Daventry Branch of The Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers
Church of St John the Baptist, Hellidon
Bell Details
Treble. 1993
ROSEMARY
WHITECHAPEL 19(H)93
Diameter 26 3/8 in. Weight 3 cwt 2 qrs 3 lbs. Note Eb
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2. GOD SAVE THE KING 1635 (W)
Diameter 27½ in. Weight 4 cwt 0 qrs 23 lbs. Note Db
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3. IHS : NAZARENVS REX: IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE: MEI 1635 (W)
[Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, O Son of God have mercy on me]. The S in IHS is reversed, as it is wherever Watts used this inscription.
Diameter 30 in. Weight 4 cwt 2 qrs 10 lbs. Note C
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4. CELORVM CHRSTE PLATIAT TIBI REX SONVS ISTE 1615 (W)
This Latin inscription, [O Christ the King of Heaven, may this sound be pleasing to Thee] and that on the next bell, were very common on Watts’ bells. The “1615” is cast upside down.
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Diameter 32½ in. Weight 5 cwt 3 qrs 13 lbs. Note Bb
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Tenor. IHS : NAZARENVS REX: IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE: MEI 1635 (W)
Diameter 37½ in. Weight 8 cwt 0 qrs 24 lbs. Note Ab
(H) represents the shield used by Whitechapel Bellfoundry with the Hughes' initials WA & D / H.
(W) represents North’s #1 shield as used by Watts showing three bells.
The bells were rehung in 1993 by the Whitechapel Bellfoundry.
The original four bell wooden frame was made by William Watson of Napton on the Hill, 1864. Bells 1 (new in 1993), 2, 3 and 4 now hang in this frame and the tenor was moved down into a new low-sided iron frame held on two steel I beams.
The original four bells retain their canons and have steel canon retaining headstocks. The treble was cast with a flat top and is mounted on a cast iron headstock.
A service of dedication and thanksgiving for the restoration and augmentation of the bells and the tower by the Bishop of Brixworth (Rt. Rev. Paul Barber) with the organist and choir of Holy Cross Church Daventry was held on Tuesday February 22nd 1994.
THE PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHURCH BELLRINGERS Bell Fund made a grant of £2,000 in 1993.
North reports:
In 1552 there were “iij bells in ye steple & a sanct’ bell.”
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“The present Vicar of Hellidon inherits the advowson from the family of Bradgate: it was conveyed, in 1627-8, to Frances Bradgate, widow of Richard Bradgate, Esq, of Peatling Parva and Peatling Magna, Leicestershire, by whom it was assigned to her eighth and youngest, son, Edward Bradgate, of Hellidon, gentleman. It is probable that the bells of Hellidon were recast at the expense of this Edward Bradgate, and that he was induced to employ Hugh Watts of Leicester, as founder, from a previous knowledge of him and of his work, when he cast two of Great Peatling bells a few years previously.” [NB one bell was cast in 1615 - was this a stock bell or a recent replacement paid for by others?]
“Churchwardens accounts show the bells were last rehung in 1860.”
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Ringing World 18th February 1994 p147
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Hellidon bells
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I remember vividly the PCC meeting when a decision was made to restore the bells and the bell tower and to make provision for the addition of a fifth bell sometime in the distant future. I was not enthusiastic. I was sceptical. I thought the project would fail and that the end result would be discouragement and acrimony.
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I could not have been more wrong!
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The impossible has occurred. And the fifth bell is not a project for the distant future. It is already installed. I am delighted to tell you I have egg all over my face.
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On Tuesday evening, February 22nd at 7.30 p.m., there will be a service of dedication and thanksgiving. The Bishop of Brixworth has kindly agreed to attend, the organist and choir of Holy Cross, Daventry, will lead our worship and the bells will be rung.
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Lots of people have been involved, but no one more than Rosemary Davidson Rosemary - an Irish Presbyterian - has put immense work into raising the money, over ï¿¡20,000. We could not give Rosemary the medal she deserved, so we went one better. The new bell has its name cast on its side. It is called “Rosemary". For centuries to come "Rosemary” will remind the folk of Hcllidon each Sunday that faith and works can even put a pessimistic parson in his place.
