The Church Bellsof

Worcestershireby

H. B. WaltersFile 01: Part I: Foreword, Notes,

Alphabetical List, Abberley to Bushley (Pages 1 to 58)

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THE CHURCH BELLS OF WORCESTERSHIRE.

BY H. B. W.A.LTERS, M.A., F.S.A.

FoREWORD.

The publication of the Church Bells of Worcestershire is a project which has been taking shape slowly for many years. The investigation of the bells of the County was begun as long ago as 1877 by the Rev. H. T . Tilley, an ardent campano­logist, who was ordained in that year to the cura.cy of Pershore, and devoted much of his leisure time to examining the bells of the neighbourhood, until his removal to Birmingham in 1880. He was however. also interested in Warwickshire bells, and that county had stronger claims on him ; con­sequently his work in Worcestershire became thereafter intermittent, and it was brought to an end by his death in 1905.

In 1889 my own interest in the subject was first awakened, and as long as my connexion with the county was maintained, I devoted part of many holidays to the exploration of the bells, occasionally in conjunction with my friend Tilley, but mainly with the view of supplementing his work. It may be recorded here that some of the descriptions of bells in the present account are the result of his individual researches. By the end of the last century the great majority of the parishes had been visited by us, and much valuable inform­ation collected, some of which was embodied in a paper which I wrote in 1901 for Vol. XXV. of the Associated Archi­tectural Societies' Reports. But circumstances did not necourage the prospect of a definite publication, and the work

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came to a standstill for some years. It has now been revived on most satisfactory lines, thanks to the energy and generosity of this Society and its officers, and the present is the first instalment of a. complete and exhaustive survey of the bells of the county. The work will probably be completed in six instalments, and the descriptions of the bells, which are arranged alphabetically by parishes, will be followed by a final chapter, giving a general summary and a history of the 1ocal and other foundries which have contributed to enrich the towers of the county.

It is a pleasure to express my warmest thanks and acknow­ledgments to the various gentlemen by whose friendly and willing aid so much admirable work has been done which I could not accomplish myself : first and foremost to the President (Mr. E. A. B . Barnard), to whom I owe a greater debt than I can well express for the unfailing interest he has shown throughout and for the energy and perseverance which he has devoted not only to obtaining information where required, but also to the carrying out of the publication in the most satisfactory and attractive form. Secondly, to other active helpers, among whom I must specially name the Revs. J. Willis, R. A. Wilson, and R. C. Griffiths, Mr. C. A. Binyon, and Mr. J. F. Parker of Bewdley; nor must I omit to mention the valuable help given by Canon and Mrs. Bla.ke.

There are also many others to whom I am indebted for help and hospitality in times past ; the list is a long one, and I trust due recognition will be given to individual helpers in the course of the work.

H. B. w ALTERS.

NOTE

IT is hoped that the description of the bells as given in the following pages will in all cases be perfectly intelligible, even ro those who are unfamiliar with such subjects. A few notes, however, may be welcome, in explanation of certain details.

Except where otherwise stated, the inscription is placed round the upper part of the bell, immediately below the ' shoulder • or angle between the ' crown ' and ' waist.'

Sanctus bells and Priest's bells are indicated by the letter S in heavy type.

The facsimile drawings of inscriptions in full are reduced to one-quarter size in each case, but the text blocks of separate letters or stamps are reproduced full size.

The notes under the heading 1552 refer to the Inventories of Church Goods made in Edward VI's reign, those for Worcester­shire having been published by Mackenzie Walcott in an early volume of the Assoc. Archit. Socs. R eports. Those under 1740 (the year is approximate) refer to Browne Willis's MS. list of bells in Worcestershire churches, now in the Bodleian Library; transcripts by William Cole are in the MSS. Department of the British Museum (Add. MSS. 5828).

Another valuable source of information for Worcestershire bells is to be found in the MS. collections of Dr. Prattinton, of Bewdley, preserved in the Library of the Society of Antiquaries. He visited most of the Worcestershire towers about 1810-1820, and made very careful notes of the inscriptions on the bells.

Further notes are to be found In Vols. II-IV of the Victori!' County History ot Worcestershire (referred to as V.O.H.) , under the headings of the separate parishes, but they are not alwayc. trustworthy.

H.B.W.

THE CHURCH BELLS OF WORCESTERSHIRE ; THEIR INSCRIPTIONS AND HISTORY, ARRANGED ALPHA­

BETICALLY BY PARISHES.

BY H. B. WALTERS, M.A., F.S.A.

PART I. (ABBERLEY-BUSHLEY).

ABBERLEY. OLD CHURCH. St. Michael. 1+1 bells.

l. On shoulder three times , a shield with three bells. + Ave Gracia Plena Dominus Tecum. (See Fig. 2). Ting-tang. No inscription (modern).

The old bell is hung in the ruins of the old church. It was cast at York about 1450-1500, by a founder whose name is thought to have been Richard Pette, from its occurrence on a similar bell in Yorkshire, but it is more likely there to refer to the donor. The late R ector of Abberley, Rev. J. L. Moilliet, thought that this bell was probably brought from Yorkshire at the Dissolution by the then Rector, John Blamyres (1514-1545}, who may have been Prior of some small monastery in that county. See Assoc. Arch. Socs. Reports, xxv., p. 572. The stamps are given full size in Fig. l.

The ting-tang hangs in the ruined tower, only accessible by ladder. · It may have been put up about 1877 for temporary use while the new church was under repair.

There were formerly four bells here, the inscriptions on which (taken in 1813) are given by Dr. Prattinton in his MSS. at the Society of Antiquaries as follows :-

1. GOD SAVE OVR KING 1660

2. SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS ROBERT lAMES C W 1660

3. (As No. 2 to lAMES:) & THOMAS WHITE C W 1658

4. The existing bell. The first three were evidently by John Martin of Worcester. V.O.H., iv., p. 224. H.T.T. and H.B.W., 1890. Many thanks to the late Rev. J. L. Moilliet, and to Rev.

R. A. Wilson.

Fig. 1. ABBERLEY (full size),

ABBElU.EY. NEw CHURCH. St. Mary. Six beUs.

1~. C. & G. MEARS LONDINII 1851. On waist: l. FIDES.

2. SPES. 3. CARITAS. 4. LUX IN TENEBRIS. 5. VOX CLAMANTIS. 6. LADS DEO.

Weights. and Notes:-l. 3 : 3: 14 F. 2. 4: 1:20 E flat. 3. 5:0:23 D flat. 4. 6: 1: 20 c. 5. 6:3: 4 B flat. 6. 9: 1 : 14 A flat.

The Rector gives the founder's name as 'Mears & Co.,' but I have ventured to amend this, as the firm did not become • and Co.' until after C. Mears's death in 1858.

Best thanks to Rev. R. A. Wilson.

ABBERLEY HALL.

There is here a ring or rather chime of 20 bells put up by Taylor of Loughborough in 1884 at the expense of Mr. John J oseph J ones, and commemorating various members of his family*. Each bears the name of the founder,

JOHN TA YLOR & CO. BELLFOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1884

and in addition the name of a member of the Jones family.

* See Chu~ch Bells, 22 May, 1885.

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I am indebted to the Rev. R. A. Wilson for a list of the names commemorated and for details of the weights, which are appended ·herewith. The relationships are printed for elucidation, and are not given on the bells.

{ Lilian Blanche Jones Daughter of James Jones 3: 0: 23 1. (16)

Geoffrey Algernon Jones Son of do.

2. { Francis Joseph Jones Do. do. 3: 2: 21 Charlotte Ella Jones Daughter do.

3. { Cecil Joseph Jones Son of William J<)lles (18) 3 : 5 : 0 Waiter Hugh Jones Son of James Jones

4. { Frances Eveline Jones Daughter of do. 4: 2: 26 John Reglnald Jones Son of do. Lucy Mabel Jones Daughter of James, married

5. i Amy Constance Jones J ames Arthur (8) 5:1:4

Daughter of William 6. Elizabeth Browne Maude

Jones Daughter of Willlam 5: 2: 22 7. Harriet Edlth Jones Daughter of James 7: 1: 12 8. James Arthur Jones Son of William 8: 3: 11 9. William Jones Son of James 10: 3: 4

10. Julia Jones Daughter of James 11: 1: 7 11. James Henry Jones Son of James 13:1:21 12. Florence Mary Greenup Daughter of Willlam 14: 3: 11 13. Mary Jones Daughter of James 17: 2: 7 14. Frederick William Jones Son of William 20: 3: 7 15. Sarah Jones Wife of James 24: 0: 2 16. James Jones Brother of John Joseph 31:0:11 17. Mary Jones Wife of Willlam 34:2:25 18. William Jones Brother of John J oseph 52: 0: 10 19. Sarah Amelia (Amy) Wife of John Joseph 61: 1: 0

Jones 20. John Joseph Jones 78: 2: 0

In 1890 the Rev. H. T. Tilley noted that there were three bells from Eaton Hall, Cheshire, hanging in the grounds, but they are not now there, and there is no record of them. The two smaller were by Thomas Mears, of London, dated 1836, the largest by John Scott, of Wigan, inscribed

dulctdtnt uocts cantabo tuo nottr CWIGRL 1657 1'."8

(A similar inscription occurs on a bell by Scott at Cartmel, Lancs. ; the word ' noetr ' has not been explained, but 'noe' in other instances is an abbreviation for 'nomine,' which makes sense without the ' tr ').

* ~~.~. ~"' ~ [Vf ~ Grarta ~ Pfrna ~Do m tnvr

* ~Urrvm . Fig. 2. .ABBERLEY.

£6VIRG6ni'2 lK1 6GR8GIEI lQl VOOOR m OflffiPHI?fl '

[Q]ffifiRI6 Fig. 3. .ABBOT'S MORTON 4th.

!BSRI?aca GRBRiaL ORH PRo 'fioms · msm~aGa PeGR6 ORH PRO Roms

Fig. 4. .ACTON BE.AUCH.AMP 1st and 2nd.

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ABBERTON. ST. EADBURGHA. Two bells.

1. No inscription.

2. WILLIAM WOODWARD IOHN FREEMAN CH WARDENS 1686.

Below, band of arabesques.

