Here - Castle Camponologists Bishops Castle South Shropshire

“Wristle Wrastle”
Say the Bells of Bishop’s Castle
PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOVRHOOD A R 1718
The Story of the Bells and Tower
of
The Church of St John the Baptist,
Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire
The Story of the Bells and Tower
of the Church of St John the Baptist,
Bishop's Castle, Shropshire
This booklet provides a brief history of the Tower and Bells of St
John the Baptist Church in Bishop's Castle. It was produced as part
of the Bells Project in 2009, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
"Wristle, Wrastle, say the bells of Bishop's Castle" comes from a
collection of rhymes amalgamated by Vincent Suckley Lean (1820–
1899) and published in 'Collectanea', 1902/3.
The Bells Project 2007–2009
The Church Tower underwent major restoration work in 2005 and
2006, putting a stop to the bell ringing activities for that period.
After the restoration Roy Williams carried out an inspection of the
bells in May 2006 on behalf of the Hereford Diocesan Advisory
Committee. The bell founders Taylors, Eayre & Smith of Loughborough
and Whites of Appleton also made inspections.
As a result of the reports on the condition of the bells the ringing
team came to a decision to approach the Heritage Lottery Fund for
a grant and £49,200 was awarded. Competitive tenders were sought
from the two bell founders with the successful bid coming from Taylors,
Eayre & Smith of Loughborough.
The historic painted panels, listing church and bells benefactors,
which hang in the ringing chamber, were also to be cleaned and
restored as part of the project. Other works included cleaning and
painting the ringing chamber, repairing the chamber floor, restoring
the old door lock and donations box, cleaning the 19th century Rules
for Bellringers panel, new wiring and lighting, hanging curtains inside
tower doors and making stands for shorter ringers. A further aspect
of the project was training in the art of bell ringing and bell ringing
method, which took place at The Marches Teaching Belfry at Hopton
1
Heath and on the Bishop's Castle bells. Interpretation for the project
included a celebration weekend for the community and visiting
ringers, the production of this booklet and a film documenting the
project put onto DVD, which is available in local shops.
2
The Church Tower
The dating of the tower in which the bells are housed is not easy;
there are suggestions that it is of Norman origin although opinions
vary considerably. The north window in the belfry is of the 14th century
though the mullion is now modern. The tower has a number of medieval
features and the church and tower suffered much damage in 1645 during
the Civil War when the church was partly burnt by the Royalist
commander after a Royalist force was defeated just outside the
town. The older of the painted panels, dated 1720, which hangs in
the ringing chamber, begins with: "This church being burned in y
civil war Walt Waring Esq of Owlbury gave y timber y rebuilt it &
the rest of the charge, was most defray'd, by contributions, of the
parishioners." Below this appears a list of benefactors to the new
bells and to the poor of the town, the earliest date being 1658.
The architectural historian Dean Cranage (1866–1957) suggested
that the tower was rebuilt about the middle of the 17th century. This
view would tie in with the restoration after the Civil War as indicated
3
by the painted panel.
Entry into the tower is through an old oak panelled door in the
west wall. The door has a lock, now restored, probably dating from
the early 19th century. An old key was modified to suit the lock in
2009. Apparently lock and key design remained unchanged from the
late 18th to late 19th century. The two doors in the tower now have
new patchwork draught proof curtains. The ground floor of the
tower houses the ringing chamber; the first floor is the clock chamber
and the top floor, the belfry. The spiral staircase to the first and second
floors has a small doorway from inside the south wall of the ringing
chamber. There is access to the tower roof from the staircase. The
east wall of the ringing chamber has a 14th century Gothic arch,
which once gave open access into the west end of the church. It is
now filled in with wattle and daub plaster and ornate pitch pine
panels. As part of The Bells Project the ringing chamber was cleaned
and lime washed and all timberwork treated.
In the early part of the 19th century local people would play the
ball game known as 'fives' against the outside of the north tower
wall after the Sunday service. A red line on the tower wall indicates
where it took place.
The History of the Bells
The publication 'The Church Bells of Shropshire' by H.B. Walters
tells us that in August 1552 Bysop Castell had several bells. The
record in Walters suggests three and says "'Bysop Castell iiij bells of
the oon of them the burges of the towne of bishops castill do clayme
as thr owne & not the p'ishonrs for because of to thentent to be rong
to call the burgers together & outcries. It'…..oon sauncts bell."
