West Dean, St AndrewWest Dean has a chime of 3 bells, hung in a west facing tower.
A church has been on this site since the 11th century, with the oldest part being the nave. On March 28th, 1727, the first foundation stones for the tower were laid, and since then, it has had alterations to the roof. The tower originally looked like that at Woolbeding, All Hallows with a flat roof and a short pinnacle at each corner. After a devastating fire in 1934, the tower was topped with heavy embattlements and corner pinnacles. There was however a tower at West Dean long before 1727. |
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The Bells
1936 - Present
Bell |
Weight |
Diameter |
Nominal |
Note |
Founder |
Cast |
Canon |
Hanging |
1 |
4-1-1 cwt |
27.25" |
1291.5 Hz |
E |
1936 |
Dead |
||
2 |
5-0-5 cwt |
28.88" |
1166 Hz |
D |
1936 |
Dead |
||
3 |
6-0-21 cwt |
31.50" |
1031 Hz |
C |
1936 |
Dead |
1904 - 1936
Bell |
Weight |
Diameter |
Founder |
Date |
Canon |
Hanging |
1 |
5-1-8 cwt |
29.75" |
1904 |
Full Circle |
||
2 |
6-0-0 cwt |
32.00" |
1904 |
Full Circle |
||
3 |
8-2-8 cwt |
36.00" |
1904 |
Full Circle |
Prior to 1904
3 Bells, 6-0-21 in C
The earliest record of ringing here dates back to 1526 when the vicar paid the Clerk 2 pence for ringing in his will.
“Also to the clerke for rynging at the dirige ijd”
In the early 17th century, two new bells were cast by Chichester founder Anthony Wakefield. The lighter of the two was cast in 1601, and the tenor 4 years later. The date inscribed on his treble features a 9 for an upside down 6, and the 0 was omitted from the tenor. The letter were no doubt made of cut out sheet wax, stuck onto a loam model
The 1724 Chichester Diocesan survey gives:
"There are 3 bells"
However, one of these was soon to be replaced.
Between 1731 - 1740, John Halton of Derbyshire cast, or recast a bell which features a very short and undated inscription.
Halton was based at South Wingfield and very few of his bells remain. Only 3 in fact, all up in Derbyshire. Examples of his work can be found or were at Barlborough, Bonsall, Bradbourne and Norbury.
The earliest record of ringing here dates back to 1526 when the vicar paid the Clerk 2 pence for ringing in his will.
“Also to the clerke for rynging at the dirige ijd”
In the early 17th century, two new bells were cast by Chichester founder Anthony Wakefield. The lighter of the two was cast in 1601, and the tenor 4 years later. The date inscribed on his treble features a 9 for an upside down 6, and the 0 was omitted from the tenor. The letter were no doubt made of cut out sheet wax, stuck onto a loam model
The 1724 Chichester Diocesan survey gives:
"There are 3 bells"
However, one of these was soon to be replaced.
Between 1731 - 1740, John Halton of Derbyshire cast, or recast a bell which features a very short and undated inscription.
Halton was based at South Wingfield and very few of his bells remain. Only 3 in fact, all up in Derbyshire. Examples of his work can be found or were at Barlborough, Bonsall, Bradbourne and Norbury.
- Barlborough: IM ↂ HALTON ↂ MADE ↂ ME ↂ MDCCXXV ↂ
- Bonsall: LAUS : DOMINI : NOSTRA : MOBILITATE : UIGET : 1731 :
- Bradbourne: : 1736 :
- Norbury: ⚜⚜ GLORIA DEO IN EXCELSIS 1739
The 1904 restoration
In 1903, Arthur Hughes, the former Whitechapel master founder, carried out an inspection and reported that the Wakefield bells became cracked, and the Halton treble was sound but poor in tone and heavily worn down by the clapper.
The first estimate which involved cleaning the belfry; recasting the two tenors, and rehanging them in a new frame came to £116 15s 18d. Hughes then goes on to say if the treble was recast, an extra £12 would be added to the cost.
Another estimate which involved the same, but leaving the old frame and doing no more than strengthening it came to £98 15s 8d.
In 1903, Arthur Hughes, the former Whitechapel master founder, carried out an inspection and reported that the Wakefield bells became cracked, and the Halton treble was sound but poor in tone and heavily worn down by the clapper.