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The Rev. GEOFFREY HOWARD.
(from Staverton, Hellidon and Catesby Parish News)
and see
Ringing World 29th April 1994 pp 425-6
From Four to Five at Hellidon - full report by Michael Knight
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Hellidon
Friday, 13 January, 2012 23:26
From: Chris Pickford
To: "John Baldwin" Dovemaster
Cc: "Geoff Pullin"
Hellidon: The wooden frame is by William Watson of Napton on the Hill, 1864. His bill exists in the parish records.
Watson’s firm did several frames in the area from the 1830s to the 1870s including Upper Shuckburgh 1864 (identical to Hellidon), Marton (George Watson 1832), Lower Shuckburgh (George Watson 1829) and Wormleighton (William Watson 1843). All these were hung for ringing, though the Shuckburghs aren’t “Dove-worthy” now. The entries for Marton and Wormelighton might be updated if these towers are still listed (haven’t checked). Although local builders rather than specialist bellhangers, I think the Watsons deserve to be shown by name (rather than “local hanger”)
2012:
The bird netting around the tower louvres was replaced.
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To improve access to the bells, the loose ladder from the clock room up to the base of the top wooden frame was replaced by a longer aluminium ladder fixed to the floor and frame so the top of the frame is accessible in one climb. In addition a mesh flooring was installed at tenor bearing level and under the 4th bell to provide access for fitting muffles and other maintenance work. The total costs were £858.
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The muffles have two long buckled straps, one above and one below the ball. That for #4 has one strap short through breakage. They are stored in the clock room.
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Page installed 13/4/2021. Updated 13/5/2021
The Church of St Faith, Kilsby
DETAILS OF THE BELLS
1. HALLELVIAH EXULTATE IUSTI HENRY PENN MADE ME 1706
Weight 4 cwt 3 qrs 15 lbs. Diameter 31¼ in. Cast by Henry Penn.
2. IOHN COWLEY NATHAN TOMPSON CHVRCHWARDENS (HP) HE MADE ME 1706 (JT) RECAST 1912
Weight 6 cwt 0 qrs 8 lbs. Diameter 34 in. Cast by J Taylor & Co
This bell replaced another cast by Henry Penn in 1706, diameter 33½ in., inscribed:
IOHN COWLEY NATHAN TOMPSON CHVRCHWARDENS (HP) HE MADE ME 1706
3. ROBERT ATTON MADE ME 1616 (JT) RECAST 1912
Weight 7 cwt 3 qrs 10 lbs. Diameter 35½ in. Cast by J Taylor & Co
This bell replaced another cast by Robert Atton in 1616, diameter 36 in., inscribed:
ROBERT ATTON MADE ME 1616
4. IHS : NAZARENVS REX: IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE: MEI 1625 (HW) (John Taylor & Co)
RECAST 1912
Weight 10 cwt 1 qrs 3 lbs. Diameter 38 7/8 in. Note G. Cast by J Taylor & Co.
This bell replaced another cast by Hugh Watts in 1625, diameter 39 in., inscribed:
IHS : NAZARENVS REX: IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE: MEI 1625 W
In both cases the S in IHS is reversed.
On all 1912 bells, the previous inscription appears to have been set afresh and is not facsimile.
THE TREBLE ROPE IS IN THE NORTH WEST CORNER
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Distance from garter hole to top of sally about 27 ½ ft.
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The bells were hung in a cast iron high-sided frame by J Taylor and Co of Loughborough in 1912. The iron headstocks are fitted with Hastings stays.
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In 2004 a frame beam on the south side was replaced and main beam repaired by J Taylor & Co due to corrosion after a roof leak. Bell 3 was fitted with roller bearings.
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Bells 1, 2 and 4 were also fitted with roller bearings by Taylor, Eayre and Smith in 2007.
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The rope guides were installed on December 5, 2012 by John Taylor &Co.
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Access to the clock room is by a steel ladder hinged at the top and its can be drawn out and unfolded to provide a suitable angle of climb. A short fixed vertical ladder continues to the bell chamber.
