Horsham, St Mary the VirginHorsham houses a peal of 10 bells, hung in a west-facing tower. The tower dates back to the 12th century and features a slightly crooked spire and heavy buttresses. We are very fortunate that Horsham has a well-documented history on its bells and clock, enabling us to create a chronology with few significant gaps.
The earliest record available to us comes from a will dated 1497, which indicates that the spire required repair: 1497, Jun. 24. “To the reparacion of the stepill of Horsham xs" William Forster |
The Bells
Bell |
Weight |
Diameter |
Nominal |
Note |
Founder |
Cast |
Canon |
Hanging |
1 |
4-2-15 cwt |
27.38" |
1573 Hz |
G |
Whitechapel Bell Foundry |
1972 |
Full Circle |
|
2 |
5-0-10 cwt |
28.38" |
1401.5 Hz |
F |
Whitechapel Bell Foundry |
1972 |
Full Circle |
|
3 |
6-3-24 cwt |
30.50" |
1254.5 Hz |
E♭ |
1752 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
|
4 |
6-3-2 cwt |
32.00" |
1170.6 Hz |
D |
John Taylor & Co |
2023 |
Full Circle |
|
5 |
7-0-8 cwt |
32.88" |
1042 Hz |
C |
1921 |
Full Circle |
||
6 |
9-0-25 cwt |
36.31" |
931.5 Hz |
B♭ |
1921 |
Full Circle |
||
7 |
11-0-24 cwt |
38.75" |
829.5 Hz |
A♭ |
1752 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
|
8 |
14-1-26 cwt |
41.88" |
779 Hz |
G |
1921 |
Full Circle |
||
9 |
16-1-12 cwt |
44.13" |
697.5 Hz |
F |
Thomas II Mears |
1815 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
10 |
22-2-24 cwt |
50.38 |
620.5 Hz |
E♭ |
Thomas II Mears |
1838 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
Bell |
Weight |
Diameter |
Nominal |
Note |
Founder |
Cast |
Canon |
Hanging |
Old 4 |
6-3-10 cwt |
32.44" |
1173.5 Hz |
D |
Thomas II Mears |
1815 |
Removed |
Full Circle |
10 Bells, 22-2-24 In E♭
The first of many references to bells comes from Robert Berber's will of 1558 who gave 3s 4d towards the new tenor bell. It also suggests there was more than one bell at the time.
1557-8, Jan. 4. “I bequeth to the castynge of the greate bell when she is new cast iijs iiijd" Robert Berber.
There is then a 54 year gap, before our next source of knowledge. The following comes from the Chichester Diocesan Surveys of 1602, and 1610, both of which tell us the steeple was in need of shingling, and there was a crack in the wall.
1602 "The Steeple is at default for want of shingles"
1610 "A cracke in the wall of steeple . . . South est corner of the steeple much decayed"
The first of many references to bells comes from Robert Berber's will of 1558 who gave 3s 4d towards the new tenor bell. It also suggests there was more than one bell at the time.
1557-8, Jan. 4. “I bequeth to the castynge of the greate bell when she is new cast iijs iiijd" Robert Berber.
There is then a 54 year gap, before our next source of knowledge. The following comes from the Chichester Diocesan Surveys of 1602, and 1610, both of which tell us the steeple was in need of shingling, and there was a crack in the wall.
