Dodford | Daventry Branch of T

ANCDAVHC

The Church of Holy Cross, Daventry

Bell Details

Treble. Inscription: DO NOTHING SEPARATELY THAT MAY BE DONE TOGETHER. THESE BELLS ARE RESTORED AND AUGMENTED TO THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD 1965. KENNETH WARD RECTOR PATRICK I CHAPMAN G R DODSON CHURCHWARDENS TAYLOR LOUGHBOROUGH

Diameter 25in Weight 4c 0q 15lbs G (210 kgs) Note 1570 Hz G +2 cents

2. MAY THEY ALL BE ONE THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE TAYLOR LOUGHBOROUGH 1965

Diameter 26 ½ in. Weight 4c 2q 1lb. F (229 kgs) Note 1399 Hz F +3

3. GRATA SIT ARGUTA RESONANS CAMPANULA VOCE THO. EAYRE A.D. 1738 RECAST 1965 TAYLOR LOUGHBOROUGH OUR THEME IS THE WORD OF LIFE

Diameter 28 in. Weight 4c 3q 22lbs (251 kgs). Note 1246 Hz Eb +2

This replaced the treble of the anticlockwise hung eight: Diameter 29 in. weight 5-0-26

4. GRATA SIT ARGUTA RESONANS CAMPANULA VOCE T. EAYRE A.D. 1738 RECAST 1965 TAYLOR LOUGHBOROUGH WITH SUCH A HOPE AS THIS WE SPEAK OUT BOLDLY

Diameter 29in. Weight 5c 0q 21 lbs (264 kgs). Note 1176 Hz D +2

This replaced: Diameter 30 in. weight 5-3-12

5. IHS NAZARENVS REX IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE MEI THO. EAYRE A.D. 1738 RECAST 1951 TAYLOR LOUGHBOROUGH S F W POWELL RECTOR S COLLETT W HIRONS CHURCHWARDENS

Diameter 31 in. Weight 6c 0q 5lbs. (307 kgs) Note 1044 Hz C -4

This replaced: Diameter 31 ½ in. weight 6-1-0

6. OMNIA FIANT AD GLORIAM DEI. GLORIA DEO SOLI THO. EAYRE A.D. 1738 RECAST 1965 TAYLOR LOUGHBOROUGH REJOICE YOU NO LESS THAN I AND LET US SHARE OUR JOY.

Diameter 33 in. Weight 6c 2q 24lbs (341 kgs). Note 934 Hz Bb +3

This replaced: Diameter 33 ¼ in. weight in 1738 was 6-3-17

7. IHS NAZARENVS REX IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE MEI T. EAYRE KETT. A.D. 1738

Diameter 36 in. Weight 7c 1q 9lbs. (372 kgs) Note Ab +3

This was in 1738 Diameter 36 in. weight 8-0-9

8. JOSEPH FREEMAN CHURCHWARDEN JOSEPH EAYRE ST. NEOTS FECIT OCTOBER 29, 1764

Diameter 39in. Weight 10c 0q 5lbs (510 kgs) Note 785 Hz G +2

This replaced: 1738 Diameter 38 in. weight 9-2-26

9. OMNIA FIANT AD GLORIAM DEI. GLORIA PATRI FILIO ET SPIRITUI SANCTO. T. EAYRE 1738. RECAST 1915 JOHN AND DENISON TAYLOR LOUGHBOROUGH

Diameter 43 ½ in. Weight 14c 2q 16lbs (744 kgs) Note 703 Hz F +11

This replaced: Diameter 42 ½ in. weight 12-2-27

10. OMNIA FIANT AD GLORIAM DEI. THO. EAYRE KETT. CHARLES WILDEGOSE BAYLIFFE ANNO DOMINI 1738. JOHN TAYLOR & CO LOUGHBOROUGH REFUSA 1908

Diameter 48in. Weight 18c 3q 11lbs (958 kgs) Note. 624 Hz Eb +5

This replaced: Diameter 46 ¾ in. weight 16-2-12

Prospective observers and maintainers should note that the floor under the bells is that of the clock room and is some 10 feet below them. Three ladders lay on the floor for access.

This diagram shows the 1965 frame layout:

In 1552 there were “ij bells in ye steple & a sanct’ bell.”

In 1700 there were five bells inscribed:

1. NICHOLAS SALTER BAYLIFE 1596

2. + AMBROSE

3. BE YT KNOWNE TO ALL THAT DOTH ME SEE THAT NEWCOMBE OF LEICESTER MADE MEE 1612.

4. IHS NAZARENVS REX IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERERE MEI 1619

5. + NICHOLAS SALTER BAYLIFE OF DANTRE THE 4TH OF JUNE 1596

TUNE CHIMING APPARATUS

In 1743 contributions amounting to £73 5s 6d were made for the chimes, which played every three hours. There were two sacred and six secular tunes. The equipment was abandoned in 1965 and the large drum with inserted pegs to play these chimes, with other parts of the old clock and their mechanisms remaining in the bell and intermediate chambers.

Note: The church was completely rebuilt during 1752-8. From the dates above the bells that must have been transferred into the new (present) building can be identified. The parts of a chiming barrel and mechanism are certainly still stored in the tower.

This transcription of the Ringers’ Rules from 1863 were found and framed by Beth Tremayne in 2019.

RULES

TO BE OBSERVED AND

KEPT BY THE RINGERS

AT THE

PARISH CHURCH, DAVENTRY.

_______________________________________________________________________

As Framed June 24th, 1863.

_______________________________________________________________________

1. – That the Ringers be eight in number, and that they be chosen by the Incumbent and Churchwardens.

2.– That the Sexton for the time being be one of the Ringers, and be held responsible for the conduct of the body.

3. – That no person, except the Ringers or other Officers of the Church, be admitted into the Belfry, without leave of the Incumbent or Churchwardens.

4. – That the use of the Bells be confined strictly to such purposes as are approved by the Incumbent and Churchwardens.

5. – That the amount of any Fees, Presents, or Gratuities, be divided equally among the Ringers, - subject to Rule 6.

6. – That every Ringer who shall be prevented from attending at any appointed time for Ringing, shall forfeit his share of the Fee, Present, or Gratuity received.

7. – That the Sexton for the time being shall have charge of the Belfry, which shall be kept as carefully clean and in as good order as any other part of the Church.

8. – That the Sexton for the time being be required to be present at all times of Ringing, whether for practice or otherwise, and to act as Door-keeper.

9. – That the Sexton for the time being be required to chime the Bells for

the Sunday and Daily Services, and at such other times as may be required, or to provide one or others from the body of Ringers to do so.

10. – That all Forfeits under Rule 6 be paid to the Sexton for the time being.

11. – That no Tobacco, Ale, Spirits, or Feasting of any kind, be permitted in the Belfry, or any other part of the Church or Churchyard.

12. – That for every wilful breach of the above Rules, the Offender or Offenders be suspended, or summarily dismissed, at the discretion of the Incumbent and Churchwardens.

D. VEYSIE, Minister.

WILLIAM WILKINS,} Churchwardens.

THOMAS BATES, }

BARRETT, PRINTER, “EXPRESS” OFFICE, DAVENTRY

NRO 96P/78 Mears & Stainbank tender for repair of bells -extracts & paraphrase

To E. C. Wykes Esq. 25 Sheaf Street, Daventry.

Dated 8/7/1908

The bells were inspected on 6/7/1908 by Mr Hughes (who travelled to Daventry by train).