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The frame was painted in 20xx
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THE PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHURCH BELLRINGERS Bell Fund made grants of £450 in 2004, £400 in 2007 & £330 in 2012
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The Daventry Branch Bell Maintenance Fund also made grants of £400 in 2007 and £200 in 2012
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Page installed 13/4/2021. Updated 28/4/2021
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The Church of St Luke, Kislingbury
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DETAILS OF THE BELLS
1. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1799
WM DUNKLEY )
) CHURCHWARDENS
WM PAINE )
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Diameter 31 ½ in. Weighs 6cwt 0qr 7lbs. Cast by John Briant
This bell replaced: CANTATE DOMINO CANTICVM NOVVM 1659 H Bagley I 1659
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2. GOD BE OVR GOOD SPED 1659
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Diameter 33 in. Weighs 5cwt 3qr 2lbs. Cast by Henry Bagley I
3. THOMAS RUSSELL OF WOOTTON NEAR BEDFORD
MADE ME 1733
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Diameter 343/8 in. Weighs 7cwt 1qr 0lbs. Cast by Thomas Russell
This bell replaced: HENRY BAGLEY MADE MEE 1659
4. WM ASHBY AND HENRY MARRIAT 1659 H.B.
Diameter 38 1/8 in. Weighs 9cwt 0qr 27 lbs. Cast by Henry Bagley I
5. THE PEOPLE ALL I DOE CALL 1659 H.B.
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Diameter 42 in. Weighs 12cwt 0qr 13 lbs. Cast by Henry Bagley I in F #
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The treble rope is at the base of the ladder and the tenor rope is in the west doorway.
The metal high-sided bell frame was installed by Gillett and Johnston in 1928.
Bells 2 and 4 are on the top tier and 1, 3 and 5 on the lower tier.
GHP 8/7/2013
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Kislingbury bell frames (not to scale)
Access: Long old ladder ground to first chamber – strengthened with stainless steel clamping rods. Short ladder from first chamber to bell chamber between bells 1 & 3.
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RW 1971
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Harpole, Northants.— Nov. 21, 1260 Doubles (Rev. Canterbury Pleasure and PI. Bob): Sandra M. Blair 1, K. W. Blair 2, R. Bichanicz 3, R. Starmer 4, G. C. Paul (cond.) 5. First quarter 1 and 2. For Evensong.
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RW 1972
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Kislingbury, Northants. — June 18, 1260 Doubles (Rev. Canterbury Pleasure, P .B .): Sandra M. Blair 1. P. West 2, A. J . Paul 3, K. W. Blair 4, G. C. Paul (cond.) 5. For morning service, at which five members of the local band were confirmed.
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RW 1977 p321
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AT KISLINGBURY, Northamptonshire in 1975, we recieved a complaint about noise on practice nights. On receiving a comprehensive report, we found the recommendations were to brick up the south and west louvres. The architect costed the work, and the price was to be a fantastic ï¿¡300! The quotation was thrown through the nearest louvre. The local ringers looked into the problem again. The south louvre was block up with insulation board, which has taken the harshness from the sound of the bells and greatly relieved our problem. The total cost of this sound control? Just ï¿¡16, which included the carpenter’s labour costs. K. B. — Newsletter
INFORMATION FROM PDG ANNUAL REPORTS
1948: Kislingbury shown with members in the Northampton Branch
1954: Daventry Branch with 4 members AND in Northampton Branch with 1 member (G E Smith) who all disappear by the 1955 report. ??
1965: Northampton Branch with 3 members.
1976: Northampton Branch (7 members)
1978: Northampton Branch (10 members)
1979: Northampton Branch (6 members)
1980: Northampton Branch (5 members)
1981: Northampton Branch (6 members)
1983: Daventry Branch (5 members)
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2007: Taylor, Eayre and Smith carried out a routine maintenance in Summer 2007. In September 2007 the gudgeon of the 2nd bell failed. They were advised to seek a faculty, but I wrote to the Archdeacon in January 2008 to see if a certificate would do.
2008: THE PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHURCH BELLRINGERS Bell Fund made a grant of £200 in 2008 towards headstock gudgeon repair. The Daventry Branch Bell Maintenance Fund made a grant of £200 towards the paint for frame repainting in 2010.
