Daventry Branch of The Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers
The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Staverton
Details of the Bells
Treble. 173 cast on shoulder of crown
TAYLOR / LOUGHBOROUGH / 1938 / E.S.POWELL M.A. VICAR / W.J.EDMUNDS E.WILLIAMS CHURCHWARDENS. Reverse: VENITE ADOREMUS DOMINUM
Weight 4 cwt 2 qrs 20 lbs (238kg); Diameter 275/8 in. Note E -3c.
2. MATTHEW BAGLEY MADE MEE 1756
CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LTD LONDON 1910 / 19[JT]38
Weight 5cwt 1qrs 0 lbs (267 kg); diameter 29 in. Note D -3c.
This bell replaced: MATTHEW BAGLEY MADE MEE 1726 // CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LTD LONDON 1910,
which itself replaced: MATTHEW BAGLEY MADE MEE 1726. Diameter 29 ½ in.
3. BEE IT KNOWN TO ALL THAT DO ME SEE THAT BAGLEY OF CHACOMBE MADE MEE / 1672 /
19[JT]38.
Weight 5cwt 2qrs 9 lbs (283 kg); Diameter 30½ in. Note C -4c.
This bell replaced: BEE IT KNOWN TO ALL THAT DO ME SEE THAT BAGLEY OF CHACOMBE // MADE MEE 1672. Diameter 32 in.
4. 237 cast on shoulder of crown / 19[JT]38
Weight 6cwt 1qrs 8 lbs (321 kg); Diameter 321/8 in. Note B -5c.
This bell replaced: 1662 cast by Richard Keene of Woodstock. Diameter 37 in.
5. THOMAS RVSSELL OF WOOTTON MADE ME 1720 // 19[JT]38
“V” in RVSSELL is upside down - like an “A” without the cross piece. Wootton is near Bedford.
Weight 7cwt 3qrs 12 lbs (399 kg); Diameter 347/8 in. Note A -6c.
This bell replaced: THOMAS RVSSELL OF WOOTTON MADE ME 1720. Diameter 37 in.,
which replaced the cracked bell: RICHARD KEENE FIRST RING 1662.
Tenor. THO. NORTON WM MASTERS CHURCHWARDENS 1776
THESE SIX BELLS WERE RECAST / TO COMMEMORATE THE CORONATION OF / THEIR MAJESTIES KING GEORGE VI AND QUEEN ELIZABETH
ON 12 MAY 1937. Reverse: 19[JT]38
Weight 10cwt 3qrs 26 lbs (558 kg); Diameter 39 in. Note G -3c.
This bell replaced: THO. NORTON WM MASTERS CHURCHWARDENS 1776 Diameter 41 ½ in. Cast by T Rudhall,
which replaced the bell: FRANCIS ROBBINS ROBERT ADAMS C.W. 1662 cast by Richard Keene of Woodstock.
In 1938, the existing five bells were melted down and recast into a new ring, installed on new fittings into the existing timber frame made by George Day & Son of Eye, Suffolk in 1910 (date incised into frame by door) by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough and dedicated on Saturday May 7, 1938 by the Archdeacon of Northampton. The Vicar, Rev. Everard Stedman Powell, with his wife, Molly, were good change ringers and wrote the well-known book “The Ringers’ Handbook” (first published in 1932 and still available).
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Before // is the inscription that is on the top band. Other lettering is on the face of the bell and / indicates the end of each line of inscription.
1938 inscriptions from my own inspections in 2006, 2007. Original date of #2 changed from 1726 to 1756 on 12/12/08 after re-checking the bell inscription and assuming that Bagley did not set the number incorrectly.
GHP July 5, 2011
North reports:
In 1552 there were “iij bells in ye steple.”
also
ADVENT RINGING: at Culworth, Dodford, Potterspury and Staverton peals are rung before sunrise - commencing about 5 am - on the Monday mornings during Advent.
FACULTY issued February 4, 1931
.. for the installation of electric lighting in the church, belfry and clock chamber and to save drafts in the nave from the belfry, the installation of a glass screen in the arch between the Belfry and the Nave of the Church. [NRO 300P/12]
INFORMATION FROM PDG ANNUAL REPORTS
1933: Rev. and Mrs Powell welcomed to Staverton. “.. a great acquisition to the branch”
1939: Monthly practices at Staverton
1946: Farewell to the Powells
1947: Rev. Powell died suddenly in retirement in Somerset.