The first estimate which involved cleaning the belfry; recasting the two tenors, and rehanging them in a new frame came to £116 15s 18d. Hughes then goes on to say if the treble was recast, an extra £12 would be added to the cost.
Another estimate which involved the same, but leaving the old frame and doing no more than strengthening it came to £98 15s 8d.
REPORT BY HUGHES (ESTIMATE I)
"The larger two bells, cast in 1651 and 1601 respectively are cracked and should be recast. The small one, although sound in not of good tone, it is deeply indented by the continuous striking of the clapper in the same places and if retained, it should be quarter turned to bring a new surface under the clapper. The fittings are very dilapidated and must be re-newed. The framework is very old and it is slight in construction, and there is no doubt that the most judicious restoration would be to entirely renew it.We therefore beg to submit an estimate showing £116. 15. 18 as the cost of cleaning the bell chamber, recasting the two cracked bells and re-erecting the 3 in new fittings and framework . . . We have made no reference to the belfry floor as owing to the underneath being covered with plaster, it is impossible to report upon the condition of it.
ESTIMATE 2
To take down the bells (leaving the frame in position) & send the cracked bells here. 10 . 0 . 0
Recast the 2 bells as per other estimate 33 . 5 . 8
Strengthen the frame and rehang the three bells ready for ringing.
26 . 10 . 0
Total ~ £98 . 15 . 8
Recast the 2 bells as per other estimate 33 . 5 . 8
Strengthen the frame and rehang the three bells ready for ringing.
26 . 10 . 0
Total ~ £98 . 15 . 8
During a meeting held on February 4th, 1904, it was decided that “all of the work be carried including the recasting of the small bell”
The final cost for the work came to £129 18s 2d, which was raised by public subscription and gifts. William James of West Dean House gave £100 towards the restoration.
Mears & Stainbank rehung the bells for full circle ringing in a new frame, made from seasoned, English oak. They were suspended from elm headstocks, and hung on ball bearings. They were also given stays and sliders.
The Fire of 1934
In 1934, a fire broke out in the church, gutting most of the interior which destroyed the new bell frame and sent the three bells crashing to the floor. An article from The Times newspaper describes the firefighters as "helpless" since the area was suffering from drought.
Although, in time for easter 1936, the church was repaired and a new set of bells installed.
This time, Gillett & Johnston of Croydon supplied a chime of 3 that were lowered in through the roof along with their frame timbers.
They form a diatonic set of three, and are tuned to the 5-tone principle.
The bells are hung dead in a teak frame with the 2 trebles above the tenor. The trusses are joined together to form the shape of an A which sit on a pair of sills.
The 17th century date on the tenor is incorrect since Anthony died 46 years beforehand. This mistake was made by Mears & Stainbank which Gilletts then repeated.
The bells are rung by the means of a baton clavier, each baton having the corresponding note on it.
Serial numbers - 1: 5539 2: 5540 3: 5541.
Access to the belfry is through a small door to the right of the organ, this takes you to a 25 rung ladder through a hatch. The belfry also houses the organ blower.
An additional 18 rung ladder takes you up on to the roof
3 bells in great condition in 2022.
Visited: 25/11/2022
The final cost for the work came to £129 18s 2d, which was raised by public subscription and gifts. William James of West Dean House gave £100 towards the restoration.
Mears & Stainbank rehung the bells for full circle ringing in a new frame, made from seasoned, English oak. They were suspended from elm headstocks, and hung on ball bearings. They were also given stays and sliders.
The Fire of 1934
In 1934, a fire broke out in the church, gutting most of the interior which destroyed the new bell frame and sent the three bells crashing to the floor. An article from The Times newspaper describes the firefighters as "helpless" since the area was suffering from drought.
Although, in time for easter 1936, the church was repaired and a new set of bells installed.
This time, Gillett & Johnston of Croydon supplied a chime of 3 that were lowered in through the roof along with their frame timbers.
They form a diatonic set of three, and are tuned to the 5-tone principle.
The bells are hung dead in a teak frame with the 2 trebles above the tenor. The trusses are joined together to form the shape of an A which sit on a pair of sills.
The 17th century date on the tenor is incorrect since Anthony died 46 years beforehand. This mistake was made by Mears & Stainbank which Gilletts then repeated.