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Page installed 14/4/2021
The Church of SS. Peter & Paul, Nether Heyford
DETAILS OF THE BELLS
1. GILLETT & JOHNSTON CROYDON 1946
H. I. LONGDEN DIED IN 1942
Weight 3-2-26. Diam. 26 in. Note F -20c 1381.2Hz
2. GILLETT & JOHNSTON CROYDON 1946
VICTORY 1939 - 1945
Weight 4-0-20 . Diam. 27 ½ in. Note D# -1c 1244Hz
3. GOD SAVE THE KING 1638
Cast by Hugh Watts II Leicester 1638
Weight 4-1-16 . Diam. 28 ¾ in. Note
4. CVM CVM AND PRAIE 1601
Probably cast by Hugh* Watts II Leicester 1601
Weight 4-2-22 . Diam. 29 ¾ in. Note
5. JOHN PAINE THOMAS MIDDLETON CHURCHWARDENS
HENRY PENN MADE ME 1704
Cast by H Penn 1704
Weight 5-1-16 . Diam. 32 in. Note
6. THOMAS MORGAN ESQVIER GAVE MEE TO THE CHVRCH OF HEFORD FRANKE AND FREE 1601 [+ Donor’s Arms]
Probably cast by Hugh Watts II Leicester 1601*
Weight 7-3-7. Diam. 36 ½ in. Note G#.
* Francis Watts died 1600.
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Notice in tower:
Rededicated 21st September 1946 by Rev. H Roberton MA Rural Dean
The bells were rehung with new fittings and retuned by J Taylor & Co. Loughborough in 1979
The weights above are after this retuning.
Inscriptions and diameters (3-6) from NORTH: CHURCH BELLS OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 1878
Inscriptions 1 & 2 from G & J notice in the tower.
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RW 1944 p245
The twenty-first annual meeting of the Peterborough Diocesan Guild was held at Irthlingborough on Whit Monday….. A grant of ï¿¡10 was made from the Belfry Repair Fund to Heyford towards the rehanging of four bells and the addition of two trebles, and …..
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October 11th, 1946 RW 1946 p480
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A NORTHANTS AUGMENTATION
The dedication of two treble bells at Lower Heyford, Northants, marked another chapter in the history of the church. One was to the memory of the late Rev. I. Longdon, Rector for nearly 50 years, the other a victory bell subscribed for by parishioners and friends. Previously there were four bells. The dedication ceremony was by the Rev. Roberton, Rural Dean of Weedon, assisted by the Rev. Mortimer, the Rev. White (both of Heyford), the Rev. Bender (Kislingbury), the Rev. E. S. Powell (Ringing Master and Rector of Staverton) and the Rev. Turner (Far Cotton, Northampton). An impressive sermon was preached by the Rev. Turner. Tea was afterwards served in the Church Room by lady helpers, 65 being present. After tea ringing of popular methods was enjoyed by a wide circle of friends. All agreed that the two trebles, provided by Messrs. Gillett and Johnston, have much improved the ring.
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RW 1947
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LOWER HEYFORD, NORTHANTS.
THE PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD.
On Sat., Dec. 28, 1946, in Two Hours and Thirty-Eight Minutes,
At the CHURCH of SS. Peter and Paul,
A PEAL OF MINOR, 5040 CHANGES ;
Being one extent of Oxford Treble Bob, two different extents Kent Treble Bob, one extent St. Clement’s and three different extents Plain Bob. Tenor 8½ cwt.
*James H. Webb .......Treble
*Victor A . Perry ……….. 2
William R. Hammons .. 3
*William H. Collins …... 4
George Care .................. 5
Eric Nobles ................Tenor
Conducted by Eric Nobles.
* First peal of Minor in four methods. First peal as conductor in four methods Minor. First peal on the bells, recently augmented with two new trebles.
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January 1, 1966: The village name was formally changed from Lower to Nether Heyford to overcome frequent confusion with Lower Heyford, Oxfordshire.
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RW 1971
PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD
NETHER HEYFORD, Northants, SS. Peter and Paul.
Wed., Oct. 13, 1971, 2hr. 40min. (8 cwt.)