APPEAL LEAFLET.
“STAVERTON CHURCH BELLS
Our five bells have never been worthy of our beautiful Church. Their tone has always been inferior, and their lack of tune in relation to one another is painfully jarring to a musical ear. Moreover the fittings were badly designed originally, and are worn out, so that they have become positively dangerous to ring.
The Parochial Church Council has had a most generous offer to have five bells recast into a musical ring of six and have them rehung with new fittings at a cost of about £360. This offer has naturally been accepted very gratefully.
In order to take a share in the restoration, the Council had undertaken to raise the comparatively small sum of £36 for the installation of an Ellacombe Chiming Apparatus.
The purpose of this machine is to enable a single person to chime all six bells without labour for those services for which a band of ringers is not likely to be available.
You ... ...proud.
E. S. POWELL (Vicar)”
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RW advert p266 & p282 & p300 1938
STAVERTON, near Daventry, Northants. - Dedication of the bells by the Ven. Archdeacon. of Northampton on Saturday, May 7th, at 3 p.m. Tea will be provided for visiting ringers who notify the, Vicar, the Rev. E. S. Powell, of their intention to be present, and a special bus will run from Daventry in time for the service. The former five bells have been recast into a ring of six by John Taylor and Co.
REDEDICATION OF BELLS, 1938.
“The Order of Service for the Dedication of the Six Bells (recast from the existing five bells) by the Ven. the Archdeacon of Northampton on Saturday May 7th, 1938 at 3 pm.”
... “Then shall a Plain Course of BOB MINOR be rung on the Bells while the Clergy and Choir return to the Chancel.” ...
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Ringing World 1938 p329
STAVERTON BELLS RECAST.
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Staverton, Northants, the parish in which the Rev. E. S. Powell is Vicar, formerly had in the church tower five terribly discordant and tuneless bells. These have now been recast into a beautiful ring of six, with a tenor just under 11 cwt., by Messrs. John Taylor and Co. At the same time, an Ellacombe chiming -apparatus has been installed for use at those services at which a band of ringers is not available. The dedication service took place on May 1st and was attended by about 60 ringers from seven counties, as well as by a very large general congregation from the neighbourhood. The dedication was performed by the Archdeacon of' Northampton, who also gave a most inspiring address.
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The collection at the service was for the Peterborough Guild Belfry Repair Fund and amounted to £3 14s. 3d.; while subsequently in the tea room - a generous contribution was made by the participants of £1 17s. 7d. for a clock for Staverton ringing chamber.
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During the service, immediately after the dedication, an excellent plain course of Bob Minor was rung by T. Tebbutt, G. Hancock, Mrs. Powell, F . Hancock, L. Greenhow and G. R. Black. Ringing was kept up until 8.30 p.m., there being rung during the proceedings Grandsire, Stedman and St . Simon's Doubles, and Plain Bob, Kent and Oxford Treble Bob, St. Clement's Bob and Cambridge Surprise minor.
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The first 720 on the new bells was rung for evensong on Sunday May 8th , by H. Shrives 1, the Rev. E. S. Powell (conductor) 2, Mrs Powell 3, the Rev. W. P . Wright 4, W. Betley 5, J. White 6.
RW 1942 p47
PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD.—Daventry Branch.—The annual meeting will be held at Staverton on Saturday, Jan. 31st. Silent and handbell ringing. Kindly notify me for tea and bring your own sugar.— W. C. Moore, 5, William’s Terrace, Daventry, Northants.
1997: Under Iris Webb’s tower captaincy with Denis Pearson as church architect and PDG Steward, the bell openings were blocked up and sound control, operated by remote winders in the clock room, installed in 1997 and completed in mid February 1998 to reduce noise nuisance in anticipation of the building of several houses nearby.
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THE PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHURCH BELLRINGERS Bell Fund made a grant of £500 in 1998
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GHP 5/9/2007
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Revd Everard Slade Powell MA
Scholar of Christ Church Oxford
Vicar of Staverton 1933 - 1946
Master of the Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers 1935 - 1947.
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Scanned for Peter Sotheran via Jim Hedgcock for RW article 5th October, 2007 p996-7 from a framed photograph found in Staverton church 5/9/2007.
