The Church of by H. B. Walters File 04: Part IV: Alphabetical List, to Rushock (Pages 167 to 204)

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THE CHURCH BELLS OF WORCESTERSHIRE. BY H. B. wALTERS. PART IV (MADRESFIELD-RUSHOCK)

MADRESFIELD. St. Mary. Six bells. l. CAELI ENARRANT GLORIAM DEI 2. FIRMAMENTUM OPERA MANUUM EJUS AN- NUNCIAT 3. SONUS IN OMNEM TERRAM EXIVIT 4. AVE MARIA GRACIA PLENA DOMINUS TECUM 5. A VE MARIA BENEDICTA TU IN MULIERIBUS 6. BENEDICTAU FRUCTUS VENTRIS TUl JESUS On the waist of each :-TAYLOR AND 0° LOUGHBOROUGH 1867

All inscriptions in Gothic capitals ; note incorrect spelling of BENEDICTUM. Formerly one only, inscribed COME AT MY CALL AND SERVE GOD ALL A R 1752 The inscriptions on the present ring were probably selected by the late Lord Beauchamp. 1552 : ' ij title bells in the steple . . . a title lyche bell.' 1740: 3 Bells. V .C.H. Worcs. iv. p. 122. H.T.T., 1881. At Clevelode in this parish there was formerly a chapel, which in 1552 had 'j lytle bell.' MALVERN GREAT. St. Mary (Priory Church). 8+2 bells. 1. On waist, Taylor's medallion. 2. PROSPERITY TO ALL OVR BENEFACTORS (ornament) A R (bell) 1707 · 3. GOD SAVE THE QVEEN & CHVRCH A R (bell) 1706 (scroll) . Below, arabesque.• all round. 4. RICHARD LEETH & EDMVND GIFFORD CHVRCHWARDENS 1707 5 . .J : TAVLOR AND Co FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1887 . .JUBILAT ANGLIA LUSTRA VICTORIA PERAGIT AUREA SIT DEO GLORIA 6. +I H (stop) EH (stop) 1611 (stop) 7. +AN (stop) SAVEG (stop) IOHN (stop) SAVEG (stop) IH (stop) EH 1611 (Fig. 158) 168

8. On waist (a) Taylor's medallion and IN DEl GLORIAM (b) VOX MALVERNIAE IUBILANTIS DILECTISSIMAM PROPTER REQINAM MDCCCLXXXVII. S. No in.scription. Service Bell + VIRGINIS § EGREGIE § VOCOR § CAMPANA § MARIE (Fig. 159). 2.3.4. and service bell have cabled cannons. 6th and 7th by the same founder as 2nd, with quatrefoil stop. N and S reversed on 7th. Service bell (formerly the 4th) by John of Gloucester c. 1340-1350. Sanctus bell probably of no great antiquity. I have however a note from some un­ known source that it is mediaeval and has a triple beading round the shoulder resembling an ancient bell at Woolhope, Herefordshire. Down to 1887 there were only six bells. When the ring was restored in commemoration of the Jubilee the old 4th was taken out of the ring to ensure its preservation, and is now only used for tolling for services. The new 5th takes its place, and the treble and tenor were added to make eight. The clappers of the old bells are kept in the church. Tenor weighs 21 cwt., the 7th bell19 cwt. See Church Bells, 8 July 1887. Sir John Savage was the eldest son of William Savage of Elmley Castle (q.v.) who inherited the estate in 1616 and died in 1623. 1552 : ' MocHE MALVERNE. iiij bellss in the steple a saunce bell a lytle sacrynge bell.' 1740 : ' 6 Bells.' Prattinton has a note from Cole's MSS., dated 1746: - "The Tower . . . has Bells remaining in it; 3 others, as I was informed by the Clark, were sold some 50 or 60 years ago to St. Mary Overy's Church in London." (see Brit. Mus. Add. MSS., 5811, p. 119). Stahlschmidt in his Surrey Bells, under St. Saviour's, Southwark, makes no reference to this trans­ action, of which there is apparently no other record. The Southwark bells date from 1735, so those referred to must have been then recast. V.O.H. Wares., iv. p. 131. H.B.W., 1905. MALVERN, GREAT. Christ Church. Two bells. Church built 1875. ~Al/1~2/\VEG ss IOHVI~2J\VEG ~ IH ~ · EH t6It Fig 158. GREA'l' MALVERN 7th.

EE]VIR&IltiS [1]6<9REI0I6~ V 0 a 0 R rn a SI ffi. PSI n. fl m ill 5I RI 6-liJ Fig. 159. GREAT MALVER~ Serviet' Udl.

[±] jt V a \IDffi. fl It I ~ ~ G 11 jJ . G I ji ~ P lr 6 R ~ ~o · 0 m I R S ~ T El 0 A ffi ~ Fig. lGO. LITTLE. MALVERN.

li]GOD~SAVE !ilKINGEii!IAMES~ ftl1617[il

l!~lg. 161. MARTIN HUSSINGTREE 2nd. 170

MALVERN LINK. St. Matthias. Eight bells. Church built 1881 (tower 1899); eight bells put up in 1901 by Taylor of Loughborough (tenor 16! cwt.) Parish formed from Leigh.

MALVERN, NORm. Holy Trinity. Church built 1869.

MALVERN WELLS. St. Peter. 4 hemispherical bells. Church built 1836 ; parish formed from . Originally one bell, cast by Mears at Gloucester in 1836 ; four hemispherical bells by Mears & Stainbank were given by local residents to replace it in 1912.

MALVERN WEST. St. James. Two bells. Church built 1841.

MALVERN, LITnE. St. Giles. One bell. l. +AVE : MARIA : GRACIA : PLENA : DOMINS TECAM (Fig. 160).

By the same founder as the service bell at , probably John of Gloucester, c. 1350. NS of DOMINVS with contraction-mark; V of TECVM inverted. There is no present means of access to the bell except by a ladder to the roof of the church and another hauled up from below into the lower stage of the tower. The bell was visited by Mr. L. B. Clarence many years ago, and Mr. A. D. Tyssen also had a rubbing (reproduced in Fig. 160) which is now at the Society of Antiquaries. Mr. Clarence also notes that the cross is plain, and the lettering larger than at Great Malvern; Mr. Tyssen gives the R of GRACIA as inverted. 1552 : 'ij small bells whereof on is not our own.' 1740: '1 bell.' It would be interesting to know which of the 'ij small bells' has been preserved. V.C.H. Worcs. iii, p. 453, where it is stated that after the suppression of the Priory the parishioners made suit to the King for the five bells which served for the parish and the monastery, and were worth £45 Os. 6£d. (Reg. G. Giffard, 165 in Worcs. Hist. Soc. Series) Hence a local tradition that there were once five and that four were removed by Thomas Crom­ well. 171

MAMBLE. St. John Baptist. 3+1 bells. 1. 1634. 2. Heads of King and Queen (see Fig. 10) each repeated twice. W. BLEWS & SONS BIRMM 1874 BE SOBER BE VIGILANT (All in Gothic lettering) 3. + SANCTA MARGARETA ORA PRO NOBIS. S. IH C W 1656 (narrow border Fig. 70).