5040 MINOR (2 extents Cambridge, 2 Kent, 1 St. Clements, 2 Plain Bob).
*1 Janet M. Collins
2 Jill Danby
3 William H. Collins
4 Richard J. Danby
5 Malcolm J. V. Chown (Conductor)
6 Edward C. Garrett
*First peal. A welcome to Jessica Mary Margaret, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Horsley, and for harvest thanksgiving.
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PDG Inventory 1989: Diameters as above. Timber frame Webb & Bennett 1902. (1, 2 above in metal low sided frame G & J 1946) rehung J T & Co 1980.
From the Heyford Prattler, June 2015:
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The ring was augmented into the present fine ring of 6 bells in 1948 by the addition of two trebles, and the rope circle where the ringers stand was formed into the normal clockwise order. Up until 1946, the ring of four bells was 'anti-clockwise', as was, the case locally at Weedon and Daventry. Since then, all have been augmented and made “clockwise”. Ian Willgress
From: Tim Jackson – Dovemaster
To: Geoff Pullin
Sent: Sunday, 29 November 2015, 12:23
Subject: Nether Heyford
Dear Geoff, We have picked up via the Taylors website that the treble headstock from Nether Heyford is currently at Taylors under repair - and we have flagged this against the Dove entry.
I can't see a tower contact on the branch website so please could I ask that you let us know when the headstock is back and the treble ringing again. Taylors might well tell us, but they might not!
Many thanks and best wishes, Tim Jackson
From: Geoff Pullin
Sent: 03 January 2016 22:28
To: Tim Jackson
Subject: Re: Nether Heyford
Tim, I understand that the treble headstock was returned and refitted with voluntary labour around Dec 18. The bells were ringable for Christmas. Further work on clappers and pulleys is yet to be carried out, but the bells should remain 'ringable'. Geoff
2017: THE PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHURCH BELLRINGERS BELL FUND paid a grant of £550 in 2017
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Page installed 14/4/2021
St Michael & All Angels, Newnham Northamptonshire
Bell Details
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1. THE FREE GVIFT OF JOHN THORNTON SQVIRE 1660 [Thornton Coat of Arms]
(check bell- local info sheet says GIFT)
Cast by R Keene 1660 (of Woodstock) Weight 5cwt 8lbs. Dia 29 3/8 in. Note C# + 34c (1131 Hz)
2. GOD SAVE THE KING 1633 (W)(W)
Cast by Hugh Watts II 1633. Weight 6cwt 21lbs . Dia 31 5/8 in. Note B +35c (1008 Hz)
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3. ROBT. MEACOCK. ROBT. DUCKLEY. CHURCHWARDENS
JOSEPH EAYRE FECIT 1769
Cast by Joseph Eayre. Weight 6cwt 2qrs 19lbs. Dia 33 in. Note A +35c (898 Hz)
This bell replaced: IHS : NAZARENVS REX: IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE: MEI 1632 (W)
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4. IHS : NAZARENVS REX: IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE: MEI 1632 (W)
(Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, O Son of God have mercy on me) The S in IHS is reversed.
Cast by Hugh Watts II 1632
Weight 6cwt 3qrs 15lbs . Dia 34 3/4 in. Note G# +40c (850 Hz)
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5. CVM SONO SI NON VIS VENIRE NVNQVAM AD PRECES CVPIES IRE (W)
(If you be unwilling to come when I call, to prayers you’ll not wish to go at all)
Cast by Hugh Watts II 1632
Weight 9cwt 9lbs. Dia 38 3/8 in. Note F# +37c (756 Hz)
6. CVM SONO SI NON VIS VENIRE NVNQVAM AD PRECES CVPIES IRE (W)
(If you be unwilling to come when I call, to prayers you’ll not wish to go at all)
Cast by Hugh Watts II 1632. Weight 13 cwt 1lb. Note E + 37c (= 673.5 Hz). Dia 42 in.
(W) = the shield used by Hugh Watts II of Leicester.
