The Church Bells of

by Arthur Wright

File 03 – Summary and Chronological Account The Foundry, Addenda, Index – Pages 97 to 134

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THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE. Bv ARTHUR WRIGHT, B.Sc. VII. SUMMARY AND CHRONOLOGICAL AcCOUNT. IN the county there are at the time of writing (1940) 556 bells, including a few in secular use, but of interest from their dates or inscriptions. They may be classified as follows :- Total. 1 Ring of 12 12 15 " " 8 120 22 6 132 7 5 35 6 4 24 10 3 30 40 ,,2 80 118 Single bells . . 118 5 Small bells (ting-tangs) . . 5

556

These may further be classified according to their periods :- Pre-Reformation uninscribed 4 , inscribed 181 Post-Reformation 16th century 3 17th 54 18th 154 19th 145 " 20th 95 Blank modern bells . . 83

556

The percentage of surv1vmg pre-Reformation bells, 20/566, i.e. 3·5 per cent, is a figure which compares rather unfavourably with those of neighbouring counties, where these are known, i.e. Hereford­ shire 7, Gloucestershire 6·5, Worcestershire 5·5, Shropshire 4, Stafford­ shire 3; whilst it is much below such counties as Norfolk, 15 per cent in 1874, Suffolk 15 per cent in 1890, Essex 10 per cent in 1909. 2

1 Including two recast, but with their original inscriptions in facsimile. 2 From Lestrange, Raven, and Deedes and Walters respectively. 98 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE

The reasons for the disappearance of early bells are many and varied. Some, no doubt, though not as many as some writers have stated, perished at the Reformation, but these were chiefly of the monastic foundations, and some, even of these, were retained by the efforts of local authorities. The bells of the Monmouthshire monasteries were as follows :- 4 weighing 45 cwt. 2 qrs. Llantarnam 4 38 cwts. 3 qrs. 4 lbs. Grace Dieu · 3 55 cwt. -as given in the reports of the Commissioners. Those of were at the time already melted down, for we read that "on the 20th March 1541 William Wilson and Christopher Draye, the King's plumbers, were paid the sum of £8 for melting the lead and bells of the Abbey." [Cal. Let. and Papers, Hen. VIII., Vol. XVI, 745, f. 41.] Of the bells mentioned above, the four at Abergavenny were saved to that town by the action of the local authorities1 who claimed, and brought forward witnesses in support of their contentions, that the bells were town property bought by public subscription and both belonging to and used by the town without let or hindrance. (See p. 8.) (Arch. Camb., 1937, p. 300.) The four Llantarnam bells were taken away by William Jones, of . 2 Most of the bells from the Monmouthshire monasteries were bought by a London grocer, John Coore, whose agent, Henry Evered, accounted to the auditor, Edward Gostwick, for them, including the three at Grace Dieu, and also certain friary bells. (One from Newport from the Friar's house there was sold to a Morrice Vaughan of the same town for XXXVs.)3 Other writers have stated that the various commissions set up by Edward VI and Elizabeth were intended not to preserve church goods, but to alienate them to the use of the Crown. This is not, however, entirely borne out by the facts, and it appears that the Commissions actually brought to light a number of instance~ of loss by neglect, or actual embezzlement .of church property, as has been shown by research among the reports of the Commissioners. In 1547 and 1549 commissions were issued to inquire into the quantity and value of church furniture and ornaments throughout

1 Similar action by the townsfolk of Brecon saved the three bells of the Priory there. 2 Arch. Camb., 1897, p. 285. 3 Land Revenue Records, 440/10 (Public Record Office), Arch. Camb., 1896, p. 264. THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 99

England, and to forbid their sale or misappropriation. In 1552 another commission, and in January, 1553, a third, proved more effectual and the results are to be found in the Public Record Office1 more or less complete, though some counties are missing entirely, viz. Gloucester, Somerset, Rutland, Sussex, and Westmorland. Monmouthshire is also missing, and the county was probably out of the purview of the Commissioners. In the 1553 commission occurs the statement : "to sell or cause to be sold to our use by weight all parcels or pieces of metal! except the metall of great bell or saunse bells, in every of the said churches or chapels." 2 This has been misinterpreted to mean that the tenor and sanctus only were to be left in each church, whereas "great bell" probably meant what we should call steeple bells, and the intention was the sale of cracked bells and loose pieces of metal alone. This interpretation is supported by the presence in many English belfries (though not, unfortunately, in Monmouthshire except at Gwernesney and Redwick) of rings of several medieval bells.3 Again, later on in the same commission occurs also the following injunction, directed to deans, churchwardens, ministers, and parishioners: "that they ... do safely kepe unspoiled, unembesiled and unsold all such bells as do remayne in everye of the said churches and chapels, and the same to conserve untill our pleasure be therein further knowne. " 4 The death of Edward VI in July, 1553, and the succession of Mary, may have hindered any further alienation and thus the tendency of the com­ mission should have been towards the preservation of the earlier bells, and we must look elsewhere for the causes of the loss of so many of them since. Many were no doubt cracked in use (or misuse, as when chimed by their clappers, or "clocked") and when recast their earlier inscriptions were ignored or forgotten, whilst the institution of "change-ringing," towards the end of the seventeenth century, caused the recasting of many a ring of interesting

I Those for Norfolk are contained in eleven books, eight of the series E.315, Aug. Misc., and the other three in E.ll7 Queen's Remembrancer Church Goods. See Inventories of Norfolk Church Goods, 1552, compiled by Mr. H . B. Walters, now in course of publication by Norf. and Norw. Arch. Soc. 2 Seventh Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records, p. 312, quoted by T. North in Church Bells of Bedfordshire, p. 15. 3 E.g. in Norfolk~North Burlingham, St. Andrew (3), and St. Peter (3), Plum­ stead Magna (2), Banham (4), etc. [Inventories, p. 6, etc.] 4 Church Bells of Bedfordshire, p. 16. 100 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE early bells, into a ring of six or eight lighter bells. Instances can also be quoted in many counties of the "embesilment" of bells by their lawful guardians, both before and after 1553,1 whilst bells have been frequently sold to repair or roof the church (and sometimes without the formality of a faculty). Many bells have also been inadvisedly recast, though this practice is much less common than heretofore. In several dioceses, since the War of 1914-18, advisory committees have been set up and no bell is recast without reference to campanological experts. In our county at least jive bells should be scheduled as "ancient monu­ ments," i.e. the two long-waisted bells at Gwernesney, and the one at , together with the interesting thirteenth century inscribed bell at St. Brides, N etherwent, and the beautiful tenor at Caldicot. There are other interesting bells in the county but those mentioned above should be preserved at all costs. The bells of the county may be best considered in the two natural divisions, pre-Reformation and post-Reformation.,

PRE-REFORMATION BELLS. Of the twenty-two of these bells which remain in the county (two recast in facsimile in recent years) four are uninscribed, but their shape, long-waisted with hemispherical crowns, fixes their date as late twelfth or early thirteenth century. [See Figs. 17, 18, and 20.] The fine pair at Gwernesney (Pl. IV, 1) still hang in their coeval or earlier double belfry, and although one has lost its tongue this is still to be seen at the neighbouring farmhouse. Their shape coincides closely with that of bells at Chaldon (Surrey), thirteenth century,2 and at the Bargello Museum, Florence, 1184.3 The Gwernesney bells are fully described on p. 29. Those at Kemeys Commander and Bettws N ewydd are apparently of rather later date ; about mid-thirteenth century. [See Pl. IV, ii, and Fig. 20, p. 32.] Of the eighteen inscribed bells, the earliest and most interesting is that at St. Brides, Netherwent, No. 1, with its inscription:- + ave ~eraia (31-lJiOIB PLn

1 Many cases are given in the Inventories, e.g. Tottenhill, Norf. , Md. that the belles in the Steeple were stolen on Seynt V alentynes even the xiii daye of !february a0 vto E. VI to (Norfolk Inventories, p. 40). 2 H . B. Walters, Church Bells of England, p. 19. 3 Ibid., p. 25. See also p. 359 for others of this period. THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 101 in highly ornamented capitals of mixed Roman and Lombardic type (Pl. IX).l The presence of the Roman V, M, and N points to an early date, and the similarity of the bell to one recently discovered by Mr. W. J. Hemp, at Llanallgo, Anglesey, and fully described by him in the Anglesey volume of the Report of the Royal Commission for Ancient Monuments, bears this out. The Llanallgo bell bears the impression of a penny of Edwar.d I, and the St. Bride's bell may thus be dated also as c. 1290, and of English origin, though there are traces of foreign, probably French, influence, especially in the cross, which is unique though closely resembling that at Llanallgo, and others at West Thomey (Sussex), 2 Enborne, and Sonning (Berks.), 3 and at Fontenailles in Normandy.4 The St. Bride's cross is more ornamented than any of these, having trefoils in the angles, and is thus possibly of slightly later date. Should it become necessary at any time to replace this bell it is much to be hoped that it will be either specially preserved at the church, or handed over to the National Museum of (or that of Newport) for safe keeping. Next comes the small bell at Llanddewi Fach (No. 1), c. 1350, inscribed :- + ~tllia

1 Pl. X is on i scale. All other plates are full size. 2 Sussex Bells, A. D. Tyssen, p. 13, and Fig. 36. 3 Sussex Bells, p. 14. 4 Church Bells of England, H. B. Walters, p. 24. The lettering, however, is very unlike that of the St. Bride's bell. 5 Trans. Bristol and Gloucs. Arch. Soc., XLI, p. 72, et seq. It is erroneously here placed in Group V. 102 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE * ,sqa anna o:aa p:ao no:s1,s The lettering here is very plain, almost without serifs, and tends towards the Roman type, pointing to an early date. We next meet with a group of four Bristol bells at Llangattock­ juxta-, Redwick (Nos. 3 and 4) and . These have the same cross (Pl. VII, i, and Ellacombe's Gloucester, 59) and the Redwick bells bear also the wheel-stop (Fig. 46), and that at Undy a triple dot-stop. Their date is between 1350 and 1380, and their inscriptions as follows :- Llangattock + ,sanoTe Tl\O~a l\Oilla PillO nO:SI,S (Pl. VII, Fig. 27). Redwick 3 (wheel) 101\anne,s + VOOaTVill Do. 4 (wheel) ~tllUtl + Vll\(!)0 Undy + Vll\{I}Ini : ~tlBie : Lavne:,s The last-mentioned inscription is unique, and should this bell need recasting (it is slightly cracked), it would be very desirable that the inscription band be cut out and preserved. The tenor at Caldicot is, perhaps, the most notable bell in the county1 from its early date, and beautiful lettering, and its size (43 in. diam., weight 13 cwt.) One of its stops, a circular medallion, has been so far not found elsewhere, though a variant exists at Long Ashton (Som.). The cross (see Plate II, and Fig. 5) occurs also at Yatton (Som.), 2 and at , Mon. (Fig. 33) and in a simpler form at Llanfihangel Y stern Llewern (Fig. 26), and at Ilston in Gower. The lettering on the Caldicot tenor is 2 in. high and of beautiful design (Fig. 5), the inscription being :-

+ In l\OnOBB @) ,6t11ltJTa @) frlaBin8 -both E's and the C being reversed, and an N put for the second A in Mariae. It is by a Bristol founder, name unknown, but possibly Wm. Warwick. A Yatton (Som.) bell, 2 of similar type was