1602 "The Steeple is at default for want of shingles"
1610 "A cracke in the wall of steeple . . . South est corner of the steeple much decayed"
CHURCHWARDENS' ACCOUNTS - Sussex Archaeological Collections Vol* 31 1610 - 1840
1610
- It. to John Wright for laying in of the Brasses of the 4th bell and other work there xxd
- Item Received of him [Richard Eldridge] for his rent this yeare the Casting of a pare of Brasses for the great Bell xjs viijd
- Imprimis layd out to William Dean and Helpers to new trusse the great bell xijd
- Item payd to William Deane for mending the steeple iiij li
- Item payd to the shingler for shingling the steeple x li
- It spent on them that put out the fires of the steeple xiiijd
- It spent vpon the shingler when they came to take the work viijd
- Item spent vpon helpers to pull vp and downe the bell viijd
- Item Layd out for Iron work about the bell, Steeple, chimes and the howse in the Normandy xvijd
- It spent vpon the bell Fownder in coming to take the bell vjd
- 1615, Aug 19 Elizabeth Stroode a mayde yt was killled wth thunder at ye belfery doore with lightning when the steple was Fired, Shee standing vnder the Belfrey Doore
- It payd for taking downe of the bell and for drawing of hir vp xxxs
- It payd to the Bellfounder in pt of payment towards the Casting of the great Bell
- Imprimis payd to Richard Eldridge the money remayning due to him for casting of the great bell xj li xs
- Item payd him for casting of a brasse for the 4th bell iijs
- Item payd to George Lullingstone for timber and mending of the Bellframe and for new stocking of three of the bells and other work about the Bells iij li xvjs ixd
- Item payd for fetching of weights and for Drawing of the bell to the pitt and from the pitt iiijs
- Item payd to Stephen Russell for Iron coales and workmanship and mending the gret bell clapper vs vjd
- Item payd to Thomas Tanner for timber and work to make a Jyne to weigh the bell iiijs iiijd
- Item payd to Roger Wood fpr making a band for the bell vjd
- Item payd for 1 hundred weight of mettell to put in the great bell iiij li
- Item payd for careing ijl of mettell vjs viijd
- Item payd in earnist to George Marlen to stock and hang the great bell xijd
- Item payd to William Dean for 2 days worke with the bell hanger iijs
- Item payd to Philip Ginden and Thomas Morgins for putting out of the fier in the steeple xs
- Item payd to Robert Honiwood for an Iron hooke to weigh the great bell xijd
- Item payd to Richard Eldridge for casting of 3 payer of Brasses and for more mettell to put to them xxixs 8d
- Item payd to William Deane and his man for 2 dayes work taking out the bell brasses and laying of them in againe vs
- Item payd to William Streate Carpenter for his Journie and hisCharges to take the woek about the bells vs vjd
- Item payd to Hamlet Borer for carreing of a load of Timber to mend the bells iiijs vjd
- Item payed to William Streate Carpenter in pte of payment for his work about the bells xs
- Item payd him more for his work in pt xxxs
- Item payd to Richard Eldridge in pt of payment for casting of the fourth bell according to his bargain as appeereth by a noate iiij li
- Item layd out to William Streate for comming and taking downe the 4th bell and for hanging of hir vp againe and to John Mulford for his help and his Tackling xvs iiijd
- Item payd for sending one for William Streate xijd
- Item layd out and spent vpon Helpers to take downe the bell and drawing of the bell to the Pitt and from the pitt and for pulling of the bell vp againe xijs vjd
- Item payd for 18 new hoops for the new bell wheels xviijd
- Item payd to Richard Eldridge towards the casting of the Fowth bell x li xs
- Item payd to John Mulford and helpers and for his tackling and new waying of the 4th bell xjs
- Item payd for sending of the beame to Warnham fornaise iiijd
- Item paid to Richard Clarke for making of a Gudgen for the greate bell iijs iiijd
- Ite for new trussing ye great bell and laying the gudgen ijs
- Ite payd for Beere for helpers to take vp the bells and to let her downe xijd
- Imprs paid to Bryan Eldridge the Bellfounder for casting the great Bell and for mettall adding to her for wee agreed with the said Bellfounder at 12s ye hundred for casting and 5l 12s a hundred for Mettall added to her. The said great bell before she was cast weighing five and twentie hundreds and a quarter and now weighing twentie seaven hendredes and 3 qters as neere as could be ghessed xxiiij li js
- Itm paid to William Lintott for carrying the bell to and from Chertsey and his charges there iijl xvs iiijd
- To ye Bellhangers for taking Downe the Bell; hanging her vp and theire other worke about the rest of the Bells for their Coming, horse hire to bring theire Pullies and tooles and their helpers at divers times about the loading, weighing, and hinging the said bell iij li