North in 1878 does not report the recasting of the 3rd bell. Details for the present 3rd bell above come from the leaflet and are repeated in Russell Key’s book (p169)
The bells were rehung by J Taylor of Loughborough in a new frame, previously in a diagonal wooden frame with the treble hoisted above the middle. (Diagrams of the old and new frames are shown in the leaflet.)
North reports:
In 1552 there were “iij bells in ye steple & a sanct’ bell.”
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The tower leaflet and notice reads as follows:
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THE BELLS OF ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH, NEWNHAM HISTORY
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The three medieval bells recorded in the tower in 1552 were removed soon afterwards (probably at the instigation of the Knightleys of Fawsley who owned the Manor of Newnham).
In 1632-3 five new bells were hung in the belfry, all showing the trade mark of the Watts foundry at Leicester (A shield with a crown between three bells). The hole made in the floor of the ringing chamber may still be seen; they made ringing at ground level visible to the congregation and, before the arches were enclosed, to the passers by in the Street.
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In 1660 the then Lord of the Manor added a treble bell which was hoisted above the others into the base of the steeple. In 1769 bell No. 3 was recast at the expense of the parish by Joseph Eayre of St Neots.
In 1939-40 the whole peal was retuned and rehung by Taylors of Loughborough but, owing to the War, they were not rededicated or rung until 1943. By altering the positions all six bells were placed at the same level in the ringing chamber. (The chimes, formerly controlled from the clock room to ring every three hours, were abandoned and the clock hammer adjusted to strike the hours only on the tenor bell). Unfortunately the new positions have made it impossible to lower the ropes to the ground and ringing can no longer be seen between the reopened arches.
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Then there is a list of the bells, weights, inscriptions (with translations) and diameters and these diagrams (not to scale!)
This photograph is that published with the RW article in 1916 transcribed below. Note that the ropes at this time and until 1940 fell in a ‘circle’ 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 4 if the roman numerals in the leaflet diagram above are correct and the treble was a bit too near the middle of the circle! The article implies that ringing from outside was not normal but a good tale to tell to visiting ringers. I also doubt that they rang on 'bare rope' in the present ringing chamber with the rest of the rope coiled on the floor!
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The Ringing World 1916 p131.
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A UNIQUE RINGING CHAMBER
Our illustration shows the very remarkable ringing "chamber" at the Church of St. Michael and All Angels, at Newnham, near Daventry. It is open on three sides to the winds of heaven, for the lower portion of the tower to which the ropes are brought down forms a porch to the church entrance. The floor of his unique ringing chamber is laid with rough slabs of stone, overgrown with weeds. There are in the tower six bells, the dates of which vary from 1632 to 1660. The tenor is about 17 cwt., and, considering the condition of the frame, the bells go fairly well.
Needless to say, not much ringing can be done at this curious belfry, except under very favourable weather conditions. The height of the arches is 15ft, and the least puff of wind has the disconcerting effect for ringers of blowing the ropes over t he iron cross bars, which can be seen in the picture and which help to strengthen the tower. The ringing “circle” is very queer. The treble is in the middle of the belfry with 2, 3, 4, along one side, the tenor in the corner diagonally from the 2nd, and -the 5th in a like position relatively to the 4th. Thus the treble man's position must put at least one bell behind him so that he needs eyes in the back of his head to see it . The local band unfortunately not a change ringing one, do most of their ringing in a small chamber under the bells, using the bare ropes, but in this apartment the tenor man is completely hidden in one corner by the clock case.
A little while ago a band of Central Northants ringers visited the tower and scored a 720 of Bob Minor: T. Law, W. J. Allen, W. R. Parker, A. J. Mawby, and F. Hopper (conductor), all of Northampton, and A. Andrews (Daventry).
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The visitors found the local men very ready to welcome them. Mr. Abel, one of their number, quickly made arrangements for the ringing, and Mr. Capel, the steeple-keeper, who is seen in the picture, very kindly let down, the ropes from the floor above so that the photograph might be taken by Mr. Andrews, to whom we are indebted for the use of the picture.
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1936: NRO 220P/25 Newnham Church Bells Fete Account 1936.- extracts
- a hand written balance sheet by G E Key (Treasurer)
Fete a/c June 27th 1936
Receipts: £2-16-0 dance refreshments & teas, £4-7-4½ produce, £4-3-8½ whist drive (door) Dance (door) ..