Existing bells:

1 2’ - 5” 5 ¼ c cast 1739 5 3’ - 0” 8 ½ cwt cast 1739

2 2’ - 6” 5 ½ c cast 1739 6 3’ - 3” 10 cwt cast 1739

3 2’ - 7½” 6¼ c cast 1739 7 3’ - 6” 12½ cwt cast 1739

4 2’ - 9” 7¼ c cast 1739 8 3’ - 11” 16 ¾ cwt cast 1739 badly cracked

Cannot ¼ turn because the clappers will then strike the bow where the chiming hammers have considerably worn away the sound bows on the outside. Need to remove cannons and 1/8 turn. Bells thinner in scale than usual - surprised that they have lasted so long without further fracture.

£194.14s.2d to recast the tenor, all new fittings and rehang 1/8 turned. To recast all the bells additional to above, add £145.7s.6d.

[Interesting that Mr Hughes quotes all the bells as being cast in 1739, when all have 1738 clearly cast on them! except the 6th 1764!]

There are no records of the Taylor quote or inspection, which lead to them recasting the tenor in 1908. It looks as though further cracked bells developed so that the 7th of the eight was recast in 1915 and the 3rd of the eight was recast in 1951. The full work recommended by Mr Hughes in 1908 was eventually carried out in 1965 by Taylors.

ANCDAV96P/78

From: Geoff Pullin
Sent: 21 February 2013 21:49
To: office@taylorbells
Subject: HISTORIC QUERY –DAVENTRY

Hello!

This photo [above] appeared in the Daventry Express today.

Pat Chapman's report in the 1970 RW says:

They were rehung in the new tower in 1754, and with the exception of the 6th, which was recast by Joseph Eayre at St. Neots in 1764, they survived intact until 1908, when the tenor, having become badly cracked, was recast with added metal by John Taylor. In 1915 the 7th fell in two pieces during service ringing one Sunday and this, too, was recast at Loughborough.

By 1938 the bells were badly in need of rehanging, and the old oak frame was strengthened and the bells hung on cast iron headstocks and ball-bearings.

There are three bells here - do you have any records that show how many bells came back to you at that time or is it subsequent work?

They all have iron headstocks but look like plain gudgeons, so not 1938.

Geoff

Tuesday, 26 February, 2013 14:05

From: George Dawson
Sent: 26 February 2013 13:20

Subject: RE: HISTORIC QUERY -DAVENTRY

Hello Geoff,

In 1908 all bells came in to the foundry & the old tenor recast (it was 16.2.12), the bells all retuned (except 3rd of 8) & new fittings.

In 1915 the 7th was recast (old bell weighed 12.2.27).

In 1939 all bells were rehung with new gudgeons and bearings.

Finally in 1965 1,2 & 4 of 8 were recast & the bells augmented to 10. The old fittings were re-used, being refurbished as needed. It would appear that all bells came to the Foundry then, as there are ‘weights in’ as well as ‘weights out’.

I trust this helps.

Regards George Dawson Acting Archivist John Taylor & Co.

Following up on the name A Boyce signwritten on the cart:

London and North Western Railway staff magazine http://www.nrm.org.uk/~/media/Files/NRM/PDF/archiveslists2012/other/London%20and%20North%20Western%20Railway%20staff%20magazine%20staff%20names%20list.pdf

Surname Forename Type Photo Year Month Page Themes

Boyce A Retirement Y 1920 05 98 Mr Boyce, late District Goods Manager, Rugby, retired on 29th February.

Reference: RAIL 1156/15/11

Description: Arthur Boyce: District Goods Manager (Rugby), London and North Western Railway. Birth: 25 February 1855, Reading, Berkshire. Death: 2 September 1939. Year entered railway service: 1867. Year ended railway service: 1920.

Date: 20th century

Held by: The National Archives, Kew

Legal status: Public Record

So the photo above must have been taken in 1908

INFORMATION FROM PDG ANNUAL REPORTS

1949: Daventry 3rd cracked

1955: Mr H Johnson member from now.

1958; Miss Mary Marshall member from now.

RW 1940, p524

TRADITIONAL USES OF BELLS.

To the Editor:

Dear Sir,-The topic of traditional uses of bells is very interesting. Below I append further information on the subject.

Before the ban on the ringing of bells it was the custom at Daventry to ring the second at 7a.m .and 1 p.m. each weekday -probably a

survival from the time when Cistercians occupied the Abbey. Moreover, the curfew was rung at 8 p.m. every day, the sixth being used for this purpose. When the sexton was acquainted with the death of a parishioner, the tenor was clocked: On Shrove Tuesday it was customary at one time to ring the pancake bell. Similarly, at Towcester the ·tenor was rung up, struck half-pulls and then rung down for a death, until ·the cessation of ringing. A bell used to be rung at midday and the curfew at 9 p.m. some years ago. Here, too, a pancake bell was sounded at one time.

From Holy Trinity tower in Richmond (Yorks) market place, curfew was rung at 8 p.m., whilst at Durham Cathedral the tenor was clocked for a few minutes before 9 p m.- I have heard it termed the Mary bell and then rung up and down for the curfew after the hour had struck.

LAWRENCE GREENHOW. Towcester, Northants.

RW 1941 p491

PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD.— Daventry Branch.— A meeting will be held at Daventry, Saturday, Oct. 18th. Handbell ringing. Will those requiring tea please notify me by Tuesday, Oct. 14th?— W . C. Moore, 5 , Williams Terrace, Daventry. Northants.

The Ringing World p710 September 11, 1970

Holy Cross, Daventry, Northants

The present building was erected in 1752—1754 in the then fashionable Classical style, and stands on the site of at least two earlier churches. The first known building, on land given by Simon de Liz, Earl of Northampton, was built to accommodate the Benedictine monks formerly housed at Preston Capes, in 1090.

This building also served as the Parish Church of Daventry, and for a long time the monks provided one of their number to act as parish priest. Relationships between the parishioners and the Prior and Convent (it was a Priory of the powerful Abbey of Cluny) were not always good, and in 1390 there was a great row over the ringing of the bells of the Monastic Parish Church. The Prior and Convent maintained that the parishioners rang the bells so early in the morning "afore the hour of rising," that the monks were unable to sleep, and as they had risen at midnight for Matins, this was a great hardship. The parishioners, on the other hand, made counter charges that the Prior and Convent "made chase and rechase with their carts through the Churchyard during the time of Divine Service," thus causing great offence. The dispute was eventually brought before John of Gaunt, Daventry lying in his Duchy of Lancaster. At his Court it was ruled that the bells were not to be rung to excess, and that each body was to keep a key to the churchyard gate.

The registers of the Bishops of Lincoln record many other interesting and disgraceful happenings in the affairs of the Priory, but these have no place here. Daventry was fated to be one of the 19 religious houses appropriated by Cardinal Wolsey, before the general dissolution of the monasteries, for the foundation of his college at Oxford, later to became Christ Church. Several years afterwards, it is recorded that the church stood in ruins, roofless and windowless, and that much of the stone had been removed for the repair of secular property in the parish.

Some time after 1550 a new Gothic church was erected, and in 1700 Bridges records the inscriptions of the five bells then hanging in the tower, some of which bore the name of the Watts foundry of Leicester.

Bridges – History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire (published in 1790 although the material was gathered earlier)

In 1738, these five, together with three other bells formerly hanging in the tower of Catesby Abbey, were recast by Thomas Eayre, of Kettering, into a fine ring of eight with a 16+ cwt. tenor. They were rehung in the new tower in 1754, and with the exception of the 6th, which was recast by Joseph Eayre at St. Neots in 1764, they survived intact until 1908, when the tenor, having become badly cracked, was recast with added metal by John Taylor. [At the same time, all the bells were taken to Loughborough where new cast iron headstocks were fitted] In 1915 the 7th fell in two pieces during service ringing one Sunday and this, too, was recast at Loughborough.

