William Chamberlain
William Chamberlain was a bell founder based in Algate, London. He is who we predict is the largest producer of Pre-Reformation bells. He must have been in buisness for many years. There are around 100 of Chamberlain's bells spanning from Yorkshire all the way down to Cornwall.
Sussex has around 12 bells of his that are inscribed.
Bolney features an blank bell predicted to be by William Chamberlain.
William Chamberlain used a few shields on thier bells. Mostly containing 3 Fig. WIC, 1,2&3 on the inscription together.
Fig. WIC, 1 features what appears to be the letter M with the first line being a flag pole. A swirl from the middle line of the M leads down to the base of the shield.
Fig. WIC, 2 is known as the mercy shield. It is octagonal has a cross which a fleur de lis at the end of each point of the cross. Between each fleur de lis is a word which explains why it's known as the mercy shield. Together the words read:
"ihu merci ladi help".
Fig. WIC, 3 is another decorative shield. It contains 2 keys the cross over. At the top is a fish; the right corner is a bell; the bottom is a jug and the left corner is a wheat sheaf.
These 3 can be seen together on the Edburton and Pyecombe bell.
You will notice on most of Chamberlain's inscriptions he has the name of saint followed by "Ora Pro Nobis". This means Pray for us in Latin.
More info will come out about William Chamberlain as I go around Sussex examining his work.
Sussex has around 12 bells of his that are inscribed.
Bolney features an blank bell predicted to be by William Chamberlain.
William Chamberlain used a few shields on thier bells. Mostly containing 3 Fig. WIC, 1,2&3 on the inscription together.
Fig. WIC, 1 features what appears to be the letter M with the first line being a flag pole. A swirl from the middle line of the M leads down to the base of the shield.
Fig. WIC, 2 is known as the mercy shield. It is octagonal has a cross which a fleur de lis at the end of each point of the cross. Between each fleur de lis is a word which explains why it's known as the mercy shield. Together the words read:
"ihu merci ladi help".
Fig. WIC, 3 is another decorative shield. It contains 2 keys the cross over. At the top is a fish; the right corner is a bell; the bottom is a jug and the left corner is a wheat sheaf.
These 3 can be seen together on the Edburton and Pyecombe bell.
You will notice on most of Chamberlain's inscriptions he has the name of saint followed by "Ora Pro Nobis". This means Pray for us in Latin.
More info will come out about William Chamberlain as I go around Sussex examining his work.
Figures used by W:
Place |
Inscription |
Edburton (1) |
Sancta Katerina Ora Pro Nobis ▼ ◉ ▩ |
Pyecombe |
Sancta Katerina Ora Pro Nobis ▼ ◉ ▩ |
Preston (2) |
Sancte Botolfe Oar Pro Nobis ▼ ◉ ▩ |
▼= Fig. WIC, 1
◉ = Fig. WIC, 2
▩ = Fig. WIC, 3
◉ = Fig. WIC, 2
▩ = Fig. WIC, 3
Places that have bells cast by William Chamberlain |
.Bolney, St Mary Magdalene (3) .Edburton, St Andrew (1) .Preston, St Peter (Old 2) .Pyecombe, The Transfiguration |