Furthermore in May 1553 the records suggest "Bishope Castell iij bellys
one santé bel". In 1740 there is a record "5 bells 1718" and in 1752 "5
Bells". The ring of five bells is also listed in the Rudhall bell list of 1751.
According to the Town Hall records a church bell was used as
4
the "Town Bell" in the 16th century, and as a result of the commissioners
enquiry this bell was handed over to the Burgesses for use as an
alarm and meeting bell. A minute of 1616 among the corporation
records has a reference to this bell, with an order for ringing it daily
at 4am and 7pm for a quarter of an hour. Church bells served the
purpose of clocks before clocks became common, which is why the word
clock originally meant bell. The church bells played a very important
role in the everyday life of the town. Folklore tells us that church
bells had supposed power to drive away evil spirits on the watch
for the departing soul after a funeral and Christians prayed for the
dying when they heard the passing bell.
There is an interesting note in Dr Prattinton's MSS Worcestershire
Collections in the library of The Society of Antiquaries under the heading
'The Parish of Honeybourne in Worcestershire', the inscriptions on
the ring of bells existing there in or about 1820 are given. Among
them is a bell with an inscription in Gothic characters as follows:
"ORATE PRO BONO STATV OMNIV' BVRGENSIV' DE CASTRO
EP'" (Pray for the welfare of all the Burgesses of Bishop's Castle).
Was this One of the 16th Century or Earlier Bells from
St John the Baptist's in Bishop's Castle?
Walters' investigations show that there is no record of when the bell
arrived at Honeybourne but the records show the bell was cracked
in the early 19th century and subsequently recast. Why did a bell
from Bishop's Castle end up in Honeybourne? Without any Churchwarden's records available we are unlikely to ever know.
H.B. Walters also records the customs for bell ringing during the
early part of the 20th century: "On Sundays chimed for half an hour
before services; tenor for celebrations at 8am. At funerals, tenor
tolled for an hour, and as soon as the funeral comes in sight the first
three bells are chimed" (a modern custom introduced by the late
Vicar to inform him when it was necessary to come to the church).
5
Peals rung on New Year's Eve; occasional ringing for weddings. Tenor
bell tolled for Vestry Meetings."
Abraham Rudhall ll of Gloucester cast the bells, which hang
today, as a ring of 5 in 1718. These were augmented in 1767 when
Thomas Rudhall added the treble bell. Finally in 1820, John, the last
of the long dynasty provided a replacement when the fifth bell
cracked. The bells are typical of the work of their founders, with the
1820 bell being a very different shape from the original Rudhall bells.
Walters also noted that the fourth bell was very square shouldered.
There are no Churchwarden's records for the period in question
and the only evidence, which directly relates to the purchase of the bells
is a letter in the Shropshire Archives which is dated 5th November
1717 from a Mr Oakley to a Mr Baxter. A reference is also made to a
Captain Waring whereby they are all agreeing that the Parish liabilities
for the bells (five) should not exceed twenty-five pounds, a not
inconsiderable sum at the time and there was clearly a concern in
The mounting and workings of a bell
Wheel
Headstock
Stay
Gudgeons
and bearings
Bell
Frame
Rope
Slider
6
Clapper
Argent
Canons
Crown
the early 18th century about controlling costs. The older of the two
painted panels in the ringing chamber, dated 1720, shows the various
contributors from members of the community towards the new bells.
The following persons gave towards casting the new Bells: Sir
Fancis Charlton, one guinea. Charles Walcot Esq, one guinea. Walr
Waring Esq. two guineas. Richard Oakley Esq. two guineas, Bri.
Cole Vicar 5 ?//Brown gent, one guinea. Rich Wollaston gent, 30s.
Maurice Pughe gent, one guinea. Ed Broughton, ½ guinea. Ino Gifford Clerk, ½ guinea. Mr Tho More, ½ guinea. Mr Ino Wollaston, ½
guinea. The inscriptions on the Six Bells are as follows:
1. WHEN YOU US RING WE'LL SWEETLY SING T R 1767 17 ½ in
2. ABR: RVDHALL OF GLOVCESTER CAST VS ALL 1718 28 ½ in
3. PROSPERITY TO THIS TOWN AND PARISH A R 1718 29 ½ in
4. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOVRHOOD A R 1718 31 in
5. SAML BRIGHT CHURCHWARDEN 1820 I. RUDHALL FEOT 33 ½ in
6. I TO THE CHVRCH THE LIVING CALL & TOTHE GRAVE DOE
SVMMON ALL 1718 36 ½ in 9cwt
There are also various decorations on the bells and the inscription
on the fifth bell is in two sizes of lettering, as was not unusual with
John Rudhall, and with two letters in superscript.