By 1938 the bells were badly in need of rehanging, and the old oak frame was strengthened and the bells hung on cast iron headstocks and ball-bearings. Another bell, the 3rd, became cracked in 1951 and was recast.

Inspection by Frederick Sharpe in 1960 and later by Taylors revealed that the frame was once again moving considerably, and the bells were consequently not always easy to ring—particularly the tenor. The cause was found to be the ends of the massive supporting beams which had rotted in the walls. The enthusiasm of the local ringers led to the decision to install a frame for ten and to add two new trebles; at the same time it was thought advisable to recast the old treble, 2nd and 4th—the ringers undertaking to pay for two of them.

The dedication of the newly-restored bells coincided with the visit' of the Central Council to, Northampton in 1965, and it is not merely local pride to say that they are among the very finest light rings of ten bells to be found anywhere. They are rung twice every Sunday as well as for the Tuesday practice and all the red letter Saints Days. Visiting ringers are always made welcome.!

PEAL RINGING

As far as can be ascertained no peals were rung on the bells before 1919, when Stedman Triples was rung by a Northampton band. Only about seven others were rung before 1958, when a peal of Cornwall was rung for the induction of the Rev. Kenneth Ward. The installation of a very effective system of sound control enabled 30 other peals to be rung before 1964, when the bells were taken down for restoration.

In the five years since the ten were installed, more than 100 peals have been rung, and many new methods and compositions, some unorthodox and controversial, have been used. No long lengths have been rung so far, although in 1969 two peals were rung on the same day. It is hoped that within the octave of the Feast of Title this year a long length of London Royal will be attempted.

I would like to acknowledge here that without the goodwill of the rector and the parishioners all this ringing would not have been possible. As it is, complaints are virtually nil and compliments frequent.

P.I.C.

Quarter Peal card hanging in ringing room:

CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS, DAVENTRY

On Sunday morning, October 9th, 1932, a Quarter Peal (1260 changes) of Grandsire Triples was rung by the following local regular ringers:

F. Snart [sic] (Treble); P. Abbott (2); W. J. Bailey (3), A. A. Chown (4); W. C. Moore (5); W. Townsend (6); A. Moore, conductor (7); F. Townsend (tenor).

Rung on the occasion of the Harvest Festival and in recognition of Mr. A. Moore’s 70th birthday, and was the

longest stretch of change ringing by a resident band. It was the first quarter peal by the ringers of the treble, third, fourth, sixth, and tenor. First quarter conducted by Mr. A. Moore.

CHOWN, TYP., DAVENTRY.

RW 1972 p1026

Peterborough D.G.

STRIKING COMPETITION

The first Striking Competition to be held in the Daventry Branch took place at Flore on November 10, when 32 members and friends sat down to tea in the Chapel Rooms. Six teams were entered and the results were: Daventry (18 faults). Nether Heyford ‘A ’ (25), Staverton (33), Norton(35). Braunston (80), Nether Heyford ‘B’ (85).

The Branch Chairman (Mr. E. C. Garrett) thanked the Rector and the local ringers, the judges (Messrs. P. Aslett and B. Care) and congratulated Daventry on their success. It is hoped to present them at the next meeting with a suitably inscribed certificate to hang in the belfry. I. W.

RW November 1, 1974 Notices

HOLY CROSS, DAVENTRY. — The Rector of Daventry (Rev. K. Ward) has appointed Mr. Kilby R. Holtom to be Ringing Master at Daventry Parish Church, as from November 1. Mr. Holtom will have the support of Mr. Pat Chapman, a former Ringing Master, who is now able to take up ringing again. All future requests for peals and other ringing on Daventry bells should be addressed to Mr. K. R. Holtom at his home address: 7 Park Leys, Daventry, Northants (Tel : Daventry 2489). 9398

2014 50 YEAR MAINTENANCE

An inspection of the bell installation was carried out by John Taylor and Co in 2014 and the report recommended work to return the installation to best condition after 50 years of intensive use. Click here to read it. There are no records or memory of bells 5 and 9 being turned by local labour since the major work in 1965 as stated. However the comments by Mr Hughes in 1908 (see here) may be relevant. The recommended work was put in hand during 2015.

Six volunteers removed the clappers on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 and the warped wheel from the third bell and all the pulleys on Friday, February 20 and were taken to Loughborough for renovation.

Most of the clappers and pulleys were brought back after overhaul by Steve Westerman of Taylors on Monday, March 9, 2015, when a start was made by Richard Waddy’s working parties to refit the pieces while Stephen adjusted the hang of bells that are out of true. The original tenor clapper was refitted awaiting completion of the manufacture of the new wooden-shafted clapper for the bell. One main tenor bearing was replaced because its ball-race cage had broken up. The bells were available for ringing again on Sunday, March 15.

The new wooden shafted clapper was delivered on Friday, June 5 2015 by Simon Adams from Taylors and fitted with the assistance of Richard Waddy, John Neale and Leanne Martin – photos on Facebook, replacing the over heavy steel one. It is no longer close at handstroke, sounds less dominant and goes on singing for ages.

THE PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHURCH BELLRINGERS Bell Fund made a grant of £670 in 2015

For the record the tenor clapper ball is clamped to the wooden shaft with four M10 bolts 9cm long. A nut fell off in July 2019 and Taylors recommend cutting the free issue replacement bolts to length and rivetting over the end to retain the nut. We fitted Nyloc nuts instead.

BELL ON DISPLAY IN RINGING ROOM (Also see St James, Daventry - below)

On February 5, 2014 a working party, under Richard Waddy’s direction, returned the single bell that used to hang in St James’ Daventry to the ringing chamber at Daventry Holy Cross after its sojourn at Byfield since the 1990s. St James Church, Daventry was built in 1839 and demolished in 1962. The bell was weighed during the hoisting and was found to be 280lbs (2cwt – 2qrs or 127kg) Inscription: 'Thomas Mears Founder London 1839', diameter 22 7/16 in.

An old clapper found behind the spiral stair bottom door at Holy Cross, is probably its clapper and was left there in 1962.

Text box split and images inserted 27/4/2021. Last updated 5/5/2021

ANCGDAVSJ

St James, Daventry

On Wednesday, February 5, 2014 a working party, under Richard Waddy’s direction, returned the St James’, Daventry bell to the ringing chamber at Daventry Holy Cross after its sojourn at Byfield since the 1990s. The work involved opening the floor and ceiling traps in the ringing chamber and use of a rope hoist and a chain hoist. St James Church, Daventry was demolished in 1962. The bell was weighed during the hoisting and was found to be 280lbs (2cwt – 2qrs or 127kg) Inscription: 'Thomas Mears Founder London 1839', diameter 22 7/16 in.

1/10/14: an old clapper was found behind the spiral stair bottom door at Holy Cross and looks as if it is the clapper from this bell left there in c1962. John Neale has cleaned it up and it is on display in the ringing room at Holy Cross with the bell.

[Photo from Daventry Express 4.9.2014 – in file DT St James photo 4.9.14.jpg]

“In 1839 a Commissioners' church was built, architect Hugh Smith, and stood on the east side of St James Street. It was demolished in 1962.” Wiki Daventry

Copied from btck 17/4/2021

ANCDODFO

The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Dodford

DETAILS OF THE BELLS

Treble. J TAYLOR & SON FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH

ANNO DOMINI MDCCCXLVII

Weighs 4c 2q 24lbs Diameter 28 ¼ in. Canons in use. Note 1179.5 Hz = D + 7c

This bell replaced an earlier bell with the inscription MATTHEW BAGLEY MADE ME 1679

2. CAMPANA GRAVIDA PEPERIT FILIAS 1674

(The heavy or pregnant bell produced daughters)

Cast by Henry Bagley I.

