Cuckfield, Holy TrinityCuckfield has a peal of 8 bells, nicknamed 'The Waterloo Bells,' hung in a west-facing tower. The tower, dating back to the 13th century, has undergone several alterations. In the 14th century, diagonal buttresses and a spire were added around 1323, while the inner west wall's buttresses were added in the 17th or 18th century. Architect F. Holloway also added a stair turret on the south side in 1871. The current spire, dating from 1980, replaced the original, which was lost in a fire.
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The bells
Bell |
Weight |
Diameter |
Nominal |
Note |
Founder |
Cast |
Canon |
Hanging |
1 |
5 cwt |
29.00" |
1375.5 Hz |
E |
Thomas II Mears |
1815 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
2 |
5½ cwt |
30.00" |
1301.5 Hz |
D# |
Thomas II Mears |
1815 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
3 |
6 cwt |
32.00" |
1166.5 Hz |
C# |
Thomas II Mears |
1815 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
4 |
6½ cwt |
33.50" |
1036.5 Hz |
B |
Thomas II Mears |
1815 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
5 |
8 cwt |
35.50" |
905.5 Hz |
A |
Thomas II Mears |
1815 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
6 |
9 cwt |
37.50" |
864.5 Hz |
G# |
Thomas II Mears |
1815 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
7 |
11 cwt |
39.50" |
759 Hz |
F# |
Thomas II Mears |
1815 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
8 |
15 cwt |
45.00" |
673 Hz |
E |
Thomas II Mears |
1815 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
8 Bells, 15-0-0 in E
Evidently, a bell was present in the early 14th century, as George Elphick’s dendrochronology analysis of the former X-shaped frame, lattice braced into the spire, plots out between 1309 and 1323. See Frame section above
The second reference to bells dates 1521, when the ringing of bells is mentioned in a will:
1521 July. 21"... and I bequeth to be expendyd and disposed for the same obitt, to prestis and clerkes, wax, ryngyng of belles, and almes to be dealed among poore parissheners there xs"
The next appears in a churchwarden's entry in 1593:
1593 "It. due to ye Bell founder xiijs"
We are very fortunate that the ancient churchwardens' accounts have survived, as many references to bells and clocks appear in the 17th century. Due to this large number, all the entries are listed below in the Green tab.
At this time, it seems there were five bells, based on the numerous purchases of five new ropes. In 1630, the second bell was recast. Work was carried out on the bells in 1638, 1642, and 1693.
In 1640, we see that the bells had wheels, as the one on the treble was mended.
An interesting entry from 1714 shows that the churchwarden at the time, Mr. Curtis, gave a bell to the church. Could this have been a recasting, for which he was the donor?
Evidently, a bell was present in the early 14th century, as George Elphick’s dendrochronology analysis of the former X-shaped frame, lattice braced into the spire, plots out between 1309 and 1323. See Frame section above
The second reference to bells dates 1521, when the ringing of bells is mentioned in a will:
1521 July. 21"... and I bequeth to be expendyd and disposed for the same obitt, to prestis and clerkes, wax, ryngyng of belles, and almes to be dealed among poore parissheners there xs"
The next appears in a churchwarden's entry in 1593:
1593 "It. due to ye Bell founder xiijs"
We are very fortunate that the ancient churchwardens' accounts have survived, as many references to bells and clocks appear in the 17th century. Due to this large number, all the entries are listed below in the Green tab.
At this time, it seems there were five bells, based on the numerous purchases of five new ropes. In 1630, the second bell was recast. Work was carried out on the bells in 1638, 1642, and 1693.
In 1640, we see that the bells had wheels, as the one on the treble was mended.
An interesting entry from 1714 shows that the churchwarden at the time, Mr. Curtis, gave a bell to the church. Could this have been a recasting, for which he was the donor?
