Among the by Rev. F. E. Robinson

File 02 – Chapters IV, V, VI and VII Pages 98 to 202

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HE year 1889 was by far the busiest in my whole ringing career, as in it I accomplished 85 . This large number of suc­ cesses was owing to the great skill of Mr. Washhrook in conducting peals. We began with a 5040 of Triples at Drayton on the eve of my birthday, January 5th. This was followed by three peals of Stedman, one of Caters at Appleton, and two of Triples at Drayton.

Early in February, I accepted an invitation from Mr. J. W. Taylor, jun., to the Midlands, having stipulated that Mr. Washbrook should be of the party, his services being invaluable. The other visitors were, the Revs. G. F. Coleridge and W. W. C. Baker; Mr. (now Sir) A. Percival Heywood, of Duffield, joined the party, and Messrs. H. Baker and C. H. Hattersley. Mr. W. \Vakley, of Burton-on-Trent, joined us as conductor for two peals. At Loughborough we were assisted by Messrs. Cresser, Lane and Tyler of the local company. Nine peals were rung during· the week ; the only failure being on the first evening at Loughborough, where the conductor called three bobs in succession in a of Kent Treble Bob Royal, thereby vitiating the truth of the performance. The following were our peals :-

(1)-February 5th, at S. Peter's, Belgrave, in 3h. 4m., 5184 Double Norwich Court Bob Major, composed and conducted by J. \V. Wash­ brook. (First peal in the method on these bells, and by Rev. W. W. C. Baker).

(z)-February 5th, at S. Saviour's, Leicester, in 2h. sSm., 5040 Stedman Triples (Brookes' variation), conducted by C. H. Hattersley. Among the Bells. 99

(3)-February 6th, at S. Mary's, Coleorton, 5040 Double Norwich Court Bob Major (Rev. H. Earle Bulwer's composition), conducted by W. Wakley.

(4)-February 6th, at S. Helen's, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, in 3h. 12m. 5024 Superlative Surprise Major, composed by H. Dains, and conducted by W. Wakley. (This was the first 5024 of Superlative ever rung ; the first on these bells, and in the county; and my own zooth peal). Rev. G. F. Coleridge . Treble I J. W. Taylor, jun. 5 J. W. Washbrook z C. H. Hattersley 6 A. P. Heywood 3 I H. Bake~ 7 Rev. F. E. Robinson . 4 W. Wak~y Teno1

S. PETER's, BELGRAV~:.

In. cwt. qrs. lb.;; . Date. Founders. Treble 26 3 2 0 1888 J. Taylor ~ 27 3 3 0 3 281 4 I 0 , 4 JO 5 2 0 I6JI L eice~ ;er foundry. 5 JI~ 6 2 0 6 34! 7 2 0 10 0 0 7 38 " " Tmor 44 14 2 14 1871 J· Taylor, 100 Amonf( the Bells.

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S. SAVIOUR'S, LEICESTER.

in . cwt. qrs. lbs. D ate Founders Treble 30! 6 0 0 I877 J. Taylor & Co. 2 3I! 6 I 0 3 33! 7 I 0 4 36 9 2 0 5 39 11 2 0 6 40! I2 I 0 7 45! 15 0 0 Tenor 52! 25 3 0 Among the Bells. IOI ------

Sr MARY's, COLEORT O:" .

in. c wt. qrs. lbs. D ate. Founders. Treble 24f 3 3 0 1878 J. Taylor & Co. 2 25£ 3 3 24 !826 Thomas r.-rears, jun. 3 27!l 4 I 21 4 29 5 0 0 5 31£ 6 0 6 32~ 6 2 10 7 3 5 ~ 7 I Te•wr 39t 13 8 tSfS" J. Tayl~; & Co. 102 Among the Bells.

(s)-February 7th, at All Saints, Nottingham, 1n 3h. 12m., 5024: Double Norwich Court Bob. Major, composed and conducted by J. W. Washbrook. (First peal in this method on the bells).

(6)-February 7th, at All Saints, Loughborough, in 3h. 45m., sooo Kent Treble Bob Royal, composed by N. J. Pitstow, and conducted by J. W . Taylor, jun. (First peal of Royal by Rev. W. W. C. Baker).

S. 1-IELEN's, AsHBY-DE-LA-ZoucH.

D ate. Founders. 7 n ble 1814 J. Briant. 2 " 3 1741 T. E ayre. 4 1817 J. Briant. 5 6 7 1822 J. Briant. Tenor 17 ~ cwt. 1849 W. & ] . Ta.ylor. Among the B ells. 103 ----- ·- - ·---- (7 )- February 8th, at AllSaints, Duffield, m 3h. 21m., 5040 Duffield Royal, composed and conducted by A. Percival H eywood, and rung for the first time. (First peal in this method by Messrs. H atters­ ley, Washbrook, and myself, and Mr. H. Baker's rooth peal).

ALL S AINTS, NOTTINGHAM.

I n~. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date . Founders Treble 30~ 6 2 14 !864 J. Taylor & Co. 2 3Ioi 7 0 3 3 33£ 7 2 5 4 35! 8 I 23 5 37£ 9 I 7 6 3 8 ~ 9 2 4 7 42! 12 2 17 Teno> 47 ~ 17 0 11 I04 Among the Bells.

(8)- February 8th, at All Saints, Duffield, in 3h. rsm., 5079 Sted­ man Caters, composed and conducted by C. H . Hattersley, and rung for the first time. (First peal of Stedman Caters by Rev. W. W. C. Baker).

(9)- February 9th, at All Saints, Loughborough, in 3h. 27m., so ro Stedman Caters, composed and conducted by A. Percival H eywood, and rung for the first time.

ALL SAI NTS, LOUGHBORO UGH .

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. Founders. Treble 28 7 I 2 J. Taylor 8:. Co. 2 2 9~ 7 0 2I 3 3 1 ~ 7 I 7 4 3 2 ~ 7 2 10 5 34 8 I !3 6 3 7~ 9 3 3 7 4I ~ 12 2 23 8 44 IS I 25 9 49 20 3 6 Tenor 55 30 2 0 Among the Bells. IOS

This was a most successful and enjoyable week, admirably organized by Mr. J. W. Taylor, who enabled us to carry through a long and laborious programme with the minimum of fatigue and discomfort.

It was followed in the same month by an invitation to myself and Mr. Washbrook, by the Rev. J. F. Hastings, then curate at Great Yar­ mouth, for some peal ringing in the Eastern Counties. Mr. Hastings met us at Chelmsford in Essex, where we rang a peal of Grandsire Caters with members of the Essex Association. We spent the night at Writtle with the Rev. T. L. Papillon, ringing a peal of Bob Major (my first in that humble method !) with him and some of his band in the morning, and going on to Ipswich and Norwich, at both of which centres of good ringing we were doomed to disappointment. A peal of Stedman Cinques at S. Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich, . broke down earlier than half-way; and one of Kent Treble Bob Royal on the lower ten of S. Peter 1\Iancroft, Norwich, through a "shift" after three hours' good ringing. But at Redenhall next day, I had the great pleasure of seeing the late lamented Captain Moore ring his favourite , the Redenhall . tenor-a masterly performance on one of the best bells of the weight (24 cwt.) that I ever heard. In this trip we rang six peals, viz:-

(r)-February zsth, at S. Mary's, Chelmsford, in 3h. rsm., Cox's peal of 5021 Grandsire Caters, conducted by J. W. Wash brook. A. Edwards Treble I Rev. F. E. Robinson 6 ]. W. Washbrook 2 W. Hawkes .. . 7-- W. Rowland, sen. 3 I Rev. T. L. Papillon ... 8 A. Tarbun 4 W. Lincoln ...... 9 Hev. J. F. Hastings 5 W. J. Piper ...... Teno1

(2)~February 26th, at All Saints, Writtle, in 3h. 5111., 5040 Bob Major, composed and conducted by J. W. Washbrook. R. C. Burrell . Treble I vV . Lincoln . .. .. 5 Rev. J. F. Hastings . . . 2 Rev. T. L Papillon 6 A. Edwards ... 3 I Rev. F. E. Robinson .. . 7 F. G. Radley ... 4 J. W. Washb10ok .. . Tenor

(3)-February 27th, at S. Mary's, Diss (Norfolk), in 3h. 21m., 5rll4 Oxford Treble Bob Major, composed by T. Lockwood, and conducted by J. W. Washbrook. (First peal in this method by the conductor and myself. J. Souter rang the tenor magnificently). J06 Among the Bells.

(4)-February 28th, at S. Mary's, Redenhall (Norfolk), in 3h. 13m., 5024 Double Norwich Court Bob Major, composed and conducted by J. W. Washbrook. E. Smith Treble I F. Smith .. . 5 J. Bentley 2 J. W. Washbrook 6 F. Knights 3 I J. Souter .. . 7 Rev. F. E. Robinson 4 Captain :\foore .. . Tenor

S. MARY's, CHELMSFORD.

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. T reble 28 5 0 0 1777 Pack & Chapman. 2 29 5 2 0 3 29 5 2 0 4 30 7 0 0 5 32 7 3 0 6 3 4 9 0 0 7 36~ I! 0 0 8 39 12 2 0 9 44 16 0 0 Te11or so 22 0 0 Among the Bells. --- - ·-- --- (5)--February 28th, at S. Mary's, Bungay (Suffolk), in 3h. 3m., 5040 Stedman Triples (Brooke's variation of Thurstan), conducted by J. W. Washbrook. Capt. Moore rung the 7th- his first peal "inside": I rang the 3rd.

ALL SAINTS, WRITTLE.

In~. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 29 ~ 6 0 5 I8II T. M ears, jun. 2 3o; 6 I 24 3 32! 7 I 8 4 34! 7 3 7 " 5 37 9 0 I5 6 40 I I 12 IO 7 42! 13 3 3 !8 2 2 Tenor 47i " ro8 Among the Bells.

S. i\1 AR Y'S, BUNGAY.

cwt. qr~. lbs. cwt. qrs. lbs. Treble 5 2 5 5 8 2 2I 2 5 2 22 I 6 10 0 21 3 6 2 14 7 10 3 21 4 6 3 21 I Tenor r6 I 4 All cast by Thomas l\Iears, jun., 1820. Among the Bells. 109

---~·-~-·------(6)-March 1st, at S. Nicholas, Great Yarmouth, in 3h. 26m., 5093 Grandsire Caters, composed and conducted by). W. Wash brook; Rev. J. F. Hastings ringing the tenor.

S. NICHOLAS, GREAT YARMOUTH.

cwts. qrs. lbs. cwts. qrs, lbs. Treble 5 2 IO 7 9 0 IO 2 6 2 5 8 11 3 I4 3 7 2 6 9 I3 2 I3 4 7 I 6 IO I6 I 26 5 7 2 IO 11 22 0 26 6 8 2 7 Tenor 30 I 2I The lower ten at Great Yarmouth were cast by T. Mears & Son in 1807, the trebles were made by Mears and Stainbank in I898. I 10 Among the Bells.

[Neither m quality nor quantity of peals rung, could this trip compare with some oth~rs recorded in this memoir. But (as was pointed out at the time, in an account of it contributed to Bell News) the object of those who take such tours should be not only to enjoy . good ringing, but "to please others as well as themselves and, as far as they can, to help their brethren to make progress in the Art." Ad­ vanced ringers are apt to forget the service which they owe and can perform to their less proficient brother ringers].

On our return home, the next item was the Appleton Day, March. 4th, celebrated this year in unique fashion by ringing two peals: one of· Grandsire Triples in the short time of 2~h., the other 5093 Grandsire Caters - both conducted by J. W. \Vashbrook.