Weight not known Diameter 31½ in. Canons in use. Note 1071 Hz = C + 40c

3. EX DONO JOHANNIS WYRLEY ARIGERI 1614

(14 impressions of a coin around the lip, probably the reverse of a 1596 Elizabethan silver sixpence)

Cast by Robert Atton.

Weight not known Diameter 33¼ in. Canons broken off. Note 932 Hz = Bb – 1c

4. IH'S, NAZARENVS REX : IVDEORVM FILI : DEI MISERERE : MEI 1632 (W)

The S in IH’S is reversed. (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, O Son of God have mercy on me)

(W) represents the shield comprising three bells and a crown that was used by Hugh Watts (II) of Leicester.

A crack from the crown was noted by Nicholson in 2015.

Cast by Hugh Watts (II) of Leicester.

Weight not known Diameter 36in. Canons broken off. Note 888 Hz = A + 16c

5. IH'S, NAZARENVS REX : IVDEORVM FILI : DEI MISERERE : MEI 1626 (W)

Cast by Hugh Watts (II) of Leicester

Weight not known Diameter 39in. Canons broken off. Note 790 Hz = G + 13c

Tenor. RECAST BY CARR’S O ’ SMETHWICK 1907

TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND TO THE MEMORY OF THE.

REVD JOHN BECKWICKES AND HIS FATHER REVD JOHN FLAYERWICKES

CURATE OF THIS PARISH 1826 - 1838

COST WAS MET BY GRANT OF £50 FROM EXECUTORS OF ESTATE

OF REVD J. B. WICKES WHO DIED AT BOUGHTON

MARCH 25 1906

The “F” in the waist band was not cast except for a small portion of the top bar! The numbers on the side of the bell are noticeably much larger than the letters.

Cast by Charles Carr.

Weighs about 13cwt Diameter 421/8 in. Cast without canons. Note 702 Hz = F + 9c

This bell replaced an earlier bell inscribed IH'S, NAZARENVS REX : IVDEORVM FILI : DEI MISERERE : MEI 1624 (W) Dia. 42½in.

The bells hang in a timber frame mounted diagonally in the tower. It dates from c.1670-80 with repairs and rehanging carried out by Taylors in 1847 and the bearings of the front five bells replaced by them in 1895. The timber headstocks for bells 1-5 have hoop gudgeons.

During 2006 with the aid of the Daventry Branch Bell Maintenance Fund, Richard Hartley and Harold Thompson voluntarily undertook repairs to the bell fittings and tightened the bell frame including some new tie rods such that the bells were fit to be rung again.

Recommendations by four bellhangers were sought in 2015 by PCC to consider an overhaul.

The treble is in the north east corner of the ringing room.

The tenor rope passes through the ladder.

The length of rope between the top of the sally and the garter hole is approx. 38 feet.

GHP August 2021

Using Pickford’s frame descriptions, the diagonal frame is of type 6.12 with the bells occupying the spaces: A=2; B= 4; C=3; D=5; E=6; F=1.

In August 2018 the Dove entry was changed to show bell 4 as cracked. The crack in the crown was discovered in 2015 by Andrew Nicholson when carrying out an inspection to make recommendations for a mooted major rehanging scheme. The bell remains ringable and sounds normal.

This text box installed 15/4/2021

North:

ADVENT RINGING: at Culworth, Dodford, Potterspury and Staverton peals are rung before sunrise - commencing about 5 am - on the Monday mornings during Advent.

NRO ref: 106P/16 Extracts from Vestry Minutes 1843 - 58.

1845. Thursday Oct. 23rd

... it was Resolved That the Clerk procure information of the time when the new hangings of the Church Bells at Piddington are completed and that the Vicar be requested to examine them with the assistance of some competent person (Smith or Carpenter &c) who will afterwards inspect the old hangings at Dodford & report on the best method of restoring them.

1846 April 15th

It was agreed that the sum of £1 per annum should be paid out of the Church Wardens account for the ringing of the bells before divine service on such days & hours as the Parish Clerk is unable to attend.

William Thornton. Vicar

1846 July 7th

... it was resolved in pursuance of a resolution of Oct 23, 1845, the Vicar be requested to procure without delay the opinion of some competent person on the best method of repairing the hangings of Dodford Church Bells.

1846. Sept 11th

... Resolved, That the report of Mr John Wright of Bugbrook furniture of the Church Bells to be in a very bad condition which requires almost entire restoration, and that the Vestry proceed to negotiate with Mr John Taylor for that purpose.

Resolved that the Vestry accept Mr Taylor’s contract for rehanging the bells with new fittings according to his Specification of Aug. 16, 1845, provided he be willing to adhere to it.

...copy of a letter addressed to Mr John Taylor, Bell Founder upon the above Resolutions.

Sir Dodford n Weedon Sep. 11. 1846

I am desired by the Vestry of the parish of Dodford to inform you, that they have this day come to a resolution to renew the fittings of the Church Bells, and that it is their wish to have them hung on your new principle, which they hear a satisfactory report of; and I am authorized to state, that if you are willing now to contract with them for the performance of the proposed work, according to the Specification sent by you to them last year. viz - to rehang the bells with new hangings constructed on your principle at the rate of nine pounds per Bell, they will be glad to contract with you on those terms; provided they receive assurance that the work can be done within some moderate space of time to be assigned by you.

They have already voted a loan on the Church Rates to defray the contemplated expense.

I remain, your obdt. servt.

(For the Church Wardens)

T Linnett, Vestry Clerk [Thomas Linnett was also the village schoolmaster]

[Interestingly there is no reference to the need or act of recasting the treble bell which is dated 1847! If it was found to be cracked when worked upon, there is still no reference to raising extra money - surely Taylor’s didn’t break it and replace f.o.c.!!]

1847. April 9th

.. It was resolved that an addition of £1 be made to the salary of George Gurden for ringing the Church Bells for week-day Services during the ensuing year and that the subject be then subject to fresh consideration.

1863 Easter Sunday

...It was agreed that the Ringers should be paid on the Queens Accession Day, the 20th June, instead of on the 5th November in each year. [The accounts show payments of 3 / 0d each year from 1819 to 1900, after which the payment lapsed.]

NRO ref: 106P/12 Extracts from CHURCHWARDENS’ ACCOUNTS 1818 - 1919

1889 Oct 5th Green - Rep to Frame to Bells 5 / 6

1890 May 13th Robinson. New Bell Ropes £2 / 9 / 0

1891 Aug 9th Thorneycroft. Repr stay to Bell 2 / 9

1893 March 19th Thorneycroft Mending Bells 3 / 6

1899 March 8 Jelleyman Ropes £2 / 14 / 0

1909 April 12th Rep Bell rope 2 / 0

NRO ref: 106P/19 Extracts from Vestry Minutes 1879 - 1922

April 14, 1879

The church clock was a subject of discussion and it was decided that it was quite worn out and should be sold for the value of the materials.

(Note: The clock was given by Mr Joseph Cook in 1770 and required winding up every day. At first it had musical chimes playing a tune every three hours, but the machinery was not sufficient and after a few years the apparatus was quite disused. Quarter hour chimes have been struck up to the present time but it has for many years been almost impossible to keep the clock going.)

1883-4 Second Phase of church Victorian restoration is explained in detail.

