The Church Bells
The Bells at St Mary’s Abbotskerswell
The tower at St Mary’s Abbotskerswell dates from the fifteenth century. The Inventory of 1553 listed three bells. Today there are six, a further three having been added in 1924. These were given to the church in memory of Mrs Hare of Court Grange, by her daughters. The original bells have been recast at various times – the treble (lightest) was cast by John Pennington of Exeter in 1664; the 2nd (present 5th) is by Thomas Pennington III of Exeter in 1705; and the 3rd (present tenor) is by Thomas Pennington II in 1637. The three 1924 additions were added by Mears & Stainbank of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, London. During the installation the original treble bell was damaged and was recast at Whitechapel to become the present 4th The heaviest (and oldest) bells are housed in an oak frame with the lighter three housed in a cast-iron frame. Unusually all six bells swing in the same (north/south) direction.
The bells are rung regularly for the 11 o’clock service on Sundays and for special occasions. St Mary’s has been frequently used for bell ringing competitions as the bells are considered “challenging”! Practice night is Thursdays from 7pm–8pm - visiting ringers and anyone wanting to learn, are very welcome. If you are particularly interested in the bells or would like more information about becoming a bell ringer, please contact:- Bell Captain - Liz Smyth-Osbourne (01626 368400) lizsmytho@hotmail.co.uk |