Payments: Band £4-10-0d ..
Balance at £66-8-8½d
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RW 1943 p347
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PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD.— Daventry Branch. — Rededication of six bells at Newnham on Saturday, Aug. 7th. Service at 3 p.m.—W. C. Moore, 5, Williams Terrace, Daventry, Northants.
RW 1971
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Newnham, Northants. — May 2, 1296 Cambridge S. Minor: S. F. Webb 1, E. C. Garrett 2, Iris Webb 3, J. Hedgecock 4, J. S. W. Townley 5, M. Chown (cond.) 6. For the induction of Rev. Roy W. Dooley to the benefice of Badby-cum-Newnham.
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2006-7: the rope on the 5th bell jumped about at handstroke. Although you could reduce this by standing nearer to the door, it was irritating. The rope had a polyester top with a single strand blue marker. It went very stiff and was jumping away from the pulley. Replaced with orange and black strand polyester rope.
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Page installed 14/4/2021. Images added 23/4/2021. Last updated 27/4/2021
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CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS, NORTON
Northamptonshire
Details of the Bells
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Treble. GOD SAVE THE KING 1640 (W)
(JT)
RECAST 1965
Weighs 6c 0q 0lbs. Diameter 31 1/8 in. Nominal tone 1,030 Hz, note C -28 cents
This bell replaced: GOD SAVE THE KING 1640 (W) Diameter 34 in.
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2. MLKIHG FEDCBA VTSRQPON KIHGFED VTSRXW 1640 (W) †
Weighs 7c 1q 2 lbs. Diameter 34 1/8 in. Nominal tone 916 Hz, note Bb -31 cents
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3. MLKIHG FEDCBA VTSRQPON KIHGFED VTSRXW 1640 (W) †
Weighs 8c 3q 11 lbs. Diameter 36 5/8 in. Nominal tone 866 Hz, note A -28 cents
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4. MLKIHG FEDCBA VTSRQPON LKIHGF EDCBA 1640 (W) †
Weighs 11c 2q 6 lbs. Diameter 40 1/4 in. Nominal tone 772 Hz, note G -27 cents
Tenor. TO CHVRCH THE LIVEING I DOE CALL THE DEAD TO GRAVE I SVMMON ALL 1640 (W)
Weighs 15c 2q 6 lbs. Diameter 44 1/2 in. Nominal tone 687 Hz, note F -29 cents
Notes
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In all the 1640 inscriptions above, the letter N is always reversed.
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(W) represents the shield used by Hugh Watts II of Leicester.
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(JT) represents the shield used by John Taylor & Co. of Loughborough
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† Bells 2 - 4 are known as “alphabet bells” and are identified by the Church Buildings Council (formerly the Council for the Care of Churches) as being of historical significance (formerly “listed”.)
The treble was recast with a flat top, the other bells retuned, canons removed and all hung with new fittings, including Hastings stays, in a low-sided iron frame on steel supporting I beams by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough in 1965.
The treble headstock bears the cast date 1964.
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There is no floor under the bells other than that of the clock room.
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Rope length from the top of sally to garter hole is about 36 feet.
GHP 12/6/2009
1993: The bell frame was repainted by Charles Woodward.
Peter Wenham has some provided me with this note:
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6/2/1997
All Saints, Norton, Bells, letter 18/10/23
This letter [attached] was discovered in my Mother’s memorabilia – she was Emily May Page of Norton 8/5/92. The Pages, and some family connection with Chowns, were all keen campanologists & CHURCH people. As Emily May Sanders she moved to Braunston in 1921, and through CHURCH, became friends of Mr & Mrs Owen Smallwood of Braunston. This letter from Alf P. Baker, Sheffield was to Fred Smallwood, (Owen’s brother) then living in Gosport. As a child in the early 1930s, I remember Fred Smallwood (and his Rudge – Multi motorcycle) and a Will Chown (friend of one of my aunts) from Sheffield – I’ll bet they were at my home also to associate with Fred Rowledge our Sexton who was a renowned bellringer.