On April sth we rang at Appleton, without any practice, a peal of' Sir A. P. Heywood's method--Duffield Major, 5o88 changes-Mr. Washbrook having, contrary to the composer's opinion, stated that it was possible to do so. G. Holifield ... Treble I J. A very ...... 5 \V. Bennett .. . 2 Rev. F. E. Robinson ... 6 B. Ba r.ett 3 Ill. Tubb ... 7 C. Hounslow 4 J. W. Wasbbrook Tenor Composed and conJucted by J. W. Washbruok. In April we found ourselves busy in the Black Country, our doings being chronicled in Bell News, and honoured with an editorial comment \Yith reference to our descent into a coal pit belonging to our host, Mr. 1\. H. Bassano. "Mr. Robinson's account of their late>t tuur in · the "Black Country" is very interesting reading. They seemed to h :tv~ thoroughly enjoyed this outing, although more failures than is usual with them have attended it. But if their experiences in this respect were somewhat novel, what must have been their ideas when down in Mr. Bassano's coal pit ? Just fancy our friend the Vicar of Drayton with his clerical habiliments covered by an overall and other unmention­ able articles, along with his talented lieutenant clad likewise, threading their way, candle in hand, through the labyrinths of the subterranean black diamond quarry ! Quite a subject for an historical picture. But even there, it appears, the evil genius attended them, and they had to beat a precipitate retreat so that escaping noxious and poisonous fumes Among the Bells. Ill might not cause an incalculable loss to the Oxford Guild and the Exercise generally. After all, the excellent peal of Stedman Cinques which they pulled off at S. Martin's, Birmingham, will amply recom­ pense them for minor failures and disappointments in other directions." During this trip we rang four peals, viz.:- (1)-so24 Double Norwich at Rowley Regis, in 2h. 53m. H. Cartwright ...... Treble 1 W. Bird ... 5 R. Cartwright .. . 2 1 H. Mason 6 E. Parsons 3 IA. E. Bassano ... 7 Rev. F . E. Robinson ... 4 J. W. Washbrook (conductor) Tenor (First peal in the method by Messrs. Parsons, Bird, Mason, and Bassano).

s. G!LES, ROWLEY REGIS.

Ins. cwt. l~rs. lb ...;. Date. Founders. Treble 26 4 0 0 r887 James Barwell. 2 27 4 2 0 2 0 3 29 5 " 4 32 6 3 0 1804 Thoma~ \fears. 5 33 7 0 1681 H. Bagley. 6 35 8 0 10 2 0 7 38 " Tenor 41 12 2 0 r88r" J. Blews & Sons, 112 Among the Bells.

(2)-At Old Hill, 5040 Stedman Triples, conducted by J. W.., Wash brook.

(3)- At Christ Church, West Bromwich, 5079 Stedman Caters, (J ohnson's), conducted by myself.

HOLY TtUNIIY, OLD HILL.

in. cwt. qrs. lbs. ·Date. Founders. . Treble 30 6 0 0 1876 ] . Taylor & Co. 2 31 6 2 0 3 33 7 I 0 4 36 9 0 0 5 39 I I 0 0 6 41 12 2 0 7 44 '4 2 0 Tenor so 22 0 0 Among the Bells. I I 3

CHRIST CHURCH, WEST BROMWICH.

H I I 4 Among the Bells.

CHRIST CHURCH, WEST EROMW!CH.

In. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 25 1850 C. & G. :Wears. 2 27 " 3 28 ~ 5 2 7 I847 4 30 6 0 8 5 31 6 I 5 6 32 7 4 1"829 Thomas" Mears, jun. 7 32 7 7 1847 C. & G. Mears. 8 8 2 0 34 " " 9 36 IO I 2I I829 Thomas Mears, jun. 10 38 I2 0 26 1847 C. & G. Mears. I! 41 ~.~ I IS 0 I8 7 enor 44 I8 0 0

(4)--At S. Martin's, Birmingham, where I had the pleasure of ring+ ing my first peal of 'Stedman Cinques, with an excellent band, 111 3h. 35m. J . W. Cartwright Treble IRev. F. E. Robinson ... 7 T . Russam 2 J. Plant ...... 8 W . E . Smith 3 W. Kent ' ...... 9 H. Bastable 4 C. Stanbridge ...... IO T . Reynolds 5 J J. W. Washbrook (conductor) 11 B. Witchell 6 H. Johnson, jun. Tenor We also had two u-nsuccessful attempts at Mr. Carter's new method,, " Forward Major," at Oldbury and S. Martin's, T ipton. On April 26th the Rev. F. J. 0. Helmore, of Canterbury, paid us a; visit, and rang his first peal of Superlative Surprise Major at Appleton, the band being:-- F . White . . . Treble IW. Bennett...... 5 Rev. F . J . 0 . Helmore ... 2 Rev. F. E. Robinson ... 6 Rev. C. D. P. Davies...... 3 G. Holifield ...... 7 C. Hounslow ...... 4 J. W. Wash brook ... Tenor Composed and conducted by J. W. Washbrook. This was the first peal in the method in which three clergymen took part.

On June zsth, I paid my first visit to Hughenden, and rang 504~ Stedman T riples on this light ring (tenor 12! cwt.), conducted b:Yf J. W. Washbrook. In August, the marriage of the Rev. H. A. Cockey, Master of the. Gloucester and Bristol Association, to Miss Ellacombe took us to th~ neighbourhood of Bath and Bristol, where we rang four peals (at: below), but had two disappointments at Bristol--one in not being able· to ring at S. Mary Redcliffe, owing to illness near the tower; the othe~ in the failure of a peal of Stedman Caters at Christ Church, after, ·Among the Bells. 115

s. MARTIN'S, BIR~1INGHA~I.

c wt. qrs. lbs. cwt. qrs. I' s. T1·eble 6 0 7 9 3 12 2 6 2 0 8 11 3 6 3 6 2 ! 6 9 I) 2 11 4 6 3 27 10 17 3 2 5 8 0 2 0 11 25 2 3 6 8 3 4 Tenor 35 0 8 Trebles cast in 1 772 and tenor in • 7 56 by l'ack & Chapman. JI6 Among the Bells.

5. MICHAEL'S, HUGHENDEN.

In. cwt. qr~ . lbs. Date. Foundt:rs. Treble 27 3 3 0 !88! J. Warner & Sons. 2 28 4 2 0 , 3 28!l 4 3 0 !875 Mears & Stainbank. 4 29~ 5 0 0 , , 5 32 6 0 0 1663 H. Knight. 6 33 ~ 6 2 0 , 7 36 8 0 0 J. Michell. Tenor 41 11 2 0 Among the Bells. rq z t hour's good ringing, through a rope slipping wheel I quote the following from an account of this tour contributed to Bell News:

" Bitton, the scene of the wedding, was the rendezvous on Tuesday, where the Rev. H. A. Cockey, knowing that a belle would claim his un­ divided attention later in the day, had arranged some bell-work in the morning. Six bells only hang at present in Bit ton tower, so that 7 zos were the order of the day: one of Kent Treble Bob (conducted by Mr. \Vashbrook) and one of College Single (conducted by Mr. Coleridge ).

The event of the week took place punctually at the appointed hour, z. 30 p. m., the Rev. Canon E llacombe, father of the bride, performing the ceremony, assisted by the Rev. F. E. Robinson, brother-Master of the bridegroom. The happy pair took their departure soon after 4.0 p.m., and then the ringers, having too hastily viewed the celebrated Bitton garden, so rich in herbaceous and shrubby treasures, proceeded to Bristol to ring the wedding peal. All Saints' was the tower selected, containing a musical ring of eight ; Stedman Triples the method ; Mr. Washbrook the conductor; and success the result. Wednesday, the 21st instant, was a busy day, two peals being arranged, one at Twerton· on-Avon, where there is a beautiful church recently rebuilt in the best style, and a pretty ring of eight, tenor 14 cwt. ; the other at S. Andrew's, Bath, a new church with a heavier ring by Taylor. Mr. Washbrook had very little trouble in piloting his band through a peal of Stedman at the former place, and a peal of Kent Treble Bob Major at the latter. In the interval between the peals the band visited Bath Abbey, where they essayed some Grandsire Caters and Royal, the general opinion being that the services of a competent bellhanger are urgently required. One more event was projected and successfully accomplished, viz., the first peal of Stedman in the city of Bath, rung at Christ Church on the morning of the 22 nd instant, after which the band dispersed to their homes. They hereby tender their best thanks to those who arranged and assisted in these their proceedings, as well as to the authorities who kindly granted the use of the bells ; and they trust that life-long happiness may be the result of the marriage of a prominent ringer thus duly honored by his well-wishing brethren." JJ8 A mong the B ells.

ALL SAINTS', BRISTOL. In. c wt. qrs. lbs. D ate. Founders. Tteble 28~ 5 2 0 1727 Abraham Rudhall. 2 29 £ 5 3 0 3 3 1 ~ 6 0 4 33 7 2 0 5 35~ 9 3 0 6 37~ 11 2 0 7 43 16 0 0 Tenor 4 8~ 20 0 Among the Bells.

Our peals on this occasion were :-

( r )-August 20th, at All Saints', Bristol, 5040 Stedman Triples, m 2h. 57m., conducted by J. W. Washbrook.

( 2)-August 2 rst, at S. Michael's, Twerton, near Bath, 5040 Stedman Triples (the first on the bells).

5. MICHAEL'S, TWERTON·0:-1-AVON.

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 27 5 2 Il 1886 J. Taylor & Co; 2 26 5 2 I 3 29~ 5 3 0 1724 Abraha~ Rudhall. 4 31 6 I 0 5 32 6 J 0 6 34 ~ 7 3 0 7 37~ 9 2 0 Tenor 4• § 12 0 0 120 Among the Bells.

(3)-August z 1st, 5056 Kent Treble Bob Major, at S. Andrew's, Bath.

S. ANDREW's, BATH. In. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 30 6 0 0 188o J. Taylor & Co. 2 30~ 6 I 0 3 32! 6 3 0 1879" 4 34 7 0 5 37! 9 3 0 6 39! 11 0 7 43 13 0 0 Tenor 49 20 3 0 Among the Bells. 121

(4)-August 22nd, 5040 Stedman Triples, at Christ Church, Bath. J. Hinton . . . .. Treble 1 J. Holman . . 5 C. Hounslow ...... 2 I Rev. F. E. Rob1nson 6 J. W. Wash brook (conductor) 3 W. Bro11 n .. 7 H. Pring ...... 4 H. Wyburn Tenor The first f.>eal of Stedman ever rung in Bath.

CHRIST CHURCH, BATH. in. cwt. qrs. 1bs. Date. Founders. Treble 4 0 I7 I873 Mears & Stainbank. 2 4 I 24 3 27~ 4 3 23 1867 4 29 5 2 9 5 31~ 6 I 26 6 33~ 7 9 7 36~ 9 0 6 Tenor 40! 12 I IJ 122 Among the Bells. ---- ··- ______....____,... ,._

MERTO~ COLLEGE, OXFORD. Among the .Bells. 123

MERTON COLLEGE, OXFORD.

in. cwt. qrs. Ibs. Date Founders Treble Jo~ 6 I 0 I68o Christopher Hodson. 2 JI! 6 3 0 3 34 7 2 0 4 36! 9 •2 0 5 39! 11 I 0 6 43! IJ 2 0 7 48 20 0 0 Tenor 53 27 0 0 "

Soon after our return home, Mr. Frank Dawe, of London, came to Oxford and conducted 5040 Stedman Triples at Merton College qn August 24th, m 3h. 12111. C. Hounslow Treble Rev. F. E. Robinson .. . 5 W. Bennett 2 Rev. G. F. Coleridge .. . 6 T. Short 3 J. M. Hayes ... 7 F. E. Dawe 4 J. W. Washbrook Tenor

This was the first peal on the bells by eight men alone ; two men being generally required for the tenor. The bells were cast by Christopher Hodson in the year I68o, are very ornamental with crests, coins, flowers, etc., and only four peals had as yet been achieved on them. The ringing-chamber, which is a curiosity in itself, is z6! feet square, and the ringers stand (two on each side) on a stone gallery, only three feet wide, lighted by candles, with a balustrade round it. The opening in the centre, twenty feet square, looks down into the chapel, the tesselated floor of which is sixty feet below. The bells are only twenty feet above the ringers' gallery, and there is nothing between but a beautifully designed and richly carved ornamental oak ceiling, not to be equalled elsew~ere. The noise while ringing is very great. And on September 25th, we rang on the same bells, 5040 Grandsire Triples, (with the bells half-muffied), in 3h. z6m., in memory of the late Bishop Mackarness of Oxford, who had been a member of the College as an undergraduate. c. Tcilley 7 reble I W. Hind 5 J. Waghorn, jun. .. 2 T. Payne .. 6 Rev. F. E. Robinson .. 3 IJ. W. Washbrook (conductor) 7 W. Bennett 4 A. Barney and A. Strange ... Tenor

On October 1oth I conducted a peal of 5040 Stedman Triples at S. Mary's, Woodstock (Oxon), in zh. 57m. Among the Bells.

