering all alike differ. We pass now to those black-letter bells which are of un- doubted pre- Reformation times ; London, Reading, and Bury St. Edmunds being the places from which all but one have come. They number twenty-two in all ; and it is not difficult with most of them to determine their founders and their approximate date. The first, however, to be noticed is one which it is impossible to refer to any known founder or town. It is almost certainly the work of a country bell-maker ; and, from the fact of its having, what is most unusual with black-letter bells, a stop between the words, it is probably of quite early fifteenth century date. The bell alluded to is the 3rd at Little Hadham. Its inscription — + Hancfa -1- gabict -i- ora pro -i- nobis H The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. is very rough in character, and, as will be seen, ill-spelt and unoframmatical. The initial cross (Fig. lo) is also used for two of the stops ; it does not appear to have been en- graved before. The cross, which is used for the stop before " ora," is too dilapi- dated to be clearly made out. The sole representative in the county from Bury St. Edmunds is a bell at Bark- way, unhung, and lying on the belfry floor. It would Fig. io. seem to have been formerly a sanctus or angelus bell, more probably the latter, as it bears the angelic salutation — + J5-Ue X3Elaria S)racia ^lenu the capital G and final a of Plena being upside down. It bears in addition, thrice repeated on the crown, the well-known "Bury Shield" (Fig. ii). The name of the original possessor of this foundry mark, whose initials were H S, has not yet come to light. It is evident, however, from the Cannon and Cannon Ball on the Shield, that he cannot be placed earlier than about 1450, when cast ordnance were introduced into the country. His successor, Reignold Church, who died 1498, appears, Fig. 1 1. The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 15 from the extracts from the Churchwardens' accounts of Bishop Stortford (for the publication of which antiquaries owe a heavy debt of gratitude to Mr. J. L. Glasscock, jun.), to have been doing some bell-work for that town in 1489 and 1495. Whether the Barkway bell is by him, or by the mysterious H S, is matter of doubt. Two bells from the Reading foundries remain next to be mentioned, to leave us free to describe the eiehteen whose undoubted place of origin was the Metropolis. Of the two, one is doubtful in point of date ; but the other, having the founder's initials, can be fitted with fair exactitude. Fig. 12. Fig. 13- The first, which is probably the earlier bell of the two, is the 3rd at Bushey. Its inscription, precatory to the Blessed Trinity, has already been given at page 5. It bears in addition the Crowned Cross (Fig. 12), the Lion's Head Stamp (Fig. 13), and the " R L" Shield (Fig. 14). i6 The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. Fig. 14. Mr. Tyssen, in his " Church Bells of Sussex," has given ample details — all in fact accessible — of the foundries existing at Reading, both in pre- and post- Reformation times. He shows conclusively that at least two bell-foundries existed there side by side for many generations ; but the original owner of the R L Shield is still unknown, and no bell-founder with a name thus initialled can be traced at Reading. It is, however, more than probable, from this stamp being occasionally found in combination with one bearing the arms of the See of Win- chester, that it was originally the property of some Winchester founder, and that it passed by sale after death and conse- quent discontinuance to one of the Reading foundries. Nothing renders the work of campanists more puzzling than the way in which these stamps passed from hand to hand, and from place to place, oftentimes far removed by distance from one another. The lettering on this bell is bold, large, well-formed black- letter, with handsome crowned capitals. These last have The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 17 been engraved on Plate XII. of "Surrey Bells," from an old bell at Chertsey, Surrey, formerly in the abbey there. The other Reading bell is the 4th at Kimpton, inscribed — sane I fe | 6Dtt | sfane and in addition, the medallion with the arms of the See of Winchester just mentioned (Fig. 15), and on the waist the R L shield (Fig. 14), with the founder's initials (I S) on either side ; the stop is Fig. 16. The initials are quite conclusive as to the authorship of this bell. John Saunders was casting at Reading just about the time of the Reformation — viz., 1539 to 1559— and ^^^- ^5- this bell may safely be Fig. 16. attributed to him. Entries in the books of the Founders' Company show that for the last few years of his life he was also casting in London. In the year 1554-55 occurs the entry: R'* for admytting John Saunders, Straynger xij'i „ „ Gylbert Smythe, his S'ant xij'^ and in the annual entries of " quarterage " payments his name occurs for the three following years. In 1557-58 he appears to have been admitted to the " Livery " of the Guild, the entrance fine of xiij^ iiij*^ being duly recorded, and then his name disappears altogether; in the 1559 list only Gylbert Smythe being entered as a "Journeyman Stranger." Saunders died intestate at Reading, in the year 1558-59. The Kimpton bell is, however, no doubt a Reading produc- D i8 The Church Bells of HertfordshiJ'e. tion ; the lettering Is large, coarse black-letter, without capitals. There is a bell at Goring, Oxon, inscribed to St. Blaise, in the same lettering, but guiltless of foundry stamp, cross, or initial. We come now to the London-made bells, eighteen in number. And first among these, as earliest in date, comes the 2nd at Bramfield, bearing the foundry stamp (Fig. 17) of the well-known William Founder, repeated three times on the crown of the bell, and not, as usual with him, used as a stop between the words. This is sufficient, I think, to stamp it as quite early in the fifteenth century. The Fig. 17. bell bears in addition to his usual initial cross (Fig. 18) the inscription — The capitals are very small, altogether out of proportion with the " smalls," being in fact the same as are found on the Little Hormead 2nd, described above. This founder has been for many years a stumbling block to campanists. His surname was at one time some- what rashly assumed to have been Underbill; but although that theory is now exploded, no new one has been adopted in its place.* We are not, however, without a clue as to his date. Evidence Fig * Since the above was written I have come across some evidence which leads me to beheve him to lie identical with one William Dawe Founder, whom I fmd as a witness to a deed dated i6 Ric. II. The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 19 ^ which has been brought forward in "Surrey Bells" is tolerably- conclusive that he was casting from 1385 to 1408 ; and this agrees well with the character of the inscriptions used by him — sometimes in Lombardic, sometimes in black-letter, and generally with a stop between the words — which clearly shows that he must have lived about the year 1400, when black-letter inscriptions were coming into use among bell-founders, and the use of stops was consequently coming to an end. Connected with this last-mentioned bell, is the sole remain- ing one at Pelham Stocking. The initial cross is the same, and so is the lettering, but it does not bear the circular foundry stamp, and so cannot be certainly attributed to William Founder. It has the rather curious inscription — indicative of its having been recast, and of the medieval belief in the power of bells to drive away evil spirits — "y^^inccttcius ^cboat '^i ©Tuncia !Elo;eia ^iJoHat It has also on the crown three shields, charged with a chevron between three laverpots, pos- sibly the device of the " Guild of the Belle-makers," which is known to have existed in Lon- don during the first quarter of the fifteenth century, but about which, unfortunately, at present nothing can be found, except the bare record of its existence. It was probably a religious guild, and of brief continuance. The 2nd at Wyddial, dedi- FiG. 18^. 20 The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. cated to St. Katherine, has the same initial cross (Fig. 9) as the 5th at Kimpton ; and the capital letters are the same. If the theory which ascribes this latter bell to William Burford be tenable, we may fairly put the Wyddial bell (later in date, be it remembered, as being- a "black-letter" bell) to his son, Robert Burford, who succeeded to his business, and whose date is 1392- 14 18. His will, dated and proved in the latter year, will be found printed at length in " Surrey Bells." Next comes a group of seven bells, evidently allied by their all having the same initial cross (Fig. 19). These again must be subdivided into two lots, the first of which — Eastwick 2nd, Harpenden 4th, Westmill 3rd, and Widford 3rd — bear also the foundry stamp (Fig. 20). The other three bells — viz., the 2nd Fig. 19. and 4th at Little Munden, and the Wadesmill treble — bear the Fig. 20. Fig. 20a. Fig. 21. royal arms (Fig. 200), adopted in the year 1413; and they bear also the well-known floral stamp (Fig. 21). On the 2nd The CJmrch Bells of Hertfordshire. 2 1 at Little Munden are also to be found the initials D I, which, from comparison with other similarly inscribed bells in Cam- bridgeshire, Bedfordshire, and Essex, we know to be meant for I D, and without doubt to be Founder's initials. The capitals on all these bells are alike, except at Harpenden, which has much larger ones than the others, and they are crowned. The legend on this bell is — Tlinfonaf ^c (Mclis 'yTox ^ampawa XTlicl^acIis The 4th at Little Munden has — jgif ^omen Domini ;i3cnc5icfum The Eastwick 2nd is inscribed — The other four bells have dedications to various saints. The black-letter minuscules on five of the bells of this group are alike ; those on the 2nd at Little Munden and the Wadesmill treble being also alike, but smaller than those on the other five. The question then arises, Can these seven be ascribed to any one founder ? and if so, to whom } A possible answer lies in the following remarks : — In the year 1458-60, one Danyell, a founder of London, was employed in recasting some of the bells at King's College, Cambridge. One of these bells apparently remained until the ring was sacrilegiously sold in 1754. It bore the cross (Fig. 19), the royal arms (crowned), and the initials I D. This would seem very strong evidence as to the paternity of the three bells belonging to the second sub-group mentioned above. Danyell (whose Christian name we may fairly assume to have been John, the most common baptismal name of the period) evidently, after 22 The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. having cast some bells for the lately founded Royal College, considered himself entitled to place the royal arms on bells cast for other churches by him. Tradesmen of the present day, as the daily papers have just shown us, are of a similar mind. With regard to the first sub-group, it is to be noticed that the foundry mark (Fig. 20) only bears a single initial J. In those days a man was essentially known by his baptismal name ; for he might have more than one surname, derived from his father, from his place of birth, or place of abode, or from his trade {e.g., William Founder, whose patronymic was probably Dawe). The initial J, then, stands for the founder's Christian name ; and is it not extremely probable that this foundry stamp (Fig. 20) is John Danyell's trade-mark before he took to'casting "royal" bells, and was probably abandoned by him afterwards .'^* Another bell, the 2nd at Norton, in- scribed to St. Peter, has the same capital letters as have been above attributed to the two Burfords, but in this instance they are crowned. It has the initial cross (Fig. 22) and the foundry stamp (Fig. 23), with the lozenge-shaped Fig. 23. * Evidence which has reached me since the above was written makes rather strongly against my theory here. The capitals used on all these bells were once the property of William Founder, and I think it will turn out that Fig. 20 is the trade stamp of some intermediate bell-founder, between the said William and Danyell. I have not, however, had time to follow up the clue, and therefore leave the text unaltered. Fig. 2 2. The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 23 cross above it. It has been attempted in " Surrey Bells" to show that this shield, known to campanists as the "Cross and Ring" shield, was the trade-mark of Richard Hille, founder, of London, 1420- 1440, and that the shield with the lozenge- shaped stamp above was that of his widow, Johanna, who, as we know from the town records of Faversham, in Kent, con- tinued the foundry after his death. If the theory there advanced be sound, we have here one of that notable woman's performances. Notable indeed ; for after the death of her second husband, one Sturdy, she undauntedly went on with the business for a second time ; and bells with her initials (I S) are not at all uncommon in the Home counties. This Norton bell, now under review, is especially interest- ing, as having on its crown the symbols of the four Evangelists (Figs. 24 to 27). Fig. 24. Fig. 25. These occur elsewhere, on bells in Cambridgeshire, Lincoln, and Suffolk ; but in these instances on bells which have a different and later foundry stamp, the property of a bell- founder, whose surname was probably Kebyll or Kebell. 24 The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. Fig. 26. Fig. 27. The next three bells to come under notice are from the foundry of Richard Hille's son-in-law, Henry Jordeyn or Jordan. He was the son of Giles Jordan, a native of Lough- borough In Leicestershire, who went up to London to seek his fortune, and became there a member of the great Company of Fishmongers ; but although free of that guild, he appears to have followed the trade of a founder. Henry, his son, became also by patrimony a member of the Fishmongers' Company. His bells exist in abundance, and he accumulated a goodly estate, all of which at his death, in 1468-70, he left by will to the Company of which he was a member, in trust for certain pious and charitable uses. He left an only son — named like himself Henry — who had embraced the monastic life, but who appears, from the way in which he is mentioned in a codicil to the will, to have been not quite so pious and exemplary a character as he should have been. The three of Jordan's bells in Herts are the ist and 2nd at Albury, and the tenor at Ardeley. The two former ones are similarly inscribed (an unusual incident) — The CJmrch Bells of Hertfordshire. 25 On the second bell the g in 'Signum is accidentally omitted. The capitals on these are large, well-formed, plain flat letters. The Ardeley bell has initial letters of a much more hand- some type — equally large, but ornamented and crowned, the same as those which appear on Danyell's bell at Harpenden, above mentioned. The inscription on this is — All these bells bear in addition the stamps, Figs. 28, 29, Fig. 28. Fig. 29. Fig. 30. 26 The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. Of these Fig. 28 was probably not originally Jordan's, as it is found on bells that do not bear his foundry stamp (Fig. 30), which shows clearly his connection with the Fishmongers' Company in the Dolphin and Crossed Keys, his occupation in the Bell and Laverpot ; while the "garb" or wheatsheaf is part of his ancestral armorial bearings, as evidenced by coats of arms once existing on Giles Jordan's brass in Lough- borough Church. The crowned capital letters used by him on the Ardeley bell (and before him by John Danyell) passed — whether directly or not is doubtful — into the hands of a bell-founder whose initials were T B, and whom Mr. Tyssen, with the greatest probability, shows to have been one Thomas Bullis- don, who was certainly casting bells in London in 15 10. From this maker we have two bells in Herts, both bearing his foundry stamp (Fig. 31), viz. : the 6th (tenor) at Anstey, and the bell in the Clock Tower at Hoddesdon, which was formerly in the chapel of St. Katharine in that town. Of these the Anstey bell is inscribed, with Henry Jordan's capi- tals as above mentioned — ^ancfc C5corgc be seen that, so far as regards the lettering, there is no sense to be made of the inscriptions. Had the L W been repeated on the two last bells, one would have been tempted to ascribe them to Lawrence Wright, bell-founder, of London, who was employed in 1587 to recast a bell at St. Michael's Church, Cornhill ; but as it is, it would seem more probable that they were the work of an itinerant. We pass now from the sixteenth to the seventeenth century ; and the first bell to notice is one which in strictness belonofs to the group of Elizabethan bells, its date being 1601. It is the 3rd at Eastwick, and the inscription is very indistinct, The CImrch Bells of Hertfoj^dshire. 2)1 and needed the very careful examination of a practised eye to determine it. It proves to be — go^n §Iarke ^Kabc f I^is Bell This maker's bells are found also in the counties of Sussex, Kent, Essex, Bedfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. This would seem to point him out as a London founder, itinerating largely, probably the John Clarke who was baptized at Datchworth in 1575, and son or grandson of the Clarke who certified the weight of some bells in Herts, as before detailed. In dealing with the other bells of the seventeenth century — of which, it will be recollected, there are no less than 188 — it will be most convenient to take first three foundries, the pro- ductions of which comprise about two-thirds of the whole number. The three are those belonging to Robert Oldfeild ; the Chandler family, of Drayton Parslow (Bucks); and the celebrated Colchester founders. Miles Graye, father and son of the same name ; and of these Robert Oldfeild, who has some claim to be regarded as a Hertfordshire founder, shall have the first notice. His dates range from 1605 to 1638. In the " Church Bells of Bedfordshire," Mr. North states that he "was doubt- less connected with the Nottingham founders of that name." The connection, however, has not been absolutely made out ; and it is noteworthy that, according to the records of the Founders' Company, there were about this period two men of this surname on their books — Rowland and Hugh. There had been also, about the time of the Reformation, a bell- founder at Canterbury, of the name of William Oldfield. As with his descent, so with his place of abode : it is as yet matter of doubt. He was certainly living at Hert- ford in 1638. This we know from the churchwardens' accounts 38 The Church Bells of Hcrlfordshzre. of Shillington, Beds, for which place he cast In that year the treble, still hanging in the church ; but whether he was simply there on a journey, or had been permanently located there, is not known. Researches at Somerset House have failed to produce his will ; and local researches among the Hertford parish registers show no trace of him. There are forty-six bells by him still in Hertfordshire, and two more are known of, which have been recast. He uses ordinary Roman type for his lettering ; and his bells, with four exceptions, bear his foundry stamp (Fig. 38). He makes use also, almost invariably, of an initial cross, one or other of the three here figured (Nos. 39, 40, and 41). Fig. 39. Fig. 40. Fig. 41 The 3rd at Stanstead Abbots, dated 1605, is probably his earliest production. This bears his name in full as the maker The CJm7'ch Dells of Hertfordshire. 39 (but no foundry shield), and a fleur-de-lis stop between the words, which is not found on any other of his bells. 7'hree of them, however — the treble at Broxbourne, the 7th at Hemel Hempstead, and the 7th at Tring — have a stop of floral device. His favourite inscription is — PRAISE THE LORD no less than nineteen bells bearing it in several varieties of spelling. They are : — Albury treble, Great Amwell 2nd, Ardeley 5th, Bengeo 2nd (recast), Broxbourne 4th, Caldecote single, Digswell 2nd, Little Hadham 4th, Harpenden 2nd and 5th, Hemel Hempstead 4th, Great Munden 3rd, Pirton 5th, Saint Ippolyts treble, Shenley 3rd, Tring 6th, Wadesmill 3rd, Widford 4th, and Great Wymondley treble. GOD SAVE THE (or OVR) KING appears on eleven bells : Anstey 5th, Broxbourne 2nd, Digs- well 3rd, Hunsdon 2nd, Great Munden 4th, Reed 3rd, Saint Ippolyts 3rd, Stanstead Abbots 2nd, Thorley 3rd, Tring 5th, and Widford 2nd. Seven — viz., the trebles at Broxbourne, Graveley, Hunsdon, and Offley, the 3rd at Gilston, and the 2nd at Great Munden and Wadesmill — bear the pious ejaculation — lESVS BE OVR SPEDE Four' — Little Berkhampstead 3rd, and three bells at Kimpton (the ist, 3rd, and 6th) — bear the names of donors or churchwardens. GOD SAVE HIS CHVRCH appears on one bell only — the 3rd at Albury. 40 TJie Church Bells of Hertfordshire. Of Latin inscriptions used by him there are two. The first — SONORO SONO MEO SONO DEO occurs on three — the 4th at Anstey, the 5th at Great Munden, and the 7th at Tring. The other more elaborate one — SANA MANET CHRISTI PLEBISQVE RELIGIO VANA is found on one bell only — the 7th at Hemel Hempstead. It was also formerly on the 6th at Great Munden, since recast. As regards dates, his bells are spread fairly evenly over his epoch, 1605 to 1638; and, allowing for the many that must have been recast since his day, we may conclude that he had a steady and profitable business. No doubt he, in common with all the country bell-founders of his time, did a good deal of itinerant work — setting up his furnaces and casting bells where needed on the spot ; but, from the fact of there being far more of his bells in this county than in any other, he may fairly be claimed as a Hertfordshire founder, and it is only to be hoped that researches among parish and other archives will confirm this, and bring to light his place of abode, whether Hertford (as seems most likely) or elsewhere. We now come to a group of forty bells, cast by one or other members of the family of Graye, of Colchester, and ranging in date from 161 5 to 1666. The first bell-founder at Col- chester is stated to have been Richard Bowler, whose dates run from 1583 to 1620; and Miles Graye the elder is believed to have learned his craft from him. This seems probable enough; but as their dates overlap for twenty years (Graye's earliest being 1 601), the connection was probably severed early ; Miles — later to be known as "Colchester Graye" — starting casting The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 41 on his own account soon after finishing his apprenticeship. He soon showed that he had not learned his lesson badly, that he was emphatically master of his craft, and for the best part of half a century he held the pride of place all over the Eastern Counties. So far-spread was his reputation that the tenor bell of the church of St. Nicholas, Newcastle-on-Tyne, was sent all the way to Colchester to be recast by him. He died in 1649, advanced in years, his end not improbably hastened by the privations which he, in common with his fellow-townsmen, had borne during the memorable siege of 1648. There are five-and-twenty bells in Hertfordshire which bear his name, inscribed in square, sturdy, well-formed Roman type, most generally large-sized, though a smaller alphabet is also occasionally found. They are : the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th at Aston, the 5th at Bennington, the 6th and tenor at Braughing, treble and 2nd at Cheshunt, the three largest of the ring at Great Hormead, the 2nd, 4th, and tenor at Kelshall. These last three are of the year 1642 — his latest date in Hertford- shire, as the Braughing 6th (161 5) is his earliest. Further, we have the treble at Little Munden, treble, 2nd, and 4th at Pelham Brent, 5th at Pelham Furneaux, the tenor at Sandon, Nos. 2 and 4 at Standon, No. 2 at Therfield, the 5th at West- mill, and the 3rd at Weston. Of these, the 4th at Great Hormead, dated 1626, bears also the name of William Har- bert, who was, in and about the years 1626 to 1628, foreman or temporary partner with Miles Graye. The 4th at Braugh- ing, dated in the last-named year, bears William Harbert's name alone, but in Graye's letters. Old "Colchester" Graye's will is dated 17th May, 1649, and was proved on the 23rd June of the same year. With G 42 The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. the exception of some small bequests to his sons, Miles and James, and his daughters, Ann Darbye and Mary Starlinge, he leaves everything, including trade implements, to his wife, Dorothy. How long she survived him is unknown ; but his son, Miles Graye the younger, was casting bells in the follow- ing year, and putting his own name on them, which looks as if the business had then entirely passed to him. There are only eight bells by Miles Graye the younger in Hertfordshire, and six of these are dated 1650 and 1651. They are Baldock 5th, Cottered 4th and 5th, Hinxworth 2nd and 3rd, and the 4th at Ickleford. These places all lie pretty handy to one another, and it would seem very likely that they were cast on a flying visit to Hertfordshire. The other two are the 7th at Braughing, dated 1653, and the 3rd at Therfield, dated 1656. There were probably many more of his once hanging (but which have been recast during the last and present centuries), for his work was not finished for another thirty years. He died in 1686, his will being dated on the 9th June of that year, and proved within a few days afterwards by his widow, Elizabeth, his executrix, and, with the exception of small pecuniary legacies to his children, his universal devisee. Six bells in the county : the ist and 2nd at Buckland, the Measden treble, 2nd and 3rd at Willian, and the 4th at Wyddial, are by one Christopher Graye, who was probably a member of this family, although the actual connection has not yet come to light. He was eminently peripatetic, setting up his furnaces, as Dr. Raven has found out, at one time as far off as Staffordshire ; at another at Ampthill in Beds ; finally, it would seem, settling down at Haddenham. His work is far inferior to that of his two namesakes. The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 43 The group of seventeenth-century bells from the foundry of the Chandler family at Drayton Parslow in Buckinghamshire yet remains to be noticed; but as it really stretches into the next century it will be more convenient to leave it for the present and deal with the few other remaining bells of Caroline times whose makers are known. Of these the first to be noticed is one of the latest in point of date — the 2nd at Ashwell, dated 1694, by Charles Newman, the successor of Christopher Graye, and like him ver^^ much itinerant. All that is known about him is detailed very fully in Dr. Raven's " Church Bells of Cambridgeshire." Two bells, the ist and 2nd at Bushey, are from the well- known foundry of the Eldridges, at Chertsey, in Surrey. They are by William Eldridge the elder, and dated 1664. There is a full account of this foundry, which existed for nearly a century, in " Surrey Bells and London Bell Founders." Bells from the London foundries come next to be mentioned. Of these, during the seventeenth century, there are several — twelve from the well-known Whitechapel foundry, and just half that number from the rival establishment of the Hodsons. Early City records prove conclusively that in the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries the bell-founding trade was confined exclusively to the extreme east of the City — Aldgate Ward inside the walls, and Portsoken outside them. At what date it spread to the country parish of St. Mary Matfellon is unknown; but in or about 1570 we find Robert Mot located there. Who he was, and where he learned his trade, is un- certain. The name, however, is a Kentish one, and indications are not wanting that he was a native of Canterbury, and the son of one John Mott, who, at the time of the Reformation, did a good stroke of business in that city, buying up bell- 44 l^^i'^ Chu7'ch Bells of Hertfordshire. metal, organ-pipes, old latten, etc., etc., the plunder of the monasteries and churches. If this be the case, Robert Mot may not improbably have " served his time " to, and learned his trade from, William Oldfield, of Canterbury, bell-founder, who was casting before and during the Reformation period, some of whose bells are still hanging in Kentish churches. Robert Mot, from the large number of his bells still existing, must have had an extensive business. There were other bell- founders in London at the period, but the Whitechape] foundry evidently had the pre-eminence. There are none of his bells now in Hertfordshire, but two were there until recently — they were at Elstree — and were handed over to Messrs. Warner and Sons in 1879 in part payment for the new ring cast by them for that church. Their date was 1589. In 1606, Mot sold the business to Joseph Carter, of Reading, who sent his son William to London to manage it. The 3rd bell at Ridge is by this William, bearing the date 161 3 and the maker's name In large handsome Lombardic letters. The stamps for these letters — evidently part of the trade plant handed over by Mot, for they were used by him, although very rarely — were originally the property of the Braziers, of Nor- wich, bell-founders in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. They have been so often engraved that their reproduction here Is deemed superfluous. William Carter Is the last who used them, as they were probably worn out, and his successors, the Bartletts, three generations of whom carried on the foundry, use plain Roman capitals exclusively. The three of these Bartletts — Thomas, Anthony, and James — spread over the remainder of the century from William Carter's death in or about 1619. Thomas has four examples in the county — they are the The CImrch Bells of Hertfordshire. 45 2nd at Shenley, and the 5th at Offley, which both bear — GOD BE MY GOOD SPEED (the spelling on the Shenley bell being- somewhat more archaic), and the 2nd and 4th at Offley, which have only the churchwardens' and founder's names. These bells bear dates from 1 616 to 1619, and as the foundry, according to Mr. Tyssen, did not come into Thomas Bartlett's hands until this last mentioned year, it would seem probable that these four bells were moulded by him while he was still foreman to William Carter. Anthony Bartlett succeeded his father Thomas in 1647. Three only of his bells now hang in the county : the 4th and tenor at Hunsdon and the 2nd at Gilston. Anthony died in 1676, and was succeeded by his son, James Bartlett, who carried it on for almost exactly the remainder of the century, dying in January, 1701. The 2nd at Ardeley, 4th at Cheshunt, 3rd at Sacomb, and the priest's bell at Barkway are by him. The rival foundry in London during the middle of this century was that of the Hodsons — John and Christopher. Its site has not been ascertained. They, like their rivals, had a large business, their connection apparently lying in the south and east ; Kent especially has many of their bells still hanging in its steeples. There are none of Christopher's works in Herts, but of John's we have the following examples : the 5th at Broxbourne, the 2nd at Much Hadham, two at Hertingfordbury — the 4th, inscribed — O PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS GOODNES AND DECLARE HIS W 1656 and the 5th, or tenor, which has, with the same date — ICEPE DVLCE SEQVAR W. WHITMORE FOR JOHN HVDSON 46 The Chtirch Bells of Hertfordshire. Whitmore's name or initials appear on bells in other counties, he being evidently at the time John Hodson's foreman. His initials, without, however, any mention of Hodson's name, appear on the 2nd at Bovingdon, dated 1654, which we may also fairly ascribe to this foundry. Then comes the 3rd at Pelham Furneaux, dated 1662, with the initials of a fresh foreman, W H, standing for William Hull, who served more than one founder in this capacity. A full, true, and particular account of him will be found in Mr. Tyssen's " Church Bells of Sussex." To John Hodson also may fairly be ascribed the 3rd at King's Langley. It bears no founder's name, but the date (1657) and the lettering are strong evidence in favour of this — not, however, absolutely conclusive, as the lettering used by all founders at this date is very similar. William and Philip Wightman were also London founders of the latter half of the seventeenth century, and appear to have been successors of the Hodsons, although the connection has not been quite made out. At Thorley the ist and 2nd are by William Wightman, dated 1682 ; the treble at Ther- field bears the names of both, and the date 1689 ; while the 5th at Little Hadham, dated 1693, has Philip's name alone. At St. Albans Cathedral, too, there are four bells by this last, all dated in the same year, 1699. The closeness of the dates on these two men's bells points to the two being brothers rather than father and son. From the Reading foundry, belonging to various successive members of the Knight family all through this century, we have three bells in Hertfordshire. Their sixteenth-century bells have already been noticed on page 34. Henry Knight cast the 2nd at Sarratt in 1606 ; it bears his name, and the Maltese Cross used by his predecessors. The CJnirch Bells of Hertfordshire. 47 The 3rd at Tring, with the curious legend — OVl PART OF THIS BELL WAS GIVEEN BY MANI MEN bears the date 1636, which, with the somewhat pecuHar shaped letters, clearly indicates it to be the work of Ellis Knight, whose dates are 1623 to 1642, The oddly shaped I which he used has drawn Mr. Cussans into a strange error. In his history of Herts he gives the last two words of the inscription " MANX MEN." The last of this family who cast bells at Reading was Samuel Knight. He migrated to London in the early years of the eighteenth century, and the bells cast by him there will be duly noticed later on. The only specimen of his seventeenth- century work at Reading is the 4th at Knebworth, with the date 1697. It does not bear his name, but the lettering is that used by him. Four bells (Nos. i to 4) at Layston, dated 1633, bearing the names of vicar and churchwardens, are rather difficult to place. The lettering is certainly not that used by any bell- founder yet mentioned, and it is not improbable they were the work of John Clifton, a London founder, who would seem to have learned his trade at the Whitechapel foundry. I know of no one else to whom to ascribe them — the letteringf, so far as I know, is unique. We now come to the bells from the foundry of the Chandlers at Drayton Parslovv, Bucks, completing the seventeenth cen- tury and linking it with the eighteenth. They are fifty-six in number, and range in date from 1651 to 1723. The foundry at Drayton Parslow stood on ground at the back of the " Three Horse Shoes " inn, now used as a garden and paddock. Founder's debris have been dug up on the site. 48 The CJmrch Bells of Hertfordshire. The first of the family to cast there was Richard Chandler, the son of Anthonie Chandler, blacksmith. Richard was born in 1602, married in 1622, and died in 1638. Where he learned the craft is unknown, but it was probably at Leicester, nor is it as yet clear in what year he began bell-founding ; we must wait for that information until the bells of his native county are taken in hand by some one competent to the task. His earliest (and only) specimen in Bedfordshire is dated only two years before his death. There are none of his bells in Hertfordshire. After his death, his only son Anthony, born in 1622, carried on the business, probably during his nonage with the assistance of a foreman, if indeed any bells at all were cast during this period, which at present seems doubtful. His earliest date in Hertfordshire is 1651 ; but as it is found on four bells out of a ring of five — probably at the time the entire peal — it is in the highest degree likely that he had been founding for some years previously. The bells referred to are the ist, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at Berkhampstead Northchurch. Others by him are the 2nd at Aldbury, and 3rd at Puttenham, dated 1655 and 1656 respectively. The Restoration seems to have brought him, as indeed might well be expected, a tolerable influx of business. In 1662 he cast four bells for Great Gaddesden, and one for Bovingdon in the following year; in 1664 no less than five out of the peal of six at Flamstead ; and in 1665 the ist, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th at St. Paul's Walden. All these bells are in- scribed "Chandler made me." His later examples — for instance, the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th at Datchworth, and the 4th at Tewin — have his name in full ; the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th at the last-named church bearing initials "AC" only. These last eight bells are all dated in 1673. The date of his death TJie Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 49 is a little doubtful, but it was most probably in January, 1681. He was succeeded in the business by his two elder sons^ Richard (born 1650) and George (born 1654). Richard indeed appears to have been moulding before his father's death, as we have his name on the 3rd bell at Ickleford, with the date 1680. The other bells by him are : the 3rd, 5th, and 6th at Essendon (1681), the tenor at Weston (1682), the 3rd at Aldbury (1683), and the 2nd and 4th at Essendon (1685). George Chandler's bells are the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th at Aspenden, dated 1681 (the 7th has since been recast); the 2nd and 3rd at Wotton (1682) ; Aldenham tenor, dated 1683 ; and 2nd at Lilley, dated 1704. Bells "by the firm," inscribed " Chandler made me," are the 3rd at Hemel Hempstead and the 3rd at Hexton (both dated 1688), the tenor at Tring (1695), and the treble at Hexton (1697). Richard died on one of the last days of the year 1704 ; his brother George surviving until 1725. The only bell, how- ever, in Herts bearing George's name in this latter period is the tenor at Kensworth, dated 171 7. All the other bells from the foundry bear " Chandler " alone. They are : the ist, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the last-named church- — Kensworth, the treble at Puttenham, 3rd at Sarratt, and the 5th at Great Gaddesden. This seems to indicate the presence in the business of another Richard Chandler, whose name occurs, with the date 1723, on a bell at Hulcote, in Bedfordshire. Whose son he was is not known ; nor do we know precisely the date when the foundry passed, as it certainly did, into the hands of Edward Hall. There are only two bells by this last-named founder in Herts — the 2nd and 3rd at Knebworth, dated 1730 and 1732 respectively. He was apparently un- successful, his business being doubtless killed by the competi- H 50 The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. tion of the great London foundries. He died in 1755, and is described in the parish registers as "a poor bell-founder." We are now fairly entered upon the eighteenth century, the bells of which, as of less antiquarian interest, may be more briefly dismissed, those which we owe to the celebrated Hert- fordshire bell-founder, John Briant, always excepted. We will leave his productions till last. At the close of the seventeenth century, the Whitechapel foundry was in the hands of James Bartlett, and on his death in 1 70 1 it passed, probably by purchase, to Richard Phelps, under whose skilful management it soon obtained the high reputation which it has ever since borne. The mania for change ringing, which seems to have reached its zenith about this time, inducing so many parsons and churchwardens to convert their peals of three or four heavy bells into lighter rings of five or six or even eight, must have conduced largely to the profit of Richard Phelps and his contemporaries in the craft. Hertfordshire is not so well represented, as regards Phelps, as the other home counties ; it has only twenty-three as against sixty-seven in Surrey. No doubt, however, many by him formerly existed, but have been since recast. The twenty- three include only one entire peal, that of six at Wheathamp- stead. F'ive at Abbots Langley (Nos. i to 5) ; four at St. Peter's church, St. Albans ; three each at Aspenden and Ware, and odd bells at King's Langley and Shenley, complete his specimens. His dates, so far as Herts is concerned, range from 1 71 7 to 1736; he was, however, founding from 1700 to 1738. He was succeeded after his death, in the last-named year, by his foreman, Thomas Lester, who during his career in sole The CJiiirch Bells of He7'lfordshire. 