- Our Charges for o selves and or horses at Chersey, to see the bell cast and weighed being 4 of vs and 3 Daies out il ixs vjd
- For a bond from the Bellfounder to the Churchwardens, for ye warrent of the bell js
- For a piece of Timber to make a beame, to weigh the bell, for making and carrying the same, for other timber and pile and raile to mend the Churchyard fences for bringing downe the same and Workmanship xs
- To Richard Clerke for his worke and yron for the beame to weigh the bell, as about all the bells their Clappers and other furnitures as also about the Clock and Chimes j vjs viijd
- Allowed the Clarke towards his ropes being broken in letting downe the bell iijs iiijd
- Paid to James Mulford and Thomas Tanner for hanging of the great bell vs ijd
- To Richard Clarke for a gudgeon for the great bell and other necessairies as keyes and wedges for ye same vjs
- Received for 8 pound of bell mettle hewed from the bell viijs
- Of the Batchellors of the pish towards the Casting the bell jl xviijd vijd
- Paid to John Burstow for the gin to waie the bell and for bringing him to the church vijs vjd
- Paid the helpers when the bell was taken downe ijs vjd
- Paid to Mr. Thomas Sheppard for making the bonds for the security for the bell xviijd
- Paid for helping loade the bell ijs
- Paid for James Mulford for taking downe the bell hanging vp xxxs
- Paid to John Rowland fore Careing the bell to Chersey & back againe iij li xs
- Paid for or expences for our horse meate Goinge to Chersey and to the bellfounders helpers there j li xvijs vjd
- Paud to the bell Founder for his work, and for 3 hundred and 3 quarters of Mettle put into her more, the bell waing 32 hundred xxxiijl viijs
- Paid to William Wheeler for mending the greate bell Clapper xs
- Imprimis paid to Bryan Eldridge for Casting ye 3rd bell xli
- It paid to him for Mettle to put in the bell i li 15s 0d
- It for or Journey to Chersey and or expences i l 2s 4d
- It paid for Smiths worke about the Belles ij li ijs 4d
- It paid to William Brigs for taking downe the bell and hanging vp jli xvs
- It paid for the hier of 2 horses for or Journey to Chersey 9s
- It for expenses vppon the Bellfounder & the helpers in hanging vp the Bell vjs iiijd
- It to Robert Tylor for Careing the bell to Chersey ijli iiijd
- It pd for worke about the Chimes and Belles jli iiijs vjd
- Laid out in expences when we bargained for ye bellframe 00 05 00
- It pd for Beere for workemen about ye 4th Bell 00 00 10
- It pd Tho: Forman & his man for helping about ye 4th Bell 00 03 00
- Pd to Goodman Jenne for a Cable for the Chimes, and a sett of Ropes for the Bells 3 00 0
- Pd For Hors Hire and Expences when we went To agree Abought ye bell 01 02 00
- Pd for beear when we tooke bell out of ye Steepell 00 06 06
- Pd for ye bond and Expences when borrowed ye money To Pay for ye bell 03 04 00
- Spent when sett ye bell Home 00 10 01
- Payd for Hors Hire and Spent on ye Road 00 06 10
- Spent upon bread and beear when Hung up ye bell 00 07 00
- Payd for beear when vnloading ye bell 00 04 00
- Sept 29 Spent at ye Agreement about The bell 0 18 0
- Spent at Signeing the Articles about The bell and at Severall outher Times 0 18 0
- The Bell Founder 60 18 11.5
- Pd for drawing ye Articles for Casting ye bell 0 2 6
- May 1 "At a Vestry held it is agreed That the great Bell shou'd be put in order.- The Iron Work to be done by Per. R Clark and to be valued after it is finisht. - The Brasses to be Cast by W. Butterly & Vald, the Stock to be made by T. Hood & Valu'd & the Clapper to be Bowld"
- June 16 "At a Vestry held it is agreed, That the Great Bell should be immediately taken down and sent to London to be new Cast by Thos Lester Bellfounder in White Chapple London"
- March 8 "At a Vestry this Day held It was agreed That the remaining 5 Bells should be taken down and sent away with all convenient Speed to Thos Lester at his Foundry in Whitechapple London in order (with the Tenor which has been sent some time agoe) to be cast into 8 Bells accordingly to Articles which are to be enter'd into, By the Churchwardens with the said Thos Lester
- May 4 "At a Vestry this day held It is ordered that the Gudgeon and Brasses of the Great Bell, and the Cannon of the 2nd Bell be forthwith repaired under the direction of Mr Thos Lintott Chief Ringer, who has undertaken that the expenses shall not exceed Two Pounds Twelve Shillings and Sixpence."
- Octr 2nd "It appearing to us who are in public Vestry assembled that the Gogeons and Brasses on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Bells are very much out of repair, ordered that the same be forthwith repaired in a substantial manner under the direction of Mr Thos Lintott."