The bells are rung by the means of a baton clavier, each baton having the corresponding note on it.
Serial numbers - 1: 5539 2: 5540 3: 5541.
Access to the belfry is through a small door to the right of the organ, this takes you to a 25 rung ladder through a hatch. The belfry also houses the organ blower.
An additional 18 rung ladder takes you up on to the roof
3 bells in great condition in 2022.
Visited: 25/11/2022
Recordings of the bells:
How the bells are tuned in relation to their nominals, using Simpson's theory.
Key [measured in cents]:
-99 ~ -90 -89 ~ -80 -79 ~ -70 -69 ~ -60 -59 ~ -50 -49 ~ -40 -39 ~ -30 -29 ~ -20 -19 ~ -10 -9 ~ -0
0 ~ 9 10 ~ 19 20 ~ 29 30 ~ 39 40 ~ 49 50 ~ 59 60 ~ 69 70 ~ 79 80 ~ 89 90 ~ 99+
-99 ~ -90 -89 ~ -80 -79 ~ -70 -69 ~ -60 -59 ~ -50 -49 ~ -40 -39 ~ -30 -29 ~ -20 -19 ~ -10 -9 ~ -0
0 ~ 9 10 ~ 19 20 ~ 29 30 ~ 39 40 ~ 49 50 ~ 59 60 ~ 69 70 ~ 79 80 ~ 89 90 ~ 99+
Bell 1
Hum - 323Hz - E-34
Prime - 644Hz - E-40
Tierce - 771.5Hz - G-27Hz - (minor 3rd)
Quint - 964Hz - B-41
Nominal - 1291.5Hz - E-35
Prime - 644Hz - E-40
Tierce - 771.5Hz - G-27Hz - (minor 3rd)
Quint - 964Hz - B-41
Nominal - 1291.5Hz - E-35
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Bell 2
Hum - 291Hz - D-15
Prime - 581Hz - D-18
Tierce - 698Hz - F+0 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 869.5Hz - A-20
Nominal - 1166Hz - D-12
Prime - 581Hz - D-18
Tierce - 698Hz - F+0 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 869.5Hz - A-20
Nominal - 1166Hz - D-12
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Bell 3
Hum - 258.5Hz - C-20
Prime - 516.5Hz - C-21
Tierce - 618Hz - Eb-11 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 774Hz - G-21
Nominal - 1031Hz - C-25
Prime - 516.5Hz - C-21
Tierce - 618Hz - Eb-11 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 774Hz - G-21
Nominal - 1031Hz - C-25
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Inscriptions:
*Underlined text is around the inscription band*
1936 - Present
1 |
RECAST BY GILLETT & JOHNSTON, CROYDON, 1936. Ⓖ DAY BY DAY WE MAGNIFY THEE. 1 |
2 |
RECAST BY GILLETT & JOHNSTON, CROYDON, 1936. Ⓖ GOD BLESS ALL WHOM WE DO CALL. CAST 1601 2 |
3 |
RECAST BY GILLETT & JOHNSTON, CROYDON, 1936. Ⓖ PRAISE GOD. CAST 1651 3 |
1904 - 1936
1 |
Not recorded |
2 |
Not recorded |
3 |
Not recorded |
c.1720 - 1904
1 |
HALTON FECIT |
2 |
A . W 1906 |
3 |
PRAIS GOD 165 RW WA AW |
Latin Translation:
Old 1: FECIT - Made
Ⓖ = Fig. CFJ,5
Old 1: FECIT - Made
Ⓖ = Fig. CFJ,5
Photographs:
*Click on the images to enlarge them*
Sources:
- ELPHICK, George. P (1970): Sussex Bells & Belfries p.169
- FORD, Wyn. K (1994): Chichester Diocesan Surveys p.220
- LEAVER, Kye. L (2024): The Bells in the Valley p.39-49
- TYSSEN, Amhurst. D (1864): The Church Bells of Sussex p.71
- Victoria County History Vol* 4
- Sussex Record Society Vol* 42 p.73
- West Sussex Record Office Par/65/4/2
- Bognor Regis Observer, June 22nd 1904, with thanks to Chris Pickford
- Whitechapel Bell Foundry Settings Book, with thanks to David Sloman