The 2nd by John Martin (small type of lettering); the date is above the line, and the Rev. J. Willis notes that the second 6 differs in form from the first ; he read it as an inverted 2, but I think 6 is more likely.

1552 : ' ABERTON ij bells.' Pl'attinton MSS. (c. 1813). V.G.H., iv., p. 6.

The Rev. H. T. Tilley noted in 1877 'very small bells in a box-turret.' Subsequently, a tower was built. The Vicar (Rev. T. M. Reward), writing 1st October, 1900, said 'It is unfortunate that I cannot reach the bells, as there is no ladder, and they hang high up from the belfry floor.' Recently the Rev. J. Willis has triumphantly surmounted the aforesaid difficulties, and obtained an excellent rubbing. The more credit is due to him, as two visits were necessary, owing to the miscarriage in the post of the results first sent to me. He reports the ascent as a good training in cat-burglary.

ABBOT'S MORTON. St. Peter. Four bells.

1. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER REV. THOMAS WALKER GAVE ME 1842.

2. IESVS BE OVR SPEED IOHN TOMSON C W 1633 (Shield with T.H.)

3. As No. 1.

4. +VIRGINIS (King) EGREGIE (Queen) VOCOR (King) CAMPANA (Queen) MARIE. (See Fig. 3).

2nd by Thomas Hancox II. of Walsall; S's reversed; heater-shaped trade mark, not the same as at Birtsmorton (see Figs. 35, 36).

4th by a Worcester founder, c. 1410. Weight 7 cwt.

Bells hung obliquely to walls of tower; in fairly good order.

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Before 1842 there were three bells ; the old 2nd (now the 3rd) was by Richard Sanders of Bromsgrove, inscribed (as we learn from the Prattinton MSS.):

WILLIAM CONELY C W 1729 RS The Rev. Thomas Walker (1st bell) was Rector 1839-1861. V.G.H., ii., p. 352. H .B.W., 1925. There is a tradition that some silver bells belonging to the

Abbot of Evesham were buried on the site of his old residence here. (Noake, Worcs. N. and Q., p. 177).

ABBOT'S NORTON, (See NoRTON).

ACOCK'S GREEN. St. Mary. One bell 1

Church built 1867. Parish formed from Yardley.

ACTON BEAUCHAMP. St. Giles. Three bells.

1. lst. +SANCTE GABRIEL ORA PRO NOBIS (See Fig. 4).

2. 2nd. +SANCTE PETRE ORA PRO NOBIS. (See Fig. 4).

3. FEAR GOD HONOUR THE KING A (bell) R 1748 (border).

lst and 2nd by Richard le Belyetere of Worcester, c. 1440. Full-sized illustrations of stamps will be given later under Defford.

3rd by Abel Rudhall. In 1740 '3 Bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton.

V.G.H., iv., p. 226. Now in Hereford County and Diocese. H.T.T., 1892.

ALDERMINSTER. St. Mary. Five bells.

1. MR. THO. MILLWARD CH. WARDEN 1714 A R (bell) (arabesques).

2. GOD BE OVR GOOD SPEED (jleur de lys) H (jleur de lys) B (jteur de lys) 1653 (plant).

Above and bel<nv, borders of arabesques.

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3. HENRY (plant) BAGLEY (plant) MADE (plant) MEE (jleurs de lys) 1668 (fieurs de lys).

4. RICHn : HYDN WM : PHIPPS CHVRCHW ARDENS (!+7 +! fieurs de lys) A (bell) R 1716 (!+15+! fieurs de lys).

5. HENRY (fieurs de lys) BAGLEY (arabesques) MADE (arabesques) MEE (arabesques) 1676 (arabesques).

1st and 4th by Abraham Rudhall ; arabesque and fleur­de-lys borders respectively.

2nd by Henry Bagley, of Chacombe, Northants, as are the 3rd and 5th. On 2nd the 3 of the date is reversed.

Illustrations of the Bagley ornaments will be found under a later heading.

1552 : ' ALDERMASTON iiij belles in the steple, with a saunce bell & j handbell, a sacringe bell.'

1740 : ' 5 Bells.' V.C.H., iv., p. 12. The following extract quoted in the Stratford-on-Avon

Herald, 21st Jan., 1910, relates to the history of the treble:-" Whereas the least bell in the peall in the parish church

of Alderminster in the county and diocese of Worcester was presented broke at the visitation held at Henley the sixth day of July, 1714.

These are, therefore, to certifie whome it may concerne as that bell is now cast and banged up in his place sound and in good tune with the other bells, and have bene done about a fortnight before last St. Thomas day, in witness thereof we have hereto set our bandes this 19th day of January, 1714.

FRANCIS MERCHANT, Vicar. BEUF BEAVEINGETON."

Rubbings of these bells by J. H. Bloom in Brit. Mus. Add. 37483.

H.B.W., 1893.

ALFRICK. St. Mary. Four bells.

1. THE GIFT OF MR. JNo. COLLINS 1820 (20 in. 2. THE GIFT oF WILLM. DAVIS Efqr. 1820 (20i in. 3. THE GIFT oF WILLM. ALLIES Efqr. 1820 (21i in. 4. JNo. CoLLINs & WM. DAVIS, CHAPEL-WARDENS 1820

On waist : THESE BELLS WERE CAST BY J. R UDHALL (22! in.

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Inscriptions incised throughout; dates and part of inscrip­tion on tenor in italics. No stays except to tenor; very cramped.

The 1st is sharpened by tuning; all have flat crowns. V.C.H., iv., p . 360. H.B.W., 1891.

ALSTONE. St. Margaret. One bell. l. Ino New Church Warden 1790 (scroll).

Inscription incised; the founder is John Rudhall. Hangs in a closed turret.

1552 : ' AwsTON in Over bury ij small bells in the steple.' Prattinton notes ' one by John Rudhall about 1790.'

V.C.H. iii., p. 477. Parish now in Gloucestershire, though still in Worcester

Diocese. Many thanks to Rev. J . Willis.

ALVECHURCH. St. Lawrence. Eight bells. l. BARWELL FOUNDER BIRMINGHAM

On waist : A.D. 1891 T. W . .JEX-BLAKE D.D. RECTOR (26! in.

2. The same. On waist: A.D. 1891

HENRY B. BALLARD 1 HARRY W. BOUL TON ) WARDENS (27! in.

3. QLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH 1711 (between the words, arabesque borders between coins; before and after date, coins).

Below and on sound-bow, scroll borders. (29 in. 4. GOD (coin) SAVE HIS CHVRCH (coin) 1711

(between words and after date, coins and arabesque ornaments) B elow, borders as last. (30! in.

5. IF YOV WOVLD KNOW WHEN WE WARE (coin. RVNN (coin) IT WAS (coin) MARCH THE 22 (coin) 1711 (coin).

Below, borders as before. 6. IOSEPH (coin) SMITH (border)

(coins and border) MADE (coin) MEE Fig. 5).

Below, borders as before.

(3li in. IN EDGBASTON 1711 (border). (See

(33! in.

IOSEPI-IQSMITI-I ~

IN EDGBASTON 0 ~0MADE 0 MEE 1711 ~

Fig. 5. ALVECHURCH 6th.

~· MR ffi RICHARD lfl FVLLWOOD tE JOHN ffi HORWORD ffi CHVRCH

WARDENS ffi W ill C ffi F J 707 Fig. 6. ASTON WHITE LADIES 1st.

lm2Jilffl.<D.Ta J$ll<D.0BPafi 0Rjij P lt@.Jit(D B I c

Fig. 7. ASTON WHITE LADIES 8rd.

7. MR. SAMVEL WARREN CVRATE AND ROBERT BAYLIES AND WILLIAM HEDGES CHVRCHWARDENS (coin) 1711 (coins).

Below, borders as before. Ornamented cannons. (36! in.

8. ~ Rtu~ ]. f. Conpn Rtctor. ~ Rtu~ Jl. fiuntcr Curalt (three coins)

Below: 1:£: Ward & W: Sftbbs c: Wardtns. W: Captor ftclt. m. d'cc. Xl.u. (40 in.

The old tenor was inscribed IOHN IEPHCOT S T P RECTOR 1711 (Prattinton MSS,}.

1740: '6 Bells' V.O.H., iii., p. 256.

The Rev. J. Jephcott was Rector 1690-1713 ; the Rev. J. F. Tonyn, 1801-1856.

The rhyme on the 5th should be noted (' seventeen-one-. one') ; Joseph Smith was fond of such efforts, as the North­

field bells in particular show. Between the words on the 3rd and 4th bells are arabesque borders and impressions of coins, and the latter also on the 5th, 6th and 7th. (See Fig. 8). .

H.B.W., 1894.

ARELEY KINGS. St. Bartholomew. Six bells.

l. G. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1859.

2. The same.

3. The same.

4. The same.

5. The same.

6. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON. AD D.O.M. GLORIAM ET IN USUM ECCLESIAE

S. BARTOLOMAEI APUD ARELEY REGIS ANO DO MCMV.

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The former ring was by Rudhall, but the inscriptions are not given by Dr. Prattinton in his MSS. The tenor when recast in 1867 bore the following inscription in Gothic capitals :

WILLIAM BLEWS AND SoNs BIRMINGHAM FouNDERS 1867. JoHN P. HAsTINGs, M.A., REcToR.

JoHN WRIGHT } WILLIAM MILLS CHURCHWARDENS.

Weight 6 cwt. 1740 : ' 6 Bells.' V.O.H., iv., p. 230.

The Rev. J. P. Hastings, of Trin. Coli., Carob. (d. 1846, p. 1847), was Rector of Areley 1856-1875, and of Martley 1875-1907.

H.T.T., 1893.

ARLEY, UPPER. Six bells.

1. WHEN YOU US RING WE'LL SWEETLY SING A (bell) R 1753 (29 in.

2. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD A (bell) R 1753 (29 in.

3. PROSPERITY TO THIS PARISH A (bell) R 1753 (30 in.

4. ABEL RUDHALL CAST US ALL 1753 (32 in.

5. WM. HILL & THOMAS BROOKS CH WARDENS A (bell) R 1753 (35 in.

6. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL & TO THE GRAVE DO SUMMON ALL A (bell) R 1753 (38 in.

