The Church Bells of Worcestershire by H. B. Walters File 05: Part V: Alphabetical List, Salwarpe to Yardley (Pages 205 to 272)
This document is provided for you by The Whiting Society of Ringers visit www.whitingsociety.org.uk for the full range of publications and articles about bells and change ringing 205
THE CHURCH BELLS OF WORCESTERSHIRE. BY H. B. wALTEPS. PART V (SALWARPE-YARDLEY)
SALWARPE. St. Michael. Six bells. 1. REvo HENRY DouGLAS REcTOR M.A. J846. C. &. G. MEARS FEe~·:· (27! in. 2. JOHN WILSON &. THOs CROYDON CHURCH- WARDENS. 1846. C. &. G. MEA.RS FECT. (28! in. 3. MRS KATHERINE TALBOT CONTRIBVTOVRS TOWARDS THE CASTING (medallion) 1684 B elow, Figs. 59 and 69. {30 in. 4. THIS BELL WAS THE GIFTE OF THE HONOVR ABLE SR GILBERT TALBOT KNIGHT 1684 (medallion) B elow, Figs. 59 and 69. (30! in. 5. (Medallion) MRS ELIZABETH TALBOT WIDD (Medallion) l\'IRS ELIZABETH TALBOT (Fig. 71) 1684 (Fig. 71) ' B elow, F igs. 59 and 69. {32! in. 6. RICHARD AMPHLETT ESQR HVMFREY SELL MAN ARTHVR TANDY C W 1684 (between words and after date, fig. 71) B elow, figs. 59 and 67. {37 in. An empty cage, apparently for a 'ting-tang ', but none such has been here for a hundred years past. 1st and 2nd in John Rudhall's lettering ; the rest by John Martin, the 3rd-5th in his smallest type (cf. Severn stoke 1st), with small heart-shaped trade-mark ; large thin type on 6th with large shield. The small medallion on the 3rd-5th contains the crest of the Talbot family, a lion statant (but it looks more like a horse). On the 5th the Z is reversed. Formerly five bells by John Martin, the inscriptions on which are recorded by Prattinton. The old tenor was recast into two trebles in 1846 ; it was inscribed RICHARD WOODHOVSE GENT THE HONOVRABLE SIR IOHN TALBOT KNIGHT IOHN MASON RECTOR 1684 The Rev. Henry Douglas was Rector from 1845 to his .death in 1849. 206
The Talbot family, who are commemorated on the 3rd-5th bells and old tenor, were a branch of the Shrewsbury Talbots, and held the manor of Oatley from 1546 to about 1800. Sir John Talbot Knight, of Lacock and Salwarpe, son of Sharington Talbot, and a warm adherent of Charles II., died in 1714 and was buried at Lacock. He married Elizabeth Keyte of Ebrington, Gloucs. In the south aisle of the church is an altar tomb to Elizabeth Talbot, who died in 16R9 and wai apparently widow of another John Talbot who died in 1666. She is the first Elizabeth mentioned on the 5th bell ; the other· is a daughter of John and Margaret Talbot, born at Salwarpe in 1642, and died unmarried in 1716. Her sister Katherine died about 1698, also unmarried. Sir Gilbert Talbot (4th bell) was owner of Grafton Manor, which was also in the hands of that family (V. C. H. W ores., iii. p. 126). The whole biography of the familv is somewhat confused. See the various accounts Jiven in Burke's Landed Gentry; Midland Antiquarv. ii. p. 160; and V. C. H., iii. p. 207. 1552 : ' iij belles hangynge in the steple j little sackryng bell.' 1740: '5 bells.' V.C.H. Worcs., iii. p. 209. H.B.W., 1910.
SAPEY, LOWER (PITCHARD). St. Bartholoruew. Two bells. Both by Taylor of Loughborough, one dated 1876, the other- 1877 ; hanging in two arches of an open gable-turret. There were two bells in the old church, one of which was cracked, and these were recast when the new church was built. The latter is at Harpley, about a mile from the old church which is now in partial ruin. No inventories or other records. Prattinton gives this church under Clifton, but does not; mention the bells. V.C.H. Worcs ., iv. p. 331. H.B. TV., 1910. Thanks to Rev. C. U. Bower (7 Oct., 1910).
SEDGEBERROW. Three bells. l. HENRY (Fig. 58) BAGLEY (Fig. 58) MADE (Fleur-de-lys} MEE (scroll) 1665 (Figs. 64, 65) (27 in. 2. GOD PRESERVE THIS CHURCH AND PLACE RECAST BY JOHN TAYLOR & SONS LOUGHBOROUGH 1921. (29 in .. 3. (Fig. 57) IESVS (scroll and fleur-de-lys) BEE (keys fig. 91) OVR (keys) SPEED (scroll) 1623 (arabesques) (32 in~ 207
Bell frames in bad order in 1901, and bells difficult of access ~ 2nd hung above the others. There are now frames for five. 3rd by Godwin Baker (see FiJ. 195) ; cf. Doverdale and Worcester St. Peter; fleur-de-lys as Fig. 92. A square shouldered bell, with no lines below the inscription. The old 2nd was an ugly round-shouldered bell, almost the same note as the 3rd ; it was inscribed as reprcduced on the· new, with A (bell) R before the date (1718). 1552: 'SEDGEBAROWE. iij bells a saunce bell.' 1740: '3 bells.' V.C.H. Wares., iii. p. 521 ; As8oc. Archit. Socs. Reports,. xxxiii. p. 220. H.B.W., 1901. SELLY HILL. St. Stephen (1871). One bell.
SELLY OAK. St. Mary (1861).Eight bellii. ~Both p:uishes formed from Northfield.J SEVERNSTOKE. St. Denys. 5 +1 bells. l. (Fig. 72) GOD BE OVR Sl'EED 1648 On waist (Fig. 69). 2. H. BOND & SONS FOUNDERS BURFORD OXON. 1900 3. Above, arabesques (as in Fig. 167). ~BE VT KNOWNE TO ALL THAT DOTH ME SEE THAT THOMAS NEWCOMBE OF LEICESTER MADE MEE 1606 Below, arabesques as above; on the rim, two bands of plait pattern (Fig. 63). 4. Above, band of palmettes (Fig. 71). (Fig. 72) WILLIAM IONES FRANCIS REDDING SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS 1661 (Fig. 7l between words, except after SOLI, DEO, and GLORIA) Below, Fig. 69 with palmette each side, and band of arabesques (Fig. 59). 5. (Fig. 72) ALL MEN THAT HEARE MY MORNE FVLL SOVND REPENT BEPENT BEFORE YOV LYE IN GROVND 1648 (Fig.59). Below, Fig. 59 ; on waist : IOHN HARDMONT WILLIAM lAMES c wand Fig. 69. S. No inscription; not very old.
All clocked and not in very good order. For the 3rd cf. :Beoley 4th (Figs. 20-21 ). 1st, 4th, 5th and old 2nd by John. !fig. 194. SHELSLEY DEAUCIIAMP 5th. 209
Martin. The 1st is inscribed in his smaller type (cf. Fig. 144) ; the 4th has thin lettering (a.~ Fig. H13), the 5th, thick (cf. Fig. 166). The old 2nd was inscribed (Fig. 72) SOLI (L rev?-Tsed) DEO GLORIA PAX HOMIN IBVS 1648 (boTder) On waist, Fig. 69 and border. 1552. ' iiij bells in the steple a saunce hell . . . a leche bell.' V.C.H. W ores., iv. p. 196. H.B.W., 1890 and 1925.
SHELSLEY BEAUCHAMP. All Saints. 6+1 bells. 1. WHEN YOU US RING WELL SWEETLY SING 1790 2. PROSPERITY TO THIS PARISH 1790 3. [Inscription filed away except 1790] 4. JOHN RUDHALL CAST THIS PEAL 1790 (border) 5. REV~. HENRY BERKLEY DD RECTOR 1790 (guilloche border) 6. JOHN CORBETT & JOHN BUTLER CHURCH WAR DENS 1790 S. No inscription.
For the unusual border on the 5th bell, see Fig. 194. Sanctus bell hung in E. window ; probably medieval. Weights : 4!, 5!, 6!, 61, St, ll cwt. Tenor in G. 1740. B. Willis '5 bells' (gives church as in Hereford Diocese). V.C.H. Wares., iv. p. 334. H.B.W., 1921. Thanks also to Rev. R. G. Griffiths.
SHELSLEY WALSH. St. Andrew. Three bells. l. On waist: Royal Arms and PATENT On rim: J WARNER & SONS LONDON 1859 2. J WARNER & SONS LONDON 1859 On waist as No. l. 3. (No inscription, but same date as the others.)
Bells very difficult of access, the turret being reached by a shaky ladder from the west wall. 1740 : ' 1 bell.' Whether this was the only bell down to 1859 is uncertain; but one recast in that year was of Pre-Reformation date. 210 A rubbing has been preserved by Dr. A. D. Tyssen (now at the 86.ciety of Antiquaries), showing that it was one of the sam• tjpe as Spetchley, etc. (see below), with Royal Head sto})tJ (King and Queen), all the letters being crowned. But there is this notable difference, that the cross is as in Fig. 10, associated with the ' Royal Head ' group of bells, as Abbot11 Morton, etc. 1 The inscription was +AMICE . (K) XPE (Q) IOHANNES (Fig. 196). The inscription was also copied by Mr. L. B. Cla.rence previously to 1859 (see Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. 37434). A drawing of some of the stamps is preserved in a note book of the Rev. W. C. Lukis, in the possession of Mrs. Williams of Hemingford Abbots, Hunts, but the letter A is there given as resembling that in the Abbot's Morton type of alphabet (Fig. 10). V.O.H. Worcs., iv. p. 337. H.B.W., 1893. SHIPSTON-ON .. STOUR. St. Edmund. Six bells. 1. IOHN HANOOOK RICHARD RAND C W M BAOLE 1754 (28l in. 2. PROSPERITY TO THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND M B 1714 . (29fin. 3. MATTHEW BAOLEY. MADE MEE 1774 (arabesques) (30fin. 4. As 1st to RAND ; then CHURCH-WARDENS M B 17&4 (33.in. 5. IH R R C W MATTHEW BAOLEY MADE MEE 17&4 (35fin. 6. As 4th; V for U in CHURCli; after M B insert MADE ME (38f in. Lettering on all but 3rd like Henry Bagley's, as at }laseley, Warwick; much smaller on 3rd (as Little Rollright, Oxon.). Cable-moulding on all above inscription. For 3rd and 6th see Figs. 197, 198. Local tradition seems to have assigned the bells here to Richard Keene (1693), who may indeed have cast the previous ring ; the 3rd is obviously a recast of. one put up in 1754. 1740: '6 bells.'. V.O.H. Worcs., iiL p. 523. Mr. W. E. Falkner of Stratford-on-Avon kindly visited these bells for me about twenty. years ago.
1 There was formerly a bell at Pembridge, Herefordshire, which had the cross (Fig. 83) with the Abbot's Morton lettering, th~ exact converse o-f tbis; i~<{:IJE:SVS!4f>iffi BE:E ~ OVR ~ SPEED 1~1623" ~
Fig. 195. SEDGEBERROW 3rd.
Fig. 19ti. SHELSLEY WALSH former bell. MATTHEW BAGLEY MADE MEE J.7.74~ Fig. 197. SHIPSTON-ON-STOUR 3rd. . IOHN H~NCOCK RICH~R.D R~ND CHVRCH W~RDENS M B M~DE ME11SI.t Fig. 198, iHHPSTON-ON-STOUR 6th. 212
SHRAWLEY. St. Mary. 6+1 bells. l. PEACE & GOOD N;EIGHBOURHOOD 1772 T (bell) R 2. FEAR GOD HON0UR THE KING T (bell) R 1772 (scrolls) 3. PROSPERITY TO 'l'HIS PARISH T (b ell) R 1772 4. THOs: RUDHALL GLOCESTER FOUNDER (scrolls} 1772. 5. PEACE AND GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD A : R (bell) 1705 6. THO STONE THO: MARTIN CHVRCHWARDENS 1705 (border) A RUDHALL BELL F ovNDER (border) S. Blank. Formerly five bells, increased to six in 1772. The ting-tang was found on Oliver's Mount, near the river. 1740 : '5 bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V .C.H . Wares., iv. p. 34l. . H.T.T., 1893.
SPETCHLEY. All Saints. Four bells. l. No in8cription. 2. No in8cription. 3. (Kirw's head) SANCTE (Queen '8 head) PET E (King'$ head) ORA PRO NOBIS (Fig. 199). (All letters crowned). 4. No in8cription. ·
The 3rd bell belongs to the same group as Shelsley Walsh (old bell) and Stanford on Teme 4th, with Royal Head stops (as Fig. 10) and letters crowned throughout. In Fig. 199· there should he a space between the T and E of PETRE: when the R has been omitted. The other three are said to be of the same date, and from the same foundry ; but com pare the Inventory given below, which only mentions three bells in 1533. Moreover I noted on a recent visit that the lines round the shoulders and rims differ from those on the 3rd. On the other hand all three bells appear t o be medieval. Bells restored in 1904 (Worce8ter H erald, 14th Jan. 1905). Cannons off 2nd. A curious wooden staircase leads to the bell& from the first floor. 1552 : ' in the steple iij bells ij litle sacring bells.' A& already noted, this is puzzling, if all the four existing bells are medieval. 1740 : '2 bells' (sic). V.C.H. Worc8., iii. p. 527. H.B.W., 1889 and 1929. 213
STAMBER MILL. St. Mark. One bell. Church built 1870 ; parish formed from Old Swinford.