1st by R. Oldfield; cf. Dormstone (Fig. 85) for date-figures; also Caynham, Salop. 2nd : The predecessor of this bell was like the present 3rd but dedicated to St. Anna. The Royal Heads of King and Queen are copies of the old stamps. 3rd : Same type as Acton Beauchamp, etc. (Fig. 4) ; cross Fig. 83 ; initial capitals crowned. S. By John Martin. 1740: '5 Bells.' V.C.H. Wares. iv. p. 289. H.B.W., 1901. MARTIN HUSSINGTREE. St. Nicholas or St. Michael. Two bells. 1. RICHARD 0 WALLING 0 CHURCH 0 WARDEN 0 1725 0 Below, scroll border all round (Fig. 174) 2. GOD SAVE KINGE lAMES 1617 T W (jleur-de-lys stop throughout) (See Fig. 161)

1st by Joseph Smith ; coins of George I . 2nd ; the lettering appears to be a reduced version of that used by Henry Farmer (cf. Broadway etc.) The initials T.W. occur on the 2nd at Westcote, Gloucs., dated in this year with similar lettering, so possibly T.W. was his foreman or temporary assistant. Cf. also Cookhill Priory (s.v. Ink­ berrow). 1740: ' 2 Bells.' V.C.H. Wares. iv. p. 138. H.B.W., 1900. Thanks to Rev. F . 0. Gascoigne, formerly Rector. MARTI..EY. St. Peter. 6+1 bells. 1. 1673. 2. 16L3. 3. 1673. 4. 1673. 172

5. RICH KEENE CAST THIS RINGE 1673 (Fig.l62). 6. WILLIAM BROWNING IOHN GYLES C W 1673. (weight 14 cwt. note E S lOS : BRACE : ' THO : ANDREWS : CHVRCHWARDENS. 1721 (scroll) B : GREEN FECIT (scroll) These bells were traditionally cast in a field near the church; they are a maiden ring in perfect condition. The sanctus bell is by an otherwise unknown founder, who may be a descendant of the 17th century Greenes of Worcester. See Fig. 163. On the 2nd the 7 of the date is inverted ; on the 5th the N of KEENE is reversed. 1740: '5 Bells.' V.C.H. Wares. iv. p. 295. The Rev. J. F. Hastings wrote (8 Oct. 1900) : ' Our Church Bells at are in some ways a unique . All cast by Keene of Woodstock in 1673 and none ever broken or cracked. They are six, tenor 14 cwt. in E, a beautiful bell.' H.B.W., 1921, and many thanks to Rev. J. F. Hastings. MATRON. St. John Baptist. 6+1 bells. 1. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD (bell) 1760 (scrolls) 2. GLORY TO GOD (bell) 1760 (scrolls) 3. FEAR GOD HONOUR THE KING (bell) 1760 (scrolls 4. GOD PRESERVE OUR CHURCH & STATE 1760 (scrolls) 5. PROSPERITY TO THE TOWN (bell) 1760 scrolls) 6. THE LIVING TO THE CHURCH I CALL & TO THE GRAVE I SVMMON ALL : 1760 : S. WILLIAM THOMAS HVGH BVLLOCK 1675 Below, Fig. 68. (c 15 in.) No cannons to treble and tenor; 4th has cabled cannons. Note the variation in the usual formula on the tenor ; also Rudhall's curious anonymity. Abel Rudhall died this year, and possibly the bells were cast by an assistant in the period before Thomas took over the business. Sanctus bell by John Martin (small lettering); hung above the rest and awkward to reach. Weightsandnotes: 1) 3!cwt. F. sharp 4)5cwt.Csharp 2) 4 E 5) 6 B 3) 4! D 6) 8 A In the ringing chamber, an old set of ringing -rules in sixtee11. lines, dated 1819, and a peal-board dated 19 April 1896 (5040 minors). RICH KEEVIE CAST THJS RIVIGE 1673 Fig. 162. MARTLEJY 5th.

~IOS:BRACE: THO:ANDREWS: CHVRCH WARDENS. 1121~ B:GREEN. FECIT~ Fig. lti3 l\IARTLEY Sanctns.

• • • • • • • HALL ••• 1797 • IN~ Run fEe~ • •• Fig. Hi4 . MITTON LOWER.

MITTON CHAPEL 179G Fig. 165. MITTON, LOWER (Sanctns). 174

The parish was transferred to the County of Hereford in 1897, and to the diocese of the same name in 1904. 1552. ' iiij bells in the steeple a saunce bell a lyche bell a sacrying bell. 1740: ' 4 bells.' V.C.H. Wares. iv. p. 142. Inscriptions in- correctly given by Lukis, Church Bells, p. 130. H.B.W., 1909. . Mr. J. H. Bloom kindly contributes the following extract : Whereas there are standing in Mathon church some peices of timber heretofore supported a Rood-loft 'tis desired by ye Minister yt he may have libertie to take it down both because it disfigures ye church & becaus it will be serviceable to make a partition between ye church & ye belfrie, to keep ye ringers & such companie from fouling & playing in ye church, which partition ye Minister is r eadie to set up at his proper charge. (Worcester Consistory Court, c. 1707). MITTON, LOWER. 1+1 bells. 1. THE REVo A. ONSLOW VICAR ·=· INo BROAD WARDEN 1797 -:~ IN~ RUDHALL FEe~-:::- (See Fig. 164) (36 in. S. On waist:-MITTON CHAPEL 1796 (Fig. 165) (10£ in. Both by John Rudhall; letters on paterae. The larger bell has cable-pattern on the cannons; the smaller has no cannons, and in 1901 was attached to a stock swinging between two uprights on the frame of the large bell; it was rung by an iron lever attached to the stock. The Rev. R. A. Wilson, Rural Dean, kindly informed me a few years ago that the larger bell was on the ground on the site of the old demolished church, and was cracked. The little bell now hangs in the sanctus bell-cot of the new church. In 1901 both were in the tower of the old church. 1552 : ' Mytton Chapell ij belles.' Burton in his History of Kidderminster, p. 98, gives 'Item ij Belles.' The Rev. A. Onslow was born 30 Aug. 1746, being a nephew of Mr. Speaker Onslow, and was educated at Eton and Exeter Coll., Oxf., subsequently Fellow of All Souls. Ordained in 1770, he married in 1772, Frances Phipps. He was Chaplain to the House of Commons 1775, Canon of Christ Church 1779, and Archdeacon of Berks 1785. After holding several other cures he became in 1795 Dean of Worcester and Vicar of Kidderminster and Wolverley. He was subsequently Vicar of and Master of St. Oswald's Hospital, and died 15 Oct. 1817 (Chambers. Biog. Illustrns. of Wore..~. p. 533). H.B.W., 1901. 175

MOSELEY. St. Mary. Eight bells. l. PATENT CAST STEEL 6048 VICKERS SONS & CO. LIMITED SHEFFIELD 1874. 2. NAYLOR VICKERS &: 00.1818 SHEFFIELD E RIEPE'S PATENT CAST STEEL No 1985. 3. The same with 1861 after Co., and number 2508 4. " " " 2515 5. , with 1860 , 2123 6. , with 1861 2519 7. " 2486 8. , with 1860 2085 The old ring of three was removed in 1874 to the new church of St. Anne (q.v.) The present ones are a poor and unsatis­ factory lot. 1552 : ' in the steple iij bels.' H.T.T., 1881. MOSELEY. St. Anne. Four bells. 1. I~SAS (Fig. 70) a:~~ (Fig. 70) OVR (Fig. 80) GOOU (Fig. 70) SPEED 1650 (Fig. 69) (24tin. 2. (Fig. 78) GOD (Fig. 146) SAVE (Fig. 146) THE (Fig. 146) KING (Fig. 146) 1638 (Fig. 146) Below, arabesque border; coin on lip. (25-i in. 3. WM BROOKE CAST ME (arabesques Fig. ll8) SAMUEL SMITH IUNIER CHURCHWARDEN 1740 (sprig) (27 in. 4. JAMES BARWELL FOUNDER BIRMINGHAM 1874 (29 in. Church consecrated about 1875. Bells formerly at the parish church (q.v.) except the tenor, which was added when they were removed hither. 1st. by John Martin; 5 of date in larger type, and nearly worn away ; B, D, E, and S reversed, and V inverted. See Fig. 166. 2nd by Hugh Watts of Leicester; cf. Hartlebury old 2nd. See Fig. 167. , 3rd by William Brooke of Bromsgrove, who succeeded Sanders (cf. Elmbridge) ; 4 of date reversed. See Fig. 168. very dark and rather dirty. H.T.T., 1882; H.B.W., and J. F. Parker, 1928. NAUNTON BEAUCHAMP. St. Bartholomew or St. John. Three bells. I. IESVS (ornament) BEE (ornament) OVR (ornament) SPEED +132/\5~833 ~ OVR ~GOOD ~2PEED ~1650~®