All by Abel Rudhall of Gloucester.

Arley was formerly in the County of Stafford, and the inscriptions on the bells are given by Lynam in his Oh. Bells of Staffs., p. 2. Since 1895 it has been in Worcestershire, and since the founding of the Birmingham Bishopric in 1904 it has been transferred from Lichfield Diocese to that of Worcester.

See V.O.H., iii., p. 9.

Fig. 8. ALVECHt:llCH 6th (full size).

I ::s .lfig. IJ. ASTON, Wil1TE LADlES lst tfull size) .

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ASTLEY. St. Peter. Six bells.

l. PROSPERITY TO THIS PARISH 1728 (arabesques). Below, border all round.

2. IOHN RUDHALL GLOUCESTER FEeT. 1806 (ara­besques).

3. THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FOUNDER 1838. Below : PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD

RECAST ANNO DOMINI 1838. 4. FEAR GOD HONOUR THE KING (arabesques)

A R 1728 (arabesques).

5. THE GIFT OF SR THOMAS COOKS WINFORD :BART. 1728 (arabesque).

6. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE ORAVE DO SUMMON ALL 1728 RECAST 1897.

The remains of a ring of six by Abraham Rudhall II. Tenor recast by Carr (see Church Bells, 16th July, 1897). The old tenor weighed 14 cwt.

1740: '6 bells.' Inscriptions not given by Prattinton. V.O.H., iv., p. 236.

Sir Thomas Cooks Winford, Bart., of Glasshampton, died without issue 19th January, 1743.

H.T.T., 1893.

AS TON MAGNA. St. John Evangelist. One bell.

Church built 1846 ; parish formed from Blockley.

ASTON, WIDTE LADIES. St. Jo'hn Baptist. Three beUs.

1. IHS MR + RICHARD+FVLLWOOD+IOHN +HOR­WORD + CHVRCH WARDENS+ W + C + F + 1707. (See Fig. 6).

2. GIVE: PRAYSE: TO: GOD 1636 XXXXXX. 3. +SANCTE (King) IACOBPE (Queen) ORA PRO

(King) NOBIS (see facsimile, Fig. 7). 1st by William Clark of Evesham. W.C.F.=' William

Clark founder.' (See Fig. 9 for full-size cross and date figures).

2nd by Richard Dawkes of Worcester (1); S reversed.

Fig. 10. ASTON, WHITE LADIES 3rd (full size).

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3rd : Cf. Abbot's Morton 4th ; S's reversed ; heads of Edward II. and Philippa as stops. {See Fig. 10).

1552 : ' iiij bells.' 1740 : ' 6 bells ' {sic). Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V.O.H., ill., p. 561.

H.B.W., 1907.

BADSEY. St. James. Eight bells.

1. On waist: I.R.S. GVL : RENR : PRICE, A.M., VIC.

JUL : SLADDEN } HENR :KEEN

ECCLESIAE CUSTODIBVS.

MCMII. MEARS ET STAINBANK LONDINI FECERUNT.

2. I.H.S. A.M.D.G.

VICTORIAE REGINAE DILECTISSIMAE REGNUM NOS CANIMUS MCMII.

MEARS ET STAINBANK LONDINI FECERUNT.

3. I H S as Fig. 9 (twice repeated). {30 in.

4. The same. {31! in. 5. The same. {34 in.

6. + ROB PIGEON + THO BYRD + THO DVDLEY + CHVRCH + WARDENS + (arabesques) + {arabesqes). (See Fig. 11). {35£ in.

7. + M IHS B + F + (arabesques) IHS {arabesques) + {See Fig. 12). {40! in.

8. IHS MVTA VIT : VIGILANS : IN : SEX : NOS : CVRA : ROBERT I: HILL: IBI: VIC: GVL: CLARK: EFFICIT: ARTE: sVA : + ANo + (See Fig. 13). {40 in.

3-8 by William Clark and Michael Bushell of Evesham. The 1st and 2nd are additions to the previous six.

Chronogram on tenor : MCCCCLLLLLXVVVVVVVIIIIIIII Il=l706; the crosses at the end are within a toothed border.

The Habingdon MSS. (1660) give the inscription on the old tenor as Det sonitum plenum I esus et modvlamen amoenvm.

This is quoted . by Prattinton, and is also noted in the Lansdowne MSS., Brit. Mus., ii., 919 (Warburton's note from Habingdon 1).

1740: '6 Bells.' See F. E. Robinson, Among the Bells, p. 359 ; V.O.H., ii., p 358.

~

+ROB- PIGEON+ THO BYRD f THO-DVDLEY + Q

o",·.

CHVRCH.f WARDENS+ (arabesques)+ (arabesqes)

+M hili si B + F f (arabesques) ~~~si (arabesques)+

lr~siMVrAVIT: VlclLANs: IN: sEX: Nos:CVRA:ROBERrl:

HILL: IBI: VIC: cVL: CLARK: EFFICI r: ARTE: sVA: l±1 AN° ffi · Figs. 11-13. BADSEY, 6th-8th.

~Q Sm?Oca fiaaotHEl 5RH PRo lloBIS Fig. 14. BAYTON 1st.

21

Cwts. Qrs. Lbs. Weights: (1) 4 : 2 : 12

(2) 5 : 0: 20 (3) 6: 0: 0

(5) 7 : 3 : 0 (6) 10: 0 : 0 (7) 12 : 1 : 0 (8) 15: 0: 0 (4) 6 : 1 : 0

H.B.W., 1893. C.A.B., 1925.

Some extracts from the Churchwardens' Accounts are printed by Rev. T. P. Wadley in the Midland Antiquary, Vol. i., p. 31, and others by Rev. W. H. Price in Church­wardens' Accounts of the Parish of Badsey (Ed. E. A. B. Barnard, 1913) ; they cover the period 1525-1580, but except for the recasting of a bell in 1541 there is not much of interest. The entries relating to the bells are as follows :-

1529-1530.

1531-1532.

1532-1533.

1533-1534.

1534-1535.

1535-1538.

1538-1539.

1539-1540.

1541-1542.

It. payyd for me'dyng of ye belle whele iiijd It. payyd for ij belle ropys xvlijd It. payyd for a bawderyke jd It. payyd for ij belle ropys xxjd It. payyd for me'dyng of ye baldryks & wedyngs

(windings ?) xvd It. payyd for a belle rope xijd It. payyd for ye clapur of ye foure belle xxijd It. resevyd of Jone Yardeley to ye bells iiijd It. payyd for a belle rope and ye sawnse belle

corde xixd It. payyd for ye grete bell clapr ijs iiijd It. payyd to ye smyzt of bretfartu' for me'dy'ge

of the bellys viljd It. payyd for ye iijde belle clapr xijd (Sundry small repairs) It. payyd for yrne to me'de ye iijd belle clapr xvijd It. payyd for ye makyng of ye same clapr ijs iiijd (A few small repairs) It. payyd for me'dy'g of ye gogy' (gudgeon)

of ye thyrde belle iiijd It. for ye sawnse belle rope ijd It. payyd for ye me'dyng of ye thyrde belle viijd It. for me'dyng of ye same belle liijd It. for ye stockynge of ye same belle and

me'dy' of ye frame xd It. payyd for ye belle iijli It. payyd for expe'ses for carryynge and

facchy'g of ye belle vjd It. payyd · for ha'gy'ge and me'dy'ge of

ye clapr vjs xd [This was apparently a new bell added; the

founder may have been Nicholas Grene, of Worcester, who died in that year.]

1542-1543. It. payyd for ye last payme'te of ye belle 1Uj marks Of ye wyche we must be a lowyd lafte y' ye churche xijd

[Written in a space near this entry is the item 1630. Bells £21: 16: 4.]

1544-1545. It. for a belle clapar 1545-1546. It. payyd for ij belle roppys & ye sanse

belle roppe [1542-1553-Sundry small repairs] 1553-1554. It. payyd for ye sawnse belle 1554-155.'5. It. payyd for maky'ge of ye bawderykys

It. payyd for a nod' carte rope for ye bells 1555-1564. [Sundry small repairs] 1564-1565. It. tihese church me' have leyd owght for a

ijs viijd

xxd

ijs xvjd

xxijd

sawnse bell rope vjd 1580. lt'm pd for mending of the Bawthrlte of

one of the belles liijd

Mr. C. A. Binyon also sends some extracts relating to a bell recast in 1623 :-

Item to John G . . . *for hanging up of the Bel Item to Richard Roper for the Bell claper Item for the carrlge of the thurd Bell Item for the carige of her whome Item my expenses at the carrying in of the bell

xijd ijs vjd ijs vjd

ijd iiijd

It. my expenses at the casting of the bell It. payd at the digging up of the bell t It. for loading the bell

[Tol1Il away] xd

It.' for yron for the Clapper of the 3d. bell xxd

* Probably John Green of Worcester.

t I.e ., out of the pit in which it was cast. This looks as if the ~3ting was done on the spot.

The following additional extracts from the Churchwardens' Accounts (kindly sent by the same gentleman) indicate the locality where the existing bells were cast. Mr. Binyon says there was a tradition that the bells were cast on Merstow Green, Evesham, and are a maiden peal.

1706. item for Bell ropes and money spent fetching ye Bells lls 4d

item for mending ye Sollar floar 16.8 item for Casting ye Bells & Articles for ye

same 13li.14.0

23

1707. pd for Bell Ropes 11.4 the remaining Due for Casting & Hanging the

Bells 10.13.4 [Accounts signed by Robert Pigeon and Thomas

Byrd, whose names occur on the present 6th] 1709. ffor ·carrying ye Great Bell to Evesham and for

fetching him home again 4s Od [Possibly there was some defect in the casting

or hanging of the tenor in 1706, and this was sent to be put right by the founder.]

BALSALL HEATH. St. Paul. One bell. Church built 1853; parish formed from King's Norton. One bell by C. and G. Mears, 1855, weighing 10 cwt. 2 qrs.

21lbs.

BALSALL HEATH. St. Thomas. One bell. Church built 1883.

BALSALL HEATH. St. Barnabas. Church built 1904.