1 It is marked as such in the list given in H. B. Walters' small handbook Church Bells (S.P.C.K., 1937), p. 48. 2 Trans. Bristol and Gloucs. Arch. Soc ., XLI, p. 60. The medallion shown in the illustration there is a mistake. It is not on the bell. THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 103 supplied, according to the accounts in 1451, and the Caldicot bell may, therefore, be dated c. 1450. It is now hung as the tenor of an excellent modern ring of eight and should survive many years. Visitors to Caldicot will find it easy of access and well worth inspection. The next two bells, 4 (recast in facsimile in 1914) and 1, are in Lombardic capitals, and of date 1420-80 by an unknown Bristol founder :- Dingestow 4 (Crown) ,S.BTIQT~ tiTIDEe.B Ol\.B PEO TIO:SI~ Llanwenarth 1 (Crown) ,SOB B1111B Ol\tl Pl\0 110)81~ The only stop on these is a small crown (see Fig. 37 and Pl. VIII, ii). Inscriptions thus far have been in capital letters only, at first of Roman character, changing later into "Lombardic" type (sometimes, as at St. Bride's, Netherwent, containing both types) and attaining their highest development in the Caldicot tenor. About 1450-1500 black­ letter smalls are noticed, at first with Lombardic capitals, and later, by 1500, in the smalls only. These changes are earliest seen in London and district [compare Abergavenny, 6, by William Burford, of London, 1400-30, or earlier] but in the western counties the change did not always take place, e.g. at Gloucester and Worcester, whilst at Bristol it was not till c. 1470. The bell at Bettws, St. David, is inscribed :- ~andt Jdrt the S being reversed (Fig. 2). The cross is Ellacombe's Gloucester, 72. It is of date c. 1470, and is probably by some unknown successor to John Gosselin, Bristol (d. 1452). From 1480 to 1510, a founder appears who puts R.T. on some of his bells, but his name is still uncertain. He was followed (1508-1546) by Thomas Gefferies, who was Sheriff of Bristol in 1525,1 and whose will, dated November 20th, 1545, was proved July lOth, 1546. 2 He uses mainly rather irregular black-letter smalls and either the Caldicot cross or a simpler variant, and some­ times a plain heavy Maltese cross (as at ). His initials appear as T.G. or T.l. (for Jefferies) and his son, Henry (1546--60) also

1 Bickley, Little Red Book, II, p. 212. 2 Tenby Observer, January 3rd, 1907. 104 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE uses both forms of the name, together with a fleur-de-lis stop. Of bells of this period we have:- Bryngwyn 3 (Maltese cross) J\.ht § -aria § ®rada § fltna. Llanfihangel 3 (Cross, Pl. VI, ii, and Fig. 26) ~andt t}]om a (~6) Y stern Llewern. .ora pro nobif. Llantilio 4 ( Do. fandt lt.orgi .ora pro n.obif tg. Pertholey. The first of these (Pl. I and Fig. 4) has the Maltese cross and an elaborate stop used also by the founder at Caldicot, and at Y atton (Som.) and is c. 1480, and possibly by R.T., though his initials do not appear. The other two are both by Thomas Gefferies and are c. 1525, the latter being dedicated to St. George (note the initial j) and having the initials T.G. Henry Jefferies, who is really of post-Reformation date, is not represented in Monmouthshire. [In Glamorganshire there are bells by R.T. at Llantwit-juxta-Neath, 2, T.G. at Cilybebyll, 2, Ilston, 1, Penarth (sanctus), St. Mary Church, 1, 2, and R.I. at Forth­ kerry, 2.] The Bristol bells may be summed up as follows according to Mr. H. B. Walters' classification in the article quoted above:- Group. Cross. Stop. Date. Henllys, 1 . . . . i small plain. I350 Llangattock-juxta-Usk 11 591 11 I350-80 Redwick, 3 and 4 11 59 I I Undy 11 59 " Caldicot, 8 . . . . lV 25 med~llion I450-80 Dingestow, 4 (recast) va crown 1420-80 Llanwenarth, 1 vc crown Bettws v 72 c. 1470" Bryngwyn, 3 ...... vii d 29 8I c. 1480 Llanfihangel Ystern Llewern, 3 viii 25 1508-46 (simplified) Llantilio Pertholey, 4 viii a 25 The Gloucester foundry is represented in Monmouthshire by two bells only, Llanjihangel-juxta-Roggiett and Penrhos, 3, the latter recast in facsimile in 1904. These are both by Robert Hendley (1450-1500) and bear his mark, a rather peculiar cross, three arms of which terminate in fleurs-de-lis, the fourth cut off abruptly, as a kind of stem. His lettering is well formed and distinct (see Fig. 25), and his stops are usually crowns (Pl. VI, i).

1 The numbers here refer to those of the figures in Ellacombe's Gloucestershire Bells. THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 105

Llanfihangel + ,8'li11GTS: (crown) ~101\:BS:L (crown) on:a pno no:s1,s Penrhos 3 + ,813[110T:B (crown) ~13[1\GJ:Bl\S:TB (recast 1904). To these may possibly be added Llanjair K ilgedin, 2, which appears (read from the ground) to bear Hendley's cross; this, however, needs verification when the bell is accessible. 1 At Tredunnoc, No. 6 has a puzzle inscription which has so far baffled elucidation. The lettering, however, in parts, and a stop which appears to be Hendley's crown, point to the use of his letters at a later­ possibly Elizabethan-period by some founder to whom they had come in a damaged or worn condition. (See Pl. X, which is on i scale.) From the Worcester foundry comes , 4, the only example in the county of a "Royal Head" bell. (See Pl. III and Fig. 16.) It bears an elaborate cross and the heads of King Edward III and Queen Philippa. These heads are first used by John and William Rufford, of Toddington, Beds., c. 1350--1400. They then appear at Worcester, where a founder whose name is unknown cast a large number still existing in the neighbourhood. Later they occur in other counties. The Dixton example belongs to the Worcester group, whose characteristics are the reversed S and the Roman T, and is of date c. 1420 with the following legend:- + ,sanoT:a (K) ~:anGJane:T:a (Q) ona pno (K) no:si,s At Abergavenny the sixth bell is from the London foundry of William Burford (1400-1430) 2 with the inscription:- + + In -ultis }..nnis ftt.sontfot ampana Jobamti.s (Fig. 1.) This is an early use of black-letter, but it is probable that the intro­ duction of the change of type would start in London and spread to the provinces later. This bell is too early to have been one of the four at the Priory Church of St. Mary at the Dissolution, and local tradition is that it was brought from the old parish church of St. John, a suggestion that may be borne out by its dedication. (For the record of the Abergavenny Priory bells, seep. 8.)

1 Three visits were made, but the bell is too high to nach without professional aid. 2 Or probably earlier, 1375-1400. H. B. Walters ~· hurch Bells of Worcestershire, p. 293. 106 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE

PosT-REFORMATION BELLs. The transition from pre- to post-Reformation must have been gradual, and it is usually impossible to give exact or even approximate dates for bells from 1500-1570, but the invocation of saints becomes rarer, and more or less colourless sentiments, frequently in English, appear to mark the change. There are, however, in Monmouthshire none that can be definitely attributed to the period mentioned, and the earliest are dated ; a practice which obtained from that time to the present day. The earliest bell is , 1 (Pl. VIII, i, and Fig. 36) with the inscription in very rough cast Roman capitals :- SANCTE. IACOBI (rose) ORA PRONOS. I ti B (dog ?) (rose) 1 (dog) B (2 dogs) 1582. (The ornaments are very indistinct.)! This is the only bell in the county by John Baker, of Hereford. Others by him exist at Corse, 1590, recast, Huntley, 1590, and Gloucester, St. Nicholas, 1608 (Gloucs.) ; Edwin Ralph, 1587 (Herefs.) ; Neen Sollars, 1590 (Salop.) ; and Kempsey, 1587 (sanctus) and Hanley Castle, 1600 (sanctus), both in Worcestershire. For many years he was thought to be a Gloucester founder, but it is known that a John Baker of Hereford cast two bells for Michaelchurch, Eskley, in that county, in 1583 [Ancient Customs of the City of Hereford, p . 131], and he is generally now accepted as of Hereford.2 Next come two bells of 1598, bearing the initials R.P. and G.P., one of which, Llanfihangel Pontymoile, 1, is in large, very irregular Roman capitals, whilst the other, Llangeview, 2, is in equally irregular, but much smaller lettering.

Llanvihangel. A NN 0 DOMI N I 1598 R P A GP. (Fig. 24). Llangeview. EX DONO GVL GIBON ET ELYZA VXOR EIVS ANNO DOMINI 1598 R- P & G-P. (Fig. 28, and Pl. VII, ii). To these may possibly be added Llanhilleth, 2, 1615, which has also large and irregular lettering with lozenges as stops. + GLORIA 0 IN 0 EXCELSIS 0 DEO (Fig. 30). 1615

1 The inscription on p. 60 is not quite accurately given; it should be as above. 2 A Richard Baker of Gloucester, bellfounder, is mentioned as in 1608, and in the same year the will was proved of john Baker of Madestone (? Matson). H. B. Walters, Church Bells of Worcestershire, p. 333. THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 107

There is a temptation to ascribe these to two of the Purdues, but at the time (1598) these founders were working in Somerset, so that these two must be by some local founders whose names and habitat have yet to be discovered. With the last-mentioned bell may be coupled the interesting clock-bell over the stable at Troy House, , whose three-line inscription (Fig. 41) recording its casting March 24th, 1607, to the order of Sir William Powell, is in somewhat similar but smaller and more regular lettering. About the same date is Abergavenny, 8, 1603, with its inscription naming it as the tenor of the ring:- A BELL I AM FULL SURE & SOUND : I CALL TO BURY THE DEAD IN GROUND 1603. (Recast 1893.) This may have been by Roger Purdue I, of Bristol (1601-40), or Richard Purdue, of Closworth (1600-40),1 but lost its distinguishing marks in the recasting. Abergavenny, 7, is by Roger Purdue II (1649-88) who was at this time (1666) working at Bristol with William Purdue, the initials of both usually appearing. Two bells at St. Thomas, Bristol, of the same year however also bear R.P. only. 2 At W olvesnewton is the only instance in the county from the foundry of Robert Wiseman, of Montacute, Somerset (1589-1618), whose work is very frequently found in that county, though rarely outside it. I have, however, met an example of date 1585 at Haver­ fordwest, St. Thomas (Pembs.), recast in facsimile by Taylor, and there are others in Gloucestershire. The Mon. bell bears his favourite legend and spelling, reproduced when recast in 1914 :- GEVE THANKES TO GOD ANNO DOMINI 1607. His will, dated in 1618, mentions his brother John, and sons William and Robert, as legatees, though no mention is made of his plant. The foundry was, however, carried on for another twenty years, as bells are found in Somerset, Dorset, and Wilts up till1641.3 Till the last decade of the seventeenth century the county was monopolised by two Gloucester founders, father and son, ] ohn Palmer I (1621-38) and john Palmer II (1642-82). The first employs

1 See H. B. Walters, Church Bells of Wiltshire, pp. 283-93, for a full account of the Purdues. 2 Trans. Bristol and Gloucs. Arch. Soc., 1918, p. 86. 3 See H. B. Walters, Church Bells of Wiltshire, pp. 280--81. 108 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE for some time irregular and clumsy lettering, apparently executed by impressing cut-out letters of thin sheet-metal on the inside of the cope, sometimes reversed or inverted. At , however, in 1635, a new alphabet well-formed and regular is employed. His inscriptions occasionally give the day of the month (as at Bryngwyn) and are frequently part English and part Latin, the latter being usually correctly spelt, the former seldom so. Many of his inscrip­ tions, as do those of his son, show a strong Royalist tendency. His bells are as follows :- Bryngwyn, 2, SOLI · DEO · DETVR ·GLORIA : FEARE ·GOD · HONNOR • THE·)liNGE · MAl: 3 · 1632 ; 1; P (Fig. 3). Llanjihangel Gobion. ; GOD ; SAVE ; THE ; KING ; 1626 ; 1P ; Penrhos 2, FEARE GOD HONEOR THE KING ANNO 162f: ti 1P ti (Fig. 44). (Stops are of scroll work.) , 1, GIVE THANKS TO GOD 1626 (Fig. 35). 2, SOLI DEO DE TVR GLORIA 1626 with initials of churchwardens and founder. now recast with its earlier inscription (but not in facsimile) Caldicot, 7, LAUDATE DEUM IN SIMBALLIS SONORIS 1627 may also be assigned to this founder. Llanbadoc, 1, is in well-formed lettering with X stops :- X SOLI X DEO X DETVR x GLORIA X WI ; RM ; 1635. This is probably his last bell in the county, for No. 3 at may be by John Palmer II. It is in the Llanbadoc lettering:- x HENRI ; PROBERT ; ESQVIER ; CHVRCH ; WARDEN ; OF ; TRELLECK ; IVNE ; 26 ; 1642. It is difficult to say definitely to which Palmer this bell is due, as the next, undoubtedly by John Palmer II, are of 1647. [Llanfihangel Ystern Llewern (Mon.), and Charlton Kings (Gloucs.).] 1 In spite of the fact that John Palmer II's early years coincided with the Civil War, his activity seems to have been maintained steadily, ten bells being cast for Monmouthshire alone before 1660, and thirty-seven in all before his last in 1682, as shown in the follow­ ing list, in which bells in square brackets [ ] have been recast ; M = with day of month ; C = with coin-stops ; S = with obv. or rev. of the "shekel" ; X = with x-stops.