In November, we once more found ourselves 111 Hertfordshire, as guests of the Rev. Canon Wigram, Rector of S. Andrew's, Hertford, with an ambitious week's programme in Stedman, Double Norwich and Surprise methods. Six peals were rung, while fiv e attempts fai led, viz. : at Benington, three of Superlative and one of Cambridge Surprise; and at Braughing, one of Cambridge. Five cl ergy took part in the week's

5. i\!A R y ',;, vVOODST OCK .

in. cwt. qr:'. lb,. Date. Foun ders. Treble 27 4 0 0 I78S Robert W ells. 2 28 0 4 3 " " 3 JO ~ 6 0 0 !662 W. & H. Bagley. 4 31 ~ 6 2 0 5 33 7 Q 0 6 35 8 0 0 7 37t 9 2 0 Tenor 43 12 0 0 Among the Bells. 125

------~~--~---- - ~ ringing-myself, Cqnon Wigram, and the Revs. G. F. Coleridge, A. D. Hill, and W. S. Willett; with 'vfessrs. Baker, N. J. Pitstow, J. \V. Taylor, Washbrook, and others. The peals were:- (I) -November I 8th, at s. Andrew's, Hertford, 5084 Double Norwich Court Bob Major, in 3h. rom.; conducted by H . Baker. (z)-November zoth, at S. Peter's, Benington, 5040 Stedman Triples, in 3h. 4m. (Thurstans' composition varied by the conductor, J. W. Washbrook); an excellent peal, both in its musical properties and the striking throughout.

(3)-November 2 I st, at s. Andrew's, Hertford, 5088 Superlative Surprise :\1ajor, in 3h. gm.; composed and conducted by J. W. Wash brook. Rev. W. S. Willett ...... Treble J. W. Taylor ... 5 Rev. G. F. Coleridge ... 2 Rev. F. E. Robinson ... 6 H. Baker ... 3 N. J. Pitstow ... 7 Rev. C:anon Wigram .. . 4 J. \~. Wash brook Tenor First peal in any Surprise method by Mr. Willett and Canon Wigram, and first on an inside bell in Superlative by Mr. Coleridge. A very able piece of conducting. (4)-November zrst, at All Saints', Hertford, 5079 Stedman Caters, in 3h. 1 3m. ; composed by H. J ohnson, conducted hy Rev. F. E. Robinson.

(5)-November zznd, at S. Mary's, Braughing, 5040 Stedman Triples, in zh. 58m. ; composed and conducted by J. \V. Washbrook. :\ new and very interesting composition.

(6)~ November 23rd, at Waltham Abbey, Essex, so+o Stedman Triples, in 3h. ram.; conducted by]. W. Washbrook.

On December 27th, at Evesham, we all had a very hard task-the late Mr. Murray Hayes, of London, exclaiming after the peal was over, "Well, if you want to get a peal here, you must ring it!" he being at the time one of the strongest ringers in London. It was a peal of Stedman Triples, the first peal achieved on these grand and melodious bells, which had been a ring of eight since the year 163 r ; but, un· fortunately, went very heavily, owing to the frame being too weak. The bell-tower, which is an independent and separate campanile, with a roadway through its base, stands in a churchyard in which there are 126 Among the Bells. two parish churches, viz., All Saints' and S. Lawrence's. It was built by Abbot Clement Lichfield between the years 1533-9, reaching to a height of x ro feet, is in the Perpendicular style, and is undoubtedly a most beautiful tower.

My 85 peals rung this year comprised :-

Stedman Triples 35 Stedman Caters 7 Stedman Cinques Grandsire Triples 11 Grandsire Caters 7 Double Norwich Court Bob Major ... I 2 Kent Treble Bob Major Kent Treble Bob Royal 2 Oxford Treble Bob Major Bob Major ... Superlative Surprise Major 5 Duffield Major Duffield Royal

THE CAM PANIJ.E, E VES H A ~!.

In!', cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 32 6 2 0 1741 Abraham Rudhall. 2 33 6 3 0 3 34 7 I 0 4 37 9 0 0 5 39 11 0 0 6 43 I2 3 0 I9 2 0 7 47 " Tenor )Ei, 29 I 0 I821 T homas' 1Iears, jun. Among the Bells. 127

THE CAMPANILE, EVESHAM. 128 Among the Bells.

I preached at Bray, January 19th, at the Guild Meeting. I went to East Hendred, Christ Church Cathedral, Chalfont St. Giles, Milton Keynes, Harwell, St. Ebbes, Oxford, Peasmore, and Willoughby, to give advice as to re-hanging, etc. I attended opening ceremonies after re-hanging at Burghclere, Chalfont St. Giles, Everdon, East Garston, and Ducklington.

I also preached at Brackley, N orthants, July I st, at the annual gathering, from U Cor. vii, 1.

I occupied 407 hours in bell-ringing during the year. CHAPTER V.

r89o I rang 51 peals. On January 14th we rang 5024 Double Norwich Court Bob Major at Christ Church Cathedral, with the bells half-muffled, in memory of the late Mr. H. Johnson, of Birmingham, in 3h. 32m.

W. Finch ... Treble IT. Blackbourn...... 5 W. Baston . . . 2 C. Hounslow ...... 6 A. P. Goddard ...... 3 Rev. F. E. Robinson .. . 7 W. llennett .. . . 4 J. W. Wash brook .. . Tenor Composed and conducted by J. \V. Washhrqok.

We also rang muffled peals of 5040 Stedman·Triplesat Ap'pl~on and Drayton, in memory of the same g~ntleman, who was d~~t:rvrdly respected for his integrity of character and apility· as a compose~: . .,.

On February 8th we rang the first peal of 5040 Stedman Triples at Wooburn Church, Bucks, in 2h. 53m.

J. W. \Vashbn;>ok (conductor) 71·eble I John Evans 5 T. Black bourn .. . 2 Ralph Biggs 6 F. Biggs 3 I Rev. F. K Ruhinson ... 7 S. Goodchild ... 4 B. Page...... Tuzor

On April 13th I took part in the first peal of 5472 changes of Double Norwich Court Bob Major rung at Tilehurst, near Reading, in 3h. 27m. W . Greenleaf Treble I T. Black bourn . . .. . 5 E. Bishop 2 Rev. G. F. Coleridge .. 6 A. P. Goddard ...... 3 J J. M. Routh ...... ~ Rev. F. E. Robinson ... 4 J. W. Washl . k (conductor) Te,.o, I IJO Among the Bells.

S.PAuL's, WooBURN, BucKs.

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders Tttble 28 ~ 4 2 o 1814 T. !\fears. 2 29i 4 3 0 ,. 3 30 5 o o 17;8 R. Phelps. 4 33! 6 o 1813 T. !\fears. 5 34! 7 o 1790 T. Warner. 6 36! 8 o 1868 }. Murphy. 7 40 l I o o 1712 R. Phelps. Tenor 47 18 o o 1762 Lester & Pack. Sixth cast in Dublin ; re·cast in 1902 hy Moors & Stainbank (From Church Bells of Bucks; A. H. Cocks, 1897.) Among the Bells. 131

S. MICHAEL's, TJJ.EHURST.

...>

ln!"i cwt. qr!". lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 29 5 2 0 1885 M ears & Stainbank. 2 30 6 0 0 , 3 33 7 I 0 1723 11. Bagley of Reading. 4 34 7 2 0 5 36 9 0 0 6 39 11 0 0 7 42 12 3 0 T enor 46 19 0 0 " Among the Bells.

SIR ARTHUR PERCIVAL liEYWOOD, BART., Founder and First President of the Central Council. Among the Bells. 1 33 ------··------· -·--·------·---- - THE CENTRAL COUNCIL. Through the tact and energy of Sir A. P. Heywood, Bart., the Central Council of -ringers was founded in rl:l9o, some members of existing Societies thinking it unnecessary. and asserting that they could manage their own affairs without any such extraneous help. At a meeting of some 40 representatives of variuus change­ ringing associations throughout the country, held in London on Easter Tuesday, the constitution and procedure ot the Council was settled ar.d its first annual meeting fixed for Easter, 190r.

In June I took part in a ringing tour in Wilts and Somerset, organized by Mr. T. Blackbourn, of Salisbury ; the other chief members of the party being the Revs. H . A. Cockey and G. F. Coleridge, and Mr. Washbrook, of Oxford, with Messrs. Blackbourn, Greenleaf, and Gifford. Nine peals were rung, in all of which were Messrs. Black­ bourn, Coleridge, Washbrook, and myself; Mr. Gifford in 8, Mr. Greenleaf in 7, and Mr. Cockey: in 4· The peals were:-

(r)-June r6th, at S. Andrew's, Chippenham, in 3h., 5040 Grand­ sire Triples (Holt's Original, reversed), conducted by J. W. Washbrook. The first peal on the bells.

(2)-}une r6th, at S. Mary's, Calne, in 2h. 57m., 5040 Stedman Trjples (Thurstans', reversed), conducted by J. W. Washbrook. The bells ~ent heavily and a spare man's services were required, the con· ductor changing from No. 6 to No. 7, after the latter bell had proved too much for its first hapdler.

(3)- June qth, at Bishop's Cannings (near Devizes), in 2h. 44m., 5040 Stedman Triples (Thurstans'), conducted by Rev. F. E. Robinson. A peal of Kent Treble Bob Major on the same day collapsed, after z hours' ringing, through the hmor rope breaking.

(4)-}une r8th, at S. James', Trowbridge in 3h. 7m., 5040 Bob Major, composed and conducted by J. W. Washbrook.

(5)-June r8th, at Twerton, Bath, in 2h. 52m., 5040 Doub1e Norwich Court Bob Major, composed and conducted by J. W. Wash­ brook. 134 Amon~: the Bells.

(6)-June 19th, at s. John's, Glastonbury, in 3h. 20ID., so88 Kent T reble Bob Major, conducted by J. W. Washbrook. (7)-June 19th, at S. Cuthhert's, Wells, in 3h. 35m., 5014 Double Norwich Court Bob Major, conducted by J. W. \Vashbrook. The first peal in this method on the bells.