- By a Bill to Edw Simmonds for repairing the Bells by Order of Vestry 2 Octr 1796 20 0 2
- By a Bill to Chas Oakes for repairing the Clappers of the Bells &c 2 3 6
- June 7 "Resolved, That Mr Thomas Mears of Whitechapel London Bell Founder be employed by the Churchwardens to recast the 2nd and 7th Bells and that the Vestry Clerk request him by Letter to send an Estimate of the Expence of the same and of taking down and replacing them including carriage to and from London."
- By a Bill paid "Thomas Mears" 65 13 8
- Thos Mears recasting &c 8th Bell 45 15 0
- John Ridge (on Account) hanging Do &c (being 1 moirty of his Claim for Work Done) 7 10 0
- James Lloyd Carriage of Bell to and from London 5 7 0
- June 18 James Ridge, balance of Account for hanging new Tenor Bell &c 4 10 0
1610 is the year the churchwardens' accounts commence, and Richard Eldridge, a bell founder originally from Wokingham, is recorded as being their tenant in the Normandy. The Normandy is a small street east of the church, and his accommodation was fittingly called "Bell House". In the same year, Richard paid some of his rent through labour by making the church a pair of brasses, this also occurred the following year.
"It of Richerd Eldridge for the Bell Howse, the casting of a pare of brasses . . . vjs viijd"
Due to the vast amount of entries in the churchwardens' accounts, they will all be found in the blue tab above.
In 1615, the tower sustained significant damage during a thunderstorm, which caused a fire that cracked the tenor bell and damaged the frame. The tenor was subsequently rehung in a new frame, and adjustments were made to the clock chimes. Richard Eldridge recast the tenor receiving payment for his work in instalments over a two-year period. It's weight was increased by 1cwt, now weighing 25-1-0cwt.
The new tenor was likely inscribed in gothic blackletter reading:
Our hope is in the Lord 1615 R E
Sadly, the storm took the life of Elizabeth Stroode, a maid who was struck by lightning at the belfry door, and was burried on August 19th 1615.
The following year shows a collaboration of people who helped carry out maintenance on the bells.
The Carpenter George Lullingstone repaired the frame and rehung 3 of the bells on new headstocks. He also carried out other unspecified works on the bells. Stephen Russell appears to be a blacksmith who mended the tenor's clapper, and another named Robert Honiwood who provided an iron hook to weigh the bell on. The tenor was hung by George Marlen.
3 of the bells required rehanging on new brasses in 1620, all of which were made by Richard Eldridge. William Streate, Carpenter, and William Dean helped replace them, and restore some of the timber work.
In the following year, the 4th was recast by Eldridge at the cost of £14 10s. Streate was again responsible for hanging it.
1627 saw the tenor receive a new gudgeon and a modification to its frame. 12p worth of beer was bought for the helpers to drink while lowering and raising the tenor.
The next founder on the scene is Bryan I Eldridge, the son of Richard, who by 1623 moved the premises from The Normandy to Chertsey, Surrey. In 1633, Bryan recast the tenor, increasing it's weight to 27-3-0cwt at 12s per cwt. The total cost for the extra metal equated £5 12s. The bell was let down, and taken to Chertsey by a group of 4 men, one of which was William Lintott, a possible father or grandfather to the later Thomas Lintott who became the ringing master.
3 days later, the bell returned to Horsham as was hung in the tower. The other fittings, as well as the clock were worked on by Richard Clarke, whose labour came to £1 6s 8d.
From the accounts, it's unclear whether the bell crashed to the floor while being lowered as an entry gives: "Allowed the Clarke towards his ropes being broken in letting downe the bell". 4 years later, the tenor was rehung on new gudgeons supplied by Richard Clarke, and hung by James Mulford and Thomas Tanner. Though not recorded, we can predict it's inscriptions using his other bells from this period. It was likely inscribed in low relief parchment letters reading:
GLORIA ♡ DEO ♡ IN ♡ EXCELSIS ♡ 1633 ♡ B ♡ E
In 1645, an attempt was made to tune the tenor by removing 8lbs of metal, but the results were evidently unsatisfactory. Bryan II Eldridge later recast the bell, increasing its weight to 32 cwt at a cost of £33 8s! One can only imagine what it sounded like.