Memorial slab on north wall of chancel at St Mary the Virgin, Staverton, Northants.
Also used in the same article.
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RW 1949 p532
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PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD
MEMORIAL TO THE REV. E. S. POWELL.
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The members of the Daventry Branch held their monthly meeting at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Staverton, on October 8th, and were joined at the service by local parishioners and ringers from Birmingham, Raunds, Northampton, Rugby and Mrs. E. S. Powell, from Stoke-under-Ham, Somerset.
During the service the Ancaster stone tablet which has been placed in the sanctuary of the church in memory of the late Vicar of Staverton and Ringing Master of the Peterborough Guild, the Rev. Everard Slade Powell, was dedicated. Miss M. Clark, a local ringer, unveiled the tablet.
The service was conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. C. E. G. Glascodine, the lesson was read by the Rev. T. W. Long, chairman of the Guilsborough Branch of the Peterborough Guild, and the memorial tablet was dedicated by the Rev. R. H. Palmer, of Cogenhoe, Northampton, who in his address spoke of the fine example set by the Rev. E. S. Powell, of the valuable work he had accomplished for ringing and for the Church, and of his willingness to give good advice and friendship to all who sought it. The work of carving and fixing the tablet was ably carried out by Lawrence A. Turner and the cost of ï¿¡50 was met by subscriptions.
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[See biography here]
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RW 1976 p 596
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MRS. E. S. POWELL — AN APPRECIATION
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…Mrs. Molly Powell, whose death on May 8 was recently announced was one of that devoted hand who are so important to the health of the Exercise by their encouragement of beginners and by stressing the primary importance of good striking in simple methods. Her lasting contribution is the "Ringer’s Handbook ” which she and her husband wrote together because they felt that no existing book was suitable for a ringer in the first few vital years. First published in 1932, it is still in steady demand. Not a prolific peal ringer (her total being only 58) she had neither the opportunity nor the inclination to ring advanced methods.
Molly Davenport was born in Sheffield in 1901 and was introduced to ringing
..
This was the year she married the Rev. Everard S. Powell and they moved to Clyst St. George, Devon. He was president of the Devon Guild and they both did much to promote “ scientific” ringing. In 1933 they moved to Staverton, Northants and found a poor ring of five. They raised the money to recast and re hang the bells and the very fine ring of six was dedicated in 1938. On retirement in 1946 the Powells moved to Stoke-under-Ham, and the Rev. E. S. Powell died the next year. P. K. W.
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Rearranged 24/4/2021. Last revision 16/5/2021
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The Church of SS Peter & Paul Weedon Bec
Bell Details
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Treble. THIS BELL WAS HUNG TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN HONOUR OF MEN AND WOMEN OF THIS PARISH WHO SERVED IN THE WORLD WAR AND IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE WHO DIED IN SERVICE OF
THEIR KING AND COUNTRY 1939 - 1945
J T & CO LOUGHBOROUGH 1950
Diameter 26 ½ in. Weight 4-0-27. Note F - 36 cents.
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2. THIS BELL WAS HUNG TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN HONOUR OF MEN AND WOMEN OF THIS PARISH WHO SERVED IN THE WORLD WAR AND IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE WHO DIED IN SERVICE OF
THEIR KING AND COUNTRY 1939 - 1945
J T & CO LOUGHBOROUGH 1950
Diameter 27 ½ in. Weight 4-2-10. Note E - 38 cents.
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3. IN GLORIOUS MEMORY OF THOSE WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-19. THE GIFT OF GRATEFUL PARISHIONERS AND FRIENDS.
J T & CO LOUGHBOROUGH 1920
Diameter 29 in. Weight 5-0-10. Note D - 46 cents.
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4. THOMAS GUDGIN JOHN SMITH CHURCHWARDENS
H BAGLEY MADE ME 1745
Diameter 315/8 in. Weight 5-2-26. Note c -38 cents. Henry Bagley III.
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This bell replaced one inscribed CANTATE DOMINO CATICVM NOVVM 1669 [Sing unto the Lord a new song] cast by H Bagley I
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5. THOMAS GUDGIN JOHN SMITH CHURCHWARDENS
H BAGLEY MADE ME 1745
Diameter 33 in. Weight 6-2-0. Note Bb -41 cents.