CHURCHWARDENS ACCOUNTS 1593 - 1712 [Relating to the bells & tower] (WSRO Par 301/9/1&2)
1593
- "It. due to ye Bell founder xiijs"
- The pulpitt was this yeare enlarged and matted, ye second bell new cast, ye porches new boarded, ye windows in ye belfry new made
- Item for 5 newe ropps for ye bells 0 - 13 - 6
- The worke house in the bellfrie new made, the ringing loft new layd, the staires from the loft to the clock new errected.
- April Item for one bell rope 0 - 3 - 10
- Pd to Edw for ye bell 0 - 64 - 0
- Pd to the ringers Nov 5 0 - 4 - 0
- The staires from the clock to the bells were made and sett up this year
- The Church all on the south side was new pointed and the scaffoldholes in the steeple and Church wall filled. Thomas Stanbridge for keeping the clocke 6/8
- Item to Thomas Page for mending ye bell ropes 0 - 1 - 8
- Pd for 5 new bellropes 0 - 15 - 0
- Item for works done by Thomas Cartone about ye bells 1 - 6 - 4
- Pd to Thomas about works done on the clock and bells
- Item for oyle [oil] for ye bells 0 - 0 - 6
- To Thomas Page for work done ye Clocke and Bells 7 /
- Pd for 5 new BellRopes 0 - 15 - 0
- To ye sexton for keeping ye clock
- For mending of the treabell weele 3/4
- It for belropes 0 - 14 - 4
- Item payd to Wimpeney for mending the clock and bells 0 - 2 - 0
- For new bell ropes 1 - 4 - 0
- Paid for shingling the steple 20 - 00 - 06
- Item to Stephen Stamor for his half years wages for looking to the clocke and ringing the Eight aclock bell morning and Evening 0 - 15 - 0
- For new bell ropes 1 - 4 - 0
- Maye ye 29 paid to James Looker for chiming of ye clock 00 - 05 - 00
- Maye ye 29 given to ye Ringers 00 - 02 - 06
- Bourdes and about ye bells - 2 days 0 - 4 - 0
- June ye 3 payd for bellropes 1 - 2 - 0
- Payd to Stephen Stainmer for ye clock and bel 2 - 0 - 0
- Novem ye 5 payd for ringing 0 - 5 - 0
- Payd for a clock line 00 - 01 - 02
- May 29 To the Ringers 00 - 05 - 05
- September 22 To the Ringers 00 - 05 - 00
- October 12 To the Ringers 00 - 02 - 06
- November 5 To the Ringers 00 - 05 - 06
- for [?] to the clok waites 0 - 1 - 4
- It Pd for A set of Belropes 09 - 09 - 05
- Mr Cortes [Mr J. Curtis - Churchwarden] his bell for the church 00 - 2 - 10
In 1724, the Chichester Diocesan Survey states there were "5 Bells".
Between 1738 and 1751, Robert Catlin supplied a 17-cwt peal of six to Cuckfield, replacing the old five. However, the fifth bell of this ring was recast at Whitechapel sometime after Catlin but before 1815. It weighed 11-3-2 cwt.
Thomas II Mears recast the old peal of six and augmented it to eight in 1815. At the same time, he hung them in a new frame for eight. All the bells were cast with conventional canons, and their inscriptions were formed using letter stamps impressed into the cope.
The inscriptions on the front seven bells, except for the third, are identical and feature his abbreviated first name. The third bell has his name in full. The tenor includes the names of the vicar and churchwardens, and a description of Mears' restoration.
The bells bear the Whitechapel loops, with an additional floral ornament on the tenor that closely resembles the one found on Janaway's bells at Slaugham, St. Mary.
By scaling the bells to the same size, we can see that Mears cast his trebles taller than his tenors. Additionally, their shoulders are proportionally the same diameter.
This demonstrates that Mears made all the crown-to-lip diameters in a ratio of 5.5:10.
Between 1738 and 1751, Robert Catlin supplied a 17-cwt peal of six to Cuckfield, replacing the old five. However, the fifth bell of this ring was recast at Whitechapel sometime after Catlin but before 1815. It weighed 11-3-2 cwt.