Fig. 166. MOSELEY ST. ANNE 1st. 'GOD~SAVE~THE ~KING

11111~11~1111116166 ~ __,...~~.,~..~~I 6 3 8 ~

}j'ig. Wi. :\-IOSELEY ST. ANNE 2nd. WM BROOK£ CAST .ME~SAMUEL SMITH IUNIER*CHURCH WARDEN*I7~0 I~] Fig. 168 MOSELEY ST. ANNE 3rd. 177

On waist: G (shield with three bells and l.G.) R *JOHN STANBRIDGE RECTOR* (Taylor's mark). J"AMES BAKEWELL CHURCHWARDEN * 1897* 2. IOHN MARIS WILLIAM BLVCK C W 1683 (Fig. 67). 3. RICHARD SERMAN IOHN SERNAN CHVRCH WARDENS 1675 (Fig. 67) Between words Fig. 71.

The 2nd and 3rd by John Martin. The old 1st was inscribed ~ IESVS ; BEE ; OVR ; SPEED ; 1674 ; 0 (Fig. 173) R (with arabesque borders) The date appears to be an error for 1624, the founder being obviously John Grene II (cf. , Halt, etc.) On the shield (Fig. 173) see under Pirton. 1552 : ' In the steple iij bells a lytle bell.' V.C.H. Worcs. iv. p. 147. H.B.W., 1889. Thanks to Rev. J. Stanbridge (12 Oct. 1900), and to Rev. J. Willis. NETHERTON. St. Andrew. Eight bells. Parish formed from Dudley 1830. Originally a ring of six by Blews (1871 ; tenor 12 cwt.) to which two trebles were added by Barwell in 1897. NEWBOLD. St. David. One bell. Church built 1834; parish formed from Tredington. NEWLAND. St. Leonard or St. Michael. Two bells. I. +S C I THESSILIAY (Fig. 169) 2. G. MEARS, & CO, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1864.

Smaller bell probably of the 14th century; all letters crowned. The lettering is not found elsewhere. It is dedicated to St. Tyssitio, a well-known Welsh saint (see Arnold Forster, Church Dedications, ii. p. 215) Bells hung in a turret at the N.E. angle of the church. 1552 : ' in the stepull too bells, j lych bell, j sacryng bell.' 1740: 'l Bell.' V.C.H. Worcs. iv. p. 131. H.B.W., 1892. NORTHFIELD. St. Laurence. Eight bells. There is now a ring of eight bells by Taylor of Lough borough, put up in 1927. The two trebles were the gift of local residents, and are inscribed re~pectively ' Thomas gave me ' and ' Eliza 178 gave me.' There were formerly six bells, which bore the following inscriptions : l. WE NOW ARE SIX o THO ONCE BVT FIVE (border and four coins) HENRY o KNOWLES PARISH CLARK o 1730 (scroll) (28fin. 2. AND AGAINST OVR o CASTING o SOME DID oo STRIVE 1730 Below, scrolls all round . (29! in. 3. BUT o WHEN A DAY FOR o MEETING o THERE WAS o FIXT o 1730 (scroll) o 2nd line :-o o JOSEPH SMITH o MADE ME (scroll) (30tin. 4. APEARD BUT NINE o AGAINST o TWENTY SIX o 1730 (scroll) o SQUIRE SMITH o (scroll) (32tin. 5. SAMUEL PALMER AND o THOMAS o SII,K o CHURCH o WARDENS o 1730 Below, scrolls all round. (35tin. 6. THOMAS JERVOISE ESQ~ PATRON : WILLIAM WORTH D : D RECTOR : IT WAS WILLIAM o KETTLE o THAT o oo DID CONTRIVE TO MAKE US 6 THAT WERE o BUT 5 o 1730 o (scroll) (40jin. This was a well known ring by J oseph Smith of Edgbaston. Inaccurate versions of the inscriptions were printed by Lukis in his Church Bells, pp. 36, 131, and often repeated subse­ quently. The words were stamped on paterae; the border was Smith's usual floral scroll (Fig. 174) and the coins were either pence or half pence, but were mostly too much worn to decipher. Now that the bells are gone, the present writer was fortunate in obtaining an accurate copy of the inscrip­ tions in 1901 , thus rescuing them from oblivion. The circumstances which led to the destruction of such an interesting old ring do not redound to the credit of the parties concerned, and it is understood that no faculty was obtained either for the removal or recasting of the bells. The Rev. W. Worth D.D. (old tenor) was Fellow of All Souls', Oxford; Prebendary of Worcester, 1715, and Arch­ deacon, 1705 ; incumbent of Alvechurch and Northfield, 1713 ; died 1742. (See Chambers, Biog. IZlustr. of W ores. p. 343). Thomas Jervoise (old tenor) was a member of the family which held the manor of Northfield from Henry VIII's time +saxTnassrTITJIV Fig. 169. NEWLAND 1st.

. . t!:t M::1 !:M . w w ~ SJI n.au.JI Ji ItRA 0 Itlf ] RO !tO BIS Jj'ig . 170. NORTON-by-KEMPSEY.

~!lBaDaFG"filfi ~ <9filR.lfffiUO JJBCDEIF0filfiUmno ~ Fig. 171. ODDINGLEY 2nd. !rr:fisj ME~RENOVAVIT5klGVL~CLARK ~ ~ ~ ~- ~ ~ . QjQ] ~ Fig. 172. OFFENHAM 5th. 180 onwards. He was M.P. for Hampshire, in which county he had property at Herriard, and died in 1742. The family afterwards t.ook the additional name of Clarke. See Trans. Birm. and Midl. Inst., 1896, p. 40, where a pedigree is given. 1552 : 'hanging in the steple iij belles j sauncts belle.' 1740: '3 bells.' V.C.H.Worc.~. iii p. 199. H.B.W., 1901. NORTON-BY-EVESHAM. St. Ecgwin. Six bells. l. ~ GOD PRESERVE THE CHURCH 1723 2. ~ EDWARD MILLWARD ROBART SPIRES CHURCH- WARDENS 1723 3. ~ PHILLIP ROCK 1723 (Fig. 113) 4. ~ PEACE AND GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD 1723 ~ 5. ~ RICHARD SANDERS MADE US ALL 6 1723~ BARWELL FOUNDER BIRMINGHAM RECAST A.D. 1901 W. C. BOULTER M.A. VICAR F. IDIENS (CHURCHWARDENS F. SKINNER ( - 6. ~ THE HONOURABLE CHARLES CRAYON ROBERT BOURN VICAR 1123~(arabesque border, Fig. 113). Below, arabesques.