S. ANDREW's, CHIPI'E!SHAM.

Ins. c wt. qrs. lbs. D Me. Founder~. Treb!~ 30 6 0 0 1734 Abraham Rudh"ll. 2 31t 6 2 0 3 32! 7 I 0 4 34~ 8 0 0 5 37 ~ 'I l 0 6 39 11 0 0 7 42 ~ l2 2 0 Teno" 48~ 20 2 0 Among the Bells. 135

S. MARY's, CALNE.

Ins. cwt. qrs. Jbs. Date. Founder~. 7i·ehle 29 5 2 0 1707 Abraham Rudhall. 2 30 6 0 0 1796 John Rudhall. 3 32 6 2 0 1658 C. W. 4 35 8 0 0 1898 l\lears & Stainbank 5 38 9 2 0 1707 Abraham Rudhall. tJ 41 10 3 0 1848 C. & G. Mears. 7 44 13 3 0 1786 Robert Wells. Tenor so 21 ~ 0 1733 Among the Bells.

BISHOP CANNINGS.

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders Treble 26 4 0 0 16o2 John Wallis. 2 27 4 2 0 1607 3 29 5 2 0 16o2 4 33 7 I 0 1840 Tho~~as Mears, jun. 5 34~ 8 0 0 1602 John Wallis. 6 36 9 0 0 7 45 15 0 0 1840" Tllomas" Mears, jun. Tenor 47~ 19 0 1897 Mears & Stainbank. the Bells. Amo11g 1 37

s. JAMES, Ti

In. cwt. qrs. lb:;. Date. Founder~. Treble 30 6 0 0 1800 James \\' eils. 2 30~ 6 2 0 3 32t 7 2 0 4 35t 8 3 0 5 38 9 3 0 6 4lt II 0 0 16 2 0 7 45~ " Tenor SI 23 0 0 1870 w. Blews & Sons. Among the He/Is. ------

S. JOHN THE BAPTIST, FROM I' S1cr.woon. in. c wt. qrs. lbs. Date. Fcunders. Treble 3I 6 I 0 I724 W. Cockey. 2 0 0 33 7 " 3 36~ 9 I 0 I788 w. ni!'bie. 4 39 10 0 0 I524 5 42 I! I 0 1624 6 47 I8 0 0 I746 \V. Cockey. 7 49~ :!I I 0 I792 Robert & Jam es Wells. Tenor 55 27 2 0 Among the Bdls. 1 39

MR. W. W. GIFFORD. Among tlze Bells.

(8)-June 2oth, at S. John the Baptist, Frome Selwood, in 3h. x8m., 5040 Stedman Triples, conducted by Rev. F. E. Robinson. This was my 3ooth peal, and the first on the bells. W. W. Gifford .. . Tnb!e I Rev. F. E. Robinson .. 5 W. Green leaf .. . 2 ll{ev. H. A Cockey .. 6 T. Black bourn ...... 3 J. W. Washbrook . . 7 Rev. G. F. Coleridge .. 4 A. E. Mills and J. _l{ebbecl< . .. Tenor (9)--June 21st, at S. Martin's, Salisbury, m 3h. ISm., 5024 Double Norwich Court Bob Major. The first peal in this method in Wiltshire

S. MARTIN's, SALISBURY.

In. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 4 3 21 !886 Mears & Stain bank. 2 5 0 22 , 3 29 5 3 0 IS42 Thomas Mears, jun. ·4 JOt 6 I 0 5 32£ 7 0 0 167s Richard Flowry. 6 36 8 3 0 , 7 10 3 17 1582 John W~llis. Tetzor 13 3 6 1624 J. Wallis & J. Danton. Among the Bells.

On the same day we attempted another peal at S. Edmund's, Salisbury, hoping thereby to beat our Leicestershire record of nine peals in one week (see page 98); but it collapsed through the con­ ductor missing a bob while endeavouring to look after a shaky ringer. In July we went to Epsom for the opening of a new ring at Christ Church, by Mears & Stainbank- a nice musical ring.

CHRIST CHURCH, EPSOM.

cwt. qrs. lbs. cwt. qrs. lb•. 'Ireblt 4 2 6 5 7 0 5 2 4 2 II 6 7 I 20 3 5 0 22 7 8 3 IS 4 5 2 I8 T1nor II 3 4 Among the Bells.

S. PETER'S, CROYDON. Among the Bells. 143

S. PETER's, CROYDON.

in. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date Founders Treble 33 7 I 0 I866 J. Taylor & Co. 2 32~ 7 0 0 I887 3 34~ 8 0 0 4 37~ 9 3 a 5 42 ll I 0 p" . 6 44 I3 I 0 1~66 7 48~ 20 I 0 ,, Tenor 54 27 0 0 186" 5 \_; ;,"

On August 1st I conducted 5040 Stedman Triples at S. Peter's, Croydon, in 3h. 5m. ; and on August 2nd we rang 5021 Stedman Caters at Beddington.

On August 23rd I accomplished the difficult task of ringing the 7th at Merton College, Oxford (see p. 123), through 5040 Grandsire Triples in 3-kh., the bell going very heavily.

H. Cox ... Treble I' W. Beonett ... 5 f. H. Shepherd ' 2 C. Hounslow ... 6 W. J. Smith ...' 3 I Rev. F. E. Rohinson .. . 7 W. Jeffery 4 J. W. Wash brook .. . Tenor

In September I joined Mr. Williams' (of Brighton) piuty in Hamp­ shire for the first time.

On September 22nd we rang 5088 Kent Treble Bob Maj9r in 2h. som., at Soberton, Hants. The first peal in the method on th~ b~lls . A. A. Fuller Treble G. W. Grafham .. 5 H. White 2 J. W. Whiting .. . 6 J. E. Warren 3 · Rev. .F . E. Robinson ... 7 H. Weston 4 ·G: Williams (conductor) Tenor

Two of the old bells bear the inscription, "Pray ye for the souls of John Newport and Elizabeth, the wife of him." These, as tradition goes, were a butler and a dairymaid, by whom the tower was built. They are represented on its western front, the butler with his key of trust and the dairymaid with her pail. When the church was restored in r88o, over £roo was contributed by servants towards the tower, and a tablet bears the inscription, "This Tower, built by servants, was restored by servants, A.D. r88o." 144 Among tlze Bells.

MR. GEORGE W!LLIAMS. Among tlu Bells. -----·------

On the same day we rang rhe first peal of 5040 Stedman Triples on the same bells, in 2h. 47111. H. White ... Treble IH. Weston .. . 5 G. Williams (conductor) 2 J. E. Warren .. . 6 A. A. Fuller ... 3 I J. W. Whiting .. . 7 Rev. F. E. Robinson ... 4 G. W. Grafham Tenor

s. PETER's, 50BERTON.

In. c wt. qrs. lbs. Date. FounderS: Treb,e 26 4 0 0 !883 J . Warner & Sons. 2 27 4 2 0 3 2~ 5 0 0 !88!" 4 29~ 5 3 0 1878 5 31 6 I 0 !649 J(ohn) "H(od sori.) 6 32! 7 2 0 7 35~ 8 3 6 Tenor 41 12 2 0 !623 E(llis) K(night.) J q6 Among the Bells.

On Tuesday, September 23rd, I had the great pleasure of conducting the first peal of 5040 Stedman Triples on the most musical ring of Holy Trinity, Privett, Hants, in 2h. 42m. The best ring of the weight that I ever h-eard.

A WEEK'S RINGING IN THE NORWICH DIOCESE. Early in October we were once more at work in East Anglia, on the invitation of the late Rev. H. Earle Bulwer, of Stanhoe, Kings Lynn, who with Captain Moore, of Redenhall, met us at Ipswich; the visitors being myself and the Rev. G. F. Coleridge, Messrs. J. W. Taylor, N. J. ;~.nd E. A. Pitstow, C. Hounslow and J. W. Washbrook. A proposed peal uf Stedman Cinques at S. Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich, had to be abandoned, owing to a case of illness near the church, and we had to content ourselves with a peal of Stedman Triples at the neigh­ bouring village of Coddenham. The next day was unfortunate in two failures, viz., Double Norwich at Woodbridge, and Stedman Caters at S. Nicholas, Yarmouth-in each case from a shift course. We rang in all seven peals, viz. :-

( r) -October 6th, at S. Mary's, Coddenham, 5040 Stedman Triples -the first on the bells-conducted by J. W. Washbrook.

(2)-0ctober 8th, at S. Michael's, Aylsham, N. J. Pitstow's peal of 5ooo Kent Treble Bob Royal, in 3h. r 7m. N. J. Pits!ow .. . Treble I E. A. Pitstow ...... 6 R. Slack wood .. . 2 Re~ F. E. Robin son ...... 7 Rev. G. F. Coleridge . . 3 I J. W. Taylor ...... 8 Rev. J. F. Hastings 4 Capt. A. P. Moore .. . .. 9 C. Hounslow ... 5 J. W. Washbrook (conductor) Tenor Aylsham Church was provided with a ring of five bells at the begin­ ning of the r6th century, for in 1529 a worthy shoemaker of the tewn bequeathed money for "a tribill belle to the five bellys in the steeple of Ailsham." This bequest however did not take effect, for in 1552 there were still only five bells. None of these veterans remain. The 6th was cast by E. Tooke of the Norwich foundry in 1667, who at the same time recast the next largest bell. Tooke died soon after, and was succeeded by S. Gilpin, who in I 700 was employed to increase the ring Among the .Bells. 14i

s. MARY's, CoDDENHAM.

In. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Foundt:rs Treble 27 4 2 0 1742 T. Lest er. 2 29 5 0 3 29~ 5 2 0 1740 , 4 32 6 0 18o6 T. Mears & Son. 5 33 6 3 0 1878 J. \\" arner. 6 35 7 3 0 , 7 38i 9 2 0 1740 T. Lester. Tenor 43 12 0 0 1742 , Among the Bells. to eight. At that time the present tenor ( zo cwi.) and 5th bells were cast, as well as two others no longer in existence ; the result was not very satisfactory, for seven years later the treble had to be recast. In' qz6 John Stephens, also of Norwich, recast the present 8th bell, then the· 6th, at a cost of upwards of £17.

s. MICHAEL'S, AVLSHAM.

in. cwt. qrs. lbi. Date. Founders. Treble 27~ 4 3 0 1775 Osborn & Arnold. 2 28f 5 2 0 3 29t 5 3 0 4 30t 6 I 0 5 3Zt 7 0 1700 Samuel Gilpin. 6 34~ 8 14 1878 M€ars & Stainbank. 7 37! 9 0 I 186o C. & G. Mears. 8 40t 11 3 0 1726 J ohn Stephens. 9 41~ 14 0 0 1741 Thomas Newman. Tenor 49 21 2 0 1700 Samuel Gilpin. Among the Bells.

A few years later, in 1741, a travelling bell-founder, Thos. Newman. recast the 9th bell (at that time the 7th) on the spot, and we may imagine what excitement this would cost in the quiet old market town. !Jricks were bought for the furnace, and three loads of clay; the labourers were treated with ale, and money was spent on a special cleaning up of the Church after the bell was "run." The Aylsham men were great change-ringers, and the ring was increased to ten before I7 53· But the small bells were not satisfactory, and just at the time when the superb ring of twelve was being hung in the tower of S. Peter's at Norwich, the Aylsham men called in Messrs. Osborn and Arnold ofS. Neots, by whom Nos. I, z, 3, and 4 were cast in '755· (3)-0ctober 8th, at S. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, 5040 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, in 3h. 45m. N. J. Pitstow Treble I J. W. Taylor ...... 7 F. Pitstow 2 E. A. Pitstow . . . .. 8 Rev. G. F. Coleridge .. 3 Rev. F. E. Robinson ... 9 F. Knights 4 I J. Skinn€r ... 10 C Hounslow 5 u. Smith .. 11 J. Fiddament 6 J. W. Washbrook Te-zor Composed ant! conducted by N. J. Pitstow. (F irst peal of T reble Bob Ma xim us by all of us, except Mr. N. J. Pitslow and the four local men, Nos. 4, 6, 10 , and 11). In the fifteenth centtiry the present church superseded an old Norman fane dedicated to SS. Peter and Paul. The ring of five bells w~s transferred from the old to the new church, which· was consecrated in the year 1 455· About a century and a half later ( r6o2) the ring was increased by a treble, and seventy years later ( 16 7 2) two others were added, bringing the number of bells to eight. Another period of sixty years. e l~pse d, and in r 736 the bells, by suLscription of the parishioners, were increased to ten. In I 77 5 this ring gave place to the present complete ring of twelve, cast by Pack and Chapman, of London. Seven of the ten old bells, weighing nearly four tons, were sent to Bungay. The cost of the new bells, with the hanging, was £ I ,23 I 19s. zi d. On S. Peter's day, 1775, "was performed in the church a Grand Te Deum and Jubilate, with the choruses from the Messiah, and the Coronation Anthem, by a band consisting of 30 gentlemen, accom­ panied by the voices of the Cathedral choir and a genteel and numerous audience, and after this music the peal of twelve bells was opened, Among tM Bells.