BARBOURNE. See Claines.

BAYTON. St. Bartholomew. 3+1 bells.

l. + SANCTE NECOLAE ORA PRO NOBIS (See Fig. 14).

2. THOMAS (4 palmettes) TAYLER (9 palmettes) FRAN­SIS MORLEY C W 1683 (small heart-shaped mark) (2 palm­ettes).

3. SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS FRANCIS MAYLARD THOMES MORELYE C W. Below: 1672 (heart-shaped mark) (palmettes).

S. 1652 (narrow border).

1st, Cf. Acton Beauchamp; a very bad casting. 2nd, 3rd, and small bell, all by John Martin, with his trade-mark IM and a bell (to be illustrated lat,er).

1740 : ' 3 bells'. See Prattinton MSS. (1802). V.O.H., iv., p. 240. H.T.T., 1893.

Best thanks to Rev. R. A. Wilson.

24

BELBROUGHTON. Holy Trinity. Six bells. L 5

I. THE REVD. MR. JOHN WYLDE GAVE 5: 5:0 1781. L 5

2. THE REVD. MR. THOS. TRISTRAM gave 5 : 5 : 0 1781. L S

3. AsTON HARRIS EsQR. GAVE 7 : 7 : 0 1781. L 5

4. JOHN TRISTRAM JuNR. ESQR. GAVE 10: 10:0 1781. L S

5. JOHN TRISTRAM SENR. ESQR. GAVE 50 : 0 : 0 1781.

6. I TO THE CHVRCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE DO SUMMON ALL . . . T.M. 1840

L 5

WM. CLINTON GENT. GAVE 5 : 5 : 0. 1-5 by Thomas Rudhall. 6 by Thomas Mears (in J.

Rudhall's lettering), cast at Gloucester. Clock strikes on 1, 2, and tenor.

1552 : ' hangynge in the steple iiij belles j saunts belle.' 1740: '5 bells.' V.C.H. iii., p. 17. Peal-board in belfry. Thanks to Rev. D. Townend, Rector.

BENGEWORTH. St. Peter. Six bells.

I. WILLIAM BLEWS AND SONS FOUNDERS BIRMINGHAM 1872.

2. The same. 3. The same. 4. The same. 5. The same with date 1871. 6. As No. I. Inscriptions in Gothic capitals throughout. These were recast out of the four bells in the old church,

which are said to have been by Bagley, but according to Browne Willis as quoted in Ellacombe's Oh. Bells of Gloucs., Supplt., p. 121, Bagley's list of bells cast by his family up to 1732 only gives ' Benger near Evesham 1,' and the other three may have been older. In 1740 Browne Willis gives '5 Bells.'

V.C.H. ii., p. 402. C.A.B., 1925.

RadonPJhus She~don de heo~eY Airmn 8'er H WIHIATlELEY H fORD Cfh W li708

Fig. 15: BEOLEY 1st.

Fig. 16. BEOLEY 2nd.

EERP8 STI8IIDOll 8SQQI8R I60I ·

IDillTIIHffi TIJIXill8E rmnmnonRs DJIXID@ana X\ rr a n ~

Fig. 17. BEOLEY 6th.

26

BEOLEY. St . . Leonard. Six bells.

I. Radolphus Sheldon de beoley Armiger I WHATELEY I FORD Ch W 1708. (See Fig. 15). (29£ in.

2. + ED SHELDON ESQVIER R SHELDON N CARL-TON W FRANCES 1622 H + 0 (See Fig. 16). (31 in.

On waist: Royal Arms of James I., with crown and IR ahove. (Fig. ~).

3. IOHN WHATLY lAMES FORD Ch Wd 1709 lames Powell (rest obliterated). (32! in.

4. ~ BE - YT . KNOWNE . TO . ALL .• THAT . DOTH . WE . SEE THAT. NEWCOMBE. OF. LEICESTER. MADE. MEE. 1611 (narrow border) (34! h1.

5. WILLM. PITTS & THOS. WINTER TON CHURCH wARDENS 1789 !No. RunHALL FEeT. (border) (38 in.

6. RAFE SHELDON ESQUIER 1601 WILLIAM HAR­PER. NICHOLAS DARLTUN R A E H (See Fig. 17).

Bells recently rehung by Carr ; tenor said to be cracked. 1st and 3rd by Richard Sanders of Bromsgrove, whose

trade-mark is on the latter. He uses the same' minuscules' at Hanbury, and Kinwarton, Warwick. The old 5th was also cast by him in 1711 (see below).

2nd by Henry Oldfield of Nottingham. The only remain­ing bell in the county from this foundry. A fine casting; thick at sound-bow. Cable-mouldings above and below the words, which are on separate paterae or logotypes.

4th by Newcombe, with a narrow vine border after the date. 6th by Hugh Watts I. of Leicester. For stamps and lettering on the 2nd, 4th and 6th see

Figs. 18-23. On the 6th C is reversed.

Various members of the Sheldon family are commemorated on these bells. Ralph Sheldon, whose name is given on the tenor, was the son and heir of William Sheldon, and in 1557 married Anne Throckmorton. He adorned the Sheldon chapel with monuments to his family, and was imprisoned as a recusant in 1580. He died in 1613, and was succeeded by Edward (see 2nd bell), who married Elizabeth Markham, of Ollerton, Notts, and died in 1643. It is possibly dne to his connexion with that county that we have here a bell from the Nottingham foundry. The Ra.lph whose name appears on the treble was the grandson of Edward, and succeeded to

. .l!'igs. :l0-21. B.IDOLEY 4tb (full size) .

..... ....... .

. . . .... ... .. Fig. 18. BEOLEY 3rd (full size).

Fig. 19. BEOLEY 2nd (full size).

28

the inheritance in 1684. He made a conveyance of the manor in 1708, and died in 1720.

For further details see V.O.H., iv., p. 14. 1552 : ' BEELY iij bells in the steple .•• j lyche bell and

j sacryng bell.' 1740 : ' 5 bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V.O.H.

iv., p. 18. H .B.W., 1896. -

The late Rev. J. S. Sandys, formerly Vicar, communicated the following extracts from the Churchwardens' Accounts for 1711, relating to the casting of the present 3rd beU :-

An Account of what money has [been] laid out concerning the Bells.

Impis spent at a Parish meeting when they agreed to have a new Bell

Spent when they bargained with M.r. San-ders to cast the Bells .. .

Spent at weighing the Bells .. . Pd for drink for the Carpenters Pd for weighing the Bells back Pd for carrying the Brasses ... [Pd] for a journey looking after them Pd for bringing back the Brasses ... Spent when the third Bell was weighed Pd for carriage of ye Third (?) Bell Spent at the same time Spent upon the Bell Founder

Sum is

4 0

2 0 5 2 2 2 8 1 1 0 I 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 1 0 1 6

1 15 3 ___ ,, A Bill of Charges npon aoompt of our being arested to M.r.

Bell's Bill as followeth :-Paid ye Bayley of the Hundred .. . , Pd for Stampt paper and fetching it [Pd] for meat and drink and horse meat Charges goeing to Bromsgrove Pd Mr. Clarke ye Bellfounder For charges at meeting Mr. Clark ye bel-

01 00 0 00 01 8 00 02 0 00 01 01 01

founder April ye 2d, 1711 uO 04 3 [and other items bringing the total to £3 18s. lld.)

* Clarke seems to have been Sanders's man (not the Evesham bell founder).

JJ'igs. 22-23. BEOLEY 6th (full size).

30

'BE~m.OW. St. Faith. Five bells.

1---'-5. CAST BY GILLETT & JOHNSTON CROYDON 1915.

4. On waist: TWO BELLS DATED 1650 .AND 1825 REd.AST .AND THREE .ADDED WITH NEW FRAME 1915

5. On waist : H. E. C.ASEY VICAR C. J. GREEN I J. WOODWARD f CHURCHWARDENS

Weights and notes: 3: I : ll E flat. 3 : 3 : 9 D flat. 4:2: 6 c. 6 : 0 : 6 B flat. 8 : 2 : 6 A flat.

Formerly two bells, inscribed :

I. WILLIAM : CLARKE : WILLIAM : MORLEE : CHVRCHW ARDENS : AN : 1650 : (See Fig. 24, 28).

(30! in. 2. GEo. HA WKINS & FR.A.Ns. BAD HAM CHURCH WARDENs,

1825. IoHN RuDH.ALL FEeT. (star). (40 in. The smaller bell was by John Palmer of Gloucester. As it

was the only specimen of his work in this county, it seems a great pity that no effort should have been made to preserve it.

Previously to 1825 there were four bells, the inscriptions on which were recorded by Dr. Prattinton in 1818 as follows:-

1. [Palmar's bell of 1650]. 2. [Broken]. 3. SANCTA MARIA ORA PRO NOBIS (cracked).

4. MISSI DE CELlS HABEO NOMEN GABRIHELYS (the letters LandS reversed).

Of these, the 3rd bell was probably by Robert Hendley of Gloucester, another specimen of whose work remains at Overbury; the 4th was either by John of Gloucester (cf. Broadwas), or more probably, as the reversed S suggests, one of the ' Royal Head ' type, as White Ladies' Aston, etc. Inscriptions on both in Gothic capitals.

It would appear that between 1818 and 1825 the two broken bells were disposed of, and the 4th recast into the large bell by John Rudhall. This and the bell of 1650 would have made the tenor and treble of a ring of four.

1552 : 'iiij belles hangynge in the staple.' 1740 : ' 4 bells! V.O.H., iii., p. 260. H.B.W., 1900. Best thanks to Rev. J. J. Edwards, Vicar, per Rev. J. Willis.

~XL LXA M: M 0 R LEE: <C HVRCCH ~AR.DEN s: . . AN: XG)o:~XLLXAM;CLAR.KE:

Fig. 24. BERROW (old bell).

+ a .ff ftl~ P Jf n V !iH. S H n a T ~~~ h .ff €I L I S Fig. 25. BESFORD.

Fig. 26. BIRTSMORTON 3rd.

GlORKA OEO ITNEXCELSllS llOlHIN ZANf ANIES Q VYIER EDWARD¥COWPEIR~:1~~1PAR.SON ll630 W .