STANFORD-ON-TEME. St. Mary. 4+1 bells. l. 1673 (Fig. 221) (22! in. 2. ABEL RUDHALL OF GLOUCESTER FOUNDER 1753 (vine- · border) (24 in. 3. +SANCTE MECAHEL ORA PRO NOBIS (see· . Fig. 200) (26! in. 4. +SANCTA (King) ANNA (Queen) ORA (King) PRO (Queen) NOBIS (see Fig. 201) (29! in. S. No inscription. (11 in.
1st a bad casting, surface corroded. The figures are James· Keene (the 6 is broken and looks like a 5), and the bell was evidently cast at the same time as those at Martley. See Fig. 201. The 3rd is cracked 1 ; this bell (Fig. 200) is of the same type as Acton Beauchamp, etc. The 4th on the other hand has all the letters crowned, and the Royal Heads (as in Fig. 10) as stops. See Fig. 201 and cf. Spetchley. I regard it as possible that these bells form a distinct group from those with initials · only crowned and no Royal Head stops ; they may be the earliest work of Richard le Belyetere, the Royal Heads being a link with the Abbot's Morton group (see above under Shelsley Walsh). Bells of the same type as the 4th also occur at Brinsop and Thornbury in Herefordshire, and at Trefeglwys, . Montgomeryshire.
1740 : '3 bells.' V.C.H. Worcs. iv. p. 345. H.B.W. 1921. Thanks also to Rev. R. G. Griffiths.
STAUNTON. St. James. Six bells. l. MEARS & ST AINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON •. 1902. PRO ECCLESIA DEI 2. PEACE AND PROSPERITY TO STAVNTON AB RVDHALL 1695 (border) 3. GOD PRESEHVE THE CHVHCH OF ENGLAND A R ANNO DOMINI 1695
1 The present Rector says it is not a crack, but a cut with a. saw. aria l?afia IJoRH ~ w L'M t.t.1 w n o l3 1 s· Fig . 199. SPETCHLEY 3rd. ~sA nct0E{ ffiEtaJifi«ll o'RJI ~ ~ :D'RO U.0)3IS m s H n a ~ A ~ ;r nn A 11 o lt A'll lilio ~non Ts Figs. 200-201. STANFORD-ON-TEME 3rd and 4th. ffiMAVIDAT~IEHOVArQJ ORAT~ ECCLESIA~ CAMPAlllA(Th!OCAT~T~R~RECTOR 1644 VT~F~W~R ~ · c~w~ · Fig. 202. iTOOKTON ard. 215
4. RECAST BY .JOHN 'fAYLOR & C~ LOUGH ::BOROUGH A.D. 1893. GOD SAVE THE KING 1695 5. C. & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1848 6. As No. l. On waist : REV0 ROBERT THORNTON RECTOR THO PENNELL GVL5 CLERKE CH W 1695
Formerly a ring of five by Abraham Rudhall. Inscriptions ,on 4th and 6th repeated on new bells ; the old 3rd had A R cin addition. The old 4th was inscribed (as we learn from Dr. Prattinton) : ABRA: RVDHALL OF GLOVCESTER CAST VS ALL ANNO DOM . 1695 The Rev. R. Thornton was Rector 1696-1712. The tenor -weighs 9 cwt. 1552. 'iiij smale bells in the steple.' 1740. '5 bells.' V.C.H. Wares., iv. p. 201.
STOCK. See BRADLEY.
STOCKTON. St. Andrew. Three bells. l. +SANCTE (King) ANDRIA (Queen) ORA (King) :PRO (Queen) NOBIS (27! in. 2. 1849 (28! in. 3. ~ MANDAT IEHOVA ORAT ECCLESIA CAM PANA VOCAT T R RECTOR 1644 N F W RC W (rose as stop between words) (33!- in. 1st: Royal Head type, as Aston White Ladies, etc.; see JJ'ig. 10. Note the reversed S. 2nd : Originally inscribed 1768 M (teste Prattinton). 3rd: The earliest known bell by John Martin. See Fig. 202. The N's are reversed. Prattinton's version of the in ,scription is incorrect. The Rev. Thomas Roberts was Rector 1636-1661. Rose stop throughout as at Droitwich St. Andrew. 1740: '2 bells.' V.C.H. Wares., iv. p. 348. Many thanks to Rev. S. B. Penoyre, formerly Rector; see also his Stockton Church (1899). H.B.W., 1901. 216
STOKE BLISS. 3 + 1 bells. l. ALL PRAYSE AND GLORY BE TO GOD FOR EVER RICHARD BLOCK C W 1669 Below, Fig. 68, and band of Fig. 71. (22 in. 2. On waist: ERECTED BY JAMES DORRELL IN MEMORY OF HIS WIFE EMMA CARRS RECAST ME 1923 H. WARD WATSON RECTOR T. E. DORRELL }cHURCHWARDENS JOSEPH JONES 3. T, E. M. HOLLAND RECTOR THOs WEBB C. WARDEN 1842. T. MEARS FECT ·:· .. (27t in. S. No inscription. The old 2nd was inscribed :- THOMAS HAMl\iOND MEREDI'l.'H IONES CHVRCH WARDENS: 1687 Below, Fig. 59 all round; on wai8t, Fi(J. 68. (24t in.
1st and old 2nd by ,John Martin. 3rd cast at Gloucester. with John Rudhall's lettering. Clock strikes on treble. V.O.H. Worcs., iy. p. 353. H.B.W., 1901.
STOKE PRIOR. St. Michael. Eight bells. l. On waist : VICTORIA 60 ANNOS REOINA C STEER ~ TESTIBUS (25 in. S HARRELLJ 1897 2. On waist: VR 1837 1897 JUBILATE DEO CUJUS REGNO JOHN CORBETT ECCLESIAM RESTITUIT (25! in. 3. W. BLEWS & SONS. BIRMINGHAM 1886 On waist : 'rHE GIFT OF JOHN CORBETT ESQR. M.P. (26 in. 4. WILLIAM BLEWS & SONS. BIRMINGHAM 1886, On waist : H. ALDHAM B.A. VICAR J. GREEN 1 CHVRCH WARDENS. J. GIBBS I (28 in. 5. HENRY BAGLEY (border) MADE (border) MEE (border)· 1676 (border) Border below. (2(} in. 217
6. THOMAS CARPENTER STEPHEN SMITH 1663 Below, arabesque8 and Fig. 67. (31! in. 7. HONI SOIT QVI MAL V PANSI 1620 Pig. 173 between words and after date, arabesques (Fig. 59) ; the same above and below the inscription. (33! in. 8. As No. 4. On waist : (a) RECAST 1886. (b) SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX NOMINIBUS 1663 (36 in.
The two trebles are by Carr of Smethwick. TESTIBUS seems to be a mistake for CusTODIBUS ('Wardens'). Nor is the Latin on the 2nd much more successful. The 3rd, 4th and tenor are inscribed in Gothic capitals. 6th by John Martin (as was the old tenor) ; large shield mark. 7th by John Greene II., with his foundry-mark as stop, see Fig. 203. The inscription seems to be unique on a bell; but it was on the old 4th at Worcester Cathedral, probably by the same founder. The tenor weighs only 9! cwt. There were only four bells down to 1886. The Rev. H. Aldham (4th bell) was Vicar 1842-1889. 1552 : ' v bells that is iij of a ringe and ij other small bells.' 1740: '3 bells.' V.C.H. Wares., iii. p. 531. H.B.W., 1900. Thanks to Rev. C. Stockdale, Vicar.
STONE. St. Mary. Six bells. l. T, M EARS OF LONDON FECIT 1832 2. The same. 3. The same. 4. The same. On waist :- THE FOUR LARGER BELLS RECAST &: TREBLES ADDED BY SUBSCRIPTION A.D. 1832. JOHN PEEL VICAR THOs MORGAN CURATE JOHN AMPHLETT t JOHN WILSON J CHURCHWARDENS 5. As No. l. 6. As No. 1. (Weight 6 cwt.
The old ring of four is recorded by Prattinton as follows :- 1. (Churchwardens' names.) 2. 1760 (Churchwardens' names). 218
3. SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS 1679 4. ECCE ANCILLA DOMINI 1525 . The 4th was inscribed .in Gothic capitals, with the date in Arabic numerals (a rare occurrence). The Rev. John Peel was Vicar 1828-1875. 1552 : ' In the steple iiij bells a saunce bell.' 1740: '3 Bells.' V.O.H. Worcs., iii. p. 212. H.T.T., 1879.
STOULTON. St. Edmund. Five bells. I. H. WooDWARD& H. HEMUs CHURCH WARDENS. 1799 2. The same. 3. I. RUDHALL GLOUCESTER FECIT 1799 4. The same with OF 5. RECAST BY J. WARNER & SONS LTD. LONDON~ ME REFECERUNT VICARIUS ET AMICI .A.D. MDCCCLXXXXVIT. VICTORIA I. JUBILATE.
The old tenor was inscribed :- THESE BELLS WERE CAST BY I. RUDHALL OF GLOUCESTER J799. It was actually recast for the first Jubilee in 1887, but by an. error of the founder the date is given as 1897, a curious antici pation of the one to come ! Bells very small ; tenor 7 cwt. 1552 : ' STULTON. In the steple iij bells. 1740: '3 Bells.' Inscriptions given inaccurately by Prattinton. V.O.H. W ores., iii. p. 536. H.T.T., 1879.
STOURBRIDGE. St. Thomas (172,6). Eight bells. 1. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 175{1 2. The same. 3. The same. 4. The same. 5. The same. 6. OUR VOICES SHALL IN CONSORT RING TO HONOUR BOTK OF GOD AND KING LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1759 7. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1759 RECAST A.D. 1901 BY MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON. 211.)'
On waist; YE RINGERS ALL THAT PRIZE YOUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS BE SOBER MERRY WISE AND YOU'LL THE- SAME POSSESS 8. LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1759 THE REV0 CHARLES HARRIS RECTOR JOSA HEMUS CH: WARDEN 175!) IN WEDLOCK BANDS ALL YE WHO JOIN WITH HANDS' YOUR HEARTS UNITE SO SHALL OUR TUNEFUL TONGUES COMBINE TO LAUD THE NUPTI..~.L RITE Church built !726 ; parish formed from Old Swinford. Tenor weighs 19 cwt. 21 lbs., note E. V.C.H. Wares., iii. p. 221; Bell News, 14 May 1892 and ll Jan. 1902.
STOURBRIDGE. St. John Ev~ngelist. One bell. Church built 1860.
STRENSHAM. St. John Baptist. 6 bells. There were formerly five bells here, which I visited in 189(},.. and copied the inscriptions as follows :- 1. ABRA RVDHALL CAST VS ALL 1704 2. A R (two bells) 1705 (ornamental border) 3. As No. 2. 4. PRO[SPERITY TO THE CHVRCH OF] ENGLAND A R (two bells) 1705 (border) ~ 5. SR FRAN. RVSSELL KT. AND BART AND HIS HOND LADY BENEFACTORS A R (bell) 1705 (border) A large piece was broken out of the shoulder of the 4th bell, and the tenor was also cracked. (The words given in brackets on the 4th were on the missing part of the bell.) In 1911 these· two bells were recast by Taylor of Loughborough, the in scriptions being reproduced. At the same time a new treble was added, bearing the following inscription on the waist :- IN MEMORY OF ANNIE MABEL TAYLOR WIFE OF A. J. TAYLOR OF STRENSHAM COURT ESQ: WHO DIED APRIL 5TH 1905. 1552 : ' j letellleche bell.' That the old bells of Bordesley Abbey near Alvechurch were brought here at the Dissolution is clear from the 1552 Inventory, which also states :- Ther was abowte x yeres passed iij smale belles hangyng in the steple solde with the whole assent of the parecheners and the 220 money therof implowyd to make seattes & vue:;; in the churche & to revare the churcbe. 'l'herbe iij bells hangyng in the stPpull wyche Sir .John Rnssell Knyght of late bowght to his owne usf' of the Kyngs Maiestie decessyd wicbe were twrteynyng to the late dessolvyd abbey of Borseley [Bordesley] wiehe bells ye same Sir J ohn Russell ys yet indetted for and be the goods of the same Sir .John Russell. The Russell family owned Strensham for some four hundred years. The Sir John who bought the Bordesley Abbey bells for the church was the son of the .John Russell who died in 1556 and whose tomb is in the church. The younger clohn was knighted in 1549 and died in 1574. Sir Francis ltussell, whose name appears on the old tenor, succeeded his father, the first Baronet, in l66!l, and married Anne I..ytton. He died in 1705 and was the last representative of the line, leaving Strensham to his three daughters. See Nash, iii, p. 392 ff. , and V .C.H. Worcs., loc. cit. 1740: '5 bells.' V.C.H. Worcs. iv. p. 207. H.B.W., 1890. Thanks to Rev. A. E. Davenport, Hector.