Thomas II Mears recast the old peal of six and augmented it to eight in 1815. At the same time, he hung them in a new frame for eight. All the bells were cast with conventional canons, and their inscriptions were formed using letter stamps impressed into the cope.
The inscriptions on the front seven bells, except for the third, are identical and feature his abbreviated first name. The third bell has his name in full. The tenor includes the names of the vicar and churchwardens, and a description of Mears' restoration.
The bells bear the Whitechapel loops, with an additional floral ornament on the tenor that closely resembles the one found on Janaway's bells at Slaugham, St. Mary.
By scaling the bells to the same size, we can see that Mears cast his trebles taller than his tenors. Additionally, their shoulders are proportionally the same diameter.
This demonstrates that Mears made all the crown-to-lip diameters in a ratio of 5.5:10.
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🔴Treble
🔵Fourth 🟢Sixth 🟣Tenor 
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In 1903, the bells were rehung by Mears & Stainbank in a new frame. It was probably around this time that Seage's Silent Bell apparatus was installed.
Fires of Cuckfield
Fires of Cuckfield
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A devastating fire broke out on May 1st, 1980, engulfing the spire and destroying the medieval frame and winches at its base. Fortunately, the spire collapsed into the churchyard, preventing further damage to the tower. Some of the wooden bell fittings were damaged, and one of the trusses where the third bell hangs was charred. The weathercock was saved, restored, and placed on top of the new spire, which was lowered into place by helicopter.
Another fire occurred in 1917 when the verger, Alfred Browne, was on his way to lower the flag. Without disturbing evensong, he managed to seek help and put out the flames. Additionally, the tower was struck by lightning on August 2nd, 1776, and again in July 1945, both of which caused significant damage. In 1945, six of the eight bells were unringable for 14 months. 1776 Letter
“last Friday in the afternoon they had a violent storm of thunder and lightning, which threw the inhabitants into great consternation. The spire of the church, which was almost destroyed by a violent storm the beginning of the hard weather last winter, being nearly repaired, the new work, was beat down, and the inside set on fire at three or four different places, and it was with great difficulty they extinguished the flames." |
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The bells were rehung by Whitechapel in 1980 on metal headstocks and ball bearings. All of the bells have been turned twice in the past to present a new surface for the clapper to strike. In the ringing room, there’s a photo showing a bell with its canons removed.
The bells are in great condition and are accessed by a spiral staircase.
Visited: 12/04/2024 with thanks to David Wilson.
The bells are in great condition and are accessed by a spiral staircase.
Visited: 12/04/2024 with thanks to David Wilson.
Recordings of the bells
How the bells are tuned in relation to their nominal, 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 - 383.5Hz - G-37
Prime - 576Hz - D-33
Tierce - 821.5Hz - Ab-18 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 1105.5Hz - Db-4
Nominal - 1375.5Hz - F-26
Prime - 576Hz - D-33
Tierce - 821.5Hz - Ab-18 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 1105.5Hz - Db-4
Nominal - 1375.5Hz - F-26
| cuckfieldone.mp3 |
Bell 2
Hum - 369.5Hz - F#-1
Prime - 580Hz - D-21
Tierce - 792Hz - G+18 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 1048.5Hz - C+3
Nominal - 1301.5Hz - E-21
Prime - 580Hz - D-21