Eldridge also recast the third bell in 1652, adding weight in the process. The value of the additional metal was recorded at £1 15s
Between 1652 and 1718, restorations to the frame occurred in 1660; to the 4th bell in 1676; the chimes and ropes in 1679; and an overhaul to an unspecified bell in 1703. See blue tab for account entries and more info. 1718, is quite important as an extra bell was cast to augment the ring to 6. Unfortunately the founder isn't given but may have been William Eldridge or even Richard Phelps. £60 18s 11.5d was the cost for the new bell.
At this time the bells were as follows:
The Chichester Diocesan Survey for 1724 reports that there were "6 bells, in good order".
Evidently, the tenor became out of repair, since the church held a meeting to form an agreement in 1748. However, 3 years later it was decided that the tenor should be taken away to Whitechapel to get recast by Thomas Lester. While it was away, the church decided to send the remaining 5 bells to recast the whole lot into a new peal of 8 bells.
1752 was the year Thomas Pack joined the company, and so some of the bells were cast by Lester alone, whereas some of them were cast under the management of both.
Their surviving bells (present 3 & 7) were moulded in loam, and inscribed using Richard Phelps' letter stamps. The moulding wires are quite rough and both have received tuning. Both were cast with conventional canons that have since been removed. The gudgeons and brasses on the tenor had failed in 1794, and so had the canon on bell 2. Thomas Lintott led the restoration project and decided that the repair work shall not exceed £2 12s 6d. Only 2 years, it had come clear that the other 7 bells' fittings had become worn, and all 8 were rehung by Edward Simmons, a bell hanger from Whitechapel. Charles Oakes restored the clappers. All work was done for £22 3s 8d.
In 1815, lightning struck the tower, causing significant damage to the 2nd and 7th bells. Thomas II Mears of the renowned Whitechapel Bell Foundry was commissioned to recast them at a cost of £65 13s 8d. Both bells bore the founder's name and date around the inscription band, with the 2nd featuring seven decorative leaf ornaments following its inscription, and the 7th the signature Whitechapel loops (Fig. TLE,1).
Later, in 1838, just in time for Queen Victoria's coronation, Thomas was once again called upon to recast the tenor bell, this time for £45 15s. Unlike the other bells, the tenor included the names of the rector and wardens inscribed on its waist. The old tenor from 1752 weighed 23-3-0cwt.
The money for paying James Ridge to hang the tenor was paid in 1840.
Originally, the bells were rung from the ground floor until a ringing gallery was installed eight feet above it. In 1864, the old clock room was converted into a dedicated ringing room, which continues to serve this purpose today. Following the relocation, the gallery was subsequently removed.
Gillett & Johnston carried out a major restoration in 1890 that involved replacing the headstocks on bells 3-7; quarter turning 5 of the bells; false crown staples supplied to 3 bells; and proving the bells with new running gear and bearings. Some of the bells were retuned, though it's not clear from the barely legible G&J order book if they only tuned bells 2&7
"Horsham Parish Church. J.R. Thornton Esq [illegible word]. 60 West St. 8 Wheels, Bearings, Ropes, Stays & Sliders. Stocks to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Quarter turn 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6. False staples to 2, 7 & 8. Angle plates & bolts £90.-. Lower, retune & hoist 2 & 7 (flat) & [illegible] £5.-. Jack for jack & refix hammer £5.-. To be ready for Whitsun”
"It of Richerd Eldridge for the Bell Howse, the casting of a pare of brasses . . . vjs viijd"
Due to the vast amount of entries in the churchwardens' accounts, they will all be found in the blue tab above.
In 1615, the tower sustained significant damage during a thunderstorm, which caused a fire that cracked the tenor bell and damaged the frame. The tenor was subsequently rehung in a new frame, and adjustments were made to the clock chimes. Richard Eldridge recast the tenor receiving payment for his work in instalments over a two-year period. It's weight was increased by 1cwt, now weighing 25-1-0cwt.
The new tenor was likely inscribed in gothic blackletter reading:
Our hope is in the Lord 1615 R E
Sadly, the storm took the life of Elizabeth Stroode, a maid who was struck by lightning at the belfry door, and was burried on August 19th 1615.
The following year shows a collaboration of people who helped carry out maintenance on the bells.
The Carpenter George Lullingstone repaired the frame and rehung 3 of the bells on new headstocks. He also carried out other unspecified works on the bells. Stephen Russell appears to be a blacksmith who mended the tenor's clapper, and another named Robert Honiwood who provided an iron hook to weigh the bell on. The tenor was hung by George Marlen.