SUCKLEY. St. John Baptist. Six bells. l. lOS: RACSTER & DANL CONEY CHURCH WARDENS A (b ell) R 1755 (border) 2. ABRAHAM RVDHALL BELLFOVNDER 1710 (border ) 3. GOD SAVE THE QVEEN & CHVRCH A : R (bell) 1710 4. As No. 2 ; below, border all round. 5. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOVRHOOD A : R (bell) 1710 (arabesques) 6. I TO THE CHVRCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE DO SUMMONS ALL 1725 174.0: '5 bells.' V.C.H. Worcs., iv. p. 358. H.B.W., 1891.
TARDEBIGGE. St. Bartholomew. Three bells. l. SAM!, HARRIS CHURCHWARDEN ..1796 IN~ RUD HALL FECT 2. W~ CALLOW SAML HARRIS CHURCHWARDENS (scrolls) T (bell) R 1774 (scrolls) 3. HENRY BAGLEY MADE MEE ..1746 (border) GOODWIN ,NASH IOHN PARKE CHURCH-WARDENS B elow, border all round.
2nd by Thomas Rudhall. ·. HONI SOIT . nmr1 QVI 'FJ!f MAL rnY1) Y [!mJ PANSl ~ · 162o "" . Fig. 203. STOKE PRIOR 7th. - ~ GOD ~SAVE~ KING~ lAMES liJ 1609 F ig. 204. TEDDINGTON 1st. CRJSTVS EST VIA VERITAS ET .. VITA ~ 160 3 ~~~,,~~ Fig. 205. TEDDINGTON 2nd. - E G - BD ro:ew ~ fi~ 206. TIDMINGTON 2nd, 222 3rd probably cast at Chacomb ; one of his latest bells. 1552 : ' TERBICK. iij bells in the steple.' V.C.H. Wares., iii. p. 228. H.B.W., 1894.
TEDDINGTON. St. Nicholas. Two bells. l. (Fig. 33) GOD (Fig. 33) SAVE (Fig. 33) KING (Fig. 33) lAMES (Fig. 33) 1609 (26 in. 2. CRISTVS EST VIA VERITAS ET VITA (Fig. 33) 1603 (Fig. 54) (28£ in. Both by Henry Farmer of Gloucester. See Figs. 204, 205. The inscription on the 2nd (of course from John xiv. 6) also occurs at Rowlstone in Herefordshire. 1552 : ' TEDYNGTON CHAPPELL. iij bells in the steple.' V.C.H. Wore,.., iii. p. 475. H.B.W., 1901.
TENBURY. St. Mary. Six bells. l. COME AWAY MAKE NO DELAY 1787 T. CRESWELL W. N. BARWELL FOUNDER BIRMINGHAM RECAST 1898 2. PEACE AND GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD A (bell) R On waist as 1st. 3. MR RICHARD SMITH JUNR SIDESMAN 1720 On waist as before. 4. MR JOHN GENTT MR JOHN WARD CH: WARDENS 1720 On waist as before. 5. MR WILLIAM READ VICAR 1720 A (bell) R On waist as before. 6. + FRANCIS CORNWALL ESQ A GREAT BENE FACTOR 1720 On waist as befor'3. (These bells also have Barwell's trade mark.) Inscriptions on old bells repeu,ted in each case; they were all by Rudhall (the treble recast by John in 1787). Weights: 1) 4 2 16 F sharp. 2) 4 : 3 16 E 3) 5 : 3 7 D 4) 6 : 0 14 C sharp. 5) 8 : 1 1 B 6) 10 : 1 16 A Old tenor about 9 cwt. The Cornwall family (see old tenor) held the manor from 1581 to 1720, when it was sold to William Bowles. 1740: 6 bells. Inscriptions given by Prattinton. Many thanks to Mr. Cyril Joyce per Rev. E. E. Lea •. 223
TENBURY. ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS, Old Wood Common. Two bells. Church built 1856.
THROCKMORTON. Four bells. l. Border, .Fig. 54 and fiettr-de-lys, F·ig. 33 alternating '(each four times). 2. The same. 3. WILLIAM (Fig. 33) WOODWARD (Fig. 33) AND (Fig. 33) IOHN (Fig. 33) WOODWARD (Fig. 33) C W (Fig. 33) AVGVST 6 (Fig. 54) ANNO 1622 4. BE IT KNOWNE TO ALL THAT SHALL VS SEE THAT HENRIE FARMER MADE WE 4 OF 3 1622 (Fig. 54).
All four by Henry Farmer of Gloucester (type as Fig. 45; also Figs. 204-205). The second bell was broken in two and lying about in 1890; the others seem to be quite sound. The broken bell now rests on a ledge at the side of the bell-chamber ; it is broken away from the stock, and cracked right down from the crown. 1552: ' iij bells a lityll bell.' Prattinton gives inscriptions. V.C.H. W ores., iii. p. 362. H.B.W., 1890 and 1929.
TIBBERTON. St. Nicholas. 1+1 bells. l. J : TAYLOR & C~ FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH '1868 S. J: TAYLOR & Co 1868. The predecessors of these bells had no inscriptions (Prattin- ton MSS.). 1552 : 'TYBERTON. in the steple ij belles.' 1740 : ' two bells.' V.C.H. Worcs., iii. p. 538. H.T.T., 1882.
TIDMINGTON. 3+1 bells. l. ROBERT ATTON 1619 (27t in. 2. + BARTELMEW ATON (crown) -a. Sanctt (shield) Dtlr~ ora (shield) pro nobiS S. Unintelligible; about 1600.
lst.: by Robert Atton of Buckingham (see Fig. 207); 2nd (see Fig. 206) by his predecessor Bartholomew, but cast. at Leicester when working with the Newcombes (about 1570). ROBERT ~TTON 1619 Fig. 207. TID:MINGTON 1st . .sa nrtr ~prtrr ora ~pro UOUlt1 Fig. 208. TID:VII~GTON ll'd.
-~~NHIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIINIIIIIIIIII,NIIIIIIIIIIIIIII,IIIIIIIIIIII
11111111111111111111~I* I 111111111 Ill I I Ill I IHI 111111111111 I~ '111111111
~TH OM7\S~HORW.ARD~WfLL17\M HA.YWARDmCHVRCH~WARDl!IES~ OF~TREDIV1GTVV1[1j 1624 l'ig. 209. TREDlNGTON ith. 225
~he cross and crown are characteristic Newcombe marks, and the lettering is Newcombe's. Letters set wide apart; E Teversed. 3rd: From the Reading foundry. Mr. A. H. Cocks assigned it to William Welles (about 1570), but I think it must be earlier. ·(See Fig. 208). The shield is the well-known one with three laver-pots used by William Dawe and John Bird of London {1385-1420). At Radclive, Bucks, the same founder uses Dawe's medallion trade-mark. Sanctus: inscribed with two rows of letters and stamps very difficult to make out, especially as the bell is not very ·.accessible ; the form of the A which occurs more than once, indicates a date about 1600. Mr. H. Terry of Ilmington wrote to Mr. E . A. B. Barnard in 1927 that there was a tradition of one of these bells having .come from Barcheston, just across the Stour. This would .explain an empty pit in the latter tower, which has pre .sumably at some time been occupied. It may be noted that there is a bell at Barcheston from the Buckingham foundry (Oh. B ells of Warw., p. 107). V.C.H. Worcs., iii. p. 541. H.B.W., 1901.
TREDINGTON. St. Gregory. Six bells. 1. Above, arabesques (Fig. 118), and two coins of Charles II. WILLIAM BALDING CHVRCHWARDEN MATHEW :BAGLEY MADE MEE 1683 (bits of Fig. 118 between the words) 2. G MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1858 GLORY TO GOD C . H . WATLING RECTOR
THOS. KILBY I\. CHURCHWARDENS THOS. WHEATCROFT 3. G: P: ANNO ·>DOMINI.; .. ; .. ; .. :- 1622 ·:· ; 4. GEORGE PVRDY ; E MADE ME·:· A NN 0 ·:· DO MINI.;. 1622 ; (Fig. 210). 5. Above, scroll-border with crosses at intervals. THOMAS + HORWARD + WILLIAM + HAY WARD + CHVRCH + WARDNES + OF + TRED INGTVN + 1624 + (Fig. 209) 6. + DRAWE ·> NEARE <· TO<· GOD : 1622 : GEORGE ; PVRDYE ·:·(Fig. 211) G EORGE:PVRDYE M~DE: ME·:·~JIIIJ Q·:·D 0 MINI·:· J6,:l~ I<'ig. 210. 'l'REDINGTON 4th. ~:D R 7\: W E·:·N E 7\ RE ·:·T O·:·G OD:I6~:l: G E ORGE :PVRDYE·:· Pig. 211. TREDIXGTON Uth.
RICHARD SANDERS BROMSGROVE MADE VS ALLSIX I~IJ703~] Fig. 212, UPTON SNODSBURY 3rQ, 227
3rd, 4th and 6th by George Purdue of Taunton ; cf. Over bury. NN of ANNO joined. 5th probably by Robert Atton of Buckingham (cf. Tidmington). I can find no exact parallel, but the cross is used by Atton at Great Horwood, Bucks. It is given by Cocks, Ch. Bells of Bucks., pl. 30, 3, but the scroll appears to be unique. See generally Cocks, p. 204. Weight of tenor 19 cwt. The Rev. C. H. Watling was Rector 1839-1871. Bell-chamber said to be in bad order ; no floor under the bells. 1552 : ' iiij grete bells in the steple, wherof the paryshoners be in dette vls. for one of them which was broken ... a lyche bell, a sanctus bell, a sacryng bell. ' 1740: 6 bells. See Noake, Rambles in Wares., ii. p. 143; V.C.H. W ores., iii. p. 549. H.B.W., 1890. Many thanks to Mr. F. C. Wellstood of Stratford-on-Avon for an admirable series of rubbings, taken under difficulties. UPTON .QN ·SEVERN. SS. Peter and Paul. Eight bells. I. On waist: Q. H. HOLLOWAY GAVE ME H. BOND & SON IN LOVING REMEMBRBNCE BURFORD OXON. OF HIS FATHER AND MOTHER FOUNDERS 1902. 2. The same, butT. HOLLOWAY. 3. THIS BELL WAS RAlSED BY SUBSCRIPTION COL LECTED IN 1837 BY ·=··=· R. HARRISON S. THACKER S. HORN. R. BELL J. H TAYLOR RECTOR T. MEARS FECT 4 ... A R 1705 5. RING VS MERliN AND WE SHALL HAVE PRAISE 1705 6. A R 1705 7. ABRA: RVDHALL CAST VS ALL 1705 8. M~ RICH0 : SMITH RECTOR MR IOHN PRICE & M~ IOHN WINBERY CHV~ W~ 1705 The 3rd bell was cast at Gloucester. Nos. 4-8 have borders above the inscriptions. These bells are in the new church, erected in 1878 ; the two trebles are additions, and the six larger ·were previously in the old church tower, which now contains two clock-bells, put up by Bond in 1902. The tenor weighs 15 cwt. (diam. 40 in.). Previously to 1837 there were only five bells. ~ '" o:.;l , :228
1552 : ' iij belles, a broken bell the wyche doth lye in gage for casting the other bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton ; also a copy by L. B. Clarence made in 1863, in the Raven MSS. (Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. 37434). See also V.C.H. Worc8., iv. p. 216. Thanks to Mr. Ernest Gibbs. At Hook Common Chapel of Ease is one bell of 2! cwt., put up by Mears & Stainbank in 1870. UPTON SNODSBURY. St. Kenelm. Six bells. 1. ARMELL . GREEN • JOHN . GREEN . C . W • 1738 RECAST BY CARRS OF SMETHWICK 1913 2. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN ANNE ~ R. S. 1703 Below as No. 1. 3. RICHARD SANDERS BROMSGROVE MADE VS ALL SIX (Fig. 113) 1703 1' ig. 113). 4. IOHN RUDHALL GLOUCESTER FEC! 1793 5. IOHN RUDHALL GLOUCESTER FECT 1805 (broad border Fig. 213) .. 6. CONSIDER MAN WHEN YOU HERE MEE THAT I EAR LONG MAY RING FOR THEE 1719
Old lst inscribed ARMELL GREEN JOHN GREEN C W 1738 (bt;ll) s 2nd: GOD SAVE QVEEN ANN: >-J< (bell) R S 1703~ (bell) (border) Of Sanders' original ring of six only the 3rd now remains ; the 1st and 6th were recast by him in 1738 and 1719 respect ively. The lettering on the 3rd (Fig. 212) is a small neat type not, so far as I know, used elsewhere ; the others are in the ordinary lettering. The bells of 1703 represent his earliest date in the county ; the one of 1738 his latest. Border on 5th, see Fig. 213 ; on the 4th, OF is obliterated. A specimen of Carr's type as used on the treble is given in Fig. 222. 1552. ' In the tower iij bells, a saunce bell, j lyche bell, a sacryng bell. One of the sayde iiij bells was bought to the costs of the whole paroche to the some of xj ls.' 1740. '6 bells.' See also Prattinton, and Noake. Rambler in W ores., ii. p. 193. V.C.H. W o·rcs., iv. p. 211. H.B.W., 1889 and 1925. ll'ig. 213. UPTON SNOD8BURY 5th. 230
UPTON WARREN. St. Michael. Three bells. 1. (Fig. 72) SING WEE MERILI TO GOff ON HY RICHARD FFOX HVlVIFRY (Fig. 71 as stop throughout) LAW (Fig. 71) C (Fig. 71) W 1653 (Fig. 69) (arabesque.'! Fig. 59) (25t in. 2. WILLIAM BROOKE (bell) OF BROMSGROUE (fieur-de-ly8) MAGE (fieur-de-ly8) ME (.fleur-de-lys) 1743 (Fig. 113) (27 in. 3. +IRON CHAVRLTON (Fig. 173) THOMAS THVR- LEX (Fig. 173) 1618 B (bell) G (30 in. 1st: An early example of John Martin's work (cf. Yardley); thick letters; Nand D reversed. See Fig. 214. 2nd: One of the few examples of W. Brooke's work; cf. Moseley, St. Anne. D reversed; Fig. 113 is inverted. See F ig. 215. 3rd: By John Greene II. B.G. may be another member of the family acting as foreman. See Fig. 216. These bells are described as the 2nd, 4th, and tenor of a ring of six. • 1552. 'iij bells hanging in the steple & j of them ys broken j sakerynge bell.' V.C.H. Worcs., iii. p. 233. H.B.W., 1900. WARLEY WOODS. St. Hilda. One bell(?) Church built 1906; parish formed from Halesowen. WARNDON. St. Nicholas. Two bells. 1. ~ JOHN BROOK C W 1710 (b01·der Fig. 113) B elow : F ig. 81. 2. (Cross Fig.83) SANCTE GABRIHEL I S ORA PRO NOBIS 1st by R. Sanders (see Fig. 217). 2nd as Acton Beauchamp, etc., the initial letters crowned; letters much worn, and wide apart. See Fig. 218. Pits for three bells. There was formerly also a treble, the inscription on which is given by Prattinton as A VE MARIA GRACIA PLENA DOMINVS TECVM ; this was a medieval bell. The 2nd bell is now disused and unhung. 1552. ' W ARNTON. iiij small bells in the step!e.' 1740. 'Warmindon. 3 Bells.' V.C.H. Worcs., iii. p. 553. H.B.W., 1910. ~SI\11Gc$WEE~~MERILI * TO~i~GOG*OVl~i~HY RICHARD*FFOX'~jGtHVMFRY ~w LAWWCWW 1653~
Fig. ~H. UPTON WARREN 1st.