51 occupation of the foundry, 1738 to 1752, sent sixteen bells into the county, including two whole rings, one of eight at Watford, and one of six at Royston (one bell in each has, however, been since recast), the 2nd at Hertingfordbury, and the 3rd at Sawbridge worth. In 1752, Lester took into partnership Thomas Pack, who had probably been his foreman, and the firm became " Lester and Pack." Specimens of their work are fairly abundant in Herts : the entire peal at Rickmansworth, eight in number, is theirs ; three bells, including the tenor, at Hemel Hemp- stead ; and eleven other examples at other places make up their tale. Dates range from 1752 to 1767. In 1769, William Chapman, Lester's nephew, was added to the firm, which then became, for a short period, " Lester, Pack, and Chapman." None of their bells, however, reached Hertfordshire, and Lester dying in December of that year, the firm became " Pack and Chapman " only. At Essendon, however, the treble bell, cast in 1769, bears the name of Thomas Pack only, and is, so far as is known, unique in that respect. Pack and Chapman's examples are fifteen in number, and include the then entire peal of eight at All Saints, Hert- ford, two trebles having since been added to the ring. The remaining seven bells are at various churches in the county. Pack died in 1781, and William Mears became a partner a few years later, and the business eventually passed entirely into the hands of him and his descendants. As, however, there are no bells in the county by any of them until the nineteenth century came in, we will pass now to the consideration of the other eighteenth-century founders. Samuel Knight, of Reading, has already been mentioned, and his transfer of his business to the Metropolis. His Hert- 52 The CJiurch Bells of Hertfordshii'e. fordshire business was not extensive, only eight bells bearing his name ; but, as will be seen presently, there is reason to suppose him to have been interested, if not personally con- cerned, in the moulding and recasting of some other examples in the county. The eight include the five smaller bells of the ring of six at St. Michael's Church, St. Albans (the tenor, which was probably also by him, was recast in 1845) ; they are dated 1739. The 5th proclaims the fact that " Robert Catlin hung us all." The treble and 5th at Much Hadham, dated 1738, and the treble at Redbourne, are Knight's other examples. This last-mentioned bell is somewhat of a curiosity. It bears the inscription " PRAYSE THE LORD " (unusual at this date, and probably reproduced from the bell it replaced) " 1716 H. KNIGHT." The 2nd and 3rd of the ring are inscribed — in the same lettering, and with the same fleurs-de-lis as orna- ments — "JOHN WAYLETT MADE ME." This clearly indicates, what was not uncommon about this time, viz., a temporary partnership, or rather, association in business. It is rather curious, however, that Waylett should be apparently so ignorant of Knight's Christian name as to put H instead of S for his initial. As John Waylett comes to the fore here, perhaps it will be most convenient to deal with him alt08;ether before mentioning- Knight's successor. He was eminently peripatetic, travelling, it would seem, at times for other founders of established reputa- tion. Thus, at Great Thurlow, Suffolk, is a bell inscribed with his name and that of John Thornton, of Sudbury, and the date 171 2. His temporary connection with S. Knight is evidenced by bells in Kent, as well as those at Redbourne in this county. In connection with this last, it is noteworthy The Church Bells of Hertfordshire, 53 that the trebles at Knebworth and Weston, and the tenor at Great Wymondley, all bear the same date, 1716, and were probably cast by him for Samuel Knight's account. His Herts connection seems to have been tolerably good. Alto- gether there are twenty-six bells bearing his name, ranging in date from 1706, on the treble at Hertingfordbury, to 1730, on the tenor at Bishop Stortford. They are mostly " odd " bells, testifying to itinerant casting, but there are exceptions ; for instance, Nos. 4, 5, and 6 at Bishop Stortford (1713), 5 and 6 at Cheshunt (17 12), and 3, 4, and 5 at Walkern. Sandon has four of his moulding ; but one has no date, and the other three are all of different dates. His place of abode is not known, but it would seem most likely to have been London. Knight's successor in the foundry (which, by the way, was situated somewhere in the parish of St. Andrew, Holborn) was the Robert Catlin before mentioned as a bell-hanger. This was in 1739. Hertfordshire possesses only six bells cast by him — the ist, 2nd, and 3rd at Braughing, the treble at Kelsall, and the bell in the Clock Tower at Layston. Catlin died in 1751, and was succeeded by Thomas Swain, whose works, however, are not to be found at the present day in Hertfordshire. Samuel Newton, about whom nothing is known at present, but who was probably a Londoner, cast the 2nd bell at Tot- teridge in i 707. The only other bell by him, noticed as yet, is the 3rd at Kingsbury, Middlesex, dated 1708. Thomas Newman, seemingly the son of Charles Newman, who has been already mentioned, was an itinerant founder, with his head-quarters at Norwich (See " Norfolk Bells," pages 40 to 42). Dr. Raven claims him as a Cambridgeshire founder, and he certainly was casting at Cambridge in 1723, 54 The Church Bells oj Hertfordshire. but he had evidently only set up his furnaces there temporarily. His sole Hertfordshire example, the 2nd at Pelham Furneaux, from its date, 1723, was probably cast at Cambridge. Thomas Russell, of Wootton, Beds, supplied two bells to the county — the tenor at Ickleford, dated 1726, and the 4th at Pirton, dated 1731. An account of this — the only bell-foundry in the county of Bedfordshire of any permanence — will be found in Mr. North's book, " The Church Bells of Bedford- shire," pages 36 to 39. It is hardly of sufficient consequence to be reproduced here. The St. Neots Foundry, however — a much more important one — is entitled to a more extensive notice. It was an off- shoot from a foundry established at Kettering, Northants, in or about 171 7, by Thomas and John Eayre, and carried on with varying success until 1761, when it was finally closed. Joseph Eayre, the brother of the above-named Thomas, opened his foundry at St. Neots, somewhere about 1735. His Hertfordshire bells are fourteen in number. They include seven bells out of the ring of eight at Hitchin parish church, Nos. 2 and 3 at Pirton, the treble at Willian, the 2nd at Great Wymondley, the treble at Little Wymondley, and the only large bell which, as before related, the parishioners of Welwyn have allowed to remain in their church. These last two bells bear a curious inscription, apparently recording Mr. Joseph Eayre's solemn protest against Methodism and all the other isms which about that time were stirring the somewhat dry bones of the Church of England. The Welwyn bell has — " PROSPERrrY TO THE ESTABLISHED ChURCH OF ENGLAND — No Encouragement to Entusiasm " The inscription at Little Wymondley is to the same effect — The C/mrch Bells of Hertfordshire. 55 the word ' established ' being omitted, and ' enthusiasm ' being correctly spelled. They are both dated in the same year of grace, 1760. His latest date in Herts is 1763 ; but he was founding for certainly nine or ten years longer. After his death the business was carried on for a time by Thomas Osborn, who had been his foreman, and Edward Arnold, Joseph's cousin, in partnership, Arnold eventually obtaining the entirety of it. In 1784 he cast (or probably recast) the tenor at Hitchin, a fine bell, fifty-three inches in diameter, and weighing twenty- eight hundredweight. It will be seen that the whole peal at this church comes from the St. Neots foundry, and it does them much credit, the ring being decidedly above the average in tone and tune. From the fact that specimens from this foundry are found as far off as Kent, they must have had a good reputation, evidently holding their own against the com- petition of their Metropolitan rivals. Arnold's successor at St. Neots was his sometime appren- tice, Robert Taylor, the progenitor of the family which have been for so many years famous in the craft. Only one of his bells now remains in the county — the 5th at Ashwell, which, as it is dated 1808, should not in strict chronological sequence be noticed here, but is mentioned for reasons of convenience, completing the history of the St. Neots foundry as far as concerns Hertfordshire. We have now to deal with the man who may be fairly described as the Herts founder par excellence — John B riant. He was born at Exning, in Suffolk, and at an early age was sent to a school at Newmarket, from which it was his father's design he should proceed to one of the Universities and eventually take Holy Orders. He, however, had a great 56 The CJmrch Bells of Hertfordshire. taste for mechanics, clock and chime making specially engross- ing his attention, so that he did not follow the course marked out for him by his father. He commenced business as a bell- founder by casting the ring of eight bells for St. Andrew's, Hertford, and his fame as a good founder soon procured him a large connection. His masterpiece is, perhaps, the tenor bell at St. Michael's, Coventry. Most of the eight fine bells at Waltham Abbey were from his hands, as was a charming light ring of eight at St. Alkmunds, Shrewsbury. The six at St. Ebbe's, Oxford, were by him, as well as numerous other rings in and out of Herts. But his chief merit, perhaps, was as a " splicer." He was almost unrivalled in adding trebles to rings of bells. Specimens of his skill in this line will be found at All Saints, Hertford ; at St. Peter's, St. Albans ; at Soham, Cambridgeshire ; and at numerous other places, as will be seen by the list of his bells to be given presently. His bells in this county date from 1782, at St. Andrew's, Hertford, to 1825, at Hinxworth. He had an excellent tuner of bells — Henry Symondson — who, speaking of him to my informant, Mr. Leonard Proctor, of Bennington, said "that no man took so much pains and trouble as his master in turning out superior bells in perfect tune," and that " oftentimes he would rather lose by a job than have the reflection that he had sent out a bad bell." He had also an excellent foreman as bell-caster, named Henry Sker- man, a native of Hertford, who worked with him for above thirty years. He made some excellent clocks, of which the present Town Hall clock at Hertford may be accepted as a fair specimen. John Briant seldom placed any inscription on his bells beyond the names of vicar and churchwardens, with his own The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 57 as founder, and the date. He not unfrequently used an initial cross, and the Masonic Pentacle. That his reputation, not only as a skilful founder, but as a conscientious man, was widely known, and that he retained it to the end of his long life, is shown by the fact that the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln being sorely perplexed as to the best mode of dealing with their bells, and specially with their well- known " Great Tom " which was then cracked, appealed to him for his advice in the year 1827, he being then about eighty years of age. The queries then put to him by Mr. Edward Betham, the surveyor to the Dean and Chapter, and his replies thereto, are preserved among the cathedral docu- ments at Lincoln. The latter are so characteristic of the man, and show so well the clearness of his intellect and his mental capacity even at that advanced age, that the correspondence may well form a part of this brief sketch of the " ingenious" Hertford bell-founder. 3 1ST December, 1827. Copy of Queries put to Mr. John B riant, of Hertford, for many years a bell-founder (which he has lately declined) and church and turret-clock maker, aged nearly eighty years, by Edward Betham, surveyor to the Dean and Chapter, respect- ing the crack discovered in Great Tom o' Lincoln, which was particularly described to Briant. First. — Could such an accident occur by the accidental or intentional pressure, by any person, upon the bell at the time the clock was striking? Second. — It has been thought right to discontinue the striking of the clock, and tolling with the clapper for the present ; but Mr. Briant is particularly requested to state, with as little delay as possible, whether any further injury would be occasioned by allowing the clock to strike, and the bell to be tolled with the clapper as heretofore ? I 58 The Chitrch Bells of HertfordsJiire. Third. — Whether any temporary improvement in the tone would be obtained by cutting a piece out of the bell as far or a little beyond the present crack ?* Fourth. — In case Mr. Briant should not think it safe to adopt any of the above plans, it is proposed to let the clock strike upon the tenor bell of the peal of eight in the opposite tower of St. Hugh. The quarters now strike upon the 4th and 7th of that peal. The treble bell is broken ; therefore upon which two of the bells would Mr. Briant recommend the quarters to strike in the absence of the treble, the clock striking upon the tenor in the key of F ? Would 2, 5, ... 8 do ? Fifth and Lastly. — What would be the probable expence of recasting this stupendous bell, taking into consideration the getting down and up again, and having to pass through one groined stone ceiling ? And would it be more readily done at Lincoln or in London ? In a letter on the following day Mr. Betham sent a pro- position of Poole, the whitesmith of Lincoln, for restoring the tone of this bell. This letter Mr. Betham presumes Mr. Briant had not received when the one enclosed herein was despatched, but Mr. Betham considers this letter as a full answer disapproving of Poole's plan. Hertford, January 2nd, 1828. Dear Sir, — Agreeable to your request contained in your favour of the 31st of December, I do myself the pleasure to answer your enquiries. First. — I entertain no doubt that the fracture was not occasioned from either of the causes you have named. Seco7id. — By continuing the clock to strike upon the bell, or tolling with the clapper, will probably extend the fracture. Third. — I am confident that cutting out a piece of the bell as you suggest would not produce any sensible improvement in the tone. Such an operation upon a bell in a peal, as at Peterboro', might not be so * Mr. Betham, and no doubt Mr. Briant, knew this expedient to have been tried and acted upon for full twenty years with the 6th bell of the old peal of eight in Peterborough town church, but certainly the tone of it was anything but pleasant, though perhaps not quite so bad as before that operation was performed. The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. 59 perceptible when rung with other bells ; but upon a single bell, as at Lincoln, it would be exceedingly palpable. Any attempt that may be made will be attended with great trouble and expence, and be eventually abortive. Fourth. — As you are so unfortunately placed in respect to your peal of eight in having the treble cracked, and thereby reduced to the necessity of having your quarters strike offensive to the musical ear, it is difficult to recommend which of the others would be best. I should rather that would be left to the musicians of your own neighbourhood. To my fancy the 4th and 7th would be the least objectionable. I shall now take the liberty to offer you my opinion as to the cause that has produced the misfortune to your Lincoln bell. You state that the fracture is perceivable seven inches upwards from the extremity of the skirt (besides which there is probably a still further fracture that is 7iot perceptible to the eye)., and which, in my opinion, has been occasioned by the line of the momentum of the clock hammer being in too perpen- dicular a direction with the bell, and striking on a thinner part than the extreme thickness of the sound ball,* instead of having its impetus inclined to a more horizontal position. Most likely that part of the fracture above the sound ball was done before it extended to the skirt, at which time the tone was very little impaired.f It is worthy of remark that during my late visits to Lincoln I felt a disappointment in the difference of the tone of this bell to what it was when I first heard it about twenty years ago. I thought its vibrations of shorter duration, but I then attributed it to the possibility of age having in some degree dulled my ear. But I now believe my faculty of earingi was not impaired, but that the fracture then existed, and has since encreased to its present fatal termination. I will, in the course of a short period, give you the desired informa- tion as to the expense of recasting, and also the fruits of my best experi- ence as to the place of founding it — they require more consideration than * Query vSound Bow. t These observations apply, I conclude, to the presumed position of the old clock hammer, which it appears struck upon that part of the bell which is now cracked, and which was pointed out to Mr. Briant. The clock no%v, and for upwards of fifty years, has struck upon the opposite side of the bell. {Signed) E. B. ± Sic. 6o The CJmrch Bells of Hertfordshire. the time, between this and the departure of our post, allows. I trust you will rest assured of receiving, and that you will command, my best advice and services, either as regards the clock or bells. Mr. Shaw requests his respectful compliments, and the acceptance of his thanks for your kind attention while at Lincoln. Vale, {Signed) John Briant. Hertford, January 8th, 1828. Dear Sir, — I received your second letter duly, and now proceed to answer it. It would be of no use whatever to drill any hole — rely upon it, no more good would result from such an experiment than making the excision you mentioned in your first. It is in truth a cracked bell, and my experience of now more than upwards of half a century has never seen any remedy applied to one, although frequently attempted, nor do I entertain the least prophetic knowledge I ever shall ; and I should be extremely sorry that any friend of mine should make an attempt to effect what I feel convinced is impossible to be accomplished. In reply to the material question, contained in your first lettter, as to the probable expence, and the most eligible place to recast the bell at, I offer the following as my opinion after the most mature deliberation. It is now upwards of a century since a bell of this magnitude has been founded, consequently no living experience derivable from founders con- cerned in them is now available to guide us. We must, therefore, place our confidence for success in the account that has been handed down to us by others, aided by our own, and these will concur in giving the most decided preference to London, for this reason : — We know that there there is a furnace of sufficient capacity that has been proved over and over again, and has at all times been capable of producing that heat to the metal which is the desideratum for ensuring a good bell ; and allow me to remind you heat is of all things what we have most to combat with for success. I have no fear of a good article with a proved furnace ; but the great uncertainty of effecting a cast with a 7iew one is greatly decreasing the probability of success. Not that I think it wholly impossible; and did I feel myself equal, as I have had so considerable experience in building The Church Bells of Hertfoi^dshire. 6 1 furnaces both for myself and others, I should have had no repugnance to make an attempt ; but the anxiety and care it would create upon my mind would be so great as to divest me of that equanimity I find necessary to retain at ray advanced years. Exclusive of the great risk of a good cast in a new furnace, there would also be a great additional expense in consequence. A proper furnace would cost about p^6o, besides which there would be many incidental and necessary expences in a new place of casting, all which would be avoided if founded in London ; and the expense to be considered against this is the amount of carriage. Whether water carriage is available I cannot tell, probably not. If so, and land carriage is resorted to, you can be supplied with a new bell before the old one is removed, and the same conveyance that brings the new one to Lincoln can carry the old one back to London. I have made some enquiry as to the probable amount of the carriage, and, from the best information I can obtain, it would be less in proportion than one to two as to the erection of a furnace. But under every consideration London is the preferable place ; nor is there another furnace noiv in England sufficient to contain the requisite quantity of metal. In confirmation of my opinion upon the difference of a new and an old furnace, we have an elucidation of it at Oxford. The great bell there had a new furnace erected to cast it in, and after casting and recast- ing three times produced the worst of all the great bells in England. St. Paul's, which was recast in 1709 in London, turned out a good one the first heat — the proved furnace in London being capable of producing the requisite intenseness of heat, but which the new furnace at Oxford could not effect after three attempts. And in a work of this magnitude I submit, with great deference, no experiment ought to be tried ; yet, if the Dean and Chapter should desire to have it founded in their cathedral, so far as my best judgment and experience might be rendered useful, it would be one of my highest gratifications to promote their wishes. It would be impossible, not having particularly noticed the groined roof where you propose to take this stupendous bell up and down, and also some other matters connected with it, to state anything like an accurate sum, but I think the operation of recasting will be from j[_.2oo to ^250. In undertakings of this nature, which so seldom occur, I am exceed- ingly happy that it is to be effected by so liberal and learned a body as 62 The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. the present Dean and Chapter of Lincoln, as upon their arrangements everything depends ; and I entertain no doubt a proper regard will be had to obtain the greatest excellence, in preference to adopting a system that has of late been resorted to by inferior bodies, to induce persons contracting to execute their orders at so low a price as to sacrifice all other considera- tions, of which there is a notable instance recently at Liverpool. Having myself declined founding, I hope readily to receive your assent? as well as of all those concerned, that I am not influenced by any other feelings in this affair than a most ardent desire to be instrumental in producing as good a bell as the old one, which was the most superior great bell in England, and in the attainment of which object I hope I shall not be found to shrink from any exertions. On the subject of a new or an old furnace I have personally conferred with Mr. Mears, the London founder, whose opinion and mine are in unison in this respect. Should it be thought well, we shall be happy of an opportunity to examine the place, and to confer with you upon any further steps in this business, of which you will be pleased to let me know. Any communication for the succeeding three weeks will find me if addressed to King's College, Cambridge, where I am going to fix a new turret clock. I am, dear Sir, most respectfully your ob^ servant, {SigJied) John Briant. Hertford, January 15th, 1828. Dear Sir, — I have discovered since I wrote last that my Amanuensis has fallen into an error in stating the probable expence of recasting your great bell : the expence there stated is from ^200 to ;^25o, instead of which it should have been from ^200 to ^^240, the latter being the extreme amount I conceived it could possibly come to ; even if in recasting, the next bell should come heavier than the present one ; and it would be quite impossible for any founder to cast it exactly the same wt. I much regret that such a mis-statement should have occurred, but be assured it was the accidental error of the writer, and not the individual who dictated it, which my rough calculations and copy of letter will evidence. But I have discovered an error of much greater consequence, and I con- gratulate you, and all those interested for a new bell, that it is one which will show that a bell of the same weight as the present one, can be The CImrch Bells of Hertfordshire. 63 recast for considerably less than even the lowest sum already named (^200). The error alluded to is in the accuracy of the weight, this has been variously stated, but none of them less than 95 cwt. On referring to some observations I made twenty years ago, and which I had no oppor- tunity of referring to when I last wrote, on account of my books and papers being at St. Albans, from whence I have just returned, I find the true diameter is 6 feet 3^ inches. Now, we have a mode of ascertaining the weight of bells by their diam^- up to about 5 feet 6 inches to a great nicety, and although this, which is beyond all rule that we have on account of its greater diameter, yet we can ascertain sufficiently to know it cannot be any such weight as 95 cwt. I believe 88 will be the actual weight, and in this I am confirmed by the opinion of Mr. Mears, the London founder, a man who has cast more great bells than all his com- petitors have small ones ; and he lays it at rather less. Therefore, taking into consideration the reduction in the weight of metal to be cast, and the risk to the founders is thereby reduced, I think it may be re-cast in London for 2^165, taking the weight at 88. I have at this instant such imperious claims on my time at Cambridge, that I cannot do all I wish, and I mean, as to ascertaining the precise weight ; but when I return, which will be in about a fortnight, I will, by taking the cubic inches of metal it contains, which I can very well ascertain, knowing the exact thickness in every part. I am, respectfully, {Signed) John Briant. Mr. Briant's advice was not immediately followed. In June, 1 83 1, an attempt was made to prevent the extension of the cracks by cutting a piece out of the bell : this, as Briant warned the Dean and Chapter, proved " eventually abortive," a large piece of the rim broke off, and soon afterwards, in 1834, the bell was broken into pieces and had to be recast as recommended by Briant. This was effected at the White- chapel foundry in London by its then occupant, Thomas Mears, the younger. It is melancholy to have to state that the latter part of the 64 The Church Bells of Hertfordshire. life of one so honest and true was far from prosperous. He fell into extreme pecuniary difficulties and was eventually- driven to seek a home in the Spencer Almhouses, St. Albans, where he died on Friday, the 27th February, 1829, in the eighty-first year of his age. It is said by some that unfortunate family differences were the cause of his poverty, but Mr. Lewis Turnor, the author of the " History of the Borough of Hertford," published in 1830, who doubtless knew him well, gives other reasons for his distressed circumstances. He writes : " That Mr. Briant should have died without having realized any property "may to many appear surprising, but to those who were more intimately " acquainted with his modest and generous nature, and who knew the extreme " liberality which he displayed in all his dealings, as well as the aversion he " ever felt in pressing for a discharge of his accounts from those who ought " never to have subjected him even to an application, it was not a matter of " wonder, though of sincere and extreme regret." Henry Symondson relates that Briant " would have one gross of iron screws put into his coffin, which was done." After death his body was brought from St. Albans, and buried in All Saints' Churchyard, Hertford, when a muffled peal was rung upon the ten bells by the Hertford College Youths. He was twice married, and left two daughters, one by each wife, but no son. The site of his foundry, near Castle Lane, is now occupied by the premises of Mr. Simpson, bookseller and printer. In a book entitled " Name Book," preserved in the chest of the " College Youths of Hertford," is the following list of bells cast by John Briant. It is undated; but as it includes the ring at North Minims, cast in 1806, it must have been compiled after that date. The Ckiirch Bells of Hertfordshire. 65 Entire Peals Cast. No. of Bells. Codicote, Herts St. Andrew's, Hertford Rushden, Herts Hatfield, Herts Hanwell, Oxon Adderbury, Oxon St. Ebbe's, Oxford ... Wheatley, Oxon Wallington, Herts Swaffham, Cambs Chesterford, Essex Stysted, Essex Saffron Walden, Essex Ashovv, Warwick Nevvbold, Warwick Great Wadingfield, Suffolk Barkway, Herts Cottenhara, Cambs Barnstaple, Devon Sheepshead, Leicestershire Padbury, Bucks Waltham Abbey, Essex North Mimms, Herts (?25) Weight of Tenor. 10 CWt. 16 7 26 9 25 5 10 10 II ID 10 24 7 12 13 16 16 22 ^5 ID 18 13 Bells Recast and added to Old Peals. Nos. London, St. Giles, Cripplegate Hertford, All Saints St. Albans, St. Peter's, Herts High Wycomb, Bucks Sutton Regis, Northants... Sutterton, Lincolnshire ... Bishop Stortford, Herts ... Great Tay, Essex Barking Ware, Herts ... K 2, 3 in 12 C /?cwt.welght\ a^ \ of tenor. / 2 10 22 2, 7 10 22 2 10 28 2 8 14 2 8 14 5> 6, 7 8 18 4, 5> 6 8 13 5 8 21 3. 5 8 22 66 The CImrch Bells of Hertfordshire. Watford, Herts... Melton Mowbray St. Albans Abbey Sabridgeworth, Herts Wittleford, Cambs Ashwell, Herts Eaton Bray, Beds Stevenage, Herts Little Bury, Essex Melbourn, Cambs Great Thirlow, Suffolk ... Watton, Herts Wardington, Northants ... Chacomb Byfield MoUington Pirton, Beds (? Herts) ... Bayford, Herts Dulingham, Cambs Croydon Hunsdon, Herts Kezshall Furneaux Pelham Brent Pelham Stonley, Warwick Dunchurch Wotton Leek Kilingworth Kirton, Lincolnshire Moreton Potterspury, Northants ... Winchington, Bucks Wicking Whitchurch, Bucks Newtonlongvile Ardleigh, Essex Offley, Herts Nos, ... 7 in 8 22 ... I, 2 8 28 I 8 24 ... 6 6 24 ••• 5 5 14 I, 4, 5' 6 6 18 •■• 5 5 M ... I, 4, 5. 6 6 17 ... I, 4 6 13 ... 4 5 16 ••• 5 5 13 ... I, 4 6 14 2, 4 6 18 ••• 5 6 14 ••• 5 6 13 2 3 6 I 5 II 2 3 6 I 5 10 I 3 7 ••• 3 5 15 ••• 3 5 II ■•• 5 5 II 2 4 9 2 5 1 1 .. 6 6 iS .. I, 2 5 8 I 5 10 .. 4 6 23 .. 4 5 16 • 3 5 14 I 5 10 2 5 16 2 5 14 2 5 16 • 4 5 14 • 5 5 16 The Church Bells of Hertfordshire, 67 Nos. Kislingbury, Northants ... I Northampton, St. Sepulchre ••• 5 Stondon, Herts ... 4 Hedington, Oxon I Cuddesdon I Biggleswade. Beds ••• 5 Cottered, Herts .. I, 2 Claypole, Lincolnshire ... ... I Hallingbury, Essex ••• 5 Eatington (? Erdington), Warwick ... 4 Bennington, Herts I Kelvedon, Essex ••• I, 3 Moulton, Lincoln ••• 5 Stickney •• 3 Sibsey ••• 3, 4 Horbling • 3 Frampton I Ainsty (?) I Wigston, Leicester •• 3 Chrishall, Essex (?) I Shasby (?), Leicester 2 Braunton, Devon •• 5 Tavistock, Devon •• 3 Tuam Cathedral, Ireland Eden, Derry Lisbourn I, 2 Maids Morton, Bucks •• 5 Soutgrave, Northants •• 5 Thenford •• 5 Culworth ■ 3 Syresham •• 5 Thirlow, Little, Suffolk ... •• 5 Borough Green, Cambs ... .. 4 Coggeshall, Essex I Walton, Leicestershire ... • 3 Lockington I Stanbridge, Beds 2 ins 13 6 18 5 15 6 10 6 16 5 12 5 1 1 5 II 5 II 4 II 5 12 5 22 5 17 5 10 6 16 5 10 5 13 6 II 5 12 4 9 4 8 6 18 6 18 I 18 2 15 3 16 5 12 5 13 5 9 5 16 5 10 5 12 5 8 6 18 3 8 4 17 5 12 68 The Church Bells of Hertfordshh^e. Some few of these have been since recast, or their numbers in the peal altered by the addition of one or more smaller bells. The following Hertfordshire bells may be added to the list : — Abbots Langley, tenor ; Little Gaddesden, i and 2 ; Herting- fordbury, 3; Hinxworth, i, 4, and tenor; Knebworth, 5; Little IMunden, 3 ; Norton, treble ; St. Peter's Church, St. Albans, 4; Stanstead Abbots, treble; Stanstead St. Margaret's, single bell ; Tewin, treble ; and Walden St. Paul's, 4, A formidable list in all, testifying most strongly to the capacity, earnestness, and integrity of good John Briant, one of Hert- fordshire's worthies, although occupying only the position of a tradesman — one who did with all his might whatever his hand found to do. John Briant's work, it will have been noticed, stretches over the last quarter of the eighteenth century and the first quarter of the present one. The remaining bells of this century have now to come under brief review. They are, as may well be conjectured, mostly of London make — the Whitechapel foundry contributing the larger proportion of these. This foundry, which we left in or about 1781 (the actual date being 1784) in the hands of William Mears, passed in 1791 to his son, Thomas Mears (the elder), who had for the previous four years been in partnership with him. Striking evidence of John Briant's well-deserved local fame is to be found in the fact that during his business career, so far as can be traced by present examples, only eighteen bells were supplied to the county by the Whitechapel firm, although confessedly the largest bell-founders in the kingdom. These eighteen are : the peal of six at St. Stephen's Church, St. Albans, by the above Thomas Mears the elder, dated 1803 ; the peal of five at Barley, dated 1807 ; and the clock bell at Broxbourne The Church Bells of HertfordsJiire. 69 (1809), by Thomas Mears and Son, a partnership which existed from 1805 to 1809 ; and the six middle bells of a peal of eight at Chipping Barnet, dated 181 1, by Thomas Mears the younger. Briant's retirement, however, threw a good amount of business into Mears's hands, and from 1825 to 1843 we have over thirty bells cast by him. His successors — in the following order : C. and G. Mears, G. Mears, G. Mears and Co., Mears and Stainbank — from 1844 to 1883, are all and each well represented In the Hertfordshire steeples. The Crescent foundry in Cripplegate, belonging to Messrs. John Warner and Sons, has since 1850 done a considerable amount of casting for the county. ' ' Old J ohn Warner " was casting bells for the last ten or fifteen years of the eighteenth century (none, however, for Herts) ; but for some reason or other this branch of their business was dropped, and resumed only in 1850. The peals by them are those at Ayot St. Peter and Elstree. C. S. Osborn, of Bishopsgate, London, cast the single bell for Thundridge in 1853. This completes the Metropolitan bells ; but there are two other country foundries to be noticed. Robert Taylor, of St. Neots, has already been mentioned. The business was removed to Oxford in 1821, the firm being then R. Taylor and Sons ; and in or about 1839 a branch business was established at Loughborough, which eventually became their sole foundry, and is continued there to the present day, under the style of John Taylor and Co. Symondson, once John Briant's foreman, appears to have transferred his services to them, whether as foreman or actual partner is not clear ; but the fifth bell at Redbourne in this county bears the inscription " Taylor & Symondson, Bell- founders, Oxford, London, & Loughboro', 1839." yo The CJuiTch Bells of Hertfordshire. Messrs. Taylor's other Hertfordshire examples are all of quite recent date. Praise of the work of the founders of " Great Paul " is superfluous, although a cockney may well be pardoned for regretting that the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's did not think fit to entrust the casting of this last- named bell to one or other of the founders of the City in which their cathedral stands. Messrs. Gillett, Bland, and Co. (now Gillett and Co.), of Croydon, Surrey, have contributed a small quota to the county bells, notably Nos. i and 2 at Tring, the clock bell at Chorley Wood, and the two "quarter bells" in the clock tower at Hoddesdon. Bell-founding has only of recent years been added to their original clock-making business, and their produc- tions are rather to be found in secular than in sacred edifices ; but their work is good and thorough, and is making its way steadily against their competitors. END OF PART I. PART II LOCAL USES IN HERTFORDSHIRE. NO book dealing with the bells of a county would be complete which did not contain an account of the uses made of them — whether local and peculiar, or general — in common with bells in other counties. And, indeed, for some people this part of bell-lore is the most attractive, as that which recalls memories of past joys or sorrows, or, for the antiquary, as dealing with customs and usages of old time which have long since passed away. At the present day, so far as we can gather the mind of the Church of England from her Prayer Book, one bell is all that seems to be required. The sole rubric dealing with the matter orders the curate that ministereth to " cause a bell to be tolled ... a convenient time before he begin " — daily morning and evening prayer — " that the people may come to hear God's Word, and to pray with him." The Canons, however, contemplate the use of more than one bell. The sixty-seventh, after ordering the use of the passing bell, directs that after death no more than "one short peal " is to be rung, and one other before the burial, and one other after the burial. The eighty-eighth Canon clearly places the government of the belfry in the hands of the parish f 72 Local Uses. priest and the churchwardens, forbidding ringing, except with their permission, at other times than is especially prescribed. In medieval times it was different. Two bells (to which should probably be added a sanctus bell) appear to have been the minimum complement of a parish church. No doubt before the Reformation the bells were heard much more frequently than now. Where the Canonical Hours were kept, they would be ringing frequently and regularly by day and by night, answering very much the purpose of a clock ; and the different ways in which they were rung told the service then about being said. In early days the bell-ringers or campanarii — at all events in the cathedrals and large parish churches — ,ormed a distinct order of clerics in minor orders. This was the case at St. Paul's Cathedral, certainly as late as the time of Henry III., as the archives of the Dean and Chapter clearly show. On the font of Belton church, in Lincolnshire, is a figure of a campanarius, duly vested, chiming two bells. Local uses may be divided into two classes — ancient and modern — comprising among the former those which at the present day are continued, although their meaning has been lost or perverted — such as early week-day or Sunday ringing, the "Curfew" and "Pancake" bells, etc.; while among the latCer it will be more convenient to class those which, although as ancient as the others in their origin (such as ringing for Service and Death Knells), are still adapted to the requirements of the present day, as well as those which are distinctively modern in their inception. We will take the ancient uses first, dealing first of all with the Early Sunday Ringing, at seven, eight, nine, and ten o'clock. The seven o'clock ringing only now obtains at four churches in the county — at Much Hadham, where the tenor is Local Uses. 73 rung and called the "Sermon" bell ; at Tring (treble) ; and at Watford and St. Stephen's Church at St. Albans, at both of which the 1st and 2nd bells are chimed. At other churches, however, this has only been discontinued of late years. Rick- mansworth, for instance, retained the custom until six years ago — the I St and 2nd being rung. At St. Peter's Church, in St. Albans, until 1879 the 4th bell was rung at this hour. Bishop Stortford "formerly" had a full peal; at Hitchin the treble was rung ; and at Ashwell a bell (which, is not stated). At this last place it was known as the "Horse-keepers'" bell — ■ doubtless from the habit of those in charge of those animals to rise by it to attend to their duties of feeding, etc. — a perver- sion of the original meaning of the ringing, which was to call the faithful to Matins. Ringing at eight o'clock (the usual time for Matins) is very much more common — thirty-three churches still continuing the custom, while at three more it has been discontinued within living memory. Among the thirty-three churches are Little Gaddesden, Ickleford, Kelshall, Willian, Aldbury, Aldenham, Broxbourne, King's Langley, Pirton, Redbourn, and Staple- ford. It is not known which bells are used at these churches. At Rickmansworth the treble is used ; at Great Amwell and Tring the tenor ; at Little Berkhampstead, Little Hadham, and Little Munden the ist and 2nd; at Abbots Langley three bells are chimed ; at Hertingfordbury " bells," how many not being specified ; while at Standon there is a peal for five minutes. At Watford it was formerly the custom to use the 4th, but since there has been a celebration of Holy Communion at this hour the ist and 2nd have been rung. At Hitchin, similarly, the 3rd and 4th were formerly used ; the present custom not being specified. L 74 Local Uses. At some places this bell is called the " Sermon " bell ; e.g.