S. PETER MANCROFT, NORWICH.

cwt. qrs, lbs. cwt. qrs. lbs. Treble 6 3 5 7 ii 2 7 2 6 2 15 8 14 0 18 3 6 3 20 9 19 I 27 4 7 3 8 10 21 3 6 5 9 0 5 11 28 2 2 6 9 3 19 Tenor 41 0 4 Among the Bells.

s. MARY's, Diss, NORFOLK.

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders Treble 32~ 6 2 0 1832 Wm. Dobson. 2 32~ 6 0 3 33~ 7 0 4 36i 9 2 0 5 40 IO 3 0 6 43t 13 3 0 7 47i 19 2 0 Tenor SI! 23 2 26 " Among the Bells. which for sweetness of tone and melody of concert has answered the expectation of subscribers, and given the highest delight to all judges and admirers of ringing far and near, and gained for them the proud title of 'the silver-tongued Norwich bells.' " In I 8 I 4 the tenor un­ fortunately split, and was replaced by the present bell, cast by T. Mears, London. (4)-0ctober gth, at S. Mary's, Diss, 5040 Double Norwich Court Bob Major, in 3h. rgm., conducted by J. W. Washbrook. (First peal of Double Norwich on the bells). (5)-0ctober gth, at S. Mary's, Redenhall, 5040 Stedman Triples, in 3h. 27m., conducted by Rev. F. E. Robinson. The Redenhall bells have a chequered history. In 1552 the tower contained five bells, ranging in weight from ro cwt. to 24 cwt. ; of these the only one which remains to this day is the venerable tenor. This very fine bell had been recast some thirty-eight years before (in r 5 r 4), at the foundry at Bury St. Edmunds, probably by Thomas Church. It bears for inscription an invocation to the Blessed Virgin, as "Stella Maris," or "Star of the Sea." After hanging in safety for upwa_rds of 200 years, it had a narrow escape, for in 1772 it fell down. The ring is now in .such good hands that there is no fear of a repetition of this disaster. Next to the tenor in age, and even superior in tone, is the sixth bell, recast at Thetford in I588, by Thomas Draper. Very few bells by this worthy are now in existence, but while the Redenhall sixth and the tenor at Mattishall in the same county remain, Thomas ·Draper of Thetford will hold a place among the very best bell-founders.

The nextof the Redenhall family is the 7th, some 30 or 40 years later\· In 1621 she was taken to Thetford, to be recast by John Draper, son of Thomas, and came out of the furnace nearly r8 cwt. This was too heavy, for she was taken again to Thetford and again cast, r6 cwt. 6 lbs., as at this day. In I 7 r 7 a treble was added to make the ring six. By this time the Thetford foundry had been closed, and the Norwich foundry was em­ ployed to provide a treble. This was done by John Stephens, who supplied the present 3rd bell, and in the following year recast the then 3rd bell, which had been split. Among the Bells. 153

S. MARY's, REDENHALL.

cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 6 2 17 1736 R. Phelps. 2 6 0 10 3 6 2 8 1713 J . Stephen" s. 4 7 2 0 1738 R. Phelps. 5 10 I 25 1737 6 13 0 0 1588 Thomas" Draper. 7 16 0 6 1621 John Draper. Tenor 24 0 0 1514 Thomas Church. I 54 Among the Bells.

And now the art of change-ringing being extensively practised, the good folks of Redenhall determined to have the complete octave. The new work was entrusted to the Whitechapel foundry, at that time in the able hands of R. Phelps, who a few years before had turned out a noble ring of ten for S. Mary's, Cambridge, eight of which are still in that tower. Phelps provided two trebles for Redenhall, and a year or two

later (in I 7 38) recast the 5th, which was, perhaps, too light, as cast by Stephens. This 5th is now " a fine strong bell, and the noisy one of the ring." Although this ring has been thus made up by degrees, the general result is surprisingly good.

(6)-0ctober roth, at S.S. Peter and Paul, E ye, 5024 Double Nor­ wich Court Bob Major, in 3h. I 2m., composed and conducted by J. W. Wash brook. (First peal of Double Norwich on the bells.)

(7)-0ctober IIth, at S. Mary's, Redenhall, N. J. Pitstow's peal of so88 Superlative Surprise Major, in 3h. 2om., conducted by J. W. Wash brook. As the programme for the week was originally arranged, it had been intended to include peals on all numbers from seven to twelve inclusive. As it happened, neither Cinques nor Caters were rung, the one having to be abandoned, and the other being lost. As a set off to this, there· was the achievement, believed to be unique, of peals of Treble Ten and Treble Twelve on the same day.

On October 3 rst, we went to the opening ceremony at Padworth, Berks, after the restoration of the Church and re-casting the bells, a new trehle being added to make six. I did not like the tenor and, at my request, Messrs. Mears & Stainbank sent ano~her bell- a much better one.

s.s. l'ETER AND PAUL, EvE, SUFFOLK. In. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Tnb/e 29 5 I 0 I721 John Stephens. 2 30~ 6 0 0 I779 Pack & Chapman. 3 J2 6 I 0 I72I John Stephens. 4 35 7 3 0 I789 Thomas Osborne. 5 38 9 I 0 ., 6 4I 11 0 0 I6~o Miles Grange. 7 45 IS 0 0 1450 R. Brasyer. Tuzor 49~ 2I I 0 I640 . Among the Bells. 1 55

SS. PETER AND PAUL, En:, SUFFOLK. Among the Bells.

S. PETER,tOLD WINDSOR, BERKS.

cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 4 I 21 !890 Mears & Stainbank. 2 4 3 26 3 4 2 21 !872" " 4 5 0 1775 Thos. Swaine." 5 6 0 4 !890 Mears & Stainbank. 6 6 3 0 1775 Thos. Swaine. 7 8 I 0 Tenor !I 2 0 !822" Thom'~s Mears, jun. Among the Bells. 1 57

In December, the work at Old Windsor being finished-a new bell­ frame, new trebles, and the 5th re-cast-we were present at the Service of Dedication, and rang a peal of 5040 St edman Triples afterwards, conducted by Mr. J. \V. \Vashbrook. On December 27th, after one or two fruitless attempts, we rang a good peal of 5040 Stedman Triples, in 3h. rm., on the grand ring of Pershore, Worcestershire, conducted by Mr. F. E. Dawe, of London.

The fine lantern tower (the .architect of which is unknown, but is believed to be the same that built Salisbury Cathedral) is richly panelled and traceried, and has been highly praised hy Sir Gilbert Scott since his restoration'. of the fabric in the following terms : "Not only is it a remarkably noble specimen of the architecture of the 14th century, but internally so much beauty is displayed that I scarcely know of one so rich and beautiful as that of Pershore, and it stands, so far as I know, quite alone in its design." It was commenced in the year 1330, and reaches to a height of 12 5 feet to the top of the four modern pinnacles, and is 42 ft. square externally, and 29 ft. 2 ins. internally. Daylight is admirably arranged by means of eight windows, 4-ft. 4-ins. wide. The "ringing room," which is a curiosity in itself, stands upon a stout oaken beam, projecting from the centre of each wall, joined-to­ gether in the middle, and upon this is supported a wrought iron cage, 1 1~-ft. square inside, and placed with its corners to the four beams, thus giving it a diamond appearance with regard to the tower, from the fact that its four corners are opposite the centre of each wall. The floor of the church, which can be seen on all sides by looking through the bars, is 72-ft. 2-ins. below, and the bells are on the next floor, only 1s-ft. 9-ins. above, but nevertheless sound pleasant and distinct. This interesting place is approached from an openwork gallery in the thick­

ness of the wall only 1 6-ins. in width, and 4-ft. 9-ins. in height, up through circular skeleton iron staircase overhanging the church, and only 2 1-ins. · width, and one of the beams above alluded to forms a sol>t of bridge carefully railed up each side. In addition to the iron bars which constitute the ringing-chamber, the upper portion is aug­ mented by very stout iron netting, to keep the ropes from flying A11umg tile Bells. Among the Bells.

THE ABBEY CHURCH, PERSHORE.

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date, Founders. Treble JI 6 I 0 I729 Abraham Ru

My 51 peals in 1890 comprised:­ Grandsire Triples 5 Stedman Triples 27 Stedman Caters Bob Major Kent Treble Bob Major 2 Kent Treble Bob Royal Kent Treble Bob 1\[aximus Oxford Treble Bob Major Double Norwich Court Bob Major 9 Superlative Surprise Major 3

I went to give advice to Long Wittenham, Langley, Chipping Nor­ ton, Steeple Barton, Childn!y, Sandy, Morton Pinkney, Brackley, Marcham, Buckingham, Carfax and All Saints, Oxford, Wells Cathedral, Little Wittenham, and Padworth. I was present at opening ceremonies at East and \Vest Hendred, Chipping Norton, Long Wittenham, S. Ebbe's, Oxford, Wraysbury, Christ Church, Epsom, Hampstead Norreys, Langley, Padworth, Little Wittenham, Marcham, Old Windsor. I preached at Pangbourne, October 25th, on I Cor. iv. 7· I occupied 267 hours in bellringing. CHAPTER VI.

May 9th, 1891, the bells at Bradford-on-Avon having been re_ hung by Mr. Blackbourn, of Salisbury, we opened them with a

peal of 5040 Stedman Triples, in 3h. I 5111-

Rev. G. F. Coleridge .. . Treble I A. P. Goddard...... J. W. Washbrook (conductor) 2 Rev. F. E. Robinson ... g S. Lawrence ... 3 I W. W. Gifford .. . 7 T. Blackbourn 4 W. Green leaf .. . Tenor C. W. Watts .. . On the same day I conducted 5040 Stedman Triples at Trowbridge, Wilts, being the first peal in the method on the bells.

In the following week we accepted an invitation to Sussex from Mr. G. F. Attree, and rang 8 peals out of 10 attempts, the two failures being Superlative Surprise at Hurstpierpoint (through a change-course), a~d Stedman Triples at Ringmer (abandoned after rooo changes owing to faulty go of the bells). The peals rung were :

(•)-May rrth, at S. Peter's, Brighton, 5024 Double Norwich Court Bob Major, in 3h. 3m., composed and conducted by J. \V. Washbrook.

(2)--May 12th, at S. Paul's, Brighton, 5040 Stedman Triples, (a variation of Thurstans') in zh. 48m., conducted by J. W. Washbrook. (First peal in the method on the bells.) (3)-May 12th, at S. John the Baptist, Crawley, 5o88 Kent Treble Bob Major, in 3h., composed and conducted uy J. W. Washbrook This composition was found to be false. (4)-May 13th, at S. Mary Magdalene, Bolney, 5o88 Superlative Surprise Major, in 3h. 1m., composed and conducted by J. W. Wash­ brook. (First peal in this method on the bells.) Among the Bells. 1 61

HoLY T RINITY CHURCH, BRADFORD·ON·AVON.