WILLIAM BROOK£~ Of BROMSGROUE~ MAGE Jste,] ME lOO! 1743 ~. Fig. 21u. UPTON WARREN 2nd. ffi I H 0 N C HA V R LT 0 N~T H 0 M AS T}-:fVRLEA~I618B~G Fig. 21G. UP'l'ON WARREN 3rd,. :232
WASHBOURNE, LITTLE. St. Mary. 1+1 bella. l. [By Carr of Smethwick, dated 1892.] Old bell, now disused : lllll or 1584 (Fig. 219). The new bell, which hangs in the turret, is the same size .as the old one which it replaces. The latter, now kept in the .church, had been cracked for many years. Note the early form of the date-figures (as at Frankley). Founder unknown. The parish is now in Gloucestershire, but is still in Worcester Diocese and united with Overbury. 1553 : WASHBOURNE K!NGS . ij bells in the steple ij .sacryng bells.' Church Bells, 9 Dec. 1892; V.C.H. Wares., iii. p. 477.
WELLAND. St. James. Six bells. 1-6. J: TAYLOR &: C~ FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH -1874 All have angular cannons. Belfry somewhat dirty. 1552 : 'iiij bells the grettist is broken.' 1740 : ' 5 Bells.' Dr. Prattinton records four bells in the old church, in· .scribed as follows :- 1. RICHARD WHEELER HENRY GROVE C W 1703 2. GOD SAVE THE CHVRCH & KING A R 1721 3. NICHOLAS COTTERELL RICHARD DVNN C W 1680 4. RICH: WAGER CH WARDEN A R 1714 The 3rd was probably by John Martin, the others by Abra ham Rudhall. H.B.W., 1909.
WHITIINGTON. One bell. l. G MEARS FOUNDER LONDON Put up about 186L Very difficult of access. 1552. 'ij lytell bells hanging in the church walle' (i.e. in .:a hole under the W. gable). V.C.H. Worcs., iii. p. 517. WICHENFORD. St. Laurence. Three bells. l. THOMAS GREENE HENRY SIMES 1673 2. On crown: (Fig. 112) TEMPORE (Fi '. 109) DNI (Fig. 107) ·THOME FELD [±]JOHN BROOK · 'C W 1710 .~~ Fig. 217. WARNDON Bell. ~s Jf n a r; Er JJ l3 F. I It« ·'n t:.T.:1 e t::h.1 t:.:t:f w rs o RJI :r:Ro no:sxs Fig. 218. WARNDON (disused bell). m a·b r 1 sa~ Fig. 219. LITTLE WASHBOURNE (disused bell). ~ "6" e: m'P o :a e: ~ :onx [I] 0nome: · 'F e:rrn ffi . ~ ll snna0a 5ta mxanrrEtrc OJa o'R:rr ~'Q~O 51r])10)3XS fig. 220. WIC:f{ENFO:RlJ 211~. '234
Below : (Figs. 126, 104, 112) SANCTE (Fig. 126) MICHAEL (Fig. 126) ORA (Fig. 126) PRO (Fig. 126) NOBIS 3. SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS THOMAS WORMINGTON CHARLES TOVEY 1664 B elow, arabesques Fig. 59 and Fig. 68. 1st and 3rd by John Martin; N reversed on 1st. 2nd, see Fig. 220; by the same founder as Grimley tenor, with the Queen's head and fieur-de-lys (Figs. 109, 126) as .stops and cross (Fig. 104). The upper inscription is in smaller lettering, like Lindridge sanctus, with reduced versions of Figs. 112, 107, and 109. Thomas Feld was Vicar down to 1489, when John Osborn was instituted; the bell is presum ably a contemporary of that at Grimley. Bells restored and belfry improved about 1897; in 1890 it was in a very bad state, and in the total absence of flooring the bells were difficult to examine. 1552: ' WYCHYNFORD. In the stepell iij bells ... .a littell sance bell.' 1740 : ' 3 bells.' V.C.H. Wares., iii .p. 566. H .B.W., 1890. WICK. St. Bartholomew or St. Lawrence. One bell. 1. PROSPERITY TO THIS PARISH A (bell) R 1722 1552 : 'iij bells in the steple.' H.T.T., 1877. WlCKHAMFORD. St. John Baptist. One bell. 1. THOMAS AKERS C W M B 1686 By Matthew Bagley. V.C.H. W ores., ii. p. 429. H.B.W., 1893. WIUEY, GREAT. St. Michael. 1+1 bells. 1. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE DO SUMMON ALL A (bell) R 1734 (border) S. SAMUEL SUTHALL C W 1738 R (bell) S Large bell by Abraham Rudhall. It is rare to find this inscription except on the tenor of a ring. This bell is cracked. Small bell by Richard Sanders ; apparently his latest production.· 1552 : ' iij bells hangyng in the steple j saintts bell with a lyche bell.' 1740 : ' 1 bell.' V.C.H., Wares., iv. p. 375. H.T.T., 1893. 285
WITLEY, LITTLE. St. Michael. One bell.
l. ~ SAMWELL THOMAS C W 1733 R (bell) S
By Richard Sanders. The inscription was copied by the parish clerk for me, 12 Nov., 1900. Dr. Prattinton's reading corresponds with this exactly. 1552 : ' ij bells in the steple . . . a lyche bell.' V.C.H. Wares., iii. p. 407.'
WOLLASTON. St. James. Six bells. Church built 1860 ; parish formed from Old Swinford.
WOLVERLEY. St. John Baptist. Six bells. l. EDWARD STILLINGFLEET VICAR+ R (bell) S (two coins) (27! in. 2. IOHN RUDHALL GLOUCESTER FECT 1788 (29 in. 3. IOHN RUDHALL FECT 1789 (32 in. 4. (a) C. B. ROWLAND M.A. VICAR W. HANCOCKS ~ T. PITT I CHURCHWARDENS
(b) RECAST BY "CHARLES CARR" 1896 (33 in. 5. IOHN MORRIS &: IOHN PARE CHURCH. WARDENS 1788 (scroll) · (35 in. 6. +THOMAS BRETTEL SAMUEL BOUCHER C WAR- DENS 1737 R (bell) s (coin) (39 in.
1st and 6th by R. Sanders. The old 4th was uninscribed. 1552 : ' iij rells in the steple a saunce bell.' 1740: '6 bells.' Noake, Rambles in Worcs., ii. p. 247. says' five bells.' V.C.H. Wares., iii. p. 572. Thanks to Mr. J. F. Parker. 16 Fig. 221. STANFORD-on-Teme 1st.
Fig. 22:J. WORCESTER CATHEDRAL. RBE
Fig. 222. U:n'ON SNODSBURY 1st. Fig. 224. WORCESTER ~1-' . M.ARTI~ 6tll, 237 WORCESTER.
WORCESTER CATHEDRAL. 12+4 bells. l-9. JOHANNES TAYLOR LOVGHBOROVGH FVDIT. MDCCCLXIX RECAST 1928. l. S. MATTHIAS THIS BELL IS GIVEN TO THE GLORY OF GOD IN LOVING MEMORY OF MARTIN ABELL A KING'S SCHOLAR B . 1840 - D. 1928 2. S. IVDAS IACOBI 3. S. SIMON ZELOTES 4. S. IACOB VS ALPHAEI 5. S: MATTHAEUS 6. S: BARTHOLOMAEUS 7. S. THOMAS 8. S. PHILIPPVS THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND DISTRICT" CHANGE RINGING ASSN. GAVE MEl 9. s. ANDREAS THIS BELL WAS GIVEN BY MRS. E. THOMAS AND HER SON E. P. THOMAS 10-11. JOHANNES TAYLOR LOVGHBOROVGH FVDIT ANNO DOMINI MDCCCLXIX RECAST 1928 10. S. IOHANNES TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF NORMAN OGILVY, PRIEST SOMETIME RECTOR OF HANBURY IN THIS DIOCESE: BORN OCT. 6, 1839. DIED JUNE 7 1903 AND OF EMILY HIS WIFE BORN NOV. 27, 1841. DIED MAY 12, 1926 AND OF ALICE THEIR DAUGHTER BORN MARCH 17, 1871. DIED MAY 13, 1926. 11. S. JACOBVS IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF WORCESTERSHIRE ~ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR. ESPECIALLY J. ROBERT BLAKE & EDWARD S. BLAKE SONS OF THE RECTOR OF ST. HELEN'S,. WORCES'l'Elt. • '.rhis inscription is incised 238
12. JOHANNES, etc ., as on lOth - llth. S. PETRUS 'rHIS PEAL OF BELLS WAS RECAST BY JOHN TAYLOR & CO. OF LOUGHBOROUGH IN 1928. W. MOORE EDE D.D. DEAN OF WORCESTER JOSEPH SMITH CLERK OF THE WORKS OF THE CATHEDRAL Half-tone bells. l. (Between 4 and 5) : JOHANNES TAYLOR LOVGHBOROVGH FVDIT MDCCCLXIX S. PAVLVS RECAST 1928 2. (Between 6 and 7) : J : TAYLOR LOVGHBOROVGH A D MDCCCLXXV s: MARCVS RECAST 1928 3. (Between 8 and 9): JOHANNES TAYLOR LOVGHBOROVGH FVDIT A.D. MDCCCLXXV S. LVCAS RECAST 1928. Hour Bell. SVRGE QVI DORMIS ET EXVRGE A MORTVIS ET ILLVMIN ABIT TE CHRISTVS JOHANNES TAYLOR, LOVGHBOROVGH, FVDIT ANNO DOMINI MDCCCLXVIII. IN VSVM ECCLESIAE CATHEDRALIS CHRIST! ET BEATAE MARIAE VIRGINIS IN CIVITATE ET COMITATV VIGORNIENSI On waist, four coats of arms : 1) England 2) See of Worcester 3) Dean and Chapter of Worcester 4) City of Worcester These bells were put up in 1928, the former ring (see below) having shown signs of deterioration. I am much in debted to Mr. C. A. Binyon for supplying me with particulars of the inscriptions, which are practically all repeated from the old bells, with some additions. The bells of 1869 were all inscribed in Gothic capitals, copied from a well-known and very beautiful alphabet used on some Lincolnshire bells (e.g., South Somercotes, dated 1423). 1
1 See North's Oh. Bells ot Lincs. pis. 9-13. 239
The weights of the present ring are as follows :- 1. 7 1 8 Diam. 29 in. Note F sharp 2. 7 3 16 301 E 3. 8 0 20 :n D sharp 4. 8 l 25 321 C sharp 5. 9 0 19 35 B 6. 10 0 6 361 A sharp 7. 12 0 l 39l G sharp 8. 14 3 26 43l F sharp 9. 20 0 6 48 E 10. 25 2 lO 51 D sharp 11. 34 3 4 57 C sharp 12. 49 2 0 64 B Half-tones:- 1. 8 2 15 33t c 2. lO : 2 : 24 38 A 3. 16 : l : 16 45 F Hour bell. 82cwt., 3qrs., 24lbs. 76!in. A. The old ring was in the key of D flat ; total weight 212lcwt. The present ring of twelve (in key of B) weighs about 204cwt. The Carillon, which was presented to the Cathedral by Mr. J. W. Lea, was made by Gillett and Bland of Croydon, and plays the following tunes on seven barrels (the list is taken from Phillips' Guide to the Cathedral, 1923) :- 1. Hanover My Lodging is on the Cold Ground The Pass of Llanberis Since l<'irst I Saw Your l<'ace God Bless the Prince of 'vales '.rhe Last Hose of Summer 2. Adeste Fideles Jenny .J ones Blue Bells of Scotland Legend of the Avon When the King Enjoys His Own Again Haydn's Hymn to the Emperor Ye Banks and Braes 3. Pilgrims Auld Lang Syne The Harp That Once Bells of Aberdovey Rose of Allandale Summer Sweets March of :.Vlen of Harlech 4. Easter Hymn Caller Herrin Minstrel Boy Ash Grove Old English March Rising of the Lark 240
5. Rockingham She vVore a Wreath of Roses Pilgrim of Love Rule, Britannia Braes of Balloclnnyle Cllristchurch 'l'om Bowling 6. Easter Hymn Christ the Lord is Risen To-day Onward, Christian Soldiers God Save the King Christians, Awake Hark, the Herald Angels A l!'ew l\1ore Years Shall Roll 7. Alleluia dulce carmen 0 Lord. How Happy Should We Be .Jesu, the Very 'l'hought is Sweet From Highest Heaven th' lDternal Son Deck 'l'hyself, My Soul 0 Rucred Head, Surrounded R<~ joice , the Lord is King This magnificent ring of bells, as has been noted, immedi ately replaces an equally fine ring, the new scheme for which, with the clock and chimes, was started by Canon Cattley in 1863, at the time of the restoration of the Cathedral. This again succeeded a ring of eight, which it was thought fit to dispose of at that time, but fortunately the majority of them are still in existence, although scattered all over the country. Before giving an account of them, it may be as well to trace the previous history of the Cathedral bells, so far as evidence exists. The earliest records go back to the days of the Danish invasion, and the tradition of the Dane who stole the sanctus bell of the Cathedral. Mr. Salt Brassington 1 tells the tale how when the Dunes had penetrate(} uv the Severn and raided the city, " one man, more ayaricious than the rest, stayed behind to steal the sanctus bell. Now the sanctus bell was heavy, and when the thief had lowered it to the ground he had much ado to carry it away. While he was bending beneath his burden the people of the city returned, and caught the thief red-handeu. Furious with rage the monks and citiv.ens fell upon the pirate and speedily flayed him alive; his skin, when tanned, they nailed upon the inner side of the great west doors of the Cathetlral, as a warning to the sacrilegious in general and to marauding Danes \n particular. Portions of skin may yet be seen on the old door, now relegated to one of the Cathedral lumber-rooms."2
t H-istoric Worcestershire, p. Sl; Noake, Jfonastery and Oatlle tifat uf Worcester, p. 20. !I I understana that it is now in the 0athedral Library. 241