^ at Barley, Braughing, and Bishop Stortford, at all these three the tenor being rung (the last-named place had formerly a full peal), at Pelham Brent (3rd), Watton (3rd). Bennington (treble). Thorley (treble), Ridge (treble), Royston (ist and 2nd), and Norton. The origin of this " Sermon" bell at this and other hours is somewhat obscure. It would seem most likely to have origi- nated in the early days of Queen Elizabeth's reign, when for a time many churches were served by " Readers," the regula- tions for the employment of whom are to be found in Cardwell. They were strictly forbidden to preach ; and an early peal at one or other hour on Sunday seems to have been intended to announce a sermon by some priest, licensed for such work by the bishop of the diocese. At Ashwell the treble is rung at eight, and is called the "Sacrament" bell, there being probably a celebration at this hour. The churches where the eight o'clock ringing has been dis- continued are Lilley, Albury (treble), and Hexton. At the last place it was called the " Sermon " bell. The nine o'clock bell, or " Mass " bell, is of rare occurrence in Hertfordshire. It is stated to have been rung at Pirton "from time immemorial." Great Gaddesden, Hinxworth, and Little Berkhampstead also preserve the custom. At Ashwell the 2nd is rung, and is called the "Sunday-school" bell. This last is a very doubtful case of survival. From what has already been stated, it would appear most probable that Sunday Matins and Mass at Ashwell in medieval times were at seven and eight respectively, instead of the more usual hours of eight and nine. Local Uses. 75 It is stated that the treble used formerly to be rung- at Albury at ten a.m. on Sundays. This is the only instance reported from the county ; and it is somewhat to be feared that tradition is incorrect in this case, and has shifted the hour from nine to ten, unless it was a "Sermon" bell, as is still rung at Westmill at this latter hour. Of Early Ringing on Week-days (the morning Angelus bell) no instances have survived until now. There are, how- ever, records of a bell bein|T rung at four a.m. at the following places : — Hitchin (the tenor), Tring (3rd), Baldock (3rd), called the "Malt-makers'" bell, Ashwell (supposed to be to call the horse-keepers up to feed their horses), and Bishop Stortford. The larger bell in the Clock Tower in St. Albans town was also runor at this hour. This bell is dedicated to the Aneel of the Annunciation, Gabriel, and was doubtless placed there specially for ringing the " Angelus " morning and evening, and possibly at noon as well ; for the latter custom, common in France, also obtained at a few places in this country — at Cropredy, Oxon, for instance. Two examples of the Evening Angelus or Curfew bell still remain. At Baldock the 3rd bell is used for this as for the early morning peal. From March to October it is raised and rung at eight p.m., and, after sinking, the day of the month is tolled. At Hitchin the tenor is run^ for ten minutes at this time on week-days, from 29th September to the 25th of March. Tradition has also preserved other instances of this old custom at Ashwell, Harpenden, Bishop Stortford, Tring, and St. Albans, on the " Gabriel " bell just mentioned. The " Pancake " Bell — really the Shriving bell, rung on Shrove Tuesday to call men and women to confession — is still 76 Local Uses. rung at Ashwell at noon; the 5th bell being used. It was also rung formerly at Baldock, Hitchin, and Hoddesdon. Of Ringing on the Great Church Festivals there are many instances, Easter, the Queen of them, is ushered in with peals, at five or six o'clock in the morning, at Aston, Ickleford, Albury, Barley, Cottered, Datchworth, Royston, Knebworth, Rushden, Sawbridgeworth, Walkern, Ware, Hert- ford (All Saints), Hitchin, Bishop Stortford, Little Hadham, Hemel Hempstead, and Redbourn. At Baldock there are peals both in the early morning and on the Eve. The Feast of the Nativity — as may be well understood from our insular custom of regarding this as the principal time for merry-making —is still more honoured. There are peals on Christmas eve at Abbots Langley, Ashwell, Cottered, Datch- worth, Pelham Brent, Sawbridgeworth, Watton, St. Albans (St. Michael's and St. Stephen's Churches), Redbourne, Bov- ingdon, Flamstead, Royston, King's Walden, Ware, Baldock, Barkway, Braughing, Great Gaddesden, Hemel Hempstead, Hinxworth, King's Langley, Standon, and Wyddial, The Day itself is marked by peals in the early morning at Rushden, King's Walden, Walkern, Ware, All Saints' and St. Andrew's at Hertford, Hitchin, Wyddial, Royston, Albury, Aston, Ickleford, Essendon, Standon, Bishop Stortford, Barley, Cottered, Datchworth, Baldock, Knebworth, Little Hadham, Lilley and Meesden. On Whitsun-Day there are early peals at Albury, Aston, Bishop Stortford, Little Hadham, Ickleford, Walkern, and Ware. Ascension Day is marked by ringing at three places only — Abbots Langley, Baldock, and Ickleford. To pass from Festival to Fast, Good Friday, so far as information goes, is specially marked in one parish alone — Local Uses. 77 Ayot St. Peter — where the Cemetery bell (query, the bell of the old disused church) is tolled thirty-three times at three p.m. — " the ninth hour." Ringing on New Year's Eve is hardly to be classed among ancient customs ; it is more likely to have come in with change and peal ringing in the seventeenth century. It will be noticed here, however, as a kind of link between ancient and modern usages. Midnight peals are rung at Abbots Langley, Ashwell, Barley, Bennington, Ware, Bovingdon, Cottered, Flamstead, Royston, Sandon, Walkern, Watton, St. Michael's and St. Stephen's at St. Albans, Anstey, Ayot St. Peter, Barkway, Little Berkhampstead, Little Munden, Norton, Wyddial, Bishop Stortford, Great Gaddesden, Hemel Hempstead, and Hertingfordbury. Particulars as to the ringing on this occasion at these places are not given. The old year is rung out, and the new one in, at Much Hadham, Little Hadham, All Saints' and St. Andrew's, Hert- ford, Hitchin, King's Langley, Lilley, North Mimms and Bramfield. At Ickleford and Pelham P'urneaux there is a muffled peal at half-past eleven p.m.; and at midnight the new year is welcomed with a joyous open peal. At Braughing the pro- ceedincfs are more elaborate — the bells are rung- all the evening until ten o'clock, when the ringers adjourn to a plentiful supper provided by the vicar. At a quarter-past eleven they return to the belfry and ring a dumb peal until midnight ; the muffles are then removed and a peal rung for about an hour. We have to deal now with the modern uses of the county bells. These, as regards ringing for Divine Service, need 78 Local Uses. only very brief mention. The most usual practice seems to be to chime for twenty or twenty-five minutes before service, and then " ring in" on one bell, generally the tenor. There are, however, as will be well understood, many deviations from this rule ; but on the principle " De minimis non curat lex," it is not conceived advisable to occupy several pages of this book in detailing the various local "■ rituals of the bells " which obtain in many of the town and country churches of the county, Sunday Mid-day Ringing obtains in several places. It is difficult to say with regard to this whether it is a survival. It may be a reminiscence of the mid-day Angelus bell ; but this is so exceedingly doubtful that it is deemed best to class it with modern usages. At Bennington and Hitchin the treble is rung at the con- clusion of morning service, and the same at Thorley, " to show that service is over." At St. Stephen's Church, St. Albans, the ist and 2nd are chimed. The treble at Rickmansworth is rung at one p.m. This seems to be the most likely case of " survival." Places where the custom was formerly observed are the following: — Walkern, where the tenor was rung after morning service if evensong was to follow ; at Bishop Stortford a bell used formerly to be rung at one p.m. ; at Albury the treble was rung at two p.m. ; at Watford the 4th bell was rung after morning service, "to give notice to gentlemen's servants to get their masters' carriages ready." In the interest of the " survival of the fittest " one can hardly regret that this last- named custom has died out. The "Sermon" Bell has already been noticed when Local Uses. 79 dealing with the eight o'clock peals. There are many other instances of its use, at other times, throughout the county, generally either before or after the ringing (or chiming) for service. For instance, at Rushden, Sawbridge worth, Bark- way, Much Hadham, Little Hadham, King's Langley, Standon, and Widford ; also, formerly, at Walkern and Baldock. Variations from this are the following : at Pelham Furneaux the tenor is rung at two p.m. in addition to the eight a.m. ringing, as previously mentioned ; at Ridge the treble, after morning service ; at Pelham Brent the 3rd is rung at two p.m., and called the " Sermon bell for afternoon service." The use of the church bells in connection with Weddings has almost universally sunk into a question of £ s. d. with the " happy pair;" there are therefore only a few instances of past and present usage of a different character to be noted with regard to this. " Banns Peals " used to be runo- at Hinxworth on the first Sunday of publication. This custom has apparently died out altogether, as this is the only mention in the reports kindly furnished by the parochial clergy. Wedding peals are rung at Essendon after the ceremony, and also in the evening. At Stanstead Abbots there is a short peal after the wedding, for which payment is optional ; if more be required payment is expected. At Wyddial they "ring them in;" i.e., a peal is rung when the newly-married return from the honeymoon. We come now to the more solemn subject of ringing in connection with the time when " man goeth to his last long home;" and this, clearly derived from the ancient custom of the " Passing " bell, calling all to pray for the welfare of the 8o Local Uses. neighbour departing this Hfe in His faith and fear, demands a detailed account. However Httle the church bells may peal " over hill and dell " on other occasions, they are never silent on this. The " Passing " bell, properly so called — i.e., a bell rung while the dying man or woman is actually passing away — is not, so far as is known, ever rung now. In a few instances, however, there is a near approach to this good old custom. For instance, at Hexton, Little Munden, Sandon, and Royston the death knell is tolled as soon as notice is given to the parish clerk or sexton. At other places it is rung on the day following the death. This occurs at Barley, Braughing, Layston, Thorley, and Wyddial; the hour not being stated. At Chipping Barnet it is rung between eight a.m. and noon. At the St. Albans churches, and at Essendon and Kensworth, it is the rule to ring twelve hours after death. At Cottered, Kelshall, Pelham Brent, Ware, Little Hadham, and All Saints', Hertford, it is rung twelve or twenty-four hours after death. Abbots Langley, Meesden, Aspenden, and Bishop Stortford apparently allow the full twenty-four hours to elapse before the death knell is tolled. The duration of it varies from twenty minutes to an hour. The number of years of the departed is tolled at Chorley Wood, Ickleford, St. Ippolyts, and Willian ; while at Walkern the age is approximately denoted by the use of different bells for different ages. The reason why the death knell is so frequently postponed until the following day is not easy to guess. It may have originated in the Protestant prejudice against praying for the dead ; anyhow it is a fact. Upon inquiring at one place as Local Uses. 8i to this, the reply was, " The people here don't approve of the bell being rung as soon as death takes place." "Why ?" was the next question, which received the straightforward bucolic but eminently inconclusive answer to the seeker after know- ledge, " I don't know." Similar inquiry pursued elsewhere resulted in an attempted explanation to the following effect : — " Sir, it looks as if you were glad to get rid of the party." In ringing the death knell it is almost invariably the custom to denote the sex of the departed by what are technically known as " tellers." What may best be described as the normal use as to this is, three times two strokes for a female, and three times three for a male- — this last-named use of three X three clearly explaining the meaning of the old proverb, " Nine tailors make a man ;" i.e., " Nine tellers mark a man." This normal use, however, has many modifications, and, indeed, in some places "tellers" are omitted altogether. Such modifications will be noticed presently. We will deal with the normal practice first. Sometimes these are rung before the knell ; e.g., at Chipping Barnet, Chorley Wood, Kensworth, Pelham Stocking, and Pirton ; sometimes afterzvards, as at Cheshunt, Eastwick, and Bishop Stortford. They are rung both before and after at Datchworth, Essendon, Great Gaddesden, Hertingfordbury, Knebworth, and Sawbridgeworth. At the following places the normal " tellers " are used ; but information is wanting as to whether before or after, or both : Abbots Langley, Aldenham, Ayot St. Laurence, Ayot St. Peter, Barley, Bennington, Barkway, Bramfield, Braughing, Broxbourne, Cottered, Digswell, Great Amwell, Much Had- ham, Little Hadham, All Saints' and St. Andrew's, Hertford, Hexton, Kelshall, King's Walden, Layston, Meesden, Pelham M 82 Local Uses. Brent, Pelham Furneaux, Redbourn, Reed, Royston, Sandon, Thorley, Walkern, Ware, and Wyddial. We come now to detail the various modifications of the use of " tellers " which obtain in the county. At Widford there is no distinction of sex, three times three being used in all cases. At Anstey, Bovingdon, Hunsdon, Ridge, and Sacombe, the use is three x three for a man, three x two for a woman, and three x one for a child ; at Cheshunt, three x three for man, three x two for woman, in both cases on the tenor, while a child is denoted by three x two on the 2nd bell. Aston has the use of three x three for man, two x two for woman. The same custom obtains at Gilston, with the addition of one single stroke for a child. Standon use is four x three for man, three x three for woman, two x three for child. Six strokes for a man, five for a woman, and three for a child is the rule at Flamstead. Six for a man and four for a woman or child obtains at Little Munden ; six for a man and three for a woman at Tring. At the St. Albans churches the use is five strokes for a man and three for a woman. Three strokes for a male and two for a female is the rule at the following places : Ardeley, Ashwell, Baldock, Great Berk- hampstead, Caldecote, Clothall, Hatfield, King's Langley, Great Munden, Rickmansworth, Sarratt, St. Ippolyts, Wat- ford, Welvvyn, and Weston. At Albury the rule is similar, except that for children no " tellers " at all are used. Three strokes for a man, two for ti woman, and one for a child is the custom at Ickleford, Newnham, Shephall, Staple- ford, Totteridge, and Willian. Local Uses. 83 At Hcmel Hempstead the custom is somewhat peculiar. For a man first of all three strokes on each bell, then the tenor is tolled, finishing with three x three. For a woman two strokes on each bell, then tenor tolled as before, finishing with three x two. For children the ist, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th bells are tolled, finishing with "tellers" on 2nd, number of strokes not being stated. No "tellers" whatever are used in rincfinof the death knell at Aspenden, Little Berkhampstead, Hinxworth, Great Hor- mead, Lilley, Stanstead Abbots, Watton, and Wormley. On the day of the funeral, two bells are chimed at Ashwell an hour before the funeral, to give notice to the bearers. At Braughing the tenor is rung two hours beforehand. At Thorley, also at the same interval, the tenor for adults, and the treble for children. At Pelham Furneaux for adults the tenor is raised and rung two hours before the funeral, and tolled for fifteen minutes immediately before the ceremony ; for children the 2nd bell (the former treble) is similarly used. With regard to the ringing at the time of, or, rather, im- mediately before, the interment, the usual custom seems to be to toll a bell, generally the tenor, for half an hour previously. There are, however, several variations, but they are not con- sidered of sufficient importance or interest to demand detailing. It may be noted, however, that at Ayot St. Laurence the bell is not always tolled at funerals, because, according to the parish clerk, it " touches" the mourners, and they do not like to be reminded of their loss. Dedication Peals are rung, so far as is knowm, only at Ardeley, on the loth of August; the church being dedicated to St. Laurence. This is rather a revival than a survival, due 84 Local Uses. to reverence for good old customs of the worthy vicar, the late Rev. W. Malet. We come now to what may best be described as secular uses — some modern, some old, some perverted instances of survival. Royal Anniversaries are of course taken due notice of The Queen's Birthday, for instance, is marked by peals at five a.m. at Abbots Langley, Chipping Barnet, Great Berk- hampstead, Flamstead, Hatfield, and Great Gaddesden. Peals are rung also at King's Walden, Ware, Watton, Baldock, King's Langley, North Mimms, Redbourn, and St. Andrew's, Hertford; whilst at All Saints' Church, Hertford, it is marked by ringing " all day." No doubt these are far from being all the examples of the loyalty of the ringers of Hertfordshire, but they are all that have been reported. The Birthdays of the Prince and Princess of Wales are marked by peals at Great Berkhampstead. Accession Day is noted at Abbots Langley, Broxbourne, King's Walden, North Mimms, and All Saints', Hertford ; Coronation Day apparently only at Watton. Restoration Day, the 29th of May, is marked by peals at King's Walden, King's Langley, and Watton. The custom also obtained formerly at Essendon, Hitchin, and Little Had- ham, but is now discontinued at those places. Guy Fawkes' Day, November 5th, is also noticed by ringing at Cottered, Pelham Furneaux, Flamstead, Watton, Great Gaddesden, Much Hadham, Hemel Hempstead, King's Langley, North Mimms, Redbourn, Westmill, and Wyddial. The custom has been (very wisely) discontinued at Essendon, Sandon, Little Hadham, Great and Little Munden, and Standon. Local Uses. 85 The "Vestry" bell — the modern representative, and doubtless in some cases the survival, of the ancient " Moot," or assembly, bell of the people — is rung in many places. For instance, at Ashwell both for vestry and town meetings the tenor is tolled. The tenor also is rung for vestry meetings at Royston, Ware, Great Amwell, and Digswell ; — the treble at Benning- ton, Essendon, Kelshall, Harpenden, Ridge and Thorley ; the 2nd at Kensworth ; the 3rd at Rushden and Ayot St. Peter ; the 4th at Chipping Barnet, Cottered, Ware, and Baldock ; the 5th at Rickmansworth and Tring ; the 6th at Hitchin ; and the 7th at St. Peter's Church, St. Albans. At Hatfield the I St, 2nd, and 3rd are chimed for ten minutes. At the following places a bell is rung, but it is not stated which one of the peal : Bygrave, Buntingford, Little Gad- desden, Totteridge, King's Walden, St. Paul's Walden, Wal- kern, Willian, Aldbury, Broxbourne, Great Wymondley, and Norton. At Barley, Sawbridgeworth, Albury, Anstey, Bramfield, Clothall, Little Hadham, and St. Ippolyts the " Vestry " bell is reported to be now discontinued. Another purely secular use for the occupants of our church steeples was to mark the time in harvest-tide when gleaning was to begin and end ; and in country parishes, where clocks are few and watches fewer, the "Gleaning" Bell was a useful institution, and as such, on the Darwinian theory, has survived to the present day in many places. Eight in the morning and five in the afternoon seem to be the most usual hours for its being rung. This is the custom at Ashwell, Barley, Buckland, Bennington, Cottered, Kelshall, Rushden, Sandon, Albury, Pelham Furneaux, Redbourn, Clothall, 86 Local Uses. Much Hadham, Little Munden, and Standon. At Watton and Thorley the hours are eight a.m. and six p.m. ; at Ickle- ford seven a.m. and six p.m.; at Hertingfordbury eight a.m. and seven p.m. ; at Ardeley nine a.m. and four p.m. ; and at Pelham Stocking nine a.m. and five p.m. At the following places the custom has been discontinued, mostly quite recently: Aston, Datchworth, Essendon, Flamstead, Pelham Brent, Thundridge, Walkern, Anstey, Baldock, Barkway, Bramfield, Braughing, Little Hadham, Harpenden, Hinxworth, Great Munden, and Pelham Furneaux. " Fire " Bell. — This very obvious use for one or other of the church bells seems to have almost died out. The 2nd bell at Tring is called the " Fire " bell ; but whether it is actually now used as an alarm is not stated. The 5th is rung at Ashwell, and this seems to be the only example in the county of a church bell being used for this purpose. The bells In the town clock towers at St. Albans, Layston, and Hod- desdon of course are so used. A curious instance of bell usage is reported by Salmon as existing in his time (1728) in Hinxworth parish. He says, page 341 : " The Cow Commons were given to keep the Church in repair. A tax " for that purpose hath been ever since laid upon the Inhabitants, who keep " 84 Cows upon the Common, and pay to the repairs according to the number " of Cows they keep upon the Common, except the Rector, who keeps three " and pays nothing to it. This is kept in memory by the tolUng a Bell on Whit- " sun Eve. There is a tradition tliat this was given by two maiden sisters ; "but it is generally thought that John Ward, the Lord Mayor, was the *' Benefactor." According to Chaunccy, this John Ward, Lord Mayor of London, 2 Richard HL, was Lord of the Manor, and re- Local Uses. 87 roofed the church, and so would appear most Hkely to have been the instltutor of the custom. He can hardly be said to have been much of a benefactor, as no doubt rights of pasturage over the common-lands must have been in existence as long- as the manor itself. Many instances of ringing on various occasions, of more or less interest, at Bishop Stortford, will be found in the extracts from the parish accounts given in a later part of this book, under the head of that place. These are extracted from the admirably made transcript of those accounts, which we owe to the persevering ability of Mr. J. L. Glasscock, junr., of that town. END OF PART II. PART I II. RINGING IN HERTFORDSHIRE. ALTHOUGH there is no record to show that change- ringing was practised in Herts so early as in some other counties, there is ample evidence that in the eighteenth century this county possessed bands of ringers who delighted in the music of their steeples. Thus, in 1724 a complete peal (five thousand and forty changes) of triples was rung at All Saints', Hertford. In 1729 "a compleat peal of five thousand and forty changes, in the method of Bob Major," was rung on the then new bells of St. Peter's, St. Albans, by a company from London. Peals were rung by local ringers at Baldock in 1737; Braughing in 1745; Aspenden in 1764; and at Essendon in 1769. In 1777 the ringers of Ridge were evidently imbued with a love for change-ringing, which its three bells could not satisfy ; for they record that on the 9th of December in that year a compleat peal of one hundred and twenty changes was rung there by the three ringers, of course on hand-bells, although they do not say so. Two years later, in 1779, the "Braughing Youths " rang on their parish church bells their famous complete peal of twelve thousand two Ringing in Hertfordshire. 89 hundred and forty Bob Majors, which occupied seven hours and thirty- four minutes ; when, as the Peal Board says, "It was long each man did stand with zeal, An ardent union performed the peal," and which is still annually commemorated. Peal-ringing is also commemorated during this century at Bennington, Bishops Hatfield, Rickmansworth, Watford, Hertford (St. Andrew's), and Hitchin. But it was at All Saints', Hertford, that the most important movement was made, by the ringers there constituting them- selves, on the 5th of September, 1767, into a Society, under the title of The Hertford College Youths. The Society, when instituted, consisted of thirteen members, who subscribed and agreed to the following articles : — INTACTUM SILEO ^ PERCUTE DULCE Cx\NO. Article i. — A Master of this Society shall be chosen by the majority of members on the Annual Feast Day. Article 2. — Four Stewards shall be chosen on the said Feast Day by the majority of members present. Article 3. — A Treasurer and Clerk shall be chosen on the said Feast Day, in manner following, viz. : The person who served the said office the preceding year shall nominate two proper members, who are Steeple Ringers, to succeed him ; and which of those two persons is chosen by the majority of Steeple Ringing members, shall serve the said office until the succeeding annual feast, or forfeit five shillings, and in such case he shall nominate two other proper members, one of whom shall be chosen in the same manner. Article 4. — Whenever by death, misbehaviour, or otherwise, the office of Warner or Beadle to this Society shall become vacant, a new one shall be chosen by Ballot of the majority of Steeple Ringers ; and if the Ballot in this, or any other affair respecting this Society, should be equal, in such case the junior member shall withdraw, and a fresh Ballot taken. N 90 Ringing in HertfordsJiire. Article 5. — The Election of Members of this Society as Steeple Ringers shall be in the majority of such members only who have rung one thousand changes, which election shall be by Ballot of such Steeple Ringers who shall be particularly summoned for that purpose. Article 6. — Any person who shall by subscribing his name to these Articles become a member of this Society, and who is not a Steeple Ringer, shall not be subject to any of the forfeits specified in these Articles (that in the succeeding one excepted). Every member upon his admission into this Society shall pay one shilling to the Warner or Beadle. Article 7. — The Master and Stewards, under his direction, shall have the management of the Annual Feast, which Feast shall be held upon Thursday before Midsummer Day, at which Feast every member shall attend or forfeit 2s. 6d. Article 8. — The Treasurer shall receive all money that shall arise by Ringing, and keep the same in his custody, which money shall be parted on the first club night after Christmas-day, and on the Annual Feast day, when every Steeple Ringer liable to receive Benefit according to these Articles shall receive his dividend and pay his forfeits. Neverthe- less, if any member chooses to receive his share before such time the Treasurer shall pay it to him, deducting the forfeits he owes thereout. Article 9. — There shall be a meeting of the Steeple Ringers of this Society on every Thursday evening ; which meeting shall be at seven o'clock from Lady-day to Michaelmas, and at six o'clock from Michaelmas to Lady-day, at which time every Steeple Ringing member shall appear in the churchyard belonging to the Parish of All Saints', Hertford, or forfeit twopence, except detained by sickness, lameness, or infirmity, rendering him incapable of Ringing. And if any member, after having appeared, should go away without the consent of the majority then present before Ringing, he shall forfeit twopence. Article 10. — No member of this Society shall receive any Benefit arising from the moneys received for Ringing until he has rung one thousand changes. Article ii. — Every member who shall appear to Ring for any Benefit shall receive his full share thereof; and any member who doth not appear shall receive one half part of such share. When any benefit is to be rung for, every member, who is entitled to receive benefit, shall Ringing in Hertfordshire. 91 personally appear in the Bellfry of the aforesaid Parish Church of All Saints', Hertford, within half an hour after the time at which he was summoned to meet, or be deem'd absent if eight members are present besides himself.* And when any benefit shall be rung for at two or three several times in the same day, every member who was present at the first time of Ringing, shall attend at the succeeding times, or procure some other proper member to attend in his stead, or in default thereof shall forfeit sixpence, or receive but half share, which the majority think proper. Article 12. — The forfeit money incurred by the Steeple Ringers of this Society by virtue of these Articles (that of non-attendance on the Annual Feast excepted) shall be spent on the evening of the first Thursday after Christmas-day. The Society held its meetings at the World's End Inn, now known as the Plough. The Annual Festival, which was held on the Thursday before Midsummer Day, was, we are told, so well attended that seldom less than two hundred persons sat down to a dinner served in the Council Chamber of the County Town Hall, and to which the Marquis of Salis- bury every year sent a fat buck. The Minute Book of the Proceedings of the Society, dating from its formation, contains, of course, many entries : the sub- stance of a few may be quoted : — 1768 — Feb. 20. Edward Barker, one of the members, was expelled the Society, he having rung several times at " St. Andrew's steeple for Hire." 1769 — Feb. 21. Another member was expelled "for divers reasons." Aug. 20. 720 changes were rung at Essendon, to celebrate the gift of a treble bell by Saml. Whitbread, Esq., of Bedwell Park. 1770 — May 3. Isaac Spencer, senr., was elected Warner or Beadle. June 5. Several members of this Society having last year paid a * This sentence is not very clear : it is copied literally from the MS. Book. 92 Ringing in Hertfordshire. visit to St. Albans College Youths, the latter returned the same on this day, and rang in All Saints' steeple, after which the members of this Society dined with them "at Mr. Thomas North's, at the World's End." June 28. Henry Dunster, Esquire, was chosen Master ; Mr. John Frost, senr., Mr. John Frost, junr., Mr. John Hanchett, and Mr. Jas. Atkinson, Stewards ; and Mr. Richard Silverside, Treasurer and Clerk for the year ensuing. July 15. Isaac Spencer "having at divers times illiberally reflected upon several of the members of this Society " was expelled. Mr. Wm. Hilliar was chosen Warner or Beadle in his stead. Oct. 15. The Parish of All Saints, Hertford, having at the request of the members of this Society agreed to have their two treble Bells and Saints' Bell recast into two Treble Bells, provided it was done by subscription and not by rate, certain members of this Society each subscribed a sum placed against his name, amounting in the whole to ;^i6 OS. od. \ and there was also received from non- members jQZ 8s. 9d., making a total received of J^2^ 8s. pd., which was expended in the recasting and putting up the new bells, and in paying for a Faculty. 1 77 1 — Nov. 20. The " new peal" was opened. Dec. 20. John Hanchett, Esq., presented a new brass Chandelier for the use of the Society for ever, which bore the following inscription: — "The Gift of Jno. Hanchett, Esq., A.D. 1770, To the Hertford College Youths." 1773 — March 2. A Peal of 5040 changes (Bob Major) rung in honour of Henry Dunster, Esq., who was elected Alderman. April 17. William Hilliar suspended from his office of AVarner or Beadle for having " ill-treated and abused several of the members at their meeting last night." May 13. William Hilliar, on public submission to the members present for his ill-treatment on the i6th April last, was restored to his office. It was, however, agreed that " if in future the said W"^ Hilliar shall refuse to obey the reasonable requests of the majority of the members, or behave to the said members in an unbecoming manner, he shall be discharged and immediately expelled;" and if Ringing in Hertfordshire. 93 after such expulsion any member should again propose his re-admis- sion, such member should be expelled [! !]. June 22nd. This order of the 13th May was rescinded. 1782 — May 20. 5280 changes Treble Bob rung in "St. Andrew's steeple, Hertford," being the first peal that was rung on the new Bells. 1783 — April 21. A Peal of "6176 changes of Trible Bob " rung in 4 hrs. and 2 min. in St. Andrew's steeple. [Other peals are recorded]. 1789 — Jan. 8. At the Annual Meeting of the Steeple Ringing members of this Society, it was unanimously resolved and agreed to subscribe one half part of the money arising from Ringing, until it became the sum of ;^2o, towards the metal and all expence attending the erection of two new trebles in addition to the ring of eight bells then " in All Saints' steeple in Hertford." The sum of ;^4 i8s. lod. was then " resting in the hands of Mr. Matthew England, the Treasurer of this Society, towards forwarding the above business." 1798 — March 30. It was unanimously resolved "that the sum of Ten Guineas be subscribed towards the exigences of the State ; and that the sum of Ten Guineas be annually subscribed by the Ringing Society of Hertford College Youths during the present War, and that the Treasurer do pay the same into the Bank of England accordingly." Soon after this date the Society apparently decHned ; indeed, so much so, that in 1822 John Carr, a native of Waltham Holy Cross, where his father was clerk and sexton, and who at an early age had learned change-ringing, was engaged by a gentleman at Hertford to instruct a company of young men in the art. He himself tells us that he visited Hertford for three years, and one evening, after walking from Waltham, he conducted and rang in a peal of five thousand and forty changes, on which occasion the following "song" was com- posed, and may be quoted here as giving the names of local 94 Ringing in Hertfordshire. I. Attend, brother ringers, to what I do say — In S. Andrew's Church, and on S. Andrew's day, At our fam'd town of Hertford the Ringers did meet, And rang a true peal of Grand Tripples complete. A Peal of ten courses. Two singles combine, With nine dozen bobs Makes the music sublime. II. These Youths they had been only six months in train. And briefly to you I will mention each name ; For a progress so great they a pleasure must feel. In so soon being able to accomplish a peal. A Peal of ten courses, etc. III. On November the 30th these lads they set to. In the year eighteen hundred and twenty and two ; When Osborn and Skerman, Bill Farrow and South, Carr, Biggin, and Foster, with his brother so stout, Rang a Peal, etc. IV. This Peal I must own it was conducted well. By John Carr, of Waltham, who rang second bell \ Changes five thousand and forty they rang then so prime, In two hours and forty-five minutes of time. For a Peal, etc. V. Here's a health to these youths in a full flowing bowl. Likewise to John Carr, who's a true British soul ; May their deeds be recorded in the annals of time, And long may they live in the steeple to chime.* * See A Narrative of Various Peals in Change-ringing by John Carr (Cambridge, 1S47), P- ^- Ringing in Hertfordshire. 95 Notwithstanding this effort and these good wishes, change- ringing did not prosper in Hertford; for "after the year 1822," writes the Rev. W. Wigram, " the Society sank into a state of suspended animation. There is no record of its meetings between the years 1838 and 1847. There appears to have been an unbroken succession of ' members/ but there is no evidence of the election of any * Steeple Ringers,' and the ringing degenerated into mere ' rounds,' and ' called peals,' rung by makeshift companies on occasions when fees were paid. Regular practice was dropped altogether." 1869. S. Andrew's Church rebuilt against the old tower. 1873. -^"^ attempt made to form a Society of Change-Ringers in S. Andrew's Parish, which failed. 1875-6. S. Andrew's tower rebuilt, and the eight bells rehung. 1876. Whit-Monday. A Peal of 5040 grandsire triples rung in S. Andrew's tower by the Cumberland Society (London), in which F. G. Craw- ley, member of the old Hertford College Youths, took part. 1876. A Society formed in S. Andrew's under the name of the " Hertford Change-Ringers," for the practice of scientific ringing. President, the Rev. W. Wigram, M.A., member of the Ancient Society of College Youths, London, the then newly appointed Rector of S. Andrew's. This Society was joined by two members of the older Hertford Society, viz. : F. G. Crawley, Parish Clerk of S. Andrew's, and Charles Tyler ; and the two companies continued side by side, the one practising change-ringing in S. Andrew's tower regularly, the other ringing " called peals," as above described, in the tower of All Saints' Church occasionally. 1879. The bells of S. Andrew's Church rehung and provided with the Ella- combe chiming hammers, the ringing chamber refitted, staircase built, and gas laid on, at a total cost of ;^i75 i6s. lod., raised by John Tasker Evans, Esq., M.D., by means of a special subscription. The tower and spire also repaired, the funds being provided by the Churchwardens. On the completion of this work the " Hertford Change-Ringers " were publicly, at a meeting held on the 9th of December, 1879, 96 Ringing in Hertfordshire. recognised as the Ringing Society for the whole town. They were formally admitted to both towers by the authorities of both Parishes, and adopted the title of the " Hertford College Youths " in addition to their own name. On the 9th of November, 1879, they were appointed to ring in All Saints' tower to celebrate the election of the Parishioners' Church- warden of that Parish — Robert Cocks, Esq. — to the office of Mayor of Hertford. On the 22nd December their Rules were finally revised and printed. 1 88 1 — March. Five members only now remained, who considered them- selves members of the older Hertford Ringing Society ; three of whom had been elected members of the Hertford Change-Ringers, and the other two had given up ringing. The Hand-bells (purchased by the old Society on the 12th of March, 1878) were now offered for sale with their box. John Tasker Evans, Esq., M.D., collected the funds (^5 15s. od.) required to purchase them ; and they were conveyed to Trustees — viz., the Mayor for the time being, the Clergy and Churchwardens for the time being of the two parishes of S. Andrew and All Saints, and to their successors ex officio — to be kept by them in perpetuity as an heir-loom, for the use of scientific Change-Ringers in the Town of Hertford, and for no other purpose. The Books were at the same time conveyed to the same Trustees, to be preserved among the muniments of the Borough. The Books — i. The Minutes of the Proceedings of the Society and Peal Book from 1767. 2. Name Book. 3. Touches, etc., by J. P. Powell, Esq. The Hand-Bells— G FEEbDCBBj^AGFEEbDC B[j A G F, from which can be formed rings of twelve in the keys of B[j C and F, besides rings less in number. 1882 — Feb. 21. On this day eight members of the Hertford College Youths, or Change-Ringers, rang in the tower of All Saints' Church, Holt's Bob and Single peal of Grandsire Triples, containing 5040 Ringing in HertfordsJiire. 97 changes, in three hours and four minutes. This was the first peal of six of the ringers.* With this record of the successful performance of the Hertford ringers we may well close our sketch of their Society, with every good wish for its continued prosperity and steady Improvement. But any record of the restoration of change- ringing in this county would be incomplete without a reference to probably the best eight bell-ringers in England ; namely, the Bennington Company, under the working and active presidency of Leonard Proctor, Esq., of that place. During the last thirty years this talented band has rung peals which are the admiration of all change-ringers ; indeed, " Squire Proctor " has done much, by his complete knowledge of the science of change-ringing, as well as by his personal devotion to it, to raise it, and those engaged in its performance, to their proper position in the estimation of all thoughtful church folk. * For these extracts, etc., I am much indebted to the Rev. W. J. Webber Jones, and to the Rev. W. Wigram, the Rector of St. Andrew's, Hertford. END OF PART III. PART I V. •o-^o> THE BELLS OE ST. ALBANS ABBEY AND CATHEDRAL. THE bells of the mother church of a diocese deserve a more extended notice than those in any other town or village fane ; and as old records relating to them are usually- more or less abundant, there is but little difficulty in piecing together the notes referring to them, as will be attempted in the following pages for the bells of St, Albans Cathedral. Of the bells belonging to the great Benedictine Monastery dedicated to St. Alban, protomartyr of Britain, from the date of its foundation here in the eighth century, to its rebuilding in the eleventh, we know nothing. Indeed, as a matter of fact, we are ignorant as to whether there were any at all ; but judging from the fact that Crowland, an abbey no less celebrated than St. Albans, possessed bells, we may fairly conclude that the latter was equally provided. Upon the appointment, by William the Conqueror, of Paul of Caen, as fourteenth abbot of this house, in the year 1077, the rebuilding of the church was quickly begun, and the tower was in due time completed by him and stocked (instauravit) with bells. How many those numbered is not told by the The Bells of St. Albans Abbey and Cathedral. 