This bell replaced one inscribed: HAC DATE DEUM QUI NOS AC DICIT EGO TUORUM 1601
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6. THIS BELL WAS GIEVEN BY WILLIAM BLACKLEY ONE OF THE CAPITALL BVRGESES OF THIS CORPORATION 1665. H(B)B
(B) represents the shield, point at top with one bell over two bells on it. Henry I Bagley cast the bell.
Diameter 35 ½ in. Weight 6-3-11. Note A -52 cents.
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7. IHS: NAZARENVS REX: IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE: MEI 1624 (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!
(W) represents North’s #1 shield, showing three bells, as used by Watts. Henry II Watts.
Diameter 37 in. Weight 9-3-14. Note G -36 cents
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Tenor. TAYLOR & SONS FOUNDERS OXFORD 1822
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Diameter 45 ½ in. Weight 14-3-2. Note 682.5 Hz = F -40 cents.
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From info below, it looks as if this bell arrived at Loughborough weighing 16-0-3 in 1898. Canon removal and retuning reduced it to 14-3-2.
This bell replaced one inscribed: THOMAS BILLING AND THOMAS CLEVELY CHURCHWARDENS 1669 Cast by Henry Bagley I 42¼” 12cwt
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Taylor's records show that the original five bells were rehung in an H frame in 1898. A low-sided frame was added in 1920 for the new treble (now 3 of 8). In 1950, to hang the two new trebles, further frames were added and bells redistributed such that bells 3, 6, 7 & 8 are in the lower frame and bells 1, 2, 4 and 5 are in the upper frame, each with a spare 'pit'
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North reports:
In 1552 ‘Wedon Becke’ possessed “iiij bells in ye steple & a sanct’ bell”.
There is a tradition here that the tenor bell came here by mistake, being intended for a church in Warwickshire. [See similar tradition at Preston Capes!] (Same source, size and year as Badby’s tenor!)
From the Heyford Prattler, June 2015:
The [Heyford] 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
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In 1950 John Taylor & Co supplied two trebles as a war memorial.
Bells 1 & 2 were cast from the metal of a 12 cwt 3 qrs bell from St Katherine’s, Northampton, which was inscribed W & J Taylor Bell Founders Oxford 1839. (From framed notice in tower)
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RW 1941 p383
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PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD.— Daventry Branch.—A meeting will be held at Weedon (6 silent) on Saturday, August 16th. Tea for those who notify me, and don’t forget your sugar. Frequent bus service from Northampton and Daventry.— W . C. Moore, 5, Williams Terrace, Daventry, Northants.
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RW January 3, 1947
Five ringers were shepherded through their first peal by Mr. Eric Nobles at Weedon Bec, it being the first peal on the bells
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RW 1950 April 6. p221
WEEDON
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Two memorial bells to complete the ring to eight were hallowed by the Archdeacon of Northampton (the Ven. C. J . Grimes) on March 10th.
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The inscription on each bell, one weighing 4 cwt. and the other 4½ cwt., reads:— This Bell was hung to the Glory of God and in honour of the men and women of this Parish who served in the World War and in grateful remembrance of those who died in the service of their King and Country, 1939— 1945. The bells were supplied by Messrs. John Taylor and Co. and in them is the metal of the bell formerly at St. Katherine’s, Northampton.
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There was a good attendance at the service which was conducted by the Vicar (the Rev. I. V. Lewis); the congregation included many ringers. The Archdeacon was preceded by the choir, the churchwardens (Messrs. G. F . Goff, Vicar’s warden, and G. A. Wallis, people’s warden) and the Vicar, to the belfry. The ropes of the two new bells were handed to the Archdeacon by the churchwardens, the request for hallowing being made by the people’s warden. After hallowing, the Archdeacon handed the ropes and committed the bells to the care of the Vicar. Then a team of eight Weedon ringers, Messrs. V. Perry, B. Hill. T. Deacon, K. Deacon, R. Smith, G. Webb, F . Robinson and A. Deacon, rang rounds as the choir and Archdeacon returned to the chancel.
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The sermon was preached by the Archdeacon who said the bells were a memorial to those who made the supreme sacrifice and we should thank God for their memory, also for the freedom which they had preserved. They would seem to say to us—we have done our part, now go on and do yours in the building up of the perfect social order. The collection in aid of the Bell Fund amounted to ï¿¡26 3s.