A_ ring by Richard Sanders, as shewn by the inscription on the old 5th, which is + RICHARD SANDERS MADE VS ALL 6 1723 (Fig. 113) + + (Fig. 113). This bell was cracked in 1878 (H.T.T.). Cannons removed from 4th bell. The Hon. C. Craven (6th bell) was the donor of the ring. He was son of Sir William Craven, 1st baron, and was born 1682, governor of 0arolina temp. Queen Anne, and died 1754. The Rev. R. Bourn was Vicar 1706-1726. There is an in­ teresting note in the Lansdowne MSS. (Brit. Mus.) ii. 919, probably made by J. Warburton, and dated 14 April1660: On ye bells l. scte Nicholaus ora pro nobis 2. Virginis egregie vocor campana Mariae 4. ye picture of Moses & Aaron over it a coate of armes round it Sigillum Edmundi Scambler Episcopi de [Burgo] se. Petri round ye bell this Feryman Rutter person Jn. Savey Thorn. Hares som rosa pulsata mondo maria vocata 1632. [Nash gives the name as Ferriman Rutler]. Probably the 1st was of the same type as Norton-by­ Kempsey, etc., the 2nd of the 'Royal Head' type as Abbots Morton. The 4th was obviously by Thos. Hancox II about 1630- 1640, with p;. -..,op Scambler's seal; cf. Droitwich St. Andrew. 181

A muffled and unmuffied peal is still rung on Holy Inno­ cents' Day. Noake, Rambler in Worcs. i. p. 315. V.O.H. Worcs. ii. p. 419. Barnard, Evesham Journnl, 27 Dec., 1913. H.B.W., 1891. C.A.B., 1925. NORTON .. BY .. KEMPSEY. St. James. Three bells. l. THOMAS REA & WILLIAM FARLEY CHVRCH­ WARDENS 1716 A (bell) R 2. + SANCTA ANNA ORA PRO NOBIS (Fig. 170) 3. WILLIAM VNITT RICHARD MASKALL 1682 (Fig. 68).

2nd of the same type as Acton Beauchamp, Hanley Wil­ liam, etc. 1552 : ' iij bells within the steple, a lyche bell, a smalle sacringe bell.' · Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V.O.H. W ores. iii.p. 455. H .B.W., 1889. ODDINGLEY. St. James or Holy Trinity. Three bells. l. ALL PRAYSE AND GLORY BE TO GOD FOR EVER 1 p 1661 (Fig. 70 between words). Below, Fig. 68. 2. + ABCDEFGHIK (Fig. 127) GHIKLMNO ABCD EFGHIKLMNO (Fig. 127) 3. ~THOMAS BRAIN MR. THOMAS PHILPOTT MIN­ ISTER GEORGE INSOLL WARDEN 1713

Below, Fig. 81. r \ 2nd : cf. the old 2nd at Claines, and see Fig. 171. Dragon (Fig. 127) as at Grimley. The Rev. T . Philpott was Vicar 1714-1721; afterwards Vicar of Pedmore (q .v.) 1552 : 0DDINGTON (sic) iij bellys hanging in the steple.' 1740 : '3 bells.' V.O.H. Worcs. iii. p. 460. H.B.W., 1890.

OFFENHAM. St. Milburgha. Six bells. l. Victoria jam per sexaginta annos Dei gratia Regina. A.D. 1897. 2. TAYLOR & SONS FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH~~ Below, vine-border. 3. WM: PHILLIPS AND WM: DARK CH WARDENS A R 1732 (floral ornament.~) Fig. 173. PIRTON 1st (.John Grene). ,

JJ'ig. 174. NORTHFIELD old 1st-6th (.Joseph Smith).

Fig. 175. OMBERSLEY tth. 183

4. WILLIAM NEWINGTON ROBERT SPRAGG CHVRCHWARDENS 1701 5. (Fig. 9) ME (jleurdelys) RENOV AVIT (jleurdelys) GVL (jleurdelys) CLARK (eight fleursdelys) (37 in. 6. W~ FREDERICK PREEDY & PHILLIP ROCK CHURCH­ WARDENS 1830 I. RUDHALL FEe:

Inscription on treble in black-letter. Treble and 2nd cast by Taylor in 1897 in commemoration of Diamond Jubilee of Q. Victoria. The 5th was cast at Evesham about 1705 (compare Badsey). See Fig. 172. On the 6th all in small type after the date ; border at end of inscription. Formerly a ring of five by Bagley (see Ellacombe, Oh. Bells of Gloucs. Supplt. p. 120) V.C.H. Worcs. ii. p. 423. Not given by Prattinton. C. A. B., 1925. OLDBERROW. St. Mary. Three bells. 1. No inscription. 2. ANTHONY MANINS THOMAS CLAYBRACK IOHN MAWDICKE 1674 (Fig. 68) 3. SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS 1662 (Fig. 69) RICHARD FREEMAN RICHARD WALFORD 1st long-waisted; probably thirteenth century. Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V.C.H. Worcs. ii. 426. H.T.T., 1876. Thanks to Rev. S. Peshall (2 Oct. 1900). OLD BURY. Eight bells. There is now a light ring of eight bells here, cast by Warner of London in 1887, the tenor weighing only 10 cwt. The previous bells were dated 1842, probably by Mears. Before that date there was probably only one bell ; Prattinton notes that the chapel (as it then was) had a small wooden bell-turret. DISTRICT CHURCH St. James, Round Green (1892) -One bell. OLDSWINFORD. St. Mary. Eight bells. 1. JOHN TAYLOR & Co LOUGHBOROUGH LEICES- TERSHIRE 1902 . TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN COMMEMORATION OF THE WEDDING DAY OF WILLIAM COCHRANE AND ELIZA COLLIS (25 in. 184

2. The same. (26 in. 3. MATHEW BAGLEY MADE MEE 1687 (27 in. 4. CANTATE DOMINVM CANTICVM NOVVM 1686 (28l in. 5. HENRY BAGLEY MADE MEE 1686. (30! in. 6. RECAST BY JOHN TAYLOR & eo., LOUGHBO- ROUGH LEICESTERSHIRE 1902 (33 ins. 7. MATHEW BAGLEY OF CHARCOME MADE MEE 1686 (37 in. 8. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE DO SUMMON ALL 1740 A (bell) R (40in.

The old 4th (now 6th) was inscribed FRANCIS (border) WITTON (border) CHVRCH WARDEN (border) 1686 (border). The N.'s reversed. On the 3rd, 5th and 7th, borders between the words, as at Ombersley. There were only six bells down to 1902. The tenor weighs 11! cwt., note F sharp (see Robinson, Among the Bells, p. 394). 1552 : ' In the steple iij bells.' 1740: '5 Bells.' V.C.H. Worcs. iii p. 220. Thanks to Mr. H. Palfrey. DISTRICT Cm:J"RCH. Holy Trinity, Amblecote (1842). One bell (?). OMBERSLEY. St. Andrew. 6+1 bells. l. CANTATE (two coins) CANTICVM (Fig. 58) NOVVM (two coins) HENRY (coin) BAGLEY (scroll) MADE MEE (coin) Below :-1682 (in middle of border, see Fig. 176) Above and below, arabesques (Fig. 118) (311-in. 2. RECAST AT GLOUCESTER BY IOHN RUDHALL 1828 (32 in. 3. MATTHEW (coins and scroll) BAGLEY (coins and scroll) MADE (coins and scroll) MEE (coins and scroll) 1682 (coins and scroll) (35 in. 4. As No. 2. (36! in. 5. HVMPHRY AMPHLET (Fig. 64) AND (Fig. 64) RICHARD (Fig. 64) LOYD (Fig. 64) CHVRCHWARDENS (Fig. 64) 1682 (coins and Fig. 64) Below, shield with H.B. and three bells (Fig. 175) (40lin. 6. As No. 2. (46 in. S. No inscription. (13tin. ~ QCANTATEQQDOMINO 0 CANTICVM ~ ~ NOVVM0HENRYQBAGLEY MADE MEE

Fig. 176. OMBERSLEY 1st. ~l~ QMATTHEW0~0 BAGLEY0~ QMADE0~~0MEE 0~0I68200~ Fig 177. OMRERSLEY 3rd . + HAIL E LV I A H I 6 br I Fig. 178. OVERBURY 2nd. 186