99 Chronicler ; but probably they did not exceed two, that being the usual number presented to many of the great churches at that early period. Thus two bells were cast by order of St. Dunstan at Abingdon; King Canute gave two to Winchester; and we read of pairs of bells being given to Southwell, Beverley, Stow St. Mary, and other places. These, the first occupants of the present tower, which (judging from the Chronicler's remarks) seem to have been neither large in size nor musical in tone, quickly received an important addition, and that not from the hands of a Norman churchman, but from the liberality of an English thane. The record of the gift is quaintly preserved by the monkish historian in the followinof terms : — He (Abbot Paul) stocked the tower with bells, to which two, larger and more commendable, were added by one of the English nobles, named Lyolf, who dwelt in the woody parts of this country. He being rich in goats and sheep, which night-robbers from all parts stole, sold many of them and bought one bell. On hearing the sound of this, then new and hung in the tower, he merrily said in the English speech, '* Eya, how sweetly my goats bleat and my sheep baa!" His wife besides got thither another bell, and the two rang out in most delightful union ; which, when the wife heard, she said, " I do not believe that this couple lack God's favour. Who hath united me and my husband in lawful matrimony and in the bond of mutual love." In the following century — Geoffrey, the sixteenth abbot (a.d. 1 1 19 — 1146) having previously built the infirmary and its chapel, from which the convalescents were summoned to be fed at the upper table in the refectory, "where the bell hangs " — an imposing ceremony took place within the walls of lOO The Bells of St. Albans Abbey and Cathedral. the monastery. It was upon the occasion of the visit of Geoffrey, Bishop of St. Asaph, who, " at the request of Abbot Robert (1151 — 1166) makes chrism and holy oil, confers orders, dedicates altars. He blessed also the Bells of the church of Saint Alban, small as well as great." It was towards the close of this century (in the time of Warin, twentieth abbot, 1183 — 1195) that the abbey obtained a privilege from Pope Clement III., affecting the use of the bells in time of interdict. It granted that the abbot and monks of the monastery, or the brethren (friars) of its cells, whereso- ever situate, should not suffer the suspension of divine offices for any interdict or excommunication, even should there be a general interdict of the land ; but that the abbot and monks, as well as their servants, and those who had vowed themselves to a monastic profession — the doors of the churches being closed, the excommunicated and interdicted not admitted, and only the small bells rung — should celebrate the divine offices with lowered voices, and perform the duties of burial for them. The reverence paid to the Blessed Virgin was a very promi- nent feature in the religious life of England in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. That reverence found expression at St. Albans in a manner which introduces us to a further addition to the bells of the abbey ; and for the first time the Chronicler records the name of a new bell as bestowed upon it at its consecration. Writing under the date of William de Trumpington, the twenty-second abbot, a.d. 12 14 — 1235, he says : "Concerning a most sonorous bell and six monks first deputed by the afore- " said Abbot for ringing and singing Mass of St. Mary daily. "Also a most sonorous bell, specially assigned to this office, consecrated by The Bells of St. Albans Abbey and Cathedral. loi " Bishop John, and called by the name of St. Mary, he appointed to be rung "thrice daily, in due time to call together the ministers thereto assigned; "namely, six monks (including him who officiates at the altar) and other " faithful in Christ, and meek and devoted servants of the Blessed Mary, to " minister thereat and to pray for the prosperity of the Church and their " own." It was during the rule of this abbot that two bells (nolis) were heard ringing during the "solemn" singing of a sequence which he had caused to be composed in commemoration of "the Blessed Alban our Patron ;" and at his burial, the bell "solemnly tolling," the body was carried into the church, the convent following and chanting the accustomed office. The sound of the funeral bell of William, the twenty-second Abbot, has scarcely died away when the great bells are sounding out joyous peals to welcome his successor, John II. (de Hertford), twenty-third abbot, from 1235 to 1260. The Chronicler relates the ceremony enacted at his creation. He was first nominated by the electors, who then arose and entreated all to pray for him. Prayer having been made by the prior, with the response "Amen " by the convent, and the hymn "Te Deum Laudamus" begun, a procession was formed, the abbot-elect being conducted " decently and in order into the church; the prior supporting him on one side, the sub-prior on the other, together with the rest of the more worthy persons of the church next." He was then presented to " God and the holy martyr Alban at the high altar ; the bells being pealed (pulsato classico), the organ-pipes sounding, the candles burn- ing round the altar, and the shrine uncovered." There, prostrating his whole body, the new abbot prayed briefly — it was to be done "from the bottom of his heart" — that he might be made worthy of so great an honour. Then the small bell called "muta" or "scilla" being touched, the whole r02 The Bells of St. Albans Abbey and Cathedral. clangour ceased ; and all having said Patej^ Master, and the prior Et ne nos, etc., the ceremony ended. Under the rule of this abbot, John II., although the bells of the abbey were silent, and the celebration of divine service ceased, during the time the town was under an interdict for the non-payment of money demanded on behalf of the Bishop of Hereford, the convent (under the privilege granted them by Clement III.) observed in chapter the Canonical Hours with Matins in a low voice. At this period, too, we catch another glimpse of church discipline, though on a smaller scale — when one of the bells of the abbey was tolled at the solemn excommunication of Geoffrey de Childewicke, for having maltreated a servant of the abbot. So, too, under the rule of the next (twenty-fourth) abbot, Roger Norton (1260 — 1290), the sound of a bell at the abbey formed part of one of those, to us, curious exhibitions which the monkish chroniclers of the middle ao;es delio^hted to record. The abbey possessed a mill, to which the townsmen were expected to resort to full their coarse cloths. The charges there being too high, or the townsfolk disapproving of the monopoly established by the monks, resolved to full their cloth elsewhere. The abbot tried to stop this infringe- ment upon his rights, which made the towns-people very angry, upon which he opened his spiritual armory ; the convent making special prayers, and asking divine help and the inter- cession of St. Alban, and the chapter, "a certain great bell tolling," with bare feet, went often in procession before the high altar to entreat help against the turbulent townsmen. But the joyous sound of the abbey bells is again in the air, and we listen, while we learn that the Archbishop of The Bells of St. Albans Abbey and Cathedral. 103 Canterbury, being about this time at Hatfield, was invited to pay a visit to the abbey. Arriving before the gate of the monastery, the convent, fully vested, met him in procession, " and with all reverence, the bell being rung, and saving their privileges, openly received him with the highest honour, as beseemed the father of so great a See, and a man of fame so great." Such privileges, it may be interesting to note, included one by which no archbishop or bishop was entitled to be lodged in the abbey, unless formally invited. And this privilege was sturdily maintained by Roger's successor, John III. (1290 — 1 301), who, when Robert de Wynchilse, the Archbishop of Canterbury, invited himself to stay in the convent, declined the proposed visit unless prefaced with a letter from the arch- bishop safeguarding the rights of the convent — the conse- quence being an interdict, which the monks disregarded ; and, as the Chronicler remarks, on the morrow then, the archbishop uttering threats, indignantly went away. An encounter in which the convent evidently "scored." To go back for an instant to Roger Norton. He not only greatly beautified the monastery by his additions to its build- ings, but he gave many vestments and books — one of the latter written with his own hand ; and, what is more to our present purpose, he carried out some important work in con- nection with the bells, thus described by the Chronicler : — " K great bell truly and a most sonorous one, called by the name of "Saint Am|)hibalus,* he caused to be made for tolling the Curfew daily; " other two bells in honour of Saint Alban and Saint Katherine being made " at the same time, under the superintendence of Sir John de Marins, then " Prior of this church, out of four old bells broken up, without adding the "smallest quantity of metal." * The connection of St, Amphibalus with the martyrdom of St. Alban is well known. I04 The Bells of St. Albans Abbey and Cathedral. Richard II., the twenty-eighth abbot (1326 — 1335) was the cause of an unexpected peal on the abbey bells. Having been with the king in parliament, the abbot, on Monday the morrow of the Trinity, riding on horseback, entered the town very early in the morning, so unexpectedly that neither the prior, nor any of the convent, nor even his own chaplains, were aware of the fact. He went up to the outer gate of the monastery and there waited until the prior and convent, warned of his arrival and fully vested, received him in devout procession and with " solemn pealing of the bells." During the rule of the next abbot, Michael Mentmore (1335 — 1349), two new bells were provided, and they were consecrated by " Lord Hugh, Archbishop of Damascus," in honour of Amphibalus and Alban. In his time also, the great bell called Amphibalus (whose casting we have just seen noticed) was broken while the Curfew was being tolled, and was shortly afterwards recast by Friar Adam de Dankastre, in the hall of the sacristy ; and most probably the same craftsman was subsequently employed to cast the bell which was called Alban, "in our time" — says the historian — "so commendable for its sonorous tone." It is most likely that the whole of this notice refers to the same two bells, and should be read in an inverted sense — the recasting first, and the consecration afterwards. Bells with duplicate dedications are certainly known to exist, but they are most rare, and two duplicate pairs seem highly improbable. During this abbot's time — and such were doubtless the customs under the rules of his predecessors and successors — we read of a bell being rung for a long time every day at dawn,* at the sound of which all the brethren priests were to * The early " Angclus" bell. The Bells of St. Albans Abbey and Cathedral. 105 rise and proceed to the church ; the same bell sounded (after none) for dinner (prandium), when they were to go to the table and eat together in common. At the hour of Vespers it was again rung, when all the convent were to strive to assemble for hearing and saying Vespers and Compline, and that devoutly and completely. During the extended sway of the next abbot, Thomas de- la-Mere (thirtieth abbot, 1349 — 1396), the abbey was much beautified, and the buildings of the monastery extended. He also gave money towards the making of a new bell called " Christ," which was then added to those already belonging to the church. In his time the sound of the great bells was heard at a great function which took place here in the year 1369, at the obsequies of Blanche, Duchess of Lancaster. They were per- formed at night, anci on the following morning. Prime being ended, all the great bells were rung for the Mass of St. Mary, at which (all the convent beingvested in copes) the abbot celebrated at the high altar. At the close of that office, the great bells being again rung, a procession was formed prior to Mass for the Dead, at which the Bishop of Lincoln celebrated. The great bells were heard again in loyal exultation a few years later — in 1381 — upon the quelling of the insurrection which broke out under Wat Tyler. King Richard IL, upon his arrival at St. Albans, held his court here. He was received by the abbot and convent after Vespers : they went in procession to meet him at the western gate of the monastery, where he was "received honourably, with ringing of bells and chantino- due and devout." Somewhat earlier than this, viz., in the year 13S0, an accident happened to one of the bells of the abbey, which might have proved disastrous to some of the monks sitting beneath in the p io6 The Bells of St. Albans Abbey and Cathedral. choir. Their escape from the peril was looked upon as a miracle by one of the Chroniclers, who, in wordy wonder, thus describes the occurrence : — "•^ A Miracle in Relation to the Fall of a Bell. " If we leave in writing for those who come after us records of the glories of this world, the various courses of time, and the divers incidents of perish- ing things, and do this too in a suitable manner, how much more does it behove us to hand down fittingly to our successors those things which by Divine grace the power of the Most High, the right hand of God, is bringing to pass in our midst. Truly a memorial of transitory things should be both written and sought after, chiefly, however, of those things which are called, and are, miracles, manifested and shown forth to us by the Maker of all things, for the glory of a certain saint. Wherefore, due thanks being first of all not unworthily offered to the Creator, and His holy martyr, to wit, blessed Alban, the protomartyr of the English, we deem this miracle worthy of being noted, which the Lord does and shows to us in this year. " Now the fourth day prior to the Feast of the Passion of the said glorious martyr was at hand, on which, according to the custom of the conduct of spiritual works, the Office of the Dead was said in the convent for the com- mendation of the late most invincible King of England, Edward of Wyndele- shores, when, as is the custom at such chief anniversaries, all the great bells were rung. Whilst they were being pealed, suddenly the bell which was the largest but one, and which was called Alban, becoming detached from its bearings, fell and broke the floor of the tower and two beams upon which the same bell then rested. Now was to be seen a fearful spectacle, the bell lying upon broken beams which were unable to support themselves when relieved from the weight of the bell, and these becoming stronger as if from that immense burden, and so supporting it throughout the whole day, to the admiration of all beholders. But as soon as the bell had, by the skill of the carpenters, been lifted, the very beams which before had sustained it, proved unable when lightened to maintain their position, and being broken into pieces would have forthwith fallen to the ground, if they had not been, by the con- trivance of the workmen, secured and bound by ropes and cords, and attached to the upper roof. " Great indeed and stupendous was the miracle, and one to be attributed to The Bells of St. Albans Abbey and Cathedral. 107 the merit of the martyr, who caused the broken beams to bear up so heavy a weight, lest the bell should injure his monks who were serving him, and who sat beneath in the choir." It is somewhat difficult to determine towhich bell reference is here made, as there seem to be some grounds for believing that there may have been two bearing the name of St. Alban, one cast during the time of Abbot Roger (i 260-1 290), the other during that of Abbot Michael {1335- 1349) ; unless, indeed, the bell operations carried out by this last named were simply recastings, which is at least highly probable. The occurrence is, however, at the least highly curious, even if one divests it altogether of the miraculous nature which the simple-minded monks, ever ready to magnify the merit of their martyred patron, easily attributed to it. In times of public adversity Abbot Thomas appointed the seven penitential psalms, with similar collects, to be sung before the Body of The Lord or the Shrine of St. Alban, the largest bell meanwhile sounding to rouse the devotion of the people. For some days after the 15th September, 1396, on which day Abbot Thomas, after a long rule of forty-seven years, was buried, " two larger bells were tolled for a proper time after the Friars' refection, at " the Office for the Dead ; and after the Mass of St. Mary, at the Mass for him " by the Prior, or after High Mass solemnly celebrated by the Monastery. " From which no one was allowed to absent himself, but entrance thereto was " open to all secular persons of both sexes through the little door of the " church." But these services for the deceased Abbot had to give place to the installation of his successor, John V., the thirty-first abbot (1396-1401). We hear the "Chapter Bell" ringing as part of the ceremony then observed. His short rule of io8 The Bells of St. Albans Abbey and Cathed^^al. five years soon necessitated a. repetition of that ceremony, when WilHam II., thirty-second abbot, was, in the year 1401, re- ceived, says the Chronicler, •' in state at St. Albans by the whole Convent, who met him in procession. " He then, having put off his riding gear and put on his frock, was inducted to "his stall in the Choir by the ministration of the Prior and Sub-prior. The " ringing of the Chapter bell having ended, he went to the Chapter together •' with his Convent, and there presiding received obedience from every one, " as his predecessor had done." We must be content with only two more references to the use of the bells in this great monastery : the one shall be to their jubilant sounding in celebration of another so-called miracle, by which a poor lad was restored to life ; and the other to their promised use for the spiritual benefit of the reigning king of England after his decease. The former, occurring during the rule of Abbot John Wheathampstead, shall be given in the words of the annalist John Amundesham : " On Sunday before the Nativity of the Blessed Mary a miracle was "divulged by John Turke, then preaching to the people, concerning a boy " ten years old of the parish of Hemlamstede (? Hemel Hempstead), who, " thrown under the iron wheel of a cart and his head crushed, had blood flowing " from his ears and nose, and so to all appearance compleiely dead, was carried " to his father's house, and by the prayers of his parents, and the neighbours "jointly aiding with money and the intervention of the holy Martyr was brought "back to life again : and on the day above named, before the Abbot and "Convent, the same boy, naked except his shirt, and carrying a lighted taper, " together with his father and mother and the rest of the neighbours in solemn " procession gave praise and thanks to God. And the Abbot beginning Te " Deuni, the Convent follow with Plain Song, all the bells ringing. And this "finished, afterwards Te Decet Laus with Antiphons, Laus Tihi sit. Domino "and Terra fundator with the Versicle Orapro Nobis et pj'opitiare." The prospective use of the bells was promised in a grant of The Dells of St. Albans Abbey and Cathedral. 109 fraternity to Henry VI. in 1459, which so far as it relates to our present subject is as follows : " We grant yet further . . . every year after your decease . . . when " your obit-day recurs, to keep, observe and maintain that day in offices and "obsequies, in lighting of candles, in ringing of bells, and in all and other " things usual, with solemnity no wise inferior to that with which we are wont " to keep and celebrate the anniversaries of your most illustrious progenitors, " Henry the second, Edward the second, and of your father of holy memory, " Henry the fifth." There is one more addition to the bells to be recorded, before the heavy hand of Henry VHI. fell upon the great religious houses of the land. John Stoke, Abbot 1476-1484, " taken," says the Abbey Register, " from the men of the small Priory of Walingforde," and appointed Abbot " whilst he lay in bed sick and dying ; he left after his death those moneys with which by his disposition that great bell which is called * John ' was afterwards made, together with the new glazing of the cloister." Richard Boreman, appointed in 1538, was the fortieth and last abbot On the 5th December in the following year he surrendered the monastery to the Crown. Henry VHI. made a grant of the greater part of the site of the monastic buildings to Sir Richard Lee ; the Conventual Church was, however, excepted, and with the lead, iron, glass and bells was subsequently — in consideration of ^400 — granted by Edward VI. to the inhabitants of St. Albans to be used as their parish church in lieu of the church or chapel of St. Andrew. A long and tedious search in the Public Record Office for information as to the bells of St. Albans Abbey at the Dissolu- tion has been made with very little result — so little, in fact, no The Bells of Si. Albans Abbey and Cathedral. that the information obtained is not worth printing. No light whatever is thrown even upon the number of bells in the Abbey tower, but as Chauncy says there were five in the year 1700, it is fair to presume there were at least that number at the Dissolution. The ancient and massive oak frame for five bells remained in the tower until the year 1872, when it was removed by order of the late Sir Gilbert Scott. Mr. John Harris, C.E., had previously taken measured drawings of it. The history of these five bells, as gathered from the pre- ceding gleanings from the Chronicles of the Abbey, may perhaps be summed up as follows : A.D. 1077-93. Abbot Paul of Caen stocked the tower with (two) bells, and two more (making four) were given by Lyolf and his wife. ,, 1214-35. Bell " Mary" consecrated. ,, 1260-90. Bell " Amphibalus " cast for curfew. Bells *' Alban " and " Catherine " recast out of the four old bells of 1077-93. ,, 1335-49. " Amphibalus " of 1260-90 recast. "Alban" recast out of "Alban" and "Catherine" of 1260-90. ,, 1349-96. Bell "Christ" cast. 1485. Bell "John " cast. So, without knowing their sequence, the five bells at the Dissolution were probably : I. Mary, cast 1214-35. 2. Amphibalus) 3. Alban r^^' '^35-49- 4. Christ, cast 1349-96. 5. John, cast in 1485. The Bells of St. Albans Abbey and Cathedral. 1 1 1 It is, of course, sheer guess work to give the probable inscriptions which they bore — still, judging from the customs of the time, we may hazard the following conjecture on the subject : No. 1. either + ^Q>m&^ \ miM^^^%M^ or + MTWl^ \ ^ElMS^'^M^ \ (^'-^}^m%M^ \ No. 2. + s>M:MmwM. \ j^miwMxnMix^is^ \ No. 3. + (D ; miM^^iWX^ : j^i^:^^^^^^ : No. 4- either + -^Jt^©" ; J^.^:©^ \ ^M.Q>B or + miscs^Q)^^\rw\i ^omen ^onttiti ^ciie5ictum U (Fig. 29.) n (Fig. 28.) U (Fig. 30.) (Diameter 37 i in.) For stamps see pp. 9, 38, and 25. In 155^2 the parish church of "Yardeley" possessed : — It iij bellf and a saunce bell in the steple Itahandebell.* The ring, which at that time consisted apparently of four bells, was in- creased to six in the year 1685, as appears by the following list of benefactors preserved by Chauncy : — The Inhabitants of the parish by a voluntary collection an. 1685 gave to the purchasing of the second bell ^^22 00 00 Joseph Edmunds, Esq., then High-Sheriff for this county gave towards the purchasing of the treble bell 05 00 00 Sir Henry Chauncy, Kt., gave towards the same 05 00 00 John Chauncy, Gent., gave more 03 00 00 Thomas Wilson, Gent., gave more 03 04 06 Anne Hall of Poplar widow gave more 02 00 00 See under Rushden for an unmistakably erroneous tradition as to these bells. * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 121 ARKLEY CHAPEL. This modern Chapel of Ease to Chipping Barnet has one modern bell of fair size which is not hung for ringing. ASHWELL. St. Mary the Virgin . 6 Bells. 1. A. HART, W. LILLY C.W. J. BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1791. (Diameter 32^ in.) 2. CHARLES NEWMAN MADE MEE 1694 (Diameter 34I in.) 3. JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1817 (Diameter 35^ in.) 4. T. HART & J. CHRISTY C.W. J. "bRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1787 (Diameter 38 in.) 5. THOMAS KIRBYSHIRE CHURCHWARDEN. ROBT. TAYLOR ST. NEOTS FECIT 1S08 (Diameter 43 in.) 6. WM. LEES & JNO. BALL CHURCHWARDENS. JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1789 (Diameter 48 in.) In 1552 there were " in the steple fyve bellf and a lytle bell."* Prior to the year 1754 the ring had been increased to six bells, which were then inscribed : — > Charles Newman made me 1694 Sonora sono meo sono Deo 1607 Miles Graye made me 16 10 Coelorum Christe placeat tibi rex sonus iste 1607 6. Abeo nomen Gabrielis missi de Coelis.f An inscription on the wall of the belfry states that John Pack rang the 4th bell for twelve hours on the i6th March, 181 1. For what object is now unknown. * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Kindly extracted for me from the Par. Reg. The entry further states : " The Tower of Ashwell Church is 121 feet in height. The spire is 54 feet in height." R I 2 2 Inscriptions. ASPENDEN. St. Mary 8 Bells. 1. )^ THE GIFT OF W^' FREMAN ESQ. ROBERT PHELPS LONDINI 2. / FECIT 1736 (Diameters 25, 25^ in.) 3. ROBERT PHELPS MADE ME 1736 (Diameter 27 in.) 5. V GEORGE CHANDLER MADE ME 1681 6. ) (Diameters 29, 30^, 32 in.) 7. RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 187 1 (Diameter 37I in.) 8. RALPH FREMAN ESQ. GEORGE CHANDLER MADE ME 1681 (Diameter 40^ in.) In 1552 there were here " iij bellf " and " ij hand bellf."* The seventh bell was previously inscribed : — George Chandler made me 1681 Henry Holbeam CW. The manor of Aspenden was purchased in the 5th year of James I. by two brothers, William and Ralph Freeman, who were London merchants. From William descended Ralph Freeman, who was in many ways a benefactor to this church, and whose name is on the tenor bell. He died on the 26th of November, 17 14, aged 88 years, and was buried here. William (see ist bell) succeeded to the estates. He died on the 6th February, 1749, and was buried at Braughing, to which church he gave bells. Indeed, the member, of this family were great lovers of bells and their music. Mr. Cussans relates that the Rev. Ralph Freeman, who was rector here for nearly thirty years, is said to have caused the small door at the west end of the church to be cut through the wall, so as to admit of easy approach to the belfry. One evening, when engaged in his favourite pastime of ringing, news was brought that Harnells, the residence of the Freemans, was on fire. The day being warm, he had laid aside his coat and wig, and without stopping to put them on he hurried off The result was that he caught a severe cold, which terminated * Auii. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. K. Off. . hiscriptions. 1 23 fatally on the 8th July, 1772. He was buried in the chancel of Braughing Church.* There is a peal board dated 24th October, 1764, the gift of Wm. Freman, Esq. There are some good rules for the guidance of the ringers. ASTON. St. Mary 5 Bells. I. 1 REV. M'^ ELLIS VICAR. WM. WOLLATT CHURCHWARDEN 4.1 JOHN CALLEN OVERSEER. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1840. (Diameters 28|, 33} in.) 3. [ MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1629 (Diameters 29, 30^, 36 in.) In 1552 this church possessed : — Itiri ij handebellf Ir iiij bellf in the steple.f Chauncy, writing in 1700, calls this "an admirable ring of five bells."f There are indications of the former existence of a sixth bell. The Rev. James Ellice (see ist and 4th bells) was instituted as Vicar on the 28th November, 1822; he died in 1848. § AYOT ST. LAWRENCE (Ancient Church). The ancient church of this parish, now in ruins, possessed in 1552 "iij bellf in the steple, one broken." \\ Chauncy says there were " two small bells " in 1700.11 The tradition is there were four when Sir Lionel Lyde pulled down part of the ancient church upon the erection by him of the present one. * See Cussans' Hist. Herts, i., p. 104. t Atig. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. :J: Hist. Aniiq. Herts, p. 351. § Cussans' Hist. Hei-ts, ii., 195. II Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. U IJist. Antic/. Herts, p. 325. 1 24 Inscriptions. AYOTT ST. LAWRENCE (Present Church). St. Laurence i Bell. T. CAST BY J. WARNER & SONS LONDON 1881. (Diameter 28^ in. Weight 4 cwt. 3 qrs. 20 lb. D) This church, as an inscription on it testifies, was erected in 1778. Its original bell being cracked, and it being impossible to lower it from the bell- chamber, it was broken in pieces and so removed to London, from whence the present one was supplied in 1881 at the cost of Lionel Neville Ames Lyde, Esq.* AYOTT ST. PETER (Ancient Church). St. Peter i Bell. I. JOHN TAYLOR & CO. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1881. In 1552 the parish church of Ayot Mutfichet possessed : Ite iij bellf in the steple the compase of the greatest bell vij foote the depthe iij qt' of a yearde. Ite the compasse of the second bell ys ij yeardf ij ynches the depthe di yarde iiij ynches Ite the compasse of the Littell bell one yarde and iij qrt. the depthe of the same bell ys di yaS' Ite ij handebellf .t This ancient church, which had a detached bell-tower in a corner of the churchyard, was pulled down by the Rev. Ralph Freeman, who was instituted to the Rectory in 1732, and who erected a curiously shaped building which was replaced by a new church in 1862. That church, in which were three bells, was with, the exception of the chancel-destroyed by lightning in 1874, immediately after which the new church mentioned below was erected, it being consecrated on the 26th October, 1875. One of the three bells destroyed by the fire is said to have been inscribed : Sancte Petre et Paule ora pro nobisj The chancel, which escaped the destruction of the other portions of the church, is now used as a cemetery chapel, and the single bell described above was the gift of C. W. Wilshere, Esq., of the Fryth, Welwyn. * See Clutterbuck's Hist. Ilerls, ii., p. 255, for a Pedigree of the Lyde family. t Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. % Mr. Cussans' lUst. Herts, ii., p. 246. Inscriptions. 125 AYOTT ST. PETER (New Church). St. Peter 6 Bells. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1875 (Diameters 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27^ in.) These bells were the gift of the late Dr. Jephson, of Leamington, BALDOCK. St. Mary the Virgin 8 Bells. , W. TAYLOR & CO. BEIXFOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1882 4- J (Diameters 30^, 31, 33 1, 36^ in.) 5. MILES i GRAYE ^ MADE •§• ME 1650 (Diameter ^Z in.) 6. (J. TAYLOR & CO., BELLFOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 7. 1 LEICESTERSHIRE 1882 (Diameters 43^, 48 in.) 8. LAUDO DEUM VERUM PLEBEM VOCO CONVOCO CLERUM ^ DEFUNCTOS PLORO NUPTUS COLO FESTA DOCORO «ij^ WM. GOODWYN JAM MANISON CH Q O 'il? WARDS \1\\ ^ (Diameter 53^ in.) In 1552 there were here : — Ite iiij bellf in the steple Ite a bell for the Clok.* Chauncy, describing the bells here in the year 1700, writes : " A large ring of six excellent bells, the greatest very ancient ; it was baptized in the time that the Romish religion was exercised here."! Unfortunately, this ancient bell was very shortly afterwards recast. * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 383. 126 Inscriptions. In 1882, four of the bells of the old ring— the ist. 2nd, 4th, and 5th^vvere recast, and two additional trebles were added, the whole being rehung in new frames by Messrs. Taylor and Co., of Loughborough. The four bells then recast were inscribed : — I St and 4th, present 3rd and 6th. Henry Warner Richard Movse Ch. wardens 1685 James Bartlet made me 2nd, present 4th. Miles Graye made me 1650 5th, present 7th. Thomas Lester of London made me 1742 An eye-witness describes the casting of two of these new bells at the Loughborough foundry on the afternoon of Tuesday, the loth of January, 1882: — "The sight was very interesting. A narrow channel led from the furnace mouth to the moulds, and in this duct were placed iron floodgates or stops, by the regulation of which the metal was diverted into the mouths or funnels of the moulds beneath. The precise moment for tapping was one of silent anxiety. At this juncture, with Mr. Taylor's permission, I went near the furnace-mouth, and offered the well-known prayer : ' Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with Thy most gracious favour, and further us with Thy continual help,' etc. At its conclusion many of the visitors uttered a fervent ' Amen.' In an instant the boiling liquid gushed forth, and sped hurriedly down the previously heated channel to the first 'swallow hole,' and in a few seconds the new tenor for St. Laurence's church [Reading] came into being in its subterraneous chamber. The first floodgate was then raised, and onward the bright stream rushed into the next mould, and so on successively until the whole were cast, and thus, within a very few minutes, was born a sisterhood of eight large bells ; three for S. Laurence, Reading ; three for Thurleston, Leicestershire ; and two for Baldock in Herts."* The augmented ring was opened on Easter Monday, 1882, by "Squire" Proctor of Bennington and his band of change-ringers. There is in the belfry a board recording the ringing on Sunday, the 15th of May, 1737, of a " compleat peal of 720 changes College little Bob method in 32 minutes Being the First Comi)leat Peal tliat Ever was rung in this I'ower." There is a piece of ground as endowment, it is said, for the curfew bell, called Bell-acre. * The Rev. Chas. Kerry's IJist. of JMnnicipal C/norh of S. Laurence, Readitv^, pp. 90-91. Inscriptions. 127 BARKWAY. 5. Mary Magdalen 6 Bells, a Priest's Bell, and Angelus Bell. 2. HOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1797 3- ' (Diameters 31I, n, 35^ in.) 4- I JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT AN. DOM. 1797. (Diameters 37, 39^^- in.) 6. GLORIA DEO IN EXCELSIS. THE REV. J. STREET VICAR E. MAZE & T LEFT C : W. J BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT AN. DOM. 1797 (Diameter 44 in.) Friesfs Bell: — JAMES BARTLET MADE ME 1698 T. E (Diameter 15 in.) There is also an ancient bell unhung, on the floor of the bell-chamber inscribed with the salutation : — U(Fig. II.) U(Fig. II.) U(Fig. 11.) + J5-t?c O X3^ana O S)racia O X^Icita (Diameter 26 in.) For stamps see p. 14. In 1552 there were here " v belles in the steple."* Chauncy, writing at the close of the seventeenth century, describes the church as then possessing " a ring of five bells and a turret on the Tower wherein is a clock-bell. "f The ring was augmented to six by John Briant (who recast the old bells) in 1797: he says in his list, " Barkway, Herts. 6 bells ; weight of tenor, 16 cwt." The clock-bell mentioned by Chauncy is now used as a priest's bell. The Rev. J. Street (see tenor bell) was instituted as vicar on the 2nd October, 1777, and died in 1798. :{: * Aug. OJice: Misc., vol. 497, V. R. Off. f ^^^^- Antiq. Herts, p. 103. + Clutterhuck's Hist. Herts, iii. 374. ^' ; THOMAS MEARS & SON OF LONDON FECIT 1807 128 Inscriptions. BARLEY. St. Margaret 5 Bells and a Clock Bell. J' (Diameters 27, 29, 31, 33 in.) 5. THE BELLS WERE RECAST BY THE VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIP- TIONS OF THE RECTOR AND PARISHIONERS 1807. REV° CHARLES CHESTER RECTOR JOHN FOLKES SAM'- TRIGG CHURCHWARDENS WILLIAM HAYDEN HENRY WALBEY OVERSEERS. T. MEARS & SON OF LONDON FECIT (Diameter 36 in.) Clock Bell : Inaccessible. Probably of same date as the other five. In 1552 there were "in the steple iij bellf and a sawnce bell."* The small clock-bell hangs in a wooden erection on the top of the tower, and is all but inaccessible : this bell is generally supposed to be the one mentioned in Weever's Fun. Mon. as being inscribed : Sum rosa pulsata mundi Maria vocata : if so, it is probably the " sawnce bell " of the Edwardian Inventory; but it should be noted that Salmon, writing his Hist, of Herts in 1728, includes the bell with that inscription amongst the " five bells " then belonging to the church, but since recast. The Rev. Charles Chester (see 5th bell) was instituted as Rector on the 2nd of June, 1804 : he resigned the living in i8i4.t BARNET (CHIPPING). St. John Baptlst 8 Bells. g i CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1875 (Diameters 27, 44I in.) 2. T. M. OF LONDON FECIT 181 1 (Diameter 28^^ in.) '■) ^- [-THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 181 1 (Diameters 30, 32, 34^, 36 in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, V. R. Off. t Clutteibuck, iii. 387. Inscriptions. 129 7. REV°. BENJ. UNDERWOOD RECTOR. REV VV" MARR CURATE. M'^ ROB^ TAPSTER M"^ THO^ BROWN CHURCHWARDENS 1811. T. HEARS OF LONDON FECIT (Diameter 41 in.) In 1552 there were "belonging to the parrysshe Churche of Cheping Barnet " :— Imprimis iiij°'' Belles and a Saunce Bell in the steple.* The Parish Book tells that the ring consisted of five bells in 1656 : — Chipping Barnet Parish An inventory of all such goods that belongeth to ye Parish Church afore- said taken at a vestrie the evening of the 20th day of December, a.d. 1656. Item. In the steeple 5 Bells and 5 Bell roopes One Parish Clock with 2 long ropes. These five bells were recast into six in the year 181 1 ; and the present ring was completed in 1875, when the church was rebuilt, by the addition of a new treble weighing 4 cwt. 3 qrs., and a new tenor weighing 14 cwt. i qr. 19 lb., F sharp. The seventeenth century churchwardens' accounts contain some references to the bells : — £ s. d. 1660 Paid for ringing of the 5th of November and the 23rd of April for the Coronation Days 082 1 66 1 Paid the Ringers on the 5th Nov. ... ... o 6 8 1662 Ap. 1 8th Paid Mr. Smith the dark in full for his paines in ringing the eight o'clock Bell and keeping the Clock ... ... ... ... ... I o o 1666 Aug. 31st Paid to the Ringers on the Thanksgiving day for the victory at sea ... ... ... o 2 6 Paid to Robt. Turner for leather to the Bells and Clock Ropes as by his Bill ... ... o 8 3 1667 Nov. 9th Pd. for a staple and leather to ye (2nd) Bell 008 1668 Pd. for 5 Bell ropes ,.. ... ... ... i 3 4 1675 June 25th Given to the Ringers for ringing on the King's birth and Coronation Days ... 016 8 1 68 1 Pd. for mending all the Bells ... ... i 9 2 * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Ofl". 1 30 Inscriptions. Given to the Ringers when the King came home and for Coronation ... ... ... o 6 8 Many similar entries occur in later years.* The Rev. Benjn. Underwood (see 7th bell) was instituted as Rector on the 14th August, 1 781. Here is a chiming apparatus by which all the bells are easily chimed by one man. The non-ringing of the bells here upon the coming of Henry Chicheley, Archbishop of Canterbury, to Barnet, on St. Peter's day, 1423 (?), gave great offence to that prelate. He suspended the church and excommunicated John Frende, the bailiff. Shortly afterwards — on the eve of St. Margaret— the rector of the parish and the parish priest, "Sir William," appeared before John Bleburye, Prior of St. Albans, and the elders of the convent in their chapel, and gave as their reason for not ringing in order to show reverence to the Archbishop that it was contrary to the custom of the church — it being in the jurisdiction of the Abbot of St. Albans. An agreement was ultimately made between the Archbishop and the Abbot that in all parish churches, being in the jurisdiction of the Abbey, there should in future be exhibited to him (the Archbishop) and his successors " the reverence of ringing the bells so often as he in his journey should ride through the same."t BARNET (EAST). St. Mary 2 Bells. In 1552 the "steple"here contained " iij Belles,";]: which are now repre- sented by two small modern ones which are properly described to me as "simply miserable tinkles." BARNET (NEW) or LYONSDOWN. Holy Trinity i Bell. A modern church built in 1S64, having one bell of probably about that date. * For these entries and for other particulars about the bells I am much indebted to \V. Osborn Boyes, Esq., LL. B. + John de Amundesham's Annals of Man. St. Alb. (Rolls Series), vol. i., p. 3. J Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 1 3 1 BAYFORD. St. Mary i Bell and a Priest's Bell. In the year 1552, when an Inventory of the goods " belonging to the pish churche of Bayforde " was made, there were here : — Itm iij belle in the steple Itm a sance bell Itm ij hande bellf Itm ij sakerynge bellf* These three bells hung in the ancient chapel, taken down in 1803 ; they appear to have been represented by only a single bell in the new building erected in the following year. This single bell — quite a plain one — now hangs in the little fleche of the new church, which stands on the ancient site, and was erected, at the cost of William Robert Baker, Esq., the lord of the manor, about twelve years ago. The new small priest's bell was hung at the same time. BENGEO. St. Leonard i Bell. I. PRAISE THE LORD 1636 U (Fig. 38.) (Diameter 29 in.) In 1552 " the prisshe church of Bengho " possessed : — Itm in the steple ij bell(> Itiii ij handebellf.f In 1855 there were here two bells and a priest's bell inscribed : — 1. T. Mears of London fecit 1851 (Diameter 26 in.) 2. Praise the Lord 1636 \J (Diameter 29 in.) Priesfs Bell :— C. S. Osborne Founder Bishopgate London 1854 (Diameter 18 in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. 1 3 2 Inscriptions. Upon the erection of the new church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, in the year 1855, these three bells were removed to that church, where they were used until the arrival there of a new ring in 1882. The priest's bell and the first bell were then sold to the founders, and the second, or largest, bell was returned to the old church as above, which is now only used for funerals. Holy Trinity 6 Bells. 