Fig. 27. BIRTSMORTON -11!1.

82

BESFORD. St. Peter. Two bells.

1. + CAMPANVM SANCT MKAELIS (See Fig. 25). 2. No inscription.

Both very small bells, in a turret somewhat difficult of access. The second is probably co-eval with the first, which is by an early Gloucester founder, about 1300, possibly Hugh the bell-founder, mentioned in 1270, but more likely his daughter Christina 'la Belyutare,' mentioned in 1303-04 (see Bristol and Gloucs. Arch. Soc. Trans., xxxiv., p. 111). F!g. 30 gives the stamps full size.

1552 : ' BESSEFARD ij bells in the steple . . . j lyche bell a santus bell.'

Inscription given by Prattinton. V.O.H., iv., p. 22. H.B.W., 1891.

BEWDLEY. St. Anne. 8+1 bells.

1. WHEN YOU US RING WE'LL SWEETLY SING 1780 (ornament).

2. FEAR GOD HONOUR THE KING (two ornaments) 1780 (two ornaments).

3. PROSPERITY TO THIS TOWN (ornament) 1780 (ornaments).

4. MR. SAML. SKEY BAILIF 1780 (ornaments).

5. MR. SAML. KENWRICK JUSTICE (ornament) 1780 (ornaments).

6. THOS. RUDHALL GLOCESTER FOUNDER (orna­ment) 1780 (ornaments).

7. NATHANIELL ADEY BRIDGE WARDEN A: D: 1780 (ornament) T (bell) R (ornaments).

8. RIGHT HONBLE. LORD WESTCOTE HIGH STEWARD FOR THE BOROUGH OF BEWDLEY A : D : 1780 (two ornaments),

Fire Bell. BEWDLEY.

Below, stamp of anchor andfetterlock (the arms of the town).

:x 6 •

• 0·

• Fig. 28. BERROW (full size).

Fig. 29. BLOCKLEY 4tb.

84

The ornament on each is a floral scroll. On the tenor the lettering is smaller than on the others, except the date ; the word BOROUGH is engraved.

The lettering on the fire-bell looks like Mears'.

Tenor weighs 16 cwt. 2 qrs. 6 lbs. ; treble 5 cwt.

1740: '6 Bells.' Prattinton does not give the inscriptions, which are inaccurately given by Burton, Hist. of Bewdley, p. 25. The latter states (p. 24) that the bells were previously cast in 1660. V.O.H., iv., p. 314.

I am greatly indebted to Mr. J. F. Parker for a.n admirable set of rubbings.

Samuel Skey (4th bell) was born a.t Upton-on-Severn, and apprenticed to a grocer at Bewdley. He set up in business for himself, became very wealthy, and built Spring Grove House. He died early in the 19th century. (Burton, op. cit., p. 61).

Lord Westcote is William Lyttelton (1724-1808), sixth son of Sir Thomas Lyttelton, Bart., M.P. for BewdJey 1748-1755 and 1774-1776, in which latter year he was raised to the peerage as Baron Westcote. On the death of his nephew in 1794 he also became Baron Lyttelton of Frankley. (For further details see Diet. Nat. Biog.).

Ih the Chapel-and-Bridge-Wardens' accounts are soma items of interest (see Prattinton's MSS. and Burton, op. cit., pp. 22 ff., xii. ff.).

1589. paide for ringinge when the Span-niardes ships were taken in Irelande xvjd

1594. Pd for mendinge of a bauldricke and oyly for the clocke and for liquor for the bells ... ijd

1595. Pd to the Ringers on the queenes hollyday and for a pound of candells ijs

1596. Pd to John Glover for the Ringers at the coming in of my Lord Pre-sident* ixd

1597. Pd at the coming in of my Lord to the Towne and for ringing the first of May xviijd

* The second Earl of Pembroke, President of Wales, 1586

1603. For Ringing on Sainte James daye and for Ringinge on the Kinges hollyday For ringing for my Lordes coming to towne Item for mendinge the Balldrigges of the bells

1604. Pd to the Ringers [for the coming of Lord Zouche, President) ...

1607. Bells first rung on November 5th. 1611. For three fathoms of bellrope

To John Glover for ringing the schollers bell this two yeares ended at St. Mary day last 1612 ...

[Bell rung at 5 a .m. for the Grammar School; discontinued 1801].

1626. Pd to the Bellfounder for the casting of the Bell ...

1631. Pd for beere bestowed upon the Ringers at the birth ef Prince Charles

1632. Pd to Oldberry* in earnest of the bargaine to cast the bell ...

Pd for taking downe of the great bell, for drawing him to the water, and carriadge up and down and for the overplus mettell

1643. Pd for ringing at Prince Rupert's coming

Pd for ringing at the Kings coming to Towne and going forth ...

Pd Ringers for Prince Rupert 1646-7. Pd the ringers on a thanksgiving day

1649-51. Pd for ringing the 5 9ber and for Ireland

1651...:.53. The second of September _paid for ringing for the rooting of the Scotts

85

iiijs yd

ijs

vjd

xxs

07 04 ()()

()() 00 06

()() 01 ()()

13 02 03

0 I 6

0 2 0 0 I 0 0 2 0

0 4 0

[Dun bar] by Mr. Bailiffs order 00 05 0 1663. Given to the Ripgers when the Lord

Windsor came through the Towne 0 2 6

* ? Richard Oldfield or William Clibury, of Wellington. The next entry seems to imply that the latter is intended, the bell being conveyed by water, probably to Bridgnorth or Buildwas.

+a Jf fttt Fig. 30. BESFORD (full size).

p

0 Fig. 31. Fig. 32. Fig. 33.

Fig 34.

Fig. 35.

87

Early morning bell and curfew were formerly rung here· (Noake, Wares. Notes and Queries, p. 214). The latter was rung at 7 p .m. on Saturdays so that the apprentices might leave off work earlier. There was also a bell rung at 1 p.m., which on Saturdays was rung at noon, to allow the out-town higglers to come in and buy provisions ; the townsfolk had the right of pre-emption. The apprentices also had a half day on Shrove Tuesday, when two bells were rung and were supposed to say ' Pot off, Pan off.'

(Note by Mr. J. H. Bloom, on the authority of George­Clerk, parish clerk (aged 82 in 1914).

BIRUNGHAM (with NAFFORD). St. James. Five bells.

l. FRANCIS BAHRHLEW (arabesque) SAMVEL (plant) PALMER (arabesque) OHVROH WARDENS WILLIAM BAGLEY MADE ME 1692 (arabesques).

2. WHEN YOU ME RING I'll SWEETLY SING A (bell} R 1748 (ornament).

3. HENRY BAGLEY MADE MEE 1685 (arabesques between words).

4. GEORGE LVNNE AND IOHN OVBBERLY OHVROH WAR­DENS (arabesques) 1685 (arabesques).

5. FEARE GOD AND HONNOR THE KING 1685 (arabesques between words).

Apparently an original ring of five by Henry Bagley II. On the 1st, the first surname is intended for ' Batchelor '* ;

the 2 of the date is reversed. There is a hole in the crown of the 1st.

The ornaments throughout on the Bagley bells are ara­besques (Warwickshire, Fig. ll), except a small plant after SAMVEL on 1st.

1552 : ' BYRLYNGHAM iiij bells in the staple . . . sacryng bell.' 'NAFFORD j litle brasse bell.'

1740: '5 bells.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V.O.H., iv., p. 28. H.B.W., 1889. Thanks to Rev. J.

Willis.

* Ex inform. Rev. R. R. Duke, formerly Rector.

Fig. 37.

Fig. 40.

Fig. 38. Fig. 39. Figs. 37-39. BIRTSMORTON 3rd (full size).

+I 0 llllfl Fig. 41.

Figs_ 40-41. BRO_A_I>~AS (full Hlze).

39

BIRTSMORTON. SS. Peter and Paul. 4+1 bells.

l. GOD (palmettes) SAVE (palmettes) THE (palmettes) KING (palmettes) 1665 (30! in.

2. SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS 1665. Below, border as on 1st. (32 in.

3. + Misit De Celis Habeo Nomen Gabrielys (two shields). (See Fig. 26). (33! in.

4. GLORIA DEO IN EXCELSIS IOHN NANFAN ESQVYER EDWARD (jleur-de-lys) COWPER (bower) PARSON 1630 (borders). (See Fig. 27).

Below : Shield. (See Fig. 35). (36! in. 8. No inscription.

1st and 2nd by John Martin. 3rd by Robert Crowch (1) of London ; probably about

1440-1480. ~See Figs. 37-39 for stamps, full size).

4th by Thomas Hancox of Walsall; trade-mark in shield, not the same as at Abbot's Morton (see Figs. 35, 36); floral and arabesque borders (Figs. 32-34). For the fl.eur-de-lys and date figures see Figs. 31, 33. D of DEO and N of IN reversed.

Small bell; hung high up in one corner of bell-chamber. 1552 : ' MoRTON BYRTE v. belles of a meane sorte.' 1740 :

Birchmorton 6 bells.' See Prattinton MSS. V.O.H. v., p. 33. H.B.W., 1900.

BISHAMPTON. St. James. 6+1 bells. l. GALIELMVS KEYT BARONET HVNS MANERIS 1690. 2. ROBERT GAYWOOD AND WILLIAM FARLY CHVRCH­

WARDENS 1690. 3. WILLIAM (arabesques) GRIMIT (arabesques) 1690 (ara­

besques). 4. WILLIAM BAGLEY MADE MEE 1690 (arabesques between

words and before date).

5. RD SANDERS MADE MEE WILLIAM POWELL CHVRCHWARDEN 1705.

6. FEARE GOD HONNOR THE KING 1690 (arabesques between words and before date).

8. G DUGARD R FAIRLEY 1721.

40

An original ring of six by William Bagley, of Ecton, North­ants, of which the 5th was recast shortly after by Sanders of Bromsgrove. On the 1st N is for IV. Borders on 3rd, 4th and 6th, arabesques. Sanctus bell by Richard Sanders; hung in S. window of tower.

155.2 : ' In the staple iiij bells and ij small bells.'

1740: '3 bells' (sic). Inscriptions given by Prattinton.