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. D ate. Founders. Treble 34 6 2 0 1754 Abel Rudhall. 2 33~ 7 I 0 3 35 8 I 0 I6So 4 37 8 3 0 I870 W. Blews & Sons. 5 4 I ~ 11 I 0 1614 John Wallis. 6 43~ 13 0 0 1754 Ahel ]{udhall. 7 so! 23 3 0 1614 J ohn Wallis. Tenor 56! 30 3 14 I882 L!ewellyn & James. K 162 Among the Bells.

5. PETER'S, BRIGHTO!'\.

In. cwt. qrs. lbs. D ate. Founders. Treble 25t 3 3 0 r882 J. Warner & Son. 2 26i 4 0 3 z8t 5 0 0 4 30J 6 0 0 5 32l 6 3 0 6 34 7 2 0 7 36 9 0 0 Ten()r 39 11 2 0 Among the Bells.

S. PAUL's, BRIGHTON.

cwt. qrs. lbs. cwt. qrs. lbs. Treble 5 3 r6 5 8 2 I 2 6 0 I7 6 9 3 8 3 7 0 2 7 II 0 0 4 8 0 3 Tenor I3 3 IO Among th( Bells.

S. JOHN THE BAPTIST, CRAWLEY.

In. c wt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founder:-. T reble 27! 4 2 0 188o Gillett & Johnston. 2 28! 5 0 0 3 29! 5 3 0 4 30i 6 0 5 33~ 7 0 6 35 8 0 7 39 11 0 0 TerlOr 44t 14 2 0 Among the Bells.

s. MARY MAGDAI.ENE, BOLNEY.

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. l 'ate. Founders Treble 25~ 3 3 0 1740 R. Catli+J~ 2 27 4 2 0 3 29 5 2 0 4 30 6 0 0 r66o W. Eidridge. 5 35 8 2 0 1740 K Catlin. 6 36 9 3 0 15<)2 R. Mot. 7 39! II I 0 1724 Tenor 43 13 2 0 1740 R. Catlin.

(s)-May 14th, at the Campanile, Chichester Cathedral, 5040 Sted­ man Triples, in zh. 57m., conducted by Rev. F. E. Robinson. CHICHESTER CATHEDRAl.. Ins cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 29 5 3 0 I/29 R. !'helps. 2 30 6 0 0 , 3 31 6 2 0 rs83 Tohn Wallis. 4 33 7 I 0 I674 William Eldriclge. 5 36 9 3 0 I665 W . P(urclue). 6 39 11 0 0 .. 7 42 I3 0 0 I587 John Wallis. Tenor 49 20 2 0 I7D6 Richard Phelps. J66 Among the Bells. ------·------

THE CAMPANILE, CHICHESTER. Among the Bells.

(6)-May 14th at Holy Trinity, Arundel, 5040 Double Norwich Court Bob Major, in 2h. 55111., composed and conducted by J. W. Washbrook. (First peal of Major on the bells.)

HOLY TRI:"'ITV, ARUNDEL.

cwt. qrs. lhs. cwt. qrs. lbs. ~ Treble 5 0 7 5 7 3 !0 2 5 I 27 6 8 3 !3 3 6 I !7 7 10 3 9 4 6 3 I2 Tell or 14 I 23 Cast in I855 by C. & G. Mears. J68 Among the Bells.

(7)-May 15th, at S. Andrew's, Steyning, 5040 Stedman Triples, m zh. 46m., conducted by Rev. F. E. Robinson.

S. ANDREw's, STE\'NING.

cwt. qrs. lbs. cwt. qrs. lbs. 71-eh/e 4 I 20 5 6 3 Il 2 4 2 6 6 8 2 0 3 5 0 7 7 9 3 0 4 5 3 IQ Tenor 11 3 24

The six larger bells were cast in I 724 by R. Phelps, and the trebles in I88g by Mears & Stainbank. Among the Bells.

(8)-May T sth, at s. Botolph's, Heene, Worthing, so88 Superlative Surprise Major, m zh. 57m., composed and conducted by J. W. Wash­ brook.

.~-- ._ ...... ,.. / c_ ::~~~ _._.

S. BoToLP!i's, HEENE.

In!". cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders Treble 25~ 3 3 0 1879 ]. \Varner & Sons. 2 26~ 4 0 3 28! 5 I 0 4 30 ti 0 0 5 32 6 2 0 6 34 7 2 0 7 .16 9 0 0 Tenor 39 11 0 0 qc Among the Bells.

On May I8th I had the pleasure of ringing soo6 Stedman Caters at S. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, (the first peal of Stedman on those noble bells) in 3h. 33m. F. G. Newman (conductor) Treble I T. Blackbourn 6 R. French 2 W. W. Gifford ... 7 J. W. Washbrook 3 Rev. F. E. Robinson 8 Rev. G. F . Coleridge .. 4 I J. Hinton 9 Rev. H. A. Cockey S F. Price Tenor W. Dowling

•

s. MARY REDCLIFFE, BRISTOL cwt. qr~. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 7 0 19 1903 J. Taylor & Co. 2 7 0 Il 3 7 I 22 4 7 3 IS s 8 3 H) 6 10 0 7 12 ll 8 13 I 16 17"63 9 19 3 I I903 J. Taylor & Co. IO 20 2 8 I763 ll 2S I s 1622 Tenor so 2 21 I903 J. Taylor & Co. Among the Bells.

And on May 19th we rang al. S. Mary-le-Port, Bristol, the first peal of 5040 Double Norwich Court Bob Major ever rung in Bristol City. Rev. H. A. Cockcy Treble I J. W. Washbrook 5 W . R. Paddock 2 F. G. Newman 6 H. H. Tucker... 3 I R. French ... . 7 T. Black bourn... 4 Rev. F. E . Rohinson Tenor Composed and conducted by J. \V. Washbrook.

s. M ARY- LE-PORT, BRISTOL. Ins. cwt. qrs. lb5. D ate. Founders. Treble 29 5 2 0 1750 William EYans. 2 30 6 0 0 3 30~ 6 2 0 1749 4 33 7 2 0 5 36 10 0 0 6 38± 12 0 0 7 41 ± IS 0 0 0 0 7euor 46 19 " Among the Bells.

On July zoth, I rang in the first peal of 5024 Douhle Norwich Court Bob Major rung at S. Mary's, Woodstock, in zh. 52m. W. W. Gifford... .:. Treble I C. Hounslow .. . 5 W. C. Baston ...... 2 W. Bennett .. . 6 A. W. Pike 3 I Rev. G. F. Coleridge ... 7 Rev. F. E. Robinson ... 4 J. W. Washbrook ... Tenor Composed and Conducted by J. W. Washbrook.

On July 31st, I rang at Loughborough 5044 Stedn~an Caters, m 3h. 28m. J. Howe 7 reb!e I W. T. Billinghurst 6 J. Smith 2 S. Smith .. . 7 S. Johnson .~ T. Holmes .. . 8 B. Sugden 4 I J. W . Taylor, jun. (conductor) 9 Rev. F. E. Robinson ... 5 A. P. H eywoud (composer) .. . Tenor

And in the evening I had the pleasure of ringing my fi rst peal of 5184 London Surprise Major, at Duffield, in 3h. gm. W. Clarke ... Treble I G. Hingley 5 S. J ohnson .. . 2 B. Sugden 6 A. P. H eywood (conductor) ... 3 I Rev. F. E. Robinson .. . 7 J . H owe 4 W. Hickling ...... Tenor The first peal in this difficul t method in which a clergyman rang.

On August 27th, I conducted the first peal of 5040 Stedman T riples at Wootton Bassett, Wilts., in 2h. 53m. E. B. James ... Treh!e J. H. Shepherd ... 5 H. L. lames ... 2 Rev. F. E. RoLinson (conductor) 6 ·]. W. Washbrook 3 W. H . Brunsdon 7 '!-:. Dishop 4 Rev. G. F . Coleridge ...... Tenor

The bells of S. Peter-in-the-East, Oxford, were in this year augmented to 8 by the addition of two trebles, the Diocesan Guild contributing £5 to the funds.

On September 1oth, I met Mr. F. E. Dawe, of London, at Llandaff Cathedral, journeying through the Severn tunnel, and with him rang in the first peal (Stedman Triples) on the bells augmented from 1 (tenor) to 8, in 1879· E. E. Berwick ... T1·eble I F. E. Ward ...... 5 H. Roberts 2 Rev. F. E. Robinson .. . 6 F . E. Hart 3 I H. L. J ames .. . 7 F . E . Dawe (conductor) 4 G. Watts .. . Tm or Among the Bells.

Woorro:< BASSinT, WILTS.

In. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 29~ 5 3 0 !890 J. Warner & Sons. 2 302 6 0 0 3 31 6 I 0 4 33 7 0 0 !633" 5 35 8 0 1890 J. Warner & Sons. 6 36 9 0 0 7 40 11 0 0 1633" Ten()r 42 IJ 0 0 174 Among the Bells.

s. PETER-IN-THE-EAs T, O x FORD.

in. cwi. qrs. lb~ . Date Founders Treble 24 3 I 14 1891 Mears & Stainbank. 2 24~ 3 3 14 , 3 25 2 4 0 0 1700 Abraha"1 Rudhall. 4 29 ~ 5 3 0 1753 Abel Rudhall. 5 30 6 0 0 1700 Abraham Rudhali. 6 31 6 0 7 35 8 0 Tenor 37 ~ 9 0 Among the Bells. 1 75

\

LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL.

cwt. qrs. lbs. cwt. qrs. lbs. Treble 6 4 5 10 I 21 2 6 3 10 6 12 2 4 3 7 2 3 7 16 3 3 4 8 3 8 Tenor 22 0 0 J76 Among the Bells.

WELLS CATHEDRAL.

in. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. 7•·eble 31 7 3 0 1891 !\fears & Stain bank. 2 34 9 0 0 , J 36~ 9 0 1757 Abel Rudhall. 4 38 9 3 0 s 40 12 0 0 6 44 14 0 0 , 7 48 20 0 0 8 s o~ 23 I 0 9 ss 30 0 0 IB77 J. Taylor & Co. Tenor .64 57 0 0 Among the Bells.

In October we lost our good old comrade, Jesse Avery, who had helped us in our long peals, and on March 4th always sang his favourite song "Cheese, butter and all." He died of consumption; and on the 16th we rang at Appleton, with the bells muffled, 5040 Grandsire Triples, in 2h. 49m., as a tribute of respect to his memory. F. Barrett Treble I H. Waiters ...... 5 G. Holifield 2 Rev. F. E. Robinson ... 6 F. White 3 I J. W. Washbrook (conductor) 7 A. Fox ... 4 F. S. White ...... Tenor

On November 4th, I took part in a peal of 5021 Stedman Caters at the re-opening of the grand at Wells Cathedral, beautifully re-hung with a new iron frame by Messrs. Blackbourn & Greenleaf, of Salisbury. The peal was rung in 3h. 57 m., composed and conducted by J. W. Washbrook, from the tenor. F. White Treble I Rev. F. E. Robinson .. . 6 G. H. Phillott .. . 2 W. W. Gifford .. . 7 C. Hounslow .. . 3 J. Hinton ...... 8 T. Blackbourn .. . 4 IR. T. Hibbert .. . 9 5 W. Washbrook Rev. H. A. Cockey J. Te.zor W. Green leaf ... On the following morning Mr. Wash brook "turned in" the tenor with ease to a touch of Treble Bob Royal-a proof of the excellent workmanship of the bellhangers.