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After the service a tea was held in the Schools. The Archdeacon thanked the ringers. Mr. G. H. Hancock, of Willoughby, chairman of the Daventry Branch, Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Ringers, presided, supported by Mr. F . W. Hancock, Willoughby, secretary of the branch, the Rev. I. V. Lewis. Vicar, and Messrs. G. F. Goff and G. A. Wallis, churchwardens. The Rev. Lewis welcomed the ringers and hoped they would have the pleasure of testing the new ring that evening. Mr G. H. Hancock thanked the Vicar and also Mr. Ron Smith, who made the arrangements for the tea, and Mr. V. Perry, captain of the Weedon ringers, for the arrangements. The meeting of the Daventry Branch was held afterwards. Messrs. G. H. Webb (Coventry), Mr. G. H. Hancock and Mr. F. W. Hancock gave selections on handbells.
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During the evening peals in methods ranging from rounds to Bristol and Yorkshire Surprise were rung. Representatives from the following towers were present:—Charwelton, Staverton, Gayton, Byfield, Heyford, Bugbrooke, Harpole, Burton Latimer, Raunds. Green’s Norton, Blakesley. Daventry, Long Buckby, Great Brington, Allesley (Coventry), Flore, Newnham, Loughborough. Helmdon, Maids Moreton, Buckingham, Badby, Watford, Lois Weedon, Eydon, Desborough, Tiddington, Deddington, Wicken, Northampton (St. Giles’). Kingsthorpe, East Haddon. Weston Favell, Whilton, Yardley Hastings and Weedon Bec and took part in the ringing. Mr. E. W. Whitmore, of Raunds, Ringing Master of the Peterborough Diocesan Guild. was also present and Messrs. Taylor and Co. were represented by Mr. J . P. Fidler.
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RW 1971
PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD
WEEDON BEC, Northants, SS. Peter and Paul.
Sat., May 15, 1971, 2hr 57min. (14 ¾ cwt.)
5056 PLAIN BOB MAJOR
Composed by T. B Worsley
1 Stanley F. Webb
*2 Hilda Collins
†3 Edward C. Garrett
*4 Iris R. D. Webb
5 James Hedgcock
*6 John S. W. Townley
*7 Michael Flinder
8 Malcolm J. V. Chown (Conductor)
*First on 8 . †First of P.B. Major
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From: Geoff Pullin
Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 4:50 PM
To: Revd John Baldwin
Subject: WEEDON BEC FRAME
John
After a grubby/oily morning helping Andrew Mills reinstalling the eight clappers last week, I tried to describe the frame that I was seeing for the first time.
The best I can do is:
Frame 1 (lower) Truss 8.3Da layout 5.12 reversed with A B C D E filled with bells: Void, 3, 8, 7, 6 and Frame 2 (upper) Truss 8.3Da layout 5.4 A B C D E filled with Void, 1, 2, 4, 5.
Not sure that this helps! Geoff
From: John Baldwin
Sent: 21 September 2014 21:14
To: 'Geoff Pullin'
Cc: 'Chris Pickford'
Subject: RE: WEEDON BEC FRAME
Thank you for this, Geoff: it is noted for the next Dove upload. (As always, when it is visible, do please check that it's been dealt with as you anticipate: if not - and only then - please come back to us asap.)
Am also copying it to Chris Pickford in case he wishes to raise a query with you.
Regards John Dovemaster
22.9.2014 at 11.36am:
Not sure it's all 1950. Parts of it may be older.
I'll make a note to check the drawings to see how this one has evolved!