The 2nd, 4th and 6th were recast when the new church was built. Dr. Prattinton has preserved the inscriptions on them, which were as follows :- 2. BEE IT KNOWN TO ALL THAT DO ME SEE THAT BAGLEY OF CHALCOMB MADE MEE 1682. 4. PRO REGE ET ECLISIA HENRICVS BAGLEY FECIT 1682. 6. I TO THE CHVRCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE DO SVMON ALL 1682. For the old tenor compare Middle Littleton. 1740 : ' 6 Bells.' V.O.H. Wares . iii p. 467. H.B.W., 1892. Thanks also to Mr. J. F . Parker. ORLETON. St. John Baptist. 1+1 bells. Both bells vecy small, without inscription, and probably of rustic make. Church built 1816, in place of an older one. H.B.W., 1893. OVERBURY. St. Faith. Six bells. l. CAMPANA SANCTAE FIDEI CETERlS CON­ SONARE PARATA. THE GIFT OF RICHARD BIDDULPH MARTIN , M.P. JoHN TAYLOR & Co., LouGHBOROUGH. 2. ~ HALLELVIAH 1841 (28£ in. 3. + A B C G E F G P X E E (n (29! in. · 4. + SANCTE (Oroum) EGIDI (Oroum) ORA PRO NOBIS (32! in. 5. IOHN DANCE & THO : BALDWING CHVR,CH- WARDENS A (bell) R 1719 34! in. 6. ~ COME -WHEN- 1- CALL- TO- SERVE- QOD- ALL - 1641 (39 in. The treble is an addition of 1903. The chronogram (MDCCCCIII = 1903) was composed by the present writer. 3rd: cf. bells at Higham Ferrers, Northants and Little Packington, Warwick. Probably by one of the Newcombes. See Fig. 179. 4th: by Robert Hendley of Gloucester; the only example of his work in the county. See Fig. 180. 2nd and tenor : by Purdue of Bristol ; the latter a rough casting, with rude, irregular letters; the LL's are conjoined. See Figs. 178, 181. Everything in admirable order. Fig. 179. OVERBURY 3rd.

~s JI n a 0 a ~ a 0t r Dr.~ OliffJ!J\OnOlBIB Fig. 180. OVERBURY 4th. +COMEWHEN•I CAlL TO SERVE GOD•AU... 16~1 Fig. 181. OVERBURY 6th. 188

The late Rev. C. Glynn, in his account of the Church and Bells (Bristol and Gloucs. Arch. Soc. Tra'f1,8 . xix, p. 49), gives the following ringing customs, but I do not know how far they are still kept up : On New Year's Eve a mu:ffied peal is rung before midnight, and an open peal after. · · Muffled peal on Holy Innocents' Day.l Ringing on St. Thomas' Day:a early in the morning, associ­ ated with the practice of ' mumping.' Ringing on November 5th (Gunpowder Plot). There is a tradition that two bells were brought here from Teddington. · 1552 : ' iij bells in the steple.' 1740: '6 Bells.' V.C.H., Worcs., Ill, p. 474. H. B. W., 1901. Thanks also to Rev. Canon Lea and Rev. J. Willis. · 1 This was not uncommon in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. 2 Also common in Warwickshire. OVERBURY-COURT. There is oil. the stable here a clock-bell of some interest. It is by Richard Phelps of London, and is inscribed : HAEC CAMPANA FUSA EST HONORATISSIMO . GULIELMO COMITE ESSEXIAE : EQUITE CARDUI A: D : 1727 NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT (five ornaments). See Fig. 182. The clock is by D. Thwaites, 1792. William Capel, third :E!arl of Essex, was born 1697, made Knight of St. Andrew (Thistle) in 1725, and died 1743 (Collins-Brydges, ill, p. 348 ff. ; Clutterbuck, Hist. of Herts., i, p. 242). The Martins became tenants of Overbury in 1723, and the present house was built about 1740 (though the stables may be of earlier date); their pedigree has been printed by Sir T. Philippa. Mr. R. Holland Martin kindly informs me that a branch of .the Martin family settled at Cheshunt in Herts about that time, and possibly _the acquisjtion of the bell may be expl~ined in that way, though it is difficult-to understand why the Earl of Essex shoUld have parted with it so soon after its casting for his house at Cassiobury Park. · PEDMORE. St. Peter. Three bells. l. M,. THOMAS PHILPOT RECTOR 1735. RECAST 1897.

, ·'::0 189 2. + JOHN PEARPOINT CHURCHWARDEN 1736 W B + BROMSGROVE (bell in circle). RECAST 1897. 3. THE LIVHIIIG TO THE CHURCH I CALL AND TO THE GRAVE DO- SUMMON ALL 1736

Tenor by Richp,rd Sanders, as was the first originally. The present bells are by Taylor. The old bells were inscribed: 1. THOMAS PHILLPOT RECTOR 1736 (border). 2. + +· (three bells) JOHN PIERPOINT CHURCHWAR­ DEN W B BROMSGROVE 1738 The 2nd was not by Sanders, but by W . Brooke, who suc­ ceeded him in 1736 (cf. Moseley St. Anne). According to V.C.H. Wares. iii. p . 202, the order of 1 and 2 should be re­ versed. 1552 : ' iij bells in the steple j small bell called a 8acring bell.' Prattinton has nothing. The Rector (Rev. W. A. Jones) wrote, 4 Oct., 1900: "For many years only one bell was available, the other having been cracked. In 1897 the two cracked bells were recast by Messrs. Taylor of Loughborough and made available for chiming and for striking the hours and quarters for the Diamond Jubilee Memorial clock. There are now pits for four bells. The Parish Minute Book records that in 1702 the three bells being cracked were cast into one large one as ' sufficient to call to public worship.' This bell broke and the present tenor was ca.St from it in 1735, the two others being added in the follow­ ing year. The Rev. T . Philpott was Vicar 1721-1754; previously of Oddingley (q.v.) . . H. T. T., 1874. . Four bells. 1. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD A (bell) R 1753 (scroll.~) 26£in. 2. GUYL : MarDen (fleur de lys) cHUrcH warDen (fleur de lys) ANNO : DO : 1686: (Fig. 183). (28! in. 3. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD A (bell) R 1745 (scrolls) · (31! in. 4. RECAST BY H. BOND BURFORD OXON 1908 A (bell) R 1746 F. SEYMOUR ORIFFITH. RECTOR THOMAS GREENWOOD CHURCHWARDENS. RICHARD BEVAN. ' (34 in. 190

All hung dead, with stocks fixed to frames and fitted with chiming-hammers; no wheels or stays. The lst and 4th have no cannons; the latter is an ugly and badly-cast bell. Pits for five (~tn empty one between lst and 2nd). The 2nd is interesting as one of Abraham Rudhall's earliest bells. The use of ' lower-case ' letters is unique with him, and it would never have been taken for one of his bells were it not proved to be by the extracts given below. 1552: 'in the steple iiij bells.' 1740, '5 bells.' V. C. H., Worcs., iii, p. 481. H. B. W., 1909. The old tenor was inscribed : TH05 DEEANDIOHNBEALECH. WARDENS 1745. as we learn from Prattinton's notes (1818). He records that the then 2nd bell was broken, but does not mention the inscription. Previously to 1908 there were still a few frag­ ments of this bell lying in the belfry, which were then sold ~o­ wards the recasting of the tenor, which had for some time been cracked. It was presumably broken between 1740 and 1818, and probably most of it was then removed or stolen. Mr. J. H. Bloom kindly communicates the following, copied by him from documents in the Consistory Court of Worcester (original charters of the Priory of Worcester concerning estates outside the city) : No. 8928. Petition of the inhabitants of Pendock. Sheweth that one of the Bells of or church being crackt we were willing that the said bell should be new cast but William Marden one of the churchwardens did vigorously prosecute to have o' four Bells to be made into Five to which (though he prtends to have the consent of the whole Parish) yet there was not a fourth part did agree to it : the re!'lt & especially the Lct of the Mannr (who payes above a third part of the charge) not con­ senting to it. Moreover forbidding the said William Marden to act farther in it wtbout a fuller agreemt yet notwtbstanding this, he the said William Marden did wilfully· & peremtorily cause the Bells to be taken down, carried away and cast into five web wtb the charge of new frames and other necessary and ·attendant expences will amount to about Sixty Pounds web sumes for soe small a parish will be three shillings per lib. ( ?) . No. 8929. Copy of presentment at the Visitation to repair and amend the bells and bell-frames, 15 Nov., 1868, with a list of those consenting. No. 8927. Pendock. 1686. An account of what moneyes I have receivid for the Use of the Church & how it is disposed of. £ s. d. There was a levy made which was 22 os 00 Of this I have collected 18 15 06 Of this I have paid To Abraham Rudllall the Bell founder in part of his due - 14 05 00 191