The six bells, cast at the Rudhall foundry in Gloucester, were
originally cast with canons, the loops by which the bells were suspended.
7
These have all subsequently been removed, as were the cast-in iron
crown staples originally used to suspend the clappers.
At the time of inspection in 2007 it was noted that over the years
the bells had been restored a number of times and all the bells apart
from the treble and fifth bells had been turned either through onequarter or one eighth.
The previous restoration took place in 1912 when Alfred Bowell
& Son of Ipswich re hung the bells on new fittings. A plaque attached
to the frame says "re-hung by Alfred Bowell of Ipswich 1912".
The band of bell ringers from Bishop's Castle joined the Hereford
Diocesan Guild of Bell ringers in 1909. All the people named in the
report for the first time were recorded as pro bationers; this implies
that a new band had been formed at that time. It would seem that
this was the spur for the bells' being re-hung in 1912. "Account of the
Re-hanging of the Bells", published in 'Ringing World' of 5th July
1912: "The ring of six bells at Bishop's Castle in Shropshire have been
entirely re hung on modern principles, with steel headstocks, oak
wheels and all new fittings. The framework has been strengthened
8
with new timber and long vertical bolts, and a massive steel girder
has been placed under the centre of the floor, which carries the bell
frame. The work was placed in the hands of Mr. Alfred Bowell, bell
founder of Ipswich, who completed the contract to everyone's
satisfac tion. On Sunday week the bells were operated with a peal of
5040 Grandsire Doubles recorded in another column. The peal was
conducted by Mr. W Short (instructor to the Hereford Diocesan Guild
of Bell ringers) and was the first ever rung on the bells. Mr. Bowell's
patent for lubricating is an excellent appliance and the ringers are
greatly pleased with the easy and smooth running of the bells".
Removing the Bells, June 2008
Taylors, Eayre & Smith of Loughborough were chosen to restore
the bells. The first task was the removal of the bells from the tower
using block and tackle and pulleys. Local volunteers supervised by
Steve Westerman from the bell foundry carried out the removal. The
oak boards in the south-west corner of the belfry floor and the centre
of the clock chamber floor were removed to allow the bells to be
lowered to the ground floor. Each bell was then put on a trolley and
taken for loading onto the back of a flatbed truck for the journey to
Loughborough.
9
The Bell Frame
Situated on the top floor of the tower is the sturdy oak bell frame,
from which the bells hang. Probably locally made rather than by a
professional frame maker, it is possible that Thomas Rudhall
installed it in 1767 when the peal was augmented, using much older
timber work. Several timbers have mortises for old joints and sections
cut away for clearance where a bell no longer swings. The frame
stands some 4 ft tall carrying the bells on one level and resting on
timber joists, which are below the present floor. Steve Westerman,
the bell hanger, suggests that the frame, which is unusual in design,
comprises two separate frames with a piece in the middle. He
thought that it may have been made from a previous frame, which
held three bells before the five new bells arrived in 1718. Part of the
present frame may well have housed the three bells of August 1552
recorded in Walters publication 'The Church Bells of Shropshire'.
Steve Westerman also said of the frame "It's made from pretty good
stuff, the oak is so old and hard that any death watch beetles would
have to be pretty brave beetles to have a go at it".
In the restoration of 2007–2009 the bell frame was strengthened
by fixing tie bolts through the frame between the head sills, through
the braces and through the base sills and timber supports.
10
The Re-fitting of the Bells
The bells returned in September 2008 and the process of re-fitting
them took over a week of full time work, with Steve Westerman
from Taylors, Eayre & Smith supervising the whole proceedings.
Many volunteer hours were donated by the bell ringers in helping
to re-hang the bells.
Firstly, the bells were unloaded from the lorry and taken back
into the tower where they were raised by chains and pulleys upwards
to the clock chamber then up and sideways to the corner of the belfry
and finally up and across to their position in the bell frame. After
careful lowering into the oak frame each bell was securely bolted in
11
position and the clapper attached. The wheels, which hold the ropes
that move the bells, were fixed and stays and sliders attached to the
frame. The pullies for the bell ropes were carefully positioned to
allow for the new siting of the wheels, and run through the clock
chamber and new guide down into the ringing chamber below. The
guide was particularly important as the "drop", (the length of rope
from the top of the bell wheel to the ground) is very long, and the
guide stops the ropes whipping about. Much time was spent drilling
the old oak frame for long bracing ties and brackets to reduce the
movement in the frame when the bells are being rung.