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I am giving this letter to Mrs Rene Rush (Owen’s daughter) now living in Rugby.
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Vic Saunders 01788/890315
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Page installed 14/4/2021 & letter added below 29/6/2021
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The Church of SS Peter & Paul, Preston Capes
Bell Details
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Treble. R TAYLOR & SONS FOUNDERS OXFORD MDCCCXXIX
Bell cast by Robert Taylor who had just moved to Oxford from St Neots
Weight: approx 6 ¼ cwt. Diameter 34 ½ in. Note: 962 Hz = Bb + 54 cents
This bell replaced one inscribed: GOD SAVE THE KING 1631 Cast by Hugh Watts II in 1631
2. CELORVM CHRSTE PLATIAT TIBI REX SONVS ISTE 1631 (W)
[O Christ the King of Heaven, may this sound be pleasing to Thee]
Bell cast by Hugh Watts II of Leicester
Weight: approx. 7 ½ cwt Diameter 35 ¼ in. Note: 860 Hz = Ab + 60 cents
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3. IHS : NAZARENVS REX: IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE: MEI 1631 (W)
[Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, O Son of God have mercy on me]. The S in IHS is reversed.
Bell cast by Hugh Watts II of Leicester
Weight: approx. 10 cwt Diameter 38 in. Note: 786 Hz = G + 4 cents
4. CVM SONO SI NON VIS VENIRE NVNQVAM AD PRECES CVPIES IRE 1631 (W)
[If you are unwilling to come when I call to prayers you’ll not wish to go at all]
Bell cast by Hugh Watts II of Leicester
Weight: approx. 11 ½ cwt Diameter 40 in. Note: 715 Hz = F + 41 cents
Tenor. CVM SONO SI NON VIS VENIRE NVNQVAM AD PRECES CVPIES IRE 1631 (W)
Bell cast by Hugh Watts II of Leicester
Weight: approx 18 cwt Diameter 45 ½in. Note: 635 Hz = Eb + 35 cents
(W) represents the shield used by Hugh Watts.
The bells were hung by canons on timber headstocks with plain bearings in an iron low-sided frame by Webb and Bennett of Kidlington in 1922
THE TREBLE ROPE HANGS BY THE SPIRAL STAIR DOOR.
Church Bells of Northamptonshire, 1878 by North reports:
In 1552 there were “iiij bell in ye steple & a sanct’ bell.”
GHP 30/5/2010
Also quoted in North:
“ Mr W Taylor, in his notes supplied to Bridges the Historian, says these bells and those of East Haddon were “accounted 2 famous Rings of Bells, as Tuneable and Musical as any within 5 Miles of Them.”
“There is an impression in the village that the new treble bell which should have come here went to a village near to Oxford, and that the present bell was sent in its stead.” [See similar tradition at Weedon]
A new clapper for the tenor was purchased by Jim Coles from Eayre and Smith in 199? to replace a broken one.
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2010: Received from Andrew Higson after an inspection of the bells for J Taylor & C0 on May 26, 2010
Church of SS Peter and Paul, Preston Capes, Northants
Analysis of Bell Notes
Bell Hum Fundamental Tierce Quint Nominal note
1 252 +81c 473 -29c 579 +5c 962 +19c Bb + 54c
2 227 +94c 405 -104c 516 +0c 860 +25c Ab + 60c
3 207 +90c 400 +31c 475 +12c 786 -31c G + 4c
4 189 +97c 364 +31c 433 +16c 715 +5c F + 41c
5 166 +77c 326 +46c 385 +18c 635 +0c Eb + 35c
The column headed Nominal shows the frequency (Hz) of the Nominal together with its deviation in cents from an equal tempered diatonic scale based on the Nominal of the tenor (a cent is 1/100th of a semitone).
The column headed "Note" shows the note corresponding to the frequency of the Nominal. e.g. C# - 18c denotes a pitch 18 cents below C# .
The columns headed Hum, Fundamental, Tierce and Quint show the frequencies of those tones and their deviation in cents relative to a harmonically or "Simpson-tuned" bell with the same Nominal.
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Page installed 14/4/2021 Tuning image added 23/4/2021 Last updated 25/4/2021
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