Actual history however begins in 1220, in which year the Clochard or Campanile was first erected, which down to the Reformation stood a few feet from the north-east transept of the Cathedral, close to the Church of St. Michael. The bells then made for the new belfry were consecrated by Bishop de :Blois :- Magnae campanae fusae sunt sub \Vmo de Brallewe1 sacrista, et ab episcopo consecratae in honore S. Salvatoris et genitricis eius, et Hautclere in honore S. Ioh. Evang. cum pari suo'. 2 This implies at least three bells, respectively cast in honour of our Saviour, the Virgin Mary, and SS. John and James, the last-named being known as Hautclere. In 1374 the new central tower of the Cathedral was built, .and three of the bells which still exist were then cast, if not .actually placed therein. One of them bears an inscription (see below), which may refer to the work of building then going on. It is not however clear which bells hung in the tower and which in the clochard 3 . At the time of the Reformation, when .according to Bishop Blandford's MSS. the four bells in the steeple were removed, the prior's book gives ' the scripture on the iiij bells in the leddon stepull,' which certainly denotes the clochard. The inscriptions according to this source of 4 information were as follows :- 1. Carnpanas diu serves has Virgo Maria 2. Cristns vincit Cristns reguat Cristus imperat Crlstus nos ab omni malo 3. Iohannes Lyndesey.; hoc opere impleto Chl'isti virtute fa veto 4. Ave Maria gracia plena Dominus tecum. There was also a clock-bell, put up when Thomas Mildenham was Prior (1499-1507) :- Thorna Mlldenham priore En ego campana nunquam denuncio. vana laudo Demn verum plebem voco congrego clerum funera plango fulgura frango sabhata pango exerto lente~; dissipo ventos paco cruentos. It is difficult to reconcile this account of the inscriptions .as existing about 1550 with the subsequent history of the ring.
1 Broadwas? • \Vharton, Anglia Sacra, i, p . 485; see Noake, 1T' ores. Nug_q ets, p. 85, and Monastery and Cathedral, p. 387. 3 Noake, Worcs. N. and Q., p. 329, snys that only a small bell :and a clock-bell were placed in the new tower. This may be wrong. 4 Given by V. Green, H ist. of Worcester, i, p. 42. ~ He was sacrist in 1374. 242
It may be supposed that the five bells in the clochard wer~ disposed of at the Reformation as being no longer required, i.e., if there were other bells in the central Tower. This would account for the disappearance of those of which the inscriptions· are given in the Prior's book. But it is curious that the third bell there given bears nearly the su,me inscription as one of the existing bells which were put up in 1374. The latter· however does not bear the name of John Lyndsey. As for· the clock-bell, it is stated in a local manuscript called Chrono logia that in 1374 the sacrist took the smallest of the then three bells and placed it in the new tower as a clock-bell;: but this can have nothing to do with Thomas Mildenham's bell. A further record (of the eighteenth century) which may be suitably quoted here is transcribed by Dr. Prattinton from the Lansdowne MSS. in the British Museum (1233, p. 71 ). " The Leaden Spire anciently callet.l the Clockium, being the· belfrey until Anno 1374 when the Tower of the Church was finished, consisted of an e i ght- ~ided Base of stone-worke uniforme with the East part .... The Dells were but 5, but by the frame & stocks thereon they hang<~d & left in tlle place· when the Bells were gone, si e:L' ungne J,eoncm, the Dells were of equall weight & Stone (?) wth those of Yorke, viz·. litiOO tlle biggest & unison with an open ('!organ) pipe of 2ii Inches long. " [Here follows a comparison with the tone of the great. bells at Exeter, Lincoln and Westminster. It is also men tioned that John Lindsey was sacrist at the time.] Noake 1 quotes an entry in the Compotus Roll of 1424. Sol'm l 1 Notes and Queries, p. 32!l, from the Cathedral MS. Ohronologia. 2 Worcs. ReUcs, p. 330. 3 Noake, Mon. and Cath. of Wore., p. fiO!l. 243 3. Blank. 4. Honi soit qui mal y pense. 5. Ricardo Edes decano 1602. 6. Hoc opus impleto Iesu virtute faveto. 7. Habeo nomen gabrielis missi de celis. 8. I sweetly tolling men do call to taste on meat that feeds the soul. An improved version of these is given in 1796 by Valentine Green in his History and Antiquities of Worcester, i. p. 115. [He omits No. 4, but gives the inscription on No. 3 which Dr. Thomas missed.] 1. God save the King 1640. 2. Blank. 3. In honore Sci Wulstani epi ~ 4. [Inscription cut off.] 5. Ricardo Edes decano 1602 I GB M 6. Hoc opus etc. 7. Habeo nomen, etc. 8. I sweetly tolling, etc., with date 1648 I have a suspicion that the inscriptions given by Dr. Thomas as on 4th and 5th were really both on the 5th, and that, as the initials I G suggest, it was cast by John Greene. ' Honi so it qui mal y pense' is found on his hell at Stoke Prior (seep. 13). On the other hand it is not clear whether 'Inscription cut off' on the 4th is a mistake of Green's. The difficulties increase when these two accounts are compared with the copy of the inscriptions made when the bells were taken down in 1863 1 . It was as follows :- 1. God save the King 1640 2 • 2. Stolen about 1860 3 . 3. In honore Sci Wulst~tni Epi: 4. [Inscription cut off.] 4 5. [By .J. Rudhall, 1820.] 6. Hoc opus, etc. 7. Habeo nomen, etc. 8. [By .r. Rudhall, 1830.] It will be seen that the bells of 1602 and 1648 had been recast in the interval 5, and the 2nd stolen. The 4th still 1 See l~lla combe, Bells of th e Chm·ch, p. 498. 2 Mr. L. B. Clarence in 181i3 noted that there were stops between the words; see Raven MSS., llrit. Mus. Add. 37434. • During the restoration, according to Noake, N. and Q., p. 329. 4 Really a blank bell, 1'. infra. • The tenor had been cracked by c~appering for a funeral. '244 remains a puzzle. The four oldest bells preserved were th~ 3rd, the 6th, the 7th and another bell without inscription which from its appearance seems to have been cast contemp maneously with the 3rd and by the same founder. If so, it can only be the one given in the copy as the 4th, and once again the mistake was made of supposing an inscription to bave been cut off. These seven bells were purchased by Mr. Tyssen Amherst (the late Lord Amherst of Hackney), and four of them (those noted above) were placed in his park at Didlington, Norfolk, being subsequently transferred to the Parish Church, where they now hang in the tower, and are used for chiming. The three more modern bells (the lst, 5th, and 8th) were sold by him. 1 Of these the lst is said to have gone to Holy Trinity, Worcester, but I was informed by a former Vicar, Rev. G. F. Hough, that the bell now in the turret was modern. It may of course have been recast when hung there, but unfortunately jt is inaccessible for verification. The other two (the Rudhall bells) are said to have gone respectively to Dewsbury and Wolverhampton. I cannot however trace either in the account of the bells in Wolverhampton churches given by Lynam. 2 Possibly it is the one recorded as at St. Mark's Church, which was cast by Blews in 1871 ; if so it must be the old 5th, as the diameter is only 38 in. Lord Amherst in 1901 kindly supplied the present writer with an account of the four old bells 3, and a complete set of photographs of casts of the inscriptions. No. 1 is inscribed :- +IN HONORE SCI WOLSTANI EPI (Fig. 225). This bell, which (as already noted) is not mentioned before 1796, was cast by William Burford of London about 1380. The stop is interesting, as used by the founder of the next bell, a contemporary of Burford's. There is a bell at Hereford Cathedral by this man, with the name of Stephen Banastre as donor. No. 2 has no inscription, but is undoubtedly a medieval bell. The mouldings seem to show that it is by the same foun der as No. 1, as already noted, but it is an inferior casting. 4 1 See also Noake, Worcs. Relics, p. 321; Worcs . N. and Q., p 329. 2 Oh. B ells. of Staffs., p . 3G. 3 These I visited myself at Didlington in 192il, and took rubbings. 4 It is therefore not one of the bells cast in 1220, as suggested by me before I had seen it (Assoc, Arch . Socs . R crwrts, XX\". pp. 552, 574). . J\_ rnrn~n.onoRe:~s ur~ WODS19Rni~ffPI Fig. 225. 'YORCESTER CATHEDRAL. ~~®® 9®Pl'S P ·- - m ( lJ®!I V!W Jt~W6~ - ;.rrJv (l ~ ® Fig. 22G. WORCESTER CATHEDRAL. 246 No. 3 is inscribed + HOC OPVS IMPLETO IESV VIRTVTE FAVETO (Figs. 226, 227). The stamps and crowned letters mark this bell as the work of Stephen Norton ' of Kent', probably a Maidstone man, and it was probably cast in 1374, as already noted. It is the only inscription occurring in all the lists, though as we have seen it is not certainly the bell mentioned in 1550. Stephen Norton's bells also occur in Kent (Holy Cross, Canter bury, and Snave), and at Chiselborough, Somerset. The letters here used were afterwards adopted by the London founders. 1 In Fig. 226 the inscription is incomplete. No. 4 is inscribed :- + Missi De Celis Habeo Nomen Gabrielis (cross and Royal Arms). This bell is by John Danyell of London, about 1460 (see Figs. 228, 229). It is remarkable for the use of a very rare cross (Fig. 223), only found at Wingrave, Bucks; Mere, Wilts; and West Monkton, Somerset (now recast), but which was also on one of the old bells of King's College, Cambridge. 2 These bells, says Lord Amherst, are quite perfect, and in very good preservation. Of the other old bells, the founder of the 1st is doubtful, but the tenor was evidently by George Oldfield of Nottingham, which foundry alone uses the in scription originally thereon. It will be seen that there are great difficulties in reconciling all the known accounts, and it is impossible to do more here than collect what has been recorded from time to time. See for most of the above information, Ellacombe, Bells of the Church, p. 498, and for an account of the new bells, ibid. pp. 399, 499 ; the specification for the same is given in the Ellacombe MSS (Brit. Mus. Add. 33205, fol. 366-367). See also Chronologia Aedificiorum, A. xii. fol. 77 (MS. in Cathedral Library); Ann. Mon. (Rolls Ser.) iv. 412; Noake, Mon. and Cath. of Worcester. p. 388; and other works as cited above. For descriptions of the 1868 ring, Ringing World, 7 March 1913; Berrow's Wore. Journ., 15 March 1924; also V.C.H. Wares., iv. p. 399; for the new ring, Ringing World, 30 Nov., 1928. • Cf. Church Bells of Essem, pls. 5 ff. 2 Raven, Ch. Bells of Ca.rnbs., p. 27. Fi~s. 227, 2!,l8. wo:ncES'l'ER, CA,THElDRAL. Old 6th and 7th, :248 I take tl).e liberty of reproducing here the following article -which appeared in Berrow'8 Worcester Journal, 26 April, 1930:- MYS'l'ERY OF CATHEDRAIJ DELL. The mystery of the disappearance of the treble bell from the tower of Worcester Cathedral, presumably during the restora tion HO years ago, was reenlled in an interesting way by Mr. F . g_ Dawe at the annual meeting of the Worcestershire and Districts Change Ringing Association. •.rwo generations ago the circumstances were much dis(•ussed, but probably they are not widely !mown by the present generation, and :Mr. Dawe's simple but faseinatiug story startletl his hearers. Up till nbout G4 years ago there had existed a ring of eight bells at the Cathedral. An Ameriean gentleman, visiting the Cathe 1 Only Areley Kings had a new bell at this time; the story :Seems to contain a mythical element. (H.B.W.) 249' WORCESTER. ALL SAINTS. 10+1 bells. 