Although the re-hanging reads as being an easy operation, it was
in fact a period of intense hard work as the illustrations show.
The following works were undertaken to the bells:
Cast iron crown staple stubs cut away and central stress relieving holes
drilled through the bell heads. Resin pads cast on the head of each bell.
The inside faces of the bells machined to produce a level working surface
for fitting of the crown staple. The bells were turned to present unworn
surfaces of their sound bows to the blows of the clappers. It was decided
not to tune the bells, but keep their original Bishop's Castle sound.
The bell fittings were all new and comprised:
Hollow box section cast iron headstocks with integral fitted steel gudgeons.
New spheroidal graphite cast iron clappers and crown staple assemblies.
New wheels made of steam bent ash. New stays, sliders and running
gear. New machined nylon pulleys working on sealed ball bearings in
hardwood cases. New bell ropes incorporating pre-stretched polyester
top ends with yellow and blue woollen salleys and flax tails. A new salley
guide frame fitted 4 ft below the ringing chamber ceiling. New Half muffles in leather. Spare set of ash stays.
12
The Church Clock
The church clock face is sited on the outside of the north wall of the
tower approximately half way up the wall. Access to the clock
mechanism is by way of the first floor in the tower. It is a one
handed clock, similar to the one at Lydbury North church, three
miles away, which was made around 1730 by Thomas Vernon of
Ludlow. Bishop's Castle church clock is of the fieldgate type and was
probably manufactured locally in Bishop's Castle to a standard design
in the late 17th century, perhaps when the tower was restored after the
Civil War. The term fieldgate was used because the basic structure
is like a five bar fieldgate. The vertical frame in the shape of a rectangle
has on its centre 2 or 3 bar axles for rotation of the clock mechanism.
The clock frame bears a brass plaque commemorating the restoration
of the clock in 2000. The plaque has the following inscription: "This
Clock was Lovingly Restored Through the Generosity of Mrs Rosemary
Gillett and Her Family by Alan Burkhill with Tim Phillips, Annie
Moon, Robert Gatwood, Peter Fowler and Vince Gotrel. Electronics
by Juian Kent."
The Painted Panels
The three painted panels, which hang from the ringing chamber
walls, date from the 18th and 19th century. Lissa Lester, a Fellow of
the British Association of Paintings Conservator Restorers and who
lives locally, carried out the cleaning and restoration of the panels.
The smaller panel, dated 1863, has the title 'RULES to be observed
in the Bishop's Castle Belfry': "1st That any ringer having proper notice
to attend, and being absent 15 minutes after the 1st call Bell will forfeit
sixpence. 2nd That any ringer using improper language, or persisting
in ringing if intoxicated, or smoking, shall forfeit three pence for each
offence. 3rd That any ringer receiving money and not accounting
for the same shall forfeit five shillings. 4th That all monies received
for rejoicings, shall be equally divided when received, and forfeits
13
16
and annual monies, to be divided on New years-eve. 5th That the treble
ringer have full power to enforce the above rules, and to conduct the
ringing. He that will not these rules obey, had better from here stop away.
THOS – GRIFFITHS
CHURCHWARDENS
RICHD – NORTON
AD 1863
GIVEN TO THE VICAR BY ELIJAH GOUGH Dec 2nd 1902"
The old varnish was removed from this panel and the surface
cleaned as far as possible, with ammonia water. It was varnished with
MSR2A in Stoddard solvent and the frame polished with beeswax. The
back of the panel had had a ringing change written on to it with chalk
many years ago and this was protected by a covering of Melinex.
The newer of the two large panels hanging on the north wall of
the ringing chamber lists benefactors to the Poor of Bishop's Castle.
1931 is the last date recorded at the bottom of the panel when a Miss
Theodosia Griffiths left £2000 to be distributed half in beef and
provisions and half to the poor and deserving inhabitants selected
by the Vicar and Churchwardens. It can perhaps be assumed that
the last entry on the panel was painted around that time. This panel
is made of 4 horizontal planks set in a black moulded wooden
frame. 1720 is the last date on the older panel which lists benefactors
to the church and poor of the town and parish of Bishops Castle.