To Thomas Arnold for carrying & recarrying the £ s. d. Bells 02 05 00 Expended at a Parish Meeting at Will. Mardens treating with the Bell founder Dec. 2d by consent 00 06 02 At another Parish Meeting at Widdow Mardens when the money was paid by consent Novemb 25 00 06 00 At Gloucester treating with the Bellfounder to deliver the Bells wth sevrall of the Parish - 00 02 OS At Gloucester wn the Bells were weighed & delvred & loaded wth Mr. Mairess the Brasier for his trouble in weighing ym twice - 00 02 OS To a Carpenter for putting a Post & raeles that were broken down to carry in the Bells & other work 00 01 00 Mr. Coventreys rate wch was paid or accounted to William Marden 01 04 00 Other expences at sevral times upon my charge 00 02 06 . St. James the Great. Three bells. I. IOHN CLVTTON RICHARD ANGELL IOHN MONOX C W 1669. On waist : Fig. 68. 2. IN GOD IS MY HOOP 1827 I P (Fig. 185). 3. RICHARD ANGELL C W 1681 PRAISE AND GLORY BE TO GOD. On waist, Figs. 57 and 59.

1st bell: A John Monox (? the son of this one) was a mercer of Worcester and died 15 Oct., 1668, aged 34; he was buried in St. Martin's church. Another John Monox, possibly the same man as here, occurs on the old tenor at Rock (1630) ; for others at Bewdley see V. C. H., Wares., iv., p. 306. The 2nd is by an unknown founder ; I can only suggest John Palmer of Gloucester, but with considerable hesitation. 1 I have not found the lettering elsewhere ; it is rather of a coarse type. Prattinton does not mention the bells. V. C. H. Wares., iii, p. 448. H. B. W., 1921.

1 It is however worth noting that Godwin Baker of Worcester spells HOPE as HOOP at St. Peter's, Worcester. But this bell has none of his typical marks (cf. Doverdale).

PEOPLETON. St. Michael. Three bells. I. ROBT MERRELL FRANCIS SIMKINS CH • WARDENS A (bell) R 1758. 2. No inscription. 3. IESVS; BEE; OVR: SPEED; 1631; T P>:I: H :-: ·:· (Fig. 184). H)EC CAMPANA FUSA EST HONORA TISSIMG> GULIELMO COMITE ESSEXIlE EQUITE CARDUI A:D: 1727 NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT ~ ~~ ~~ Fig. 182. OVERBURY COURT. GUYL:MarDen·'k·CHUPCHWarDen 6ia· AN N 0 : D 0 : I G8 G : Fig. 183. PENDOCK ::'ud ·:·I E S V S : B E E -: 0 V R: S PE E 0: I63I:T:P:·:J:H:-: Fig. 184. PEOPLETON Rrd . 198

2nd : somewhat long-waisted, but probably by Rudhall. 3rd : cf. White Ladies As ton and Dormstone. 1552 : ' in the stepull iij bells.' 1740: '1 bell' (sic). V. C. H., Worcs., iv, p. 150. H. B. W., 1907. Thanks ·to Rev. T. Davies, Rector. PERSHORE. St. Andrew. Six bells. 1. WHEN WE DO RING I SWEETLY SING (bit of arabesque) A (bell) R 1715 (bit of arabesque). 2. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOVRHOOD (vine-border) A (bell) R 1715 (vine-border). 3. JOHN WILKES (arabesques with C W stamped over them) A (bell) R 1715 (arabesques ). 4. ABR: RVDHALL OF GLOVCESTER CAST VS ALL 1715 (arabesques). 5. GOD PRESERVE THE CHURCH OF (arabesques) A (bell) R 1715 (arabesques). 6. SIMON BEVERTON VICAR THO. ASHFIELD GT ED. DIMMOCK CH WARDENS 1715 (bit of arabesque). Border of floral scrolls all round below. (37-i in. All by Abraham Rudhall. All have cabled cannons except the treble, the cannons of which are broken. Frame patched up but fairly sound ; wheels shaky ; oddly shaped stay to tenor. A good ring of six, but rather 'panny' in tone. The Rev. Simon Beverton was Vicar of Pershore 1710-1729. 1552 : ' iiij bells in the stepull.' 1740: '6 Bells.' V. C. H., Worcs. iv, p. 172. Ringing customs here about 1875-1885 were as follows : On Sundays, treble rung at 8 a.m., when no celebration at Holy Cross (i.e., on 2nd and 4th Sundays). Treble also rung for the last minute or two before afternoon service. Death Knell with tellers immediately after death. Pancake Bell on Shrove Tuesday at 11.0 (two bells). Occasional ringing practice in winter. H. B. W., 1929. PERSHORE. Holy Cross (The Abbey). Eight Bells. l. JOSEPH MARTIN JAMES EVANS CHURCH WARD­ ENS 1814 (border) On waist :-T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT. 2. PEACE AND GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD A (bell) R 1729 (arabesques) (32! in. 194

3. ABR. RUDHALL OF GLOCESTER CAST US ALL 1729 (35! in. Below, a band of floral scrolls all round. 4. BARWELL FOUNDER BIRMINGHAM. PROSPERITY TO THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND 1729 (Barwell' s trade-mark). RECAST FEBRUARY 1897 (38 in. 5. PROSPERITY TO ALL OUR BENEFACTORS A (beU) R 1729 (floral scrolls). (40l in. 6. WALTER MARRIOTT AND EDWARD GALE CHURCHWARDENS (scrolls) A (bell) R 1729 (scrolls). (43! in. 7. RICH!? ROBERTS ESQ!'! JOHN YEEND & THO~ ASHFIELD GENTN: TRUSTEES (arabesques) A (bell) R 1729 (arabesques). 48 (in. 8. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALLANDTOTHEGRAVEDOSUMMON ALL 1729 (53! in.