1 See article by Mr. H. B. Walters in Trans. Bristol and Gloucs. Arch. Soc., XXXIV, p. 118, in which will be found an account, with list of bells, of both Palmers. THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 109

1642 Trellech 3 X.M. 1662 Tredunnoc [1 , 2] 164 7 Llanfihangel X. 1663 S. Y stern Llewern [1] Llanvetherine 2 S. 1655 Rockfield 1, 2 M.S. 1665 Llantilio Pertholey 1 M.S. 1656 Dingestow 2, s; 5 M.S. 1666 Trostrey 2 S. Henllys 3 S. 1669 Rockfield 3 S. Mitcheltroy 2 S. 1672 2 1658 Llanelen 2 S. Penrhos [4] S. 1659 Tregaer 5 C.S. 1674 Dixton 2 166I Christchurch I, 2 M. I677 Llanbadoc 2 S. Llanwenarth 2 C.M. Llangwm Uchaf 1-31 (2, 3) S. Panteg 1, 3 I678 Llanfihangel S. 1662 Llanelen [1] Pontymoile 2 Llantrissent 1 (see Fig. 34). 1680 Wolves Newton [1] Malpas (?) 1 1682 .. [3] 2 S. Dixton 3 S. His legends, like his father's, are usually in quaint English or accurate Latin, or in both, and in severalletterings. He frequently uses as stop the obverse (pot of manna) and reverse (Aaron's rod) of the so-called "shekel" [see Figs. 15, 38], adopted probably in allusion to his name [Palmer = pilgrim to the Holy Land], and also occasionally the obverse or reverse of a Charles I or II shilling (Llan­ wenarth, 2) or halfcrown (Cwmyoy, 2, Llangwm, 2). Some of his bells bear the letters I.G. (Llanfihangel Pontymoile, Cwmyoy) or I.R. (Rockfield), probably the initials of foremen in the foundry. His bells, as well as those of his father, are usually tuneful and well­ cast, his reputation being reflected in their number in use to-day. During Palmer's lifetime he seems to have encountered little rivalry in the district; but after his death (in 1682), two rival foundries divided the county between them for nearly a century. These were the Rudhalls of Gloucester and the Evans family of Chepstow, the latter being the only important foundry in Monmouth county at any time. Abraham Rudhall's first bell, at Oddington, Gloucs., dates from 1684, and within a few years, partly owing to their position on the Severn, an excellent highway for heavy traffic, and partly to their excellent technique, the foundry had established almost a monopoly of the western counties of England and Wales, except where the

1 Llangwm Uchaf No. I is a good example of seventeenth century spelling (see Fig. 29). 110 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE

Chepstow foundry managed to prevail,l The Rudhall succession was as follows: Abraham I (1684-1718), Abraham II (1718-36), Abel (1736-60), Thomas (1760-83), 2 Charles (1783), Charles and john (1783-85), john (1786-1831). After this the foundry was bought by Mears and Stainbank and merged in the great Whitechapel firm, who, however, kept a branch foundry open at Gloucester for about ten years. There is a copy of a catalogue of Rudhall's bells, printed at Oxford in 1715, in which he sets forth that he had then cast 3 rings of 10 bells, 19 of 7, and 76 of 6, etc. ; the total being 1,291 by that date.3 From 1684 to 1830 this total had risen to 4,5~1. 4 Rudhall inscriptions are usually in plain Roman capitals, though John employs half-text as well. In one case only do we find a divergence: in 1706 Abraham Rudhall recast a bell at Monmouth (No. 7) in a ring of eight, and retained on it its medieval inscription, in black-letter mixed:- 1fiabto nomtn ~abritlis missi bt rntlis. (Fig. 39). In the same year he cast two bells for Manchester (Cathedral) (Nos. 7 and 9 in a ring of eight, increased in 1825 to ten) with black­ letter inscriptions.5 These two have been recently recast and thus the seventh at Monmouth is the sole remaining example of this type. It is thus a notable member of an unbroken ring of eight, still in excellent condition after more than two centuries. The inscriptions from this foundry, however, are not of much interest, consisting mainly of names of churchwardens, etc., with such sentiments as:- PEACE TO THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD, PROSPERITY TO THIS PLACE or TO OUR BENEFACTORS or TO THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND and on the tenor bell almost invariably :- I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE DO SUMMON ALL. They employ four types of ornamental band, illustrated in Figs. 6-9, as well as sundry stops of foliage, bells, and a peculiar object resembling a fir-cone (Pl. VIII, iii, and Fig. 12). Their Monmouth­ shire bells are as follows :-

1 He was also largely excluded from Somerset by the Bilbies of Chewstoke, and later on from Wilts by the Wellses of Aldbourne. 2 Two of his bells at Rumney bear the date 1789. a Ellacombe's Gloucester Bells, p. 198. 4Jbid., p. 194. s Cheetham, Church Bells of Lancashire II, p. 48. THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 111

Abraham I (1684-1718). 1702 Llantilio Court stable bell 1708 4 1706 Abergavenny 5 1709 " 1, 2, 5, 6 Monmouth 1-8 1712 Llangibby 2-4 [5] 6, 7 1707 Grosmont 1, 2 [3] 6 1713 Usk 3-7 [8] Abraham II (1718-36).

1720 1-3, 5, 6 J 1734 St. Bride's Wentloog 1-6 Thomas (1760-83). 1764 1-6 1781 Michaels tone-y-Vedw 3-6 1767 Llanhilleth 1 1782 1, 2 1769 Wonastow 1 11789 Rumney [4] 6 1778 ting-tang Charles and john {1785).

1785 Magor 2-6 J Raglan 1 john {1785-1831). 1792 1 1808 Grosmont 4 Llantilio Pertholey 2, 3 1812 Llangattock-v-Avel 1 1793 Oldcastle 1 1820 Llanarth 1-3, 5, 6 1799 Aberystruth (Blaina) 1 1821 Llantilio Crossenny 3 1807 Blaenavon 1-6 1822 Bettws Chapel 1 Grosmont 5 1831 1 During almost the whole of the Rudhall period they had a serious rival in the Chepstow foundry, which, as the only establishment of the kind, and also from its great importance and wide sphere of influence, deserves a chapter to itself. We shall content ourselves here with outlining its work in the county, leaving the full treatment till later. Though the "bell-house" or foundry is spoken of as early as 1605.2 the first bells known to have been cast at Chepstow are both in Glamorgan (Pendoylan and Y stradowen, 1686) ; the first in Mon­ mouthshire date from 1688 (Llangeview, , 2, and possibly Kemeys Inferior).3 These are by Evan Evans I who continued casting until his death in 1724, assisted (from 1710) by his sons, William and Evan II, who worked the foundry together from 1718 to 1727, after which Evan II seems to have left the firm, for from this time William's name alone appears, until his death in 1770, The latest of his bells, however, dates from 1767 (Bathampton, Som.).

1 1789 plainly on both bells ; the T may be a mistake for I. 2 Seep.17. 3 Date of the last-mentioned read through glasses only, and needs verification at closer quarters. 112 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE so he may have retired from active work for the last few years of his life, especially as in a conveyance dated 1772 he is referred to as "gentleman," a term not usually at the time applied to bellfounders in practice. His daughter, Elizabeth, who was heiress, died a few months later in 1770 and the foundry and appliances passed, as will be seen later, to the Rudhalls, to be merged with that foundry, in the Whitechapel firm in c. 1836. Evan Evans I cast forty-four bells for the county ; Evan and William, jointly, eight ; and William, alone, forty-eight, as shown by the following list :- Evan Evans I (1686-1724). 1688 Kemeys Inferior (?) 1 1707 Llangattock-v-Avel [2] 6 Llangeview 1 Redwick 1 Llansoy 2 1709 Rumney 5 1697 Cwmyoy 4 1710 Llanddewi Rhydderch 1 1698 Kilgorrwg 1 4, 51 1699 Caldecot [6] Mitcheltroy 1 . 1 1711 Henllys 2 1700 Cwmyoy 1, 5 1713 Tintern (Chapel Hill) 1 Llanfihangel Cruc. 1, T 1714 Llanfihangel Ystern 2 Penallt 3 Llewern 1 St. Maughans 1 1701 Dingestow 3 1715 3-6 Overmonnow 1 1716 Llansoy 1 1702 1 Monmouth Sch. Chap. 1 1704 Trellech 1, 2 Newchurch West 1 1705 Llandegveth 1 1722 Cwmyoy 6 Evan and William Evans (1722-26). 1722 Cwmyoy 3 I 1726 Wentloog [3, 4] 6, 8 1723 Mitcheltroy 3 1 1726 2 William Evans (1710-67). 1710 Llanwern 1-31 1752 Mynyddislwyn 2 1731 Rumney 3 Redwick 5 1732 Goldcliff 1 St. Pierre 1 1734 Penterry 1 1756 Llanfair Discoed 1 Risca 1 Monkswood 2 1735 Chepstow 3-8 2-6 1739 Penyclawdd 1 1758 1, T 1744 Bedwas 3-5 1763 Redwick 2 1-5 Rumney [2] 1749 Chepstow 1, 2 1765 1-6 1751 Penallt 1, 4 1766 Bryngwyn 1 St. Arvans 1 1 William's name is on three bells at Llanwern, 1710, so possibly the other two are by Evan Evans II. THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 113

It is noteworthy in this list how few of the Chepstow bells have needed recasting, whilst in the more extensive review given in a later page the same will be observed, as well as the great area covered by the 511 bells which have so far been recorded by the writer, extending across the Bristol Channel into N. Devon, N. Somerset, and the city of Bristol, whilst there are even specimens of his work as far north as Cartmel in Lancashire. Only one other eighteenth century founder is represented in the county, i.e. Thomas Bayley, of Bridgwater (1743-73) and his work is confined to three successive years, 1767-9. Since William Evans's last bell is dated 1766, he seems to have given place to Bayley, though the latter's appearanee in the county is probably more accidental than deliberate. His bells are usually well cast and the lettering is clear and graceful, with arabesques and rosette-like ornaments as stops. His list is a very short one :- 1767 Marshfield 3-6 [7] 8 I 1769 Bedwas 1, 2, 6 1768 Machen 2-4 [5] 6, 7 Newport (Cathedral) [&-11] 1 The firm was Bayley and Street for some years, and they were succeed­ ed in turn by Thomas Pyke (1776-87), E. and G. Davis (1782-99), and then john Kingston (1801-32), followed by William Cary (1830-52). 2 Of these John Kingston cast the bells at Nash, 2-6, No.6 having been well recast in facsimile by Taylor in 1932. When we reach the nineteenth century we find competition between many foundries in England, including the Metropolis, owing to the increased facilities for heavy traffic provided by the railways, but the inscriptions become completely stereotyped, and the bells, almost without exception, are of no archaeological interest. To make the record of the county complete, a brief summary is appended. From the noted Whitechapel foundry of Mears and Stainbank, which has enjoyed an uninterrupted activity under many dynasties of founders from the time of Elizabeth, come the following bells :- T. Mears I (1787-1810). 1802 Llantarnam 1-6 I 1808 Tregaer4 1-3 1804 Tredegar, St. Geo. 3 1 1810 " 4 1805 Raglan 2