V.C.ll. ill., p. 264 (' sanctus bell uninscribed and of modern form ').

H.T.T., 1877. Formerly a muffied peal rung on January 30th, and ringing

on May 29th. But I do not know if these customs are still kept up.

Many thanks to Rev. J. Willis.

William Grymmit (see 3rd bell), son of Thomas Grymmit, died August, 1719, aged 85 (Nash, i., p. 88).

With reference to Sir William Keyte (1st bell), Nash says Sir Richard Walsh, Knt., having no male issue, left his lands in Bishampton to his daughters and co-heirs, one of whom, Catherine,* wife of Sir Thomas Bromley, of Holt, Knt., brought a moiety to her husband, which was sold to Mr. William Keyte, who purchased the other moiety of this manor from Sir John Scudamore, Viscount Sligo, and succeeded to the lordship of Bishampton. LHabingdon MSS.].

Sir William Keyte, of Ebrington, Gloucs., 2nd Bart. (cr. 1660), was born at Ragley, 1640, succeeded 1662, and died 1702. See Burke's Extinct Baronetages, p. 289, and cf. Rudder's Gloucestershire, s.v. Ebrington, and Church Bells of Warwickshire, s.v. Wolford.

George Dugard's wife (cf. Sanctus bell) was buried in 1731.

Noake (Rambles in Worcs., i., p . 348) mentions the existence of a bond between the churchwardens and overseers, and John Martin, for £43 for the casting of the bells in 1661. The previous ring was therefore by him. He also makes the apparently inaccurate statement that the Sanctus bell was given by Sir W . Kite (sic) in 1620 ; but must be referring to the treble.

* The name is given as Anne in the Bromley pedigree (Nash, Worcs., i., p. 595). Sir Thos. Bromley died in 1641.

41

BLOCKLEY. SS. Peter and Paul. Eight bells.

1. *CALL A SOLEMN ASSEMBLY (vine border below).

On waist:

(a) REV. CANON HOUGHTON R.D• VICAR. REV. C. L. WHATLEY CURATE.

(b) JOHN TAYLOR &: CO, FOUNDERS

LOUGHBOROUGH MDCCCXCIV

Below, vine all round. (28in.

2. "OUR SOUND IS GONE OUT INTO ALL THE

LANDS (vine border below).

On waist: (a) CAPTAIN SPENCER }

MR. HENRY WESTMACOTT CHURCHWARDENS.

MR. JAMES KEEN FOREMAN (29! in. (b) As No. l.

3. Above, cable moulding. SAMVELL SCATTERGOOD RECTOR ROBEF.T

WARNER AND ROBERT ROBBINS 2nd line: C M M B 1683 (row of coins all round).

4. AFTER (border) FLECHER (border) AND (border) WILLIAM (border) DA VIS (border) CHVRCHWARDENS (border) 1679 (border).

Below, broad border all round (see Fig. 29). 5. GOD (border) SAVE (border) THE (border) KING

(border) 1638 (border).

6. PROSPERITY TO THIS PARISH A (bell) R 1729 (fleurs de lys, long piece).

7. Above, band of fleurs de lys. HENRY (border) BAGLEE (border) MADE (border)

MEE (border) 1638 (borders).

8. ~ & g m.el.\~1' f.ounbe~• lonb.ou 1854 On waist: {a) GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST.

(b) mllts coplt utcar Jobn r btron } ' Jobn l'blllti'S cburcbwardtns

42

Weights of 3rd-8th: 6!, 7, 8!, 9!, 12, 16! cwt. Belfry very dark. The 3rd and 4th are by Matthew

Bagley; the 5th and 7th by Henry. On 3rd, coins between words except before and after RECTOR, where there is a small plant. On 4th and 5th running scrolls between words, of different types. On 7th, fleurs de lys between words; after date, scroll as on 5th. The inscription on the tenor is in black-letter and Gothic caps.

The late Vicar, Rev. Canon Houghton, contributed the following notes in 1900: " The Bells were rehung on steel girders, and two new Bells added to complete the octave, and a special service for their dedication was held on St. Peter's Day, 1894."

In reference to the recasting of the 5th (formerly 3rd) bell, the parish accounts have the following entry :-

1729. P aid to Mr. Abraham Rudhall for casting the third Bell and for waste and new mettle added to the said bell and a clapper £12.8.()

In 1729 are also the following payments to ringers : Paid to John Keen for the ringers at Gun-

powder treason 6.0 At the coronation of King Goorge 1.6

In 1733: Paid to John Keen for the ringers on the 29th of May 3.0

1787. Mr. Warner for mending the great bell 4.0.0 [This must have been " Old John Warner," the

London founder, ancestor of the 19th century firm.]

See Soden's History of Blockley, p. 31 (inscriptions in­accurately given).

The Rev. S. Scattergood (see 3rd) was Vicar 1681-1696; the Rev. Miles Coyle (tenor) from 1831 to 1855 . . On the 4th, 'After Flecher' is apparently meant for 'Alfred Fletcher.'

1740 : ' 6 Bells.' Bagley's list (B. Willis Bodl., xliii., 26) the same.

V.C.H., iii., p. 274, gives only six bells. H.B.W., 1916.

BOCKLETON. St. Michael. Three bells.

1. PAVCI TEMPLA PETVNT NOBIS RETICENTIBVS ERGO 1627. On rim: EB : EB BE : W : HOVLT : WA (all inverted) (28 in.

43

2. SOLI DEO GLORIA PAX HOMINIBVS IOHN AMYS THOMAS BROWNS 1667. Below, border of palmettes all round; on waist, large heart-shaped trade-mark. (31i in.

3. +RICHARD +ENGLISH +THOMAS + ADDAMS C W 1675. (See Fig. 42). (33! in.

1st by John Grene of Worcester. The meaning of ERGO is not obvious ; it looks suspiciously as if put in to fill up the verse, like the schoolboy's jam.

2nd by John Martin: trade-mark with I M and bell. 3rd by Henry Clibury of Wellington; the only bell in the

country from this foundry. See Prattinton MSS. V.C.H., iv., p. 245. H .B.W., 1901.

BRADLEY. St. John Baptist. One bell.

Originally two bells, recast into three in 1771; these were sold when the church was rebuilt in 1865, and replaced by a. single bell, now inaccessible, being hung half-way up the 13pire. (Communicated by Rev. H . Housman, 22nd Sept., 1900).

1552 : 'Stocke and Bradley. In the steple ij belles, a lyche bell . . . a sacryng bell.' 1740: '5 Bells' (sic).

Prattinton does not give the inscriptions ; he states that the bells were in a wooden turret. Noake mentions three about 1854 (Rambles in Worcs., ii., p. 159).

V.C.H., iii. p. 362.

BRANSFORD. St. John Baptist. Three bells. 1. No inscription.

2. + SANCTA TRINITAS VNUS DEVS MISERERE NOSTRI 1621 + (See Fig. 43).

3. PROSPERITY TO THIS CHVRCH AND PLACE (arabesques) A (bell) R 1717.

2nd cf. Great Malvern 6th and 7th; founder unknown. Small thin letters, ranged irregularly.

1552 : ' Braunceford ij litle bells in the steple.' 1740 : ' 1 bell ' (sic). V.C.H., iv., p. 109. See Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. (Raven) 37434.

H.T.T., 1882. Many thanks to Mr. P. H. Hayes, Church• warden in 1900.

~ R lCHARD ~ ENGLISH ~ THOMAS l±J ADDAMS C VI IG75

Fig. 42. BOCKLETON 3rd.

~SANCTA TRINITAS VNVS DEVS MISERERE NOSTRI 162183

Fig. 48. BRANSFORD 2nd.

EEJ I OllJiflfi I SfBJPR6G6 ~DV LG 6 ~ so neT ~eT~JJmena

Fig. 44. BROADWAS 5th.

45

BREDICOT. St. James. One bell.

l. No inscription.

Round the shoulder, two headings close together; probably not older than 18th century. In an open bell-cot.

Mr. E. M. Kingsmill in 1900 read a date (1) 7175 on the bell, but appears to have been misled by roughness on the surface.

1552 : ' Bredlycott ij bells in the steple, a lyche bell . . . a sanctus bell.' 17 40 : ' 2 bells.'

Prattinton gives ' two bells, one very small ; now no access to them.'

BREDON. St. Giles. 5+1 bells.

l. ROBT. PHELPS & SAML. RICKETS CH-WARDENS A (bell) R 1733 (arabesques) (33! in.

2. 1 6 2 4 (oak-leaf border; the rest filed away) (37iin.

3. W WITMORE MADE VS ALL 1624 (oak-leaf border between words) (39i in.

4. IoHN WEBB RECTOR (ornament) RoBRT. PHELPS lAMES FovcH CwR A R (bell) : 1706 (arabesques) (43i in.

5. T D (border) G R (border).

Below: 1624. On waist: IH TR. On rim: T ALLEN. (49 in.

S. No inscription.

2nd, 3rd, and 5th : letters on paterae ; good oak-leaf borders ; the founder is not otherwise known, but must be connected with theW. Whitmore who cast bells for Frocester, Gloucs., in 1639. The 4 of the date is reversed in each case.

1st and 4th by Abraham Rudhall. Clock strikes on tenor, which weighs 18! cwt. (Note D). 1552 : 'iiij bells in the stepull.' 1740 : ' 5 bells.' In-

scriptions given by Prattinton. V.O.H., iii., p. 290. The Rev. John Webb was Vicar 1688-1724. H.B.W., 1893. Thanks to Rev. F. W. Berry, afterwards Rector of Wendens

Ambo, Essex.

46

BREDON'S NORTON. Six bells.

I. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, . 1885. IN MEMORY OF ANNA AND PENELOPE

MARTIN.

2. PEACE AND GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD A (bell) R 1738.

3. THE REV. DR. SUTTON MINISTER A R 1738.

4. PROSPERITY TO THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND A R 1739.

5. AB RUDHALL CAST US ALL 1738.

6. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE DO SUMMON ALL A R 1738.

The treble is an addition, there having been previously only five bells.

The Rev. Dr. Sutton was Vicar of Bredon 1724-1749. The tenor weighs 6 cwt.