Tierce - 792Hz - G+18 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 1048.5Hz - C+3
Nominal - 1301.5Hz - E-21
| cuckfieldtwo.mp3 |
Bell 3
Hum - 308Hz - Eb-16
Prime - 504.5Hz - B+37
Tierce - 694Hz - F-10 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 854.5Hz - Ab+49
Nominal - 1166.5Hz - D-11
Prime - 504.5Hz - B+37
Tierce - 694Hz - F-10 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 854.5Hz - Ab+49
Nominal - 1166.5Hz - D-11
| cuckfieldthree.mp3 |
Bell 4
Hum - 282.5Hz - Db+33
Prime - 488.5Hz - B-18
Tierce - 628Hz - Eb+16 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 798.5Hz - G+32
Nominal - 1036.5Hz - C-16
Prime - 488.5Hz - B-18
Tierce - 628Hz - Eb+16 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 798.5Hz - G+32
Nominal - 1036.5Hz - C-16
| cuckfieldfour.mp3 |
Bell 5
Hum - 242.5Hz - B-30
Prime - 431Hz - A-35
Tierce - 544.5Hz - Db-30 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 698.5Hz - F+0
Nominal - 905.5Hz - A+49
Prime - 431Hz - A-35
Tierce - 544.5Hz - Db-30 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 698.5Hz - F+0
Nominal - 905.5Hz - A+49
| cuckfieldfive.mp3 |
Bell 6
Hum - 238Hz - Bb+36
Prime - 405Hz - Ab-42
Tierce - 520.5Hz - C-8 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 674.5Hz - E+40
Nominal - 864.5Hz - A-30
Prime - 405Hz - Ab-42
Tierce - 520.5Hz - C-8 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 674.5Hz - E+40
Nominal - 864.5Hz - A-30
| cuckfieldsix.mp3 |
Bell 7
Hum - 202.5Hz - Ab-42
Prime - 371.5Hz - F#+7
Tierce - 457Hz - Bb-33 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 583.5Hz - D-10
Nominal - 759Hz - F#+44
Prime - 371.5Hz - F#+7
Tierce - 457Hz - Bb-33 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 583.5Hz - D-10
Nominal - 759Hz - F#+44
| cuckfieldseven.mp3 |
Bell 8
Hum - 184Hz - F# -8
Prime - 333.5Hz - E+20
Tierce - 410Hz - Ab-21 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 533.5Hz - C+34
Nominal - 673Hz - E+36
Prime - 333.5Hz - E+20
Tierce - 410Hz - Ab-21 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 533.5Hz - C+34
Nominal - 673Hz - E+36
| cuckfieldeight.mp3 |
Inscriptions:
*Underlined text is around the inscription band*
1 |
≎≎≎≎≎≎ T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ≎≎≎≎≎≎ |
2 |
≎≎≎≎≎≎ T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ≎≎≎≎≎≎ |
3 |
≎≎≎≎≎≎ : THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ≎≎≎≎≎≎ |
4 |
≎≎≎≎≎≎ T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ≎≎≎≎≎≎ |
5 |
≎≎≎≎≎≎ T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ≎≎≎≎≎≎ |
6 |
≎≎≎≎≎≎ T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ≎≎≎≎≎≎ |
7 |
≎≎≎≎≎≎ T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ≎≎≎≎≎≎ |
8 |
THE SIX BELLS RECAST AND TWO NEW ONES ADDED THE WHOLE BY SUBSCRIPTION A.D. 1815 #### REVᴰ. JOSEPH FRANCIS FEARON VICAR WILLIAM CLUTTON ESQᴿ. SAMUEL WALLER ESQᴿ. CHURCH WARDENS. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT |
Latin Translations:
1-8: FECIT - Made
≎ = Fig. TLE,1 (Bells 1-7)
# = Fig. L,d (Bell 8)
1-8: FECIT - Made
≎ = Fig. TLE,1 (Bells 1-7)
# = Fig. L,d (Bell 8)
Photographs:
*Click on the photos to enlarge them*
Sources:
- ELPHICK, George. P (1945): Sussex Bell Frame p.55
- ELPHICK, George. P (1970): Sussex Bells & Belfries p.232, 234
- COOPER, J. H. (1902): The Vicars and Parish of Cuckfield in the seventeenth century (Sussex Archaeological Collections Vol*45)
- WEST SUSSEX RECORD OFFICE Par/301/9/1&2: Churchwardens Accounts 1593 - 1712
- SUSSEX FILE, Chris Pickford
- RINGING WORLD Vol* 34 p.516
- Brighton Gazette - Thursday 7 May 1903
- https://www.cuckfieldconnections.org.uk/post/did-sir-christopher-wren-design-cuckfield-church-s-spire
- Church Guide - https://www.holytrinitycuckfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Holy-Trinity-Cuckfield-Guide-English1.pdf