1 Then, of course, St. Woollos Parish Church. 2 Of Bridgwater in H. B. Walters' list in Church Bells of England, 1912, but of Bristol in Church Bells of Wilts., p. 143, s.v. Nettleton and p. 322. 3 Bell not dated, but the church was erected in this year. 4 The second bell has a specimen of Wilding the schoolmaster's doggerel. 114 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE

C. and G. Mears (I843-6I). I856 ~achen 5 George Mears (1856-65) . I858 Caldicot 4, 6, 7 Mears and Stainbank (from 1865). I868 Gate bell I907 1-5 I870 ~onmouth R. C. Chapel 1 I914 I-3 I876 Dixton 1 I9I6 Blackwood 1 1894 [4, 12] I9I8 Shirenewton 1 It is to be hoped that war exigencies will not put an end to the activities of this celebrated and long-lived foundry-the only one in the City. From the Cripplegate foundry of ]. Warner and Sons are the following :- I857 Penmaen 1 1881 Caerleon 3-8 1858 Llangattock-v-Avel I I886 , I, 2 I859 Coedypaen I I892 ~onmouth, St. ~ary Fire bell 1861 1 I895 Cwmcarvan 4 1867 Tintern Parva 1 1898 Newport, All Sts. I 1868 (?) 1 1901 2-5, 7, 8 1874 Llanfihangel 1902 , 6 Ystern Llewern 1 I910 ~arshfield I, 2, 7 Newport, St. ~a rk 3 I911 Beaufort (Newtown) 1 1875 Rhymney 1-6 1913 Peterstone Wentlloog I-5, 7 This firm has recently ceased to exist. From the Croydon foundry of Gillett and Johnston we have :- 1884 Trevethin I-7 I 1930 ~aesycwmmer 1 1888 , 8 1934 Cwmcarn 1 1929 Newbridge 1 1939 Newport Cathedral 1-4 This firm, at first specialising in clocks, has of recent years come to the front as founders of large bells, and has cast several heavy carillons for the United States and elsewhere. We do not find Bristol represented in the county until late in the eighteenth century, such founders as were in that city being excluded by Rudhall and Evans. The Bristol bells are as follows :- The firm of R. and T. Hale supplied a bell to ~anmoel in 1786, under the title of Wasbrough, Hale and Co ., a small bell to Llantrissent in 1829, and finally as T. Hale and Sons one bell to Usk in 1854 and two, undated, to Llanfihangel Torymynydd. N. R . Westcott, of Bristol, in I829 cast three bells for , and the 1824 service bell at Ebbw Vale is from this firm, as well as the "Waterloo" THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 115

bell, 1815, formerly at Bedwellty and now at St. Edward's, Roath, Cardiff, which was cast by Jasper Westcott. W. ] efferies (who might possibly be a descendant of the pre-Reformation Bristol founder of that name) cast two bells in 1835 for the parish church of St. John, Abergavenny. One of these is now at St. Mary's and the other still at St. John's, now the Masonic Hall. The firm was Jefferies and Price from 1839 until1854, and put on all its smaller bells J. & P. It supplied the following:- B. 1839 Llandenny 1, 2 Undated with]. & P., B. 1844 Mynyddislwyn 1, 3 Glascoed 1 1845 (?) 1 1 1852 Newport, St. Paul 1 1, 2 1854 1 1, 2 Local tradition at Christchurch, near Newport, is that there were more bells, but that about 90 years ago some were away for recasting, and the founders failing, the bells did not return. Since the firm of ] efferies and Price went into liquidation in 1854 the Christchurch bells may have been here at that time. In 1851 was established the firm of Llewellins and James at Bristol, and they supplied the following bells, all of which are still in use :- 1881 Tredunnoc 1-5 1887 Abergavenny 1, 2 1882 Caldicot 3, 5 1893 , 8 1883 , 1, 2 Llanarth 4 1885 Panteg 2 1911 Machen 1, 8 1886 Magor 1 1922 Llanelen 1 The firm has recently come to an end. From the famous firm of john Taylor and Sons, of Loughborough, have come several important rings, including the heavy and tuneful eight at Ebbw Vale (1937) and the lighter eight at Bedwellty (1895 and 1920). Their bells usually bear the device of the Lamb and Flag, or a bell with the name of the firm in a medallion, and some of their smaller bells a T with the lower limb shaped as a bell, and their inscriptions are usually bordered with a band of vine-leaf or other pattern. Their work is found at the following :- 1895 Bedwellty 3-8 1925 Usk 1, 2, 8 1904 Penrhos 1 1932 Nash 6 1907 Llangibby 1, 8 1934 , 1 1908 Newport, St. Mark 1, 2, 4, 5 1937 Ebbw Vale 1-3, 5-8 1909 Rumney 1, 2, 4 Llanfrechfa 1, 2 1914 Dingestow 1 Undated. 1919 Ebbw Vale 4 Llangwm Isha 1 1920 Bedwellty 1, 2 , Llanhilleth, Ch. Ch. 1 116 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE

Bellfounding does not seem to have taken root in Birmingham until recently and thus from this city we find very few bells in the county. They are as follows :- Charles Carr, of Smethwick-one to Cwm in 1909. William Blews and Sons-five (3-8) at Llanfrechfa. james Barwell-four to Llanddewi Skyrrid (1879) and one (undated) to Langstone . From Sheffield we have the only steel bells made, a product of the iron-works of Naylor, Vickers and Co. Opinions may differ as to their musical qualities, but their durability is beyond question ; nevertheless, to the campanologist they are a source of irritation owing to the scales of rust that eat away or conceal the inscription where there is one. There is a ring of six (1866) at , two at Fleur de Lys, Pengam, also two at Llanhilleth, St. Mark, and one at Newport, St. John, dated 1861. No large bells appear to have been cast by them since the sixties. In the county there is only one set of tubular bells, the eight at Blaina by Harrington of Coventry used to supplement the single Rudhall bell of 1799. There are also about 80 blank bells of more or less recent date about which nothing definite can be said. Finally, we might remind the reader of the problem bells at Llanfihangel, Pontymoile, and Llangeview, by R.P. and G.P., 1598; the tenor at with its indecipherable inscription; the 1607 clock bell at Troy House, Monmouth (Fig. 41) and the 1615 and 1619 bells at Llanhilleth and Shirehall, Monmouth (Fig. 40) res­ pectively. These all need further elucidation. The R.P. and G.P. will probably be found in some Monmouthshire parish accounts, or registers, and the records of the Somerset family may yield informa­ tion as to the founder of the Troy House bell with its interesting inscription. In the following section we deal in full with the one local foundry, the Chepstow "bell-house" of Evan and William Evans, which deserves a chapter to itself. 117

THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE. Bv ARTHUR WRIGHT, B.Sc. VIII. THE CHEPSTOW FOUNDRY. THE craft of bell-founding appears to have been carried on at Chepstow in the Elizabethan period, if not earlier, and it is quite . possible .that some of the unassigned bells in the county, such as those of R.P. and G.P. (1598) may have their origin here. The foundry is, however, first mentioned in the will of Richard Cleyton (1630) husband of Margaret Cleyton, whose tomb, dated 1605, is in the chancel of Chepstow Church. He leaves money "to build a school-house at the end of the bell-house in Chepstow." [This was in Welsh Street, and the school-house later became an inn, "The Three Cranes," and was in 1936 the residence of a doctor.] In 1670 it belonged to Charles and George Green, who conveyed it to John and Margaret Evans in that year. In 1674 it passed to Thomas and Joan Turbett, and their· daughter, Joan Turbett, sold it to Evan Evans and Lydia his wife for £25 7s. Od., on July 5th, 1710. It remained in the Evans family until Jurie 17th, 1772, when Mrs. Elizabeth Rudhall, widow, devisee of the will of Elizabeth Evans of Chepstow, only daughter and heir-at-law of her father, William Evans of Chepstow, gentleman,1 conveyed the property to Thomas Davies. In 1785 it passed to William Williams, and in 1809 was conveyed by him and his wife to Richard Williams in trust for Lewis Williams, who in 1820 mortgaged it for £2,000. In 1878 it was the property of Edward Pendril King. It continued to be called "the bell-house" until 1905, when it is referred to merely as "property in Welsh Street," and is identified by a plan.2 The workshop or foundry appears to have extended into the Castle Vale, at the back of Welsh Street.

1 He had evidently retired from active work before his death in 1770. His last traceable bell is dated 1767. 2 Information kindly supplied by the Itton Estate solicitors, Messrs. Rider, Heaton Meredith and Mills, in 1926. The property is referred to by them as "Boscobel House." 118 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE

Evan Evans I, who is said to have learned his trade as an apprentice to Abraham Rudhall P of Gloucester (see article in Western Mail, June 30th, 1936) thus started his work at Chepstow (about 1686) in an existing, but probably derelict, bell-house, which was to be the scene of many a casting for nearly a century. He probably rented it at first, for, as seen above, it did not become his by purchase until 1710. His earliest bell so far discovered is at Y stradowen, Glam., 1686, for the tenor at Llanblethian in the same county, dated 1685 (the year of its bequest to that church by the will of Sir Leoline Jenkins of Cowbridge) cannot have been cast before 1695, for it bears as stops the impressions of obverse and reverse of a crown-piece of William III, whereas until the death of Mary in 1694, the heads of both monarchs appear side by side on their coinage. His earliest in this county is Llansoy No. 2, 1688 (Fig. 31). As will be seen in the list appended, Evan Evans was soon sending out from Chepstow a steady stream of bells, mainly of course to his own county and Glamorgan, but also to Gloucestershire and across the Bristol Channel to Somerset and Devon, in spite of the com­ petition of the Rudhalls in those counties. He also penetrated to Carmarthen and Cardigan, but so far I have not met any of his work in Pembrokeshire. In 1726 and 1729 bells were supplied as far north as Cartmel in Lancashire, but by this time he had been suc­ ceeded by his sons, Evan and William. His founding was not always done at Chepstow in the earlier years of the business, for the ring of six at Llantrisant, Glam., made by him in 1718, was cast at the church itself. In 1894 when repairs were being done to the tower, excavations at its base revealed the remains of a temporary bell-foundry, with parts of the copes and cores of bells, as well as fragments of bell metal from the founding. A large portion of the core of one bell is still preserved in the tower, and this was found on measurement to coincide with the dimensions of one of the ring. 2 During the same year and the next, six bells were cast for Peterston-super-Ely, and several at St. Nicholas (of which Nos. 4 and 5 remain) as well as a bell for M erthyr Dyfan, all within a few miles of Llantrisant, and it is quite possible that these also may have been cast in the neighbour­ hood. In 1722-4 the foundry seems to have been entirely occupied