1552 : ' N ORTON JUXTA BRED ON iij bells in the steple.' Inscriptions given by Prattinton. V.O.H., ill., p. 290,

BRETFORTON. St. Leonard. Six bells.

I. PRESENTED BY JAs. AsHWIN EsQ. MAY 24 1823 J & NW. 2-5. J & N WESTCOTT BRISTOL 1823. ·

On waist : 2. HERE AM I AS SECOND BELL OBSERVE ALPHA AND RING ME WELL

3. AS MUSIC HATH A SECRET CHARM WE MAY THE ATHEIST SOUL ALARM

4. AS FOURTH OUR LOUDEST POWER CLAIM TO HONOR GEORGE THE FOURTH'S NAME

5. ON HYMEN'S DAY LIKE VIRGINS FIVE MAY WE ALL MAKE THE SOUL ALIVE

6. J & N WESTCOTT BRISTOL AND PENNY HANCOCK MARCH 25TH 1823.

AND WHILE THE SOLEMN KNELL I RING TO MORTAL MEN GOD SAVE THE KING

Formerly five bells, the inscriptions on which are given by Dr. Prattinton as follows :-

47

1. IOHN OROME AND BAPTIST HARRIS OHVRCH WARDENS HB 1654.

2. IOHN MORRIS 0 W. WILLIAM HARRIS 1622.

3. 3 IVNE 1622. 4. GOD SAVE OVR NOBLE KING lAMES THOMAS

WATSTORY THOMAS WILKES 0 W 1612. 5. TRINITATE SAORA FIAT HEO OAMPANA BEATA. The 1st by Henry Bagley; 2nd-4th probably by Henry

Farmer (cf. Throckmorton) ; the 5th (in Gothic capitals) probably from the mediaeval Nottingham foundry, to which this inscription seems to be peculiar (cf. Broadway).

1740: '5 bells! Noake, Rambles in Worcs., ii., p. 100, gives the inscriptions. V.C.H., ii., p. 365.

Jaines Ashwin, of Bretforton Manor, who gave the treble, married Rebecca Hall, and died 12th May, 1835, aged 75. His tomb is in the chancel.

In 1530 a small legacy was bequeathed to the bells by Thomas Orumpe, and in 1533 a strike of wheat by John More.

The custom at funerals is to give the tellers on each bell (3 male, 2 female, on each) followed by tolling.

The above and other facts relating to the bells were collected by the former Vicar, Rev. W. H. Shawcross, and published by him in his Memorials of Bretforton, pp. 64, 201. He copies some notes made by George Sheppard, the parish clerk, lOth Dec., 1822, which give the inscriptions on the old bells, with the exception of the tenor, which he said had ' 38 capital letters he could not make out,' followed by those on the new ring.

An entry in a book belonging to the late W. R. Sheppard runs : ' The big bell was slung in the belfry a few yards high for the purpose of its being minuted for Dr. Timbrell's wife's funeral,' probably before its fixture in its present position. She died 13th May, 1823.

Early in the 19th century John Halford, one of the ringers, after a quarrel with the others said : ' I hope that next time I take hold of a bell-rope I shall fall down dead,' On Nov. 28th, 1806, a son and heir was born to Mr. Ashwin, and Halford hurried to the belfry, seized a rope to ring, and fell down dead I

48

The following extracts from the Vestry minutes relate to the erection of the new bells in 1823 :-

At a Vestry Meeting held [20 Nov. 1822] in pursuance of notice duly given in the parish church, we do direct that the churchwardens take down the five old bells belonging to the same church, and purchase and hang six new ones in the same tower in lieu thereof, of such size as the old metal in exchange for the new at a certain rate will pay for, Mr. Ashwin having kindly promised to present to the parish one new bell complete.

Signed James Ashwin } John Coldicot t Churchwardens

and 25 other signatures. Witness ID. W. Kirke, Curate. At a Vestry Meeting holden on the 15th day of July, 1823,

ordered that a rate be collected for the necessary repairs of the bells and church after the rate of two shillings in the pound.

Account of the money expended by Mr. J. Churchwarden :

Paid John Gibbs' bill for hanging the bells James Ford for iron work for ditto [Other expenditure on the church

Collected by levy Received by Stephen White

Balance

Coldicott, £ s. d.

23 9 1 9 3 8

12 5 1]

44 17 10

65 16 6 0 7 6

66 3 0

21 5 2

Memorandum of expenses incurred in repairing the bells and frames:

Mr. Westcott's bill Mr .. Gibbs' bill Other items

136 2 5 23 9 1 41 1 9

200 13 3

BRICKLEHAMPTON. St. Michael and All Angels.

Three bells.

l. T. MEARS & SoN oF LoNDON FECIT 1807. 2. REcAsT 1807 JOHN PHIPPS THoMAs BoMFORD CHuRcH­

WARDENs.

Below : THOMAS MEARS & SoN OF LONDON FECIT.

49

3. THOMAS MEARS & SoN oF LoNDON FECIT 1807.

1552 : ' Bryklampton iij bellys in the steple a lyttle bell.' Prattinton notes 'bell-turret of brick; no entrance to it

from church.' V.C.H., iv., p. 174. H.B.W., 1889.

BROADHEATH. See HALLOW.

BROADWAS. St. Mary Magdalen. Five bells.

1. I. RUDHALL GLOUCESTER FECT ** 1822 ** (23i in.

2. On waist: I. RUDHALL FECIT 1822. RECAST . BY . CHARLES . CARR . SMETHWICK

1896. (23 in. 3. T. HUNT & WM. HoMES C. WARDENS 1820I.R. FEet.·~·

(25 in. 4. To THE GLORY oF GoD A.M.D. (b) "CHARLES CARR"

SMETHWieK IN MEMORY OF ELIZABETH AGNES HILL. 1896 (27 in.

5. + IOHANNIS : PRECE : DVLCE : SONET : ET : AMENE (See Fig. 44). (28i in.

Old 2nd inscribed I. RuDHALL FEe! *** 1822 *** 5th by the same founder as Great and Little Malvern bells,

John of .Gloucester, c. 1350. Stamps given in full size, Figs. 40-41. In good order, but all' clocked.'

On August 20th, 1822, there were only the present 3rd and 5th and a small blank bell in the tower (Prattinton MSS. ). Down to 1896 there were four bells; the fourth is an addition of that year. The new bells were put up Sept., 1896.

1552 : ' Brodwas iij belles in the steple j saunts bell ij other small belles.' V.C.H., iii., p. 296.

The Rev. T. A. Turner noted in 1884 : 'One cannon of tenor gone, and clapper through crown ; 2nd, flat crown and very square shoulders ; 3rd, flat crown.'

H .B.W., 1890 and 1925.

B1tJ [5Jt] W ALTER SAVAGE~ WILLIAM ~ SHELDOVN ~ ESQVIER ~ 1609 ~

Fig. 45. BROADWAY (old eh.) 3rd.

PRO <> REGE <> ET <> POPVLO <> 1608 <> Fig. 46. BRO.ADW .AY (new eh.).

+ a oi I ~ D I Fig. 47. BROOM .

*Ib8SVS:I1BZER8DVS :ReX: IVD 60RVffi *RVe:: illREIB.:ORH.QIJ.i

Fig. 48. llROU G HTON HACKETT 1st and 2nd.

51

BROADWAY. St. Eadburgha. Six bells.

l. CANT ATE DOMINO CANTICVM NOVUM MATT­HEW BAGLEY MADE ME 1778.

MR. COLEMAN MR. DAVIS CHURCHWARDENS .

2. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1812 THOMAS FROST GENTLEMAN & JOHN HIGFORD GRIFFITHS, ATTORNEY AT LAw CHURCH wARDENS ..

3. WALTER SA V AGE WILLIAM SHELDON SQRS ANNO DOMINI 1603 (jleur de lys Fig. 50 between words).

2nd line : WILLIAM HODGES WILLIAM BROOKES CHVRCH WARDENS S A D W I F P WL W M A B H (jleurs de lys as before)

4. + WALTER + SA V AGE + WILLIAM SHELDOVN + ESQVIER + 1609 + (See Fig. 45).

5. As No. l.

6. l{ECAST AT GLoucESTER BY JoHN RunHALL A.D. 1828. JOHN RUSSELL AND JAMES STOCKFORD CHURCH­WARDENS.

3rd and 4th by Henry Farmer of Gloucester. The letters are very good, on well-marked paterae. Fleur de lys as stop.

The old t enor was inscribed (as given in Prattinton MSS.) :-

Crlnltatt sacra ftat fitc campana B~ata It was probably from the Nottingham foundry, to which

the inscription is peculiar. Part of the inscription on the teno.r is incised.

For the Sheldon and Savage families at Broadway see Nash, Worcs., i., p. 144, and V.C.H. Worcs., iv., p. 39. William Sheldon was the son of Antony and Jane Sheldon, and his son married Savage's daughter.

1740: '5 bells.' Another list gives' 1 bell' (sic).

Trans. Bristol and Gloucs. Arch. Soc., ix., p. 26. V.C.H. iv., p. 42.

H.T.T., 1888. Rubbings sent by Rev. F. Morgan in 1900.

52

BROADWAY. St. Michael. One bell.

1. PRO REGE ET POPVLO 1608 (See Fig. 46). (16 in. Probably by Henry Farmer; small letters as at Marlin

Hussingtree. This is the old sanctus bell from St. Eadburga's Church,

placed in the new church on its erection in 1839, where in spite of its diminutive size it has served ever since for all purposes.

Many thanks to Mr. C. A. Binyon.

BROMSGROVE. St. John Baptist. 10+1 bells.

1. PuRCHASED BY SuBSCRIPTION 1816 J. LAURENCE OF WHITFORD FIRST SuBSCRIBER.

2. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1816. 3. THOMAS RUDHALL GLOUCESTER FOUNDER

(Jrnament) 1773. 4. WHEN YOU US RING WE'LL SWEETLY SING

T (bell) R 1773. 5. GOD PROSPER THIS PARISH A (ornament) R

,bell) 1701 (ornament).