This panel, as mentioned earlier, lists the benefactors of the original
5 bells. It is made of 11 horizontal planks set in a moulded frame
identical to the newer panel. Woodworm holes were visible in these
two panels and there was thick dust and dirt and a discoloured varnish
layer on all three panels before restoration. The 'treatment reports'
provided by the conservator state that the two larger panels were
cleaned with Ammonia water, Vulpex in water, 1:12 and purified
water. These had the original varnish left on as part of the historical
image of the panel. The splits in the panels were filled with Flugger
Acrylic putty and all varnished with MS2A in Stoddart solvent.
Frames were polished with beeswax.
17
18
Other Features in the Ringing Chamber
Above the doorway to the spiral stairs from the ringing chamber
hangs a clock presented in memory of Mr. Charles Minton, Bell Captain
and Secretary 1908–1935 by the vicar and ringers of 1935. A framed
list of all the churchwardens dating from 1553 to 1948 hangs on an
east wall. Three Victorian pitch pine church benches stand along
three sides of the inside of the chamber for weary ringers to rest on.
In the north east corner is a cupboard which still houses the old coal
gas meter for the gas which once came from the town gas works. A
small oak offertory box, attached to the gas meter cupboard, was
cleaned and new keys cut. The lock is an Edwardian 4 lever lock. To
help young ringers and people who cannot comfortably reach the
bell rope salleys for ringing, Anthony Jones, a bell ringer, made
three different sized boxes from solid Coast Redwood. Rope handles
were spliced through holes in the boxes by Bell Captain, John Geach.
Bell Ringing 2008–2009
Whilst the bells were away in Loughborough the bell ringers received
tuition in bell ringing techniques and method ringing from John
Turney and Jan Herraty of The Marches Teaching Belfry at Hopton
Heath, Shropshire. This tuition enabled the more experienced
ringers to learn method and in particular Plain Bob Doubles. Less
experienced ringers improved their technique in ringing bells up and
down and change ringing. Five young people regularly attend Monday
practice night and have made great progress in learning to ring.
19
20
Celebrating The Bells Project
A number of quarter peals were rung on the bells throughout July
and August by local ringers and visitors. The greatest achievement
was the ringing of a full peal on Tuesday 11th August 2009. It was
reported as follows: "Hereford Diocesan Guild, Bishop's Castle,
Shropshire, St John The Baptist. Tuesday, 11 August 2009 in 2h 43min
(9cwt), 5040 Plain Bob Doubles, 42 extents/1 Jude Crighton; 2 Hugh
Gasper; 3 Andrew Watkins; 4 Frances D Watkins; 5 John Turney (C);
6 John Geach/First peal for 1, 2, 6. First peal since the bells were rehung
by Taylors, Eayre & Smith in 2008. This replicates a peal rung in June
1912 after the previous rehanging by Alfred Bowell of Ipswich in
which 3 members of the Bishop's Castle band rang their first peals on
bells 1, 2 & 6. Jan Herraty would like to be associated with this peal."
Over the weekend of 20th and 21st June 2009 the new bells were
blessed by the vicar Rev'd Paul Collins as part of the Midsummer
Rejoicing weekend. The tower was opened to the public for 'Tower
Tours'. It may have been the first time that local people had ever
been invited to climb the tower and see the bells. One bell was muffled
and rung for people to see the action of the bell through 360 degrees.
There was also music and stalls and 'Church Ales' available, brewed
by The Six Bells Brewery, Bishop's Castle. The celebrations came to
an end with 'Open ringing' for any experienced ringers who wished
to join in, led by John Turney. Visitors came from far and wide to
ring the bells.
Bell Facts
Bell
Weight (cwt.)