Old 4th inscribed : PROSPERITY TO THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND A (bell) R 1729. On the waist of the new bell, Barwell's trade-mark with J B twice between the arms of a plain cross. The tenor is inscribed in larger letters than the others. Formerly also a priest's bell inscribed ' Haste away make no delay,' which was stolen during the restoration of the church on the night of Easter Monday, 1863. It was by one of the Rudhalls, and was known as the 'tell-tale' or 'kit' (note by Rev. J. F. Wickenden). These bells are generally considered one of the finest rings of eight in England, but the difficulties of ringing them are well known to local ringers. They have not always received the attention they deserve. The cage-ringing-chamber, due to the exigencies of opening out the lantern tower, is probably unique. 1552 : ' In the steple v bells, which of late time was bought of the King's majestic that dead, & yeat for the said bells ys owinge to Conant Rychardson xij li. to John ... to the executours of Cosnott v li. to the executors Creaser v li. to ... of Edmund Allyn v ls. to Thos. Turbut iiij . to the executours of ... .' 1740: '8 bells.' V. C. H. Worcs., iv, p. 162. 1\15

In 1875-1880 the ringing customs were as follows: Bells chimed for services on Sundays, with occasional ringing. Ringing on great festivals (Christmas Eve and early on Christmas Day, Easter Day, early, and Ascension), and on New Year's Eve. The early ringing was given up when early celebrations were introduced. Ringing on secular anniversaries and festivals, e.g., for the Annual Flower Show ; for weddings occasionally. Death Knell as at St. Andrew's; tolling at Funerals; muffled occasionally. Curfew in winter at 8 p.m. ; day of month tolled after­ wards. Ringing practice during Advent. The , which is still in regular use, was put up by Gillett & Co., of Croydon, in 1879, and plays a fortnigb_tly cycle of tunes, at 9, 12, 3, and 6 (except during the night). The tunes are as follows : Sun. St. Fulbert (A. & M. 125). Mon. Sicilian Mariners' Hymn. Tues. Home Sweet Home. Wed. Bailiff's Daughter of Islington. Thurs. Rousseau's Dream. Fri. London New. Sat. My Lodging is on the Cold Ground. Sun. We Love the Place (A. & M. 242) . Mon. There's Nae Luck about the House. Tues. Last Rose of Summer. Wed. Manchester New. Thurs. 13arbara Allen. Fri. St. Oswald (A. & M. 274). Sat. Blue Bells of Scotland. In the Lansdowne MSS. , Brit. Mus., ii, 919, under date 1660 (probably from the collections of J. Warburton) is the note under this heading : · ' Upon ye great bell in Saxon Tibi laus, tibi gloria, tibi gratiarum actio o beata trinitas.' [The form of the inscription resembles that on Grimley tenor.) Weights: 6!, 6!, 8£, 9!, 12!, 13£, 20, 26 cwt. (See Robin. son, Among the Bells, p. 157, who gives details of the ringing arrangements, etc.) H. B. W., 1889. Many thanks to Mr. William Need, the veteran verger, whose knowledge and love of the Abbey and everything connected with it are well known to all. 196

PIDDLE, NORTH. St. Michael. 1+1 bells. 1. No inscription. Disused, in the Church : No inscription ; diam. 14! in. Formerly two bells, inscribed : 1. FRANCIS MOLE THOMAS HARRIS C W 1676. On waist, Fig. 67. 2. IOSEPH CLARKE IOHN BUSHELL CH WARDENS A (bell) R 1745. Inscriptions copied by H. T. Tilley in 1877, when the bells were in two houses in the parish. The bell at present in use, which is evidently modern, hangs in an open bell-cot ; the disused bell appears to be of the same date and pattern, though it is said to be the old ting-tang. 1552: 'NORTHE PEDYLL. ij bellys . .. a sacrying bell.' 1740 : ' 5 bells (sic) . Prattinton in 1812 gives ' two modern bells.' Noake, Rambles in Worcs., ii, p. 183, says 'There are two bells in the tower, dated 1676' (sic). V. C. H., Worcs., iv. p. 180. Many thanks to Mr. C. A. Binyon for kindly verifying. PINVIN. St. Nicholas. One bell. 1. COME AWAY MAKE NO DELAY T (bell) R 1768.

In an open stone turret on West gable. 1552 : ' ij smal belles in the stepull.' V . C. H., Worcs. , iv, p. 175. H. T. T ., 1877 . PIRTON. St. Peter. Three bells. 1. ~ IESVS BE OVR SPEED 1633 T (Fig. 173) P OB (Fig. 186). 2. · GOD BE MY SPED RICHARD THORNBY RICHARD SYMONS 1633 (Fig. 187). 3. THOMAS POMER THOMAS MEDOVS C W S 1680 (Fig. 68) .

1st and 2nd by John Greene II.; 3rd by John Martin. Note the shield Fig. 173, which bears the initials not only of John Greene, but of a Z (1 Zachary) Greene, presumably his assistant (cf. BG at Upton Warren). It is here given in its correct form; Fig. 128 is inaccurate. IN GOD fS · MY HOOP 1627 JP Fig. 185. PENSAX 2nd. +I E S VS B£ OVR SPEED 1633 T~P OS Fig. 186. PIR'ION l.st GOD BE MY SPED RICHARD THORNBY RICHARD SYMONS 1633· Fig. 187. PlRTON 2nd. JOHN BARNES l*] AND NICHOLAS TOVNE ~CHVRCH WARDENS~ 1602 ~~~~] Fig. 18S. 4th 198

1552 : ij bells in our steple iij small sacryng belles.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V. C. H. , Worcs ., iv, p. 183. H. B. W., 1907. . SS. Peter & Laurence. Six bells. l. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOVRHOOD (bit of arab­ esque) A R (bell) 1705 (arabesques) I S (bit of arabesque). 2. PROSPERITY TO ENGLAND AND SEND VS PEACE 1705 A (bell) R. On waist: RECAST A.D. 1910 (trade-mark with A. H. and three bells) . 3. GOD SAVE THE QVEEN. 1705. A (bell) R. On waist as No. 2. 4. IOHN WALL GT ALDERMAN OF WORCESTER tfloral scroll) M~ lAM NIXON (floral scroll) 1705. 5. PROSPERITY TO THIS PLACE AND ALL OVR BENEFACTORS A (bell) R ANNO 1705. On waist: THE REV. CECIL HUGHES VICAR. COL. WINSMORE HOOPER}CHURCH­ (trade­ COL. HERBERT H. PEEL WARDENS mark). RECAST 1910. 6. T. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1833 AB RA HAM THOMPSON }c W THOMAS NICHOLLS HURCH ARDENS Old 2nd, 3rd and 5th inscribed as reproduced on new bells. These three, being cracked, were recast in 1910 by Mears & Stainbank (the trade-mark is that of A. Hughes, then head of the firm), with new frames for eight bells. Weights and notes: (1) 8 cwt. C (4) 13 cwt. G (2) 9 B (5) 16! F (3) 11 A flat (6) 23 E flat 1552 : ' j lyche bell . . . v belles within the steple.' 1740: '6 Bells.' V. C. H., Wares., iv, p. 190. There is a tradition that the bells were originally brought from Calais in the sixteenth century and subsequently recast in England. The last governor of Calais was one of the Beau­ champ family and Baron of Powyke. At his departure the inhabitants rang their bells by way of rejoicing, whereupon he promptly returned and carried off the bells, which on his arrival in England he presented to the parish church of Powick. Many thanks to Rev. F . C. Champion, Vicar. QUEENHD..L. St. Laurence. Four bells. l. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD A (bell) R 1718. 2. EDWIN SERMON MICHAEL POWELL CHVRCH­ W ARDENS 1718 .. 199

3. WILLIAM SVCH WILLIAM COX C W 1680 (Fig. 68). 4. IOH N BARNES (jleur de lys) AND N ICHOLAS TOVN (jleur de lys) CH WARDENS (jleur de lys) 1602 (Fig. 188).

4th by Henry Farmer; the fleur de lysis Fig. 33. 1552. ' QurNEHYLL. In the steple iiij smale bells.' V. C. H., Worcs., iii, p. 495.

QUINTON. Christ Church. One bell. Church built 1842; parish formed from Halesowen.

REDDITCH. St. Stephen. Eight bells. l. HORACE NEWTON VICAR. J. F. MILWARD } W~ NEASON CHURCHWARDENS. 1896. 2. No inscription. 3. JOHN WARNER & SONS CRESCENT FOUNDRY LONDON 1857 4. The same. 5. The same. 6. The same. 7. The same. 8. The same. On waist : GOOD PEOPLE ALL WHEN WE CALL COME TO PRAY STAY NOT AWAY [3-8 have also on the waist the Royal Arms and PATENT] S. (Inaccessible.)