..the roof of the tower was renewed and releaded, the tower windows repaired and covered with wire netting to exclude birds, and other repairs in the tower carried out.

April 18th 1895

There was likewise a sum of about £12 owing to Messrs Taylor of Loughborough, for repairs to the Church Bells.

April 8th 1896

The remainder of the debt due for repairs to the Church Bells is now paid off, the total amounting to £14 . 8 . 9.

April 3rd 1899

The increase in debt to them [Churchwardens] is owing to the bell ropes having to be replaced with new ones.

April 16th 1900

It was decided to pay debt due to them [Churchwardens] from the balance remaining over from the Church Bell Fund, if such covered the debt [The remainder was £2 . 12 . 0, which was not enough to clear the debt to the Churchwardens!]

April 19, 1906

It was decided that the cracked tenor bell should be recast if the money to meet the expense can be raised. It was thought desirable to call a parish meeting to consider how money should be raised, at an early date.

Friday evening April 27th [1906]

Special Meeting of Parishioners to consider whether the cracked tenor bell should be recast and how the money to meet the expense might be raised. (Chair: Vicar J W Strong + 10 present)

..Circular letter to be sent to gentry asking for assistance ... stating that the expense according to an estimate from Messrs Taylor & Co, Loughborough will be upwards of £50 and that the parish cannot expect to raise more than £20 towards the amount. Carried unanimously.

..before Messrs Taylor’s estimate be accepted another firm not far away be invited to give an estimate.

Carried by majority of 4.

Monday evening June 25th [1906] (Vicar + 4)

It was unanimously decided that Messrs Carr & Co estimate £49 . 12 . 6 net be accepted for recasting the cracked tenor bell and that a circular letter be sent to the gentry of the neighbourhood asking them to kindly assist ... 200 copies of the letter to be printed.

Thursday evening Nov 22nd 1906 (Vicar + 17)

The chairman announced that since soliciting these subscriptions, he had received the news that £50 had been apportioned from the Estate of the late Revd J B Wickes by his Executors for the recasting of the Tenor Bell as a memorial to the late Revd J B Wickes and also his father the Revd John Flayer Wickes, who was curate of the parish from 1826 - 1838.

It is proposed .. the subscription which had been paid should be returned to the donors and this was carried unanimously. The decision of the last meeting that Messrs Carr & Co’s estimate be accepted was confirmed at this meeting without a dissentient.

The 1883 Belfry Rules

Ringing World 30/3/1990 p 315

e-mail received on 5/1/2007 from Mary Townsend @bigpond.net.au

wrote:

Dear Geoff

Below is some information regarding Dodford church supplied by my husband John. Richard Offen who now lives and rings in Perth, gave me your email address. John and I have been living in Perth since 1985 (me returning here after 11 years in the UK) and John because we married in the UK in 1983. We both took up ringing here in WA in 1987 and although John has slowed up a bit (he's now 80), I'm (aged 60) still struggling on, trying to learn new methods. Anyway, this is John's reply to your article on campanophile.

"I read with interest your article on Dodford church on campanophile which Richard Offen picked up. My father's family go back at least 150 years in Dodford and they lived in the old cottages, which no longer exist, opposite what was The Swan public house on the Dod river. In those days, before the river was filled in, my father had to drive along the river bed to get to the cottages.

The first time I visited the ringing chamber at St Mary's was in 1936 with my father, at the age of 10. The next time was in 1992 on holiday in the UK and was sorry to find the bells were not ringable. I have a unique photograph which was published in The Ringing World some years ago, of my grandfather and his five sons, William, Jim, Fred, Charlie and my father John, who rang together in Dodford. The photo shows them in the St Mary's ringing chamber. I do not know if they rang any peals and of course, they are now deceased. I do not have any records of their ringing achievements and unfortunately have lost touch with all my cousins. Am I the only descendent of a strong ringing family still ringing, albeit in Perth, Western Australia?

Yours sincerely

John Townsend"

Best wishes

Mary Townsend

Mary Townsend e-mailed on 4/7/07 to say that her husband John had taken this photo in 1992 in Dodford tower.

[2015 – still hangs on east wall of nave]

Notes: Thomas and Will were brothers; Jim (2) and John (5) were sons of Thomas. -Info from John, son of John (5), living in Perth, Western Australia July 2007.

The ringers were:

Treble: Thomas - John’s grandfather, 2. John’s Uncle Jim 4. his Uncle Will and 5 John’s father John.

NB They only rang 5 bells!

Rev W H Shackel was, I believe, June Fonge’s father.

From: Geoff Pullin

To: Mary Townsend Sent: Saturday, July 07, 2007 9:19 PM (W Aus time)

Subject: Re: Dodford photo PS...

Mary & John

Does John have any idea whether it was his father or his Uncle Jim who would have been the (only) member of the Peterborough Diocesan Guild that we have recorded as "J Townsend"? This Guild, formed out of earlier mid-County associations in 1924, formed its Daventry branch in 1925 after the Weedon & District Bellringers Association listened to the proposal to convert itself into the Daventry Branch but did nothing and then seems to have faded away. Geoff

Mary Townsend <jomatown@bigpond.net.au> wrote:

Hello Geoff

John is not sure but thinks that it was probably his Uncle Jim because he lived in Buckby Wharf all his life whereas John's father moved to Higham Ferrars in about 1924 then Ibstone and eventually to Amersham.

Regards. Mary

Text box and images installed 27/4/2021

Information from PDG Annual Reports - Daventry Branch reports:

From 1925 to 1929 J Townsend # was reported as a ringing member at Dodford. (The only one!)

For 1928 - 1934, Rev. J W Strong of Dodford was listed as an Honorary Member.

1932: two meetings held at Dodford.

1934: one meeting at Dodford

1936: one meeting at Dodford.

1940: Rev. Tate-Lovery of Dodford listed as an Honorary Member.

1949: one meeting at Dodford

1950: one meeting at Dodford

1953, 1958, 1964 lists of meetings are made, but exclude Dodford.

1960: Repairs are needed at both Flore and Dodford.

1961 .. ringing meetings cannot be held ...Dodford, where major repairs are required.

1971: First Annual Report to list all towers and correspondents - the Dodford entry shows no correspondent and does not say “Unringable”.

see note below on page 12 - this “J. Townsend” is most likely James (“Jim”), one of the sons of Thomas Townsend. James lived all his life at Buckby Wharf, whilst John, his brother, moved to Higham Ferrers in about 1924, according to his son John. The Weedon & District Association certificate indicates that H Judkins was the captain in 1924.

Rechecked PDG reports on 20/7/2007 to find in ref ZA9007 (Reports 1924-33)

1928 J Townsend shown only under Dodford in the Daventry Branch

1929 J Townsend shown both under Dodford, Daventry Branch and Higham Ferrers, Wellingborough Branch

1930 J Townsend shown under Higham Ferrers in Wellingborough Branch

1931 J Townsend not listed.

From notes above from Mary and John Townsend in 2007, it looks as if it was John, not James that was a member!

Peals at Dodford

Information from Felstead Data Base and PDG Annual Reports.

1. On Tuesday June 24, 1947 in 2 hrs 46 mins for PDG.

5,040 changes of Doubles

consisting of 10 six-score Old Doubles, 10 six-score Plain Bob, 10 six-score April Day, 1 Morris’ Arrangement 240 Grandsire and 10 six-score Grandsire.

1. Victor A Perry, 2. James H Webb, 3. Ernest G Orland*, 4. Sydney G Osbourne, 5. Eric Nobles (C), 6. Stanley M Ruddlesden.

* First peal of Doubles on working bell.

Rung to commemorate the centenary of the re-dedication of the bells on June 24th, 1847.