1 Rudhall's earliest bell is, however, 1684, and Evan Evans' first be111686. 2 Arch. Camb., 1894, pp. 323-4, where the ring is erroneously attributed to Rudhall. THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 119

in Devon (Berrynarbour, 1-6, 1722; Kentisbury, 1-4; and Polti­ more, 1-6, 1723; and King's Nympton, 1-5; Morchard , 5; Stoke Canon, 4; and Templeton, .2, 1724) and these may be also examples of "itineration." Later on, the work seems to have been carried out exclusively at Chepstow. His bells are all well cast and tuneful ; they usually bear a simple English inscription, but occasionally he strikes a patriotic note as at Llanjihangel Crucorney, 1700-"GOD BLES KING WILIAM" 1 (Fig. 23) and at St. Maughan's, 1714-"GOD PRESERVE QUEEN ANNE." All his inscriptions are in Roman capitals of several types, and he sometimes uses as stops impressions of coins. Thus at Llanblethian (Glam.) on the tenor are obverse and reverse of a William III crown, and obverse of a Charles II half-crown, whilst on the firebell there (1702) are the obverse and reverse of a Queen Anne shilling. He, often employs a kind of "cabled" stop or engrailing between words as at Cwmyoy No. 5 (1700) (Fig. 14) whilst at Porthkerry, Glam. (1695) he uses pairs of x's and at St. Maughan's (1714) he uses the same in threes (Fig. 47). On a few of his earlier bells, as at Llansoy No. 2 (1688) occur single cross-hatched bars, varied by the same triply linked (Fig. 31). In 1710, the year of his purchase of the foundry site, he was joined by his sons, Evan and William, whose names appear on the bells at Llanwern in that year (William on Nos. 2 and 3 and Evan on 4 and 5) though William's name does not occur &gain until 1718, and the Evan here may be the elder or younger. William seems, however, to have shown a special interest in towers and bells from his early youth, for we read in Archdeacon Coxe's Tour in Monmouthshire, 1S02, that "The original tower (of Chepstow Church) which stood at the eastern extremity of the church (i.e. the central tower of the Norman church) fell down about ninety years ago; according to the account of the old clerk, one Evans, a bell founder, who died in 1770, aged 80, ascended to the top a few days before its fall." [1904 edn., . p. 290.] The tower fell in 1701 , and thus William Evcins was only eleven years old when he performed this hazardous climb; it is interesting to note that he was to place in the new tower, erected in 1705-6, a ring of six bells in 1735, augmented to eight by him in 1749. Both names, Evan and William, occur from 1718, though the Evan may have been father or son, for Evan I liyed till 1724, his will being

1 This may have been due to the Rector-see under Llanfihangel. 120 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE proved December 17th in that year. The Evan who continues to be joined with William until 1727 is no doubt Evan II. Evan I had six children by his wife Lydia, namely Evan described as maltster1 at his death in 1730; William the founder; Sarah m. Rev. Thomas Walters, 2 rector of Itton ; Elizabeth d. 1709 ; Joseph d. 1715; and Faith, the wife of John Tudor of Cowbridge, d. 1718. In his will Evan I leq.ves a guinea ,apiece to the three children of his daughter Sarah Walters, and leaves the whole of hislanded estate to his "loving wife Lydia, during her natural! life," and "the work house and orchard which is now in my possession and was called Turbetts unto my son William Evans and his heires for ever; ... unto my two sons Evan Evans and William Evans all my working tools to be equally divided between them." 3 At first sight it seems strange that Evan did not succeed to the property or part of it, but he was otherwise provided for. His grandmother, Elizabeth Evans, had married for her second husband George Cross of Chepstow, maltster,4 and Evan II had evidently joined the malting business of his step-grandfather. He survived his father six years only, and in the letters of administration to his widow, Elizabeth, in 1730 he is described as "maultster." Lydia, the wife of Evan Evans I, by her will dated August 12th, 1734, and proved June 20th, 1739, left to her grandson, Evan Evans,5 her mansion house called ,"The Squirrel" in Welsh Stre~t, "which I purchased of Thomas Rouse, Esq." ; to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of her son William Evans, a messuage in Caldicot; and mentions also her daughter Sarah, her eldest sister Elizabeth, and her grandchildren William and Elizabeth Walters, as well as her son-in-law, Thomas Walters, clk. 6 The partnership between Evan II and William lasted till 1727, their last bell being that now at All Saints, Llandaff North, formerly the ting-tang at the cathedral, bearing the inscription INTER OMNES PAX EE tt WE ti 1727. Their workmanship maintained the reputation

1 He had ceased to be interested in the foundry after 1727. Probably both of the partners had other activities, for William is himself styled "mercer" in 1731. (Chepstow Parish Registers, January 18th.) 2 Thos. Walters, cler., signs the letters of administration of Elizabeth Evans in 1730 as a witness. Her marriage took place at Mathern, May 29th, 1717. 3 Llandaff Registry, 2-155. 4 Ibid., 3-50. See pedigree in Bradney, Hist. of Monmouthshire IV, i, 16. 5 Son of Evan Evans II, hap. 1720. 6 Llandaff Registry XII, 1734-40; Talycoed MSS. V, 48. THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 121 of their father and they supplied several important rings of which the eight still at Cowbridge, Glam, 1722 (retuned, sandblasted, and rehung in steel frames by Messrs. Taylor of Loughborough in 1935) is perhaps their greatest achievement. Their inscriptions, as seen above, are sometimes in Latin, and usually accurately spelt. From 1727 William works alone and his reputation must have extended rapidly, for in 1729 he was chosen to recast five bells at Exeter Cathedral, including the celebrated tenor "Grandison," weighing nearly 2! tons. This he carried out successfully at a total cost of £391 14s. Od., the items being as follows:- For recasting ye 3 crack'd bells of St. Peters, Exon, viz ye 5th 8th and tenour, and likewise ye 3rd and 4th tho' sound, this being necessary to make a complete musical peal of ten thus For recasting 15,100 pd. of metal at £1. 18s. per Hund. 211. 8. 0 Taking ye bells down and hanging yem up again 70. 0. 0 The allowance of 5 pd per hundred for waste . at 1s 2d per pd. 44. 0. 0 Six hundred pd. encrease of gross wt at 1s 2d 39. 4. 0 To ye F oundery 20. 0. 0 To ye Stocks 5. 0. 0 To ye workmen 2. 2. 0

£391. 14. 01

The tenor, "Grandison," named after a former Bishop of Exeter, was the most notable bell in the West Country. As recast by Evans it remained until1902, when it was recast by Messrs. Taylor of Laugh­ borough, to a weight of more than 3~ tons, forming now the tenor of the heaviest ringing peal in the world. The whole ring was referred to by Canon Ellacombe of Exeter (c. 1880) as "a noble ring surpf\ssed by none in the kingdom," and though his opinion may have been biassed by his enthusiasm it is nevertheless a high tribute from such an authority to the sound workmanship of our founder. William Evans was responsible also for a good many rings of eight, as well as many of five and six bells, a large proportion of which remain

1 Exeter Cathedral Records quoted in a Western Mail article by Rev. Gordon Hamlin in 1936. 122 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE in use and still ·giving good service after two centuries ; thus at Chepstow is a ring of eight, six of 1735 with two added in 1749. Many other single bells as well as sets of two, three, and four will also be found in the appended list. It is from his hands also that the Cartmel (Lancashire) bells of 1726 and 1729 proceeded. Most of his bells are rather plain and devoid of ornament, bearing the names of churchwardens, etc., only, apart from an occasional "PEACE TO THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD," or "PROSPERITY TO ALL MY BENEFACTORS," or as at Llanwern on his earliest bell "PROSPERITY TO ALL THOSE THAT LOVES GOOD BELLS." Very occasionally, as at Risca (1734) and Penallt No. 4 (1751) he uses a graceful scroll ornament (Fig. 43). His only lapse ipto the bad taste very prevalent among his con­ temporaries in the craft is a mild example-at Backwell, Som. (No. 5) 1758, where he ridicules his rivals, the Bilbies of Chewstoke, whose unsuccessful work he had remedied, thus :- ·

BILBY & BOOSH MAY COME & SEE WHAT. EVANS & NOTT HAVE DONE BY ME. 1 Like his father, William's work is to be found at Cartmel (1729) and also at Satterthwaite (1737) Lanes., whilst at Tresco, Scilly Islands, is also a bell by him of date 1740 . . The last traceable bell from the foundry is at Bathampton, Som., 1767, though he lived for three years after this date. He seems to have taken considerable interest in local affairs, signing the registers as Churchwarden in 1731 and 1732, as his father had done in 1717. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Gosling, "master of ye Chepstow Boat," who died in 17262 and had issue two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah; the latter of whom married George Kemeys of "Panteague," Gent., and died January lOth, 1759, aged 25, whilst the former died unmarried a few months after her father. William Evans died June 9th, 1770, in his eightieth year, and was buried in the family vault in Chepstow churchyard on June 14th.

1 Bush and Nott were the respective bell-hangers. 2 Registers of Chepstow Parish Church (W. H. James), p. 20. THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 123

The tomb bears inscriptions to the foliowing :- William Evans "Belfounder" d. 9 Jun 1770 in his 80th year Elizabeth his wife d. 7 Jan 1760 Sarah his daughter, wife of Geo. Kemeys of Panteayne, d. 19 Jan 1759 aged 25 Elizabeth his daughter d. 18 Nov. 1770 aged 39 Jacob Rudhall, Esq.,1 lateofthe Monmouthshire Militia d. 12 Nov. 1795 aged 51. The Rudhall and Evans families had thus become connected by marriage. In the pedigree of the Evans family given by Bradney in his History of Monmouthshire IV, i, 16, no connection is however shown, nor does it appear in the Rudhall pedigree given by Ellacombe, Gloucester, p. 199. As we have already seen, Elizabeth, daughter and heiress to William Evans, died five months after her father and by her will appointed as her executrix, Elizabeth Rudhall of Bristol, widow. Probate was granted in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury2 the same year. She leaves to relatives sums varying from 500£ to 1000£, including her "relation," Mrs. Stephens of Gloucester, her "kinsman," Mr. Sayee of London, and her servant, Ann Watkins, with residue to Elizabeth Rudhall of Bristol, who was, no doubt, a relative of the Gloucester founders, so that in all probability the foundry tools, stamps, and lettering dies passed to the Gloucester firm, to be absorbed by Mears and Stainbank of London in 1829, and transferred to Whitechapel about ten years later. Thus ended a foundry, which, though perhaps of no great size, had been able to compete with the best p'roducts of the English foundries for nearly a century, · and to make a notable contribution to campanology in the West of England and a great part of Wales. It will be noticed that comparatively few of their bells have needed recasting-a proof of sound workman- ship and good material. , Appended is a list of as many of the bells of this foundry as have been traced by the writer in the course of more than thirty years devotion to the subject. It is too much to hope that the list is 1 Records of the Royal Mon. Militia by Captain Noel, 1886, p. 31 : "Among the . captains . .. Jacob Rudhall." The name does not occur in the Rudhall pedigree by Ellacombe, Gloucestershire, p. 199. 2 P.C.C., Jenner, 431 : Talycoed MSS., X, 71. 124 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE complete, as many of the \Velsh counties are still not fully explored. In the case of Somerset, Gloucester, and Devonshire the lists are taken from Ellacombe, as there is no more recent survey of these counties, and thus some of the bells marked as still existing may have been recast since the lists were made. The same applies in a less degree to some of the other counties.1