WELLS CATHEDRAL. The documents in possession of the Dean and Chapter furnish a few scattered notices of the history of the bells ; the earliest is a statute of Bishop Jocelin, who died 1242, which directs that a bell shall be rung to call the Canons into Chapter. Thomas of Bitton, Dean of Wells, 1286-1292, afterwards Bishop of Exeter, gave to our church the bell commonly called "the sermon bell." Accounts for the year 1343 show that there were four bells, called respectively "Maria," "Peter," "Buttone," and " Doustone;" and the account further speaks of "two belfries." It is therefore pretty clear that there must have been belfries in 1343 in each of the two western towers, though they were not yet carried up above the level of the nave roof. In r 394 either more bells were added, or the old were re-cast, for heavy expenses were incurred that year in the "hanging of three new bells in the old north tower." L Among the Bells.

At this same time there were two bells in the south-west tower ; and it is supposed that these two were presented by Bishop Harewell, and named "Greater Harewell" and" Harewell the Less." In 1414 five more bells were added to the two Harewell bells, the communar's account containing payments for the "hanging of five bells and for new clappers, brought from Sherborne ; " and hence it would appear that now there were seven bells in the south tower and five in the north­ (will there ever be twelve in one tower?). After the completion of the north-west and Buburth tower in the roll of 1449-50, there is an entry which suggests that some disaster made the ringing of the bells difficult or dangerous, owing to the sinking of the high tower and· the fall of some masonry. The roll of 1 soo-r speaks of "payments for bringing the great bell," and for " consecration of the new bell." But soon after began the time of sacrilege and spoliation ; and probably some of the bells were melted down, as the next time we hear of the bells is in a chapter minute Of I 586 " that the great bell be placed by the master of the fabric in the tower, and the fragments of the metal to be sold." And again in 1587-88, "Hare well great bell to be re-cast by J oseph Carter, of Reading.'' The bells had now been reduced in number to five, as Francis Godwin, Canon rs87-1617, writing in r6or, says:-· " Bishop Harewell gave two great bells, the bigest of which being cast fower times since I was in the church, now at last serveth for the great­ est of a ring, the goodliest for their number (being but five), I think, in England." We may notice among the inscriptions on the greatest bells the old 6th, dated I7 57, by A. R udhall; also the 7th, same date ; and the tenor re-cast in r8o3 by Rudhall. Since then the tenor has been cracked once at least, and was re-cast by Taylor, of Lough­ borough, r877, and may well be called "a masterpiece," as its size, shape and sound testify.

The next day, November sth, we rang 5024 Double Norwich Court Bob Major at S. Cuthbert's, Wells, in Jh. 33m.

We looked in at Prestbury and Cheltenham on our way home, ring­ ing on November 6th, soor Stedman Caters at Cheltenham. Among the Bells.

On December 23rd, we rang the first peal, 5040 Stedman Triples, on the new ring by \fears & Stainbank, at Bishopstone, Wilts, the old ring of 8 having been melted in a fire which occured on the previous Good Friday. (See pp. 92 and 95.) J. W. Washbrook (conductor) Treble I Rev. ~· E. Robi~son .. . 5 W. Lawrence ...... 2 Rev. G. F. Colendge .. . 6 T. Blackbourn ...... 3 I Kev. H. A. Cockey .. . 7

A. P. Goddard. 00 00 . 00. 4 W. Greenleaf 00 . • 00 Tenor

On December 24th, I conducted my first peal of 5040 Stedman Triples at S. Peter-in-the-East, Oxford, in 2h. 5om.

c. H. Fowler 000 00 0 00. n·eble Ic. Hounslow ... 5 J. W. \Vashbrook oo• oo • 2 A. Fox oo• .oo 6 A. Dubber oo • 000 oo • 3 W. W. Gifford.oo 7 Rev. F. E. Robinson (conductor) 4 H. Cox ...... TeJtor

My 4 I peals rung in I 89 r corn prised : - Grandsire Triples 4 Grandsire Caters Stedman Triples '9 Stedman Caters 4 Double Norwich Court Bob Major 9 Superlative Surprise Major 2 Kent Treble Bob Major London Surprise Major

I preached at Brackley, Longworth, Morton Pinkney, Northwich, High Wycombe.

I went to give advice to Whitchurch, Rants ; Bishopstone, Bray, High Wycombe, Chilton, Long Wittenham, Yarnton, \Vokingham, Burnham, Tackley, Buckingham.

I was present at opening services at Brackley, Longworth, Morton Pinkney, S. Peter's, Oxford, High \Vycombe, Wells Cathedral, Bishop­ stone.

I occupied 199 hours in bell-ringing. CHAPTER VII.

N 1892 I only rang 31 peals, fewer than in each of the four previous years. In January we were invited by the Rev. J. H . Hindson to Wraysbury, and with him rang, on January zznd, a peal of Stedman Triples at Old Windsor, and on January 23rd the first peal of Stedman Triples at Wrays·Dury in 3h. 7m. Rev. G. F. Colericlge ... Treble I Rev. F. E. Rohinson ... 5 G. Stanbrook .. . 2 W. E. Yates ...... 6 Rev. J. H. Hindson 3 I J. W. Wilkins ...... 7 R. F laxman 4 J. W . Washbrook (conductor) Te1101

On April :. rst we opened the bells at Mickleton, Gloucestershire, after re-hanging, with a peal of Stedman Triples, in 3h. 9m., conducted by J. W. Washbrook, (the first in the method on the bells); the yokels expressing astonishment that we rang so long a peal without being paid for our work!

On May 17th we rang the first peal of Stedman Triples on the grand ring at Lambourne, Berks, the bells having been hung in a new Iron frame by ;vressrs. Warner. E . Bishop Treble I Rev. T E . Robinson .. . 5 W. Lawrence ...... z W. Newel! ...... 6 J. W. Washbrook (conduCtor) 3 I J. M. Ronth ...... 7 C. Hounslow ... 4 Rev. G. F. Coleridge .. . Tenor

[In this peal Mr. Routh struck his eyeball with his rope, and rang during the last ten minutes in total darkness. Sir George Martin, organist at S. Paul's Cathedral, London, being a native of Lambourne, heard this peal rung, and complimented the band upon their excellent striking.] Among the Bells.

WRAYSBURY CHURCH.

In. cwt. qr~. lbs. Date. Foundt:rs. Treble 2d 3 I 0 1890 J. Warner & Son. 2 0 2 25 ~ 3 " 3 26~ 3 3 0 1888 28 2 0 4 4 " 5 29 ~ 4 3 0 I6S7 Bryan Eldridge. 6 32t 6 3 0 1657 7 35 7 2 0 1664 Willia~' Eldridge. Tenor 39~ II 0 0 I59I Henry Knight. Among the Bells.

S. MICHAEL's, LAMBOU RNF..

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 30 6 0 0 1804 James Wells. 2 31 6 2 0 1742 Henry Bagley. 3 34 7 3 0 1639 4 37 9 I 0 1637 5 40 11 :l 0 1892 J. Warner & Sons. 6 42 12 0 0 1637 7 45 16 0 0 Teuor 52 24 0 0 Among lhe Bells.

1\IICKLETON CHURCH, GLOUCESTERSHIRE.

In. cwt. q rs. Ibs. Date. Founders. Treble 27 4 2 0 J. Taylor & Co. 2 28~ 5 0 3 31 6 0 1862 G. Mears" & Co. 4 34 7 2 0 13~8 John Rudhall. 5 35 7 3 0 6 36 9 0 0 166S Richard Keene. 7 38~ 10 2 0 1827 J olm Rudhall. Te1lor 45~ !6 3 0 1706 Abraham Rudhall. Among the Bells.

PAINS\VICK CHURCH.

in. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. 7reb!e 4 3 19 Mears & Stain bank. 2 5 I 2~ 3 28 5 3 0 1731 Abraham" Rudhall. 4 31 5 2 0 5 31 1 5 3 0 6 32 6 0 0 7 :;6 8 0 0 8 38 9 0 0 9 40 11 0 0 10 43 13 0 0 II 48 19 0 0 Tenor 52 24 0 0 Among the Bells.

On June 6th we went to Painswick, and with much difficulty, owing to the bad going of the tenor, which thoroughly exhausted the strength of the three men who undertook it, we rang 5079 Stedman Caters on the grand ring there in 3h. z r m.

F. Musty Treble IW . Dyer .. . 7 Re,·. H . A. Cockey 2 W. T. Pates .. . 8 T. Blackbourn 3 W. W. Gifford .. . 9 H. Roberts 4 I G. A cocks .. . F. E. Ward ... 5 A. W. Humphreys Te~to • Rev. F. E. Robinson ... 6 G. H. Phillolt ... Composed and Conducted by W. T. Pates.

On July 6th, I called my first peal of 5040 Stedman Tt ipJe, at Hi h Wycombe,-in 3h. 5111.

On August 9th we rang the first peal of 5040 Double Norwich Court Bob \1ajor, in 3h. 23m., at Bishopstone, Wilts, at the re-opening of the church afkr the damage sustained by the above-mentioned fire.

Rev. H. A. Cockey ... Treble IRev. F. E. Robinson ... 5 Rev. G. F. Coleridge ...... 2 E. Bishop ...... 6 T. Blackbourn .. . 3 I J. Hinton ... 7 R. T. I-Iibbert .. . 4 J. W. Washbrook Te~tor Composed and conducted by J. W. Washbrook. On September 27th we rang the first peal of 5056 Kent Treble Bob 1\lajor, in zh. 51 m., at Privett, Hants. G. Williams (conductor) Treble H . White 5 H. Weston 2 J. W. Whiting ... 6 G. Gatland 3 T. Groves 7 J. E. Warren ... 4 Rev. F. E. Robinson ... Teno'

And on the same day I conducted the first peal of Stedman Triples on the bells of All Saints, East Meon, Hants.

On October 7th we rang at S. Peter-in-the-East, Oxford, in zh. 58m., the first peal of 5o88 Superlative Surprise Major ever rung in the City or County of Oxford. C. Fowler .. . Treble IA. E. Hind .. . 5 P. Hind ... 2 T. Payne .. . 6 Rev. F. E. Robinson ...... 3 W. W. Gifford * 7 K. Payne .. . 4 J. W. Wash brook T~nor Composed and Conducted by J. W. Washbrook. * His first peal of Superlative. r86 A mong the B ells.

S. AN NE AND S. }OHN, HIGH WYCOM BE.

Ins. cwt. qrs. Jbs. Date. Founders. Treble 29 4 3 0 !802 J. Mears. 2 30t 5 I 0 1788 J. Briant. 3 31~ 5 3 0 4 31 5 2 0 I802" T. M~ars . 5 32t 6 I 0 1711 R. Phelps. 6 34t 7 I 0 Ill90 Mears & Stainbank. 7 38 9 0 0 I756 T. Swain. 8 40~ 11 0 0 !802 T . Mears. 9 44 14 3 0 17I I R. Wells. T~nor SI ~ 23 2 0 I802 T. Mears. (From Cock's Churth Bells of Buck.<. ) Among the Bells.

ALL SAINTS, E AST MEON, HANTS.

in. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date Founders Treble 27! 4 3 22 I890 J. Taylor & Co. 2 28! 5 I 9 .. .. 3 30 5 I 14 1782 Chapman & Mears. 4 32~ 6 I 20 1834 Thomas Mears, jun. 5 34! 7 I 25 1819 6 36! 8 2 2! I722 7 41! '3 I I9 1890 J. Taylor & Co. 7e~tor 46~ 19 0 18 ,, 188 Among the Bells.

REV :\1. KELLY, l\taster of the Devon Guild. Among the Bells.

REv. G. F. CoLERIDGE, Vicar of Crowthorne, Berl>s. 190 Among the Bells.