2. On December 24, 1954.

5,040 changes of Doubles

consisting of (5 methods)

3. On Saturday March 22, 1958 in 2 hrs 48 mins for PDG.

5,040 changes of Plain Bob Minor.

1. Louis H Earl *, 2. Percy Amos, 3. Gladys A Ashby †, 4. Richard G Chater, 5. Victor A Perry, 6. Derek P Jones (C).

* 1st attempt for peal - commenced ringing 41 years ago.

† 1st touch of minor.

First known peal of minor on the bells which were last rehung, except for the tenor, 111 years ago. Rung in honour of the bicentenary of the birth of Joseph D Carlyle (1758 - 1804) and 250th anniversary of the birth of Charles Wesley (Dec. 1707) both noted hymn writers.

Rod Bickerton’s Website

as at Nov. 29, 2006 shows:

‘Dodford - Rang here in 1973 and frame was bad.’

Making the bells ringable in 2006

e-mail from Geoff Pullin to Christopher Dalton and his replies:

> Farthingstone - Richard Hartley reckons that he may have the PCC on side to do something more substantial to replace the bearings and even to consider an exchange tenor in C!

I am sure Keltek Trust would be happy to oblige.

> Richard's next enterprise is Ashby St Ledgers. Cecil Swann is to help with building new wheels where needed. I have obtained Whitechapel’s tuning data from their visit in 1996, showing a third that is a semi-tone sharp!

Quite a lot of work to do to make A St L ringable as I recall.

> To keep himself fully occupied he is also aiming to brace Dodford frame.

Good for him. It is c. 1670-80 with some work carried out in 1899 (when the bearings of the front five bells were done). [The churchwardens accounts show money outstanding to Taylors for repairs to the bells in April 1895 – So I have amended the note on the tower notice to 1895. The only mention in 1899 is of new ropes. GHP 6/2010]

> From what I can recall, they sounded fine when we chimed them for a wedding a few years ago. Did you record them? If so, are you able to let me have the nominal pitches, please.

I don't have the pitches but would agree that the bells sounded reasonably well in tune as a six when we rang them for another wedding.

> Stowe IX Churches is also on the list for attention in due course. I have a note that they sound like the front 4 of a five. Can you confirm please?

Yes, I would go along with that. Again, I didn't measure the pitches.

Sorry to hear about Iris. Anne Ford was threatening to give up ringing after getting her quarter-peal but I hope she didn't.

In haste C D [Christopher Dalton]

NCL Dodford cuttings folder: probably Northampton Mercury, October 1884

Report of Rededication after restoration of the church

“After Sir John Cressy’s time we acknowledge the gift of four bells, in addition to the two which hung in his day in the tower. The third bell was given in 1614, the tenor in 1624, and the other two about 1630. These four bells were given by John Wyrley, Lord of the Manor from 1592 until his death in 1655. He was sheriff of the county...

..Before and after the services [of restoration held to coincide with Harvest thanksgiving on Sunday October 12?, 1884] the six bells were rung in full peal.

September 26, 2006

Dodford 5th was rung up on Sept. 26 [2006] after much hard work by Richard and Harold to stabilise the timber frame.[using high tensile ratchet straps used for load restraint on lorries to pull frame members together. This reduced the movement of the 5th frame (the worst) from about 10 cm to < 1cm.]

November 14, 2006

After tightening of existing bracing rods and the addition of new stainless steel ones by Richard Hartley and Harold Thompson over the preceding months, the tenor was raised and lowered to check for clearances and then the four bells in the central frame -1, 3, 4 and 5 were raised singly and those four bells rung to rounds. The tenor was raised again and the second bell was also raised. The six bells were rung to rounds and called into Queens and back for minutes by Geoff Pullin, Mike Harvey, Jill Harvey, Stan Ruddlesden (who rang a peal on the bells in 1947 - 100th anniversary of the treble and rededication), Hilary Aslett and Richard Hartley. Later Harold Thompson rang the 5th and Hilary the 3rd for rounds and lower in peal. The ropes used were on loan from Yelvertoft and Badby as the existing ropes had previously shown a rapid propensity to snap.

December 2, 2006

The bells were raised 6, 5, 4, 3 and 1 whilst Denis Pearson (Guild Steward) and Richard Hartley observed in the bell chamber. Then the tenor was lowered whilst the 2nd was raised. When they were out of the way, the tenor was again raised and rounds and Queens were rung on six bells by Carole Pullin, Hilary Aslett, Harold Thompson, Geoff Pullin, Alison Willgress, Ian Willgress. Then the bells were again rung with Richard and Denis replacing Hilary and Harold to rounds and lowered in peal. The bells were deemed fit for ringing. Afterwards coffee was partaken at Churchwarden Day’s house. The bells are very quiet at ground floor with the treble particularly difficult to hear at all above the rattle of ropes. The tone and tuning of the bells is very satisfactory.

December 25, 2006

The bells were rung from 8am for the 8.30am Christmas Day communion by Rhona, Tom and Colin Anderson, Anne Ford, Brian Clark (all from Everdon) and Hilary Aslett (Weedon band) with assistance to raise bells from Dominic Sinclair (Newnham) overseen by Branch Steward Richard Hartley before going on to ring at Farthingstone.

January 3, 2007

Additional strengthening bars fitted at south west corner by Richard and Harold. Geoff Pullin checked the inscriptions and canons for the records.

January 16, 2007

Richard and Harold fitted a brand new (White’s of Appleton) pulley and box to the tenor and another f.o.c. to the fourth? The tenor rope (original Dodford) was replaced for repair or new top end. They noted that the 2nd was touching the frame “at handstroke” and will investigate on Jan 23.

January 30, 2007

Richard and Harold fitted another vertical tie bar in the morning. In the afternoon the bells 6, 5, 4, 3 and 1 were raised and lowered one by one by Geoff Pullin whilst Richard observed aloft for any movement of the frame etc. Later the 2 was raised and lowered. All went well, tenor rope was rather short and too stiff to bother to lengthen!

January 31, 2007

Weedon practice was transferred to Dodford to run the bells in. Those present were Brian Foley, Hilary Aslett, Ian & Val Calvert, Phil Saunders, Mike Harvey, Peter Clifton, Richard Waddy, Richard & Val Hartley. Carol Summers, local learner attended but would not ring. The bells went well and the noise level inside was now right due to adjustment of trap door openings.

February 13, 2007

Richard checked the movement of the 5th frame whilst Harold rang the bell. He detected 10mm vertical and 5mm horizontal movement at the outside of the lower and upper frame members. This part hangs out in the middle of the side wall because the diagonal bell frame is only supported by main beams running north to south. There is masonry below and he intends to pack underneath the frame down to the wall to provide added support.

June 25th, 2007

The first quarter peal was rung by Richard Hartley’s invitation to those who had contributed, materials or time to the restoration. 1272 Cambridge S Minor was rung in 48 minutes by Mike Harvey, Paul M Mason (C), Hilary Aslett, Carole Pullin, Geoff Pullin, David Westerman. (see Ringing World 2007 page 743 )

Later text and image box 27/4/2021. Minor updates 9/9/2021

July 24, 2007

The second quarter peal was rung to help polish the bearings ready for the “Rare Towers” Open Day on August 18. It also coincided with John (Churchwarden) and Jane Day’s 30th wedding anniversary. Details were:

1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor rung in 46 minutes by 1. Dominic Sinclair, 2. Jim Linnell, 3. Brian Foley, 4. Ian Calvert, 5. John Lewis, 6. Colin M Lee (Conductor)

May 1, 2008

South Northamptonshire Society

Dodford, Northamptonshire

St Mary the Virgin

Thursday 1 May 2008 in 48mins (13)

1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor

Traditional

1 Graham C Paul
2 Bridget Paul
3 Alan A Paul
4 Robin J Hickmott
5 Colin E Sampson
6 John M Thurman (C)

Rung with the best wishes of the band to Jennie Paul and Andrew Higson for their forthcoming marriage.