Treble
4
2
3
4
5
Tenor
4½
5
5½
7
9
Note
F sharp
Founder
T. Rudhall
A. Rudhall I
E
Date
1767
1718
Diameter
26 ½"
28 ¼"
D
A. Rudhall I
C sharp
B
A
A. Rudhall I
J. Rudhall
A. Rudhall I
1718
1718
1820
1718
29 ⅜"
30 ⅝"
33 ¼"
36 ¼"
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Images
Front Cover The restored fourth bell with its appropriate inscription and a distant
view of Bishop's Castle 'neighbourhood' through the tower window
P. 2 Before restoration, the bells fittings were described as "agricultural"
P. 3, left The church and tower showing the oak entrance door to the ringing chamber
P. 3, right The letter, dated 1717, from Mr Oakley to Mr Baxter relating to the
purchase of the bells. Reproduced by kind permission of Shropshire Archives
P. 6 Drawing from the English Heritage poster of English Churches
P. 7, left Taylors, Eayre & Smith logo, detail
P. 7, right The bells and bell ringers outside the Six Bells Public House before
the bells went off to the foundry. Seated: Jonathan Grieg, John Geach, Jamie
Smith / Standing: Clare Greig, Pat Prettyman, Anthony Jones, Steve Westerman
(bell hanger), haulage driver
P. 8 The church Bellringers of the 1920s. Back: Edward Jordan, Charles Minton,
Jack Gough, Emmanuel Beddoes, Jim Coles, ? Gough / Front: Charles Minton Snr.,
Rev Stewart (Vicar 1921), Sidney Pearce
P. 9, left The tenor, the largest bell, transported with difficulty out of the ringing
chamber door. Jamie Smith holding the bell, right
P. 9, right A bell being guided onto the lorry by bell hanger Steve Westerman
P. 10 The six bells on their return from the foundry with new red headstocks
P. 11, top left Lowering a bell into the frame using chain pulleys
P. 11, top right A new bell clapper and ash slider
P. 11, bottom left David Richards and John Geach struggle to take a bell back
inside the tower
P. 11, bottom right Steve Westerman bolting the headstock onto the massive
oak bell frame
P. 16, top left The case containing the church clock, which stands on the first
floor of the tower
P. 16, top right The attractive church clock face with its one hand
P. 16, bottom left The rules for bellringers panel after cleaning
P. 16, bottom right The rules for bellringers panel before cleaning
P. 18, top left The ringing chamber clock
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P. 18, top right Volunteers hanging the older painted panels back onto the wall.
Standing L to R: John Geach and Jonathan Greig, On the ladder: Peter Greenwood
P. 18, bottom left New patchwork draughtproof door curtain made by Clare Greig
P. 18, bottom right The oak and iron offertory box
P. 19 The curved tops of the two older benefaction panels. The older panel,
dated 1720, is on the left
P. 20, top left Church Ales being served off the bier at the celebration event.
Michael Say (facing) enjoys a pint
P. 20, top right Children at the bells celebration event enjoying activities with
the Medieval Drudions
P. 20, centre left The ropes and woollen sallies with rules of bellringing panel
in the background, hanging below the gothic arch
P. 20, centre right The Six Bells Public House sign. This is where ringers enjoy
refreshment on practice night
P. 20, bottom left Local bellringers in action. L to R: John Geach, Clare Greig,
Jude Crighton, Nigel Gasper. Practice night is Monday evening 7.30pm to 9pm
P. 20, bottom right Jan Herraty teaching the younger ringers. L to R: Harriet
and Jess Bason
P. 24, left The oak frame showing the new Heritage Lottery Fund plaque
P. 24, right Jude Crighton and Andrew Clarke attaching the bell wheels
P. 25 Jan Herraty presents the full peal certificate to John Geach. John Turney
and previous bell captain David Richards look on
P. 26 The bell ringers Christmas party in the ringing chamber 2009
P. 27 Anthony Jones, the DVD cameraman, filming the action. Over twenty hours
of film were shot and edited to make the DVD, also called 'Wristle Wrastle', which
is available from local shops.
P. 28 Preparing for the celebration weekend. Standing L to R: John Geach, John
Marpole, Anthony Jones, Jess Bason, Ian Royle, Kate Bason / Kneeling: Tom
Bason, Harriet Bason
Back Cover Bishop's Castle Midsummer Rejoicing procession coming down
the High Street to the church. Although you cannot hear them, the six church bells
are ringing for this annual celebration. The bells are rung on religious and civic
occasions and for local and national events.
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Bell Tales From the Past:
Keep the bells up
One bell captain gave up as captain after a commotion during a power cut whilst
the band was in the middle of ringing. He was heard to shout "Keep the bells
up", whilst trying to escape out of the tower in the dark. Another bell captain,
whilst ringing for a wedding lost his trousers. They fell down round his ankles
and he was left holding the bell rope with one hand and reaching down below
his knees to hold his trousers. Again the cry "Keep the bells up" was heard.