1. ALL GLORY TO THE FATHER BE (Weight 3 cwt. I qr. 20 lb. F.) 2. WHENE'ER THE SWEET CHURCH BELL PEALS OVER HILL AND DELL MAY JESUS CHRIST BE PRAISED (Weight 4 cwt. o qr. 8 lb. E[j.) 3. HOLY SPIRIT PRAISE TO THEE NOW AND THROUGH ETERNITY (Weight 4 cwt. 2 qrs. 3 lb. DI7.) 4. RING OUT THE OLD RING IN THE NEW (Weight 4 cwt. 3 qrs. 26 lb. C.) 5. ON EARTH BELLS DO RING IN HEAVEN ANGELS SING HALLELUJAH (Weight 5 cwt. 3 qrs. 18 lb. Bjj.) 6. I TOLL THE FUNERAL KNELL, I HAIL THE FESTAL DAY THE FLEETING HOURS I TELL I SUMMON ALL TO PRAY (Weight 7 cwt. I qr. 6 lb. A[).) Each bell further bears the names of the founders, Messrs. Mears and Stainbank, and the date 1882. This ring of bells (the gift of Robert Smith, Esq., of Goldings) was dedi- cated on New Year's eve (Dec. 31st), 1882. St. Michael and all Angels 3 Bells. This modern church, consecrated in 1872, possesses three small bells, sup])lied by Messrs. Mears and Stainbank in that year. Inscriptions. 133 Christ Church i Bell. Here is one modern and very small bell. ToNWELL Chapel i Bell. This school-chapel, built in 1857, has only an ordinary school bell. BENNINGTON. St. Peter 8 Bells. ' Ic. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON. THE GIFT OF ■ j LEONARD PROCTOR 1853 (Diameters 27^^, 28J, 31 in.) 3. JOHN COCK CWARDEN. VOCE TENUI DULCE CANO. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1792 (Diameter 30 in.) 5. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1630 (Diameter 32^ in.) 6. PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT 1777 (Diameter 34 in.) 7. JOHN ARCHER C.W. 1626 (Diameter 37 in.) 8. JOHN FISHER CHURCHWARDEN JOHN WAVLETT FECIT 1724 (Diameter 42 in.) In 1552 there were here " iiij bellf in the steple," " ij handbellf " and "a sance bell."* Chauncy says there were five bells in the year 1700;! these had been increased to six in 1793, when, according to a board in the belfry, a peal was rung on them. Two trebles were added (the gift of George and Leonard Proctor, Esquires), and the augmented ring was opened on Monday, 29th January, 1838, by the Society of Cumberlands from London. On the following day those ringers (Leonard Proctor, Esq., taking the tenor) celebrated the event by ringing a complete peal of Grandsire Triples, consisting of 5040 changes, in two hours and fifty minutes. * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. + Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 346. 134 Inscriptions. These two trebles, probably not pleasing the correct ear of Mr. Leonard Proctor, who is well known as the head of a fine band of ringers, were, with the 4th bell, recast in the year 1853 as the bells themselves tell us. Everything connected with the bells is in the best possible order. BERKHAMPSTEAD (GREAT). St. Peter 8 Bells and a Priest's Bell. • THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON & GLOUCESTER 1838 (Diameters 26, 30, 32, 33I 36, 38, 41 in.) 8. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON & GLOUCESTER 1839 (Diameter 46^ in.) Fries fs Bell:— 185 1. (Diameter 14 in.) In 1552 the parish church of " Barkh^^mstede Peter " possessed the following bells : Imprimis iiij°'' Belles in the Steple The gret Bell by estemacion po^ The next Bell by estymacion po'Z The next Bell by estimacon po-z The lest Bell by estimacon Itm a Saunce Bell po^ Itin another Saunce Bell po^z Itm ij handbelles po^ ... Sm poundres m'' m^' m'' viij*^ xxviij'' Itm too Sacringe Belles.* xviij hundrethe X hundrethe viij hundreth vi hundreth di hundreth xvj poundf xij pound * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Liscriptions . 135 Chauncy writing of the bells here in the year 1700 says "a ring of five bells not very tuneable."* These probably remained until the year 1838, for on the 30th December, 1837, at a vestry meeting held to consider the state of the church bells and clock, the churchwardens were directed not only to provide " a new 8 or 30 day clock with three faces of the best possible description in every respect," but also " a ring of at least 8 bells hung and arranged in a scientific and substantial manner." A special rate of one shilling and sixpence was granted, with a guarantee for any further expenditure, and the present ring of bells and a clock with two faces were quickly provided. The new clock cost j£,2^o IIS. I id. and the new bells ^429 los. gd.f Edward de la Hay by his will, dated 20th May, 15 10, gave among many other gifts " to the reparation of the bells" here 13s. 4d.J BERKHAMPSTEAD (LITTLE). St. Andrew 3 Bells. I. JOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 1718. JOHN GODWARD CW (Diameter 28 in.) 2. ( + Fig. i) ]^'^-:B^^ixM^^^'^}^&^M^m%M^^j^~:Ej^M^ (Diameter 31 in.) 3. THOMAS STENO TRVTH TO TEL GAVE TWENTE POVND TOARD THIS BELL 1621 + (Figs. 38 and 41). (Diameter 31^ in.) For stamps see pp. 8 and 38. In 1552 there were here " iij bellf in the steple," "a sanctus bell and ij hand bellf."§ * Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 582. f Kindly extracted for me from the Parish Books by the Rev. H. D. Macnamara, curate of St. Peter's. X Chauncy, p. 5S6. § Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. 136 Inscriptions, BERKHAMPSTEAD (NORTHCHURCH). St. Mary 5 Bells. '■ icHANDELER MADE ME 1651 LORD HAVE MERCI OF MAN 4. ) 2. CHANDLER MADE ME LORD HAVE MERCI OF MAN 165 1 3. CHANDLER MADE ME 1651 LORD HAVE MERCY OF MAN 5. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1834 In 1552 the " pyshe churche of Northchurche " possessed "in the steple iiijo"" belles and a sance bell."* Broadway Chapel i Bell. There is a chapel of ease at Broadway, built 1854, and a mission room belonging to this parish, both modern. The chapel has one modern bell. BISHOP'S STORTFORD. St. Michael 10 Bells. 1. I W. FRANCIS & J. FAIRMAN CHURCHWARDENS. J. BRIANT 2. j HERTFORD FECIT 1820 (Diameters 26f, 27! in.) 3. J. BOULTWOOD & T. SCOTT C.W. J. BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1791 (Diameter 28| in.) ^' [jOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 17 13 (Diameters 29^, 32J in.) 6. THOS. CLAYTON AND THOS. SCOTT CH. WAR. 17 13 O O (Diameter 34 in.) 7. J. BOULTWOOD & THOS. SCOTTS C. W. J. BRIANT HERT- FORD FECIT 1791 (Diameter 36^ in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Ifiscriptions. 1 3 7 8. STATUTUM EST OMNIBUS [S]EMEL MORI. J BRIANT HERT- FORD FECIT 1802 (Diameter 38I in.) 9. JOHN BOULTWOOD AND THOMAS SCOTT CHURCHWARDENS J. BRIANT FECIT AN : DOM 1791 (Diameter 42 in.) 10. RO. BOULTWOOD: WILLIAM SPEARING THOS. MOTT 1730 J. WAYLETT FACET (Diameter 46^ in.) The churchwardens' accounts of this parish, which are well preserved, give much information about the bells. In the " Computus" of John Wolverston and John Busch, wardens for the nine years from 1431 to 1440, we find references to the bells, such as : — Et solutum Johanni Spryngholt pro emendatione unius bellerop ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ob. Et Johanni Spryngholt pro emendatione de lez bauderikes campanarum et pro emendatione de lez belleropes ... \]d. It would appear from the following entries in this account that there were at that time five bells here, for whilst there is a charge for iiij bauderickes, or leather straps for fastening the clappers to the bells, there is a payment on account of the middle bell : — Et Johanni Wavell pro una rota facta pro media campana xviij^. Et Johanni Sparwe juniori pro emendatione unius baude- ryke ... ... ... ... ... ... ... \]d. Et Johanni Wrighte pro trussatione magnse campanse ... \]d. ob. Et pro emendatione unius bellerop pro parva campana ... ob. Et solutum pro emendatione iiij bauderickes ... ... \\\]d. Et in uno ligno empto de Johanne Busch pro campanas trussandas ... ... ... ... ... ... ... \d. Et Johanni Carpentario et socio suo per ij dies ad trus- sandas campanas pro stipendio et mensa ... ... xxij^/. Et Johanni Ricard pro factura de le belleclaper magnse companae simul cum cariagio usque Elmedon and re- cariago ejusdem ... ... ... ... ... ... \]S. v\\]d. T 138 Inscriptions. Et Johanni Wrighte pro suspensione et trussatione magnse campance ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ij«'- Et solutum pro emendatione rotce magnae campanaj cum clavis emptis pro eodem opere ... ... ... ... viij^. ob. Et Johanni Ombler pro factura iij bauderikes pro campanis vjV. These and other payments tend to show that the bells were then much out of order, so we are not surprised to find in the eighth year of this account — 1439 — that a recasting took place : the entries are, however, only meagre : — Et Johanni Cotiller pro . . . novis bauderikes pro novis campanis ... ... ... ... ... ... ... xviij^. Et Willielmo Hunte pro factura v bokelles pro v bauderikes campanarum novarum ... ... ... ... ... yd. Et pro iij belleropis ponderis xiiij lb. pretium librae ]d. ob. xxjd. Et in uncto pro campanis ij° anno infra tempus compoti viij^. Et in j corda empta pro parva campana ... ... ... ]d. ob. Et Johanni Belheme pro dimidio corio equino pro baude- rikes ... ... ... ... ... ... ... xd. Et solutum pro v belleropes emptis pro novis campanis ... iij^-. viij^. The clock is constantly mentioned. In 1484 we find : — Item pd. in exsepences at dressyng of the bells ... ... iijV. Item pd. for a lyne to seynte Jones belle ... ... ... iiij^. There was a guild or Fraternity of S. John the Baptist in this town : the altar at which the priest served was doubtless within the parish church, and " seynt Jones " bell just mentioned would be the one used specially for the services and purposes of the guild : it will be observed later on that one of the subsequent bells was dedicated to that saint. About five years— for the date is not quite clear— after these charges, we fin.d that the five bells were taken down and sent to Bury St. Edmunds to be recast by Reginald Chirche, a well known founder of that date. As the accounts give the sources from which the necessary funds were received, and particulars as to the expenses incurred, including that for the benediction of the new bells, it will not be amiss to give them in full — the receipts come first, thus : Inscriptions. 139 1489 (?) / Et de vijl' iij^ iiij'^ p ipos comput rec de collectorib':; guilde t)te marie itim ad usum campafi modo renovat hoc anno infra tempf compt. Et de vjs viij'^ ree, de Witto london vicario it3m de legacone Wifti Neweman Tayler jam defunct ^ tempf pdict. Et de vj^ viij'^ rec de execut Thome Turno'" ex legacone s. Et de iijs iiij*^ rec de Witto Tayler de Birchangre ex legacone Mar- garet Sabbisford ad usu p'dict campafi. Et de vjs viij*^ de Thoma Gyva ex donacoe 5 ad p'dict usum hoc anno p tempf p'dict. Et de x® p ipos comput rec ex donacue Willi Thurgoode de Mortoii (?) p manus Johis Yve de Stansted Thele hoc anno. Et de vj*^ viij'^ rec de Wittmo Colyh hoc anno -ad usum p'dict campan. Et de \f v\\f- rec de Thoma Akastf in denaf guilde fete marie p'dict hoc anno infra tempf comp. Et de xj^ ij'^ rec de exit potatonis ffact p diim Johem Capellaii cantarie ifem et Wittm Morse ad pfic campan p'dict hoc anno. Et de Ixxjs iij*i rec de donacue div's psoii hujf ville ad renovac campafi p'dict ut p5 rotult de nuib^ eo^dm sup hunc compm ostens et restitut. Sm* — xiij^' xiij^ vj*^* Translation — And of 7/. IS. A,d. by them accounting received from the collectors of the Guild of Blessed Mary there to the use of the bells now renovated this year within the time of the account. And of 6s. 8d. received from William London, vicar there, of the bequest of William Neweman ' tayler,' now deceased, for the time aforesaid. And of 6s. Sd. received from the executors of Thomas Turnour by his bequest. And of 3^". ^d. received from William Tayler * This total is not quite correct. 140 Inscriptions. of Birchangre of the bequest of Margaret Sabbisford to the use of the aforesaid bells. And of 6s. %d. from Thomas Gyva of his donation to the aforesaid use this year for the time aforesaid. And of \os. by them accounting received of the donation of William Thur- goode of Morton (?) by the hands of John Yve of Stan- sted Thele this year. And of 6s. Sd. received from William Colyn this year to the use of the aforesaid bells. And of 6^-. 8d. received from Thomas Akastre in money of the Guild of Saint Mary aforesaid this year within the time of the account. And of lis. 2d. received from the issues of the drinking* made by Sir John, chaplain of the Chantry there, and V\ illiam Morse to the profit of the bells aforesaid this year. And of 71^-. 3<:/. received by the donation of divers persons of this town towards the renovation of the bells aforesaid : as appears by the roll of their names upon this account shown and restored (restitut .'') — Sum ^13 13^-. 6d. Soluc et expfi campan ( Then comes the first list of payments, thus : — Et in denaf solut henrico Spencer ^ deposicone et suspens quinq'; campafi in campanit ex convene secu ffact ingrosS hoc anno infra tempC conipi xxxvj^ viij*^ Et in expn div^s psoii tempe deposicois campan existfi h^ anno xij*^ Et in custag et expcfi pdict yconomoi equitanc ad Bury sci Edi p ffcuro convene cu Reginald Chirche Belfoundo'' ,p h[ujusmodi] campan ffaciend infra tempf comp hoc anno iiij^ viij'* Et sot ^ ffactur Indentuf et obligac de convene pdict con . . . xxij'^ Et sot Thome dane et Thome Crabbe |) divS fferrament Or " Church Ale." Inscriptions. 141 repac campaii pdict rec p diet henf Spencer ad div's vices xviij'^ ij'^ Et sot Witto Willay |? ffcur et emendac vij bavvdrykes ,p campafi jSdcis hoc anno xij*^ Et in denaf solut circa cariag campaii [9dict a villa ista usq^ villam de Bury sci Edi ac ,p cust et expens circa recariag diet campafi a villa de Bury pdict usq^ istam villam hoc anno infra tempf comp lij^ Et .silir in denaf solut divs hoib^ existn circa trussacoem pdict campafi in Bigag (?) eod tempe ac in trussinge lyne emptp[9dict bigis iij^ iiij'^ Et in denai" solut uni ffabro de Bury pdict p nova opacone et emend v clappers ex convene secu ffact ingross xxix^ Et in vij Brases empt de (?fat Reginald Chirche Bel- foundoi' p jJdict campafi hoc anno xix® viij*^ Et soluef eidm Reginald Chirche sup delitjacoem jJdict campafi in ptem solucois* xlijl' — ^x^' Et solut Johi Thurketl p seipo et ij equis circa cariag campah pdict conduct p pdict comput p covec ingross sm (?) iiij^ viij"^ Et in denaf solut ,p scificacone pdict campan hoc anno infra tempf compi — xvij*^ iiij*^ Sm* — xix^' ix^ iiij^ Translation — And in money paid to Henry Spencer for taking down and hanging five bells in the Tower by agreement made with him and engrossed this year within the time of the account — 36^'. '^d. And in expenses of divers persons at the time of the taking down of the bells being this year \2d. And in costs and expenses of the aforesaid wardens riding to Bury St. Edmunds in order to make the agreement with Reginald Chirche, " belfoundor," for * The words following this "xlij//" have been erased by the writer. It appears they entered " xviij/f " on account, but afterwards erased this and substituted " x//." 142 Inscriptions. making the said bells within the time of the account this year — 4^'. 8^. And paid for making the indenture and obligation* concerning the aforesaid agreement — 22d. And paid to Thomas Dane and Thomas Crabbe for divers iron-work repairs of the bells aforesaid re- ceived by the said Henry Spencer at divers times — \%s. 2d. And paid to William Willay for making and mending seven bawdrykes for the bells aforesaid this year — \2d. And in money paid about the carriage of the bells aforesaid from this town to the town of Bury St. Edmunds ; and for costs and expenses about the re-carriage of the said bells from the town of Bury aforesaid to this town this year within the time of the account — 52^-. And likewise in money paid to divers men being about the trussing of the said bells in carts at the same time and in " trussinge lyne " bought for the aforesaid caits — 3^'. A^d. And in money paid to a smith of Bury aforesaid for newly working and mending five " clapperes " by agreement v/ith him made and ingrossed — 29^'. And in seven " Erases " bought of the aforesaid Reginald Chirche " belfoundour," for the afore- said bells this year — 19^', Zd. And they have paid to the same Reginald Chirche upon delivery of the said bells in part payment of 42/. — 10/. And paid to John Thurkill for himself and six horses about the carriage of the bells aforesaid hired by. them aforesaid accounting by agreement with him ingrossed 4^'. %d. And in money paid for sanctifying (pro sanctificatione) the aforesaid bells this year within the time of the account — ijs. 4d. — Sum ;^I9 9^". 4d. * /.f., bond. Inscriptions. 143 1490 (?) Rec denaf J? cam- panis hoc Then we have more receipts thus : — Et de X® ijd p ipos comput hoc anno recept ad usu renovaconis campana^j ex devocone div's psona^ pantea ad usu p'dict concess vidett xij^i p ip^os comput recept de Jotie Bryan. Et de iiij'^ de uxe ejusd Johis. Et de Edward Snow vj*^ Et de ijd de Georgio Wheler. Et de xij*^ de Wiftmo Turno"". Et de xiiij*^ de Thoma Bolyngton. Et de j*^ de Johe WiUiam- son. Et viij'' de Johanna Banstratt. Et iiij'^ de Roberto Treynam. Et xx^l de uXe Thoma ffelde ^ debit Rcginalde Jcgon. Et ij^^' de Thoma Hooke. Et ij*^ de Thoma lewyn. Et ij'^ de uxe nup Jotlis . Et j'* de Andreo Plyston. Et 'f [de] Johe hoberd. Et ij^ de V Wiltmo langhm. Et vij*^ de abelano Jardevile vidue. Sm=^ — x^ ij*^ [Note. There are no items in the expenses of this year relating to the bells except the ordinary ones for oil, etc.] Translation — And of \os. 2d. by them accounting this year received to the use of renovating the bells by the devotion of divers persons heretofore to the use aforesaid granted, namely : \2d. by them accounting received from John Bryan. And of A^d. from the wife of the said John. And from Edward Snow 6d. And oi2d. from George Wheler. And of \2d. from William Turnour. And of \A,d. from Thomas Bolyngton. And of \d. from John Williamson. And Zd. from Joan Banstratt. And ^d. from Robert Trey- nam. And 2od. from the wife of Thomas Felde for the debt of Reginald Jegon. And 2 {d7\ from Thomas Hooke. And 2d. from Thomas Lewyn. And 2d. from 144 Inscriptions. the wife of the late John . And \d. from Andrew Plyston. And \d. from John Hoberd. And 2s. from William Langham. And 'id. from Abelan (?) Jardevile widow. — Sum \os. 2d. 1495 This year are the following receipts for the bells : — / Et de \\f ivvf rec [de] margaret Wolman ex donacoe sua ad usu campanar^ hoc anno infra tempf comp. Et de xij'' rec de Jotie ^^^ Reve et Johe ^^'J Banstret de Thorley ad usu diet campana^. Et de xx*^ rec de dii^sis psonis ignots, ad usu ea^dm campafi ut sup"^ Et de iij^ rec de execut uxis Joliis Sabbisford de hokerhill in pte solucois iij* iiij'^' q ipa legavit ad usu pdcm infra tempf huif comp. Et de xlvj^ viij*^ rec de gardiafi guilde 15e marie huif Vilt hoc anno ad solucoem dca^ campafi p tempus p'dcm. Et de xx^ rec de Thoma Intelsh=^m p donacoem Ric Marks ad opus j9dict. Et de Ixiiij^ ix'^ rec p ipos compu*^^ de donacone difs pson pdict Vilt ad usu diet campanaS hoc anno ut p3 libf de noib'; eoXdm sup huif compm ostens et exactt (?) ac inr V memo^'i hujf anil remanen. Sm^ — vij'' ys Translation — And of 3jr. A^d. received from Margaret Wolman of her donation to the use of the bells this year within the time of the account. And of \2d. received from John ^"- Reve and John 4a- Banstret of Thorley to the use of the said bells. And of 2od. received from divers persons unknown to the use of the said bells as above. And of ■^s. received from the executors of the wife of John Sabbisford of Hokerhill in part payment of 3^. 4^. Inscriptions. 145 which she bequeathed to the use aforesaid within the time of this account. And of \6s. %d. received from the Wardens of the Guild of Saint Mary of this town this year towards payment of the said bells for the time aforesaid. And of 20s. received from Thomas Intel- sham by donation of Richard Marks to the use aforesaid. And of 6\s. gd. received by them accounting by donation of divers persons of the aforesaid town to the use of the said bells this year, as appears by a book of their names upon this account shown and entered and among the memoranda of this year remaining. —Sum £7 Si-. And the following payments : — Expfi et I Et de iiij'' p ipos computes solut et libat ad manus Soluc p Reginaldi Chirch de Bury sci Edi in ptem solucois Campari | majoris sume sibi debit p campafi pdcis hoc anno ad ffm sci Bathoei infra tempf comp. Et [de] iij* iiij*^ solut in expens et custag ipo^ computant equitant ad Bury pdcam p solucoe diet iiij^' ad idm fifm p ij dies. Snr'^ — iiij'' W'f W'xf Ti'anslation — And of 4/. by them accounting paid and delivered to the hands of Reginald Chirch of Bury St. Edmunds in part payment of the larger sum to him due for the bells aforesaid this year at the feast of St. Bartholomew within the time of the account. And 3^-. 4c/ paid in expenses and costs of them accounting in riding to Bury aforesaid for the payment of the said 4/. at the same feast for two days. — Sum ^4 3J-. 4<^. U 146 Inscriptions. 1496 Recept defio^ p Campail Again this year are the following receipts : — ' Et de iijl' ij** vj'^ p ipos comput rec hoc anno infra tempus pdcm de collectorib'^ Gilde tie marie virgis ville p'dict. Et de xj*^ p ipos comp recept de dii^s ex'^neis psonis infra tempf pdcm quo^ noia et pceft patet in quod^m libf sup hunc compm ostens et inter memory hujf anfi reman. Et de lix** j'^ p ipos comput rec ex devocone div*g psofi villa p'dce ad usu campafi ecctie pdce hoc anno quoX noia et pceit in pdict libro plenif apparct. Et de xij** p ipos comput rec hoc anno de execut Thome Halle ex legac dci Thom.e. Et de iij'^p ipos computant recept de Ric Marchall pie morter p ipos sibi vendit q dimss (?) fuit de irt morter q occupavit circa ope de le new bertil- ment. Et de xiiij'^ p ipos recept hoc 2P |? xxviij^' plumbi p ipos vendit Thome Josselyn firmaf Rectorie ^ repacione V cancellarie. Sm^ — vj'' \\\f -xJf Translation — And of 3/. 2s. 6d. by them accounting received this year within the time aforesaid from the collectors of the Guild of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the town aforesaid, And of lid. by them accounting received from divers strangers within the time aforesaid whose names and parcels appear in a certain book upon this account shown and among the memoranda of this year remaining. And of ^gs. id. by them accounting received by the devotion of divers persons of the town aforesaid to the use of the bells of the church aforesaid this year ; whose name and parcels in the aforesaid book more plainly appear. And of I2[c/.] by them accounting received this year from the executors of Thomas Hall by bequest Inscriptions. 147 of the said Thomas. And of 3(^. by them accounting received from Richard Marshall for the " morter " by them sold to him which was unused and part of that " morter " employed about the work of the " new bertilment." And of \A,d. by them received this year for 28 lb. of lead sold by them to Thomas Josselyn, farmer of the Rectory, for repairing the chancel. — Sum £6 i\s. \\d. And the following payments : — Expens et /Et x'^ p ipos computant solut et litlat ad manus Soluc p Reginaldi Chirch de Bur sci Edi in pte solucois majoris Campanis smme sibi debit hoc anno ad festm sci Barthoei p nova renovacone campaii et secu conduct. Et v^ v'* ob solut in expens et custag ipo^ computant tam p vadiis equo. \d. ob. Item pd for fettyng of herry Spencers Tryce'^ at Ware for to take downe with alle the bellf ... \\\d. Item pd to herry Spenser for takyng downe and havyng up agen of the seid bellf ... .. ... viij.y. Item pd for mete and drynke for them that dide helpe downe and up the seid bellf... ... ... ijs. yd. Item pd for the costs of John Hawkyn and of his horse at his rydyng to london to se the bell cast... ... xxij^. Item pd in reward to the belfounders servaunts at the castyng of the seid bell ... ... ... ... iiijV. Item pd for the costs of John Hawkyn at another at his goyng to london to speke wt the belfounder for to take downe agen the seid bell ... ... ... y.d. Item pd to John Kemp for makyng of the gret bell claper and for the caryyng of the seyd claper to and froof ••• ••• ••• ... •■• ... vijV. viij^. and the seid Kemp doth promyse that if the seyd claper do breke w'in the time of vj yeris next after this accompte that then he to make yt agen and to have alowed for his labur but iiij^. 1532 Item pd to Roger Trenham for makyng of the seynt Joones bell wheele ... .. ... ... ... viij^. In 1537 an inventory of the goods and ornaments then belonging to this church was made, and a copy upon parchment is now preserved amongst the records of the church. There is no mention made in it of the bells in the steeple, the only entry bearing upon our present subject being : — Item a sakeryng bell. Chauncy writes, without giving any authority for his statement, that five bells "in this town were cast an. 1541, and were consecrated with these verses round the several bells : — ]. Hsec quae Tuba sonat Jesu sit nomine dicta * This is, I think, a copyist's error : the word should be " Gyn." J.C.L.S. t John Kemp was probably also the bell-founder. Thomas Kempe (? son and successor), bell-founder, was buried at St. Boiolph's, Aldgate, in 1574. J.C.L.S. 1 50 Inscriptions. 2. Concio ut Divovum, ora tu, dirigat hoc vas 3. Nomine fac Virgo ut sonet h^c campanala tuo 4. Hrec Nola laude tui resonat Baptista Johannes 5. Haec tibi dicata nota nunc Michael esto."* These were most probably the inscriptions on the five bells hanging here early in the sixteenth century, but the churchwardens' accounts do not confirm Sir H. Chauncy's statement as to the time of their casting, but rather point, as we have seen, to an earlier date — 1489 — as the year in which the whole five were cast, and, as we have further seen, to the years 1506 and 1520 as the dates when two of those five were recast. The churchwardens charge : — 1546 Item pd for a rope for seynt Joonys bell ... ... vi\]d. Item to Roger Trenham for makyng of a bell wheele ayenst All haluntyde ... ... ... ... iiijj. Item paid to Browne the Smyth for mendyng of a bell claper and for makyng of the nepill of the same claper ... ... ... ... .. ... viij.f. 1547 Item payd to Wyll"" Crab for ryngyng of the day bell and Curfew ... ... ... ... ... ... iij.y. \\\]d. 1548 Pd ffor the Charges Rydyngto the kyngs Comysseners at iij tymes the ffyrste tyme to Ware s\\]s. \d. ob. at the second tyme at Ware agen iij.f. ix^., the third to Welwyn viij.f. vj^. ... ... ... ... ...y.\s.\\\)d.ob. These Commissioners for Church Goods then belonging to this church were Sir Henry Parker, knight, and William Barlee, Esq. The inventory delivered to them by the churchwarden and some of the inhabitants of the parish is fortunately preserved amongst the parish papers : the following entries refer to the bells : — Item V bells in the steepill w' the chyme hammers as they hang w' roopis to them Item a litill clok bell hangyng w'owte the stepill Item a saunse bell and a sakeryng bell Item ij hand bells and a sakeryng bell. The churchwardens further charge : — 1548 Pd to Wede Coler maker for makyng the baderyckes for the belles ... ... ... ... ... ... xx^. '■' Hist. Aiitiq. Her Is, p. 1 66. Inscriptions. 151 Among the "goods belonging to Stortford cherche," sold in 155 1 "for the necessary reparacons of the seid churche," were Item ij hand bells and a sakeryng bell and amongst the goods that " do remayn in the cherchvvardens kepyng to the cherche " at that date were, according to lists still preserved in the Church records : — ffyrst V bells w' ropis and the chym hammers Item the clok bell Item the saunse bell In 1552 the inventory then made was similar : — Itni in the stepie v bellf and a lytle cloke bell Itm , . , ij'' handebellf and a saunce bell* The churchwardens further enter : — 1553 Item paid to crabe for rynging the daybell ... ... xij^. 1554 Item [reC^] of mysterys Glascoke for the gyft of here husband for the bells ... ... ... ... xx.y. 1561 Item payd for bread and alle for ye ryngers at the Quenes comyng through y'= towne ... ... ... iiijj-. 1563 Item for hangyng of a bell ... ... ... ... \]s. \\d. 1564 Rec. of John Bayford for the fowerth bell for hys mother viij^. 1565 Item [reC^] of John Parsmith senr. for the grett bell... xij^. Item for Isabells knell the iiijth bell ... ... ... xij^. 1567 [ReC^] of the honorable lord morley for y^ knell of Tho Crabbs child ... ... ... ... ... \\\]d. In 1572 the churchwardens had trouble with the clapper of the great bell. They appear to have had no confidence in the Stortford smith, for they sent it to Preslond of Hadham Magna, a village five miles from Stortford, who mended it, charging them 6s. 8d. for the work; but he evidently did not make a good job of it, as Anthony Bayford had to take it over again to Preslond, who for this second attempt charged them 3s. 4d. It was sent home, but was a second time found in a faulty state. The churchwardens now fell back upon Warren, the Stortford smith, who appears to have satisfactorily done his work, and who, doubtless, laughed in his sleeve, when he sent in his bill of I2S. 8d., or rather when he received the money. The churchwardens say : — 1572 Item pd for carrieng ye gret bell clapper to preslons of hadham ... ... ... ... ... ... iiij^, * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. V]S. viij^. xij^. xvj^. m]d. ujs. iiij^. \\]S. viij^. ijs. iijd?! 1 5 2 Inscriptions. Item pd to preslond for mending ye said clapper Item pd to Whit for trussing the seconde b(jU Item pd to Hills for trussing the great bell ... Pd to Antony Bayford for carrieng ye great bell clapper to preslonds to hadham Pd to preslond for mending ye clapper agayne Pd to warren for mending ye gret bell clapper 1573 Pd to Hylls for dressing and trussing the gret bell ... 1575 Pd for bred drinck and cheese for Ringing of St. Hewes* daye in reioysing of the quenes prosperous Range ij.f. viij^. 1577 Pd for Ringing to the Ringers when the Quenes ma'"= came to Mr. Capells and from Mr. Capells thorrowe the towne ... ... ... ... x.f. Pd for bread drinck and other vittall for the Ringers at the busshoppes vizitacon ... ... ... ... '\]s. y\\]d. Pd to the Roper of Stansted for a rope for the great bell and for a stropp for the same ... ... ... \\\]s. Pd to the Ringers the same daye being St. Hewes daye xji-. wherof we gathered vji-. iij^. and so we laied out more then we gathered ... ... ... ... iiiji'. ix^. 1583 Receyved for a little bell w^ layd in the vestry waying xlj//. sold for \d. y^ pounde ... ... xviji', yi. Pd for charges upon the crownacion daye to the Ringers viij.y. viij^. Pd for candelles for them to ryng by . . . ... ... iiij^. Pd for a rope for the tenor ... ... ... ... iiiji". 1586 Pd to Richard Taylor for 39 foote of quarters for mending the clock bell house 1 5 87 Paid to Bretten for makyng the grett bell clapper and the fowerth bell clapper ... ... ... xxxj.y. viij^. 1588 Pd for ringing upon S"^ James daye in rejoysing of y^ victory ... ... ... ... ... ... xvi". Pd for ringing upon the crownacion daye in rejoysing of the Queenes prosperous Raigne in meate and drinck xJ5. viijia^. Pd for Ringing the teusedaye after and for j'' of can- dell in rejoysing of our delyveraunce from the Spaynnyardes ... ... ... ... ... viiji-. y.d. * 17th November : Queen Elizabeth's accession day. ;vj^. iiij^. viij^. iij^. ij^. vjd. \]s. lujd. ijs. v]d. Inscriptions. 153 1589 Item pd for rynginge at the visitation and on the Coronation daye 1591 Pd for mending the saunce bell wheel being broken... 1600 Item sold the mettall of the little Broken Bell w'^'^ Garyes man broke ... Item Receyved of Garies man towards the same bell Pd for a Roope for the saunse bell Pd for a little bell W^^ is also broken ... 1 60 1 Item Receyved for the mettall of a little bell that was broken ... ... ... ... ... ... viij^. That these last entries relating to " a little bell " probably refer to a small bell or bells connected in some way with the clock or chimes is shown by an entry made in 1583 Pd for the exchaunge of the bell for Jack ... ... vj.y. There are also entries "for painting Jack"; "for mending the jack to the chymes " ; and again " pd for a Jack for the chymes." The churchwardens further charge : — - 1602 Pd to whalle for rynging sondayes and hollidaies ... iiJ5. iiiji^. Pd to the Ryngers of St. James' daye ... ... ij^. viij^. Pd and layed out for meat and drink for the Ryngers the 24 daye of marche as we accompte for the crownacon day ... ... ... ... ... xxvjV. xis ©ait6ia "^ifc (Diameter 28 in.) For stamps see pp. 12 and 18. * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Not Fig. 18, which as a matter of fact does not occur in this county. Mr. North was misled by an imperfect rubbing, and I accepted his statement that the cross in question was No. 18 without verifying it. — ^J.C.L.S. T 60 Inscriptions. In 1552 there were here " in the steple iij Belles and a sance Bell"; also " ij handbelles."* These three bells were evidently hanging when Chauncy wrote his His- torical Antiquities of the county, for he says " three small bells, of which the two greatest are broken. "f Those two broken bells have disappeared, in an unexplained way, leaving only the smallest of the three mentioned in the Edwardian Inventory. The proper description of the bells now here would doubtless be " one bell and a Priest's bell," but as the small bell is chimed with the large one for divine service I have said " two bells." The single bell at Loxwood, Sussex, bears the same inscription as the ancient one here. On the bell frame is incised the date 1841. BRAUGHING. St. Peter 8 Bells. 1. THE GIFT OF WILLIAM FREMAN ESQ. R. C. 1745 (Diameter 27 in.) 2. rTHE GIFT OF WILLIAM FRExMAN ESQ^ ROBT. CATLIN 3. \ FECIT 1745 (Diameters 29, 29^- in.) R R H. H T S WO W B I R T S WILLIAM HARBERT ME FECIT 1628 (Diameter 32 in.) 6eus in aMufouu, mcu in fen6c i c And on the crown 1562 (Diameter 34 in.) 6. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 16 15 (Diameter 36 in.) 7. MILES •:• GRAVE •:. MADE •:• ME 1653 (Diameter 42 in.) 8. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1631 (Diameter 48 in.) * Aug. Office : Misc., 497, P. R Off. + Page 515. 4 Inscriptions. 1 6 1 In 1552 there were here " fyve bellf in the steple and a saunce bell,"* and that continued to be the strength of the ring until the year 1745, when it was augmented by the gift of three trebles by William Freman, Esq. That gift is thus noted in the Parish Books : — 1744 March 30 William Freman Esqr. of Hammells gave 3 bells to Braughing and made frames and flooring of the Bells new and gave a new flooring for the ringers to stand on by nailing it upon the old one about 7 foot higher. 1745. 1746 October We the minister and Churchwardens of Braughing in the County of Hertford do acknowledge that the addition of three bells and the repairs of the timbers etc. belonging to the bells and bellfry were the free gift of William Freman Esqr. and that he is no ways obliged to repair or uphold the same for the future more than any other parishioner of Braughing. Witness our hands George Smith, Vicar. Thomas Poppercome | Church William Wall j Wardens The new ring of eight bells was rung for the first time on the 25th September, 1745, and the first Compleat Peal of 5040 Tripples was rung in three hours and ten minutes September y^ 30, i746.t A much more famous peal was rung on the loth of May, 1779, which is still commemorated (see p. 88). The fifth bell is an interesting one, as bearing an inscription from Holy Scripture, and as being the earliest dated bell in the county. This date and the founder's initials IC are on the crown of the bell, close under the head- stock, and was thus missed by Mr. North's correspondent. The inscription (the "riu" in " adiutoriu " being reversed) is no doubt meant for : — deus in adiutorium meum intende which is a quotation from Ps. Ixix. (Vulg.), Ixx. A. V. i. O God, make speed to save me * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Peal Board in Belfry. Y 1 62 Inscriptions. These bells are great favourites, being considered very beautiful in tone: Chauncy says, in 1700, "a ring of five excellent bells:" Salmon says, "five good bells," and a recent Guide Book says : " A musical ring of eight bells which are much celebrated," and adds the mistaken report that they " have a considerable admixture of silver in their composition," which would have a contrary effect to the one imagined upon their tone. William Freman, Esq., the donor of the three treble bells, was the son and heir of Ralph Freman, Esq., M.P. for Hertfordshire, who died on the 12th of June, 1742. William Freman died on the 6th of February, 1749 (see under Aspenden). The Ringers have a set of good rules. BROXBOURNE. St. Augustine 5 Bells and a Clock Bell. 1. J (Figs. 38 and 39.) ^-JS^B^B U :©B. □ <^^^l D (Diameter 30 in.) 2. + (Fig. 40.) GOD SAVE THE KING 1615 (Diameter 33 in.) 3. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1863 (Diameter 39 in.) 4- y (Figs. 38 and 40.) PRAISE THE LORD 1615 (Diameter 41 1 in.) 5. EDWARD O LEWIN O ESQR. O GAVE O (coin) 20 Q (coin) POVND K TOWARD Q MY Q NEV Q HACKING Q THOMAS O WELCH O O (coins) ROBART Q TARRE © CHVRCH Q WARDNS O (coin) JOHN Q HODSON O MADE O ME K 1670 ^ (Diameter 47 in.) Clock Bell:— Thomas Mears & Son of London fecit 1809 For stamps see p. 38. In 1552 there were as now "in the steple fyve bellf."* There are many memorial stones in the church to members of the Lewin family (see tenor bell). * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 1 63 BUCKLAND. St. Andrew 2 Bells. ^* [ CHRISTOPHER GRAIE MADE ME 1656. (Diameters 36, 39 in.) In 1552 there were " in the steple iij bellf."* BUNTINGFORD. St. Peter i Bell. I. Blank. (Diameter \2\ in.) This Chapel of Ease to Leyston was erected by the Rev. Alexander Strange, whose name is on the ist bell at Leyston. He began the work in 1614 and finished it in 1626. '* He begged the money," says Chauncy, and "gave as his motto : — " Begghard or Beggard." BUSHEY. St. James 3 Bells and a Clock Bell. 2' }■ WILLIAM + ELDRIDGE + MADE + MEE + 1664 + H + K W + B CH2 WARDENS (Diameters 33^, 35I in.) 3. + (Fig. 12.) Hancfa ^rinifas IFnus ^eits X^^tserere ^Elobis a (Fig. 13) U (Fig. 14) (Diameter 39-^ in.) Clock Bell:— Blank. (Diameter 23^ in.) For stamps see p. 15. In 1552 "the pyshe church of Busshey" possessed : — Imprimis iij Belles in the steple * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. 1 64 Inscriptions. Itm a Saunce Bell Itm ij handbelles.* There is a saying very current here, " Worse and worse, like the parson of Bushey," which is said to have arisen in this way : Formerly Bushey had but one bell, which dealt forth a dull " tom-tom-tom," much to the grief of a certain parson of Bushey, who, therefore, added a second bell. But the people declared that the bells were shaming him, for they called out "Tom- fool, tom-fool." Once more he added a bell, but this made matters worse, for the bells now seemed to say " Tom-fool still " and have said so ever since. t Shropshire has also its " worse and worse " story too, but there it is "like Povey's foot." W"" Povey, whose grave is in Broseley churchyard, met, when young, with an accident to his foot, on the strength of which he led a life of idleness. His usual answer to any inquiry as to the state of his foot was that it was " wus and wus," and so the saying " Wus and wus, like Povey's foot " gradually spread throughout the district. The foot, however, says the narrator of the story, seems to have been a long time getting " wusser," for his tombstone records his age as nearly threescore years and ten. BUSHEY HEATH. St. Peter i Bell. This modern church has a small and new bell in the western bell-cote. BYGRAVE. Dedication Unknown i Bell. I. HENRYSALLCH: WARDEN 1718 (Diameter 25 in.) In 1552 this church possessed " ij° small bellf.":}: CALDECOTE. St. Mary Magdalene i Bell. I- ^ (Fig. 38.) PRAISE THF LORD 1630 (Diameter 34 in., cracked). * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Si non e vero e ben trovato. But the dates on the two latest bells are slightly contra- dictory of the alisolute truth of the " yarn." X Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. OfiT. Inscriptio7is. 1 6 5 For stamps see p. 38. In 1552 there were " iij bellf in the steple " and " ij° handbellf."* Three were also here at the end of the seventeenth century, when Chauncy wrote his account of the church. f There is now frame work for another bell, but only for one ; when, and under what circumstances, two bells were lost is unknown. CHESHUNT. St. Mary the Virgin 6 Bells and a Clock Bell. 1. + MILO -I- GRAY + ME + FECIT + 1636 (Diameter 29^ in.) 2. MILO GRAY ME FECIT 1636 (Diameter 31 in.) 3. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1760 (Diameter 32 in.) 4. DANIEL REDDINTON PHILIP SHETTLETON ANTHONY TARRY CHVRCHWARDENS 1679 JAMES BARTLETT MADE ME O (Foundry stamp on waist). (Diameter 34I in.) 5. JOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 17 12 (Diameter 39 in.) 6. Wm welch ROB GARDEN O FIELDING CH Wns Jo WAY- LET MAED ME 1 7 12 (Diameter 44^ in.) Clock Bell : — Pack & Chapman of London fecit 1773! In 1552 there were here : — Itfn V great bellf and a sancf bell in the steple Itiii a sacrynge bell in the chancell.§ * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Hist. Aiitiq. Herts, p. 42. X I am indebted to Mr. Cussans' Hist, of Herts, vol. ii., p. 231, for the description of this clock-bell, which my friend missed when he took rubbings from the other bells for me. § Au^. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. 1 66 Inscriptions. On a board formerly in the ringing chamber were these lines : — All you y' come hither to ring, Pray read these lines before you begin. He that toucheth a bell by night or by day, His due is a groat to y^ sexton to pay ; And he that doth deny therefore Let him not come here to ring any more. CHIPPERFIELD. St. Paul i Bell. Church built in 1837. It has one bell, doubtless of that date. CHIVESFIELD. In 1552, the ancient church here possessed " too bellys in the steple,"* which were still there when Chauncy wrote his account of the church, towards the close of the seventeenth century, " whereof" he added " one is broke."t The church was demolished in 1750, by license from the Bishop of Lin- coln, and the materials used for repairing Graveley Church. J CHORLEYWOOD. Christ Church i Bell and a Clock Bell. I. HEARS LONDON 1845 (Weight 2 cwt.) Clock Bell : — GILLETT BLAND & CO CROYDON 1882 (Weight 3 cwt. I qr.) CLOTHALL. St. Mary 2 Bells. 1. + (Fig. 3.) (MJ^^^JM ': P^M J.(BM-MM^'M.^ (Diameter 29^ in.) 2. + (Fig. 36.) i^s ^ (Fig. 37.) T AV .)!(. 2 (Diameter 30I in.) For stamps see pp. 39 and 36. * Attg. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 369. + Clutterbuck's Hist. Herts, vol. ii., p. 304. ^' ^^' JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1782 Inscriptions. 167 In 1552 the church of " Clatole " possessed : — It ij° bellf in the Steple It ij hand bellf.* CODICOTE. St. Giles 6 Bells. I. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1812 (On Sound Bow) THOMAS QUINT HE GAVE ME WITH GOOD WILL FRANK AND FREE FOR TO RING MERRILEY (Diameter 28 in.) ■:| ,:> (Diameters 28|, 30, 3i|, 34 m.) 6. J : aRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1792 (Diameter 38^ in.) In 1552 this church possessed "iij Belles in the Steple. "f In Chauncy's time there were five. J John Briant's list also gives five, and mentions the tenor as weighing 10 cwt. Cussans gives six bells, but is wrong about dates, as he states that all the first five of the peal are dated i782.§ COLNEY HEATH. St. Mark i Bell. I. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1844. (Diameter 19I in.) COTTERED. St. Mary 5 Bells. 1. J. BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1793 W^' GUTTERIDGE C. W. (Diameter 30 in.) 2. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1841 (Diameter 32 in.) * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. + Ibid, % Page 513. § Vol. ii., p. 153. 1 68 Inscriptions. 3. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON 1759 (Diameter 35 in.) 4. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 165 1 (Diameter 37 in.) 5. JAMES PULTER MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1650 (Diameter 42 in.) In 1552 there were here "iij bells in the steple and a saunce bell."* James Pulter, whose name is on the tenor bell, and who is traditionally believed in the village to have been its donor, was Lord of the Manor. He was descended from Edward Pulter of Wymondley Magna, who purchased the manor in the year 1581. He was born in this parish on the 5th of June 1627, and died, without issue, on the 17th of August, 1659.! Here are some useful rules (dated 13 Feb. 1865) for the guidance of the ringers, * CROXLEY GREEN. All Saints i Bell and a Priest's Bell. These are two modern bells. The larger was supplied to the church in 1872, and weighs 3 cwt. 2 qrs. 17 lb. The smaller bell, which weighs 2 qrs. 8^ lb., was given shortly afterwards, as is shown by the following inscription on the wall of the belfry : — The Clock and small Bell placed in the tower of this Church were presented in the year 1877 by Caroline Brooke in affectionate memory of her late husband IMajor-General James Croft Brooke, C.B., who was for many years a resident in this Parish at The Firs, Croxley Green. DATCHWORTH. All Saints 6 Bells. 1. DANIEL PENNVFATHER DID ME GIVE 1875 CAST BV JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1875 (Diameter 26 in.) 2. CAST BV JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1875 (Diameter 27 in.) * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f See Clutterbuck's I/tsi. Herts, iii., p. 517, where is a Pedigree of the family. Inscriptions. 1 69 'I 5. ^AKTHOMY CHAMDLER MADE ME 1673 6. ^ (Diameters 28, 30^, 53, 36^ in.) In 1552 there were " iiij bellf in the steple."* Chauncy, writing in 1700, described the ring as consisting of "five small indifferent bells. "t It was augmented, as shown above, by the gift of an additional treble in 1875 by Mr. Daniel Pennyfather, an old resident in the parish, who has since died. The whole ring, having been at that time put into good order, was reopened on Easter Tuesday, 1875, t>y Leonard Proctor, Esq., of Bennington, and his band of ringers, who rang some peals of Kent treble Bob minor and Grandsire Five in masterly style. Local tradition — doubtless correctly — affirms that the bells by Anthony Chandler were cast on the spot, in the churchyard. DIGSWELL. St. John the Evangelist 3 Bells. 1. T. Mears of London Fecit 1829 (Diameter 24 in.) 2. i (Figs. 38 and 40.) PRAISE THE LORD 1605 3- y (Figs. 38 and 40.) GOD SAVE THE KING 160? (Diameter 29 in.) GOD SAVE THE (Diameter 30 in., cracked.) For stamps see p. 38. In 1552 there were here "iij lytell bellf in the steple" and "ij hande bellf.": EASTWICK. St. Botolph 3 Bells. I. [n n D D D D D D D D] (Diameter 27 in.) * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, ?• R- Off- + '^"''- Antiq. Herts, p. 328. :; Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. 1 70 Inscriptions. 2. (+ Fig. 19.) '^ox ,^ugu5fitti Henot ^n ,^urc ;E)ei (U Fig. 20.) (Diameter 30^ in.) 3. "^o^xi %\axkz "^iTa6e f ()is BcU 1601 (Diameter 32^ in.) For stamps see p. 20. For No. i bell see p. 35. In 1552 there were " iij bellf in the steple.''* The inscription on the tenor is very indistinct, but the " arke " is (with the date) sufficiently legible for the bell to be decidedly ascribed to John Clarke, an itinerant founder of this period. There is a tradition current here, and, with an alteration, at Hunsdon, that one of the Eastwick bells fell and was not rehung, but taken to Hunsdon, and is now the treble hanging in the tower there. f ELSTREE. St. Nicolas 6 Bells. I. J. WARNER & SONS LONDON 1880 (Weight 3 cwt. 2 qrs. 9 lb.) ^' M. WARNER & SONS LONDON 1S79 5- ^ (Weight 3 cwt. 3 qrs. 4 lb. 3 cwt. 3 qrs. 4 4 „ „ 7 4 » 2 „ 9 5 >. „ 12 ) 6. THIS PEAL OF BELLS WAS SET UP A.D. 1879 T. BEDFORD RECTOR CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1879 (Weight 6 cwt. 2 qrs. 5 lb.) In 1552 the "churche of lUstrey " possessed : — Imprimis iij Belles in the steple Itm ijo handebelles weinge xj''. | * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Such traditions are not uncommon, and are as frequently incorrect. In the present in- stance the measurement and inscription of the ist and 2nd at Hunsdon testify to the incorrectness of the tradition. X Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 171 Three bells continued the number here until recent times : the smallest, being cracked, disappeared — when is not now known, but probably when the church was rebuilt in the year 1852. The two remaining bells were each inscribed : — Robert Mot me fecit a.d. 1589 These were removed to the London foundry, and broken up when the present ring of six superseded them. ESSENDON. St. Mary the Virgin* 6 Bells and a Clock Bell. I. SAMUEL WHITBREAD OF BEDWELL PARK ESQ'' GAVE THIS BELL ANNO 1769. THO^ PACK OF LONDON FECIT (Diameter 26^ in.) ^" I RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 1685 (Diameters 28, 30J in.) ^- 1 5. V RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 1681 6. J (Diameters 29^^, 35, 40 in.) Clock Bell :— SAM^ WHITBREAD ESQ'' BEDWELL PARK, HERTS. 1765 LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT (Diameter 22 in., cracked.) In 1552 "the Parryshe Churche of Esengden " possessed: — Itm iiij belles in the steple Itiri ij° sackeryng belles Itiii \f handbelles Itm a saunce bell.f In 1700 there were five bells, J and the number so remained until 1769, when the present treble was given, as its inscription testifies. The minute book of the Hertford College Youths contains the following entry relative to this gift :— * The church is called "All Saints" oa the title-page of a Marriage Register, dated 1754. t Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. + Chauncy's Hist. Antiq. of Herts., 278. 172 hiscriptions. jjSg Aug. 20th 720 changes were rung at Essendon to celebrate the gift of a treble bell by Saml.Whitbread, Esq., of Bedwell Park. The vestry order book of the parish contains some entries, of no special interest, relating to the bells : a rate was made on the 12th September, 1683, " towards the repaire of the belles ;" in the following year another rate was laid for a similar purpose. Under date of 1693 May 22 The generall consent of the Vestrey whose names are underwritten that the Churchwardens shall give [on] Three ringing dayes the sum of thirteen shillings and the same to be spent at Church Clarkes house and not any whear Else : it is agreed that the Clerk shall have four shillings a year to ring a sermon bell paid by the Church- wardens. At another vestry, held April 28th, 17S8, it was directed thaf an estimate be obtained from Mr. Bryant for new hanging the bells. An agreement was shortly after entered into with him to new hang the six bells " now in the steple " for ;^t,o. The bell frame was also repaired at a cost of ^29. The following additional orders may be quoted as to the use of the bells : — 181 5 March 27 Agreed to allow Moss 6d. per week to Chime the Bells on a Sunday. 1818 March 23 Agreed that the Bells of a Sunday in the morning service that the great Bell shall toll for one quarter of an Hour, than to chime for ^ an Hour than the Little Bell to ring the Parishioners in for | of an hour. The Evening the Bells to Chime for ^ of an Hour and the Little Bell Ting I of an Hour. Wm. Moss to have the care of the Bells and to Chime Ring, etc., as above from | past 10 o'clock to 11 o'clock when service is in the morning, and from 2 o'clock to half past when service is in the evening, the above is given to him in writing that the Business may be punctually attended to."* Samuel Whitbread, Esq. (see treble bell), who purchased Bedwell House and Park, died on the nth of June, 1796 : his son of the same name sold them to Sir Culling Smith, Bart., in iSo7.t * My thanks are due to H. R. Wilton Hall, Esq., for these extracts. t Clutlerbuck's l/is/. of Herts, ii. 131, 137. Inscriptions. 173 FLAMSTEAD. St. Leonard 6 Bells. I. JOHN WAYLETT LONDON FECIT 1729 (Diameter 30 in.) 2. 3- 4- \ CHANDLER MADE ME 1664 5- 6. (Diameters 32^, 34, 36I, 39^, 44 in.) In 1552 there were here " iiijo"" Belles and a Sance Bell in the Steple.''* These were probably re-cast into the above five by Chandler in 1664, for that was the number when Chauncy wrote his History in the year 1700. The present treble, making a ring of six, was a new bell added in 1729. The Flamstead Society of Bell Ringers, established in October, 1863, have some excellent rules for their guidance. FLAUNDEN. St. Mary Magdalen i Bell. (Diameter 18 in.) In 1552 the ancient church of Flaunden (erected, says Chauncy, by Thomas Flaunden, " in the vale near the river for the ease of himself and the con- veniency of his tenants ") possessed " iij Belles in the steple " and " ij hand bellf poz viij// di."t Three bells remained in this ancient church until its demolition on account of its distance from the people, about the year 1838. One bell is said to have been then sold for old metal, and another to a new church near Uxbridge,J the proceeds of both being used in aid of the building of the present church, in which hangs the least of the three bells just mentioned. It may be noted in connection with the date of the existing bell that the silver chalice and cover still used at Flaunden bear the date i577.§ * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Aug. Office: Misc.,yo\. 497, P. R. Off. % Mr. John Harris tells me the bell hangs at St. John's Church, Uxbridge Moor, Middle- sex, and is inscribed " Sancte Johannes era pro nobis 15S2." He is, however, incorrect as to both inscription and date. See page 35. § Ex infor. Rev. Bryant Burgess, Rector. 1 74 Inscriptions. GADDESDEN, GREAT. St. John the Baptist 5 Bells ^' I CHAMDLER MADE ME 1662 (Diameters 30, 36 in.) 2. CHAMDLER ^ MADE ME ^ 1662 (Diameter 31 in.) 3. ISAACK ^ HALSEM «$. WILLIAM YOVNG CHVRCH ^ WARDEM 1662 (Diameter 34 in.) 5. CHANDLER MADE ME 1723 (Diameter 38 in.) In 1552 the church here possessed : — Imprimis iiij""" Belles in the steple Itin ij° hand Belles.* And four was the number until the present tenor was added in i723.t GADDESDEN, LITTLE. SS. Peter and Paul 2 Bells. ^" i JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD 1820 (Diameters 18, 24 in.) In 1552 " Gaddesden p'va " possessed " iij Belles in the steple."J According to Chauncy there were "four small bells" here in the year i7oo.§ What became of two of them is not now known. GILSTON. St. Mary 2 Bells. 1. NATHANIELL SPENCER CHURCHWARDEN 1663 (Diameter 24I in.) 2. JESVS BE OVR SPEDE 1628 U (Fig. 38.) (Diameter 28^- in.) * Atig. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Oft". f Chauncy says " four bells" in 1700, p. 560. X Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. § Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 554. Inscriptions. 175 In 155^2 the " churche of Gelsone " possessed : — Ir in the steple iij bellf and a handbell.* Three continued the number until the year 1883, when the treble (cast by C. & G. Mears of London in 1858) was taken down and sold, "as it was of very thin metal and out of tune with the other two." There is no present intention of replacing it with a better, but the tenor is (June, 1883) about being rehung and made ringable, which it has not been for some years. GOFF'S OAK. St. James i Bell. Tliis modern church, consecrated and opened in July, 1862, has a steel bell which is said to have been a specimen shown in the Great International Exhibition held in Hyde Park, London, in 185 1. GRAVELEY. St. Mary 4 Bells. 1. + (Fig. 40.) JESVS BE OVR SPEDE 160S (Diameter 30 J in.) 2. Blank. (Diameter 31^ in., cannons broken off.) 3. §oI)anni5 6icr campaitam fccif 1589 (Diameter 33 i- in.) 4. T. Mears of London fecit 1830 (Diameter 36^ in.) In 1552 there were here "iij bellf in the steple,"t which were increased to four previous to the year 1700, for Chauncy then says "four small bells."J HADHAM, MUCH. St. Andrew 6 Bells and a Priest's Bell. I. THE GIFT OF RICHARD CHASE ESQ'' S K 1738 (Diameter 27 in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Ibid. X Hi si. Antiq. Herts, p. 369. 176 Inscriptions. 2. W M. J H CHVRCH <> W O I H MADE ME 1654 (Diameter 28 in.) 3- Jo^n l>scr \XKa^(xxi(x jQCltc^aelis (U Fig. 20). (Diameter 38 in.) 5. G C T C PRAISE THE LORD 1613 (UFig. 38.)_ (Diameter 41^- in.) For stamps see pp. 20 and ^i^. In 1552 the " pyshe Churche or Chappell of Harpden " possessed : — Imprimis iij Belles and a Saunce Bell in the Steple. | There is a traditionary belief current in the parish that the church had originally one bell only ; and some old people further say that the 4th bell was " stolen " from the adjoining parish of Redbourn. * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 159. + A7io. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 179 HATFIELD, BISHOP'S. St. Etheldreda 8 Bells. ' JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1786 I. ^ 2. 3- 4- 5- 7- ' (Diameters 32I, 33J, 35, 37, 39, 46 in.) 6. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1841 (Diameter 42 in.) 8. CHARLES PRATCHELL AND WILLIAM WOODARDS C W (Diameter 52 in.) In 1552 there were " in the stepeell" here *' v Belles and a sance belle."* These five bells, called "large " in 1700, or their representatives, continued to hang until the year 1786, when they were superseded by a ring of eight cast by John Briant of Hertford. The new ring was opened on the 5th June in that year. There are several Peal Boards in the ringing chamber. Cemetery Chapel i Bell. One Bell — inaccessible. Stated to have come from Cheshire. HATFIELD HYDE. St. Mary i Bell. This modern church, erected about the year 1850, has an equally modern bell. HEMEL HEMPSTEAD. St. Mary. 8 Bells. 1. LESTER & PACK FECIT 1758 (Diameter 29 in.) 2. LESTER & PACK LONDON FECIT and incised : — * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off, This parish is erroneously called "Kynges Hatfyld " in the Inventory. 1 80 Inscriptions. THO^ KELLAM AND IN° HILL CH. WARDENS 1758 (Diameter 30^ in.) 3. CHANDLER MADE ME 1688 {Diameter 32 in.) 4- J (Figs. 38 and 39.) PRAISE THE LORD 1633 (Diameter 34. in.) 5- Imv)5 afc % 60 xwxrn (Diameter 35 in.) 6. GOD SAVE KIMG JAMP:S 1604 (Diameter 38 in.) + (Fig. 38.) SANA D MANET D CHRISTI D PLEBISQUE D '' U RELIGIO D VANA D 1617 (Diameter 41 i in.) 8. Rice Hughes Curate Tho^ Kellam & W Grundsell Ch. Wardens 1767 Lester «S^: Pack of London Fecit (Diameter 47I in.) For stamps see p. 38. In 1552 there were here : — Imprimis v Belles in the Steple Itm ij° handbelles.* The number had been increased to "a good ring of six bells" prior to the year i7oo,t and those again were augmented to eight in 1758, when, according to a tradition current here and at Bovingdon, two bells were brought from the latter place and no doubt recast into the present first and second. The founder of the 5th bell meant to say Laudate Domiimin. The Rev. Rice Flughes, curate in 1767 (see tenor bell) was appointed to the living on the 15th July, 1773, and died in 17 78. J, St. Paul i Bell. This district church, built in 1869, has one equally modern bell. St. John the Evangelist, Boxmoor i Bell. Built in 1820, and has one equally modern bell. * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Chauncy's Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 548. X Clutterbuck's Hist. Herts, i., p. 421. Inscriptions. HERTFORD. i«i All Saints lo Bells. 1. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT AN. DOM. 1791 (Diameter 29^ in.) 2. RAISED BY VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTION BY HERTFORD COLLEGE YOUTHS AN : DOM : 1791 W : KIMPTON J : EVANS JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT O O (Diameter 30 in.) C •:• WARDENS PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT 1771 (Diameters 31, 32, 33I, 36, 39, 4of, 44I in.) 10. PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT JAMES USBORNE THOs NORTH CH. WARDENS 1771 (Diameter 49 in.) In 1552 the " churche of AUhallowes in hartford " possessed : — Itm V bells in the steple Itin ij hande bell^'* The largest of these five bells was the gift of William Wake, gentleman, and was said to have been worth ^120 at the time she was cast.t He was probably the William Wake, " lat surveyor with King Henry the sixt," whose tombstone in this church is mentioned by Chauncy.J In the year 1674, this great bell was melted down and cast into four, thus making a ring of eight bells with a priest's bell, the first of that number in the county. So early as 1724, a complete peal (5,040 changes) of triples had been rung on these bells, and in 1767, as we have seen (page 89), the ringers constituted Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Oft". t Chauncy's Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 267. X Ibid., p. 260. l82 Inscriptions. themselves a Society under the title of " The Hertford College Youths." To that Society the town is mainly indebted for the present ring. The old bells were probably far from being in good tune, so on the 15th October, 1770, we find an entry in the minute-book of the Ringers' Society to the effect (see page 92) that the parish had agreed, at their request, to have the two treble bells and the saint's bell recast into two treble bells, provided it was done by subscription and not by rate. Certain members of the Society subscribed ;^i6, and there was received from non-members ^8 8s. gd. It was, however, wisely decided to recast the whole ring, and the work was done, as the bells themselves tell us, by the Whitechapel founders. The weights of these bells are : — lb. nt 3rd 6 cwt. 2 qrs. 22 4th 6 „ 3 M 9 5th 7 » 2 „ 9 6th 9 „ „ 3 7th 10 ,, 2 „ 8th II „ 2 ,, 10 9th 15 M n 19 Tenor 21 ,, 3 M 9 The note of the tenor is E flat, which, says a competent judge,* is probably the very best key-note that can be selected for a ring of eight or ten bells. These new bells were opened on the 20th of November, 1771. The ringers soon became anxious to increase the strength of their bells, and on the 8th of January, 1789, sho\ved their enthusiasm was practical by resolving to subscribe one half of the money arising from ringing, until it became the sum of ;^2o, towards the metal, and all expence attending the erection of two additional trebles, so making a ring of ten. Their object was gained, as the present first and second bells testify, and the first peal on the completed ring of ten bells was rung on the 9th of June, 1794. This good ring of bells which has been fortunate to escape injury for so many years, through the exertions of John Tasker Evans, Esq., M.D., was thoroughly repaired in 1879, and reopened by some good change-ringers on the 13th of November in that year. * F. W. J. Rees, Esq. Inscriptions. 183 St. Andrew 8 Bells. I. 2. [ JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1782 4- ) (Diameters 30, 32, 34 in.) 3. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS 1876. EXULTATE DEO (Diameter 33 in.) 5. JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1797 (Diameter 35 in.) ^' I JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1793 (Diameter 36, 39I in.) 8. JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1797 GLORIA DEO IN EXCELSIS (Diameter 44 J in.) In 1552, there were in the ancient church of St. Andrew " iij bellf," also "a saunce bell."* These had increased to "four small bells" before the year i7oo,t which, in their turn, gave place to a ring of eight in 1782, upon which 5280 changes Treble Bob were rung on the 20th of May in that year, " being the first peal that was rung on the new bells."J The tower of this church was rebuilt, and the bells rehung, in 1875-6. Mr. Proctor, of Bennington, the well-known lover of ringing, speaking at a meeting of ringers at Hertford, in December, 1874, said these bells " had been cut and chipped about, were out of tune, and nothing could be done with them except recasting." St. Nicolas. This ancient church, which formerly stood in St. Nicolas Street, possessed, in 1552, " a handbell w' ij other bellf in the steple."§ Christchurch I Bell. A modern parish. Church built in 1868 — has one equally modern bell. * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Chauncy's Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 260. X Minute Book of the Hertford College Youths. § Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. 1 84 hiscriptions. HERTINGFORDBURY. St. Mary 5 Bells. 1. JOHANNES WAYLETT FECIT 1706 (Diameter 25 in.) 2. FRANCIS NICHOLLS CH : WARDEN W^ CLARKE OVERSEER 1750 T: LESTER FECIT (Diameter 28 in., cracked). 3. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1823 (Diameter 31 in.) 4. O PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS GOODNES AND DECLARE HIS W •:• 1656 (Diameter 33 in.) 5. ICEPE DULCESEQUAR: •:• •:• W. WHITMORE FOR JOHN HVDSON 1656 (Diameter 38 in.) In ii^'?2 there were here : — If in the steple iiij bellf and a saunce bell Ii ij handbellf.* These had changed to " an excellent small ring of five tunable bells " before the year i7oo.t The founder apparently had not room to complete his inscription on the 4th bell : " His wonders " or " His works " being intended. HEXTON. St. Faith 3 Bells. I. CHANDLER MADE ME 1697 (Diameter 31^ in.) 2. + (Fig. 4-) .^"^:e, ; iii,^:Ei3:ji (Diameter 34^ in.) 3. CHANDLER MADE ME 1688 T E[?] I H[?] C. W (Diameter 37^ in.) For stamps see p. 10. * A7ig. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Chauncy's ZT/j/. Antiq. Herts, p. 273. Inscriptions. ^ 185 In 1552 there were here "in the steple iiij°'' Belles,"* and that was the rtumber in the year 1700. There is a tradition that about forty years ago there were five bells, and that during some repairs of the church two were sent away to be recast, but were never restored, and are now supposed to be hanging in St. Albans Cathedral. That two bells have been lost is evident, as the pits for treble and tenor still remain, but there is nothing to confirm the St. Albans part of the tradition. The bell-chamber is somewhat unsafe, except to an experienced hand and head. There is no flooring whatever, and the beams are quite rough and unsquared. Formerly, on " Hockmonday," the Hockers here gave a portion of the money they collected to the churchwardens for the reparation of the church and bells.f HIGH CROSS. St. Giles i Bell. Church built in 1847, ^"d has one modern bell. HIGH WYCH. St. James i Bell. This modern church has a small bell, supplied by Messrs. Taylor & Co. of Loughborough. HINXWORTH. St. Nicolas 5 Bells. I. J. BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1820 (Diameter 26 in.) " 2' }mILES •:. GRAVE •:• MADE •:. ME •:. 1651 (Diameters 28, 30 in.) 4. RVND J : LAFONT VICAR. R : SALE. C :W : J BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT MDCCCXXV (Diameter 32^ in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. + Clutterbuck's Hist, Herts, voL iii., p. 6, 2 B n 1 86 Inscriptions. 5. REV^D G : COX RECTOR E. SALE C : W : J. BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1820 (Diameter 38 in.) In 1552 there were " iij bellf in the steple."* HITCHIN. SS. Mary and Andrew 8 Bells. 1. \ AT PROPER TIMES MY VOICE I'LL RAISE AND SOUND TO 2. / MY SUBSCRIBERS' PRAISE SEPT. 24, 1762 (Diameters 32, 34^ in.) JOSEPH MARGETTS PIERSON. JOHN EVERITT. JOHN COLLISON CHURCHWARDENS 1762. JOHN PILKINGTON MORGAN VICr (Diameters 39, 50 in.) 4. WE THE SACRED NUPTIAL TIE JOYOUS PROCLAIM : AND EVERYSOUND AND EVERY VARIED PEAL CALLS SMILES OF TRANSPORT FROM THE HAPPY PAIR a.d. 1762 (Diameter 41 in.) 5. LAUDODEUMVERUM:PLEBEMVOCO:CONGREGOCLERUM: DEFUNCTOS PLORO : PESTEM FUGO : FESTA DECORO : 1762 (Diameter 43 in.) 6. JOSEPH EAYRE S^ NEOTS CAST US ALL EIGHT a.d. 1762 OMNIA FIANT AD GLORIAM DEI (Diameter 42 in.) 8. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE DO SUMMON ALL REV. W. T. MORGAN. W. CHAPMAN. W. POWERS. T. GOOD- MAN CHURCHWARDENS. EDWARD ARNOLD ST. NEOTS FECIT 1784 (Diameter 53 in. Note E[j.) In 1552 the " church of Hytchin " possessed the rather unusual number of "vj great bellf in the steple," which are thus minutely described in the Inventory of goods then taken : — * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 187 The greateste Bell cont' in depth iij foot v Inches di in bredthe iiij foot fyve Inches. The second bell cont' in Depth iij foote ij Inches in bredth iiij foote one Inch^^. The thenle bell cont' in depth iij foote ij ynches and bredth iiij foote. The iiij'*^ bell cont' in Depth ij foote ix inches di in bredth iij foote v ynches Di'. The fififthe cont' in depthe ij foote vj ynches in bredth iij foote one ynch Di'. The vj bell cont' in depthe ij foote iij Inches in bredth ij foote ix ynches di Itm one Lytell Bell in the steple cont' in depth xvj ynches in bredth xvij ynches.* The six "great bells" thus described were recast in the year i689.t Whether the " Lytell " bell disappeared then or at an earlier date is doubtful. It was probably a Sanctus Bell. The number continued the same until 1762, when another recasting took place, and the number was increased to eight. The Rev. John Pilkington Morgan (see 3rd bell) was instituted as Vicar on the i8th of August, 1755, and died on the i6th of July, 1788, aged 72 years, being buried within this church. J The name " Rev. W. T. Morgan " on the tenor bell dated 1784 is consequently either an error, or represents perhaps a curate of that name. There was a Peal Board in the old ringing loft, which was removed when the church was restored, recording the ringing of " a compleat Peal of 5040 Plain Bob Tripples " by eight ringers, whose names were given, on Wednesday 20th February, 1782. Cussans (vol. ii., p. 40) mentions the seizure by the Parliament, in 1650, of this manor, and quotes a detailed account thereof, which includes an "old decayed small Tenem' coriionly called the Bell house . , . neare unto the Marquett Place . . . used for ringinge of y^ Bell there for the Marquett." I believe this is now untraceable, as is also the fate of the bell which it once contained. St. Saviour 3 Bells. 2. \ JOHN WARNER & SONS FOUNDERS LONDON 1865 (Diameters 20, 22, 24 in. ; total weight 7 cwt. o qr. 20 lb.) * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Chauncy's Hist. Aniiq. Herts, p. 392. + Clutterbuck's Hist. Herts, iii., pp. 37, 46. 1 88 Inscriptions. HOCKERILL. All Saints 2 Bells. This new church has two small bells supplied by Messrs. Taylor and Co. of Loughborough. The diameters were 12 inches and 13 inches. They were the gift of the Rev. W. Courthwaite. HODDESDON. ? Dedication i Bell. This new church — the district was formed in 1843— has one modern bell not easy of access. Clock Tower i Clock Bell and 2 Quarter Bells. The ancient bell described below formerly belonged to the chapel of St. Catharine, which, becoming ruinous, was demolished, excepting the portion called the Clock House, which was rebuilt, about the year 1 730, at the expence of Robert Plomer, of this place, gentleman. The present Town Hall and Clock House were completed about the year 1870, when a new town clock and two quarter bells were provided. The clock strikes upon the ancient bell. Clock Bell : + (Fig. 19.) ^ancfa M^nna (Dra ^ro ^H^obis )^ u (Fig. 31.) Quarter Bells : These two bells were cast by Messrs. Gillett and Co., of Croydon, in 1870, and weigh respectively i cwt. and i cwt. 2 qrs. HORMEAD, GREAT. St. Nicolas 6 Bells. 1. WILLIAM BULL C:W: 1701 (Diameter 29 in.) 2. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1845 (Diameter 31 in.) Inscriptions. 1 89 3. -f (Fig. 39.) ^m^i&^M- ^ mm^im ^ mim,m ^ ^(D:oi(i) ^ :©©■© 1606 (Diameter t^t^ in.) 4. WILLIAM HARBERT ME FECIT 1626 MILES GRAVE (Diameter 36I in.) ^* JMILES GRAVE MADE ME 1623 (Diameters 39, 43 in.) For stamps see p. 38. The manor of Hormead Magna was purchased, in 1579, by Anthony Cage of London. From him descended Robert Cage, who was, says Chauncy, " very serviceable to his country, well-beloved among his neighbours, and obtained a Ring of six excellent Bells in this church, but dying [in 1655] in the flower of his age, left Thornton his Heir."* There is a story current in the parish to the effect that when the tenor bell was being cast, " a lady emptied her lap which was full of silver into the mould," hence its beautiful tone. HORMEAD, LITTLE. St. Mary 2 Bells. I. Blank. (Diameter 24 in.) 2. + (Fig. 7.) BM-^M^mT;^]^ o (Fig. 8) mij^:^©m^- mK3?^ O (Fig. 8.) &^]^ O (Fig. 8.) ^Mm o (Fig. 8.) :ei©:©5eh (Diameter 25I in.) In 1552 " Hormeade Parva " possessed " ij° belles in the steple "and " Itin ij° hand bellf ."t The two former I have little doubt are the two now hanging. One of these has no rope and has not been rung for years, being reported to be cracked. It is, however, perfectly whole, and I was glad to be able to assure the rector on this point. For stamps see p. 1 2. * Hisl. Antiq. Herts, p. 136. t Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. 1 90 Inscriptions. HUNSDON. St. Dunstan 5 Bells. 1. J (Figs. 3S and 39.) JESVS BE OVR SPEDE 1630 (Diameter 31 in.) 2. ^ (Figs. 38 and 39.) GOD SAVE THE KING 1630 (Diameter 33^ in., cracked.) 3. THE REV° W CALVERT RECTOR J BRIANT HARTFORD 1787 (Diameter 35^- in.) 4. PHILIP ELIOT RECTOR JOSEPH CALTON JOHN HUNSDUN CHURCHWARDEN 1668 A O B. (Diameter 38 in.) 5. I C ANTHONY BARTLET MADE ME 1652 (Diameter 43^ in.) In 1552 this church possessed : — Itm V bells in the steple * Itm a saunce bell Itin a hand bell Itm a clocke w' all Implement^ thereto belongynge.* The initials I C on the tenor bell are probably those of John, Clifton who had some connection with the Whitechapel Foundry. See p. 47. The Rev. Philip Elliott (see 4th bell) was instituted as rector on the 20th July, 1644. The Rev. Wm. Calvert (see 3rd bell) was instituted on the loth May, 1777, and died on loth December, 1831, in the 86th year of his age.f There is a tradition that the Eastwick bells fell, and not being rehung, the Hunsdon people claimed one, which is said to be the treble at present in this tower. The Edwardian Inventory, which gives five bells in 1552 as now, and the fact of the treble being cast by the same founder, and in the same year as the 2nd bell, appear to disprove the truth of the tradition. (WEST) HYDE. St. Thomas i Bell. This modern district church has a small bell, said to have been supplied by Messrs. Warner & Sons, of the Crescent Foundry, London. * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Cussan's Hist. Hcris, i. 48, 50. Inscriptions. 1 9 1 ICKLEFORD. St. Katharine 5 Bells. 1. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1857 and incised : — NOMINE PATRIS ET FILII ET SPIRITUS SANCTI. IN MEMORIAM FREDERICI COCKAYNE DUDLIEII RYDER MARIAN MATER EJUS DOLOROSA ME CONSECRAVIT SANCTI THOM^ DIE FESTO MDCCCLVII. (Diameter 28^ in.) 2. CAST BY J. WARNER & SONS CRESCENT FOUNDRY LONDON 1857 and incised : — NOMINE PATRIS ET FILII ET SPIRITUS SANCTL IN MEMORIAM THOM^. COCKAYNE MARIAN UNICA EJUS PROLES ME CONSECRAVIT SANCTI THOM^ DIE FESTO MDCCCLVII. (Diameter 31 in.) 3. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 1680 (Diameter 325 in.) 4. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1650 (Diameter 35^ in.) 5. AVILLIAM WYANT. CHVRCH. WARQEN THOMAS RVSSELL OF WOOTTON MAQE ME 1726 (Diameter 39 in.) In 1552 there were here " iij bellf in the steple."* Chauncy, writing in the year 1700, says "five bells. "t Two of them are traditionally believed to have been removed to Pirton, which parish, with this, was formerly one cure. In 1857 the two memorial bells were given, thus making up the number to what it was before the removal took place. Frederick Cockayne Dudley Ryder (see 6ih bell) was born in October, 1841, and died on the 27th of May, 1853. He was the eldest son of the Hon. Fredeickr Dudley Ryder by Marian Charlotte Emily, only daughter and heiress of Thomas Cockayne, Esq., of Ickleford House. This Thomas Cockayne (see 2nd bell) died on the 26th of May, 1852, being the last heir * Auo^. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 401. 192 Inscriptions. male of the branch of Cockayne settled at Cockayne, Hatley, Bedfordshire, an estate now belonging to the Custs, who inherit it under the will of a Samuel Cockayne who died in 1746, and whose mother was a Cust. KELSHALL. St. Faith 5 Bells. I. EDWARD CHEVY CH : WARDEN R. CATLIN FECIT 1748 (Diameter 28 in.) 4. VMILO GRAIE ME FECIT 1642 5- ' (Diameters 31, 36I, 41 in. ; 4th and 5th cracked). 3. W^ SHACKLETON C : WARDEN JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1790 (Diameter 34^ in.) In 1552 in the steeple of "the parrishe churche of Kelseye " were " iiij°'' bellf."* These were increased to five before 1 700, f probably in 1642, when Miles Gray recast the old bells. Two of the bells are cracked, and the tower is considered to(^ unsafe to allow of any ringing : a fire is said to have done much damage to the interior of the tower about twenty years ago. KENSWORTH. St. Mary 5 Bells. U ' CHANDLER MADE ME 1 717 4- ^ (Diameters 29I, 31, 33I, 36 in.) 5. GEORGE CHANDLER MADE ME 17 17 HENRY HOWARD CHURCHWARDEN. (Diameter 39 in.) * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. + Chauncy's Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 85. Inscriptions. 193 In 1552 there were here : — Itm iiij"^'' Belles in the steple Itm ijo handbelles.* The bells and their surroundings are badly out of repair : the floor of the bell-chamber broke under the feet of my friend who inspected the bells for me, and he had a narrow escape from a serious accident. KIMPTON. SS. Peter and Paul 6 Bells. 1. y (Figs. 38 and 39.) THOMAS HOO 1636 (Diameter 28 in.) 2. JOHN CARPENTER CHURCHWARDEN 1728 JOHN WAYLETT LONDON MADE ME H. S. (Diameter 29 in.) 3- 5 (Figs. 38 and 39.) W. M. C.W 16^6 (Diameter 31 i in.) 4. smtc n (Fig- 16) te n (Fig. 16) 6t)n D (Fig- 16) sfanc D (Fig. 15) i'U (Fig. 14) s (Diameter 33 in.) 5. (+ Fig. 9) B'%'m {^ Fig. 9a) ^^mmiMM^ {^ Fig. 9«) :i^mmiKM% ^^ Fig. ^a) '^-M:sh^mi:^%mw^^^^ (Diameter 36 in.) 6. J (Figs. 38 and 39.) WILLIAM MICHELL 1638 (Diameter 40 in.) For stamps see pp. 12, 16, 17, and 38. In 1552 there were here "iiij bellf,"t which were probably increased to six in the year 1636. Thomas Hoo (see ist bell), who was lord of the manor of Hoe or Hoo in this parish, died in 1650. * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Ibid. 2 C T 94 Insanptions. KING'S LANGLEY. All Saints 6 Bells. 1. THE GIFT OF SUNDRY BENEFACTORS OBTAINED BY JOHN AND ANDREW KING 1732 R PHELPS FECIT (Diameter 27^ in.) 2. 1753 Thqs Lester & T : Pack Fecit (Diameter 30 in.) 3. THO O BIGG O AND <> CHRIS O BVCKOKE <> CHVRCH- WAR O ^657 O EDWARD O DORINGTON (Diameter 31 in.) 4. C & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1849 (Diameter 33 in.) 5. M"^ Joseph Reeves Ch : Warden 1771 Pack & Chapman of London Fecit (Diameter 36 J in.) 6. MEARS AND STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1874 (Diameter 40 in.) In 1552 " Langley Regf " possessed : — Itiii iiijo"^ Belles in the Steple Itm ij hand Belles and iij Sacringe Belles.* Chauncy says four was still the number at the close of the seventeenth century,! which, however, had been increased to five in 1709, as we find from a terrier dated in that year : " Item . . . and as to the furniture of the church there are five Bells . . ." These were further augmented by an additional treble in 1732, so making the present ring of six. KING'S WALDEN. St. Mary 6 Bells. 4. } 1627 5- ' (Diameters 26^, 31^, 35 in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. + Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 545. Inscriptions. 195 2. 1629 (Diameter 28 in.) 3. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SOxNS LONDON 1865 (Diameter 29I in.) 6. JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1866 (Diameter 39 in.) In 1552 there were here " thre belle in the steple."* These were, apparently, recast into six in 1627, that being the number recorded by Chauncy as being here in the year 1700. The 3rd and 6th bells were recast at the cost of C. Hale, Esq., of King's Walden Bury. This manor has been the property of that gentleman's family since the year 1575, when it was purchased by Richard Hale, citizen of London. t KNEBWORTH. St. Mary and St. Thomas of Canterbury 5 Bells. 1. JOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 1716 (Diameter 29I in.) 2. EDWARD HALL MADE ME 1730 (Diameter 30 in.) 3. EDWARD HALL MADE ME 1732 (Diameter 35 in.) 4. JOHN H(?)ARDS C. W. 1697 (Diameter 35 in.) 5. J, BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1812 (Diameter 40 in.) In 1552 there were "iiij bellf in the steple,"| which Chauncy tells us§ were cast into five small bells in 1697, of which five only one (the 4th) now remains. * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f See Clutterbuck's Hisi. Herts, iii., p. 132, for a pedigree. X Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. § Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 356. 1 96 Inscriptions. LANGLEYBURY. St. Paul 6 Bells and a Priest's Bell. I, 2, ' I George Mears & Co Founders London 4- 5- 6. (Diameters 26, 27, 29, 30^, 33 and 36 in. respectively). Priesfs Bell :— Presented to S. Paul's Langleybury by Lord and Lady Rokeby 1864 This Bell was taken by Captain Seymour, R.N., from a Convent in the White Sea, a.d. 1855. LAYSTON. St. Bartholomew 5 Bells. 2' ( ALEX + STRAYNG+ VICAR + FRA+ SENNOCKE +ANTHO + 3^ \ GARRETT CHV + WAR MARCH + 20 + 1633 4- ' (Diameters 29, 31, 34, 36 in.) 5. PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT W. SEANIOR CHURCHWARDEN 1776 (Diameter 39^^ in.) In 1552 there were here " iiij°'' bellf in the steple."* These four bells were recast during the incumbency of the Rev. Alexander Strange, who was instituted to the vicarage on the i6th of April, 1604, and who dying in 1650, was buried in Buntingford Chapel, which was built by his exertions (see page 163). He probably recast the old bells into five, for that was the number when Chauncy wrote his account of the church ;t the tenor has been recast since that time. * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 130. Inscriptions. 197 Clock Tower i Bell. I. ROBERT CATLIN FECIT 1749 (Diameter 24 in.) LEAVESDEN. All Saints i Bell. This modern church, consecrated in 1853, has one bell of fair size cast in that year, and believed to have been supplied by Messrs. Mears, of the White- chapel Foundry, London ; it is 25 inches in diameter. LEMSFORD (WELWYN). St. John i Bell. I. BOWEN FOUNDER LONDON (Diameter 23 in.) This church was consecrated on the 28th of May, 1859. LETCHWORTH. Dedication unknown. i Bell. I. (+ Fig. 2.) m:^is^ \ (M^M:m.%M- \ ^^n.M^m'^M- (Diameter 30 in.) In 1552 there were " ij belle in the Steple."* The pit for the other one still remains. LEVERSTOCK GREEN. Holy Trinity 2 Bells. This modern church, built in 1850, has two equally modern bells. LILLEY. St. Peter 3 Bells. I. ^ ANNO ^ QM ^ 1580 (Diameter 25I in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. 