Chris Pickford
30.3.2017
Taylor frame drawings for Weedon show 1898, 1920 and 1946 (3322/A). It looks like a five bell H-frame of 1898 with a lowside pit added on top (over the tenor) in 1920. Later further extended and rearranged for eight. Chris Pickford
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.. Re the frame, I missed an important point in my rather hasty late evening message yesterday (we’d been out to a dedication where the thought occurred to me!) as the answer to the Weedon frame query will be on the frame itself. All Taylor castings have job numbers on – so there should be three different numbers on the frame castings (not necessarily in date order as when they got to 999 they started again). But this should indicate which castings are 1895, 1920 and 1950. I’ll be happy to check the drawings again if need be. .. Chris Pickford 31/3/17
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From Chris Pickford
30 Mar 2017 at 10:59 PM
WEEDON
Our exchange this morning reminded me of another query I've been intending (for ages!) to follow up some time, regarding the sixth at Weedon, inscribed:
THIS BELL WAS GIEVEN BY WILLIAM BLACKLEY ONE OF THE CAPITALL BVRGESES OF THIS CORPORATION 1665. H (B) B
Weedon was never a borough with a corporation, so the bell must have come from somewhere else. I did try contacting the NRO in 2006 to see if any of their indexes might show where William Blackley had been “one of the capital burgesses” – but I got a rather unsatisfactory reply. They hadn’t read my letter (30 Jan 2006) properly. I asked:
I have a query regarding a William Blackley whose name occurs on one of the bells at Weedon Bec – dated 1665 an inscribed “This bell was given by William Blackley one of the Capital Burgeses of this Corporation”. The inscription shows that the bell must have been cast originally for another church, since Weedon isn’t a Borough. A search in your wills index last week showed that there were Blackleys in Northampton, but I wondered if you might be able to point me to any other information on this man. I would really like to know which parish he lived in / with which church he was associated, so I can establish the original location of the bell. Any suggestions or ideas?
The reply I got, dated 7 February 2006 said
In ‘the Church Bells of Northamptonshire’ by Thomas North FSA (published 1878) it says of the bells at Weedon: ‘There is a tradition that the tenor bell came here by mistake, being intended for a church in Warwickshire’. You might like to contact Warwickshire Record Office.
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I drafted (but never sent) the attached follow-up letter. I left it there, and I've never pursued it since. If you happen to be following up any more research at the NRO, perhaps you could bear this one in mind.
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As to Weedon tenor, it’s pretty clear that North is wrong. The job is mentioned in Taylors records and their early printed list mentions “Weedon, Northamptonshire, a tenor in a peal, 6 17cwt”. The actual records show the 1822 bell for Weedon as “Weedon Bec tenor, 45½” 16-0-3”, and the old tenor as 42¼” 12-0-0
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After our e-mail exchange in 2014 I did check the Taylor frame drawings for Weedon, 1898, 1920 and 1946 (3322/A). It looks like a five bell H-frame of 1898 with a lowside pit added on top (over the tenor) in 1920. Later further extended and rearranged for eight
All the best Chris Pickford
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31/3/2017 cc Brian Foley and Nick Churchman
Chris
The following through of the inscription on Weedon 6th has not entered my radar until now! I will make a note to see if I come across anything.
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Thanks for the Taylor's archive detail about the frame. You will recall that this started from my description to John Baldwin for Dove of it as "Frame 1 (lower) Truss 8.3Da layout 5.12 reversed with A B C D E filled with bells: Void, 3, 8, 7, 6 and Frame 2 (upper) Truss 8.3Da layout 5.4 A B C D E filled with Void, 1, 2, 4, 5." Brian Foley (Tower Capt and Daventry Branch Steward) is about to embarque on a plan to replace the remaining plain bearings with rollers. This may give me an opportunity to take another look to see how to interpret the Taylor archive details about the frame. I have also copied this to Nick Churchman, Guild Steward, who is co-ordinating the updating of the Inventory.
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I'm always curious because the present tenor at Weedon is so similar to Badby tenor: R Taylor 1822, nearly same weight, diameter and note. I think I have asked before whether the Badby bell was cast in St Neots or Oxford, as it is one of a few? bells to have both places in its inscription. I think George Dawson was unable to tell from the records, but would be interested if there is anything in the archive to clarify.
Geoff
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September 2014: the eight clappers had the balls built up and re-profiled by John Taylor & Co. and refitted and adjusted on September 18 by Andrew Mills with help from Richard Hartley, Christine Rodhouse, Malcolm Rogers and Geoff Pullin. (Brian Foley on holiday in The Lakes!) PDG made a grant of £170 (approx 10%) towards the work.
Weedon Bells 2019.
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After ringing a failed quarter peal attempt on Sunday, January 13, 2019, the bells were lowered.
On the following day Brian Foley with volunteer help from Kim Gibbard started to remove the crown staples and clappers (renovated in 2014) and wheels from the headstocks of the five ‘back’ bells which remain on plain bearings.
On January 21-23, Neil Thomas from J Taylor & Co again with assistance from Brian and Kim removed these headstocks and they were taken to Loughborough for alteration to suit rolling bearings. The bearing blocks were removed from the frames. The existing rolling bearings on bells 1 -3 were each cleaned and regreased by Neil.