1. WHEN YOU US RING WE'LL SWEETLY SING T (bell) R 2. SO FOLLOW TRUE MY BROTHER STRING A (bell) R 1752 3. GOD PRESERVE THE CHURCH A (bell) R 1750 4. PROSPERITY TO ALL OUR BENEFACTORS. A (bell) R 1750 5. On crown : A : R : (bell) . GOD SAVE THE KING MR JOHN HANDY MNR 1692 6. RECAST BY ABEL RUDHALL 1753 7. GEO FAYTING RECTOR ROBR: MILNER GENT FRA CHETLE: GENT CH 1692 8. ANT: HILL: JEDITIMVS GOD: SAVE: THE: KING 1692: A:R (two bells) 9. :ABRA RVDHALL OF GLOVCESTER (bell) CASTE~ vs: ANNO DOM: 1692; On waist, Royal Arms. 10. ALL SAINTS MAY WE BE HeNRY WATKINS & WILLIAM WATKINS CHURCHWARDENS THOMAS M EARS & SON OF LONDON FECIT 1805 (weight 20 cwt.~ S. COME AWAY MAKE NO DELAY (bell and three coins) MICHAEL PERRY CHURCH WARDEN 1741 Inscription on treble probably repeated from the old treble of 1692. On the 8th AEDITIMVS is for AEDITVVS ('warden'). The Rev. G. Fayting was Rector 1663-1710. 1552 : 'v belles a sanct bell a cloke and chymes,' etc. 1740: '10 bells.' V .C.H. Worcs., iv. p. 408; Berrow's- Worc. Journal, 1 March, 1924. H.T.T., 1881. WORCESTER. HOLY TRINITY. One bell. This church was built in 1866, and as we have already seeu (p. 40), is reported to have received, together with the roof of the old Guesten Hall, one of the bells from the old Cathedral ring. But as I have there noted, the bell which now hangs in a. central open turret is quite modern. It must therefore be supposed that it was recast before its erection here. As its date was 1640 we may regret its disappearance, though in its present position it would not be easy to examine it. 250 WORCESTER. ST. ALBAN. One bell: One small modern bell hanging in an open turret at the west .end of the nave, not older in date than 1851. It has only J ~ P, denoting J efferies and Price of Bristol. Formerly there were two bells here, but when the church was restored in 1851 these were sold for £27 by the architect, 1\>Ir. J. Piers St. Aubyn, to the new church of St. James, Devonport, which he was then erecting. They now form the -second and third of a ring of three there, of which the treble .dates from 1851. The smaller of the two is inf;cribed :- R: H : H: G: C: W: X: 1 : 6 : 3 : 0: (Fi7. 230) .and is probably by Richard Dawkes (cf. White Ladies Aston, Peopleton, and Dormstone). The larger bell is inscribed : VOLEM (jleur-de-lys) DNES (.fleur-de-lys) DNA (jleur-de-lys) DEPS (fleur-de-lys) YM (Fig. llO) BE (Fig. 110) DOG (Fig.llO) EGNENIGEB + YM (jieur-de-lys) NI + On the rim : 1588 (+ In my + beginenge God be my sped and send me Jo" (e) 1588) The inscription is set backwards and many of the letters are reversed or inverted. See Fig. 231. There are similar bells at Dowdeswell, Huntley, and Oxenhall, Gloucs.; the founder, who is unknown, acquired the lettering and stamps which .appear on the bells of the Grimley and Wichenford type. The stamp is that of a lion's head with lolling tongue (Fig. 110) ; the cross Fig. 104, and the fieur-de-lys Fig. 126. 1552 : ' ij li tle belles.' 1740: '2 bells.' V.C.H. Wares., i .. p. 408; Berrow's Wore. Journal, I March 1924. Thanks to Rev. Canon Blake. WORCESTER. ST. ANDREW. I+I bells. I. + ANDREE SANCTI CAMPANAM QUIPPE BEAT AM FECIT IN HONOREM UYLLEI DIGNUM SIBI FLOREM (see Fig. 232). S. COME AWAY MAKE NO DELAY T (bell) R 1771 (quatrefoil .ornament). Larger bell by an unknown founder, but certainly cast at Gloucester. It may be the work of Richard Atkyns of that .city. 1 The sanctus bell at St. Nicholas, Gloucester, which can be dated about 1530, has similar cross and lettering. The 1 See 'l'rans. BTistol and Gloucs. Arch. Soc., xxxiv. p. 113. ttillun Dr Clr1111 1t auro nomrn @aunrns ~ i Fig. 229. WORCESTER CATHEDRAL. Fig. 230. DEVONPORT S ~l' ..JAM. .ES (from St. Alban"s). mJA o11 :emw an. e: s ~a nrs Q0 a ap s oo\lm ~ ~a a~ o6~ff 0 ue: nr 6lfB ~\l.ffi Qla xu 1! 8 8 Fig. 231. DEVONPORT ST. JAMES (from St. Alban's). ~ JinnRae: snnaor aJ.ImPJinJim uurPPa B6JI'G'Jim Re:aru rn nonoaem tlVllli6I DIGnam SIBI FTIOREiffi Fig. 232. WORCESTER ST. ANDREW. 252 latter is of a mixed character, and evidently of comparatively late date. The inscription may be translated ' Wylley made the bell, blessed in honour of Saint Andrew, a worthy honour for himself.' This bell weighs about a ton. There are pits for five bells ; the other four were sold, and the headstocks are still lying about in the belfry. There is also an interesting old clock in the tower, the spire of which was built in 1751. The date of the old bell presents some difficulty, 1 as the name Wylley would at first sight seem to refer to John Wylley or Willey, who was Rector 1436-1451 ; 2 but other evidence, besides that of the similar bell at Gloucester, points to a later date. A document of the year 1553 quoted by Noake 3 runs as. follows:- Examination of witnesses as to Suyut Andrew's bell. The 28th days of Aprill in the sixt yere of the rayne of King Edward ye Sixt by the grace of God, etc., Edmund '.redyugton, of the age of SO yeres or thereabout, being sworue and examined before John Wallesgrove and John Rowland, bailiffs of Wor<:t>ster, and in the face of all the wholl Counsell at u common Counsell holden the daye and yere above seyd, sayth that he knew one Mr. Wheley who .... bought the greate belle there of llis costes and charges and did hang him upp in the steeple and gave the same bell to the parish for that intent to be knolled and rouge at all times when need should require as the Counsell's bell for the calling together of the Oounsell of this eytie withoute denyall or con tradiction of anie man, and so used as the Oouusell's bell in Wheley's time hitherto and he never knew to the contrarie but the bell was given for that intente as the Counsell bell, and this he hath justified on his oathe. Edward Teddington, being 80 years old in 1553, was bcrn. in 1473, after the time of John Wylley the Rector; it is there fore pretty certain that Mr. Wheley was a different person and gave the bell in the early part of the sixteenth century (see above). In 1552 there were ' in the steple iij bells with a saunce bell.' In 1553 the Corporation paid ' for the amendyng of Saynte Androes bell his clapper ' xxd .• 4 In 1589 there was ' !aide out on the singinge men of the College for hearing the tune of the belles ' 6d. In the same year the churchwardens ' desire to be allowed of divers summes 1 See Assoc. Arch-it. Hoes. Repo1·ts, xxv. p. 569. 2 Nash, H. p. cxxiii. a Worcs. Relics, p. 136. 4 Ibid. 253 by them laid out in costes and charges expended at the Coun cell in the M(ar)ches in ye parishes cause, concerninge the castinge of their fowerth bell, altogether 18s. 8d. 1 In 1590 an inventory gives 'sixe bells with a clock.' Regulations for the ringing of the bells in 1595 are also referred to by Noake, 2 who quotes the following extract :- 1625. Paid by Mr. Maiors appointment for ringinge when there was speeche betwixt our King Charles and the French ladye " 3 2s. 6d. In 1612 one bell is reported as broken, and the Church wardens were summoned -before the Consistory Court for their neglect. The bell of St. .Andrew's was regularly used to summon meetings of the Corporation, 4 this being the nearest church to the Guildhall. This is implied by the extract of 1553· quoted above, and the other entry which assumes the responsi bility of the Corporation for repairs to the bell. In 1740 there were ' 5 Bells.' V.C.H. Worcs.,iv.p.409; Berrow's Wore. Journal, !March, 1924. H.B.W., 1889. WORCESTER. ST. CLEMENT. One bell. l. CAST FROM THE OLD CHURCH BELLS AT THE COST OF JOHN WILLIAMS ESQ. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1822 JOHN DAVIES A. M. RECTOR EDM~ CRACROFT}CHURCH WARDENS THO;; WEST (48 in. The three old bells were cast into one weighing 19 cwt. when the church was rebuilt on the new site. Two of them were cracked in Dr. Prattinton's time (1820) ; he does not mention the inscriptions. 1552 : ' iiij belles in the steple a litle saunce bell.' 1740: 'I bell (sic).' V.C.H. Wares., iv. p. 409; Berrow's Wore. Journ. , 1 March, 1924. The Rev. John Davies was Rector 1816-1858. 1 Id., Notes and Quer·ies, p. 47. z Op. cit. p. 48. 3 Afterwards Queen Henrietta. 4 Noake, Worcs. Relics, p. 144, and Notes and Queries, p. 48- See also Toulmin Smith, English Gilds (Early Eng. Text Soc No. 40), p. 402. 254 WORCESTER. ST. GEORGE. See Claines. WORCESTER. ST. HELEN. 8+1 bells. 1. IOSEPH NEWTON (jleur-de-lys) IOSEPH TAYLER CHURCHWARDENS 1706 BLENHEIM First Is my note and BLENHEIM is my name For BLENHEIM'S story will be first in fame On rim: G wythes (crown) 2. (Fig. 81) ~ (Fig. 113) (Fig. 81) ~ IN IT c W ~J< 1706 BARCELONA Let me relate how Louis did bemoan His Grandson PHILIP'S Flight from BARCELONE 3. (Fig. 81) (Fig. 113) (fleur-de-lys) IN IT CW 1706 RAMELIES Delug'd In Blood I RAMELIES advance BRITANNIA's Glory In the Fall of FRANCE 4. IN IT CW 1706 (Fig. 81) GOD SAVE THE CHURCH (Fig. 113) MEN IN Let MEN IN on my sides engraven be And FLANDERS freed from Gallic Slavery 5. IOSEPH NEWTON IOSEPH TAYLER CHURCH WAR DENS (fieur-de-lys) 1706 (Fig. 81) (R in circle and A in circle, connected by a curved line) TURIN When in harmonious Peal I roundly Go Think on TURIN and TriumPhs of the PO 6. ~ RICHARD SANDERS OF BROMSGROVE MADE US ALL (eight small bells) IN IT CW 1706 EUGENE With Joy I bear th'JIIustrious EUGENE's Name Fav'rite of Fortune, and the Boast of Fame (Fig. 113, Fig. 81, and two coins) 7. THO PIXAL RECTOR Re GRIZMOND CW 1712 But I with PriDe THE GrEAtEr MLH BEAr TError oF TyrANts AND THE SOUi OF WArr 8. (Fleur-de-lys; Fig. 81) IOSEPH NEWTON IOSEPH TAYLOR CHURCH WARDENS 1706 QUEEN ANN Th' immortal Praises of QUEEN ANN I sound With UNION Blest and all These GLORIES Crowned S. No inscription (unhung). 255 'l'he weights of the present ring are :- cwt. qrs. lbs. 6 0 27 9 3 24 6 2 26 IO I 3 7 : I : I3 I2 3 4 8 : 2 : 3 I8 2 27 The weights of the old ring of five are recorded in the parish Minute Books, under date lO Sept. I706, as follows :- 11 I I5 11 3 2 'I5 0 I3 21 2 23 25 1 4 Total 85cwt. lqr. llb. The inscriptions are referred to or quoted by many topo graphical and campanological writers (e.g., V. Green, Hist. of Worcester, ii. p. 51; Chambers, Hist. of Worcs., p. 246; Notes ILnd Queries, 1st Ser., viii. no. 202, p. 248; etc.), but never yet given in full, so far as I am aware. MLH on the 7th is of ·COUrse for MARLBOROUGH. The Rev. T. Pixal was Rector I686-I720. A vestry held 10 September 1706 ordered' that the Church wardens do article and agree with Mr. R. Sanders, bell-founder, or any other founder, for casting the five bells into eight,' and voted a sum not exceeding £70 for founding and hanging the same.' (Noake, W ores. N. and Q. p. 52 ; id., Relics, p. 325 ; Bell News, I7 Aug. 1901.) In 1553 Richard Hall, minister of St. Helen's, was com pelled to do penance for tolling the bells for the departed soul of a citizen : 'whereas the Kinge's Majestie ... has com anded all false & papisticall doctrine ... to be abolished ... yet I myselfe partlie for lack of knowledge & partlie by threatninge of such as beare authority have not onlie usyd the belles of my parish church on Saynct Elins of Worcester superstitiously at the death of such as hath of late departed but also . . . made fast the doors of the same church & so .superstitiouslie ronge a long time all ye bells for ye soule of Mr. Thomas P'ton citizen' (extract from the form of recant ation, given by Noake in Wore. Herald). Noake and other writers give extracts from the Church wardens' Accounts, relating to ringing customs here. 1 We hear of ringing on St. George's Day (23 April), on 29 May, on 1 Noake, N. and Q., p. 52; Assoc. Arch·it. Socs. Rt 5 November, and on the King's Birthday and Days of Acces~ sion and Death. In 1723 5s. was paid on May 29 for ringing the ' happy glorious and miraculous restoration '. In 1694 the bells were tolled at the Queen's funeral, and in 1691, 1692, and 1695 there was ringing for various victories; in 1697 for the Peace of Utrecht and 'for the Duke of Shrewsbury'. The 'Pye-Bell' or Feast Bell was rung on Christmas Eve (Noake says between 12 and 1 on Christmas Day, and that ls. was charged). The Curfew was rung every night, and is so st.ill, but at eight instead of nine (Noake, N. and Q., p. 214). The Passing Bell is frequently mentioned, and it was also tolled at 1 executions. ' For tolling ye passing bell as ye prisoners passed by' is a common entry. The ' Tinkering Bell' some times mentioned is probably a name for the ting-tang. The Corporation accounts also include payments for ringing Day Bell and Bow Bell. 2 The Day bell was the 4th; it was rung· every morning at 4 a.m. for 15 minutes, and ceased about 1750. Bow Bell is the Curfew, as noted above. 1552 : ' v greate belles a little saunce bell.' 1740 : 8 bells.' V.C.H. Wares., iv. p. 408 ; Berrow's Wore. Journal, 8 March, 1924. H.T.T., 1891. WORCESTER. ST. JOHN. 8+1 bells. 1.2. [Added in 1929.] 3. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1816 J. LUCY T. WOODYATT CHURCH WARDENS 4. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 (pattern) 5. As No. 4, with date 1816. 6. As No. 3. 7. The same. 8. REVo J. MEAKIN VICAR J. LUCY T. WOODYATT CHURCH WARDENS (pattern) On waist: THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1816 MESS~.s J. WILLIAMS J. ELCOX / J. HOOPER J. GARNETT (COMMITTEE J.YOUNG I (weight 16cwt. S. l-B IHON GREN 1 6 2 6 ABM 1 North, J!JngUsh Bells and Bell-Lore, p. 178. 2 Noake, Worcs. Relics, p. 144. 257' The little bell is by John Greene II. of Worcester, the only one which bears his name. Cf. Cotheridge, etc. The predecessors of the present ring were by Richard Sanders, cast in 1707 (see below). Tenor weighs 16 cwt. In 1707 it was agreed that the five bells should be recast into six, but there was a stout contest before this was decided on, there being 25 votes for six bells, and 18 for recasting one only. The churchwardens were empowered to treat with a bell founder, and 5s. were spent at the Angel during the deliber ation. Subsequently 5s. 6d. were charged for horse-hire in going to Bromsgrove to look after the bells, Mr. R. Sanders of that town being the founder select?d. Every stage of progress in the transaction was celebrated by dri,nking-bouts. In 1709 a levy of 6d. in the £ was made to defray the charge for casting, and in the following year appears an item of £1 4s.lld. for' meat and drink for the gentleman who gave judgment on the bells.' Lastly the sum of £52 3s. was paid to Mr. Sanders, .apparently his whole bill. (Noake, Wares. Notes and Queries, p. 65; id. Worcs. Relics, p. 326). The Rev. J. Meakin \\-as Vicar 1814-1818. 1552: 'iij bells a saunce bell.' 1740: '6 Bells.' V.C.H. Worcs. iii. p. 509; Berrow's Wore. Journ. 8 March J924. H.T.T., 1879. WORCESTER. ST. MARTIN (Old Church). 6+1 Bells. 1. GOD PROSPER ALL BENEFACTORS (scroll) 1780 (scroll) · Below, cutting into the beadings: (pattern) IOHN BAND CHVRCHWARDEN (scroll) (pattern) (28! in. 2. THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FOUNDER 1833 CHRISTOPHER BARDEN} C U CH WARDENS JoHN GooDMAN H R (31 in. 3. ~ (fleur-de-lys) SANCTE MARTINE (.flettr-de-lys) HORA (j(eur-de-lys) PRO (fieur-de-lys) NOBIS (Fig. 233) (30 in. 4. (Fig. 78) DVRANTIA DONIA IN HONOREM DEI 1638 (arabesques between words). (Above and below, arabesques a.~ Fig. 234.) (33! in. 258 5. Above, arabesques as Fig. 234 and 1638 THE GIFTE OF ROBERT DURANT FOR THE HONOUR OF GOD (Fig. 235) B elow, arabesques as before; on rim, two coins. (37 in. 6. + DEO GLORIAM ET GRATIAS SONO BERKE LEY 1640 (arabesques as before between words). Above and below, arabesques as Fig. 234. (42 in. S. + THE GIFT OF RICHARD DVRANT 1621 (18 in. 1st by Thomas Rudhall. On 2nd, R of BARDEN engraved. 3rd : Cast at Lichfield about 1320 (?) ; cf. Hartlebury 6th. As there were originally only three bells, this was probably the tenor. Note the dedication to the patron saint. 4th-6th: By Hugh Watts of Leicester, with his foundry shield on 4th and 5th, and arabesque patterns ; 4th and 5th reproduced in Figs. 234, 235; cross on 6th (Fig. 224) unique. On 4th and 6th, thin square ornamental letters (cf. Yardley), as used by Watts on some of his later bells; on 5th, large· Gothic letters, derived from Brasyer of Norwich with the· shield. N reversed on 4th. On the 5th bell the date breaks into the band of pattern, as at Leamington Hastings, War wickshire. Sanctus (Fig. 236). By the same founder as at Bransford and Great Malvern. Sir Robert Berkeley, Knt., one of the Judges of the King's. Bench, was born in this parish 26 July, 1584. He was at the charge of above £100 in mending and increasing the ring of bells, 1640; at which time he caused a new treble [? the present 2nd, recast in 1833] and a new tenor to be made and placed in this church ; which said tenor he appointed to be rung at certain times, and to be called Berkeley's bell (Noake, W ores. Notes and Queries , p. 215). The same writer states that the Berkeley bell was rung nightly a few weeks before Christmas at his expenses, as provided by his will, and called the plum-pudding bell (ibid.). Chambers in his Biog. Illustrns. of Wares. (p. 108), supplies some additional details. This Berkeley was the second son of Rowland Berkeley of Spetchley, and was High Sheriff in 1614, being made Judge in 1632. He was impeached for high treason at the time of the siege of Worcester, but was dis charged after seven months' imprisonment. He married Elizabeth Conyers of East Barnet, an9- died 5 Aug., 1656. m m .sRnaGe: miLRGina m n:ontr m P:RO 00 :U0)3IS m Fig. 23i:l. WORCBSTER ST. ~IAR'fiN'S 3rd. ~~[Xl~~[3]~-~[0]~~ []12]~KJ~(][EJ[JlEJJ~~[]00~00~~~ Fig. 234. WORCBSTER ST. ~1ARTIX 4th. ~1638~ l0hS:~@ XB 0 Er~OE~OX38JJX9 ~D tX BJintD~FO )l~ WORCESTER. ST. MARTIN (New Church). This Church, erected on the London Road in 1911, has one small bell hanging in a turret on the nave roof. Under a penthouse in the churchyard now hangs the old bell of St. Michael';; Church, described below. WORCESTER. ST. MARY MAGDALENE. See Claines. WORCESTER. ST. MJCHAEL. Formerly I +I bells. Until the recent secularisation of the church, the bells were hung in an opening under the western gable, entered through a trefoil aperture at a great height, the ting-tang being just at the entrance. The latter, which is now at Holy Innocents' Church, Kidderminster, has already been described under that heading . . I may add here that it is one of Abel Rudhall's latest bells, and that the height is lOt ins., the cannons being 3 ins. high. The larger bell, after leading a somewhat precarious exist ence for some years after its descent from its old position, has now been safely and permanently housed in the churchyard of New St. Martin's, as already noted under that heading. It is inscribed as follows :- GAVDE (Fig. llO) MICHAEL (Fig. I07) INCLITE (Fig. I09) PARVDISI 1 1 preposite (?) (Fig. 107) Thorn (Fig. I04) clyueg 0 ue (Fig. 106) rector 2nd line: dns thorn as Clyuegroue Rector anno dni m 0 cccc IXXX 0 lhs (Diam. , 33t in. ; height 28! in. ; cannons 7! in.). This bell should obviously be compared with the tenor at Grimley, which is dated two years later, and also bears the name of Thomas Clyvegrove. The lettering as far as the first AinPARADISI is not the same as at Grimley, but resembles that on the old tenor at Droitwich St. Peter ; the rest of that word is in rough ill-formed Gothic letters, the A being inverted, 261 -the S reversed, and the word which I read as preposite is in black letter smalls. The rest of, the inscription is in the same cursive type as at Grimley. The stamps are the Royal Heads and others occurring at Droitwich St. Peter. See generally jig. 237. The inscription appears to be from some hymn to St. Michael as guardian of Paradise. Thomas Clyvegrove died in 1494, but nothing else is known of him. Altogether a unique and remarkable bell. Previously tJ 1851 there were three large bells belonging to this Church, b~sides a sanctus bell. They then hung in the tower of the old church, which stood on the other side of the street, close under the Cathedral at its north-east corner. This Church was pulled down in 1851, and the present building erected, but without the bell-tower which the old one possessed. Of the three larger bells the 1st and 2nd were taken by the architect, Mr. Piers St. Aubyn, and disposed of, one being considered sufficient for future use. The present bell is there fore the old tenor. The 2nd has unfortunately quite dis appeared, though some record of it exists, as will presently be seen, but the treble, as we know from Ellacombe's Church B ells of Devon (p. 32) 1 found a home at the new church of St. Paul which Mr. St. Aubyn was then erecting in Devonport. Ellacombe gives not only the inscription, but also illustrations of the stamps, which then first became known to campano logists. The bell being still in existence, I was able to visit it in 1912, and obtained a rubbing which corrected Ellacombe in some particulars. It is as follows :- (Figs. 104, 107) MISSVS EST (Figs. 112, 109) ANGELVS (Fig. 112) GABRIEL (Fig. 106) THOMAS (Fig. 110) LYN LE[Y] (Fig. 107) and on the waist is engraved the mark ) (. It will be seen that this bell was of the same type as the tenor, but undatad. A drawing is given in Fig. 238. Un fortunately the name of Thomas Lynley has not been traced in any records, but it may be assumed that he was the donor of the bell about 1480. For some inform%tion about the missing 2nd bell we are much indebted to Dr. PrattintJn, who copied all the inscrip tions about 1820. He gives them in the following form:- 1. GABRIEL (stamp) THOMAS ..•• missus est... 1 Fjllacombe erroneously says St. Alban's, the bells from which are at St. James', Devon port (see above). ffi THE G 1FT OF RICHARD DVRANT 1621 F ig. 236. WORCES'l'ER S'l'. :\1AR'l'I N Sanctus. 0 }f VD ff ~ ffi I aThJf 8]1 [)] IrtUlli0E{ ~ ]JfRlfDI a I •a -J1f tr_p 01ttr [1) -snom[fi}t\~11~~\~ ~ tHtct Fig. :!:'.7. '.YOR CEST.IilR ST. ;)liCHAEL. fiB [11 ffi IS SVS asr9 ~ [B1 JIUG€]cVS ~ GJIBRI6]1 ~ G'llOilliiS ~ II'lnlfEi [I Fig. :!::~ . DE\"0:'\l'CmT ST. l'Al ' L (from St. :\Iichnel's). mI on»rnnas ~ aRI s T Il a»>rta 1 ma~ s.