Bell Captains
There are very few records of past bell ringing captains.
Here is a list of known Captains:
Charles Minton 1908 – 35
Walter Bryan Richards
Norman Phillips
Phillip Cunningham
John Roberts
Graham Lloyd
Huw Jones
David Richards – 2007
John Geach 2007 –
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Record of Known Peals
rung by various bands of local and visiting ringers
June 1912
5040
Grandsire Doubles
2h50m
October 1913
5040
Grandsire Doubles
2h48m
January 1915
5040
Grandsire Doubles
2h45m
January 1916
5040
Grandsire Doubles
2h44m
September 1928
5040
Plain Bob Minor
2h55m
April 1956
5040
Grandsire Doubles
2h35m
September 1969
5040
Minor
2h25m
July 1973
5040
Minor
2h25m
January 1974
5040
Minor
2h20m
July 1976
5040
Minor
2h41m
August 1976
5040
Minor
2h36m
August 1977
5040
Surprise Minor
2h41m
October 1978
5040
Minor
2h30m
June 1981
5040
Minor
2h50m
October 1981
5040
Minor
2h50m
August 1982
5040
Surprise Minor
2h38m
April 1986
5040
Surprise Minor
2h31m
August 2009
5040
Plain Bob Doubles
2h43m
25
Bibliography
Burne. Charlotte S., (Ed.) from the collections of Georgina F Jackson, 'Shropshire
Folk-lore Part 2', E P Publishing Ltd. 1974
Cranage, D.H.S., 'An Architectural Account of the Churches of Shropshire',
Wellington 1884 – 1912
Leonard, J., 'Shropshire Churches & their Treasures', Logaston Press 2004
Palmer, R., 'The Folklore of Shropshire', Logaston Press 2007
Pevsner, N., 'Shropshire' in The Buildings of England series, Penguin 1958
Walters, H.B., 'The Church Bells of Shropshire', unknown 1902 – 1915
Bell Tuition
John Turney and Jan Herraty and their friends from The Marches Teaching Belfry
Volunteers on The Bells Project
John Geach, Bell Captain. Clare Greig, Secretary. Sue Cooper, Treasurer.
Jonathan Greig, Project Manager.
Kate Bason, Tom Bason, Harriet Bason, Jess Bason,, Andrew Clarke, Jude
Crighton, Michelle Gasper, Nigel Gasper, Hugh Gasper, Pete Greenwood,
Graham Hemmings, Anthony Jones, Mick Leadbetter, John Marpole, Janny
Phillips, Chris Prichard, David Richards, Ian Royle, Jamie Smith
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Contractors
Bell restorers: Taylor, Eayre & Smith
Elecrtrical works: Lennox Electrical
Limewash, internal tower works: Keith Jones, David Richards, Bob Turnbull,
Anthony Jones
Painted Panel restoration: Lissa Lester
Clock repairs: Metal Malarky
Lock and key repairs: Ken Pemberton
Wooden boxes: Anthony Jones
Transport: Dial a Ride and M&J Travel
Celebration events: The Drudions, Catuvellauni, Rural Crafts, Val Littlehales
Music: Geoff Grimes and friends, Palm Court Orchestra
Website: Enterprise House
Contributions in kind
Door curtains: Clare Greig
Photographs: Sally Chapell, Sue Cooper, Jonathan Greig
Storage: Bishop's Castle Heritage Resource Centre, Jamie Smith
Furniture transport: Johnny Bloor
Advice on the clock: Alan Burkhill
Filming and DVD production: Anthony Jones, Cam 3 media
Booklet production: Michael Say, Sue Cooper
Booklet layout: Jo (www.klingt.org/jlqj)
With thanks to
Bishop's Castle Town Council
The Parochial Church Council, Bishop's Castle
The Six Bells Public House and Brewery, Bishop's Castle
Taylors, Earye & Smith and bell hanger, Steve Westerman
The Heritage Lottery Fund
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Acknowledgements
Shropshire Archives
Neil Bennett, Bell Captain, St Mary's, Welshpool
Mary Bliss TBGAS
Bristol and Gloucester Archaeological Society
Rev Cathy Collins
Rev Paul Collins (Priest in charge)
Dr John Eisel
John Loosely TBGAS Sec.
Dr Ray Wilson
The Heritage Resource Centre, Bishop's Castle
www.castlecampanologists.org.uk
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This booklet was produced as part of the Bells Project in 2009
supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.