Weedon headstocks were returned on Monday March 25, 2019 with rolling bearings and Stephen Westerman arrived from Taylors to supervise the installation. The work may not be completed for the branch assisted 8-bell practice on April 3.
On May 26, 2019: Brian Foley organised a quarter peal of Yorkshire S Major, conducted by Jim White at Weedon being the first quarter peal since the back five bells were rehung on roller bearings, the front bell headstocks fitted with twiddle pin clapper adjusters and the new ropes. See Bellboard link: https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1287334
All the new work on WEEDON BELLS was dedicated at an evening communion service on Sunday, June 30, 2019 by the Vicar, the Revd. Barbara Gallagher, at the tower arch. Ringing was encouraged throughout the following hymn and apparently we were supposed to ring through the last prayers as well! Choreography not cleared in advance! Then a final flurry of ringing to end the proceedings by eleven Weedon residents and some from surrounding villages.
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Amended 24/4/2021. Last updated 28/4/2021
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Church of St Martin, Welton, Northamptonshire
Details of the Bells
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Treble. ADDED TO THIS PEAL BY VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION 1825 W: & J: TAYLOR OXFORD FECERUNT
Diameter 33 in. Weight 7cwt.1qr.12lbs
Cast by Taylor of Oxford in 1825. Nominal note: 1087.8 Hz C +67c
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2. GOD SAVE THE KING 1629 (HW)
Diameter 34½ in.
Cast by Hugh Watts II of Leicester in 1629. Note 950.5 Hz Bb +33c
3. RECAST BY W: & J: TAYLOR OXFORD ANNO : 1825
Diameter 36 in. Weight 8cwt.0qr.24lbs.
Cast by Taylor of Oxford 1825. Note 887.5 Hz A +15c
This bell replaced: CELORVM CHRSTE PLATIAT TIBI REX SONVS ISTE 1629 by Hugh Watts II 1629.
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4. IHS : NAZARENVS REX: IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERE: MEI 1629 (HW)
(Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, O Son of God have mercy on me). The S in IHS is reversed
Diameter 39 in.
Cast by Hugh Watts II of Leicester in 1629. Note 796 Hz G +26c
Tenor: CVM SONO SI NON VIS VENIRE NVNQVAM AD PRECES CVPIES IRE 1629 (HW)
(O Christ the King of Heaven, may this sound be pleasing to Thee)
Diameter 43¼ in. Weight approx 14½ cwt.
Cast by Hugh Watts II of Leicester in 1629. Note 709 Hz F +26c
North reports: “In 1552 there were “iij bells in ye steple & a sanct’ bell.”
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The oak bell frame was made in 1825. (Layout Pickford 5.1; bell order 5,1,2,3,4; truss type 6.A)
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The bells were rehung in 1898 by Webb & Bennett of Kidlington.
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And again in 1991 in situ by Eayre & Smith Ltd in the original frame with new iron headstocks for bells with canons removed incorporating crown staple adjusters and rededicated during Easter Day service.
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THE PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHURCH BELLRINGERS Bell Fund made a grant of £1,500 in 1991.
The first floor ringing gallery was installed in 1995.