198 Inscriptions. 2. GEORGE CHANDLER MADE ME 1703 (Diameter 29 in.) 3. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1827 (Diameter 32^ in.) In 1552 there were here " iiij bellf in the steple " and " ij handbellf."* These had been reduced to the present number — three — prior to the year i7oo.t LONDON COLNEY. St. Peter i Bell. Here is one modern bell supplied by the Whitechapel Foundry in 1825 : it is 17 J inches in diameter. MARKYATE STREET. St. John Baptist i Bell. I. 1734 (Diameter 19 in., cracked.) This chapel was built by John Coppin in 1734; he was buried at Cad- dington on the 8th of November, 1742. MARSTON (LONG). All Saints i Bell. I. 1800 (Diameter 17 in.) In 1552 the ancient church here possessed : — Imprimis iij small Small Belles in the Steple Itm a handbell. + That ancient church is now (1882) being demolished, all but the tower, in which is the old bell frame for the above three bells, which tradition asserts were many years ago taken to other churches. The one bell now there, and described above, is a very poor one both in size and tone. * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t See Chauncy's Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 410. X Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 1 99 MEASDEN. St. Mary 2 Bells. 1. C. G. 1666 (Diameter 24I in.) 2. Blank. (Diameter 30^ in.) In 1552 there were here " ij° bellf in y« steple " and " ij° handbell f."* There is a tradition, which, however, is not strengthened by the Edwardian Inventory just quoted, that a bell was taken from this belfry and hung in that at Anstey. MILL-END. St. Peter i Bell. This, a hamlet to Rickmansworth, has one small bell, cast in 1880 by Messrs. J. Warner & Sons. MIMMS (NORTH). St. Mary 6 Bells and a Priest's Bell. 3- CjOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1806 (Diameters 30, 33^, 34^, 39 in.) 2. ^44664 (Diameter 32 in.) 6. + JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1806 JOS. SABINE AND RICHARD MASON CWARDENSGLORIA DEO IN EXCELSIS (Diameter 42J- in.) Priesfs Bell .— Blank. (Diameter 14 in.) In 1552 there were " v Belles in the Steple, a Saunce bell," and "ij° hand- belles weinge viij poundf."t Five continued the number until the year 1806, * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Ibid. 200 Inscriptions. when they were increased to six, and John Briant was paid, according to the churchwardens' accounts, jQi^O on account of his contract for the bells. MINSDEN. The ancient chapel here (in the parish of Hitchin) possessed in 1552 : — Ite ij bellf in the steple Ite ij hande bellf.* Mr. Cussans sayst there were afterwards three bells, two of which were stolen in 1725, and the third was taken away shortly afterwards. There appears to have been a marriage celebrated in this chapel as late as 1738; but it is now, and has long been, in ruins. MUNDEN (GREAT.) St. Nicolas 6 Bells. 1. JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1882 (Diameter 26 in.) 2. J (Fig. 38.) JESVS BE OVR SPEDE 162 1 (Diameter 26^ in.) 3. y (Fig. 38.) PRAISE YE THE LORD 1621 (Diameter 29 in.) 4- J (Fig. 38.) GOD SAVE THE KING 1621 (Diameter 31 i in.) 5. i (Fig. 38.) SONORO SONO MEO SONO DEO 1621 (Diameter 35^ in.) 6. RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1881. REV° C. W. MAUDE RECTOR W^^ COOPER CHURCH- WARDEN I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE DO SUMMON ALL. SANA MANET CRISTI PLEBISQUE RELIGIO VANA RICHARD BAKER JOHN GARNER CHURCHWARDENS 162 1. (Diameter 38^ in.) * Aug-. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Church Goods hi Herts, p. 138. l7iscriptio7is. 201 In 1552 the church of " Much Muden" possessed : — Itiiij bells of one rynge in the steple It one other Lytell bell in the steple Ir one hand bell.* The four old bells were cast into five in the year 162 1. In 1882 the tenor, being cracked, was recast, care being taken to reproduce the inscription on the new bell, and at the same time an additional treble was provided, and the whole rehung, thus making a good ring of six. Their weights are : — ISt 4 cwt. qrs. 9 lb. 2nd 4 ,. 17 ,, 3rd 4 2 „ 15 » 4th 6 „ 26 „ 5th 7 3 n „ 6th 1 1 „ 6 „ MUNDEN, LITTLE. All Saints 5 Bells. 1. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1629 (Diameter 28^ in.) 2. + (Fig. 19.) .Sandc ^cixc Ora ^xo :i^obis D u I (Diameter 30^ in.) 3. R. PIKETT C:W. J. BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1816 + (Diameter 32 in.) 4. + (Fig. 19.) B\i ^omcn :E)omini :i3enc6icfum n (Fig- 21) U (Royal Arms). (Diameter 37 in.) 5. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1859 (Diameter 4i| in. ; weight, 13 cwt. i qr. ; note, G). For stamps see p. 20. The shields on 2 and 4 are alike — France and England quarterly (Fig. 20a). In 1552 there were "iiij bellf in the steple. "t These had increased to five (probably by the addition of the treble in 1629) prior to 1641 ; for there is preserved amongst the church records " An Inventorie made and indented " * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Ibid. 2 D 2 o 2 Inscriptions. on the 22nd of Miiy in that year "of all the goods and ornaments " then belonging to this church, which included : — Item 5 Bells with their Ropes Clappers and Wheeles and other im- plements thereunto belonging. The churchwardens' accounts contain the two following entries relating to the casting of the 3rd bell in 1816, and the providing of new frames and re- hanging the bells at that time : — 1817 Ap. 12 Reed of Jas. Dixon Thirty pounds on acct for casting framing and hanging the Bells ;^3o John Briant June 22 Reed of Jas. Dixon Fifty seven pounds 10 shillings being the Ballance of the acct for Framing and hanging the church Bells J[,^1 10 o John Briant ^87 Here, as in many parishes in the county, are good rules for the regulation of the ringers. NEWNHAM. St. Vincent i Bell. I. + (Fig. 36.) :HHKITMDOYrJ.Iit)s (Diameter 34^ in.) For stamps see p. 36. In 1552 "the Parryshe Churche off Nunam " possessed " iij Belles in the steple";* and that was the number in 1700.! There are frames for that number now : the missing ones were sent away within the memory of the present parish clerk, and^ most probably, were sold to pay for repairs. NORTHAW. St. Thomas of Canterbury 6 Bells. In 1552 there were here "iij Belles in the steple and a saunce bell," also " a hand bell."| * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Chauncy's Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 521. i Ajig. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 203 These bells, or two of them, had disappeared before the year 1700, for Chauncy says there was then one bell only* That single bell apparently passed from the old church, taken down in 1808, into the new one, built by Mr. Wm. Strode in 18 10, and was continued in the church at its renovation in 1879. If^ is described by Mr. Cussans as being " apparently pre-Reformation, but the inscription around it has been filed off."t This single bell, probably one of the three mentioned in the Edwardian Inventory, was melted and lost in the fire which almost entirely destroyed the church on Sunday the 20th February, 1881. The present church was consecrated on the 28th September, 1882, and has since been furnished with a ring of six bells from Taylor's, of Loughborough, the tenor of which weighs 13 cwt. The peal is in the key of G. NORTON. St. Nicolas 3 Bells. I. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1815 (Diameter 30 in.) 2. D (Fig. 24) n (Fig. 25) n (Fig. 26) D (Fig. 27) + (Fig. 22) Hancfc X^cixc Ora X^i'o ^ISlobis ^(Fig. 23) (Diameter 34 in.) 3. + (Fig. 36) H «)}(. » % (Fig. 37) il)5 % (Fig. 37) E A O (Diameter 38 in.) For stamps see pp. 22 and 36. In 1552 there were here " iij belles in the Steple and a Saunce Bell."j OFFLEY. St. Mary Magdalene 6 Bells. 1. J (Fig. 38.) JESVS BE OVR SPEED 1632 (Diameter 30^ in.) 2. RICHARD SHEPEHEARD AND THOMAS FIELD CHURCH- WARDENS THOMAS BARTLETT MADE ME 1618 (Diameter 32 in.) * Hist. Atttiq. Herts, p. 501. t Hist, of Herts, iii. 19. X Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. 204 Inscriptions. 3. ^oI)it Mcr ma5c mc 1583 (Diameter 34^ in.) 4. RICHARD SHEPHEARD CHURCHWARDEN THOMAS BART- LETT MADE ME 1619 (Diameter 38 in.) 5. GOD BE MY GOOD SPEED 1618 (Diameter 41 in.) 6. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1803 THOMAS BATES WARDEN (Diameter 44^ in.) For stamps see p. 38. In 1552 there were here : — Ite iij bellf in the steple Ite a saunc bell Ite an old Clock of Iron.* OX HEY. ? Dedication i Bell. I. JOHN WALKER A.D. 1704 (Diameter 16 in.) St. Matthew This modern church, consecrated on the 12th October, 18S0, has a bell of that date, 24 inches in diameter, which is used as a clock as well as a service bell. PELHAM (BRENT). St. Mary 4 Bells. ::} MILO GRAVE ME FECIT 1634 (Diameters 28, 31 in.) 3. J. BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1792. J. WOOLLEY CHURCH- WARDEN (Diameter 34 in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 205 4. MILES GRAIE FECIT 1637 (Diameter 36 in.) In 1297, when a visitation of this church was made, it was reported there was " a bell tower without a roof, with two bells, and the ropes out of order."* In 1552 there were belonging to the " pishe churche of burnt pelh^m " It in the steple iij bellf It ij° handbellf.f The churchwardens' accounts contain, from the year 1836 to 1877, payments to the clerk for ringing the harvest bell, at the rate of 5s. a year. PELHAM FURNEAUX. St. Mary 6 Bells. 1. SAINT MARY incised : — CAST BY JOHN WARNER AND SONS LONDON 1875 (Diameter 27^ in.) 2. THO . . NEWMAN . . AT . . CAMBRIDGE . . MADE . . ME . . 1723 (Diameter 28 in.) 3. JOHN HODS <^ ON MADE ME «jj(. 1662 WC MW «il^ CW WH (Diameter 31 in.) 4- Hancfa + ^Kafcrina O (coin) Ora O (coin) ^xo ^obis U (Fig. 35)- (Diameter 32^ in.) 5. MILES GRAYE MADE ME 1618 (Diameter 35 in.) 6. J. PORTER C : WARDEN J BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1792 (Diameter 39 in.) For stamps see p. 29. In 1297, according to an interesting Inventory (now preserved in the Library of St. Paul's Cathedral) of the furniture then belonging to this church, there was " a suitable bell tower with two bells furnished with the necessary * See Cussans' //isL of Herts, i., p. 142. f Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. 2o6 Inscriptions. ropes." We also find from the same document that there were "Two hand bells " belonging, apparently, to " Four altars," then in the nave of the church, and other "Two small hand bells," belonging, apparently, to "a suitable High Altar."* In 1552 the two bells of 1297 had increased to " iiij belles in the steple ;"t they, again, had given place to " a small ring of five indifferent bells," as Chauncy describes them, prior to the year 1700,;]: which ring was augmented to six in 1875, through the instrumentality of the Rev. Woolmer Wigram, a great lover of bells and their music, who was at that time rector of this parish. In the ringing chamber are a series of tablets, with appropriate verses on each : the first may be quoted : — Ever the same yet ever new, Changed and yet true, Like the pure heaven's unfailing blue Which varies on from hour to hour, Yet of the same high love and power Tells alway : such may seem Through life, or waking or in dream. The echoing bells. PELHAM STOCKING. St. Mary i Bell. U (Fig. t8«) U (Fig. i8«) U (Fig. i8«). I. + (Fig. 7. ^) iTtncencius ^eboaf ^i ©uncta ^IFlo^ia WoUaf (Diameter 24 in.) For stamps see p. 19. In 1552 there were here : — It in the steple iij bellf & ij hande bellf.1T There are several stories afloat as to the loss of two of these bells, but the truth appears to be that about fifty years ago, the church spire being struck * Mr. Cussans prints Dr. Sparrow Simpson's transcript of this valuable document in his Church Goods in Hertfordshire, pp. 8-1 1. t Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. % ^"''- Aittiq. Herts, p. 146. § Not 18, as stated on p. 19. H Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off Inscriptions. 207 and injured by lightning, two bells were sold to provide funds for the necessary repairs. Three bells were here in the year 1700,* but they had disappeared long before the restoration of the church in the year 1864. The curious inscription on the single remaining bell implies that it had been recast, and so had obtained anew the power, according to mediceval beUef, to drive away evil spirits, etc. PIRTON. St. Mary 5 Bells. 1. ABRAHAM BARBER. C : W. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECiT 1 781 .-. (Diameter 29 in.) 2. THOMAS PRIMET CHURCHWARDEN ANNO DOM : JOSEPH EAYRE 1763 (Diameter 30I in.) 3. ROBERT MEDKIRK VICKER. W^ RAWBUN C. W. W^' HANS- COMBE GENT: JOS : HOW 1756. JOS : EAYRE St. NEOTS FECIT (Diameter 32I in.) 4. JOSEPH FARMER AND EDMOND SIMKINS CHVRCHWAR- DENS IN 1 73 1 THOMAS RVSSELL OF WOOTTON MADE ME O O (Diameter 35] in.) 5- y (Figs. 38 and 39.) PRAISE THE LORD 1634 (Diameter 39I in.) For stamps see p. 38. In 1552 there were here : — Ite iij greate Bellf in the steple Ite a Saunce beil.t The ring was increased to five bells prior to the year 1700.! There is a * Chauncy's Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 144. f Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. J Chauncy's Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 403. 2o8 hiscriptions. tradition current liere that one of the bells was stolen from Ickleford : the people there say their church lost two (see p. 191). The Rev. Robert Medkirk, or Meetkirke (see 3rd bell), was instituted as vicar on the 24th of November, 1748, and died in 1758. " Wm Hanscombe Gent " — a member of a highly respectable family long seated here — died on the 25th of March, 1773, in the fifty-ninth year of his age, and was buried in the church. POTTEN END. Holy Trinity i Bell. This modern chapel of ease to Great Berkhampstead has only one small bell, erected about the year 1868. PUTTENHAM. St. Mary 3 Bells. 1. CHANDLER MADE ME 17 14 (Diameter 29 in.) 2. Blank. (Diameter 32 in.) 3. CHANDLER MADE ME 1656 (Diameter 36 in.) In 1552 there were here " iij Belles in the Steple."* RADLETT. Christ Church i Bell. I. CAST BY J. WARNER & SONS LONDON 1864. (Weight 5 cwt.) This bell was the gift of J. N. Bagnall, Esq., to this church, which was erected in 1864. RADWELL. All Saints. 2 Bells. ^- I Blank. (Diameters 19, 20 in.) * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions . 209 In 1552 there were here "ij'^ belles in the steple " and a handbell.* In 1700, Chauncy, describing the church, says, "An erection of Timber is made at the west end thereof, wherein hang three small bells. "f REDBOURN. St. MaryJ 6 Bells. 1. PRAYSE THE LORD 1716 H KNIGHT ^ ^ (Diameter 31 in.) 2. JOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 1716 «ilp ^ .j|(. (Diameter 33 in.) 3. JOHN ^ WAYLETT ^ MADE «)|(. ME .j|p 1716 «jj(. (Diameter 36 in.) 4. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1770 (Diameter 37I in.) 5. TAYLOR & SYMONDSON BELLFOUNDERS OXFORD LONDON & LOUGHBORO' 1839 (Diameter 39 in.) 6. this bell was restored by subscriptions collected by f. j. roberts rev. w. s. wade vicar joseph beaumont ) James hawes } churchwardens .875 recast by john warner & sons london (Diameter 44 in. ; weight 14 cwt. o qr. i8 lb.) In 1552 there were here " ffyve Belles in the steple."§ As samples of similar gifts constantly devised for the support and for the use of church bells, it may be here n)entioned that John Pecock of Redbourn, by his will dated in 1540, left " to the bells the torches and the herse lyght iij^ iiij'^" ; Walter Pecoke, by his will dated 22 May, 1558, left " iij^ iiij^ to the maynten- ance and repair of the belles " here ; and Richard Peacoke, by his will dated 2 December, 1567, left xij'^ " to the belles " of this church. || On the bell-frames is cut I C 1704 * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 43. J Qy. St. Amphibalus. See Thorpe's Kegistriim R offense, p. 1048. § Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. II Probate Registry, Somerset House, Arch, of St. Albans, 17 Aley ; 151 Fankilcaster ; 301 Fankilcaster. 2 E 2 1 o Inscriptions. On a board in the ringing chamber are the following lines : — All that intend to take these ropes in hand To ring, mark well these lines and understand, Which, if with care you read, will plainly see What fines and forfeits are the sexton's fee. He that doth break a stay or turn a bell. The forfeit is a groat, it's known full well : And carelessly to ring with spur or hat The forfeit is a groat, beware of that. And they that fight or quarrell, swear or curse. Must pay two pots, turn out, or else do worse. And for unlocking the steeple door. And for the sweeping of the bellfry floor, And to buy oil, you know it's very dear. And for my attendance here. If you will observe such rules as these You're welcome for to ring here when you please. Pray remember the Sexton, Jos. Brown, May, 1764. There are also recent rules for the governance of the ringers. In this village there was in pre-Reformation times a cell of a prior and a few Benedictine monks from St. Albans, dedicated to St. Amphibalus : it is related of Abbot Thomas (a.d. 1349-96) that at the time when he was staying here he frequently — almost daily — was accustomed to rise before matins, waking no one, disturbing no one until it was time for ringing to matins, spending sometimes two or three hours in devotion. AVhen the time to ring for matins arrived, if there was no one present who could ring, he used himself to ring the bell with his own hand. So he did at vespers : when he had meditated on the Psalter as much as seemed good, he rang the bell, or caused it to be rung.* REED. St. Mary 3 Bells. ^- I Blank. 2. J (Diameters 26^, 30 in.) * Gesia Abb. Mon. S. Albani (Rolls Series), ii. 400. Inscriptions. 211 4- i (Figs. 38 and 40.) GOD SAVE THE KING 1614 (Diameter 32^- in.) For stamps see p. 38. In 1552 there were here "iij belles in the steple " and " ij"" hand belles."* RICKMANSWORTH. St. Mary 8 Bells and a Priest's Bell. ^' I LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1765 (Diameters 32, 33 in.) 3. MUSICK IS MEDICINE TO THE MIND OOOOOOOO (Diameter 35 in.) 4. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD OOOOOOOO (Diameter 37 in.) 5. OUR VOICES SHALL WITH JOYFULL SOUND MAKE HILL AND VALLEY EACHO ROUND (Diameter 39I in.) 6. YE RINGERS ALI, THAT PRIZE YOUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS BE SOBER MERRY WISE AND YOU'LL THE SAME POSSESS (Diameter 4i| in.) 7. IN WEDLOCK BANDS ALL YE WHO JOIN HANDS YOUR HEARTS UNITE SO SHALL OUR TUNEFULL TONGUES COMBINE TO LAUD THE NUPTUAL RITE (Diameter 45 in.) 8. STEPHEN SALTER HENRY WANKFORD DAN^ PARROT CH. WARDENS 1765 (Diameter 50 in.) Fries fs Bell:— 1651 (Diameter 18 in.) In 1552 there were here : — Imp''mis V Belles in the steple and a Saince Bell Itm one handbell. f * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Ibid. 212 Inscriptions. These five bells are traditionally said to have been very heavy, and to have been cast into the present eight in 1765. Lester, Pack, and Chapman in their list say the weight of the tenor is 23 cwt. There are boards recording the ringing of peals in 1797, 1798, 1805, 1807, and 1 819. RIDGE. St. Margaret 3 Bells. 1. ANNO DOMINI 1685 (Diameter 32^ in.) 2. DAN^ ANSTEAD & W^^ WILLIAMS CH : WARDENS LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1765 (Diameter 37 in.) 1613 (Diameter 40^ in.) In 1552 the " Churche of Rudge " possessed, as now, " iij Belles in the Steple."* There is a tradition current here that the 2nd bell came from South Mimms ; and another, which is not generally believed, that there were formerly four bells here ; but finding from the Edwardian Inventory that three has been the number for 350 years, both these traditions may be considered untrue. One does not usually find a peal-board in a church possessing only three bells, so the. one here may be quoted : — A compleat Peal of 120 changes Rung here on December y^ 9th 1777 By John Edwards Trebles John Spicer Seconds Joseph Lockyer Tenors This peal must have been on handbells. ROYSTON. St. John Baptist 6 Bells. I. HALE WORTHAM 1739 T. L. (Diameter 2 8| in.) * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 2 1 3 2. T.L.I 739 (Diameter 29 in.) ^' i THOMAS LESTER MADE ME 1739 (Diameters 33, 37 in.) 4. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1872 (Diameter 34^^ in.) 6. THOMAS LESTER MADE THESE SLX BELLS 1739 JOHN WOOD THO. SORRILL CH WARDENS (Diameter 40-^- in.) In 1552 there were " iij bell(^ in the steple,"* which in 1700 were repre- sented by " a small ring of five bells ;"t these gave way to a ring of six, with a tenor weighing 12 cwt. in 1739. Hale Wortham (see ist bell), a member of a family long established here, died on the i8th of July, 1755, aged 72 years. :J: There was formerly a board in the belfry on which were written, says one of the present ringers, the following lines : — All you that do intend to ring Mark well these lines Behold you undertake a dangerous thing Therefore be not too bold. For if a bell you chance to turn as very like you may Then three pence to the clerk I'll tell And needs you must it pay. But if pulled back then four pence is the sum Serve God and honour the King Here these lines are writ and done Therefore I am your humble servant Thomas Lawman of Royston. RUSHDEN. St. Mary 5 Bells. ^ >J. BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1787 4- '' (Diameters 25^, 27, 28, 30I in.) * Aug. Office: Misc.,yo\. 497, P. R. Off. f Chauncy's >¥«/. Antiq. Herts, p. 91. X Clutterbuck's Hist. Herts, iii. 568. 2 14 Inscinptions. 5. ADOLPHUS MEETKIRK ESQr BENEFACTOR. J. MALES CHURCHWARDEN J. BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1787. (Diameter 33^ in.) In 1552 there were "iiij bellf in the steple."* That continued the number until 1787, when they were recast, and an additional bell was given by Mr. Meetkirk, He (a descendant of Sir Adolphus Meetkirk, who was born at Bruges in 1528) was born in 1753, and died in 1841. Mr. Cussans gives a pedigree and an account of the family in his History of Herts, vol. i., p. 167. The tenor bell weighs, according to the founder's list, 7 cwt. There is a tradition current here that these bells and those of Ardeley, being cast at the same time by the same founder, an exchange was accidentally made by him, he sending the Ardeley bells here, and those belonging to this parish to Ardeley. The present bells at Ardeley, however, prove such was not the case. SACOMB. St. Mary. 3 Bells. 1. JOH RICHARDSON C.W. JOHN WAYLETT FECIT 1722 (Diameter 27 in.) 2. © : XHcars Jiion6titi l^.cai C^itisquc Iau6cf Xi)oxitiititn Iau6cf ^©oiitiuun 1578 (Diameter 29 in.) 3. JAMES BARTLETT MADE ME 1683 (Diameter 31 in.) In 1552 the "churcheof Sacamp " possessed " iij bellf in the steple ij handbellf."t The date on No. 2 is a manifest blunder — probably 1857 is intended. ST. ALBANS. St. Peter 10 Bells. I. RAISa BY VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS IN THE XXIIII YEAR OF THE CHURCHWARDENSHIP OF CORNELIUS NICHOLLS J. BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1787 (Diameter 28| in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Ibid. Inscriptions. 2 1 5 2. CORNELIUS NICHOLLS C.W. J BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1787 (Diameter 29 in.) 3. PURCHASD BY SUBSCRIPTIONS OBTAIND BY THE REV° ROB^ : RUMNEY D : D : VICAR R : PHELP MADE ME 1729 (Diameter 30 in.) 4. RECAST BY SUBSCRIPTION. L : BATTEN F : GOUGH & J : WHITNEY C : W : 1S12 J : BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT. (Diameter 31 in.) 5. INTACTUM SILEO PERCUTE DULCE CANO R : PHELPS LONDINI ME FECIT 1729 (Diameter 32 i in.) 6. R: PHELPS FECIT 1729 (Diameter 35 in.) 7. REV^" ALFRED W: ROBERTS VICAR J : READ. J : SANDERS J : BARNET : C. W : J. BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT + THE TOWER REBUILT ANNO 1805 (Diameter 38I in. ; lost its cannons.) J. TAYLOR & CO. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1883 (Diameters 41 J, 46^ in.) 10. THE REV" : ROB^ : RUMNEY D : D : VICAR W^^ KENTISH GEO : CANFIELD W^^ : ENSOM CHURCHWARDENS R : PHELPS MADE ME 1729 P : GRIFFITH ESQ'^ : W^^ : WILLIS SAM^ DAGNALL TRUSTEES & ASSISTANTS TO THE S": VIC : & CH : WARDENS FOR CASTING THESE SIX BELLS (Diameter 50 in.) In 1552 the church of "Saint Peters in the towne of Saynt Albones " possessed : — Imprimis iiij'^"' Belles and a sance Bell in the Steple.* In 1700, there were, according to Chauncy, six bells,t live of which being broken in 1728, they were recast, and two additional ones added in the following year (1729). On the 27th of December in that year, "a compleat Peal of 5040 changes in the method of Bob Major " was rung on the new bells * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. ' t Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 472. 2 1 6 Inscriptions. by members of the Society of College Youths from London, that being, it was said, the " first whole Peal that hath been rung in the County of Hertford." In 1787 the present ist and 2nd bells were added, making a ring often; and in 1868 (to quote an inscription from a board in the belfry) "John Lewis of this Parish, Nonconformist, added two Bells to complete the peal of twelve," for which number cages were prepared by John Briant when the tower was rebuilt in 1805. The augmented ring was opened on the 19th of May, 1868, by a joint company of College, Cumberland, St. Albans and Bennington ringers. The donor of these two treble bells died a few days after that date, namely, on the 27th of the same month. On the evening of the 12th October, 188 r, the eleventh bell of the ring of twelve was accidentally cracked, and immediately afterwards the then tenth was found to be in a similar condition. They were both removed to the Loughborough foundry to be recast, and the two trebles given by Mr. Lewis in 1868 were also removed, and handed over to the founders in part payment for the recasting of the two cracked bells. Although those two small bells were said to be of no use in the ring, it was perhaps a pity to reduce the number of bells ; the addition of a new treble and a new tenor would have made a very fair ring of twelve. The two bells given by Mr. Lewis, and now lost, were inscribed : — Cast by John Warner & Sons London 1868 Royal U Anns Patent (Diameters 26, 27^ in.) The loth and nth of the ring of twelve, now represented by the 8th and 9th of the present ring of ten, were inscribed : — R. Phelps fecit 1729 (Diameters 39^, 44 in.) , The present ring was, after the alterations just noted, opened on the 22nd of June, 1883, by Leonard Proctor, Esq., and a band of ringers. The Rev. Robert Rumney (see 3rd bell) was instituted as vicar on the 17th of May, 1715 ; he died on the loth December, 1743, aged 58 years. The Rev. A. W. Roberts (see 7th bell) was instituted on the 24th of April, 1801. Here are several peal-boards, dating from 1729 to 1870. Inscriptions. St. Michael I. \ 2. V S: K: 1739 3- ) 217 6 Bells. (Diameters 27, 29, 31 in.) 4. SAMUEL KNIGHT MADE ME 1739 + •^- K + O O (Diameter 32 in.) 5. SAMUEL KNIGHT MADE ME 1739 ••^- O O CO O O ROBERT CATLIN HUNG US ALL 1739 + ••)<.. co + K + CO (Diameter 35 in.) 6. THE RT HON & REV^ LORD FREDERICK BEAUCLERK JOSEPH BIDDLE\ THOMAS OAKLEYJ CHURCHWARDENS JOHN MONK PARISH CLERK C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1845 (Diameter 38^^ in.) In 1552 there were here " iiij°'' Belles in the steple and a sance bell."* These were recast into six in 1739. The tenor bell again recast in 1845, ^^s like the others, from the foundry of Samuel Knight in 1739, and weighed 9 cwt. I qr. 6 Ib.f On a board in the chamber under the bell-chamber are names of ringers and the following : — Mind the Rules of this Belfry must nere be forgot On carelessly pulling a bell off it's a fine of a pot Now this is a thing we likewise must say Kindly bring forth a shilUng if you break a stay. John Monk Oct. ist, 1837 Clerk. St. Albans i Bell. There is a chapel of ease to St. Michael's at Chidwick Green, which has one bell supplied by Messrs. J. Warner & Sons in 1867 : it is 12 inches in diameter and weighs i qr. 13 lb. 2 oz. * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f E.x in/or., J. Harris, Esq. 2 F 2 1 8 Inscriptioris. St. Stephen 6 Bells. I. I MR. JOHN CROCKFORD AND MR. JOHN LOVETT CHURCH- 6. / WARDENS THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1803 (Diameters 27.V, 38^ in.) * '.THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1803 IS (Diameters 29^7, 34, 32! 34I m.) In 1552 " the Parryshe Churche of Saint Stevynns " possessed " iiij"^"" Belles in the steple."* It appears from the Parish Books that these four bells remained until 1803, when they were cast into six as above : the following entries are quoted : — 1742 Nov. 6 Pd for 4 new bell Ropes 30 lb. 8 oz. ... 01 10 00 Mar. 13 Pd for 3 Ringing days ... ... ... 01 00 00 1747 April 7 Pd for a sett of Bell ropes 30 pound w' ... 01 10 00 1749 April 14 for beer w" getting the Bell up ... ... 00 01 06 [Payments annually for " Ringing-days."] On the 6th of June, 1S03, a vestry was held to take into consideration the state of the Bells and of the tower, when an adjournment took place until the following Monday, in order that Mr. Mears, the bell-founder, might be present " to answer such questions as may be thought necessary to propose to him." "June 13, 1803. At a vestry held this day ... It was the unanimous opinion of this vestry that the metal of the bells computed to weigh 39 cwt. should be cast into six Bells, the Tenor to weigh 10 cwt., according to an estimate delivered by Mr, Mears, Bellfounder in White- chapel, London, the expence of which, with the framework to be compleat, will amount to ^139 2s., according to the said estimate exclusive of carriage. The carpenters work for repairing the floor and other parts of the Tower, and some other necessary repairs to the church, according to an estimate delivered by Benjn. Anderson, will amount to ^40 i^s. 5^., the whole of which was agreed to unanimously, and that, on a future day, notice shall be given to make a Rate to defray the afore- said expences. And Mr. Mears is hereby ordered to proceed in the business forthwith." * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 2 1 9 In accordance with this Resolution the repairs were carried out, and the four old bells, which were found to weigh 40 cwt. 3 qr. 11 lb., were recast into the present six, which weigh 40 cwt. 2 qr. 15 lb. 1803 June To carriage of the Bells to London etc. ... 3 2 6 Nov. To Bring them back ... ... ... ... 3 2 6 To 4 Letters about the Bells at 8^/. o 2 8 1804 Paid Mr. Thomas Mears his bill for recasting and new hanging the Church Bells •••145 12 5 [Many charges for ringing on joyous occasions.] The ringing of the bells of this church was the cause of a serious contention during the rule of John III. (v. p. 103), Abbot of St. Albans (a.d. i 290-1301) : the chronicler relates that Robert de Wynchilse, Archbishop of Canterbury, sent word that he wished to lodge in the Abbey. The abbot, fearing prejudice in future (no Archbishop or Bishop was to claim lodging in the abbey without the special invitation of the abbot) sent two monks with a letter, drawn out in a certain form, for the Archbishop to sign, which he declining to do, lodgings were taken for him by his marshall in the town. Upon the approach of the Archbishop he, because the sacrist of St. Stephen's did not ring for him, placed this church de facto, though not, says the chronicler, of ecclesiastical right — it being in the jurisdiction of the abbot and convent — under interdict. Notwithstanding this " they rang, celebrated, and did all things which they ought." On the morrow, the Archbishop, thus set at defiance, uttering threats, indignantly went away.* Christ Church i Bell. I. G. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON. MRS. J. C. WORLEY FOUNDER OF THIS CHURCH 1858 (Diameter 26^ in.) Holy Trinity i Bell. This district church at Frogmore has one small bell probably of same date as the church — 1842 — said to have been cast by Thomas Mears, Junr. Clock Tower 2 Bells. I. + (Fig. 34.) XHissi ^e (Sfclis ~M.(xhQo ^omcn (^a^rielts + (Diameter 47 in.) * Gesta Abb. Mon. S. Albani (Rolls Series) ii. 47. 2 20 Inscriptions. 2. THOS ROBINS xMAYOR OF ST. ALBANS 1729 (Diameter 14! in.) For stamps see p. 28. It appears from original deeds preserved among the archives of the Corporation that this clock tower — called in the Corporation records " le clockhoDse " — was erected and appropriated to its present use between the years 1402 and 1427. It stands as a detached campanile in the market-place, and has no connection with any ecclesiastical building. In a deed, dated the 29th of June, in the 4th year of King Henry IV., a.d. 1402, Alicia, the relict of Ralph atte Ley conveys to Geoffrey Fyllynder and. others all her right in U7ia vacua placea term j ace ?ite in villa de Sajicio Albano ifi vico frayicorum aliter dicto Cordwa?iens rojue, que continet in latiiudine octo decern pedes, in longitudine triginta et octo pedes ; and in a subsequent deed dated in the fifth year of Henry VI., a.d. 1427, Thomas Woldeye conveys to Henry Fouchere and others nnnni tenementum vocatum le Clockhoiise cum una vacua placed adjacente situatd in villa predicta in vicovocato Cordwaneres rowe^et predictum tetiementwn et vacua placea conti?ie?it in latitudine octo decent pedes ifi longitudine triginta et duo pedes* There are two other deeds from which Mr. R. R. Lloyd has kindly made extracts for me; they give the "use" of the bell at that date. The first is a ease of the clock-house, dated 1490, to John Newberry and others, by which the tenant covenants to " kepe and rewle the clock being in the said tenement and to smyte and kepe his reasonable hours and daily and nightly to rynge or do rynge the bell of the same clock by the space of half a myle wey betwene the hours of viij and ix of the same clok at aftertnoone And immediatly as he can or may aftert the houre of iiij of the same clok be fore noone." The tenant further covenanted to keep all in repair except the bell and clapper, stonework and lead work and not to erect a smith's forge. It is evident from these provisions that the bell was to be rung at four o'clock in the morning and between eight and nine o'clock in the evening ; and it was to be rung for the time occupied in walking half a mile. This curious mode of measuring time occurs in the Statutes, dated 29th September, 1839, which Bishop Grandison settled for the government of his collegiate establishment at Ottery St. Mary. It, however, there being in mediaeval Latin — " . . . et facto bono intervallo quasi dimidii miliarii pulsetur cum * Clutterbuck's Hist. Herts, i., p. 56, note. t This word is misread by Clutterbuck. Inscription 221 eadem campana per dimidium miliarii et cassetur et iterum," etc. — has puzzled many scholars.* The use of it here in English 150 years subsequently gives the required explanation. The second document, describing the former " use " of this bell, is an Indenture of Lease, dated in the ist year of Edward VI., in which it is provided "and also the said bell to be Tolled when any casualtie of ffyer or ffray made w'in the said Towne yf he [the lessee] be thereunto requyred." There was another lease granted on the i8th Novr., 1594, to Robert WoUey, for twenty-one years, at the yearly rent of ;^2o, he bearing the charge of ringing the town bell and keeping the clock in repair : several other leases have, of course, subsequently been granted subject to the like conditions, which have, however, of late years been omitted, the bell being never rung now.f The smaller bell, cast during the mayoralty of Mr, Thomas Robins, hung in the old Market House, in the Market Place, until the year 1865, and was known as the Market Bell. There is no remembrance, even by an old inhabitant, aged 90 years, of its being used in any way, but it is supposed to have been used rather as an alarm than a market bell. In the year 1865 it was removed to its present position in the clock-tower, then recently repaired, and there hung to be used as a fire-bell, should occasion arise. SAINT IPPOLYTS. St. Hippolytus 3 Bells. I- ^ (Figs. 38 and 39.) PRAISE THE LORD 1632 (Diameter 33 in.) 2. Y : BENEDICTVM NOMEN DOMINI GEO- LYLE & JO" PATER- NOSTER C W (Diameter 36I in.) 3. ^ (Figs. 38 and 40.) GOD SAVE THE KIMG 1608 (Diameter 40^ in., piece broken off.) For stamps see p. 38. * Mr, EUacombe's Bells of the Church, p, 362. + The bell known as " Old Gabriel " in the Market Tower at Lewes has an inscription intended for the same as that on the bell here : in both cases the use of the bell for the Angelns is clearly indicated. 2 2 2 Inscriptions. In 1552 the " churche of Hipollettf '' possessed " iij bellf in the steple."* The sexton here says there is no one in the village who can raise the bells ; he cannot do so himself, nor could his predecessor who used to go up into the bell-chamber and strike the largest bell with a hammer ; it was probably owing to this usage that a piece has been broken off. SAN DON. All Saints 5 Bells. 1. JOHN WAYLETT (Diameter 26 in.) 2. JOHN WAYLETT FECIT 1721 (Diameter 29^ in.) 3. JOHN WAYLETT LONDON FECIT 1728 (Diameter 31 1 in.) 4. JOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 1709 (Diameter 33 in.) 5. MILES GRAYE MADE ME 1624 (Diameter 37 in.) In 1552 there were here : — Itm in the Steple iiij°'' bell^^ Itm a saunce bell Itm ij° hande bellf.f Four appears to have remained the number until early in the eighteenth century, when it was increased to five as at present, or, according to a local tradition, to six. SANDRIDGE. St. Leonard 2 Bells, I. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1837. (Diameter 23 in.) 2 THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1837. THOMAS OAKLEY, GEORGE YOUNG CHURCHWARDENS 1837 (Diameters 24 in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Ibid. Inscriptions. 223 In 1552 the church of " Sandrudge alias Sandrydge " had " iij Belles in the steple," and "a handbell weinge iij''."* About the year 1688 the tower fell and lay in ruin for many years. Tradition says that when this occurred the bells were placed outside the church-yard in Petticoat Lane, and that the Hatfield folk carried off one or more. Another rumour is that one bell was sold to Wheathampstead. In any case one bell was lost to the church, for in the memory of a man now living there were two bells only, one large bell being hung in a closed space at the west end of the north aisle, and another in a canopy near the west end of the ridge of the roof This last mentioned bell fell about fifty years ago when its crown was much broken : it was, however, rivetted and replaced. These two bells remained, as stated, until the year 1837 when they were recast into the existing pair. SARRATT. Holy Cross 3 Bells. 1. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1865 (Diameter 27 in.) 2. -I- cgicnri} cf^nigr^t "giXa^c "^ilc in 1606 (Diameter 29 in.) 3. CHANDLER MADE ME 1719 (Diameter 31 in.) In 1552 there were here "iij Belles in the steple" and "ij handbell^ one Sacringe Bell and a crismatory of lattine."t Some years ago, before the institution of the present rector, one of the three bells then hanging here was taken down as cracked and broken up. When the church was restored in 1865-6, the rector added the present treble to make up the ancient number. SAWBRIDGEWORTH. St. Mary • 8 Bells and a Clock Bell. I. J. TAYLOR & CO. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 187 1. S. P. FIELD, VICAR. * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Ibid. 2 24 I'/i script ions. W. FRANKLIN ^ R. THOMPSOn}^"^^^"^^'^^^^^'^^ (Diameter 31 in.) 2. J. TAYLOR & CO. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1872 (Diameter 32^ in.) 3. T. LESTER FECIT. JOSEPH HOLLAND & ROBERT SALMON CH: WARDENS 1749 (Diameter 34 in.) ^' }j. TAYLOR & CO. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1870 (Diameters 37^, 43^ in.) 5. STELLA MARIA SOCURRE PIISSIMA NOBIS. J. TAYLOR & CO. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1870 (Diameter 39-i in.) 7. IN MULTIS ANNIS RESONEt" CAMPANA JOHANNIS. J. TAYLOR & CO. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1870 (Diameter 46 in.) 8. STATUTEM EST OMNIBUS SEMEL MORL THE REV° JOHN LANE VICAR RICH° ALGER & SAM. GORROD C: W. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1795 (Diameter 52 in.) Clock Bell:— 1664 (Diameter 15 in.) In 1552 there were here : — ItiB V belles in the steple Itiii a saunce bell and \f hand belles. This church also then possessed : — A pyx of sylii and gylt w' a glasse in yt and ij lytic bellf of sylu hangynge thereat wayes all togythers xxxij owncf di'.* This "deep ring of five bells," as Chauncy describes it in the year 1700, was increased to six in the eighteenth century, when several of the ancient bells were recast. In 1869 they were inscribed : — 1. (The present 3rd). 2. R Phelps fecit 1728. The Revd. E. Dubourdieu Vicar: Saml Petchey : Richard King Churchwardens. * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 225 3. Stella Maria socurre piisima nobis. 4. Richard Phelps of London made me 1733 George Holmden, Nathaniel Norris Churchwardens. 