On October 1oth, in company with the Revs. G. F. Coleridge and W. S. Willett, Messrs. E. A. and N. J. Pitstow from Saffron Walden, J. W. Taylor (Loughborough), W. W. Gifford (Salisbury), and H. Fruin (Plymouth), Mr. Washbrook and I started on a ringing tour in Devon, organized and arranged by the Rev. M. Kelly, then vicar of Ottery St. Mary, and the Rev. G. F. Coleridge, an enthusiastic ringer and Devonian. Our visit was a missionary object, to preach by example the cause of change-ringing in a part of England where, as yet, it had little footing; the Devon ringers having a firm belief in rounds and call changes, and ringing them right well. "The object of the week's outing (to quote from an excellent account in Bell News) was to show the ringers of Devon, and the inhabitants of Devon generally, that change-ringing was possible, and might be struck as well as the rounds and call-changes to which they were accustomed. This object was certainly carried out. Though eleven peals in all were attempted, only six were successfully accomplished, two being unavoidably lost, while one of Superlative and one of Caters were lost through a change-course, and another of Super­ lative brought to an end by a jumble after superb striking thoughout., The main feature of the week was without doubt the splendid striking, bringing over many who were prejudiced against. method ringing, and laying the foundation, we hope, of better things to come. Wild and out-of-the-way places were purposely chosen in many cases, that the neighbourhood might have an opportunity of listening to real ringing. The tour most certainly aroused a great deal of en­ thusiasm in the country; the local press from day to day chronicling the doings of the visitors." One incidental result of newly quickened interest in change-ringing, to which this tour contributed, has been the re-hanging of the noble ring of bells at Exeter Cathedral, so long neglected, but now happily accomplished. An extract from the above­ quoted account shows the condition in which we found these bells in

1 8g2. "The bells were raised, the front six in peal, ten or a dozen men being required for the job, and a few rounds rung on the ten, when some one suggested a course of Caters, no such thing ever having been rung by any men, the bad go of the bells and weight of metal, tenor 67 cwt., being supposed to militate against it. Though sixteen Among the Bells. men are accustomed to ring the ten, the visitors stuck to the nine changing bells single-handed, allowing only four to the tenor. Marvel­ lous to relate, the course was rung, and well rung too, as testified by those outside. On this historic occasion, the first touch ever brought round on the ten bells, we may be permitted to append the names of the gallant band. H. G. Fruin, r ; J. W. Taylor, 2 ; E. A. Pitstow, 3;

s. DAV!D'S, EXETER.

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 26 4 0 0 r887 Mears & Stainbank. 2 27 4 2 0 1817 Thos. !\fears, jun. 3 z81 5 2 0 4 30 tl 0 0 5 32 6 3 0 6 34 7 2 0 7 37 9 I 0 , Tenor 41 ll 0 0 r881 !\fears & Stainbank. Among the Bells.

N. J. Pitstow, 4; Rev. F. E. Robinson, 5 ; W. W. Gifford, 6; F. Shep­ herd, 7 ; Rev. G. F. Coleridge, 8; J. W. Washbrook, 9; Rev. W. S. Willett, E. Shepherd, B. Mundy and J. W. Carnell, ro. While cooling down after their exertions, the six minutes' ringing being far harder than the nine hours occupied by the other peals, the local men kindly rang the minor eight, with the noble gth covering, that the visitors might listen to the wondrous and plaintive melody."

0TTERY S. MARY CHURCH.

In. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 27 4 I 0 1887 J. Warner & Sons. 2 28 2 0 4 " 3 30 ~ 5 I 0 I670 T. Pendington. 4 32~ 6 I 0 1885 J. Warner & Sons. 5 35~ 7 3 0 1652 J ohn Pennington. 6 38 9 0 0 1671 T. Pennington. 7 39 10 0 0 1790 Thos. Bilbie. Ten{)r 4f 16 0 0 1727 Thos. Wrath. Among the Bells. 1 93

The peals rung during this tour were : (I) October Ioth, at s. David's, Exeter (since rebuilt), 5088 Super­ lative Surprise Major, in 3h. 12m., conducted by J. W. Washbrook. (First peal on the bells.) (2) October 11th, at Ottery S. Mary, 5040 Stedman Triples, in 3h. Iom., conducted by Rev. F. E. Robinson. (First peal in the method on the bells.) (3) October uth, at Sowton, 5040 Double Norwich Court Bob Major, in 2h. 44m., conducted by J. W. Taylor; the first peal of Double Norwich rung in Devon. "At this tower" wrote our chronicler in Bell News, "a very confined space necessitated a certain arrangement of the men-the stout ones being put in the corners-the thin ones along the walls." (4) October 13th, at S. Peter's, Torrington, the first peal of Stedman Triples, in 3h. 6m., conducted by J. W. Washbrook.

S. P&TER's, TORRINGTON.

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders Treble 28~ 4 3 0 1884 J. Warner & Sons. 2 30 5 0 0 , , 3 30 5 0 0 1716 Abrahatp Rudhall. 4 31 5 2 0 5 33 6 2 0 6 36 8 0 0 7 31 8 2 0 , Te1tor 43~ 13 3 0 1884 J. Warner & Sons.

(5) October I sth, on the fine ring at Tiverton, the first peal of Double Norwich (5o4o) in 3h. 19m. (6) October 15th, at S. Sidwell's, Exeter, a peal of Stedman Caters, in which neither I nor Mr. Willett could take part, having to return home for Sunday duty. Our places were well filled by Messrs. F. and E. Shepherd, of the S. Sidwell's band; our chronicler truly saying that "It was a peculiar pleasure to the visitors that the brothers Shepherd were able to take the place of the two unavoidably absent; to take part in ringing such a fine peal of Caters, after years of drudgery aud uphill work in instructing, and in battling against prejudice and opposition in every shape and form, was thought to be a reward for their painstaking efforts." M 194 Among the Bells.

3. P I( TEH's , T OIUUNGT OK, AS IT WAS.

S. p ~~TE H 'S , T OHRINGTON, AS IT IS. Among the Bells. 1 95

In November we were again the guests of the Rev. Canon \Vigram, at S. Andrew's Rectory, Hertford. In the course of our visit we rang peals of Double Norwich at Waltham Abbey and at Benington, Super­ lative at Braughing, and Stedman T riples at Tottenham.

T I YERTO~ CHURCH .

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. J!reb!e 3 1 ~ 5 3 0 1737 W . Evans. 2 33 6 2 0 3 35 7 2 0 4 37 8 2 0 5 40 10 2 0 6 43 !I 2 0 179 1 T hos.' 'Bil bie. 7 46'1 !8 0 0 1737 w. Evans. Tenor 53 zs 2 0 Among the Be!/s.

On December 1oth, I took part in the first peal of London Surprise Major rung in the Diocese of Oxford, at Hughenden. H. Stratford Treble IRev. F. ~· Robinson ... 5 Frank Briggs 2 Ralph Bnggs ...... 6 S. Goodchild 3 I W. E. Yates ...... 7 Fred Briggs 4 John Evans (conductor) Tenor

ALL HALLOWS, TOTTENHAM.

in. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date Found er~ Treble 29 ~ 5 I 0 I88I J. Warner & Sons. 2 30~ 5 3 0 , 3 32 6 2 0 I696 Philip Wightman." 4 34~ 7 2 0 5 37 9 0 0 6 39~ IO 3 0 7 43~ I3 I 0 Ten()r 47 I9 0 0 Among tlu Bells. 197

And on December 26th, I was in the first peal of 5024 Double Nor­ wich rung in Hampshire, at Christchurch. J. W. Whiting ... Treble [ E. C. Merritt ... 5 E. Bishop 2 IRev. F. E. Robinson ... 6 W. W. Gifford 3 W. J. Gollop .. . .. 7 F. Bennett 4 G. Williams (conductor) Tenor

And in the evening we rang the first peal of soo8 Double Norwich Court Bob Major, at S. Peter's, Bournemouth, in 3h. 14m.

J. W. Whiting ...... Treble J E. C. Merritt ...... 5 G. Williams .. . 2 Rev. F. E. Robinson ... 6 F. Bennett; ... 3 1 W. J. Gallop ...... 7 E. Bishopl ... 4 W. W. Gifford ... Teno1 Composed am! Conducted by G. Williams.

PRIORY CHURCH, CHRISTCHURCH, HA~! PS HIRE.

In. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 28! 5 0 24 1904 Llewellin & James. 2 31 6 3 24 , 3 33 7 I 0 1755 Abel Rudhall. 4 34 7 2 0 5 35~ 8 I o· I88S J. Tay!~~ & Co. 6 38 9 2 0 !663 W. P. J. 7 39 ~ 10 3 0 14th C~ntury bell. 8 43t 13 0 0 , 9 49 20 I 0 I7JO Abraham Rudhall. Tenor /54 27 2 0 " Among the Bells. -----·---·------

s. PETER'S, BOURNEMOUTH.

In. cwt. qrs. lbs. D ate. Founders. Treble 29t 5 3 0 1870 J. Taylor & Co. 2 30! 6 0 3 32! 6 3 0 4 34~ 7 2 0 5 37! 9 2 0 9 39! 11 I 0 7 43~ 13 3 0 Tenor 48-· 20 0 0 ., " Among the Bells. 199

HoLY Roon C H URCH , SouTH A~I I'T ON .

Ins. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 27 4 2 0 2 27~ 4 3 0 1742 T (homas) L(ester). 3 31 6 0 0 4 34 7 I 0 Tom Lester. 5 34~ 7 2 0 1843 Thomas Mears, jun. 6 37 9 2 0 Th:Jmas Lester. 7 41 13 0 0 !847 C. & G. Mears. I euor 45 16 0 0 !848 200 Among the Be.. s

M R. CHALLIS F. WJNNEY. Among the Bells. 201

ALL SAINTS', BOYNE HILL; l\LIIDEI"HEAD.

In. cwt. qrs. lbs. Date. Founders. Treble 28§ 4 3 0 1868 J. Warner & Sons. 2 30 6 0 0 3 31! 6 2 0 4 33! 7 0 5 36 9 0 0 6 ::~8 9 3 0 7 40 10 2 0 Tenor 45; rs 3 0 ,, 202 Among the Bells.

On December 27th my 4ooth peal was rung-5040 Stedman Triples, at Holy Rood, Southampton, being the first peal of Stedman on the bells. E. Bishop. .. . Treble IW . J. Go!l op ...... 5 F. Bennett ... 2 J. W. Whiting ...... 6 G. Williams ... 3 Re,·. ~- E. R obinson (conductor) 7 E. C. Merritt ... 4 C. Tnbe ...... Tenor Our ringing operations in this year were concluded with an abortive attempt to ring 13,440 Double Norwich Court Bob Major, at All Saints', Boyne Hill. After ringing about 5 hours it was observed that one of the ringers looked very ill, and the conductor in consequence brought the bells round at r2,o96 changes, rung in 7h. 1om., which was then the longest length rung in the method. Rev. G. F. Coleridge ...... T reble I H. Baker ...... 5 J. E vans ... 2 J. W. Taylor, jun. . .. 6 W. H. L. Buckingham .. . 3 I Re''· F. E. Robinson ... 7 C. F. Winney 4 I J. W. Washbrook Tenor Composed and conducted by J. W. Washbrook.

My 31 peals rung in 1892 comprised:- Grandsire Triples 3 Stedman Triples I3 Stedman Caters 2 Double Norwich Court Bob Major 8 Kent Treble Bob Mnjor Superlative Surprise Major 3 London Surprise Major

In the course of the year r 892, I visi ted Burnham, Stony Stratford, Moulsoe, Hurst, Twyford, Shipton, Bletchley, Langford, and Chi lton, to give advice. I was present at opening services after restoration of bells at Sandy, Mickleton, Yarnton, Lambourne, \Vantage, H ereford Cathedral.

I preached at Sandy, Beds., May I I th, on Psalm LXVIII, r 3·

241 hours of my time were occupied in bell-ringing. 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