~ ~Vfl ~sa mPan~ au!i!Ra . l!'lg. 239. W ORCESTE R ST. SWITHIN 3rd. 2. MARIA VIRGO SEMPER LAETARE (all in Gothic capitals). ABRAHAM PILKINGTON ROBERT BIRCH C W 1660 3. [The St. Michael bell, as above.] Priest's Bell. [The existing one.] Of the inscription on the 1st the Doctor could apparently· only read the two words given in capitals; the words missus est he may have guessed at. But that he gives the first four· words on the 2nd in Gothic capitals is significant. This bell must have been recast (presumably by John Martin) in 1660 with the old inscription reproduced in facsimile, a very rare· proceeding. It is to be regretted that there is no mention of this recasting in the parish accounts (see below). Taking as our starting-point the inventory of 1552 (the earliest record), which runs as follows :- 'ST. MIGHELL IN BEDWARDYN. Aug. 8. In the bell house iij belles, j other belle called a first masse belle ' we gather that there were then three large bells, dedicated respectively to the Archangel Gabriel, the Virgin Mary, and the patron saint St. Michael. The smaller or ' first mass bell ' was recast in 1566 (see below), and the other three remained down to 1851, except that the 2nd was recast in 1660. Browne Willis about 1740 records' 4 bells'. The small bell was again recast in 1761. The Churchwardens' Accounts begin in 1543, and have been transcribed down to 1603 by Mr. J. Amphlett. 1 There are not many interesting items relating to the bells dufing this· period, no change in their constitution having taken place. The majority only deal with. small repairs, replacement of ropes, baldricks, etc. 1543. Item paid for slmttyng of the claper of the Sn.cring Bell and Iron warke to the stocke of the same' bell xijd. Item paid for ale at the waying of the bell at John Mathewes jd.· 1548. Item for ij small belles weying vjli ixrl. [A receipt f<>r the sale of two hand bells, as a result of the Commissioners' aclion.] 1551. [Inventory] a lytyll bell wyth owte a clap'. 1566. Item for casting the little bell and more weight put to hym xvijs .. Item to a carpenter for hangyng and stockyng the same bell xd. 1573. Item for ryngynge at the quene's renewing of her rayne viijd .. 1580. Bestowed apon men to helpe downe with the f1·nme where owre lytle bell hanged v jd. 1582. Item the same daye (17 Nov.) for ryngynge ijs- [1'he same in 1598-9ll. The day was that of the Queen's Accession.] 1 Worcs. Hist. Soc. (1896). ~64 I had hoped that an interesting entry might haYe been -found relating to the recasting by John Martin in 1660, but Canon Blake kindly informs me that he has failed to find any ·thing. The accounts apparently go down to 1800, except that the years 1611-1640 are missing. V.G.H. W ores., iv. p. 409. See also The Times,, 25 ,June, 1924, and Berrow's Journa.l, 17 June, 1905 and 15 March, 1924. 'The existence of the mediaeval bell had been quite lost sight .of until the present writer, following up the clue given by Dr. Prattinton, rediscovered it after a somewhat perilous .climb in January, 1901. WORCESTER. ST. NICHOLAS. Six bells. l. FEAR GOD & HONOUR THE KING 1770 (scroll.s) 2. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD 1770 (scrolls) 3. JOHN X SMITH X & X JOSEPH · X PERES X (JHURCHWARDINS WM BROOK CAST MEE BROO~~ GR 1741 4. EDWARD COOCKSY C W 1720 (Figs. 113 and 81} 5. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD 1715 6. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL & TO THE GRAVE DO SUMMON ALL 1770 S. Inaccessible. The 5th bell is the only remnant of the original six cast by R. Sanders in 1715. The 4th was renewed by him five years later. The 1st, 2nd and tenor are by Thomas Rurlhall. Ting-tang hung high up in cupola and inaccessible. Bells in good order. 1552. 'In the steple v small belles with a saunee hell ij litle sacring belles.' 1740. '5 Bells.' V.G.H. Wares., iv. p. 409; Berrow's Wore. Journal, 15 March, 1924. Many thanks to Mr. Matley Moore for most valuable .assistance. WORCESTER. ST. PAUL. Two bells. Church built 1885. WORCESTER. ST. PETER. 3+1 bells. 1. Above, border Fig. 70. (Fig. 92) RICHARD (crown) CHAD (keys) BOR (keys) I (crown) IOHN (keys twice) KNIGHT (keys) CHVRCH (keys) WARDENS (keys) 1615 (crown) LORDE (Fig. 92) IN (F·ig. 92) THEE (Fig. 92) IS (keys} OVR (keys, crown, keys) HOOP (crown, keys twi-ce) GOD WINN (keys) BAKER (crown) ME FECIT (keys) Below and round rim, narrow chain-borders (Fig. 63). (29 in. 2. (Fig. 72) WILLIAM OKELEY ROGER GILL CHVRCHW ARDENS OF S'l' PEETERS 1661 Below, arabesque (Fig. 59) and (F'ig. 69) (32 in. 3. WILLIAM WILLISf; ROGER HACKETT CHVRCH WARDENS 1693 Abate anrl below, arabesques (Fig. 59) ; on wa,i8t (Fig. 68). (35 in. S. On rim: JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1885 (14 in. The old sa.nctus bell was inscribed RAHPH STOCKDALE HENRY HAYNES 1677 (Fig. 67) lst by Godwin Baker (cf. Doverdale) ; stops in form of fleur-de-lys (Fig. !J2), crossed keys~ and crown (Fig. 91). Plait border round rim (F1:g. 63) also used by other 17th century founders. · 2nd and 3rd and old sanctus by J ohn Martin, the 3rd being. his latest bell. Bells very dirty and corroded, inscription on lst >vorn and nearly illegible. H. T. Tilley notes that they had never been properly hung since they came from the old church. The two· smaller are not used, and the 3rd hangs on two iron bars, with out a stock. Pits for six. 1552 : 'iij belles with a saunce bell.' 1740 : ' 3 bells.' V.O.H. Wares., iii. p. 517; Berrow's Wore. Journ., 15th. March, 1924. H.B.W. 1900. WORCESTER. ST. STEPHEN. See Claines. WORCESTER. ST. SWITHIN. 6+1 bells. 1. IESVS BEE OVR GOOD SPEED 1654 B elow, arabesques (Fig. 59) and (Fig. 69). 2. SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS 1654 B elow, as last. :266 3. + IOHANNES CRISTI CARE ME SALV A SEMPER CLARE (King's and Queen's heads aUernately as stops; see Fig. 239). 4. + AVE MARIA GRACIA PLENA DOMINVS TECVM (stops as 3rd). 5. + IESVS NAZARENVS REX IVDEORVM FILl DEI MISERERE MEI (stops as 3rd). 6. MAS SOLLEY OF HINDLIP GAVE THIS BELL THE ·OPHILVS ALLYE MAIOR THOMAS HACKETT CHWAR- DENS 1654 Below, as l and 2. S. IOHN WALDEN RICHARD BROOKE CHURCH WARDENS 1720. lst, 2nd and 6th by John Martin ; thick type of lettering. 3rd-5th : ' Royal Head ' type as Abbot's Morton, etc. See Fig. 239 for facsimile of 3rd. Priest's bell by Abraham Rudhall. I cannot identify Master Solley of Hindlip. The name is .common in Worcestershire in the 16th and 17th centuries, .and there were Solleys both at Hindlip and at Warndon. Extracts from the Churchwardens' Accounts are quoted by Noake (Wares. Notes and Queries, p. 24) :- 1688. 'Wringing' for birth of Prince of Wales May 29. lOs. Paid for the discharging of the bishopps lO.s. July. Wringing on the day of the late King's nativity 5s. Wringing for proclaiming the King and Queen £1. At ye news from Ireland 2s. 1552 : ' iiij belles in the frame and j bell for the clocke & j litle bell.' · 1740: '6 bells.' V.C.H. Wares., iv. p. 410; Berrow's Wore. Journ., 15 March, 1924. H.B.W., 1890. Many thanks to Mr. Matley Moore for verifying the sanctus hell. WRIBBENHALL. l + l bells. l. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1841. (44 in. s. J. L· CHESSifiJl.]iJ VICAR 1879. (13! in. 267 The small bell is by Mears and Stainbank ; weight of larger, 16! cwt. The church was first built in 1701, the parish being formed from Kidderminster. Many thanks to Mr. J. F. Parker. WYCHBOLD. St. Mary. Six bells. Church built 1888 ; parish formed from Dodderhill. WYRE PIDDLE. One bell. 1. COME AWAY MAKE NO DELAY A (bell) R 1724 In one arch of an open double gable-cot over the chancel arch ; inspected by telescope by Rev. H. T. Tilley, 1878. Cf. Pinvin. Prattinton notes : ' A bell fallen down and in the chancel : All praise and glory be to God for ever 1638.' If he gives the date correctly, I should suppose this to have been by Thomas Hancox of Walsall. H. T. Tilley notes that this was the larger of the two. It was taken down, being cracked, and was afterwards stolen. 1552 : 'WYRE PEDYLL. ij smale bells in the steple.' V.G.H. Wares., iii. p. 362. WYTHALL. St. Mary. One bell. 1. W G M B 1689. By Matthew Bagley ; probably cast at Evesham. Inscription given by Prattinton. There is also now a set of tubular bells, put up when the new tower was erected in 1908. Thanks to Rev. T. G. Faulkner, Vicar. YARDLEY. St. Eadburgha. Six bells. I. (Fig. 78) THE REQVEST OF AYLMER FOLLIOTT ESQVIRE 1638 (Above and below, arabesques, Fig. ll3; ornament between words ; coin on rim.) (29! in. 2. (Fig. 72) ALL (Fig. 70) PRAISE AND QLORI BEE TO GOD FOR EVER 1853 (Fig. 70 between words throughout.) Below : (a) Fig. 69; a coat of arms; (b) I (Fig. 70) A (32 in. ILTil8l~li1KJEllQJM[]lSJ[jj~g[tJ~[Id~[fJN~ I [][QWrn[QJCIJDJ~[fJ~~rnllrn ~ 00§[}]~ ' l<' ig. 2-!0. YARDJ,EY 1st. ffiALL ~PRAISE~ AND~GLORI~BEE~TO ~GOD~FOR~EVER~I65J ~ . · . ~ r~A ~ F ig. 241. YARDLE Y 2nd. RICH~RD~WHfTVS GEORGE :~BJSSELL~ C HVRCHWA'RDEV!S~'t~~~'v 3. RICHARD WIDTVS GEORGE BISSELL CHVRCHWARDENS (Fig. 63) WILLIAM BAGLY MADE MEE 1691 (smaU plant a8 stop after first four words) · (33 in. 4. (Fig. 78) IHS-NAZARENVS (Fig.146) REX-IVDEORVM (Fig. 146) FILl-DEl (Fig.146) MISERERE-MEI (Fig; 146)1638 (Fig. 146) Below, arabesques (Fig. ll3). (35! in. 5. (Fig. 78) HVMFREY (Fig. ll3) HOBDAY (Fig. ll3) AND (Fig. ll3) RICHARD (Fig. ll3) BISSELL (Fig. II3) CHVRCHWARDENS 1638 (Above and below, Fig. ll3) (40 in. 6. On waist: THE QIFT OF THE PARISHIONERS IN COMMEMORATION OF THE CORONATION OF KINO EDWARD THE SEVENTH (46 in. Tenor added in 1902. 1st, 4th, and 5th by Hugh Watts of Leicester. Lettering on 1st and 5th large and thin, set on paterae, like Worcester St. Martin; on 5th, N reversed. 4th in Watts' ordinary type, as at Moseley, St. Anne (Fig. 167). · 3rd : N reversed ; A with hooked top ; bad lettering. Cf. Elmley Lovett. 2nd : An early example of John Martin (cf. Upton Warren) ; unusual lettering. The coat of arms appears to represent a man on a horse. 1552: 'Hangynge in the steple ij belles.' V.O;H. Worcs., iii. p. 242. H.B.W., 1901. On the wall of the bell-chamber are painted the following Ringing Rules :- I.W. P.C. 1779. H that to Ring you do come here You must observe both Hand & Ear Keep Stroke and Time & go not out Unless you forfeit out of Doubt H that you Ring with Spur or Hat A Jug of Beer must pay for that If that a Bell you overthrow Fourpence you pay before you go Our Laws are' so concluded here For every fault a Jug of Beer, ~ . f H 2: NAZARENVS: ~ REX:fVDEORVM: .. ~ FILf=DEf:~MfSERERE:MEf:~J638 Fig. 248. YARDLEY 4th. Fig. 244. YA.RDLEY 5th. THOMAS :HODGE ~ MINISTERmi703 F ig. 245. CROPTHORNE 3rd. 271 Aylmer Foliott (see 1st bell) was a member of a well-known Worcestershire family. Nash in the pedigree (Vol. ii. p. 258) gives two of the name, without dates ; the former married Barbara, daughter of Edward Smallbroke of Yardley, and had a son of the same name who never married. I.A. on the 2nd bell probably denotes James Archer, Vicar from 1612 to 1675. District Churches in this parish :- Christ Church, Yardley Wood (1849). One bell. St. Cyprian, Hay Mills (1878). St. John Evangelist, Sparkhill (1888). At Emmanuel Chapel of Ease, Sparkbrook, is an ancient bla,nk bel) from UHenhall, Warwickshire (see Oh. Bells of Warw., p. 238). Page 272 is blank - Ed l'late I HAR'l'LEBUUY E'ORMEH SECOND Hl~ LL. CAST DY HUGH vVA'l"J'S 01<' LID I C J,;S'l'I ~ R , 1G41. RECAS'r , J!)OO. This document is provided for you by The Whiting Society of Ringers visit www.whitingsociety.org.uk for the full range of publications and articles about bells and change ringing