5. In multis annis resonet campana Johannis Johannes Tonne me fecit 6. (The present 8th.) In 1870 the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th of these bells were recast, and two trebles were shortly afterwards added by Messrs. Taylor & Sons of Lough- borough. The whole being new hung by that firm, the complete ring of eight was opened by Leonard Proctor, Esq., of Bennington, and his company of ringers on the nth of April, 187 1 [n.b. The date 1872 on the 2nd bell is an error for 1871], when several " Touches " were rung by them. The following letter from Richard Phelps, the founder, together with the statement of account and receipt, are preserved in the church chest : — London, 7/w- 24th, 172b. Messrs. Saml. Petchey and Richd. King, Gentlemen, I have herewith sent y^ two bells w^i^ I hope will be agreable to y^ others I desire that they may not be hung to short and that the old Clapper may be fitted to strike y« 2^ bell on the place I have marked w'^^ a small stroke w'^ a Chisell I mean that it do not strike higher or lower on y*^ bell and pray when they are rung give me or Line or 2 to know if they are Liked. I am y"" most oblidged humble s^' RicH^ Phelps. (2.) Messrs. S*^ Petchey and R*^ King Churchwardens of Sabridge worth in Hertfordshire Dr. to Rich'' Phelp 7ber 24th, 1728. For A pair of Bell brasses w' : : ; 07] at 12^. lb. : : 07 : : 03 For I BeU w^ 7 : : 2 ; : 17 at 13^. p. 1. 46: : 08 : ■■ 05 For I Ditto w' 8 : 3 : ; 09 at 13^. p. 1. 53 : ; 1 1 : 05 For I Clapper ... w' : : 2 2| at 9^. p. 1. : 17 : 00 loi : 04 : oif Reed, an old crackt bell w' 8 : i : 09 at \o\d. p. 1. 40 : 16 : 04^ rest Due 60 : 07 : 09^ 2 G 2 2 6 Inscriptions. Reed. Ocber 6 1728 of the Churchwardens within named by the hand of Mr. William Svvoder the sum of Sixty pounds seaven shillings in full payment of all Demands Richd Phelp.* The Revd. John Lane (see 8th bell) was instituted as Vicar on the 3rd October, 1787, and died in 1817. The Rev. S. Pryer Field (see treble bell), the present Vicar, was instituted on the 20th of January, 1864. Mr. Cussans tells us {Hist. Herts, i. p. 84) there was formerly some land called " Bell Mead " belonging to the parish, which may have been for the benefit of the bells, but it is now lost. The Sawbridgeworth Company of Ringers have some excellent rules for their guidance and for the care of the bells. SHENLEY. St. Botolph 3 Bells. 1. THE REVD : PHILIP FALL D : D : RECTOR DANIEL MELBURN MOSES WOODYER CH : W : 1730 R : P : FECIT (Diameter 27 in.) 2. GOD BE MY GOODE SPEED 1616 _ [TB] (Diameter 29 in.) 3. PRAISE THE LORD 1633 X) (Fig. 38.) (Diameter 32 in.) For stamps see p. 38. In 1552 there were here " iij Belles in the steple."t The Rev. Philip Falle (see ist bell) was instituted as rector on the 5th of January, 1698-9, and died here, aged 86, in 1742. J Nos. I and 2 are both from the Whitechapel Foundry. " R P " stands for Richard Phelps ; " T B " on the 2nd stands for Thomas Bartlett, probably at the time foreman to William Carter, who had the foundry in 1616. See p. 45. * For these extracts I am indebted to the Vicar and the Rev. W. J. Webber Jones, t Atig. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. + Clutterbuck's Hist. Herts, i. 4S6. Inscriptions. 227 SHEPHALL. St. Mary 2 Bells. 1. Blank. (Diameter 19^ in.) 2. LESTER AND PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1767 (Diameter 22 in.) In 1552 there were here " ij Belles in the steple " and •' ij handbelles."* STANDON. St. Mary 6 Bells. I. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843 (Diameter 'x,'^\ i'l-) ^- IrALPH SADLER ESQVYER 1630. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 4. ) (Diameters 32, 37^ in.) 3. MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON r868 (Diameter 34 in.) 5. W : BIGG : J : SNOW : C : WARDENS : J : BRIANT : HERTFORD : FECIT: 1792 (Diameter 41 in.) 6. ANTHONY NATT VICAR. WILLIAM BIGG & WILLIAM KNIGHT CHURCHWARDENS 1778 PACK & CHAPMAN OF LONDON FECIT (Diameter 45 in.) In 1552 there were "in the steple fyve bells and a saunce bell, "f and that continued the number until the year 1843, when the ring was augmented to six. The previous bell to the 3rd cast in 1868 is said to have borne an inscription showing it to have been from the foundry of Newman of Cambridge. Ralph Sadler (see 2ndand4ih bells) was descended from Sir Ralph Sadleir or Sadler, to whom Henry VIII. granted this manor and the advowson of the church. He died in 1660, without issue, when the estates passed to Walter Lord Aston, who had married Gertrude, the sister of the donor of the bells. J * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Ibid. X For pedigree see Clutterbuck's i¥»/. Herts, iii., 229; see also Chauncy's ZTzV/. Antiq. Herts, pp. 218-223 ; and Cussans' Hist. Herts, i., pp. 169-171. 228 Inscriptions. The vicar mentioned on tlie tenor bell was instituted on the 3rd April, 1747, and died in 1782. There is a Ringing Society — which is guided by some useful rules — established here in 1868. STANSTEAD ABBOTS. St. James 3 Bells. 1. PHILIP TRAYHERNE C. WARDEN JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1790 (Diameter 30^ in.) 2. J (Figs. 38 and 41.) GOD SAVE THE KING 1617 (Diameter 32I in.) 3. + (Fig. 40.) ROBART ^ OLDFEILD ^ MADE ^ ME ^ 1605 (Diameter 36 in.) For stamps see p. 38. In 1552 there were here " in the staple iij bells and a hand bell."* There is a tradition that there were formerly more than three bells, and that the others were taken by Royston parish in payment of a debt : Chauncy states there were four in i7oot ; if he be correct, this parish has lost one since that time. STANSTEAD ST. MARGARET. St. Margaret i Bell. I. J. BRIANT HERTFORD MVCCCXX In 1552 the " churche of Saynt Margrite Thele " possessed only "a bell waying ij'' di."J STAPLEFORD. St. Mary 2 Bells. ^" I Blank. 2. ) (Diameters 22, 25 in.) Au;. Office: Misc., vol. 497, V. R. Off. t HisL Antiq. Herts, p. 196, X Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 229 STEVENAGE. St. Nicolas 6 Bells. 1. JOHN BRIANT 1797 HARTFORD E KITCHENER AND T. CASS C: W. (Diameter 30 in.) 2. 1670 (Diameter 30^ in.) 3. JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 17S3 (Diameter 35 in.) 4. J. BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 1795 J. TITMUSS & W. FIELD C : AV. (Diameter 37 in.) 5. FULL THIRTY YEARS MY TONE I LOST + BEEN BROKE AND TUMBLED DOWN + IN SHAPE SO NEAT I AM RECAST BY BRIANT OF HARTFORD TOWN + AN : DOM : 1783 (Diameter 41 in.) 6. JOHN BRIANT OF HARTFORD CAST ME 1783 JAMES TITMUS & WM FIELD C : WARDENS THE REV" M'^ HEN : BAKER RECTOR + (Diameter 46 in.) In 1552 there were here " iiij bellf in the steple,"* which number was increased to six prior to the close of the seventeenth century, t perhaps in 1670, the date of the present second bell. The Rev. Henry Baker (see tenor bell) was instituted as rector on the i6th of March, 1781 ; he died in 1833. Holy Trinity i Bell. There is at this chapel of ease one small steel bell. TEWIN. St. Peter 5 Bells. I. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1 799 JOHN DEAN CHURCH- WARDEN (Diameter 27I in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Chauncy says " a ring of six bells" in 1700 — Hist, Autiq. Herts, p. 359. 230 Insc7dptious. 2. A. C. MADE ME 1673 (Diameter 28 in.) 3. PRAISE YE THE LORD 1673 A. C. (Diameter 31 in.) 4. ANTHONY CHANDLER MADE ME 1673 (Diameter 33 in.) 5. C. W. N. A. CHURCHWARDENS A. C. 1673. (Diameter 37^- in.) In 1552 "the paryshe church of Teweng " possessed: — Itiii iij bells hangeng in the steple Itiii a Saunctus belle and ij hand bellf.* These were undoubtedly recast into five bells in 1673, as Chauncy states there were that number in the year 1700. THERFIELD. St. Mary 6 Bells. 1. WILLIAM AND PHILIP WIGHTMAN MADE ME 1689 DOMIN. GUL. HOLDER DD 2. MILES GRAYE MADE ME 1626 3. MILES GRAIE 1656 4. JOHN DIER MADE ME 1597 5. PRAIES THE LORD 1608 6. J. WAYLETT FECIT 1 707 RALPH FORDHAM : ED : PEPPERCORN C.W. In 1552 there were here "iiij bellf and a saunce bell."t Some time prior to 1689 another bell had been added, making a ring of five. In that year much work was done to the bells ; they were rehung and augmented to a ring of six, with a new saints' bell. All this is well told in the following entry in the parish register. It should be borne in mind that the advowson belonged then, as now, to the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's, London : — Dr. Turner, then L''. Bishop of Ely, did in the year 1689 give the new hanging of one bell at his charge of six pounds. Dr. Edward Stillingfleet, then Dean of Paul's and now Lord Bishop of Worcester, and Dr. John Tillotson, then Residentiary of St. Paul's, now L'^. Archbishop of Canterbury, did each give the new hanging of a Bell at * Alio. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Ibid. Inscriptions. 231 the like expence. D''. William Holder, Rector of this church, at the same time gave the new Hanging of two Bells which' remained of the five old ones. D''. Holder also gave a Treble Bell to compleat the Ring and hanged it at his own charge and likewise a new St's Bell and hung it. Chauncy, describing the church in the year 1700, says the saint's bell then hung in " a turret upon the Tower :"* when it disappeared is not known ; old people say it was there about seventy years ago. The Revd. Wm. Holder, the donor mentioned above, was instituted on the 25th of May, 1687, and died in 1697.! The ancient church was taken down in 1873, and a new one, without a tower, built ; the bells (when my friend Mr. Webber Jones inspected them for me) in 1881 were, with one exception, on the floor of a temporary shed: hence their imperfect description. The treble bell is cracked. February, 1885. — Bells in same condition, so the rector kindly intimates. THORLEY. St. James 3 Bells. 1. WILLIAM WIGHTMAN MADE ME 1682 (Diameter 30 in.) 2. JOHN WHITE JAMES CRAMPHORN CHURCHWARDENS 1682 (Diameter 31 J in., cracked.) 3. y (Figs. 38 and 39.) GOD SAVE THE KING 1628 (Diameter 36^ in.) In 1552 there were "iij bellf in the steple w' ij handbellc."J Chauncy says there were four bells in i7oo,§ but is he correct ? THROCKING. Holy Trinity i Bell. I. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON GLORIA DEO WILLIAM ADAMS RECTOR THOMAS CORNELL CHURCH WARDEN 1855 (Diameter 29 in.) * Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 88. t Clutterbuck's Hist. Herts, iil., p. 589. X Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. § Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 172. 232 Inscriptions. Leonard Hyde of " Throkkyng Co. Herif, Squyer " gave, by his will dated 3rd Aug., 1508, "for the reparac5n of the sieepill of Throkkyng and hangyng up of the bells xl mrcs."* In 1552 there were here "iij bell^ in the steple & ij hand bellf."t Two of these bells had disappeared before the year 1700, for in that year this church possessed only " one small bell."+ The Rev. Wm. Adams, the present (iSSi) rector, was instituted on the 14th of January, 1841. THUNDRIDGE. St. Mary and All Saints i Bell. I. OSBORNE FOUNDER BISHOPSGATE LONDON 1853 (Diameter 21 in.) Li 1552 " the pishe churche of Thundrege" possessed : — Ir iiij°'' bellf in the steple Ic a saunce \i€\\..% In the year 1853, the ancient church, in which these four bells hung when the Edwardian Inventory was made, being at an inconvenient distance from the village, was, with the exception of the tower, taken down. The four bells then here were removed to a new church at Wadesmill [see under that place], and the above described bell was placed in the tower for use at funerals, the churchyard here being used for interments until about the year 1871, TOTTERIDGE. St. Andrew 2 Bells. 1. MR. JOSEPH DA COSTA CHURCHWARDEN JOHN WAYLETT LONDON MADE ME 1727 (Diameter 24 in.) 2. RICHARD BURDETT CHURCHWARDEN SAMUEL NEWTON FECIT 1707 (Diameter 42 in.) * Cussans' Hist. Herts, i. 151. t Azig. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. X Chauncy's Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 118. § Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 233 In 1552 there were here " iij bell(^ in the steple :"* that was also the number in the year 1700 ;t perhaps one was sold when the church was rebuilt in 1798. TRING. SS. Peter and Paul 8 Bells. 1. BLESSED ARE THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE JOYFUL SOUND 1882 (Diameter 31J in., weight 6 cwt, o qr., 16 lb.) 2. I WAS GLAD WHEN THEY SAID UNTO ME LET US GO INTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD 1882 (Diameter 32J in., weight 6 cwt., 3 qrs., 22 lb.) 3. O'A PART OF THIS BELL WAS GIVEEN BY MANI MEN 1636 (Diameter 34^ in.) 4. CHRISTOPHER BEWLEY & EDWARD FOSTER CHURCH- WARDENS 1752 THOMAS LESTER «&: THC^. PACK OF LONDON FECIT \and incised 10 i o] (Diameter 38 in.) 5- J (Figs. 38 and 39.) GOD SAVE THE KING 162c (Diameter 39 in.) 6. J (Figs. 38 and 39.) PRAISE THE LORD 1624 (Diameter 42 in.) 7. ^ (Figs. 38 and 39.) SONORAaSONOnMEODSONOD DEO 1624 (Diameter 46 in.) 8. CHANDLER MADE ME 1695 (Diameter 51 in.) In 1552 there were here " v belles in the Steple w'"^ a Saunce Bell."| These had been increased to "a good ring of six," prior to the year i7oo.§ In 1 88 1, the bell frame being considered unsafe, and the bells having only been chimed for some time, it was determined to have them rehung. Accord- ingly on the 24th of October in that year, they, as they then hung, were * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Chauncy's Zf/j/. Antiq. Herts, p. 305. X Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. § Chauncy's J^Jist. Antiq. Herts, p. 595. 2 H 2 34 ,. Inscriptions. chimed for the last time, and on the following day the ropes were removed and preparations made for lowering the bells into the ringing chamber, where they remained until new frames were prepared, and their two new companions (the present ist and 2nd) were cast by Messrs. Gillett and Bland, of Croydon. The augmented ring of eight was opened on the ist of April, 1882. There is a note in the ringing chamber that "the big bell was cast at Drayton Paslow, 1695." The inscription on the 3rd bell most probably means that its predecessor was recast with additional metal; which " on part" was paid for by the donations of "many men." These last words have, more than once, been read and printed as " manx men," to the great bewilderment of the parishioners. WADESMILL. 4 Bells. I. + (Fig. 19.) Jol^amtes lE.st ^omen Eitts n (Fig. 21.) U (Fig. 2od). (Diameter 27A in.) + (Figs. 38 and 39-) JESVS BE OVR SPEDE 16: (Diameter 29 in.) ^3 + u (Figs. 38 and 39-) PRAISE THE LORD 1631 (Diameter 32 in.) 4. %o\)\\ % ^ier I xxKcC^c % jjtc 1580 (Diameter 34I in.) This modern church was built in the year 1853 to supersede the church of Thundridge, which is inconveniently placed for the parishioners : the above four bells were then brought from the old church to this new one. WALDEN ST. PAUL'S. All Saints 5 Bells. CHANDLER 1665 5 (Diameters 32, 34, 37, 45 in.) JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1814. (Diameter 39^ in.) Inscriptions. 235 In 1552 " Poolles Walden " possessed : — Imprimis iiij Belles in the Steple the gretest weinge by estimacion xiij c the next weinge xj c the next weinge ix c and the lest weinge vij c* These were most probably cast into five bells in the year 1665, as that is the number recorded by Chauncy as hanging in lyoo.f WALKERN. St. Mary 5 Bells. T. 1626 (Diameter 24I in.) 2. T. MEARS LONDON FECIT 1833 " (Diameter 27 J in.) 3. JOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 17 13 (Diameter 29 in.) 4. GODFREY GARDINER RECTOR OF WALKON 17 13 (Diameter 31 in.) 5. EDWARD GREENE CHURCHWARDEN 17 13 (Diameter 35 1 in.) In 1552 there were here : — Ite iiij bellf in the steple Ite one sanctus bell and one handebell.J Chauncy says there were in the year 1700 "five bells, cast in 1697 ;"§ if this were so, the bells were very quickly recast. The Rev. Godfrey Gardiner (see 4th bell) was instituted as Rector on the 23rd of December, 1686, and died in 1722.II WALLINGTON. St. Mary 5 Bells. In 1552 " the pyshe Churche of Wallingtone " possessed :— It iij bellf hangyng in the steple Ir j saunce bell and ij° hand bellf.ll * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 512. X Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. § Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 349. II Clutterbuck's Hist. Herts, iii. 469. t Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off 236 Inscriptions. In 1700 there were four bells,* which were recast into the present five in 1794, by John Briant of Hertford, who in his list of bells cast by him says :— " Wallington, Herts, 5 Bells, weight of tenor 10 cwt." Mr. Cussans tells us these bells are each inscribed : — JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1794! I 2 3 4 5- j WALTHAM CROSS. Holy Trinity i Bell. I. T. HEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1832 (Diameter 22 in.) This church was erected in 1832. WARE. St. Mary 8 Bells. 1. DEUS BENEDICAT BENEFACTORIBUS NOSTRIS. R. PHELPS MADE ME 1735 (Diameter 29^ in.) 2. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1826 (Diameter 31 in.) 3. J. PROCTOR J. EDWARDS C : W : J. BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1792 (Diameter 34 in.) 4. R. PHELPS FECIT 1731 (Diameter 36 in.) 5. JOHN PROCTOR JAS. EDWARDS C : WARDENS JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1792 (Diameter 39 in.) 6. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1826 MESSRS. WYATT & MASON CHURCHWARDENS (Diameter 4o| in.) * Chauncy's Hist. Aniiq. Herts, p. 49. t Hist. Herts, i., p. 84. Inscriptions. 237 7. R. PHELPS FECIT 1731 Wee good people all To prayers do call We honour the King And brides joy do bring Good tydings wee tell And ring the dead's knell. (Diameter 45I in.) 8. THOMAS HEARS OF LONDON FOUNDER 1834 REVD HENRY CODDINGTON M:A. VICAR JOSHUA PAGE JUNIOR ) PFTTTRrR EDWARD HALE \ .^ARnFMS JOHN NATHANIEL HUMFREY J (Diameter 50^ in.) In i£;i;2 there were here : — It fyve great belles II one lytle belle to calle for ye priste Clarke or sexten when they arre absent.* These five bells, apparently, survived until some of them, if not all, were recast by R.Phelps in 1731 ; for Chauncy, describing the church in 1700, says it then possessed " a deep ring of five bells. "f There are chimes, first placed in 1777, which play every three hours. They were repaired and the bells rehung in 1877. A close of charity land, measuring about four acres, is known as " Bell close " : probably originally given for the benefit of the bells. The Rev. Henry Coddington (see tenor bell) was instituted on the 21st of December, 1832 ; he died in 1845. J Christ Church i Bell. I. G. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON N. E. STEVENS ESQ. ARCHITECT, TUNBRIDGE WELLS DOVE BRO^ BUILDERS 1859 (Diameter 26 in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Hist. Atitiq. Herts, p. 21 1. X Cussans' Hist. Herts, i. 154. 238 Inscriptions. WARESIDE. Holy Trinity i Bell. A district church, consecrated in 1841. It has one small bell, difficult of access, stated by the sexton to be devoid of inscription. WATFORD. St. Mary the Virgin 8 Bells and a Priest's Bell. 1. AT PROPER TIMES MY VOICE ILE RAISE AND SOUND TO MY SUBSCRIBERS PRAIS. T. LESTER FECIT 1750 (Diameter 31 in.) 2. T. LESTER OF LONDINI FECIT 1750 (Diameter 32 in.) ^' I THOMAS LESTER FECIT 1750 (Diameters 33I, 39 in.) 4. THO'^ LESTER OF LONDON MADE ME (Diameter 36^ in.) 6. THOMAS LESTER OF LONDON FECIT 1750 (Diameter 41 in.) 7. JOHN SHACKELL AND JOHN DUMMER C.W. JOHN BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT 17S6 (Diameter 44] in.) 8. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVEING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE I SUMMONDS ALL. THOMAS LESTER OF LONDON MADE US ALL O O O O (Diameter 50I in., weight 22 cwt.) Priesfs Bell : — 1705 In 1552 there were here "v Belles in the steple and one m'ket bell."* In 1700 Chauncy said "six bells "t — perhaps the Edwardian ones — which were soon after recast into a ring of eight, all of which, with one exception, remain. In the reign of James I. a water corn-mill with lands which produced about ^^30 a year were given for a sermon to be preached in this church every * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Of}". f Hist. Aniiq. Herts, p. 4S6. Inscriptions. 239 Tuesday morning before the market-bell rang.* There is now no market-bcU and the weekly lecture has been recently discontinued. There are a set of chimes : upon a brass plate connected with them is inscribed : — G Harman High Wycombe fecit John Dummer■^ , , „, , ,, Ch. Wardens John Shackell > Wm. Hartey Senr. ) They play at 3, 6, 9 and 1 2 o'clock : the four tunes are : — The scolding woman The Hymn of Eve 113th Psalm The Woodlands. The tune is changed twice a week : on each occasion it is played through four times. There are several Peal Boards showing that change-ringing was well practised by "The Society of Watford Youths." The dates are 30th April, 1780 ; nth December, 1805 ; loth November, 1814; 5th December, 1819; 6th January, 1824. There is also a record of the ringing of "a compleat Peal of 5280 Oxford Treble Bob " by the Society of College Youths on Sunday, the 24th of April, 1790. St. Andrew 5 Bells. I. ^- \ MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS LONDON 1883 3- 4- (Weights I cwt., 2 qrs., 15 lb. ; 2 cwt., o qr., 4 lb. ; 2 cwt, 2 qrs., 12 lb. 2 cwt, 3 qr., 23 lb.) 5. THESE BELLS ARE PRESENTED BY JOSCELINE F. WATKINS AND GEORGE WAILES 1883 MEARS & STAINBANK FOUNDERS, LONDON 1883. (Weight 3 cwt., I qr., 6 lb. Note C.) This modern church had prior to 1 883 only one small temporary bell : the new bells are hemispherical in form. * See Salmon's fiisi. Herls, and Chauncy, p. 489. 240 Inscriptions. WATTON. SS. Mary and Andrew 6 Bells. 1^ T. KIMPTON J ROWLEY C.W. J. BRIANT HARTFORD FECIT i 1785 (Diameters 30, 37 in.) GEORGE CHANDLER MADE ME 1682 (Diameters 30^, 33^ in.) HOLINESS TO THE LORD THE HON^^'^ & REV° LOWTHER J BARRINGTON M.A. RECTOR !• ll^ZT ^"^^ ICHUKCHWARDENS F. NEWMAN 3 C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1852 (Diameter 39-I in.) 6. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1841 (Diameter 43I in.) \\\ 1552 the church of " Watton at Stone " possessed :— Item V bellf in the Steple Item a saunce bell* Chauncy described them as being in the year 1700 "a small ring of six untuneable bells "f— four of them have been recast since that time. WELWYN. St. Mary the Virgin 1 Bell and a Priest's Bell. I. PROSPERITY TO THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH OF ENGLAND. NO ENCOURAGEMENT TO ENTUSIASM. ROB'^ MUNDAY C. W. 1760. JOS. EAYRE S'. NEOTS FECIT (Diameter 32^ in.) Priest's Bell :— Blank. (Diameter 13 in.) In 1552 there were here "iiij bells in the steple " and "a sanse bell.":}: In 1700 the tower, in which was a ring of five bells, had recently fallen. § * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 334. X Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. § Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 319- I?is&riptions. 241 Whether the bells themselves were then disabled, or whether, as tradition says, they were shortly after sought to be got rid of because the ringing disturbed the occupants of the neighbouring houses, is uncertain, but the following entry in the Parish Book relates to their sale : — July 17th 1746. Ordered that the Bells be sold to the best bidder, in Order to Raise Money to Erect a Turret or some other conveniency for the hanging up of a Large Bell and the Sance Bell. That this order was carried out is apparent from another entry : — October 7th 1747. Ordered that the Churchwardens pay Five Pounds towards the finishing the Turret over and above the Money that is in Mr. Peirsey's hands, and that the Turret be finished without any further expense to the Parish.* The Turret alluded to in these entries was replaced in the year 1834 by the present brick tower. A bell with a similar inscription (only properly spelled) to that on the bell here hangs at Little Wymondley. WESTMILL. St. Mary 5 Bells. 1. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1838 (Diameter 26| in.) 2. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1759 (Diameter 29^ in.) 3. [+ Fig. 19] Hmtcfa X3^argarefa ©ra ^xo ^obis U [Fig. 20.] (Diameter 31 1 in.) 4. [+ Fig- 4] iLMiLwx^^ju^i^'^ B \ :Bi€):HPR€):Ei:iD:^ (Diameter 32 in.) 5. MILES GRAVE MADE ME 1616 (Diameter 33I in.) For stamps see pp. 10 and 20. * Kindly supplied by the Rev. C. L. Wingfield, rector of the parish 2 I 242 Inscriptions. In 1552 there were here : — Itm xxYf belles in the steple Itm a saunce bell.* There were still " four bells " when Chauncy described the church at the close of the seventeenth century ;•]- shortly after which the number was in- creased to eight " by the bounty and procurement " says Salmon, ij: "of Mr. Auncell of this parish, who " is a great lover of Ringing." Of that gentleman little is now known ; he is supposed to have been the resident owner of a small estate now absorbed in the property of Coles Park, of which the pro- prietor is Robert Phillips Greg, Esq. The frames for the eight bells still remain : there is a discrepancy in the traditions about the loss of three of these bells ; the truth, however, appears to be that they were sold by the church- wardens for the repairs of the church about fifty years ago, the treble being recast at the same time. WESTON. Holy Trinity 5 Bells. 1. JOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 17 16 (Diameter 2 8| in.) 2. Blank. (Diameter 31 in.) 3. MILONEM GRAY ME FECIT 1634 (Diameter 34 in.) 4. CAST BY JOHN WARNER tS: SONS LONDON 1867 (Diameter 37 in.) 5. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 1682 (Diameter 41^ in.) In 1552 there were "iiij bellf in the Steple."§ My friend who visited this church for me writes : " N.B. This is the cleanest bell-chamber I ever saw." There are some sensible rules for the guidance of the ringers. There is a tradition current here that one of the bells belonged originally to Bennington. * Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t ffisL Anfiq. Herts, p. 230. * Hisf. 0/ Herts, p. 234. § Attg. Office: Misc.. vol. 497, P. R. Off. Inscriptions. 243 WHEATHAMPSTEAD. St. Helen 6 Bells. I. R. PHELPS FECIT 1717 THOMAS CROUCH GENT : BENE- FACTOR TOWARDS THESE SIX BELLS (Diameter 29 in.) 3. Ir: PHELPS FECIT 1717 4- ) (Diameters 31, 33^, 36 in.) 5. H.4-: CAMPAN^ E QUINQUE (ADDITO METALLO) IN SEX DILATABANTUR MUNERIBUS DIVERSORUM COLLEC : STUDIO ET OPERA RICCARDI CROUCH GENEROSI 1717 R:P: FECIT (Diameter 39^ in.) 6. EDWARD WAKE D : D : RECTOR RICHARD CROUCH GENT : THOMAS STREET CHURCH WARDENS RICHARD PHELPS MADE ME 1717 (Diameter 43^ in.) In 1552 there were here "iiij°'' Belles in the Steple, and a Saunce bell."* When Chauncy wrote, these had been increased to five.t Nos 2, 4, 5, and 6, have since been recast by Messrs. Warner and Sons (in 1885). WIDFORD. St. John the Baptist 5 Bells. 1. J. TAYLOR & CO. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1869 (Diameter 29 in.) 2. J (Figs. 38 and 40.) GOD SAVE THE KIHG 162— (Diameter 30 in.) 3. + (Fig. 19.) ^mtcfa :K:afenna ©ra ^xo Mohis U (Fig. 20.) (Diameter 33 in.) * Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Page 523. 241 Inscriptions. 4- 5 (Figs. 38 and 39.) PRAIES THE LORD 1624 (Diameter 34 in.) 5. Charles Clapton Ch : Warden Lester & Pack of London Fecit 1766 (Diameter 38 in.) For stamps see pp. 20 and 38. In 1552 there were belonging to this church : — Itni iiij°'' bellf in the steple Itm A sance bell and j other lytle bell.* And four continued the number until 1869. WIGGINTON. St. Bartholomew i Bell. I. 1813 (Diameter 13^ in.) In 1552 "Wyggynton" possessed " ij° Belles in the Steple" and " ij hand- belles."t There were still two bells here within living memory : one is said to have been sold and the proceeds expended on the repair of the church, and the other was probably superseded by the present insignificant specimen. WILLIAN. All Saints 3 Bells. I. J: EAYREST. NEOTS FECIT 1760 (Diameter 27^ in.) 2. 3- (Diameters 30, 32 in.) In 1552 there were here : — Ite iij bellf in the steple Ite ij hande bellf .t * Au,^. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. t Ibid. '" } CHRISTOPHER GRAVE MADE ME 1662 Inscriptions. 245 In 1700 there were four bells, and that continued the number until recently, when one, being cracked, was sold to provide funds for an organ for the church. This bell bore the inscription : — Newcome made me A° 1616. It was from the Leicester Foundry, and was interesting as being the only specimen in the county. See " Church Bells of Leicester," p. 54, etc. WOODEND-BY-ARDELEY. St. Alban 1 Bell. This chapel of ease to Ardeley, built in 1853, has one small bell, about iS inches in diameter. WOOD HILL [BY BISHOP'S HATFIELD]. St. Mark i Bell. This small chapel has one small modern bell. WORMLEY. St. Laurence 2 Bells. In 1552 there were here '■ iij bellf in the steple :'"* that was the number in lyocf Tradition says that "Sir Abraham Hume removed these three bells about a hundred years ago, and at the same time placed the present t«-o bells in a wooden steeple." These bells are very difficult of access ; the aged parish clerk, who took their dimensions (18 inches and 20 inches in diameter) some years ago, describes them as being entirely devoid of inscription or founder's stamp of any kind. WYDDIAL. St. Giles 4 Bells. 1. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1866 (Diameter 29 in.) 2. -f- (Fig. 9.) .Sancfa ^atcriita Ora ^xo X^lobis (Diameter 32 in.) • Au^. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Oft'. f Chauncy's Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 292. 246 Inscriptions. 3. + (Fig. 4.) D (Fig. 5-) □ □ □ (Fig. 6.) n (Diameter 35^ in.) 4. CHRISTOPHER GRAVE MADE ME 1666 (Diameter 40 in.) For stamps see pp. 10 and 12. In 1552 there were here "in the steple iiij"'' bellf " and in the churche ij hand bellf."* The treble bell was previously inscribed :— + Sancta Anna Ora Pro Nobis. In 1867 these bells were rehung by Louisa, widow of the late Charles Heaton Ellis, Esq. That lady also paid the cost of recasting the treble bell, and of a new clock. WYMONDLEY, GREAT. St. Mary 4 Bells. 1. J (Figs. 38 and 39.) PRAISE THE LORD 162S (Diameter 26| in.) 2. JO^ EAYRES S^ NEOTS FECIT JO^ LYSLES AND THO^ CHAMBERS C : W : 1760 (Diameter 30I in.) 3. goi)tt Peer i{ia6c me 1595 (Diameter 35 in.) 4. JOHN WAYLETT MADE ME 1716 .jj(. r^. .)J(. (Diameter 38 in., cracked.) For stamps see p. 38. In 1552 the church of " Muche Wymley" possessed : — It iij bellf in the steple It one hande bell.f • Aug. Office : Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Ibid. Inscriptions. 247 WYMONDLEY, LITTLE. St. Mary 3 Bells. 1. PROSPERITY TO THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND NO EN- COURAGEMENT TO ENTHUSIASM. BARNET STAR C.W. 1760 (Diameter 22 in.) 2. ^o\^X[. 6ier \XK<\hQ xtKt 1595 (Diameter 23^ in.) 3. Blank. (Diameter 25 in.) In 1552 ''the pishe churche of Lytell Wymley " possessed " thre bellf in the steple and ij handebellf."* Chauncy writes " four bells " in 1700;! nothing is now known about the fourth. Aug. Office: Misc., vol. 497, P. R. Off. f Hist. Antiq. Herts, p. 362. INDEX. o>iHo<. Names or Initials in Italics are those of Bell-Founders. Abbots Langley, 50, 73, 76, 77, 80, 81, 84, 114 Abingdon, 99 Albury, 3, 5, 24, 39, 74, 75, 76, 78, 82, 85, 115 Aldbury, 48, 49, 73, 85, 116 Aldenham, 49, 73, 81, 116 AUswike, 3, 117 Ampthill, 42 Amwell, Great, 39, 73, 81, 85, 117 „ Little, iiS Angelus Bell, 75 Anstey, 6, 26, 39, 77, 82, 85, 86, 118 Apsley End, 119 Ardeley, 4, 5, 9, 24, 33, 39, 45, 82, 83, 86, 120 Arkley Chapel, 121 Arnold, Edzvard, 55 Ascension tide ringing, 76 Ashwell, 4?. 55, 73> 74, 75> 76, 77, 82, 83, 85, 86, 121 Aspenden, 49, 50, 80, 83, 88, 122 Aston, 41, 76, 82, 86, 123 Ayot, St. Laurence, 3, 81, 83, 123, 124 Ayot, St. Peter, 3, 69, 77, 81, 85, 124, 125 Aythorp Roding, 31 Baldock, 7, 35, 42, 75, 76, 79, 82, 84, 85,86, 88, 125 Banns Peals, 79 Barkvvay, 5, 14, 45, 76, 77, 79, 81, 86, 127 Barley, 68, 74, 76, 77, 80, 81, 85, 128 Barnet, Chipping, 80, 81, 84, 85, 128 East, 130 „ New, 130 Bartlett, Ant/io?iy, 44, 45 James, 44, 45, 5° ,, Thomas, 44 Bayford, 3, 131 Bellemaker's Guild, 19 Belton, 72 Bengeo, 39, .31 Bennington, 41, 74, 77, 78, 81, 85, §9' 97, 1.33 Berechurch, 9 Berkhampstead, Great, 82, 84, 134 Little, 5, 8, 39, 73, 74, 77, 83, 135 Berkhampstead, North Church, 48, 136 Bishop Stortford, 15, 53, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 81, 87, 136 Bovingdon, 3, 46, 48, 76, 77, 82, 159 Index. 249 Bourne End, 159 Bozvler, Richard, 40 Bra.iifield, 3, 5, 12, 18, 77, 81, 85, 86, 159 Braughing, 6, 7, 31, 33, 41, 42, 53, 74, 76, 77, 80, 81, 83, 86, 88, 160 Brazier, 44 Brend/jo/ui, 34 Briantjohn, 50, 55, iii, 157, 158 ,, „ List of his bells, 65 Broxbourne, 39, 45, 68, 73, 81, 84, 85, 162 Buckland, 4, 42, 85, 163 Bullisdon, Thomas, 26 Buntingford, 85, 163 Biirford. William, 13, 20 ,, Robert, 20 Bury St. Edmunds, 7, 13, 14, 138 Bushey, 5, 15, 43, 163 Bushey Heath, 164 Bygrave, 4, 85, 164 Caldecote, 3, 39, 82, 164 Cambridge, 7, 53 Campanarius, 72 Carter, Joseph, 44 „ William, 44 Cat I in, Robert^ 52, 53 Chandler Family, 37, 43, 47 ,. Anthony, 48 „ George, 49 ,, Richard, 48, 49 Chertsey, 17 Cheshunt, 41, 45, 53, 81, 82, 165 Chipperfield, 166 Chivesfield, 166 Chorley Wood, 70, 80, 81, 166 Christmas ringing, 76 Church, Reginald, 14, 138, 140, [45, 147 Clarke, John, 32, 33- 37 Clifton, John, 47, 190 Clothall, 2, 7, 9, 35, 82, 85, 166 Codicote, 167 Colchester, 7, 37, 40 2 K Colney Heath, 167 Cottered, 42, 76, 77, 80, 81, 84, 85, 167 Coventry, 56 Cropredy, 75 Crovvl.ind, 98 Croxley Green, 168 Ciilverdefi, William, 28 Curfew Bell, 72, 75, 103, 158 Dany ell, John, 21, 25 Datchworth, 32, 33, 48, 76, 81, 86, 168 Death-knell, 80 Dedication peals, 83 Deopham, 12 Dier, John, 33 Digswell, 39, 81, 85, 169 Downe, 31 Drayton Parslow, 7, 37, 43. 47 Duffield, II Easter Ringing, 76 Eastwick, 6, 7, 20, 32, 35, ^d, 81, 169 Eayre, JoJm, 54 „ Joseph, 54 „ Thomas, 54 Eldridge, William, 43 Elstree, 44, 69, 170 Essendon, 49, 51, 76, 79, 80, 81, 84, 85,86,88, 91, 171 Exnmg, 55 Fire Bell, 86 Flamstead, 48, 76, 77, 82, 84, 86, 173 Flaunden, 4, 6, 34, 173 Founder, William, 12, 13, 18 Gaddesden, Great, 48, 49, 74, 76, 77, 81, 84, 174 Gaddesden, Little, 4, 73, 85, 174 Gillett c^ Co., 70 Gilston, 4, 39, 45, 82, 174 250 hidex. Gleaning Bell, 85 Gloucester, 28 Goff's Oak, 175 Goring, 18 Graveley, 33, 39' 1 75 Graye, Christopher, 42 Miles, 37, 40, 42 Grene, John, 33 H. S., 14 Haddenham, 42 Hadliam, Little, 6, 13, 33, 39, 46, 73, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 84, 85, 86, 177 Hadham, Much, 3, 33, 45, 52, 72, 77, 79, 81, 84, 86, 175 Ila//, Edward, 49 Harhert, William, 41 Harpenden, 6, 20, 25, 33, 39, 75, 85, 86, 178 Hatfield, 4, 82, 84, 85, 89, 179 Hedderley, 1 1 Hemel Hempstead, 3, 6, 34, 39, 40, 49, 5^,76, 77, 83, 84, 108, 179 Hertford, 37, 51, 56, 76, 77, 80, 81, 84, 88, 89, 181 Hertford College Youths, 89 Change Ringers, 95 Hertingfordbury, 45, 51, 53, 73, 77, 8t, 86, 184 Hexton, 3, 4, 10, 49, 74, 80, 81, 184 High Cross, 185 High Wych, 185 Hille, Richard, 23 „ Joha?i?ia, 23 Hinxvvorth, 42, 56, 74, 76, 79, 83, 86, 185 Hitchin, 7, 54, 55, 73, 75, 76, 77, 78, 84, 85, 89, 186 Hockerill, 188 Hoddesdon, i, 6, 26, 70, 86, 188 Hodson, Christopher, 45 „ John, 45, 46 Hormead, Great, 41, 83, 188 Little, 2, 5, 12, r8, 189 Horsekeepers' Bell, 73 Hulcote, 49 Hull, U'illiam, 46 Hunsdon, 39, 45, 82, 190 Hyde, West, 190 /. C, 6, 190 Ickleford, 42, 49, 54, 73, 76, 77, 80 82, 86, 191 Jordan, Henry, 24, 26 Kebyll, 23 Kelshall, 41, 53, 73, 80, 81, 85, 192 Kempe, Thomas, 149 Kensworth, 49, 80, 8r, 85, 192 Kettering, 54 Kimpton, 5, 6, 12, 17, 20, 39, 193 Kingsbury, 53 King's Langley, 46, 50, 73, 76, 77, 79, 82, 84, 194 King's Walden, 76, 81, 84, 85, 194 Knebworth, 47, 49, 53, 76, 81, 195 Knight, Ellis, 47 ,, Henry, 46 „ Samuel, 47, 51 „ William, 34 Langleybury, 196 Laivrence, Thomas, 29 Layston, i, 47, 53, 80, 81, 86, 196 Leavesden, 197 Lemsford, 197 Lester, Thomas, 50 Lester 6^ Pack, 5 1 Letchworth, 2, 3, 4, 9, 197 Leverstock Green, 197 Lilley, 4, 34, 49, 74, 76, 77, 83, 197 Limpsfield, 28 Lincoln, 57 London Colney, 198 Loughborough, 7, 69 Maltmakers' Bell, 75 Markyate Street, 198 Marston, Long, 3, 198 Index. 251 Mass Bell, 74 Matins Bell, 73 Alears Family, 51, 62, 63, 68, 69 Measden, 42, 76, 80, 81, 199 Mill-end, 199 Mimms, North, 77, 84, 199 Minsden, 200 Moot Bell, 85 Mot, Robert, 43 Munden, Great, 39, 40, 82, 84, 86, 200 Munden, Little, 5, 20, 41, 73, 77, 80, 82, 84, 86, 201 Newcastle-on-Tyne, 41 New combe, 245 Neivma7i, Charles, 43, 53 „ Thomas, 53 Newnham, 3, 7, 35, 82, 202 NewtoJi, Samuel, 53 New Year's Eve ringing, 77 Northaw, 4, 202 Norton, 5, 7, 35, 74, 77, 85, 203 Nottingham, 11 Offley, 34, 39, 45, 203 Oldfeild, Hugh, 37 „ Rowland, 37 Oldfeild, Robert, 37 William, 37, 44 O shorn, C. S., 69 „ Thomas, 55 Oxford, 56, 69 Oxhey, 204 Pack & Chap/nafi, 5 1 Pancake Bell 72, 75 Passing Bell, 79 Pelham Brent, 41, 74, 76, 79, 80, 81, 86, 204 Pelham Furneaux, 5, 28, 41, 46, 54, 77, 79, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 205 Pelham Stocking, 4, 6, 19, 81, 86, 206 Phelps, Richard, 50, iii Pirton, 39, 54, 73, 74, 81, 207 Potten End, 208 Puttenham, 48, 49, 208 R L. 16 Radlett, 208 Radvvell, 208 Reading, 7, 13, 15 Redbourn, 52, 73, 76, 82, 84, 85, 209 Reed, 39, 82, 210 Rickmansworth, 51, 73, 78, 82, 85, 89, 211 Rider, Robert, 10 Ridge, 44, 74, 79, 82, 85, 88, 212 Ridgwell, 10 Rofforde, William, 7, 10 Royston, 51, 74, 76, 77, 80, 82, 85, 212 Rushden, 76, 79, 85, 213 Russell, Thomas, 54 Sacomb, 45, 82, 214 Sacrament Bell, 74 St. Albans Cathedral, 7, 46, 98 „ Clock Tower, i, 6, 7, 27, 75, 86, 219 St. Albans Churches, viz., St. Michael, 52, 76, 77, 80, 217 St. Peter, 50, 56, 73, 80, 85, 88, 214 St. Stephen, 68, 73, 76, 77, 78, 80, 218 St. Ippolyts, 39, 80, 82, 85, 221 St. Neots, 7, 54 St. Paul's Walden, 48, 85, 234 Sandon, 41, 53, 77, 80, 82, 84, 85, 222 Sandridge, 4, 222 Sarratt, 46, 49, 82, 223 Saunders, John, 17 Sawbridgeworth, 7, 30, 51, 76, 79, 81, 85» 223 Secular uses, 84 Sermon Bell, 74, 78 252 Index. Shenley, 39, 45, 50, 226 Shephall, 82, 227 Shillington, 38 Shrewsbury, 56 Skerman, Henry, 56 Soham, 56 Southwell, 99 Standon, 41, 73, 76, 79, 82, 84, 86, 227 Stanstead Abbots, 38, 39, 79, 83, 228 „ St. Margaret, 228 Stapleford, 73, 82, 228 Stevenage, 229 Stow St. Mary, 99 Stratford-on-Avon, 33 Suiibury, 52 Sunday peals — early, 72 „ mid-day, 78 Sunday School Bell, 74, Swain, 7hos., 53 Symo7idson, Uefiry, 56, 69 Taylor, John <3^ Co., 69 Robert, 55, 69 Tellers, 81 Tewin, 48, 229 Therfield, 34, 41, 42, 46, 230 Thorlcy, 39, 46, 74, 80, 82, 83, 85, 86, 231 Thornton, John, 52 Throcking, 3, 231 Thundridge, 69, 86, 232 Thurlow, Great, 52 Tonne, John, 30 Tottcridge, 4, 53, 82, 85, 232 Tring, 7, 39, 40, 47, 49, 70, 73, 75, 82, 85, 86, 233 Uxbridge, 35 Vestry Bell, 85 Wadesmill, 6, 20, 34, 39, 234 Walden (St. Paul's) 48, 85, 234 Waikern, 53, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 82, 85, 86, 235 Walling ton, 235 Waltham Abbey, 56, 93 ,, Cross, 236 Ware, 50, 76, 77, 80, 82, 84, 85, 236 Wareside, 238 Warner 6^ Sons, 69 Watford, 51, 73, 78, 82, 89, 238 Watton, 49, 74, 76, 77, 83, 84, 86, 240 Waylett, John, 52, 156 Wedding peals, 79 Welwyn, 4, 54, 82, 240 ,, Westmill, 5, 7, 10, 20, 41, 75, 84, 241 Weston, 41, 49, 53, 82, 242 Wheathampstead, 4, 50, 243 Whitmore, William, 45, 46 Whitsuntide ringing, 76 Widford, 5, 20, 39, 79, 82, 243 Wigginton, 4, 244 Wightman, Philip, 46, i ii ,, William, 46 Willian, 42, 54, 73, 80, 82, 85, 244 Winchester, 99 Woodend, 245 Wood Hill, 245 Wootton, 7, 54 Wormley, 4, 83, 245 Wright, Laurence, 36 Wyddial, 5, 7, 10 19, 42, 76, 77, 79, 80, 82, 84, 245 Wymbish, Richard de, 9 Wymondley, Great, 34, 39, 53, 54, 85, 246 Wymondley, Little, 32, 34, 54, 247 THE END. Elliot Stock, Paternoster Row, London. In 4fo., doth, profusely Illustrated, to Subscribers, price xis. ed. THE Church Bells of Bedfordshire: THEIR FOUNDERS, INSCRIPTIONS, TRADITIONS, AND PECULIAR USES. By the late THOxMAS NORTH, F.S.A. " He did his work with characteristic enthusiasm." — Athe)i(Eum. " A thorough piece of work." — No/es and Queries. Tastefully printed in f cap. ^to., price 2\s., with numerous Plates and Woodcut Illustrations, and handsomely bound in cloth. Surrey Bells and London Bell-founders. A Contribution to the Comparative Study of Bell Inscriptions. By J. C. L. STAHLSCHMIDT, PAST MASTER OF THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF FOUNDERS, MEMBER OF THE ROYAL ARCH^OLOGICAL INSTITUTE, AND OF THE SURREY ARCH^OLOGICAL SOCIETY. " Much that is original, interesting, and curious. Hardly a dull page in the book." Saturday Review. " The sequence of metropolitan bell-founders is an amazing ' find.' " — Atheiiccujn. " Bears upon almost every page evidence of deep research." — City Press. " Campanists will be delighted with Mr. Stahlschmidt's laborious and scholarly work." Surrey Comet. " In substance and accuracy and in the delicacy of its illustrations, it deserves high praise." Literary World. " Its recognition among those whom antiquarian subjects attract cannot fail to be hearty." Notes and Queries. "An interesting contribution to the science of 'bells.' " — Spectator. " For what he has given us we are extremely thankful. His woik is honest and thorough." Academy. " Useful and well written." — British ArchcBoloncal Journal. LONDON : ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.G. <^l-h' UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-100m-9,'52(A3105)444 cc Nortn - 212 The church bells H^iMSl of Hertfordshire. CC 212 H5N81 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 001 211 077 fi / '