The church was first built in 1687. In 1852 one bell of 4 cwt. was supplied by Messrs. C. and G. Mears, and five years later was replaced by a ring of six, to which two were added in 1896. The bell of 1852 is too heavy to have been preserved as the existing ' sanctuary ' bell. Thanks to Mr. H. C. Milward.

REDDITCH. St. George. One bell. Church built 1876. REDMARLEY D'ABITOT. St. Bartholomew. Six bells. l. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD A (bell) R 1743 (double-vine pattern). 2. PROSPERITY TO THIS PARISH A (bell) R 1743 (pattern as last). 200

3. IOHN IEFFES & THOs PERKINS CHURCHWARD- ENS 1789 . 4. THE REV~ M~ JOHN RODD RECTOR A (bell) R 1743 (pattern a.s 1st). 5. GEO: SLAUGHTER & IOHN REEVE CH~ WARDENS A (bell) R 1743 (border). 6. INO IEFFS & RIOHD ASTON CHURCH WARDENS 1793 ; :: ·(scroll) ::: (scroll) ."; · The old 3rd probably had ' Abel Rudhall of Gloucester cast us all1743'; the present 3rd and 6th are by John Rudhall. Rehung about 1890 ; all cannons off. 1552 : ' iiij bells in the steple.' 1740: '6 bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V. 0. H ., Worcs., iii, p. 485. The Rev. J . Rodd was Rector 1730-1745. H. T. T., 1895. RIBBESFORD. St. Leonard. Three bells. l. No inscr~ption. 2. ABEL RUDHALL FOUNDER 1756 (vine pattern) (Fig. 189). 3. IOHN RUDHALL GLOOESTER FECIT 1798

The treble is a very long-waisted bell; diameter varying from 19 to 21 in. (it is not circular) ; height to top of cannons 26 in; thickness at rim 1! in. The waist and shoulder are of very little less diameter than the mouth. Undoubtedly the oldest bell in the county. 1740 : ' 3 bells.' V. 0 . H ., Worcs ., iv, p. 314. H. T. T., 1879. Thanks to Mr. J. F. Parker. RIPPLE. St. Mary. Six bells. l. THESE BELLS WERE CAST BY IOHN RUDHALL 1808 2. IOHN RUDHALL FEe. 1807 3. PROSPERITY TO THIS PARISH I. RUDHALL FECy 1808 4. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD 1808 5. THE REV'? DR. LUOAS RECTOR W. BERKLEY & S. THOULD C. WARDENS 1808 6. THESE BELLS WERE CAST AT GLOUCESTER BY IOHN RUDHALL 1808 201

1552 : ' iiij bells in the steple j lyche bell ij sacryng bells.' 1740: '6Bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V. 0. H., Worcs., iii, p. 493 (inaccurate). The Rev. Robert Lucas, DD., of Trin. Coll., Camb., was also Vicar of Pattishall, Northants. He died in 1812, aged 65. Bells formerly chimed at funerals (Noa.ke, Rambles tn Worcs., ii, p. 55). ROCHFORD. St. Michael. Two bells. The bells hang in a closed turret over the western part of the nave, and are practically inaccessible. The Rector states that they are small modern bells and of no special interest. Owing to the difficulty of access, for which facilities are not likely to be granted, the above statement must be accepted, and Rochford must remain the only ancient church in the county whose bells have not been investigated. Prattinton does not give the inscriptions. V. 0. H., Worcs., iv, p. 319, says' inaccessible ; said not to be very old.' ROCK. SS. Peter and Paul. Eight bells. 1. On waist : (a) TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF THE MINISTRY OF THE REV. F. A. REISS 1870-1904. (b) Within a wreath. TAYLOR LOUGHBOROUGH. Below: 1913. 2. As No. 1 (b) only. 3. As No. 2. 4. * * FEAR GOD ~~

I* %J F E A R G 0 D I~ 7¥-l H 0 N 0 V R THE KING*~83 7J~ ~GLORY 00 T 0 ~ G 0 D mI N ~ T H E ~ HIGHEST rnAND ~ON ~EARTH~ PEACE~ J 738 Figs. 190-191. ROCK 4th and 7th.

GOD~ BE ~ OVR ~ CI)PEDE ~ Fig. 192. ROUS LENCH 2nd. 208

4th and 7th by an unknown founder ; there are two kinds of stop, one with six straight rays, the other with six curved. See Figs. 190, 191. Formerly six bells. Old treble inscribed : WILLIAM BLEWS AND SONS TO THE GLORY OF GOD RECAST A.D. 1867 ALFRED JAMES RECTOR JAMES DORRELL: I THOMAS LOWE HAWKES : 1 WARDENS Old 3rd (now 5th) : WILLIAM BLEWS &: SONS RECAST 1 87 Both in Gothic capitals. The inscription on the old tenor (which was also recast by Blews in 1867) has been preserved in part on the new one. Prattinton, irt his notes taken in 1811, says' 6 bells of 1738.' But he gives the inscription on the old tenor as THOMAS ROSS IOHN MONOX CHVRCHWARDENS IESVS BE OVR SPEED 1830 This was probably the old 4th, recast by C. and G. Mears in 1853, and the old tenor, which as may be seen had a differeny Churchwarden's name, must have been of the same date. These two bells were probably by John Greene. For the name Monox compare Pensax ; possibly this was the same man. Weights and notes : 3 2 : 21 F . 3 3: 4 E. 4 2 0 D. 5 2 0 c. 6 0 8 B flat. 7 2 7 A. 10 3 14 G. 12 3 26 F. The Rev. J. F. Hastings notes that when the old 3rd (now 5th) was recast in 1867, it came out the same note as the then 4th. 1740 : ' 5 bells ' (sic). V. C. H., Worcs., iv, p. 326 (gives six bells only). H. B. W., 1890. Many thanks to Rev. R. A. Wilson. ROMSLEY. St. Kenelm. One bell. 1. M~ IACOB SMITH AND M~ THOMAS SHENSTONE CHAPEL (border) WARDENS 1724 (coin and border). Border (Fig. 174) below. By J oseph Smith. V. C. H., Worcs., iii, p. 149. ROUS LENCH. St. Peter. Two bells. l. IOHN LVCASE WILLIAM HEMING SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS 1661. (Fig. 71 between the names only). On waist Fig. 69. (29 in. 2. GOD (jleur de lys) BE (jleur de lys) ovR (jleur de lys) SPEDE (jleur de lys). (37 in.

1st by John Martin. 2nd by John Grene I., about 1600; cf. Holt. S placed sideways. See Fig. 192. There was formerly also a third bell, probably the 2nd, noted by Pr&ttinton as unhung in 1812, inscribed HENRY BAYLEE MADE ME 1651. The two present bells hang in an open double bell-cot. 1552. ' iij bells in the stepull j bell in the chancell.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton and by Noake (Rambler in Wore.~., ii, p. 178); see also W. K. Chafy-Chafy in Assoc. Arch. Socs. Reports, xxv, p. 215. V. G. H., Wor~., iii, p. 500. H. T. T., 1877. Thanks to Rev. J. Willis for rubbings. RUSHOCK. St. Michael. Two bells. l. C &: Q MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON JOSEPH LETT CHURCHWARDENS 1863 JOHN NEWEY 2. ALL PRAISE AND GLORY BE TO GOD FOR EVER D L C W 1681 (Border below). 2nd by John Martin; cracked in 1879. 1552 : ' in the steple ij bells.' V. G. H ., Wor~., iii, p. 204. H. T. T., 1879. .

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