3 of the bells required rehanging on new brasses in 1620, all of which were made by Richard Eldridge. William Streate, Carpenter, and William Dean helped replace them, and restore some of the timber work.
In the following year, the 4th was recast by Eldridge at the cost of £14 10s. Streate was again responsible for hanging it.
1627 saw the tenor receive a new gudgeon and a modification to its frame. 12p worth of beer was bought for the helpers to drink while lowering and raising the tenor.
The next founder on the scene is Bryan I Eldridge, the son of Richard, who by 1623 moved the premises from The Normandy to Chertsey, Surrey. In 1633, Bryan recast the tenor, increasing it's weight to 27-3-0cwt at 12s per cwt. The total cost for the extra metal equated £5 12s. The bell was let down, and taken to Chertsey by a group of 4 men, one of which was William Lintott, a possible father or grandfather to the later Thomas Lintott who became the ringing master.
3 days later, the bell returned to Horsham as was hung in the tower. The other fittings, as well as the clock were worked on by Richard Clarke, whose labour came to £1 6s 8d.
From the accounts, it's unclear whether the bell crashed to the floor while being lowered as an entry gives: "Allowed the Clarke towards his ropes being broken in letting downe the bell". 4 years later, the tenor was rehung on new gudgeons supplied by Richard Clarke, and hung by James Mulford and Thomas Tanner. Though not recorded, we can predict it's inscriptions using his other bells from this period. It was likely inscribed in low relief parchment letters reading:
GLORIA ♡ DEO ♡ IN ♡ EXCELSIS ♡ 1633 ♡ B ♡ E
In 1645, an attempt was made to tune the tenor by removing 8lbs of metal, but the results were evidently unsatisfactory. Bryan II Eldridge later recast the bell, increasing its weight to 32 cwt at a cost of £33 8s! One can only imagine what it sounded like.
Eldridge also recast the third bell in 1652, adding weight in the process. The value of the additional metal was recorded at £1 15s
Between 1652 and 1718, restorations to the frame occurred in 1660; to the 4th bell in 1676; the chimes and ropes in 1679; and an overhaul to an unspecified bell in 1703. See blue tab for account entries and more info. 1718, is quite important as an extra bell was cast to augment the ring to 6. Unfortunately the founder isn't given but may have been William Eldridge or even Richard Phelps. £60 18s 11.5d was the cost for the new bell.
At this time the bells were as follows:
- Unidentified, 1718
- Unidentified
- Unidentified
- Bryan II Eldridge, 1652
- Richard Eldridge, 1621
- Bryan II Eldridge, 1654 32cwt
The Chichester Diocesan Survey for 1724 reports that there were "6 bells, in good order".
Evidently, the tenor became out of repair, since the church held a meeting to form an agreement in 1748. However, 3 years later it was decided that the tenor should be taken away to Whitechapel to get recast by Thomas Lester. While it was away, the church decided to send the remaining 5 bells to recast the whole lot into a new peal of 8 bells.
1752 was the year Thomas Pack joined the company, and so some of the bells were cast by Lester alone, whereas some of them were cast under the management of both.
Their surviving bells (present 3 & 7) were moulded in loam, and inscribed using Richard Phelps' letter stamps. The moulding wires are quite rough and both have received tuning. Both were cast with conventional canons that have since been removed. The gudgeons and brasses on the tenor had failed in 1794, and so had the canon on bell 2. Thomas Lintott led the restoration project and decided that the repair work shall not exceed £2 12s 6d. Only 2 years, it had come clear that the other 7 bells' fittings had become worn, and all 8 were rehung by Edward Simmons, a bell hanger from Whitechapel. Charles Oakes restored the clappers. All work was done for £22 3s 8d.
In 1815, lightning struck the tower, causing significant damage to the 2nd and 7th bells. Thomas II Mears of the renowned Whitechapel Bell Foundry was commissioned to recast them at a cost of £65 13s 8d. Both bells bore the founder's name and date around the inscription band, with the 2nd featuring seven decorative leaf ornaments following its inscription, and the 7th the signature Whitechapel loops (Fig. TLE,1).
Later, in 1838, just in time for Queen Victoria's coronation, Thomas was once again called upon to recast the tenor bell, this time for £45 15s. