The Church Bells of Worcestershire by H. B. Walters File 02: Part II: Alphabetical List, Castle Morton to Evesham (Pages 59 to 117)
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THE CHURCH BELLS OF WORCESTERSHIRE ; THEIR INSCRIPTIONS AND HISTORY, ARRANGED ALPHA BETICALLY BY PARISHES.
BY H. B. WALTERS, M.A., F.S.A.
PART II. (CASTLE MoR TON -EVESHAM].
CASTLE MORTON. St. Gregory. Six bells. 1. E. C. DOBREE FOX VICAR LLEWELLINS & JAMES
BRISTOL R. S. SMITH CHURCHWARDENS H. J. WILCOX 1896. 2. THE GIFT OF THE YouTH OF THis PARISH 1695 (border). 3. AB : RVDHALL : BELLFOVNDER : IOHN BRO- THERIGH (border) 95 4. As No. 1. 5. RECAST BY IOHN RUDHALL 1796 6. As No 1.
Formerly five bells ; old 3rd and 5th recast and treble added by Llewellins and Jarnes of Bristol 1896. The two old bells were inscribed
WILLM BOND SAM : BEALE WILLM SAWFORD A (bell) R 1695 (below, a border of vine pattern with a bell) and IOHN BROTHERIGH : RICH : CARTWRIGHT : CHVRCHWARDENS: 1695:
1552 : ' iiij bells in the steple, a saunce bell, a lyche bell, iij sacring belles.' 1740: '5 Bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton (under Longdon). V. 0. H. Wares. iv. p. 52. H.B.W., 1890. 60
CATSIDLL. Christchurch. One bell. Church built 1838; parish formed from Bromsgrove.
CHACELEY. St. John Baptist. Six bells. l. WHEN YOV ME RING I'LE SWEETLY SING (scroll) A (bell) R 1719 (scroll) 2. GOD SAVE THE KING AND CHVRCH 1699 A.R. (bell). 3. PROSPERITY TO ENGLAND & THIS PARISH A (bell) R (border) 1699 (Border below). 4. PROSPERITY TO ALL OVR BENEFACTORS A (bell) R 1718. 5. RING VS TRV WE WILL PRAISE YOV ABRA RVDHALL: 1699. 6. · A RVDHALL CAST MEE (border) 1703. Bells rehung about 1880 ; 1st and 4th hung above the rest. All by Abraham Rudhall. There are peal-boards in the belfry, dated 1842 and 1865. 1552: CHATTISLEY. iiij grete bells a liche bell.' 1740 : ' 6 bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton (under Longdon). V . C. JI. Wares. iv. p. 56. H.T.T., 1878. The parish is now in Gloucester Diocese.
CHADDESLEY CORBETT. St. Cassyon. 8+1 bells. l. 1783 (floral scrolls). 2. 1783 (floral scrolls). 3. Above, vine pattern. WHEN YOV MEE RING I SWEETLY SING A (bell) R 1701 (vine-pattern). 4. Above, vine-pattern. WE ALL TO RING GOD SAVE THE KING (arabesques) 1701 (arabesques). 5. GOD PROSPER THIS CHVRCH AND PARISH (arabesques) 1701 (arabesques) . 61
6. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS, LONDON MAY GOD BLESS ALL WHOM I DO CALL W . S. WHITE VICAR
~: !~~:~LS f CHURCHWARDENS V.R. 1856 7. The same except 2nd line, which runs :- MAY OUR SWEET CIDMES MARK HAPPY TIMES 8. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON. RECAST A.D. 1905. A.D. 1701. COST DEFRAYED BY A .R. WILLIAM BROUGHTON• MRS. S.A.GREEN, 'THE DOCTOR OF DIVINITY, VICAR• NODLANDS,' STOURBRIDGE. JOHN KYTELY,} CHURCH D . H . FRANCIS, VICAR. THOMAS HUNT, WARDENS EDWARD CORBETT } .CHURCH- DENNIS FITCH WARDENS GOD SAVE THE KING. GOD SAVE THE KING. 8 . MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1891. The old tenor was inscribed (nearly as reproduced on the new one):- WILLIAM BROVGHTON DOCTOR IN DIVINITY VICAR A R (bell) IOHN KYTELY THOMAS HVNT CHVRCHWARDENS 1701 GOD SAVE THE KING (Weight 16cwt.). · The first two are additions by Charles and John Rudhall, the original ring being six of 1701 cast by Abraham Rudhall. Noake, Rambler in Worcs. ii. p. 218 gives the old inscrip tions on the 6th and 7th as PEACE AND GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD 1701 and C. & J. RUDHALL FOUNDERS 1783. but he does not give the inscriptions in order or the number of each bell. The Rev. W. Broughton (see old tenor) was Vicar 1665- 1717, and also Vicar of Rushock; the Rev. W. S. White was Vicar 1855-1860. · 1552 : ' in the steple iiij bells.' 1740 : ' 6 bells.' Pratt,in ton notes ' 8 Bells three new oast.' V.C.H. Worcs. iii. p. 41. H.T.T., 1879. Very many thanks to Mr. J. F. Parker for an admirable set of rubbings. Fig. 54. CHURCH LENCH.
Figs. 55-57. CLAlNES.
Fig ;)X BAGLEY'S !STOP 57.
Ff.,._ fi9_ .T. :\1AR1'TN'S! RORDEJR_ 63
CHARLTON. St. John Evangelist. One bell. Parish formed in 1874 from Cropthorne.
CHURCH LENCH. All Saints. Six bells. 1. J. TAYLOR & C'?. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1870 On waist ;-DISCE MORI NOSTRO VIVERE DISCE SONO 2.-4. As No. 1, with date 1868 on 2nd, 1869 on 3rd and 4th. 2. On waist :-COLLAUDATE DOMINUM 3. , NOMEN DOMINI COLLAUDETUR 4. TE DEUM LAUDAMUS SOLI DEO " GLORIA PAX HOMINIBUS 5. GEVEF THANKS (Fig. 49) TO GOD (Fig. 49) THOMAS EMES (Fig. 49) lAMES ELESON (Fig. 49) THOMAS KNITE (Fig. 49 twice) (border Fig. 54) 2nd line :-(Fig. 49) RICHARD APPLBE (Fig. 49) C (Fig. 49) 1600 T W H F B (Fig. 49) (border Fig. 54) .
6. J. TAYLOR & C'?.BELLFOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1868 On waist :-lf4 MISERERE MEI DOMINE I IESU MERCY I R.I.P. lf4 EGO MARTINUS AMPHLETT HUJ: ECCL RECTOR TIBI DEUS GRATIAS AGO ET HOC MODO COMMEMORO CONSERVATIONEM MEAM DOMINE NOV'!. 17 1868 Formerly three bells, of which the present 5th formed the 2nd. Prattinton says 'three large bells now out of ordor,' and gives the inscriptions on the other two as 1. SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS 1658 3. ROBERT HANBIGHE NATHANIEL WALL CH W SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS 1662. [This bell was sold in 1837 ; see below]. Both evidently by John Mart·i!l. On the present 5th H.F.B. denotes' Henry Farmer beli founder.' Cf. Broadway (Fig. 45), and for the T.W. (probably Farmer's foreman) cf Martin Hussingtroe, and Westcote, Gloucs. The border Fig 64
54 also occurs at Elmley Castle. The S of ELESON is re versed. At a parish meeting held on the first of February 1837 Mr. Jno. Tovey in the Chair, it was unanimously agreed to accept the offer of 9d. per lb. for the metal contained in the tenor bell, which offer was made by Mr. Mears Bellfounder of Gloucester, and to appropriate such pa1t of the proceeds as should be required for the purpose of erecting a gallery at the West end of the Church. Also that estimates shall be received of the expense of building such gallery and such estimates shall be sent under a sealed cover , and be laid before a meeting of the Parishioners to be called for the purpose who shall be at libertiY to accept such estimates as they shall think proper. Signed by us : H. B. Whiting, Curate. John Tovey, Thos. G. Tovey, Churchwardens. Thos. William Corbett. Thomas Farr. William Green. The estimate for £46 was accepted for the gallery, but it is not stated if the expenses were entirely covered by the sale of the bell.* See Noake, Rambler in Worcs., ii. p. 177. The Rev. Martin Amphlett, who gave the new bells, was Rector 1844-1886. 1552. ' In the steple iij bells . . . a lytell bell called a. lyche bell.' V.C.H. Worcs. iii. p. 49. H .T.T., 1878. Thanks to Rev. C. B. Woolley, Rector.
CHURCIDLL (near Kidderminster). St. James. Two bells. l. MR. IOHN COX CHVRCH WARDEN 1722 (scroll) Band of scrolls below. 2. ALL PRAYSE AND GLORY BE TO GOD FOR EVER WILLIAM LASHFORD 1672. Below, small heart-shaped trade-mark (Fig. 68). 1st by Joseph Smith of Edgbaston; scrolls as at Alvechurch. 2nd by John Martin; trade-mark Fig. 68.
• Communicated by Rev. F. Smith to Archdeacon Waiters, 14 May, 1901. 65
1552 : 'in the steple ij bells.' 1740 : ' 2 bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V.C.H. Worcs., iii, p. 44. Bells very awkward of access. Many thanks to Mr. J. F. Parker.
CHURCIDLL (near Worcester). St. Michael. Two bells. l. No inscription. 2. PROSPERITY TO THIS PLACE (two bells) : A R (bell) 1713 (two bells). Larger bell by Abraham Rudhall ; small letters. A bell is or was always rung at 8 a.m. on Sunday. 1552 : ' ij bells.' Prattinton MSS. ' Two modern bells, the smaller blank.' V.C.H. Worcs., iii, p. 299. H .T.T., 1879.
CLAINES. St. John Baptist. Five bells. l. FRANCIS: WYTHES (coin) WILLIAM: REY NOLDS (coin) H : N (coin) CHVRCH : WARDENS (coin) 1686 : Below: R: D: W: H (border) 2. RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1886. 3. GLORIA IN EXCELCIS DEO 1622 (Fig. 57). 4. ~ IHESVS BE OVRE SPEDE 1623. 5. ~ GOD BLESS OVRE NOBELL KING 1623 (Fig. 56). 1st by William Huntbach of Worcester (cf . Droitwich St. Peter and Kington). R.D. seems to have been his assistant. For the lettering see Fig. 60. 2nd. The former bell, which was hopelessly cracked, with a piece broken out of the rim, was inscribed + ABCDEFGHIKLMNOPQR + ABCDEFGHIKLIMNOPQ (two lions), being of the same type as Grimley tenor, Odding ley, etc., dating about 1480. H . T. Tilley's rubbing, taken in 1877, which was the only record of this bell, has unfortunately 66 been destroyed, and my information was copied from his notes. The cross is Fig. 104 ; the lion stamp also occurs at Grimley and Oddingley. 3rd-5th: Apparently by Richard Oldfield (cf. Lindridge, where the ornament on the 3rd also occurs). The 5th is in Oldfield's ordinary lettering, with his usual cross and shield (Figs. 55, 56) : but the lettering on the other two closely resembles the ornamental set used by James Keene, a con temporary Bedford founder, with whom Oldfield had some connection (see Cocks, B ucks., p. 163, pl. 26). But they are not identical with his, as Mr. Cocks pointed out to me in a letter (29 July, 1899). The lettering and stamps aro illustrated in FJgs. 60-62. 1552 : ' iiij bells in the tower with ij liche bells and iij sauce bells.' V.C.H. W ores., iii. p. 306. In the Register for 1589 is the entry ' Ye great bell was cast at Claynes in ye Church House A.D. 1589, Nov. ye 7.' H .T.T., 1877. Many thanks to Mr. J. Matley Moore for an excellent set of casts from which Figs. 60-62 are taken.
CLAINES. St. Bamabas, Rainbow Hill. One bell. Church built 1884.
CLAINES. St. George, Barbourne. One bell. Church built 1830.
CLAINES. St. Mary Magdalene, Tything. One belL Church built 1877.
CLAINES. St. Stephen, Barbourne. One bell. Church built 1861.
CLEEVE PRIOR. St. Andrew. Four bells. 1. Above, cable-moulding and border (Figs. 63, 64). CANTATE (jleur de lys) DOMINO (jleur de lys) CAN TICVM (Fig. 58) NOVVM (Fig. 58) H (Fig. 58) B (Fig. 66) 1658 (Fig. 66). Fig. 60: CLAINES 1st. Fig. ul CLAINES 3rd and 4tll. Fig. ()2. CLAINES 5tll and OLDFIELD'S STAMPS. 67
2. GOD BE OVR GOOD SPED H B 1658 (see Fig. 73). (Fig. 58 after first four words and between H B; Fig. 65 after SPED and date). 3. RICHARD SANDERS MADE MEE 1722. 4. THOMAS PILKINGTON (Fig. 58) EDWARD BROCKINTON (Fig. 58) CHVRCHWARDENS (Fig. 58) 1658 (Fig. 66). 1st, 2nd, and 4th by Henry Bagley of Chacomb, with various borders and stops. 1552 : ' iij bells in the steple.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V.C.H. Worcs., iii. p. 312. H.B.W., 1890. Many thanks to Mr. C. A. Binyon.
CLENT. St. Leonard. 8 bells.
1. JOHN TAYLOR & CO ~~ FOUNDERS ~~ LOUGHBOROUGH ~~ LEICESTERSHIRE ~~ Below, arcading. On waist: PRESENTED BY Wn,LIAM DuRANT THATCHER OF CLENT HALL A.D. 1902. 2. As No. 1; on waist : PRESENTED BY GEORGE FERGUSON CHANCE OF CLENT GROVE A.D . 1902. 3. MR. IOHN WALDRON D E FIELD MR. WM. COLE ZEPH CRESSWELL 1718 (coin as stop throughout). Below, arabesques. 4. CANTATE DOMINO CANTICVM NOVVM 1681. (Between the words, scrolls, Fig. 64; above and below, arabesques, Fig. ll8). 5. Incised on crown: RICHARD * WALDREN * THOMAS * NASH * HENRICVS BAGLEY FECIT 1681 (coins and ornament Fig. 58 between words) 6. HENRY BAGLEY MADE MEE 1681 (coins and arabesques between the words and after date) 7. The same, but scrolls in place of arabesques, and large jleur de lys (see Fig. 29) after date. 68
63.
64.
65.
66.
1!~1gs. 63-66. BAGLEY'S BOHDERS. 69
8. IOHN AMPHLETT ESQ~. IOHN PERRY VICAR IOHN CRESSWELL IOHN WALDRON CHURCHWARDENS (scroll). Below, arabesques all round. On rim : - IOHN GOPP ABRAHAM HILL RICHARD WRIGHT IOSEPH WALDRON THOMAS WALDRON RICHARD HILL HENRY BAGLEY MADE MEE IN THE YEARE OF OURE LORD 1743 3rd by Joseph Smith. The two first are additional bells. The 4th-8th cast at Chacombe, Northants, by members of the Bagley family. The arabesques on the tenor are not like Fig. 118, but more resembling Fig. 113. 1740 : ' 6 bells.' V.C.H. W ores., iii. p. 53. Thanks to Rev. F. R. Lawson, formerly Vicar, and still warmer thanks to Mr. J. F. Parker for a most admiTable and painstaking set of rubbings. Mr. J. H. Bloom kindly communicated to me an extract copied from a document in the Consistory Court at Worcester (No. 7805) which relates to Clent bells. These are to certifie whom it may concern 'l'hat we whose names are here underwritten, inhabitants of the Parish of Clent, do earnestly desire (with the lease of this Court) that or great bell may be rungid at the hour of 8 & 4 betwixt Michaelms & St. Mary-day. [Here follow the names of Richard Amphlett and thirty-two others.] Conceditur ordo secundm petita computavi probation'.
But there be an ordr yt ye clarke ring ye bell at 8 at night & 4 in ye rnorne if reason be not given to ye contr . . . . clark allowed for his paines. [No date is given but the diction seems to be that of the 17th century. Among the signatures are several of the sur names occurring on the present bell, e.g. Waldron, Cresswell, Gopp, and Hill, but the Christian names do not always corres pond.)
CUFTON .. QN .. TEME. St. Kenelm. 6+1 bells. l. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1914 PRESENTED BY SIR FRANCIS WINNINGTON 5th BARONET IN MEMORY OF HIS ELDEST SON FRANCIS SALWEY WHO DIED FEB. 4th 1913. (28~ in. 70
2. HENRICVs lEFFREYS KENELMo DEVoVIT (palmettes) (see Fig. 74) (30l in. On waist : J effereys' arms and John Martin's shield (Fig. 67). 3. PRIMA . SONET CVLTVMQVE DEI RESON ABO SECVNDA 1668 (palmettes) (3li in On waist: John Martin's shield. 4. TERTIA SVCCEDAM VOBISCVM FVNERA PLANGENS 1668 (33! in. On waist, as No. 3. 5. QV ARTAQVE CVM RELIQVIS CELEBRABO GAVDIA REGNI 1668 On waist, as before. (36£ in. 6. PER KENELMI MERITA SIT NOBIS CELICA (palmettes) VITA W G C W 1668. (40i in. On waist, as before. S. 1664 (Fig. 68) (12 in. All by John Martin of Worcester, except the treble, which is an addition, and has thus rendered incorrect the various claims of the present 3rd-5th. The 2nd has a chronogram MDCLVVVIII: 1668. The inscript,ion on the tenor is pro bably copied from its mediaeval predecessor, while that on the 2nd refers to its own donor in 1668 (see below). Between the words throughout on each oE John Martin's bells are pairs of palmette ornaments (Fig. 71). Bells quarter-tuned and rehung by Mears and Stainbank in 1914 in an iron frame at a cost of £170. The darkest belfry in the county, if not in England ! The ting-tang is rung for the last five minutes before services. Weights : l. 4 cwt., 3 qrs., 26lbs. 4. 6£ cwt. 2. 5! cwt. 5. 8! cwt. 3. 5l cwt. 6. 10! cwt. Note F. 1740: '5 bells.' V.C.H. Worcs., iv., p. 254. Notes and Queries, lst Ser., viii., p. 248 (10 Sept. 1853). The earliest Henry Jefferief> of whom we have mention was living at Ham Castle in 1504, and died 7 Feb., 1532. The manor of Clifton was conveyed to his son William in 1552, and this William was living at Ham in 1582. The Henry Jefferies who gave the bells in 1668 was born in 1637, married Elizabeth Pitts of Kyre, and died without issue in 1709 ; he was buried 68.
69.
67.
70. 71. 72. Fig. 67-72. JOHN MARTIN'S STAMPS. 72 at Clifton, and there is a tablet to him in the church, by Grinling Gibbons. For the :Jefferies pedigree see Nash, i., p. 245. Prattinton quotes a note from the Jefferies MSS. formerly in the possession of Sir Francis Winnington of Stanford : "Upon the great bell broken and now cast anno [1668] was this inscription in Saxon characters : ' Per Kenelmi merita sit nobis celica vit.a.' " Another extract is given by Noake, Rambler in Worcs., i., p. 179: "The wake or dedication feast was kept at Clifton ye Sunday before St. James his day, which will always prove to be ye Sunday next after St. Ken elm, 17 July; but ye red letter and credit of St. James bath quite worn out ye memory of their own St. When the great bell was broke, and was cast with the other two into a ring of four, H. Jeffreyes gave them a treble with this inscription HENRICVs lEFFREYEs KENELMo DEVoVIT." H.B.W., 1921. Many thanks to Rev. R. G. Griffiths for further assistance.
COFI'ON HACKETI'. St. Michael. Two bells. 1. 1717 (arabesques and R. Sanders' smaller mark, Fig. 81. 2. On waist :-WM. BLEWS & SoNs BIRMINGHAM 1852. Smaller bell by R. Sanders of Bromsgrove (marks Figs. n:), and 81.) Larger : the only bell by Blews cast earlier than 1866. Its predecessor was by Sanders, inscribed (as given in the Prattinton MSS.) : Beniamin Fitter CW 1717 The bells hang in a double gable-cot at theW. end. 1552 : ' ij smale bells in the steple.' V.O.H. Worcs., Ill., p. 57 (inaccurate.) H.T.T., 1892.
COMBERTON, GREAT. St. Michael. Six bells. 1. MAT BAGLEY 1687 [ROBERT THROCKMORTON (defaced)]. 2. WILLIAM WATMER RECTOR 1687 ~GOD~BE~OVR® GOOD~SPED ~HBfG.58 Fig. 73. CLEEVE PRIOR 2nd.
HENRI CV sl*"f''f*llEFFREYEsl*·f:flHENELMol*** *I DEVoVh Fig. 74. CLIFTON-ON-TEME 2nd .
• JIBUDffFG]IlUrillllOO ollQllSoVX\LZ&~ I Fig. 75. COTHERIDGE 4t h.
ID Jt .R I ]A Fig. 76. HILL CROOME 1st.
dJC Jt...G . diG - 1595 Fig. 77. DOWLES 1st. 74
3. J, TAYLOR & CC?. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1869 ERECTED BY SUBSCRIPTION 4. RICHARD CREESE AND EDWARD STAIT CHVRCH WAR· DENS 1687 5. EDWARD WALKER GENT MATHEW BAGLEY MADE MEE 1687 6. As No. 3. Before 1869 there was a ring of five by Matthew Bagley, probably cast at Evesham (cf. Church Bells of Warw., p. 64; Arch. Journ., lxiii., p. 162) ; the tenor was added in that year. The old 3rd was inscribed IOHN EMES GENT 1687 (Prattin ton). Noake (Rambler in Worcs., ii., p. 72) states that there are three coins of Charles II. on one of the bells. On the 2nd bell H. T. Tilley noted in 1879 the words WILLIAM DAVIS CLERK, but the Rev. J. Willis states that they cannot be seen there, nor are they given by Prattinton. On the 1st the word ROBERT occurs after the date, THROCKMORTON on either side of and under MAT. On the 1st, 2nd, and 5th, there are bits of arabesque pattern between the words; on the 4th after date only. On the 1st this is Fig. 118, but on the other three bells a similar but not identical ornament (also occurring at Birlingham and Kemp sey). 1552 : ' CoMBARTON MAGNA. In the steple iiij bells j lytle belle.' 1740: 6 bells (sic.). Prattinton gives five (with the in scriptions). V .'C.H. Worcs ., iv., p. 60. The Rev. W. Watmer was Rector 1684-1721. The Robert Throckmorton of the 1st bell was the third Baronet (of Coughton, Warwick), born 1662, died 1721. H.T.T., 1879. Many thanks to Rev. J. Willis.
COMBERTON, UTTI.E. St. Peter. Six bells.
l. JOHN TAVLOR AND C
80. Figs. 78-80. COTHERIDGE 4th. 76
5. RICHARD NEALE THOMAS YOUNG CH-WARD ENS A (bell) R 1750. 6. As No.l. There were only three bells down to 1866 (cf. Noake, Rambler in Worcs., ii., p. 73), namely the present 2nd, 3rd, and 5th. Prattinton does not mention the bells. 1552 : ' CoMBARTON P ARV A iij bells in the stepull a leche bell.' 1740: '3 Bells.' V.C.H. Wares., iv., p. 64. H.B.W., 1889.
COOKHILL. See Inkberrow.
COOKLEY. St. Peter. (1849). Six bells. Six bells by C. and G. Mears, tenor weighing 12! cwt., put up in 1849 ; of t,hese the 3rd was recast in 1878. Parish formed from Wolvcrley.
COTHERIDGE. St. Leonard. Four bells. l. No inscription, or band for one. 2. +IESVS BEE OVR SPEED 1633 WILLIAM BAR KELY ESSQVYER MRO 3. + IOHN : BESST : IOHN CHEPPELL : CW 1633 4. (shield Fig. 78) ABCDEFGHIKLMNO (two coins) PQRSTVXYZW (cross) (shield) (cross) WZYXV (See Figs. 75, 80.) 2nd and 3rd by John Grene II. of Worcester. The Q of ESSQVYER is inverted. The cross and lettering will be illustrated under a later heading. 4th probably by Newcombe of Leicester about 1580, but the alphabet apparently does not occur olsewhere ; the cross is given in North's Leicestershire, Fig. 64. The shield is the well-known Brasyer one (Fig. 78). The wholo inscription is inverted on the bell but is here printed as if the right way up (so also in Fig. 75). This bell is cracked and a piece broken out of the rim. The 1st appears to be ancient (14th century), and has can nons of peculiar form, and a plain raised band round the shoulder. 77
In bad order and dirty ; floor very defective. 1740 : ' 4 bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V.C.H. W ores., iv., p. 259. William Berkeley (2nd bell) was born in 1582, the son of Rowland Berkeley of Spetchley and elder brother of Sir Robert Berkeley, Knt. (See Worcester St. Martin). He acquired the manor of Cotheridge in 1634, and died in 1658, aged 76 (see Nash, i., p. 258, with pedigree). H.B.W., 1891 and 1925.
COWLEIGH. St. Peter. One Bell. Church built 1866 ; parish formed from Great Malvern.
CRADLEY. St. Peter. Eight bells. 1-8. WILLIAM BLEWS AND SONS FOUNDERS BIRMINGHAM 1873. On waist : l. AVE SANCTA TRINITAS 2. AVE REGNANS SINE FINE 3. AVE SIMPLEX ET TRINE 4. AVE PAX ET CHARITAS 5. AVE FILl LUX SALVATOR 6. AVE PATER REX CREATOR 7. SANCTA TRINITAS UNUS DEUS MISERERE NOBIS. 8. GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO. Tenor 12 cwt., diam. 39 in. The inscriptions are all in Gothic characters. The lines on Nos. 1-6 (which also occur at Sheen, Staffs.) appear to be in the wrong order, and should run the reversed way ; on the 3rd ET should be AVE. The church was built in 1798, the parish being formed from Halesowen. Many thanks to Mr. J. F. Parker. 78
CROOME D'ABITOT . .St. Mary Magdalene. 6+1 bells. l. THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1812 (border of loopB). THE REvD JoHN ST. JoHN RECTOR NL HIGGINSON CH WARDEN* 2. (Fig. 72) SING WE MERYLY TO GOD ON HIE 1662 (border Fig. 70) RALPH GOODALL C W (Fig. 70) On waist, John Martin'slarye heart mark (Fig. 69). 3. (Fig. 72) IESVS BE OVR GOOD SPEED (Fig. 70) IOHN LANGTON (Fig. 70) C. W. 1652 (Fig. 70). On waist, Fig. 69. 4. (Fig. 72) IN TIME OF NEED GOD BE OVR SPEED (Fig. 70) IOHN PENSHAM C W 1651 (Fig. 70). On waist Fig. 69. 5. (Fig. 72) SOLI (border, Fig. 70) DEO (border) OLORIA (border) PAX (border) HOMINIBVS (border) 18&1 (border). Below, arabesques (Fig. 59) ; on waist, Fig. 69. 6. RENATA ET REST AVRATA : IMPENSIS . PRAEHONORABILIS THOMA!: . COMITIS DE COVENTRE VICECOMITIS DEERHVRST ET BARONIS COVENTRYE. DE . ALLESBOROUGH . ANNO . 1699 : (vine-pattern, placed obliquely). (37 in. S. No inscription ; broken in pieces ; only upper part left attached to stock. On the treble the names in the second line are incised. 2nd-5th. All by John Martin of Worcester, with initial cross Fig. 72, and border Fig. 70 ; on the 5th also Fig. 59 ; large trade-mark (Fig. 69) on waist. The inscription on the 5th is in thick heavy type, the others in thin letters like Fig. 74. On 3rd-5th the N's are reversed. Tenor by Abra.ham Rudhall; bit of vine-pattern placed obliquely after date ; Cable-pattern on cannons. Belfry dirty. Bells hung obliquely to walls of tower, in very narrow pits. The Rev. John Fleming Seymour St. John (see treble) was Rector 1794-1816. He was the grandson of John, lOth Baron St. John, born 1761, died 1832. He was Prebendary of Wor~Cester, and was also Rector of Sevenstoke. He married 79
Fra.noes, grand-daughter of Dr. Stukeley, and was the great grandfather of the present writer. I am not sure whether the Lord Coventry who gave the tenor is the first earl (cr. 1697), who died 15 July, 1699, or the second earl who succeeded him in that year and died in 1710. 1552 : 'CROME DABY HOTT. iij bells with a lyche and a sacryng bell.' 1740 : 'Abbots Croome 5 bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V.C.H. Worcs., iii., p. 315. H .B.W., March, 1925.
CROOME, EARVS. St. John Baptist or St. Nicholas. Five bells. 1. SAML BARNES & WM BENNETT CHWARDENS A (bell) R 1746 2. THOs LITTEL & JOHN STONNAL CHWARDENS A (bell) R 1746 3. GOD SAVE THE QVEEN AND CHVRCH A R (bell) 1707 4. WILLIAM WATTON JOHN COTTERILL CHVRCH WARDENS A R (bell) 1707 5. MR WILLIAM MARTIN RECTOR GOD SAVE THE CHVRCH A R (bell) 1707. The 1st and 2nd by Abel Rudhall, the other three by Abraham I. The Rev. W. Martin was Rector 1701-1727. 1552 : ' CROME SIMONS iij bells in the stepell.' 1740 : '5 Bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. If Browne Willis is to be trusted here, there were five bells cast in 1707; but his note may be of later date than 1746. V.C.H. Worcs., Ill., p. 318. H.B.W., 1889. 80
CROOME, HILL. St. Mary. Three bells. l. + AVE MARIA (See Fig. 76) 2. No inscription. 3. PEACE AND GOOD NEIGHBOVRHOOD A (bell) R 1708. l st: an early 14th century bell, probably cast at Worcester ; plain Maltese cross. 2nd: long-waisted; may be old. 1552: 'HYLL CROME iij bells in the steple a lyche bell a sacryn.ge bell. ' 1740: ' l bell' (sic). Inscriptions given by Prattintou. V.C.H. Wares., Ill., p. 322. H.B.W., 1890.
CROPTHORNE. St. Michael. Six bells. l. WHEN YOU ME RING I SWEETLY SING A (bell) R 1746 (jleurs de lys). 2. H. BOND & SONS FOUNDERS BURFORD OXON. 1898. 3. THOMAS HODGE (jle1tr de lys) MINISTER (jleur de lys ?) 1703 (narrow border F1:g. 70 with threejleurs de lys Fig. 49.) 4. WM. LOXLEY FRANs DINGLEY CH-WARDENS A (bell) R 1750. 5. H. BOND & SONS FOUNDERS BURFORD OXON 1898 H . WILKINSON VICAR 6. CHARLES TOVEY THOMAS GRAVES CHURCH- WARDENS A (bell) R 1746 (border). Below, border of floral ornaments all round~
The old 2nd was inscribed : + IN NOMINE PATRIS ET FILII ET SPIRITVS SANCTI: AM: 1703 (with fleur de lys stops after the first seven words.) The old 5th: THOMAS SAVEGE : ESQVIR : OF EMELY (jleur de lys) 1703 (border) +(borders andjleur de lys alternately.) 81
Both were by the same founder as the present 3rd, though who that founder may be is rather a puzzle. The flour de lys it that used by Henry Farmer, the border John Martin's, as al!r Croome d' Abitot. The lettering looks like Richard Keene's of Woodstock, but ho never uses the othor stamps. H.T.T. noted in 1879 ' tower in bad repair; bells seldom rung.' They were rehung and put in order in 1897. Thomas Savage (old 5th) owned the Manor of Netherton in this parish. He died in 1708, aged 84. The Rev. T. Hodge was Vicar 1669-1717. 1552: ' iiij bells in the steple.' 1740 : ' 6 bells.' V.C.H. Wares., iii., p. 328. H.B.W., 1889. Thanks to Rev. H. Wilkinson (12 Oct. 1900), and to Rev. J. Willis for rubbings. Mr. J. H. Bloom contributes the following note : Whereas vVm. Robbins & Hen. Lloyd Churchwardens of ye p'ish Church of Cropthorne in the County & diocese of Worcester, at ye visitation of ye Revd. Father in God Willm. Lord Bishop of Wore' holden at Evesham ye llt.h of May last past did present yt 3 of ye bells belonging to ye P'lsh Ch. of Cropthorne aforesd were broken. It is therefore ordered by said Court that ye Churcllwardens for the time being of ye sd parish church do take effectual care to get the sairt three bells to be cast anew tuneable to the other on or before the Feast of St. .John the Bapt. next ensuinge the date hereof and yt they c-ertify the recasting of the sd 8 bells, on the Court. day next following the aforsd feast. Dated 17 Feb. 1702.
CROWLE. St. Peter. Eight bells. 1. On waist :-ON EARTH PEACE (Barwell's trade-mark). DIAMOND JUBILEE OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA J. BAMBER M.A. VICAR 2. On waist :-GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST (Barwell's mark). A THANK OFFERING FOR A BLESSED REIGN 1837-1897 3. GOOD WILL TO MEN (Barwell's mark). J. WYTHES I CHURCHWARDENS A. HADLEY ) A. H. FAULKNER TREASURER 82
4. IESVS BE OVR SPEED 1667. (On waist, J. Martin's heart-shaped mark, Fig. 69; palmettes Fig. 71 between words.) 5. ALL PRAYSE AND GLORY BE TO GOD FOR EVER 1667. On waist as 4th. 6. SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS 1667 (Fig. 71 between words). On waist as 4th. 7. IOHN 1\IANLEY HENRY PRESCOTT CHVRCH WARDENS I667 (Fig. 7I between words.) On waist as 4th. 8. FRANCIS REYNOLDS VICAR OF CROWLE WILLIAM WAGSTAFF ASSISTANT I667 lAMES REY NOLDS. On waist as 4th.
Formerly five bells only, by John Martin; three new ones by Barwell added I897, and old Ist quarter-turned and new fittings. New bells in memorial of Diamond Jubilee. Tenor about lO cwt. All cannons off and 7th chipped at rim for tuning. I552: 'iiij belles.' V.O.H. Worcs., iii., p. 333. H.B.W., I890. Thanks to Mr. Sidney Holt.
CUTSDEAN. I +I bells. l. On waist :-CAST BY H BOND BELLFOUNDER BURFORD OXON I865. S. No inscription. The priest's boll is very small, and probably of the same date as the larger bell, which is a very rough casting. One of Bond's cards is pinned to the stock of the small bell. The parish is now in the Diocese of Gloucester (Deanery of Stow) ; it formerly was attached to Bredon. I552: 'CoDISTON. Yn the stepull iij bells a saunce bell a. sacryneg bell.' I740 : ' 3 Bells.' V.O.H. Worcs., iii., p. 291. H.B.W., I894. Fig. 82. DEFFORD 2nd.
Fig. 81. SANDERS' T RADE-MARK.
Fig. 88. DEFFORD 0 LD 1st. 84
DAYLESFORD. St. Peter. Two bells + 10 tubular. l. Blank ; modern. 2. COME AWAY MAKE NOE DELAY A (bell) R 1722 (vine border.) The old bell is no longer used, having been superseded by ten tubular bells presented by C. E. Baring Young, Esq. in 1893. The smaller bell was also given by Mr. Young, but was not found satisfactory, and is also disused. 1552 : ' Dalysford ij bells j sacaryng bell.' Nothing in Prattinton. V.C.H. Worcs., iii., p. 338 (inaccurate.) H.B.W., 1912. Many thanks to the late Rev. A. G. Grisewood, Rector. The parish has now been transferred to the diocese of Oxford (Deanery of Chipping N orton.)
DEFFORD. St. James. Three bells.
l. SANCTA ANNA ORA PRO NOBIS
RECAST BY CARR &: C~. 1908 2. 1604 (followed by border Fig. 54 alternating with Fig. 49.) 3. WILLIAM (bit of border) BALDWYN GENT AND IOHN IOANES C W 1689 Below, border of arabesques and below again, M B 4 On waist :-A. D. 1903 CAST BY CARR &: C~. OEOROE SWINDEN VICAR SMETHWICK SIMON ONIONS I EDWIN ROBERTS (CHURCHWARDENS PRO OLORIA DEl Formerly three bells ; the tenor is an addition (weight 6 cwt., note C). 2nd cast by Henry Farmer of Gloucester ; 4 of date re versed. See Fig. 82. 3rd cast by Matthew Bagley at Evesham, probably his latest bell. Borders as Great Comberton 4th and 5th, to be illustrated under Kempsey. ' t..t.:1 !:±! t:±.1 w t..tf ~ SJTnaG!I JTn.nlf ORlT PRO IlOBIS Fig. 84. DEFFORD OLD 1st.
GOD (,AVE OVR KING 1640 Fig. 85. DORMSTONE 1st .
I E SVS :BEE:OVR: S PEED:I631: I:F:R:D Fig. 86. DORl\1S'l'ONE 2nd.
~~~L~I~B~CHVRCHWARDEN ~f~D G~B~I615 Fig. 87. DOVERDALE 1st.
I 0 H N o RO G A R S E o I cl 2. 9 o S "8 Fig. 88. EDVIN LOACH. 86
The old treble was inscribed as reproduced ; a facsimile of the inscription, from a rubbing taken by me in 1891, is given in Fig. 84. It was of the same type as Acton Beauchamp, etc., cast about 1450. The Rev. J . Willis, to whom I am greatly indebted for rubbings, etc., notes that on the crown of the 2nd bell there is a band of incised markings, of which I can make nothing, but possibly they are intended to have some meaning. 1552 : ' iij bells in the steple.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. · In the Register is the entry, ' The greate Bell new cast the eighteenth day of June 1689 and wa.yed then ffive hundred and Two pounds' (4! cwt.) V.G.H. Wore& ., iv., p. 173. H.B.W., 1891.
DODDENHAM. See KNIGHTWICK.
DODDERIDLL. St. Augustine. 6 + 1 bells. l. RICHARD SANDERS made mee 1708 (arabesques). Below, arabesques. (32 in.
2. T. MEARS OF LoNDON FECIT 1814 (border of loops.) (34! in. 3. Richard Sanders of Bromsgrove 1708 (arabesques). (35in. 4. WM. LILLY & INo. GREEVES C :WARDENS 1708 RECAST 1830 WM. LILLY & G. WALL C: WARDENS J . RUDHALL FECIT (a) RECAST 1912 BY MEARS & STAINBANK CLEMENT PRICE, VICAR, ~·. !~:~~~ YER } WARDENS (b) (Trade mark of Mears & Stainbank.) (36 in. 5. AB : RUDHALL t754. (40 in. 6. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE DO SUMMON ALL A (bell) R 1756 87
RECAST 1893 AT THE EXPENSE OF J. CORBETT ESQ. OF IMPEY GEO. LEWIS VICAR JOHN HARRIS } C WARDENS H. P. RADNALL (44 in. S. C. & G. MEARS FEe': 1846. (24 in. lst and 3rd: Note the use of 'lower·case ' lettering, often favoured by Sanders. The arabesques are Fig. 113. 4th and 6th : Inscriptions on older bells reproduced. The mark on the waist of the 4th has three bells and A.H. for Arthur Hughes, being a copy of the old Whitechapel foundry mark used in the 17th cent. The tenor is by Barwell of Birmingham. On the old 4th there were ornamental borders after the date and WARDENS. John Corbett of Impney, who gave the tenor, was the well known M.P. for Droitwich (1874-1892). He was born in 1817, bought the Stoke Prior Salt Works in 1852, and sold them in 1881. He died in 1901. (&e Diet. Nat. Biogr., 2nd Suppl. i. p. 417). The Rev. G. Lewis was subsequently Vicar of !comb and Tibberton, Gloucs. He died in 1924. 1552. ' Doderhill Hangynge in the steple v bells, whereof oon was bought att the Friars at ye suppression of the seid house ' [the Friars Eremites of St. Augustine) ' for the whyche we owe xlvj's viijd.' 1740. '6 Bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton (old 4th as reproduced in 1830). V.O.H. Worcs., iii, p. 66. H.B.W., 1890. Many thanks to Mr. J. F. Parker for admirable rubbings.
DORMSTONE. St. Nicholas. Three bells. l. GOD SAVE OVR KING 1640 (See Fig. 85). 2. I: F: R: D: IESVS: BEE: OVR: SPEED: 1631 (See Fig. 86). 3. + SANCTA MARIA ORA PRO NOBIS (See Fig. 83). lst. Probably by R. Oldfield ; date figures as at Mamble ; S reversed; cf. also Dorsington, Gloucs. • • • 00 • • • 00 • • • 89. Figs. 89-!JO. DORMSTONE 2nd.
90. 91. I 6 4~ ~161592. • ••••••••••• Figs. 91-92. DOV.H.lRI>ALE 1st. F.ig. 98. DRO.I:TWICEI ST. A.NI>R.E~ 7t-h 2nd. Cf. White Ladies Aston 2nd and Peopleton 3rd; probably by Richard Dawkes. Stamps given in full size, Figs. 89, 90. 3rd. As Defford old 1st ; initial letters crowned. The 1st and 2nd have long 'flights' to the clappers. 1552 : ' DoRMERTON iij bells in the steple a lytell saunce bell.' Noake, Rambler in Wares., ii., p. 171, gives the inscriptions, as does Prattinton. V.C.H. Wares ., iv. p. 67. H .B.W. 1889. Thanks to Rev. W. J. Holden, formerly of Kington, now of Upton Snodsbury.
DOVERDALE. St. Mary. Three bells. l. (Crossed Keys) F (crown) D G (jleur de lys) B (jleur de lys) 1615 (crown) I (.fleur de ly.s) L (jleur de lys) I (jle1tr de lys) B (crown) CHVRCHWARD.l~N (See Fig. 87). Above and below, arabesques (Fig. 59); round lower rim a plait-band (Fig. 6H). (21£ in. 2. + GOD BEEOVR GOOD SPEED (Fig. 70) 1660 (Figs. 70, 68, 70). (22 in. 3. + SANCTE TOMA ORA PRO NOBIS 26! in. 1st by Godwin Baker ; Cf. Worcester St. Peter. Letters and stamps all on separate paten:e. See Figs. 92, 93. 2nd by John Martin. 3rd. As Defford and Dormstone, with initials crowned. 1552 : ' In the steple iij bells.' 1740 : ' 2 bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. Noake, Rambler in Wares., ii., p. 208, gives the inscriptions V.C.H. Wares., iii., p. 71. H.B.W., 1901.
DOWLES. This parish is now in Worcestershire. The bells are de scribed in my Church Bells of Shropshire, p. 40. One is by John Greene of Worcester (1595), the other by Westcott & Price of Bristol (1823). See also V.C.H. Wares., iv., p. 264. For facsimile of inscription on 1st see Fig. 77. 96. 00. Figs. 95-96. DROITWICH ST. ANDREW 6th. . Fig. 94. Fig. 96A.
l•' igs. 94, 91i A. DROITWICH S'I'. ANDREW 4th and 6th. 91
DROITWICH. St. Andrew. Eight bells. l. + GOD PROSPER THIS CORPORATION 1735 R 8 (bell and two coins) (28! in. 2. + RICHARD BULLOCK RICHARD HALE CH WD 1736 R S (30 in. 3. + RICHARD SANDERS CAST US 3 + 1736 BROMSQROVE (jour coins) (32! in. 4. (Fig. 49) IESVS BE OVR GOOD SPEED (Fig. 49) [name filed off] (Fig. 49) CHVRCHWARDEN (Fig. 49) 1631 (Fig. 20.) Below :-Trade mark and seal (Figs. 36, 95) ; two coins on nm. (34! in. 5. RICHD. NORRIS INo. PHILLIPS CH=WARDENS A (bell) R 1759 (border) (36!in. 6. GILBERT WHEELER IOHN GOWER BAYLIFFS PEETER WALLWIN CHVRCH WARDENS 1631 (border Fig. 20; stop Fig. 49 throughout). GLORIA DEO IN EXCELSIS (Fig. 49) ; trade mark Ji'ig. 97 and three seals (See F·igs. 94, 96, 96a). (39 in. 7. + GOD SAVE OVR KING IOHN WHEELER G EDWIN BARRETT G BAYLIES 1645 I M (small flower as stop throughout.) Below, Arms of Droitwich (Fig. 98) and J. Martin's mark (Fig. 69). (42! in. 8. EDWARD BARRETT AND THOMAS RASTELL (Fig. 58) BA YLIFS THOMAS STREET SEQVIER RECOR DOR (narrow border) . [Small floral stop, except where other wise noted.] HENRY CLIFFORD AND WINTOVR HARRIS IVSTICES (jleur de lys) 1676 (jleur de lys). Above the inscription, border Fig. 118; below, the same inverted; on rim, two coins. (47 in. 4th and f-ith by Thomas Hancox of Walsall (cf. Birtsmorton, and for lettering Fig. 27). The border, Fig. 20, was used by other founders, as at Beoley. It will be noted that Hancox on the 6th uses a new form of trade-mark, Fig. 97. In addition we have on these two bells four very remarkable reproductions of ecclesiastical seals. That on the 4th (Fig. 94) is the seal of Edmund Scambler, Bishop of Peterborough 1560-1585, which does not appear to be otherwise in existence (but see 92
Fig. 97. DROI'rWICH ST. ANDREW 4th and 6th.
Fig. 98. DROITWICH. ST. ANDREW 7th. 1692
Fig. fl~ DROITWICH ST. PETER Sand~s. 93
Blomfield, Hist. of Norfolk, ed. Parkin, iii., p. 558). The design is unintelligible ; Scambler's arms in the base are : on a fess between three bibles, a falcon rising between two suns in glory, impaling the See of Peterborough. The in scriptions is SIGILLVM EDMONDI SCAMBLER EPISCO PI DE BVRGO SANCTI PETRI. The upper part of this seal is found on a bell by Hancox at Elmdon, Warwickshire.
Of the three seals on the 6th, Fig. 95 is that of the Gild of St. Nicholas and Corpus Christi at Coventry, representing the. saint as a bishop celebrating mass ; the· inscription (in black letter) is SIGILLV' FRATERNITATIS GILDE CORP'IS XPI & SCI NICH'I DE COVE'T. Fig. 96 is that of the Monas tery of West Langdon in Kent, and represents the Virgin and Child in a shrine with elaborate architectural detail, the in scription (in capitals) being SIGILL' COMMVNE MONAS TERII CECE BE MARIE V. DE LANGDON.* The third seal which has three figures under a canopy with spirelet in centre, I have not yet been able to identify; both design and inscription are too obscure to interpret. It is given in Fig. 96a.
7th by John Martin; Nand L reversed; small plain initial cross and flower as stop. The device on the waist (Fig. 98) is strictly speaking not the arms of the Borough, but a common seal, referred to by Nash (i., p. 295) and described in V.C.H. Worcs. iii., p. 81, as 1 and 4 cheeky arg. and sa., 2 and 3 two salt-barrows ort. For the curious date-figures see Fig. 91. The date of this bell is remarkable, there being hardly another existing bell in England cast in this year, and the inscrip tion GOD SAVE THE KING is hardly less notE~worthy ; but Worcestershire was of course a strongly Royalist county.
Tenor by Henry Bagley of Chacomb, with various orna ments as stops. Bagley's list of bells cast up to 1732 (B. Willi'l MSS. in Bodleian) gives 'Droitwich St. Andrews 6,' a remarkable statement, seeing that three of the present bells are by other earlier founders, and only the tenor can have been cast by a member of the Bagley family!
* See on these seals Reliquary, 1st Ser. XXI., p. 66; also my Oh. B P- lls of Warwickshire, p. 54. t There is R cast of this seal ln the Brit. Mus., impallng the proper arms of the Borough (Oat. of Seals, No. 4893). 94.
1552 : ' Droitwich St. Andrewes iiij bells a saunce bell a common bell for the towne.' 1740: '8 bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton, who also gives an extract from the Bailiff's accounts for 1629 which is of some interest :- Itm laid out as I was appointed to Valmer t-he Bell founder for casting of St. Andrewes Bell £5 0 0 'Valmer' seems to indicate John Palmer of Gloucester. This bell was probably the predecessor of the presont 5th. V.O.H. Wares., iii., p. 84. H.B.W. HJOO (thanks also to Mr. P. Young). Many thanks to Mr. J. F. Parker for an admirable set of i1bbings. The tower has recently been closed owing to its precarious condition, and the bells have not been rung for some time. It has been suggested that they should be removed to a frame in the churchyard, but whatever their eventual fate, it is to be hoped that everything will be done to preserve bells of such exceptional artistic and historic interest.
DROITWICH. St. Nicholas. The church was built in 1869, the original church having been long destroyed, and the parish re-formed out of St. Andrews'. There are now eight tubular 'bells.' The In ventories of 1552 give ' St. Nicholas in the steple iij bells & a saunce bell.
DROITWICH. St. Peter. 6 + 1 bells. 1. THANKS BE TO GOD WHICH GIVETH US THE VICTORY (scrolls.) VICTORY Medallion with TAYLOR 1921 LOUGHBORO (26 in. 2. THE LORD WILL BLESS HIS PEOPLE WITH PEACE PEACE * * * E. H. LONGLAND * VICAR (Medallion) E . J. TOLLEY * WARDEN E. EVANS *WARDEN *MAYOR (27! in. 1921 GOD SAVA 0/\R qvEENE A 1ESABEC l!'ig. 100. DRQI'l'WICH ST. PETJ<;R 4tb.
~ [I a fflil ~ PJinDa ~ JTORaS ~ TIOBIS [IPat>Ra ~TIOBiliiORflS~ Fig. 101. DROITWICH ST. PETER Old T\'nor. ggWILL ~BEDFORD~ FAR~ EVER TON~CH~WAR~I692w£H Fig. 102. DROITWICH ST. PID'l'ER Sanctus.
+ RICHARD SANDERS MADE US ALL G I 7.2 I
Fig. 103. ECKINGTON 3rd. 96
3. HIS SERVANTS SHALL SERVE HIM (Scrolls.) SERVICE (30 in. 1921 4. GOD SA VA OVR QVEENE A LESABEC (See Fig.lOO) (32 in. 5. On waist :-FERDINANDOE EVERTON A.D. 1914. ROBERT PEARCIE C.W. 1685 (Barwcll's mark) (34 in. 6. CELl P ANDE A ORES NOBIS PETRE NOBILIORES I WAS RECAST 1914 FOR E. H. BLACKWOOD-PRICE VICAR E. ,J. TOLLEY & E. EVANS WARDENS (39 in. S. WILL: BEDFORD: FAR: EVERTON: CH: WAR: 1692:: W (bell) H (See Figs. 99, 102.) (14! in. Formerly three bells, with sanctus. The 4th (old 1st) is by John Grene I of Worcester. The final C of 'Elisabec' may be a Gothic T. 5th: inscription on old 2nd reproduced, except that in the original the E of ' Everton ' was run on to the pl'eceding name (D's reversed). There were ornaments between the words, and below, John Martin's shield (Fig. 67) and a band of arabesques (Fig. 59). On the tenor the E of EVANS is engraved. Sanctus bell by William Huntbatch of Worcester (cf. Claines). FAR is for Ferdinando (cf. the old 2nd). Old tenor: inscription given in facsimile in Fig. 101. The third word is meant for FORES. For the cross, lettering, and stops see Figs. 104-112. The lettering is also found on bells at Church Preen and Ness Magna, Salop, and on the bell now at New St. Martin's, Worcester. This bell was probably cast at Worcester about 1480 (see post, under Grimley). The person or persons who were responsible for the in excusable destruction of this beautiful and unique old bell are deserving of the strongest censure, both eccleE 107. 108. 109. 110. ill. 112. Figs. 104-112. DROITWICH ST. PETER Old Tenor. 98 1552. ' In the steple iij bells and a saunce bell.' 1740. '3 bells.' V.C.H. Worcs., iii., p. 86. H.B.W ., 1900. Many thanks to Mr. J. F. Parker for rubbings of the in- scriptions on the new bells. I gather from him that access to the tower is easier now than it was on the occasion of my visit, though the bells can still only be reached by climbing on to the nave roof and getting through a door from outside. DUDLEY. St. Thomas. Ten bells. 1. THO'!. BUNN CAVSED ME TO BE MADE 1818 T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 2. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1818 3. As No. 2. 4. As No. 2. 5. WILLIAM VISCOUNT DUDLEY &: WARD To DOOMSDAY MAY THE NAME DESCEND 2nd line :-OF DUDLEYS AND THE POOR MAN'S FRIEND 1818 T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 6. RING AND BID THEE CRY GEOROIVS REX Ill. ENGLAND THY SOVEREIGN'S NAME 2nd line :-GOD SAVE THE KINO T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1818 7. As No. 2. 8. JAMES BOURNE JUNR. [CLERK OF THE WORKS) T, M EARS OF LONDON FECIT 1818 9. THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THIS CHURCH WAS LAID BY THE BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE 0CT~. 25 1816 2nd line :-WILLIAM BROOKES ARCHITECT T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1818 10. WELLINGTON WILLIAM VICT. DUDLEY &: WARD PATRON LUKE BOOKER LL.D. VICA.R 2nd line : - EDWARD GUEST TIMOTHY HILL CHURCH WARDENS T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1818 99 Tenor 21 cwt. On the 8th bell the words 'Clerk of the Works ' have been almost obliterated. William, 3rd Viscount Dudley and 8th Baron Ward, was born in 1750, M.P. for Worcester 1780-88, and died April25, 1823. He was ' distinguished by the purest and most muni ficent benevolence of character ' (Burke). I cannot explain the addition of the name ' Wellington' on the tenor. The Rev. Luke Booker was Vicar, 1812-38. 1552 : ' iij bells in the steple a saunce bell a little sacringe bell.' 1740: '6 Bells.' V.C.H. Wore., iii., p. 102. See also Noake, Rambler in Worcs., i., p. 65, and Notes and Queries, 10 Sept., 1853 (1st ser., viii., p. 248). Many thanks to Mr. J. F. Parker. DUDLEY. St. Edmund. One bell. I. R : WELLS OF ALBOURNE FECIT MDCCLXXVIII. The only bell in the count.y from this Wiltshire foundry. Church destroyed by Col. Leveson in 1646 and left in ruins until rebuilt in 1724. 1552 : 'iij bells in the steple & a saunce bell.' V.C.H. Worcs., iii., p. 102. DUDLEY. St. Andrew. See NETHERTON. DUDLEY. St. Augustine, Holly Hall. One bell. Church built 1884. DUDLEY. St. James. One bell. Church built 1840. DUDLEY. St. John. Ton tubular bells. Church built 1840. DUDLEY. St. Luke. Two bells. Church built 1878. lOO EASTHAM. SS. Peter and Paul. Four bells. 1. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD A (bell) R 1754 (border) . 2. THOMAS (Fig. 70) PVRKS (Fig. 71) EDWARD (Fig. 71) TAlLER (Fig. 59) 1663 (Figs 59, 68). Below :-border all round (Fig. 59.) 3. SOLI (Fig. 71) DEO (Fig. 71) GLORIA (Fig. 71) PAX (Fig. 71) HOMINIBVS (Fig. 71) 1855 (Fig. 71) On Waist :- (Fig. 67). 4. THOMAS TAYLOR & IOHN WALKER CHVRCH WARDNs AR (bell) 1699 (arabesque.) 1st by Abel Rudhall ; floral ornaments at end. 2nd and 3rd by John Martin ; three varieties of ornament on 2nd ; on 3rd N reversed. Thin letters on 2nd ; thick type on 3rd 4t.h by Abraham Rudhall I.; N reversed; in TAYLOR the 0 is stamped over an E (cf . 2nd). 1740: '5 bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V.C.H. Worcs., iv., p. 271. H.T.T., 1892. Many thanks to Rev. R. G. Griffiths. ECKINGTON. Holy Trinity. Six bells. 1. + EDWARD HANFORD ESQR (Fig. 113) FLOCK KENDRICK 1721 Below, Fig. 113 all round. 2. + THOMAS QEORQE OF OVERBERRY QAUE THIS GUINNY (two coins and Fig. 81) 3. + RICHARD SANDERS MADE US ALL 6 1721 (Fig. 113) (See Fig. 103) 4. + IOHN THISTELLWHEAT VICAR 1721 (Fig. 113) 5. + RICHARD WOODWARD JOSEPH BOULTER CHURCHWARDENS 1721 (Fig. 113) 6. + MY MASTERS DOUPTED OF MY SOUND ILE PLEASE THEM ALL WHEN WE RING ROUND 1721 B elow, Fig. 81.) ....••...... , Fig. 113. SANDERS' BORDER (Ecldngton)...... Fig. 114. E LMLEY CASTLE 6th. 102 Is it possible that the ' guinny ' on the 2nd refers to the coin or coins impressed into the bell after this word ~ The Vicar informs me that they are the obv. and rev. of a George I. guinea. Each bell bears a plain cross, and the 2nd and tenor have Sanders' trade-mark, as at Cofton Hackett. John Thistlewayte was Vicar 1715-1727 ; the spelling of the name as here given suggests an agricultural' false analogy.' Edward Hanford lived at Wollas Hall in this parish, now owned by his descendants the Hanford-Floods. 1552 : ' EKYNGTON-In the tower iiij bells j sacrying bell.' 1740: '5 Bells.' (sic). Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V.C.H. Wares., iv., p. 75. H.T.T., 1880. Many thanks to Rev. A. W. Fletcher, Vicar, for the excellent drawings reproduced in Figs. 103, 113, and other assistance. Mr. J. H. Bloom contributed the following note to the Stratford Herald (date not recorded) :- INSOLENT BELLRINGERS IN THE IUOIGN OF GEORGE I. Worcester, Sbr., 2d ., 1714. Mr. Register ,-! came this day on purp<>se to wait UIJOn you, and am very much concerned to find you imlislJ()sed. Mr. Parsons, of Kemme1·ton, joins with me iu desiring your <>pinion in the following matter. He, with Mr. Mason, of Birlingham, on Thursday last. gave a treat on Sr Jn Gurie's account t.o Mr. Vernon's friends at J~cldngton . Some y<>ung fellows upon ys occasion met aml rung the bells, had 3s sent them w drink, but thinking that not sufficient they declar'd they would ring the bells bact;:wd. Accordingly did, and allarum'd thereby the whole neigh bourhood . I went into the church and demanded ye reason of it, and was answered that they had rung for a Roundhead's pleasure and were now ringing backwds for their own. I there upon ordered them to fall the bells, and dep't the church, both web they refused to do, till I myself vull'd one of ye bells down that. was set. 'l'he ringers whereof emlenvred to throw the rope about my neek, and said the gallows would be stron!\'. After the falling of tl!e bells and abundance of ill language they refus'd to go out of the chureh, declaring they would stay there all ni~ht if tbey ])leas'd, :md there I was forced to leave them. Now, sir, I hnmbly beg the favour of you to let yr clerk send me yr ovini<>u to Mr. Slaughter's, the clerk, and if they may lawfully be punish'd it would be very requisite to prevent (wh they now do) their future glorying in abusing a worthy gentleman. Herein you will oblige, sr, yr most obllg'd humble svt, vVM. WATHIS. 103 EDWIN LOACH. Old Church. Two bells. The Rev. H. T. Tillcy visited the old church about 1890-!:l5, and found two old bells on the floor, the larger one ancient but uninscribed, the other, which had served as a ting-tang, inscribed: IOHN . ROGARSE . 1629 . S (uncertain mark) B (Fig . 