6. JOHN WAUGH VICAR (ornament) T (bell) R 1773 (ornament).

7. REVD. DR. WINGFIELD VICAR WM. WARD THOMAS GREENING THos. WRIGHT JosEPH GABB CHURCHWARDENS

1816. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT.

8. BARWELL FOUNDER BIRMINGHAM.

(a) THIS BELL WAS RECAST AND THE WHOLE PEAL WAS REHUNG

A.D. 1897 AT THE SOLE COST OF EDMUND HARTLAND

SENIOR CHURCHWARDEN LAUS DEO

(b) Barwell's trade-mark (J.B. on shield within oak­wreath) .

9. THE REVJ? THOS FOUNTAIN VICAR .JN<? AISHMORE C : WRIGHT "1 BADGER & R : WILKES WARDENS 1790 •·•

58

10. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GR.A VE DO SUMMON ALL 1773.

8. 1816. The tenor weighs 19 cwt. The 4th and 5th have had the

cannons removed ; the former is a ' maiden ' bell. The ting-tang is by Mears.

The old 8th was inscribed :

JOHN CROMWELL RICHARD WILKES DANL. HARRIS THOs. TAYLOR CH WARDENS 1773.

The history of the bells goes back to 1624, as will be seen from the subjoined extracts. In 1695 the five bells were cast into six by Abraham Rudhall, and again recast by him in 1701 (see extracts given below). Two trebles were added by Thomas Rudhall in 1773, and three others recast, and two more were added by Mears in 1816. The 9th was recast in 1790, presumably by John Rudhall. Of the original ring of 1701 only one reJnains, the present 5th.

1552 : 'In the steple iiij bells.' 1740: '6 bells.' Prattinton says : ' A set of eight musical bells was cast

and hung in 1773.' V.C.H., iii., p. 30. The Rev. John Waugh was Vicar 1754-1777, the Rev.

Thomas Fountain 1788-1815, and the Rev. John Wingfield 1815-1826. Mr. Fountain was also Prebendary of Worcester (1774) and Chaplain-in-Ordinary to the King.

I am indebted to Mr. C. Johnson of the Record Office for kindly transcribing for me the following extract from Chancery Proceedings (Series Ill., Bundle 363, No. 8), relating to the casting of bells in 1622-23 by one John Tidman, who seems to have been a local tradesman, and not a regular bell-founder.

On the 12th of June, 1624, Stephen Knight, " being 2 years ago Churchwarden of Bromsgrove," raised a subscription to recast and rehang the bells, and agreed with John Tidman, brazier, of Bromsgrove, who professed to be able to save the parish much money. 1.' he bells were delivered to Tidman,

· being of the following weight : cwt. qrs. lbs. oz.

Great Bell 19 1 4 10 2. 15 0 13 0 3. 14 1 14 0 4. 9 3 8 0

Total 1\8 2 11 10

Tidman was to recast the bells, and add new metal; the great bell to weigh 19cwt., and 4 other bells tunable to the same to hang them and make five new three-quarter wheels and stocks and the frames, and repair the floor of the belfry, and furnish elappers and baldricks, etc., and make a new pair of chimes before Candlemas 162~, and warrant the bells, and keep them in order for a year, from £61 13s. 4d. Knight paid him lls. in gold as earnest money, but Tidman, knowing there was no wit.ness to the bargain, omitted to make the chimes, used bad metal, " and otherwise has not performed the contract, so that the bells are mucl;l worse." The new bells were of less total weight than the old four, viz., the great bell 15cwt. 3qrs. 17lbs. Soz., and the others lighter than the old ones," and all so bad as to be already flawed and cracked." Tidman held Knight's bond for £120 for the payment of the £61 2s. 4d., and inte.nded to enforce it on Knight, who petitioned for a writ of subpoena.

The reply of John Tidman, sworn at Evesham on October 5th, 1624, was that Knight as Churchwarden made the con­tract in November, 1622. The great bell was to be delivered as weighing 20cwt. and the three smaller without weight. The great beii was to be recast, to weigh 19cwt., and the three others to be cast into four bells tu.neable with the great bell, more metal being provided if necessary. Tidman was to make a new frame for the new treble bell, and repair the frames of the old bells, make a sufficient pair of chimes to repair the floor or soller where the bells hung, and hang the bells with three-quarter wheels, and make stocks, and repair or renew the clappers and all ironwork with " bell brasses " and " ballrygges," and warrant the bells for 12 months, the work to be done before Candlemas next, for £61 13s. 4d., for which Knight gave his bond for a greater sum. The great bell only weighed 19cwt. and odd lbs. Tidman only delivered five bells at the time named, the great bell "neare to the weight aforesaid " and the others to match, with clappers, and provided a set of chimes shortly after, which cost him £41. The new bells were generally approved, but Tidman complains that he cannot get his money. He is a trades­man having little means beside his labour, and he is there­fore compeiled to sue at common law on the bond. He denies that the work is unsatisfactory, and says if the bells are now out of order it is because Knight permitted " dis­orderly ringing." He prays for the case to be dismissed with costs; but we are not told how it finally ended.

Mr. J. H. Bloom contributes the following extract from a letter of Thomas Wilmott to the Chancellor of the Diocese, dates 25th Oct., 1701 :-

I make bold oo acquaint you that Thos Stanley late Churchwarden of Bromsgrove has already putt the parish to a great deal of unnecessary trouble and expence by giving a release (whilst he was in his otlice) to a Bellfounder that was so far from performtng his articles about our bells t.hat wee have lately been for'd to send them to Mr. Ruddal of Gloucester .to be cast afresh, which by a modest computation will putt ye parish to 60lb. charge more than what has already been expended.

55

The following are from W. A. Cotton's History of Broms­grove Church, p. 46 ff. :-

10 July 1691. ' It is agreed that the Ringers shall have but 5s. on any Ringing day except the 5th of November and then 6s. 6d. and the ringers shall not ring without the oonsent of the churchwardens.

1705. It is agreed that the Ringers shall have 10s. for ringing on the 5th of November.

1718. It is agreed that the Ringers shall have 10s. for ringing on the 5th of November and King's Co·ronation and 6s. 8d. on other ringing days.

11 Oct. 1695. It is agreed to cast the five bells into six the same being out of repair.

1701. It is agreed that Abram Rudhall shall now cast the Six Bells and the Bell at the Town Hall and that the clock and chimes be repaired.

1703. 18 Feb. That Thomas Hemming the sexton shall have 25s. more than the Clerk allows him for ringing the bell at 4 o'clock in the morning and at eight at night, to be paid yearly to him or anyone the churchwardens think proper.

1730. Renewed agreement with William Taylor, clerk, to the same effect.

1773. 21 March. It was agreed to have three of the Bells new cast and two new ones to make eight. The work was given to Thomas Rudhall, and oost £117, towards which £33.15.4 was collected by subscription.

1815. 22 Nov. Thomas Paul of Bristol agreed to rehang, repair, and tune the bells at a cost of £53.

The bells were again rehung in 1871, and re-opened with peal-ringing.

The morning bell was formerly rung at 4 a.m., then at 5' and subsequently discontinued. The Curfew however is still rung at 8, for five minutes, followed by tolling the day of the month, on week-days only.

Tellers 3x3 for male, 3x2 for female, before and after tolling.

In the ringing-chamber are fifteen peal-boards, the oldest being dated 29th and 31st Dec., 1788, of 12,000 and 10,192 changes respectively.

BROMSGROVE. All Saints. One bell.

Church built 188'8.

Fig. 49.

Fig. 51.

Fig. 50. Figs. 49-50. BROADWAY 4tb (full size) .

Fig. 52.

Fig. 53. Figs. 51-53. BR.OUGHTON H.A.CKETT l.st Cfnll size).

• • •

BROOM. St. Peter. Two bells.

l. Unintelligible inscription. (See Fig. 47).

57

2. DANIEL (border) NOT (border) EDMOND (border) WEB (border) 1672.

Inscription on smaller bell quite unintelligible ; several of the letters are half formed and meaningless. Date uncertain, but the first four characters after the cross may be intended for 1691.

Larger bell by John Martin ; narrow running border between words.

V.C.H., iii., p. 34. H.B.W., 1894.

BROUGHTON HACKETT, St. Leonard. Two bells.

l. + IHESVS : NAZARENVS : REX : IVDEORVM (See Fig. 48).

2. + A VE : MARIA : GRACIA (See Fig. 48).

Both bells by the same founder, though the lettering differs (cf. Beaudesert, Warwick). The cross is shown full size in Fig. 51 ; the letters on lst in Figs. 52-53. In Fig. 48 ORACIA should read GRACIA. Probably cast at Warwick about 1320-50.

1552 : ' In the steple ij bells a sacrinll bell a liche bell. Insc-riptions given by Prattinton. V.C.H., iv., p. 45. H.B.W., 1890.

BUSHLEY. St. Peter. Six bells.

l. MEARS & STAINBANK, WHITECHAPEL FOUN­DRY, LONDON, 1889.

2. ABRA RVDHALL BELL.FOVNDER 1710 (two orna­ments).

3. A: R (two bells) 1710 (band of ornaments).

4. AR (arabesques) 1710 (arabesques); below, band of cresting all round.

5. GOD SAVE THE CHVRCH AND QVEEN (ornament) A R (two bells) 1710 (arabesques).

58

6. DANIEL BISHOP & IOHN TOVEY CH WARNs 1710 (arabesques).

Five bells only down to 1889. The tenor weighs only 7 cwt.

1552 : 'iiij bells the saunce bell.' 1740 : ' 5 bells.'

Prattinton gives the inscriptions and also mentions a small bell uninscribed, which has now disappeared.

V.O.H., iv., p. 48.

Mr. J. H. Bloom contributes the following extract :-

Wee ye Churchwardelli! and other inhabitants of ye parish of Bushley in ye County of Worcester doe hereby certifie that what was p sented in ye last Presentmt is made altered repayred and mended except ye bell upon web there was a p'ish meeting and ye p 'ish and Bellfounder could not agree soe wee Begg for a longer time to treat wth ye Bellfounder in milder weather.

Wittness or hands the first day of March 1708.

THO. WRIGHT.

THE MRKE OF WM . BARTON.

Many thanks to Rev. J. Willis.

(To be continued.)

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