June 10, 2009

1260 Plain Bob Minor: Gillian E Hughes 1, Patricia A M Halls 2, Richard Hartley 3, David S Harris 4, Raymond H Daw 5, Ken Brown (C) 6.

October 4, 2009

Visiting ringers Richard Jones, Mark Regan, Chris Pickford, Heather Pickford and Rosalind Keech rang the bells for a short time. The 2nd rope broke during a touch of PB Minor. Before this each bell was sound recorded and will be tone-analysed by Chris Pickford. [Published on-line Dove 5/10/09] A 120 of Grandsire Doubles was recorded to be sent to John Townsend in Perth, Western Australia (see above). These ringers had been to Everdon to ring a QP for Harvest as the men used to when Chris Dalton lived there before the bells were rehung. The men had also seen these bells in Chris Dalton’s time.

February 2010:

The architect stopped the bells being rung until the bulging plasterwork in the ringing area of the tower, alongside the 3rd and 4th ropes, was removed and replaced. The work was completed much sooner than anticipated (by early March 2010). In the meantime the branch practice due on March 13 was swapped with Weedon in September.

Saturday, 3 April, 2010 9:11

From: "Richard Hartley" As a treat I went to Dodford and fitted a new pulley box to the treble and hope to put one on the second later today. The treble rope is on its way out – so will change it when I get a rope back from Mary.

April 3, 2010

All went according to plan. Margaret was not ready at 1330 – not used to dealing with girls – boys much easier. Dodford first port of call – all put romper suits on (overalls) – Christine stayed at bottom, Alan told his sister how to get up ladder and we all eventually arrived at the top. Margaret was surprised that she would have to climb ON the frame to oil the bells – Alan told her to get a move on –with Alan I put a new pulley box on the 2 and he had to keep climbing out of the pit as Mgt kept forgetting to move the oil can and he had to get it for her!

June 6, 2010 John Townsend died on June 6, 2010 in Western Australia following a battle with illness fought with great courage and fortitude. John had been a mainstay of ringing in Perth, where he learned to ring.

John's funeral took place at Christ Church, Claremont on Saturday, 12th June. We thought this would be an appropriate cause to attempt to ring the first peal at Dodford since March 1958, (Richard Chater, who rings again now with us at Daventry and elsewhere rang in the 1958 peal) and this is planned for August, arranged by Weedon tower captain, Brian Foley.

August 11, 2010

Richard Hartley tightened all the frame, headstock and bearing plate bolts on the previous day

Peterborough Diocesan Guild

Dodford, Northants

St Mary the Virgin

Wednesday, 11 August 2010 in 2h 58m (13)

5040 Minor in 7 methods: 1 extent each Cambridge S., Beverley S., Surfleet S., Oxford TB, Kent TB, St Clement's CB, Plain Bob

1 Brian J W Foley
2 Paul M Mason
3 Richard F Waddy
4 Robert Tregillus
5 L Roy Woodruff
6 Michael Chester (C)

Rung in memory of John Townsend (1926-2010), who came from a family of Dodford ringers, inaugural Tower Captain at Christ Church, Claremont, Australia (1989-1994).
First peal on the bells since 1958.

December, 2010

Weight of treble changed from .. 25 lbs to .. 24 lbs on-line Dove through info from Chris Pickford

also: Frame detail from Jim Hedgcock added to Campanophile

June 12, 2011

DODFORD, Northants

Sunday, 12 June 2011

1260 5 p/m Doubles

1 Carole Pullin
2 Geoff Pullin
3 Mary Townsend
4 Ian Calvert
5 James White (C)
6 Graham White

Especially arranged for a visit by Mary Townsend.
Remembering the Townsend men who rang here in the 1920s and 1930s and the sons of Jack Townsend - Les, John (1926-2010), husband of Mary, and Douglas (1927-2010)

December 12, 2012

It’s nice to see the younger generation taking over, …. and we understand that Nikki and Simon have ‘volunteered’ to organise all the wedding ringing at Dodford in 2013!

By arrangement with the newly refurbished Dodford Manor, and encouragement of the House for Duty Priest Canon John Knight, Dodford Church began carrying out something like 20 weddings, with bells, every year at this time.

Peterborough Diocesan Guild

Dodford, Northamptonshire

St Mary V

Friday, 27 December 2013 in 2h55 (13cwt)

5040 Surprise Minor in 7 methods: 1. Netherseale; 2. Carlisle; 3. London; 4. York; 5. Norwich; 6. Bourne; 7. Cambridge.

1 Nicola J Turner

2 Colin M Turner

3 Murray A Coleman

4 Michael J Dew

5 Nicholas A Churchman

6 Colin M Lee (C)

Specially arranged to celebrate the life of John Day 1944 – 2010 who loved Dodford church and its bells. [John Day was a churchwarden during the restoration work since 2006]

November 8, 2014:

The treble clapper broke during ringing for a wedding. Later discovered that an earlier failure (August 18, 2007) led to a welded repair which had failed allowing the ball to slide off the shaft.

This failure led to the email to Churchwarden Steve Moore shown below.

The clapper was repaired by gas welding by Richard Hartley and was re-installed by Simon Creasey on December 13, ready for wedding ringing on Monday, December 15, 2014.

Dodford Bells

From Nikki Butt

November 29, 2014

To 'O2'; CC Richard Hartley me

Forwarded from Richard Hartley for your consideration

Dear Steve,

I have the clapper from the treble bell and will weld it up as soon as I can get the gas. This was the same clapper that I repaired on the open day all those years ago! It would be nice to buy a new clapper but it would cost a lot of money for a special to meet the old fashioned design.

When we got the bells up and running again the anticipation was to ring them for Benefice services and special occasions. I don’t think any of us realised how many special events there would be! There is certainly a lot of wear and tear taking place in the ancient frame and fittings. I think we need to look forward to seeing what can be done to ensure Dodford Church continues to enjoy a set of readily ringable historic bells for all occasions.

I have spoken to Geoff Pullin who is the Guild President and spoken to myself as Diocesan Bell Advisor and we can see no reason why major works to give the bells another 100 years life cannot be put in hand!

Geoff has just project managed a big project in restoring the eight bells at St James, Barrow in Furness for around £150,000. The bells had been silent for a number of years and the church had other funding priorities. Like Dodford, the church was Listed (in that case Grade 2* compared to your Grade 1) He was able to make successful applications to gain about 68% of the funding from charitable bodies and the Heritage Lottery Fund and the rest from donations which caused little impact on the church’s other projects and fund raising. Full details and photos can be found at

www.barrowbells.org.uk andhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/100134623@N07/sets/72157635160591677/detail.

Geoff is prepared to try to do the same for your PCC. All he will need is the PCC’s authority to act on their behalf to make initial technical enquiries and prepare options for the PCC to decide upon as the project develops. Geoff would also be willing to follow through with getting permissions and running the project. It is likely to take 3 to 5 years from inception so it would be wise to start soon! I would be grateful if we could discuss this with you and the PCC to see if we can agree a way forward.

In the meantime the Branch is happy to keep them running and ringing as far as possible within our limited resources of voluntary labour and small funds.