88). This is at variance with Prattinton's note : ' There are only two small Bells, both modern and without Inscriptions.' He records a tradition that the Church was so much injured during the Civil War that the bells were sold to pay for the repairs. S. B. may stand for Simon Baker, a Worcester founder. These two bells are now on the floor of the new church, together with an old one from Tedstone Wafer. The parish has always been in Hereford Diocese (Bromyard Dean ery), and is now also in that county. V.O.H. Wares., iv., p. 274. H.B.W., 1921. New Church. Three bells. There are here three bells cast by G. Mears in 1860 (tenor 5 cwts.) ELDERSFIELD. St. John Baptist. Six bells. l. ANTONY LECHMERE ESQ BENEFACTOR 1705 2. PEACE AND GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD E. A. H. LECHMERE 1891 JOHN TAYLOR & C?. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 3. J. TAYLOR & CO'?. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH REV. T. W. WOOD VICAR J. IRELAND 1 CHURCHWARDENS T. JEFFES ( R. H. NORMAN SIDESMAN 1891 4. W HAYWAR.D GENT W CARTER GT. 1705 T WEBB T LITTLES R FLETCHER 5. A R 1705 104 6. GEO THOMPSON VICAR IOHN CLARKE & IOHN LANE CH WARDENS A R 1705 An original ring of six by Abraham Rudhall. Old 2nd: PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOVRHOOD A R 1705 Old 3rd : MR WILLM CARTER WAS CHVRCHWARDEN ANNO DOM 1705 A R 1552 : ' ELDRESFELD. In tho Steple iij bells ij litell bells thone called a loche boll, and thother a sacryng bell.' 1740: '6 Boils.' Inscription given by Prattinton. V.O.H., Wares., iv., p. 82. The Rov. G. Thompson was RH:tor 1668-1715. Antony Lechmere (1st boll) of Hanley Castle, M.P. for Worcestershire, died in 1720, aged 46. Sir E. A. Lechmere (2nd bell), 3rd Bart., was born in 1826 and was M.P. for Worcestershire from 1878 until his death in 1894. The Eldersfield estate belonged to the Lechmere family, and Antony Lechmere presented to tho Church in 1715. ELMBRIDGE. St. Mary. Two bells. 1. W B 1750 2. No inscription. Smaller bell by William Brooke of Bromsgrove. In an open gable-turret. 1552 : ' In the steple ij bells . . . j lytle sacring bell.' Inscription given by Prattinton. ELMLEY CASTLE. St. Mary. Six bells. 1. CANTATE (Fig. 119) DOMINO (Fig. 119) CANTICVM (Fig. 119) NOVVM (Fig. 63) 1700 On rim: THOMAS POWNEY RECTAR 2. GOD SAVE OVR KING ANNO 1619 MARCH THE 16 (with fieur de lys stop Fig. 49 throughout, followed by two bits of border Fig. 54 with fieur de lys between.) 3. + ETERNIS (king) ANNIS (queen) RESONET (king) CAMPANA (queen) IOHANNIS (Se'!- Fig. 115.) ~ereRni2 ~ n nn12 ffRe 2 onerG GSlffiPD flfl ~ I 0 fi fl n I 2 F ig. 115. ELMLEY CASTLE 3rd. ~ISVR!IliOHN SAVEDGlli!IDWILLIAM MANSILL ~IJIOHN SMITH~CliJW[I]I ~ I 1 ~1 ~GODliJ~ SAVE~OVR[i]KING 1~1 !21£JAPRILL TH£[117[1] ANNO 1620~ F ig. 116. ELMLEY CASTLE 6th. HENRYCVST OWNSHEND ARMIGER DOMINVS MA RENI I FAIT~OMNIBSVS GRATIA SED =cAVSA 16 96= Fig. 117. ELMLEY LOVETT 5th . 106 4. EDWARD GVLL C W RICHARD TYLOR C W MATTHE BAGLEY MADE MEE 1686 5. On shoulder :-1559 IHESUS On waist :-J. TAYLOR & C'?. LOUGHBOROUGH 1886 GOD SAVE THE QUEEN REV. E. J. RHOADES VICAR T. BLIZARD I C W W. CRABB f • • 6. GOD SAVE OVR KING (border) SVR IOHN SAVEGD WILLIAM MANSILL IOHN SMITH C W (border) (Fig. 49 as stop throughout.) APRILL THE 7 ANNO 1620 (border and jleurs de lys.) (See Fig. 116.) 1st by William Bagley, with interlacing borders between words ; N and D reversed, also 7 of date. 2nd and 6th by Henry Farmer of Gloucester ; border as at Church Lench. Similarly dated bells by him at Stow-on-the W old. 3rd: Usual ' Royal Head' type, as Abbot's Morton, etc. 4th : Probably cast at Evesham. 5th : The predecessor of this bell was inscribed \4 ~ ~ ~ ~ ) " ~ ·~ ·1· ') N ihesus 1559 some of the letters being inverted or reversed, as the facsimile shows. See Brit. Mus. Add. MSS., 33205, fol. 87. For the tenor see Fig. 114; border Fig. 54 as 2nd. Several of the bells are said to be much chipped at the rim. The Rev. E. J. Rhoades was Vicar from 1879 to about 1897. Sir John Savage succeeded to the estate in 1616 and died in 1623 (See V.CH .. , Wares., iii., p. 342.) 1552. 'iiij bellss of the wyche on ys for a cloke.' 17 40. ' 6 Bells.' Prattinton does not give the inscrip tions, but he gives the Churchwardens' accounts from 1632 to 1672. There is however nothing of interest about the bells. V.C.H. Wares., iii., p. 345. H.B.W., Aug., 1920. 107 118. 119. Figs. 118-119. BAGLEY'S BORDERS. IWILLIAM I .IBAGGLEYI IMADE-MEEI Fig. 120. ELMLEY LOVETT 6th. 108 ELMLEY LOVETT. St. Michael. Six bells. 1. HEAVEN FIX WHEN YOV HEARE VS SIX IOHN HEMVS 1697 (26! in. 2. WILLIAM INGE HVGH ARDEN CHVRCHWARDENS PEACE TO THE CHVRCH Below :-===1696=== (date cutting into the bead- ings). (28! in. 3. SING YE PLEASANTLY VNTO GOD ~ -~~L.AMl I BAGGLE;- , 1 MADE MEE 1 1696 (Fig. 63). - ·-· ·-- (30! in. 4. EDWARD BEST RECTOR THOMAS BASKERVILLE HVM- PHERY ENGLAND c w 1696 (ornamented cannons). (30! in. 5. HENRICVS TOWNSHEND ARMIGER DOMINVS MARENII FAIT (floral ornament) OMNIBSVS GRATIA SED 2nd line :-=CAVSA 1696=(in the headings, as on 2nd) (Fig. ll7). (34!in. 6. ATTEND WITH DILIGENCE AND PREPARE FOR THE SER VICE OF GOD ACCORDING TO THE 2nd line :-VSAGE OF THE CHVRCH OF t' ::~~:~ ~ (plait, ENGLAND 1696 (plait-band) _,..:"P~EE three bits of arabesque, plait, and arabesques. 38! in. A ring of six by William Bagley of Chacomb, who at that period was fond of unusual inscriptions (cf. Shustoke and Walgrave, Warwickshire). He was not, however, strong in Latin, and the inscription on the 5th bell is quite unintelligible. MARENII is probably for WARENII; Warren Townshend was great-uncle to Henry Townshend, according to Nash. The Rev. E. Best was Rector 1663-1703. The ornament on the 5th bell does not occur elsewhere, so far as I know. For the tenor see Figs. 63, ll8, 120. 1552 : ' In the steple iij bells and a saunce bell.' 1740 : ' 6 Bells.' Bagley's list of 1732 also gives 6. V.C.H. Worcs., iii., p.llO. H.B.W., 1900. EVENLODE. St. Edward. Six bells. 1. + I. RUDHALL fEC':.1831. + 2. H. BOND &: SONS FOUNDERS BURFORD OXON 1897 C. H . COLLINS &: H. HUNT CHURCHWARDENS 109 3. G MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1858. 4. As No. 2 to OXON. HENRY JAMES KELSALL, M.A. RECTOR 1897 VICTORIA JUBILEE BELL MANY YEARS MAY I TELL VICTORIA REIGNED WELL 5. No inscription (raised flat band round shoulder). Weight of tenor 6 cwt. ; probably about 200 years old, and one of the original ring of five, which was by Bagley (Ella comb, Oh. Bells of Gloucs., Supplt. p. 120). Noako, Rambler in Worcs., ii., p. 131, says five bells in 1854. Prattinton has nothing; his notes for Evenlode are incomplete. The immediate predecessors of the 2nd and 4th were not older than the 19th century. 1552 : ' Evynlodo ij bells in the stepull, j lytell bell, a saunqe bell, in the Churche boxe xxxs. which some dyd accrewo and some by the sale of a bell about iiij or yeres past.' V.C.H. Worcs., iii., p. 350 (inaccurate). H.B.W., 1912. EVESHAM. All Saints. One bell. One small bell without inscription, put up about 1855 (?). Messrs. Mears & Stainbank's books for that year record ' Evesham ono of 5 cwt.' V.C.H. Worcs., ii., p. 386. EVESHAM. St. Lawrence. One bell. l. 1813. On the stock :-1837 ATKINS E'SAM. Pits for four bells. V.C.H. Worcs., ii., p. 384. H.T.T., 1878. EVESHAM. Bell Tower. Ten bells. 1. WE PRAISE THEE 0 GOD BARWELL IN MEMORY OF ELLEN ETTWELL FOUNDER OBIIT SEPT. 26 1907 BIRMINGHAM 2. MAY JESUS CHRIST BE PRAISED 1910 IN MEMORY OF ALFRED ESPLEY (Barwell's OBIIT MAR. 17 1907 trade-marlc). THIS BELL IS GIVEN BY HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER no 3. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD A (bell) R 1741 (scroll border ). (32 in. 4. PROSPERITY TO OUR BENEFACTORS A (bell) R 1741 (Border of jleurs de lys). (33 in. 5. PROSPERITY TO THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND A (bell R 1741 (arabesques ). (34i in. 6. GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH A (bell) R 1741 (arabesques ). (37 in. 7. PRAISE GOD IN HIS HOLYNESS A (bell) R 1741 (border of jleurs de lys). (Border repeated below) . (39 in. 8. WHEN YOU US RING WE'LL SWEETLY SING A (bell) R 1741 (border of jleurs de lys). ( 43 in. 9. HARK TO THE MUSICK 0]' OUR SOUND A (bell) R 1741 (arabesques). (47i in. 10· :·· REV~. HENRY PORTMORE COOPER MINISTER W. L. PHELPS E. RUDGE J. THOMAS & W. 8ATTERSBY CHURCH WARDENS 1821 T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT On waist :-(a) I SWEETLY TOLLING MEN DO CALL TO TASTE ON FOOD THAT FEEDS THE SOUL (b) I SOUND THE SOUND THAT DOLEFULL IS TO THEM THAT LIVE AMISS BUT SWEET MY SOUND IS UNTO SUCH AS LIVE IN JOY AND BLISS (54i in. The two trebles are addition& to Abel Rudhall's ring of eight of 1741, put up by B1Pwell of Birmingham in 1910 (see below). The weights of Nos. 3-10 are given by F . E. Robinson, Among the Bells, p. 126, as 6~, 6~, 71-, 9, 11 , 12!, 19i, and 29! cwt. Mr. Binyon states that <'verything is in good condition except the carillon case. The bells are rung from the floor over the archway. The following history of t;he bells in tho Bell Tower is chiefly taken from Mr. E. A R Barnard's Tower and Bells of Evesham (Evesham 1910), illll'ltratod, with some additions from other somces. Ill The first detached bell-tower is said to have been erected after the fall of the central tower of tho Abbey about 1220; the present tower dates from 1533. The earliest record preserved of the bells goes back oven further, ae;cording to a MS. (Harleian 3763 fol. 168} quoted by Tindal in his History of Evesham, p. 127, compiled by Abbot Reginald in 1122- 1149. It states that he "caused to bo founded the bell Benedict and its companion ; the small bell Gloucester and its companion," i.e., in the first half of the twelfth century. We next come to a record preserved in Cotton MSS. Nero. D, iii. fol. 246 and quoted by Dugdale in the 1812 odtn. of his .ilfonasticon, ii., p. 12, which gives the in.:;criptions on the medireval bells, in the following words :- ' Nota de versus super campanas et primo super campanam in honore Sancti Egwini consecratum anno Domini Mcccliiij (1354}: l. ' Domp'nus Will'mus Boys abbas me fieri fecit in honore Sancti Egwyni. 