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GHP 25/3/2009 + 17/11/17
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Church of St Andrew, Whilton
Details of the Bells
1. THE ROSE BELL / IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM LUCAS ROSE WHO / GAVE THE ORIGINAL SIX BELLS 1777. / WHITECHAPEL 1994
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Diameter 26 in. Weight 4 cwt -0 qrs -14 lbs. Note F# 1480Hz
2. THE GIFT OF JOHN W & PHILIP J TOWNLEY / TOFUTURE GENERATIONS. / WHITECHAPEL 1994
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Diameter 26 ½ in. Weight 4-0-24. Note E# -1c. 1397Hz
3. THE GIFT OF GRIFFITH & JOAN DAVIES / OF ROUGHMOOR. / WHITECHAPEL 1994
Diameter 28 in. Weight 4-2-25. Note D# -1c 1244.4 Hz
4. THE GIFT OF HAROLD & GERTRUDE HAYNES. / IN MEMORY OF THEIR PARENTS. / WHITECHAPEL 1994
Diameter 29 ½ in. Weight 4-3-23. Note C# 1108.8 Hz
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5. DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF / BARBARA D. DUNKLEY, BENEFACTOR / 1908 - 1992 / WHITECHAPEL 1994
Diameter 31 ¾ in. Weight 6-0-10. Note B 988 Hz
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6. DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF / WILLIAM HIGGS, BENEFACTOR / 1910 - 1993 / WHITECHAPEL 1994
Diameter 33 ½ in. Weight 7-0-1. Note A# - 1 cent. 932 Hz
7. THE GIFT OF JOHN S.W., SUSAN & AGNES H. TOWNLEY / IN MEMORY OF JOHN S. L.TOWNLEY / SEXTON 1915 - 1928 / WHITECHAPEL 1994
Diameter 37 in. Weight 9-1-27. Note G# -1 cent. 830Hz
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8. CANON J. J. RICHARDSON, PRIEST / HAROLD HAYNES, JANET C. BOWERS CHURCHWARDENS / WHITECHAPEL 1994
Diameter 41 ½ in. Weight 13-1-5. Note F# 740Hz
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These eight new bells were hung in a new low-sided metal frame by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry to Pickford layout 8.3 and first rung on Thursday, August 11, 1994.
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The service of dedication by the Lord Bishop of Peterborough took place on Thursday, December 29, 1994.
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THE PETERBOROUGH DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHURCH BELLRINGERS Bell Fund made a grant of £3,500 in 1994.
Diameters taken from Feb 2007 version of George Dawson’s National Bell Register.
See also article in RW 23/9/1994 pp 941-2 written by Bryan Williams
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In 1700 there were two bells and a Priest’s bell. The latter had no inscription, the two former were inscribed:
HENRICVS BAGLEY ME FECIT 1702 (info from Bridges)
William Lucas Rose (only son of John Rose of Daventry, gent, who had purchased the advowson in 1742) erected the upper portion of the tower in 1769 and gave a new ring of six bells cast by Pack & Chapman and installed in 1777:
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1. AT PROPER TIMES OUR VOCES WE WILL RAISE IN SOUNDING TO OUR BENEFACTORS PRAISE. Dia 28 in.
2. RELIGION WITHOUT HYPOCRISY 29 in
3. LIBERTY WITHOUT LICENTIOUSNESS 30 in
4. MONARCHY WITHOUT TYRANNY 33 in
5. JOHN DUNKLEY & JOSEPH EMERY CHURCHWARDENS 36 in
6. WILLIAM LUCAS ROSE GAVE THESE SIX BELLS TO CHURCH 40 in.
The following recastings took place:
4. recast by Mears & Stainbank in 1900
5. recast by C & G Mears in 1853
6. recast by C & G Mears in 1853. Weight just under 10 cwt.
These bells were rehung in a metal low-sided frame in 1900 by Webb & Bennett of Kidlington:
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1. AT PROPER TIMES OUR VOCES WE WILL RAISE IN SOUNDING TO OUR BENEFACTORS PRAISE. Dia 28 in.
2. RELIGION WITHOUT HYPOCRISY 29 in
3. LIBERTY WITHOUT LICENTIOUSNESS 30 in
4. MONARCHY WITHOUT TYRANNY 33 in. recast by Mears & Stainbank in 1900. Weight 6.3.2
5. JOHN DUNKLEY & JOSEPH EMERY CHURCHWARDENS 36 in recast by C & G Mears in 1853. Weight 7.2.12
6. WILLIAM LUCAS ROSE GAVE THESE SIX BELLS TO CHURCH 40 in. recast by C & G Mears in 1853. Weight 9.3.1 in Note G.
RW 23/9/1994 pp 941-2
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Article by Bryan Williams on the history and installation of a newly cast ring of eight bells
RW 1977 p772
25 YEARS AGO
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Taken from the Ringing World for September 12, 1952 Percy Amos wrote : " I wonder if any reader knows of another clock like the one at the Parish Church, Whilton, Northamptonshire. This registers but 48 minutes to the hour — four minutes in the place of every five on normal clocks.”
Sources:
PDG Inventory 1989: Weights of bells preceded by current 6, 7 and 8 were 6.3.2, 7.2.12, 9.3.1 in G. It erroneously dates the C & G Mears bells as 1953. Metal low sided frame Webb & Bennett 1900.
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Page installed 12/4/2021 last updated 7/4/22
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