Evan Evans I (1686-1724) . [Those in brackets since recast. T = ting-tang.) 1686 Pendoylan, Glam .. . [2] 1710 Tidenham, Glouc. 6 Ystradowen, Glam. 1 1711 Lisvane, Glam. 2, 3 1688 Kemeys Inferior, Mon. 1 ? Henllys, Mon. 2 Llangeview, Mon . . . 1 1713 Braunton, Devon [1 , 4, 6] Llansoy, Mon. 2 Northwick, Glouc .. . 1, 2 1690 Llancarvan, Glam. 4 ? St. Mellon's, Mon. [3-6] Badminton, Glouc . 3 Tintern, St. Mary, Mon. 1 1695 Llanblethian , Glam. 6• 1714 Llanfihangel-y-Llewern, Mon. 2 Porthkerry, Glam. 1, 3 St. Maughan's, Mon. 1 1696 W ollaston, Glouc. 1 1715 Llanelli, Brec. 2, 3 1697 Cwmyoy, Mon. 4 Llansawel, Carm. . . 1 1698 Kilgorrwg, Mon. 1 1716 Capel y Ffin, Brec . . . 1 ? 1699 Caldicot, Mon. [6) Llansoy, Mon. 1 Portskewett, Mon. 1 Monmouth School, Mon. 1 1700 Gwenddwr, Brec. . . 1, 2 Newchurch West , Mon. l Cwmyoy, Mon. 1, 5 1717 Conwil Caio, .Carm . . . 1-3 Llanfihangel Crucorney, Mon. 1, T Peterston-super-Ely, Glam. 1-6? Roggiett, Mon. 1 St. Nicholas, Glam. 4, 5 1701 Pendoylan, Glam . . . [1] 1718 Llantrisant," Glam. l-6 Dingestow, Mon. 3 Merthyr Dyfan, Glam. 3 Overmonnow, Monmouth, 1719 Llanfihangel Cwmdu, Brec. l-6 Mon. 1 Llangattock, Brec. 2-4, 6, 7 1702 Llanblethian, Glam. T Laleston, Glam. 1 ltton, Mon . 1 1720 Llanerchaeron, Card. 1 1703 Pendoylan, Glam . . . [4] Swansea, St. Mary, Glam .. . [3-7] 1705 Pendoylan, Glam . . . [3] 1721 Llangorse, Brec. 1-5 [6] Llandegveth, Mon. 1 Lampeter , Card. 1 1707 St. Athan's, Glam. 2 Llangyndeyrne, Carm. 1 St. Fagan's, Glam. 1 1722 Bristol, St. Mark, Glouc. 1-6 Llangattock-v-Avel, Mon . . . [2], 3-6 Berrynarbour, Devon 1-6 Redwick, Mon. 1 1723 Kentisbury, Devon 1-4 1708 Crickhowell, Brec. 1 Poltimore, Devon .. 1-6 Partrishow, Brec. 2 1724 King's Nympton, Devon 1-5 Rudry, Glam. 2 Morchard Bishop, Devon .. 5 1709 Rumney, Mon. 5 Stoke Canon, Devon 4 1710 Brynna, Glam. 1 Templeton, Devon 2 Llanddewi Rhydderch, Mon. 1 Llanwern, Mon. 1, 4, 5

1 The author would be glad to learn of any additions or corrections to the following lists. 2 It bears date 1685, but two obverses of Wm. III crown, first struck in 1695. 3 These were cast on the spot ; see Arch. Camb., 1894, p. 323. THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 125

Evan and William Evans (1718-1727). 1718 Chu1m1eigh, Devon 1-6 1723 Mitcheltroy, Mon. 3 E . Buckland, Devon 1-4 St. Decuman's, Som. 3 1720 Beaford, Devon 3 1725 Llancillo, Heref. 2 Chaldon, Devon 3 1726 Cartme1, Lanes. 1 Chawleigh, Devon .. 2-6 Coity, Glam. I-6 Mariansleigh, Devon 2, 5 Llanblethian, Glam. 4 172I Bronllys, Brec. 1-4 Llandogo, Mon. 1 Cruwys Morchard, Devon .. 2-6 Peterston Wentlloog,Mon. [3-5] 6, [7] 8 I722 Cowbridge, Glam. 1-8 Wilcrick, Mon. I Cwmyoy, Mon. 3, 6 I727 Llandaff, All Saints, Glam. I

William Evans only (1710-1767). 1710 Llanwern, Mon. 2, 3 1739 Penyclawdd, Mon. I 1723 St. Decuman's, Som. 1 Broomfield, Som. . . 5 I725 Walterstone, Heref. 1 1740 Hay, Brec. . . 1 Roath, St. Margaret, Glam. 1 Tresco (Scilly Is.) Corn. 1 1727 Llanllwni, Carm. 1 Westleigh, Devon [I] Thelbridge, Devon 1-'4 Goodrich, Heref. 1 I728 Roseash, Devon 1-4 Whitney, Heref. I-3, 5 I729 Exeter, Devon [5] 8 [10] I741 Brushford, Som. 1-5 Cartmel, Lanes. 2 I742 Morchard Bishop, Devon .. 2 1731 Littleham, Devon 3 Morebath, Devon .. 2-6 Washford Pyne, Devon 3 Cromhall, Glouc. 2 Rumney, Mon . 3 Redland, Glouc. 1 I732 Goldcliff, Mon. 1 Withycombe, Som . 4 Olveston, Glouc. 2-5 1743 Morchard Bishop, Devon . . 4 I733 Olveston, Glouc. 1 Silverton, Devon I-5 Aylburton, Glouc. 1 1744 Letton, Heref. 2 Charles, Devon I-5 Bedwas, Mon. 3-5 Countisbury, Devon 3 Penhow, Mon. 1-5 Newton, St. Cyres, Devon . . 1-5 1745 St. Margaret's, H eref. 1 Shirwell, Devon 1-6 Machynlleth, Mont. 1-3 1733 Lisvane, Glam. 1 1746 Llanbedr Ystradyw, Brec . . . 1 I734 Fitton, Glouc. 1-5 Llanblethian, Glam. 5 Penterry, Mon. 1 St. Mary Hill, Glam . I-4 Risca, Mon. 1 Hewelsfield, Glouc. 4 1735 Chepsto"[. Mon. . . . . 3-8 1747 St. Andrews, Glam. 1-5 1736 Llanbedr Ystradyw, Brec . . . 4 1748 Sandford, Devon .. 1-5 Tiverton, St. Peter, Devon 8 Bristol, St. Mary Port, Glouc. 3-8 Compton Greenfield, Glouc. 1 I749 Chepstow, Mon. I, 2 Clifford, Heref. 4-8 Portbury, Som. 4, 5 1737 Tiverton, St. Peter, Devon 1- 5 I750 Bristol, St. Mary Port, Glouc. 1, 2 Woodbury, Devon 1 175I Llanbedw Ystradyw, Brec. 2 Cheriton, Glam. 1 I75I Lledrod, Card. 1 Pennard, Glam. 1, 2 St. Arvan's, Mon. . . 1 Satterthwaite, Lanes. 1 I752 Littledean, Glouc. I-6 I738 Llanfihangel Ystrad, Card. 1 Mynyddislwyn, Mon. 2 Llangadock, Carm ... [2, 3] 4 Redwick, Mon. 5 Foy, Heref. 1-5 . St. Pierre, Mon. I 1739 Devynock, Brec. . . 6 I753 High Bickington, Devon 2-6 Llywel, Brec. 1 Swymbridge, Devon 2, 6 Chittlehanipton, Devon 3-8 Tavistock, Devon . . I, 3, 5, 6 1739 Morchard Bishop, Devon .. 3 I754 Chawleigh, Devon I Bristol, St. Augustine, Glouc. 2 Witheridge, Devon I-4, 6 Bristol, St. Michael, Glouc. 1-6 Eglwysilan, Glam ... 1-3 126 THE CHURCH BELLS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE

I754 Frampton Cotterell, Glouc. 6 I760 Hentland, Heref. .. 4 I756 West Buckland, Devon 2-6 Kinnersley, Heref. 3 Leominster, Heref. 3-IO 1761 Bridgend, Glam. [5] Llanfair Discoed, Mon . 1 Cutcombe, Som. I- 5 Monkswood, Mon ... 2 1762 Cardiff, St. John, Glam. 4 Shirenewton, Mon. [2] 3-6 1763 Padworth, Berks. I Llanstephan, Rad. I Tidenham, Glouc. 5 I757 St. Briavel's, Glouc. T Staunton, Heref. I-6 Winterbourne, St. Mich. , Redwick, Mon. 2 Glouc. I-6 Rumney, Mon. 2 1758 Llangennith, G!am . 3, 4 1764 St. Briavels, G!ouc. 3-8 Whitson, Mon. 1, T Brampton Abbots, Heref . . . I- 3 Boughrood, Rad. . . I 1764 Kington, Heref. 2 Backwell, Som. 5 , 6 1765 Foy, H eref. 6 1759 Luccombe, Som. 1-5 Mathern, Mon. 1- 6 1760 Capel Nantddu, Brec . I 1766 Coychurch, Glam. 1 Llangathen, Carm. 1-3 Llanedeyrn, Glam. I-5 Gelligaer, Glam. I Bryngwyn, Mon. 1 Thornbury, Glouc. I, 2 I767 Bathampton, Som . . . 2

Totals. Evan Evans I 150 Evan II and William Evans 58 William Evans 300 508

FINIS. 127

ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA-

p. 6, l. 1. ABERGAVENNY ST. MARY No. 6. This bell is not by William Burford, who died in 1390, his will being proved in that year (Stahlschmidts' Surrey Bells and London Bell Founders, pp. 38-42 ; Deedes and Walters, Church Bells of Essex, pp. 13 and 14), but by his son Robert Burford, who carried on the foundry from 1390 until his death in 1418. William Burford's inscriptions are all in Lombardic capitals, but Robert always uses black-letter smalls with Lombardic capitals for initials, and the Abergavenny inscription is one of his favourites. We may therefore place this bell between 1400 and 1418, and it must be a survivor from St. John's Church, and much too early to be one of the Priory four referred to by the witnesses c. 1545 as purchased in their time and by their efforts. The local tradition as to the origin of this bell is thus completely verified. . The Burford foundry was situated in the parish of St. Botolph Aldgate, to which church Robert Burford was a generous benefactor. To the 1552 Commissioners it was reported that there were at this church "It'm V Belles datyde," a most unusual entry, and Mr. Walters suggests that it is a temptation to assign these unusual bells to Robert Burford, about 1400. • [H. B. Walters, London Churches at the Reformation (pub. 1939), pp. 46, 204.] p. 15, l . 5. BETTWS. For "John Gosselin" read "a successor to John Gosselin." J. G. died c. 1452, his will being proved May 22nd in that year, and the bell is c. 1470. [See Trans. Bristol and Glouc. Arch. Soc., XLI, p. 53.] p. 17. CAERWENT. There was a fire in the tower in 1860 and the two bells fell and were broken. The present bell was cast from the fragments. [Arch. Camb., 1885, p. 330.] p. 17. CALDICOT. In the will of John Bryme Clerk, dated February 27th, 1525, occurs the following :- " ... Item, I will that myn executor shall provide or cause to be provided at my coste and charge oon other bell to the iij belles that be nowe in the parishe · Churche of our lady of Calecot in the dioces of Landaff to theffect and purpose to make foure belles all in acconcorde and Ringing as shortely after my decesse as conueniently maybe. Proved Mar 21 1525/6." [Arch. Camb., 1927, p. 199.] p. 22, l. 7. Read Llanddewi-Rhydderch. p. 26, l. 4. For "King's Head" read "Royal Head." p. 27. FLEUR DE LIS. G. E . Halliday (Church Plate of Llandajj, p. 23) gives 1894 as the date of consecration of this church. A grant of £586 towards its erection was made by the Trustees of the "Edward Lewis" Charity in 1897. [Wright, Lewis' School, Pengam, p. 82.] p. 35, last line but one. Read "No. 2 is not by Llewellins and James" (letter from firm). 128 ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA

p. 46, l . 6. For "stairs" read "stair." · p. 60, l. 7. Delete "R" in inscription after (rose) (dog). p. 63. MALPAS. The bell, if date is correct, was probably by J. Palmer II. Coxe (Hist. Tour through Monmouthshire, 1904 edn., p. 58) gives a sketch showing a double turret as existing in 1801, and (p. 91) mentions it as having two apertures. It was at Mal pas that the same old inhabitant informed me that the three old bells were of silver. This seems a variant of the tradition, so widely spread, that old bells contained silver. The legend may be due to some confusion with the fact that the lead of old church roofs, erected before the invention of Pattinson's process for the desilverisation of lead, contained an appreciable amount of silver. For a similar tradition to the above at Llangyniew see Montgomery Collections, XLI, p.l. I have met with it also in Norfolk and elsewhere. p. 64. Fig. 34 is Llantrissent No. 1, not No.2. p. 69, l. 1. MO NMOUTH . J. J. Doherty, writing in Arch. journ., XLVIII, p. 50, states that Henry V removed one bell only from Calais, but does not mention his authority for the assertion. If it was correct, then this hell might be No . 7 recast in 1706. · p. 101, l. 13. ENBORNE, Berks. A good reproduction of the inscription and cross on this bell will be found in F . Sharpe's Church Bells of Berks, Pt. IV, p. 13. p. 105, l. 12. ABERGAVENNY No. 6. See note given under p. 6, 1. 1. p. 76. , NEWPORT. Stable Clock Bell. Over the stable here is a clock bell by T. Rudhall of Gloucester, bearing the inscription COME AWAY MAKE NO DELAY 1760 [Rudhall Fig. 6 repeated) 17£ in. It is hung on brackets beneath the gable. Many thanks to the Rt. Hon. Lord Viscount Tredegar for permission to examine this bell, and to Mr. G. W. King, chief engineer to the Tredegar Estate, for much help, including a rubbing of the inscription .. p. 126, l. 6. PADWORTH, Berks., 1763. I am indebted to Mr. F. Sharpe of Launton near Bicester, who is now publishing the bells of Berks, for notice of this Chepstow bell. It is the clock bell (the other bells have all been recast by Messrs. Mears and Stainbank), and was first noticed by Rev. T. A. Turner, whose notes are now in the library of the Society of Antiquaries. The inscription is WM EVANS FECIT 1763 followed by a floral wreath for which see Penallt, Fig. 43, p. 79. 129

INDEX Names of founders in italics. Aberbargoed, 4 Berrynarbour (Dev.), 119 Caldicot, 17, 18, 100, 102-4, 108, Aberbeeg, 4 Bettws Chapel, 15, 57, Ill 112, 114, 115, 120, 127 Abergavenny Castle, 10, 114 Newydd, 15, 100 Capel, Canon B. , 5 Freemason's Hall, St. David, 15, 30, 31, Capel Newydd, 15 4 103, 104, 127 Cardiff, St. Edward, 115 Priory, 3, 8 Bidwell, Rev. H. M. T., 21 Carr, Charles, 21 , 116 St. John, 4, liS Bilby, Thos., 122 Carter, Edward, 41 St.Mary,5,98, 103, Birmingham, 33, 35, 116 Cartmel (Lanes.), 3, 113, 118, 122 105, 107, 127 Bishton, 15, 109 Cary, Wm., 113 Abersychan, 10 Blackbrook, 89 Cefn Fforest, 19 Abertillery, 10, 12 Blackwood, 15, 19, 114 Chadwell, Wm., 65 Abertysswg, 12 Blaenavon, 15, 16, 111 Chaldon (Surr.), 100 Aberystruth (Blaina), 12, 111, Blaina, 12, 111, 116 Chapel Hill, 19, 112 116 Blews, W. and Sons, 45, 116 Chapman, Nathan, 81 Allen, Joseph, 88 Boosh (bellhanger), 122 Charles I, coins of, 60, 109 Anglesey, Early bell in, 101 Bosanquet, A.M., 83 II, ., ., 22, 33, 85, Anne, Queen, 31 ., Mary;24 109, 119 Antiquaries, Soc. of, 30 Braban, Geo., 90 , 93 . Arnold, John, 21, 24 ., Thomas, 90 Church, 19, 90, 112, ., Nicholas, 24 Bradney, Sir Joseph, 34, 49 119 Ashton, Long (Som.), 102 Brecon ·Cathedral, 94 Foundry, 2, 17, 111, Austin, Joseph, 89 Breconshire Church plate quoted, 117, 126 Austins, Matthew, 47 14 (note) Registers quoted, 19, Bretforton, 47 120, 122 Backwell (Som.), inscr., 122 Briant, John, 92 Christchurch, 20, 109, 115 Bailey, Crawshay, 13, 35 Bridger, C., 37 Cilybebyll, 104 Baker (Bayleff), 10 Bridgwater, 13, 61, 74, 75, 113 Civil War, 93 Baker, john (Hereford), 60, 106 Briggs, Sir John, 89 Clerkenwell, 18 Baker, John, 81 Bristol foundries, 114, 115, et Cleyton, Richd. and Margt., 17, Richard, 106 passim 117 ., William, Henry, 10 ., Cathedral (bell at), 85 Closworth, 107 Baker-Gabb, John, 10 Brougham, Ld., 89 , 20 Ballinger, H. R. , 21 Browne Willis, ix, et passim Coedypaen, 20, 114 Bargello Mus., Florence, 100 Bryme, John, 127 Coity (Glam.), 56 . Barker, Ed. , 89 • Bryngwyn, 16, 39, 103, 104, 108, Commissions, Ed. VI and Eliza- Barnes, Henry, 68 112 beth, 98, 99 Barwell, ]as., 33, 35, 116 Buchan, Andrew, 84 Coore, John, 3, 98 Baschurch, 86 Buckholt, 71 Cope, Matthew, 88 Bassaleg, 12, 31, 116 Budd, Louisa, 75 Corner, Rev. H . G., 46 Bassett, Thos., 71 Bulbrick, John, 68 Corse, 60, 106 Bathampton, 111, 122 Burford, Robert, 127 Cotes, Wm., SO Bayeux Museum, 85 William, 6, 93, 103, Coventry, 12, 116 Bayley, Thos., 13, 61, 75, 113 105, 127 Cowbridge, 121 Bayley and Street, 113 Burrington, (Som.), 47 Crickhowell, 89 Beauchamp family, 69 Burwarton, 85 , 20, 76 Beaufort, 12, 13, 114 Butcher, S., 89 Cripplegate foundry list, 114 Bedwas, 13, 112, 113 Butcombe, 34 Crockett, B., 73 Bedwell, Rev. F., 16 Cross, George, 120 Bedwellty, 13, 77, 115 Cable pattern stop, 22, 35, 119 Cross Keys, 20 Bell House in Chepstow, 17, 117 Cadle, H. P., 4, 8 Croydon foundry list, 114, etc. Bellamy, Thos., 68, 69 Cadogan, Wm., 36 Crumlin, 20 Benwyn, Dafydd, quoted, 49 Caer1eol}., 16,.39, 83, 98, 114 Cur:wn, John, 77 Berkshire, Early bells in, 101 Caerwent, 17, 114, 127 Cuthbert, Andrew, Dougall, 71 1:30 INDEX

Cwm, 21, 116 Evans, Penelope, 56 Gwin, L., 92 Cwmbran, 21 Thos., 28, 47, 78 Gwyn, Rev. J. B., 45 Cwmcarn, 21, 114 William (foundry), 119- Cwmcarvan, 21, 111, 114 -25 Racket, Thos., 81 Cwmtillery, 21 Evered, Henry, 98 Hale, R. and T., 59, 65, 114 Cwmyoy, 21, 30, 41, 109, 112, Exeter tenor bell, 121 T. and Son, 41, 59, 94, 114 119 Eykyn, Rev. Pitt, 63 , Wasbrough and Co., 59 Hall, J., 21 David, Lewis, 88 Feltham, Wm., 80 Halliday, G. E., 36, 127 Davies, Edward, 65 Field, Bp. Theophilus, 33 Hanbury, John, 77 Rev. Evan, 54 Fire bell at Monmouth, 68, 71, Hari, Edmond, 20 Rev. Gomer, 28 114 Harrington (tubular bells), 12, John, 16, 73 Firth, Sir Wm. and Lady, 27 116 J. E., 75 Fleur-de-lis, 27, 116, 127 Harry, Wm., 16 .. Rev. M. E., 6, 20 Florence, bell in museum, 100 Haskins, W., 93 Davis, E. and G., 113 Fontenailles bell, 85, 101 Haverfordwest bell, 107 Henry John, 75 Foard, Wm., 17 Hemp, W. J., 86, 101 James, 36 Fordes, Wm., 31 Henllys, 30, 31, 101, 104, 109, John, 89 Freeman, E. A., 38 (note) 112 .. Thomas, 46, 85 Freemason's Hall (Abergav.), 4 Hendley, Robt., 38, 41, 80, 92, 104 Day, George and Son, 68 Fry, Rev. E. B., 19 Henry V and Monmouth, 68 , 24 Herbert, Hon. A. C. E., 54 Dingestow, 24, 30, 103, 104, 109, Gardner, Iltyd;5, 6 Sir Charles, 73 112, 115 Garndiffaith, 28 Sir Thomas, 73 Dixton, 25, 105, 109, 114 Gefferies, Henry, 104 , Walter, 8 Draye, Christopher, 90, 98 Thomas, 43, 57, 103, Hereford foundry, 60, 106 Druidstone, 81, 88 104 Herefordshire bells, 97 Duckham, Chas., 63 George, Christopher, 83 H. I. on bells, 104 Richard, 36 High Ercall (Salop), 92 Ebbw Vale, 27, 114, 115 , Thomas, 52 Hi1160, 15 Edmonds, I., 92 George V, 81 Hill and Hopkins, 16 Edmund, Dd., 61 Gibon, Richard, 83 Hipkiss, Richard, 68 Etlward I, penny as stop, 101 , Wm. and Eliza, 41, 47 Hodges, John, 63 III, head on bell, 105 Gillett and ] ohnston foundry, 114 , 14 VI,98,99 Glascoed chapel, 28, 115 Hood, W. W., 95 , , VIII on bell, 45 Gloucester bells, 106 Hopwood, W. H., 8 Edward, J. P., 37 , founders, 104, 107 Hoskins, Edward, 75 Edwards, Chas., 84 Gloucestershire bells, 97,99 , Thomas, 83 E., 13, 14 Goldcliff, 28, 112 Rosten, Joseph, 89 ... John, 78 Gosling, John, 122 Howe!, Christopher, 89 .. Roger, 49 Gosselin, john, 15, 103, 127 Howells, John, 30 Eliot, Rev. W. N. G., 77 Gostwyk, Edward, 8, 98 , Philip, 51 Elizabeth, Queen, 98 Govilon, 28, 60, 115 Hughes, Charles, 93 Ellacombe, Canon H. T., vii, 24, Gower, 102 Rev. D., 20 46, 63, 121 Goytre, 28, 115 Robert, 35 Embesilment of bells, 99, 100 "Grace Dieu" Abbey, 98 , Thomas, 60, 93 Enborne (Berks), 85, 101, 128 Grandison bell, 121 Humphreys, Wm., 3 Essex bells (Pre-Ref.), 97 Green, Charles and George, 117 Hunt, Fred., 73 Evans, Elizabeth, 112, 117, 122, .. John, 52 Huntley (Gloucs.), 106 123 Grifet, Daved, 25 Hyett, Rev. Edward, 13 Evans, Evan, I, 117, 118, 124 Griffin, Mary, 25 (list) Griffith, Thomas, 24 lfton, 31 Evan, II, 61, 120, 125 Griffithstown, 28 I. G. on bells, 22, 52, 84 (list) Grosmont, 28, Ill Ilston (Gower) bell, 102, 104 Henry, 84 Groves, Birmingham, 5 I. R. on bells, 84 James, 65 Gundey, Richard, 21 Itton, 31, 112 Rev. J. T., quoted, 14,59 Gwernesney bells, 29, 86, 99, 100 John and Margt., 117 Gwilliam, T., 59 ]. and P. B (see Jeffries and Lydia, 117, 120 Gwin, John, 52 Price) 132 INDEX