Richard

Simon and I echo and support the above. We will carry on as best we can for as long as we can, so it doesn't alter any plans or arrangements already in place, but this would be a better option for the future and there's someone with enthusiasm and experience willing to take on the project

Regards Nikki and Simon.

December 17, 2014

CW Steve Moore met with Geoff Pullin and Richard Hartley

January 14, 2015

Andrew Nicholson inspected bells for report and recommendation. Discovered 4th has crack in the crown well past the shoulder – still safe to ring#. He was surprised how little movement there was in the frame when 3 and 4 were rung up while he was in the frame. Stability made him think that restoration was worthwhile rather than a lower new frame – most unlikely to get permission to remove old frame. Old bell frames above the installation useful for lifting beams. Also discovered my diagram of bell layout and indeed what we thought while up in the tower is wrong – diagram above now corrected. Andrew was of the opinion that the plain bearings on the front five bells were of Day of Eye design rather than Taylors. [The accounts above show Taylors as being paid for work in 1895]

January 19, 2015

Graham Clifton of Whites of Appleton inspected the installation for report and recommendations. Mentioned the 4th bell is cracked in the crown on one side. The hoops at the sides of the timber headstocks 1-5 are hoop gudgeons – the gudgeons comprise two half rods mated together which separately hoop around each side of the canons to the other side – thus keeping the gudgeons parallel. The large beams above the installation are remains of an older frame and show cut outs for the bearing blocks and cuts to allow the bell lip past. The timber frame is rotten where resting on the window ledges and especially around the 5th bell. The form of construction is difficult to fathom. Likely to recommend a new frame below. He considers that old frame removal will not be allowed. Access for bell removal is difficult to see – possibly through 2nd bell corner where the under beams are skirted to allow a big bell through but no. 2 bell frame has to be removed first. The intermediate floor has no trap and has 1½ inch thick boarding. The open arch into the nave roof space will need blocking for sound. He considers that 2” boarding laid between the main beam lower flanges will provide a new extra floor for working and sound. Bells 6 and 3 were raised with Graham in bell chamber.

February 11, 2015: Christine Rodhouse met Alan Hughes of Whitechapel. Report received, omitting to note the 4th is cracked. Later advised and quoted accordingly.

March 5, 2015: After a reminder, Peter Hayward inspected the bells for John Taylor & Co. Of the view that the plain bearings for 1-5 are Carr of Smethwick pattern (See above Nicholson thought Day of Eye!)! No pointers to this in the accounts. The bearings, headstock, clapper and crown staple of the tenor are J Taylor design and it looks as if the old tenor was rehung by Taylors (in 1895?) and that when it cracked the new Carr bell was attached by the 17 year old parts with a block of wood filling the gap where the canons of the old tenor would have been. I had to point out the crack in the west side of the 4th. He thinks the tenor went in directly to its pit and that the two newer beams below the frame were added afterwards. Took measurements to quote for building work as well.

Extracts about the existing frame from the four 2015 inspection reports here.

DODFORD BELLS

From Geoff Pullin

18 July 2015 at 5:13 PM

To Simon Creasey

CC Richard and Val Hartley

Simon

To keep you in the loop, I saw Steve Moore and Jenny last Tuesday at 7pm and briefed them on the quotes I have received for the restoration of the bells and gave them copies of the attached document for PCC members. I was unable to stay long enough for the PCC Meeting later that evening. I have had no feedback yet.

I was surprised to find that Jenny, at least, is not fixed on the bells being rung from the ground floor. I said that I would prefer a gallery rather than ringing above the existing ceiling. I emphasised that I need to know that before we go any further - also that we need to talk to the architect about matters generally and about his view on conserving the old frame in place. Steve thinks that the Heritage Lottery Fund will decide that - I'm not so sure!

Steve is well through making the west door useable - it will open, the lock is being repaired, leaving only draught proofing to deal with!

Geoff

From: Steve Moore
To: Geoff Pullin
Sent: Sunday, 2 August 2015, 16:54
Subject: Dodford Bells

Geoff

Dodford PCC have decided to go with the proposed re furbishment of the bells as outlined in your report. Obviously we can now look at moving all the different schemes forward,
Steve Sent from my iPhone

[In discussion afterwards, discovered that there will be no gallery and that they thought Whitechapel should do the job as they were going to tune them in three out of their four options. Date to meet architect to be established. Later discovered that HLF will need a new Quinquennial Inspection carried out, so the electrical work is held up, although funds available, but HLF will not fund more if there are no local funds left!] [Further note - Steve resigned - everything stopped!]

May 7, 2016: The treble clapper ball slipped down the shaft again and this time damaged the slider during wedding ringing. Branch Steward Brian Foley arranged for a new clapper to be produced by John Taylor & Co and this was transported by Leanne Martin.

May 30?, 2016: Brain Foley and son Tim fitted the new clapper to the treble and made a hole in the floor below it to allow more sound down to the ringing chamber.

#August 16, 2018 at 16:11, To DoveMaster <dovemaster@cccbr.org.uk> from Geoff Pullin

John - Re recent addition about bell 4 -It is cracked in the crown but sounds fine! Don't think it deserves a pink highlight - it may put people off visiting.

#August 21, 2018: Geoff - if it's cracked and recorded as such, the pink highlighting is not optional - we'd suggest the place to say it sounds fine is the tower website (and if there isn't one already, perhaps this becomes the catalyst for the tower / guild to create one). John

Text and images installed 27/4/2021. Updated 28/4/2021; 9/9/2021

ANCEVERD

EVERDON BELLS

1. IHS : NAZARENVS REX: IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE: MEI 1625 (W)

[Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, O Son of God have mercy on me]. The S in IHS is reversed.

Weight 9 cwt 1 qr 0 lb. Diameter 35 ½ in. Note: B + 4 cents, 990Hz.

2. CELORVM CHRSTE PLATIAT TIBI REX SONVS ISTE 1625 (W)

[O Christ the King of Heaven, may this sound be pleasing to Thee]

Weight 9 cwt 3 qrs 7 lbs. Diameter 36 ½ in. Note: A +35 cents, 898 Hz.

3. IHS : NAZARENVS REX: IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE: MEI 1626 (W)

Weight 11 cwt 1 qr 14 lbs. Diameter 39 ¼ in. Note: G# -26 cents, 818 Hz.

4. IHS : NAZARENVS REX: IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE: MEI 1625 (W)

Weight 15 cwt 1 qr 27 lbs. Diameter 43 ½ in. Note: F# +17 cents, 747.5 Hz.

5. MI SOUNDING IS EACH ONE TO CALL TO SERVE THE LORD BOTH GREAT AND SMALL 1635 (W)

Weight 19 cwt 1 qr 3 lbs. Diameter 47 in. Note: E -14 cents, 654 Hz.

(W) = the shield of Hugh Watts II, Leicester, founder of these bells.

The bells hung in an oak frame dated about 1625 and were overhauled in 1889. In January 2001 the bells were removed and the old frame and headstocks left in place at the top of the tower. The bells were rehung with new canon retaining headstocks on a new galvanised frame by Eayre & Smith Ltd. The four lighter bells were placed at the level of the previous ringing chamber and the tenor above in what was the clock balcony of the ringing chamber with access to the nave west gallery.

The bells are now rung from the ground floor.

The bells were not retuned (See tuning below).

The service of rededication was conducted by the Vicar, the Revd David Jacks on Sunday, 29th July 2001.

The tenor rope is 60ft long with untucked tail and hangs in the north-west corner and the other four are 50ft.

THE PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHURCH BELLRINGERS Bell Fund made a grant of £3,900 in 2001

North: In 1552 there were “iiij bells in the steple”.

Page installed 15/4/2021