0 pater Egwyne tibi consono nocte dieque Me fugiant digne tonitrus mala fulgura quaoque. Egwyn.' 2. ' Me sonante pia succurre Virgo Maria Ecclesiae genti discedant fulgura venti-Maria. Will'mus Boys nos fieri fecit.' 3. ' Christus vincit Christus regnat Christus imperat. IHC.' 4. 'Ave gloriosa Virginum Regina vibis generosa vitae medicina gloriosa.' 5. ' A ve Maria gratia plena dominus tecum-Gracia.' I am inclined to think that the separate word at the end of each inscription was not on the bell, but is the title by which it was generally distinguished. It also sooms likely that the ancient bell alluded to by Dinely in 1685 (see below} was not yet in existence. Dugdale also gives the inscription ' Super campanam ad Lavatoria,' i.e., which called the brethren to their ablutions in the cloister, and the following meals: ' Convoco pransuros ad mensam et bibituros Prospera succedilont mala mo resonante recedant.' (followed by some ot11er lines which can hardly have been on the bell}. Leland (ii., 3. 52, ed. Toulmin Smith) 112 says that Abbot Lichfield placed in the tower ' a great bell and a goodly clock.' This bell is probably the one mentioned by Dinely* as forming ono of a ring of six existing in 1684, and inscribed in black-letter. His exact words are ' the Tenour carrieth six tuneable Bells, the Tenour whereof hath this hexameter thereon ' (drawn by Dinely in black-letter, in a circle) + €tunis Jlnnts nsontt campana lobannis The next record wo have is in Browne Willis' Mitred Abbeys, i., p. 91 (1721) with a further reference to Leland. He says: [In the Bell Tower] "hang eightt bells, t.ho' not very great ones, which at the Restoration of King Charles the 2nd were taken out of the two Parish Churches . . . Neither of them hath any Bells, but the Bells in the Abbey Tower serve for the use of them both. Leland hath informed us that ' in the aforesaid Tower was a Great Bell and a goodly Clock; but I have not boon able to learn what is now become of this Clock Bell, tho' I suppose it continued till the Restora tion of King Charles the 2nd, when the youth of the Town joyning together and taking the Bells out of the Parish Steeple, melted them and coined the present Ring of eightt Bells now hanging together in the Tower." Some valuable information is also given by William Cole in a note appended to his transcription of Browne Willis' notes (Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. 5828, fol. 199), which throws further light on the old ring. "1'ho Tower of Evesham, as Mr. Thomas writes mee, is 27 yards in Height. 1'he 2nd and 3rd Bells of Evesham were taken out of the 2 Spires ; there is yet (1721) on the 2nd Resonet Campana Johannis, and on the 3rd Sancte Gehorge ora pro nobis. The 1st was cast in 1664, and has this, Cantate domino canticum novum. 4th and 5th Mr. Thomas takes no notice of; but on the great Bell .is 2 verses ; it was cast 1631." This information is further supplemonted by Mr. Barnard's account, which gives the inscription on the bell of 1631 in a modernised form as : * Ilist. j!·om Marble, vart 2 (Cmnden Roe., No. !J7) , p. cclxxiv. "j- CoJc; in his tr-anseript of B . Willis {llrit. Mus. Add. i><-;28, fol. 198), says " for ' eight' here rea!l ' six.' " t Or ' :,;ix,' aR noted above. 113 "I sound the sound that doleful is to them that live amiss. But sweet my sound is unto them as live in joy and bliss, Edward Cugley Mayor, Richard Cresheld Recorder, Russell Andrews Chamberlain; John Samon John Balam both Ministers§ ; Anthony Lea William Nioklis and Richard Grove John Clomonts Church Wardens 1631. I sweetly tolling men do call to taste of food that feeds the soul." This has been partly reproduced on the present 1~ § I.e., of the two parish clmrches, then SCllUra.tc livings. 114 3. + SANCTE GEHORGE ORA PRO NOBIS 4.5. [By H. Bagley 1664]. 6. Dated 1631 ; inscription as given above. [By G. Oldfi'lld of Nottingham]. At a special Vestry meeting in August, 16M it was agreed ' that ye Ring of Bells that are speedily to be hanged in the Great Tower in ye Churchyard of ye Parishes aforesaid shall be repaired for ever thereafter by equal charge of the whole Towne, and not by district parish payments,' and on Feb. 16, 1665, there is a further resolution that 'the overplus of the metall of ye Ring of Bells that was lately cast and hanged in ye Tower shall be sold by ye present churchwardens of both parishes for a defraying ye charges of casting and hanging ye said bells.' It may be assumed that these bells were cast by Henry Bagley, as we ma.y gather from Bagley's list in BroWile Willis' MSS. which gives' Evesham 5 to make 6.'11 There is no evidence that the ring was further altered or increased till 1741, though Cox, in 1720, says, 'the Bells in the Tower are Eight, which were taken out of the Churches.' But he is not trustworthy. BroWlle Willis about 1750 gives ' 8 bells.' There is no existing documentary evidence as to the new ring of 1741, but we know that the old bell of 1631 was retained, and lasted down to 1820. ~~ Early in that year one John Jarrett in repairing the bell-frames 'by want of skill caused the breaking of the tenor bell.' A local note of the time states that the names of the civic authorities were omitted from the new bell, the chul"\;hwardens being then ' in hostility with the Corporation on Election matters.' The 1~ev. Henry Portmore, whoso name appears thereon, was Vicar 1808-1827. Mears' estim • Illustration, Barnard, op. cit., p. 16. See also for an 1Ilustra tion, the Antiquary, Sept., 1910. t Noake, lVorcs. N. I! Q., p. 214. 116 The Bailiff's Daughter. The two new bells are not included in the chimes. There are not many records of ringing connected with the Evesham bells. Mr. Barnard gives the following: 1726, 13 Jan. Return of ye King from Germany. 1736, 16 Jan. When ye King George ye First (sic.) came home. 1736. At ye Queen's bearring (i.e., funeral). 1743. 3 July. Ye Ringers for Dettengen Victory. When ye King returned from abroad. 1755. When ye King came home. . When Johnson defeated ye French and Indians on ye Oio. 1756. 22 Dec. Ye King of Porswa's (Prussia's) Accession Day. 1760. ll Nov. For ye Bells at ye Kyng's Burial. 1821-1842. Various events in connootion with Royal Family. Royal anniversaries seem to have been regularly observed. Ringing on 30 Jan., 29 May, and 5 November, was customary down to about 1845. The bells were always rung at Elections and on Mayor's Day. In 1838 the bells rang for twenty-one consecutive days during the election, about five hours daily, and the ringers received £40 between them and a daily dinner ! About twenty years ago a peal of 5040 Stedman Triples was rung by the College Youths. On the wall of the ringing chamber is painted a set of old ringing rules.:f: Gentlemen Ringers, far and And he that rings with Spur near, or Hat That are disposod to Ring here, Must pay likewise fourpence Observe these Rules and note for that. them well Ropes cost money ; Oyl is The man that overturns his dear Bell Therefore make pay or come Unto the Sexton sixpence pay, not here. Before he passes hence away. ::: Also four Unes about the tenor and a llst of ringers. 117 The old inscriptions on the bells, as given by Dugdale, are also given by Ellacombe, Bells of the Church, p. 470 (278). See also Gentleman's Magazine, 1778, p. 458; V.C.H. Worcs. ii. p. 390; and for the new bells, Bell News, 9 July, 1910, and the Evesham Journal of about the same date. Bells omitted by Prattinton. No mention in Edwardian Inventories. H.T.T., 1878. Many thanks to Mr. C. A. Binyon. (To be continued.) 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