Matthews, Llewelyn, 43, 46 Naylor Vickers and Co., 12, 27, Pentwynmawr, 81 , Theo., 21 76, 116 Penyclawdd, 81, 112 Matthysens, J. F., 88 Needham, Robert, 86 Percentages of Pre-Ref. bells, 97 Mears, C. and G. (list), 114 Neen Sollars, 60, 106 Peterstone-super-Ely (Glam.), George, 17 Newbridge, 74, 114 118 john, 92, 114 Newchurch Devauden, 74 Wentloog, 81, 112, , Thomas, 113 , West, 75, 112 114 Mears and Stainbank (list), 113 Newport Cathedral, 75, 113, 114 Pettingale, 77 Mearser, James, 71 All Saints, 76, 114 Pettingall, Barth, Thomas, 77 Mease, John, 5 Friary, 98 Philippa, Queen, 26, 105 Mercer, Jas. and Wm., 71 St. John, 76, 116 Phillips, John, 76 Merthyr Dyfan (Glam.), 118 St. John Baptist, 46 Robt., 89 Meyrick, Nathaniel, 36 St. Mark, 76, 114, 115 Thos., 51 , Trevor, 35 St. Paul, 76, 115 , Wm., 28, 29 Michaelchurch Eskley (Heref.), , St. Thomas, 76 Pond, C. and A. J ., 13, 19 60, 106 Newtown Parish Hall, 13 Pontllanfraith, 74, 82 Michaelstone y Vedw, 67, 111 Nicholas, John, 21 Pontneddfechan, 14 Mills, Sir Frederick, 27 Thomas, 75 Pontnewydd, 82 , Henry, 83 , William, 33 , Lower, 4 Mitcheltroy, 67, 109, 112 Norfolk bells, 97, 99 Ponthewynydd, 82 Mogan, Wm., 80 Nott (bell-hanger), 122 Pontymister, 82, 84 Monkswood, 68, 112 Pontymoel, 77 Monmouth, Buckholt, 71 Oakdale, 76 Pontypool, 84 Overmonnow, 22, Oakerthorpe (Derby), 14 Porthkerry (Glam.), 49, 55, 104, 71, 112 Oddington (Gloucs.), 109 119 Rom. Cath. Ch., 71, Oldcastle, 77, Ill Portskewett, 22, 82, 112 114 Osman, Rev. A . L., 20 Powell, Chas., 57 School Chapel, 71, , , J. W., 34 David, 60 112 Overmonnow, 22, 71, 112 John, 43 St. Mary, 68, 114, Mary, 56 128 Matthew, 56 Shirehall, 68, 71 Pacey, H., 85 William, 47, 56 , Troy House, 73, 107 Padworth (Berks.), 126, 128 , Sir William, 73, 107 Montacute (Som.), 96, 107 Palmer, ] ohn, I, 16, 18, 34, 39, Powick, 69 Morchard Bishop, 119 57, 59, 60, 80, Pre-Reformation bells, percen­ Morgan, Rev. A., 61 107, 108 tages in counties, 97 Rev. Edward, 94 II, 15, 20, 22, 24, Price, David, 5 Gyles, 52 25, 34, 37, 52, Jas., 13 Hananiah, 73 60, 67, 77, 78, , . Matthew, 60 J. A., 8 80, 84, 92, 93, Prichard, John, 5, 47 John,28, 49 95, 107, 108 Probert, Sir George, Kt., 78 Joseph, 78 Panteg, 77, 93, 109, 115, 122 H., 92 L. J., 6 Parkhurst, H. J., 77 , Walter, 24 Lasarus, 82 Parry, Thos., 16 Probyn, Thomas, 21 Lewis, 85 Partridge, H., 28 Prole, H. L., 27 Richard, 89 Pauntley (Gloucs.), 34 Prytherh, Ed., 94 Samuel, 94 Pearce, H. T., 94 Purdue, Roger, 6 Thomas, 67, 88 Pembrokeshire, 118 , family, 53, 107 Thomas (Sir), 73 Penallt, 22, 78, 109, 112, 122 Pye, Herbert, 68, 69 Walter, 34 Penarth (Glam.), 104 , Moore, 69 , William, 75, 85, 90 Pencoed (Glam.), 35, 73 Pyke, Thomas, 113 Morton, Rev. W. C., 10 Pencreek, 52 Mounton, 73, 111 Pendoylan (Glam.), 111 Queen Anne, 31, 86 Maynes Court, 93 Penhow, 59, 78, 112 Elizabeth, 98 Musgrove, S., 17 Penlline (G1am.), 30, 101 Mary I, 99 Mynyddislwyn, 73, 112, 115 Penmaen (Glam.), 80, 114 , II, 118 Penrhos, 41, 80, 104, 105, 108, Philippa, 26, 105 Nanny, Thomas, 61 109, 115 Nantyglo, 74 Penterry, 81, 112 Radcliffe, Henry, 81, 88 Nash, 74, 113, 115 Pentwyn, 78, 81 Radnor, 94 INDEX 131

James, Alec, 90 Liberty yacht bell, 76 Llangwm lshaf, 52, 115 Howell, 32 Liddell, Capt. C. 0., 88 , Uchaf, 39, 52, 109 John, 35, 57 Lisvane (Glam.), 22 Llanhennock, 52, 115 Michael, 75 Litchfield, 77 Llanhilleth, 53, 106; 111, 115, 116 .. W.H., 19 Llanallgo, 86, 101 Jeffries, Henry, 43, 104 Llanishen, 53 Thomas, 43, 104 Llanarth, 33, Ill, 115 Llanllowell, 53 .. William, 4, 5, 6, liS Llanbadoc, 34, 108, 109 Llanmaes (Glam.). 30, 101 Jeffer-ies and Price, 28, 36, 51, L!anblethian (Glam.), 49, 119 Llanmartin, 53, 115 52, 115 Llancayo, 94 Llanover, 54, 114 John, Eaven, 30 bell, 49 Llansantffraed, 55 Jenkin, 30 L!andaff North, bell, 49, 120, 125 Llansoy, 22, 55, 78,111, 112, 119 Roger, 30 L!anddewi Fach, 34, 77, 101 Llantarnam, 39, 55, 98, 113 .. William, 30, 39 Rhydderch, 22, 35, Llanthony, 24, 111 J ones, E. J., 14, 65 112 Llantilio Court bell, 57, Ill James, 15 .. Skyrrid, 35, 116 Crossenny, 47, 55, Ill Jenkin, 80 Llandegveth, 22, 35, 112 Pertholey, 57, 102, 104, John, 34, 73, 88 Llandenny, 36, 112, 115 109, 111 J. W., 76 , 37 Llantrisant (G1am.), 118 R., 34 L!andogo, 37, 112 Llantrissent, 43, 59, 95, 109, 114, Roger, 36 Llanelen, 37, 109, 115 128 . Tegwen, 43 Llanfaenor, 37 Llantwit juxta Neath (Glam.), Thomas, 36 Llanfair Caer Einion (Mont­ 104 Wm., 35, 36, 43, 55, 56, gom.), 41 . Llanvaches, 59, 80, 114 61, 78,94, 98 Llanfair chapel, 38 Llanvap1ey, 59, 108 Jones and Willis, 19 Discoed, 38, 112 Llanvetherine, 60, 106, 109 Jons, Walter, 47 .. Kilgedin, 38, 105 Llanwenarth Citra, 60, 103, 104, Llanfihangel Crucorney, 22, 24, 109 38, 112, 119 Katchmay, John, 67 , , Ultra, 28, 60 Gobion or juxta Llanwern, 22, 61, 112, 119 Kateley, Thomas, 27 Usk, 39, 104 Kemeys Commander, 30, 31, 86, Llewellin, John, 93 juxta Roggiett, 41, Llewellins and]ames (list), 115 100 104 George, 122 Llewellyn, Rev. H., 20 Llantarnam, 39, 55, Lloyd, P . L., 13, 14 Interior, 32, lll, 112 98, 113 .. Madam M., 17 London bells, 6, 93, 103, 105 Pontymoile, 41, 49, Longwaisted bells, 29, 31, 32,100 Kemmech, Edward, 59 53, 106, 109, 116 Kempsey (Worcs.), 60, 106 Loughborough foundry list, 115 Talyllyn (Brec.), 22, Luff, E. W., 95 Kentisbury (Devon). 118 41 Kilgorrwg, 33, 112 Torymynydd, 41, Kimys and friends, 75 52, 73, 95, 114 Machen, Lower, 61, 113, 114, King, E. P., 117 Ystern L!ewern, 43, 115 .. G. W., 128 102, 104, 108, .. Upper, 63 King's Nympton (Dev.), 118 109, 112, 114 , 76 Kingston, fohn, 74, 113 L!anfoist, 43 Maesycwmmer, 63, 114 Kunvin, William, 60 Llanfrechfa, 45, 46, 82, 115 Magor, 63, 111, 115 Llangasty Talyllyn (Brec.), 22, , 63, 76 Lambert, Rev. M., 74 41 Malpas, 63, 109, 128 Langstone, 33, 116 Llangattock, Baron, 47 Mamhilad, 28, 65 Lanpill, 73 juxta Usk, 46, 94, Manchester Cathedral bells, 69, Lester and Pacf,, 39, 47, 83 102 110 . Lethin, Thomas ap, 8 Lingoed, 46, 114 Manmoel, 65, 95, 114 Llewellyn, Lewis, 37 VibonAvel, 22, 47, Manson, John, 25 Lewes, Wm., 51 111, 112, 114 Marfel, P., 34 Lewis, H ., 92 Llangeview, 41, 47, 49, 53, 55, Markham, 14 Richard, 65, 7 5 106, 111, 112, 116 Marshfield, 65, 81, 113, 114 R. and E. , 14 Llangibby, 51 , 111 , 115 Martin, Edward, 5 Thos., 60 Llangoven, 51, 115 Mary I, Queen, 99 .. William, 74 , 51 Maten, David, 78 Lewis School, Pengam, 127 Llangunnog, 52 Mathern, 65, 93, 112 134 INDEX

Watk1ns, Samuel, 80 William III, 36, 38, 49, 119 Williams, Trevor A. , 52 , William, 28, 37 William, Miles, 85 , William, 117 Watts, E. H., 76 Richard, 83 Wilson, Wm., 90, 98 Watturs, Ed., 8 , Walter, 24 Wiseman, Robt., 96, 107 W ebber, F. J ., 76 Williams, Ambers, 34 Thomas, 90 W eford, near Lichfield, 77 A. A., 93 , Wm. and Son, 107 W ells, H. F . M., 63 Christian, 49 Wolvesnewton, 95, 107, 109, 114 Westcott, B.,]. N., 47 Christifur, 55 Wonastow, 96, 111 Jasper, 14, 27, 46, 115 C. E., 94 Wood, G. E ., 73 , N. R., 46, 114 Edward, 33 Woodfieldside, 76 Westmorland records, 99 E . T., 17 Woodward, Thomas, 68, 69 Wheel stop, 83 G. W ., 17 Worcester bell, 26, 105 Wheley, Col. W ., 6 H enry, 55, 67 Worcestershire Pre-Ref. bells, 97 Chapel, 37, 95 Hopton, A ., 51 Wysome, W., 92 Whitechapel foundry (lists), 113, H oumphrey, 25 114 Lewis, 117 Yatton (Som.), 18, 102, 104 Whitson, 95, 112 Maud R., 88 Ynysddu, 96 Wilcrick, 95, 112 Morgan, 84 Younghusband, Rev. T. M. R., Wilding, rhymester, 92 Richard, 117 18 Willes, Christopher, 86 R. H., 77 Ystradowen (Glam.) bell, 32, 111 MAP OF MONMOUTHSHIRE

HEREFORD

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EB PRE-REFORMATION BELLS Based upon the ! -in. Ordnance Survey and on a scale rou.ghly of6 miles to an inch, by permission of the Controller of H.M. Sta ~ionery Office. 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