Southgate, St MarySouthgate has a single bell, hung in a steeple above the nave. The church was built in 1958 by Braddock and Martin-Smith architects, and has the tallest spire in Crawley, made of steel, aluminium and concrete.
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The Bell
Bell |
Weight |
Diameter |
Nominal |
Note |
Founder |
Cast |
Canon |
Hanging |
1 |
28.63" |
C? |
John Wallis |
1580 |
Dead |
1 Bell
The single bell was transferred from Chichester, St Peter the Less in 1958 when it closed. It was then demolished two years later.
The bell is hung dead, and strapped to a wooden deadstock, resting on the tower corbels. It is electronically chimed, but for many years, the wires were cut and the bell is no longer ringable. The electric chiming box is still in situ down in the church.
The actual weight is unknown, but 4cwt has been given as an approximation. Recordings have not been taken of the bell, but a reasonable guess would be around note C or D.
It was cast by John Wallis of Salisbury in 1580, making it the oldest bell in Crawley at present.
It carries an inscription around the inscription band, and partially on the waist. It was made use heavy cut out letters, and has a few ornamental stops too.
George Elphick states a pair of 12-rung ladders are required to access it.
Visited: 11/12/2021
The single bell was transferred from Chichester, St Peter the Less in 1958 when it closed. It was then demolished two years later.
The bell is hung dead, and strapped to a wooden deadstock, resting on the tower corbels. It is electronically chimed, but for many years, the wires were cut and the bell is no longer ringable. The electric chiming box is still in situ down in the church.
The actual weight is unknown, but 4cwt has been given as an approximation. Recordings have not been taken of the bell, but a reasonable guess would be around note C or D.
It was cast by John Wallis of Salisbury in 1580, making it the oldest bell in Crawley at present.
It carries an inscription around the inscription band, and partially on the waist. It was made use heavy cut out letters, and has a few ornamental stops too.
George Elphick states a pair of 12-rung ladders are required to access it.
Visited: 11/12/2021
Inscriptions:
*Underlined text around the inscription band*
1 |
◈ PRAYSED BY THY NAME O LORD 1580 WR I ◈ C HC I ◈ N I W |
◈ = Fig. XXIV,k
Photographs:
*Click on the images to enlarge them*
Sources:
- ELPHICK, George. P (1970): Sussex Bells & Belfries
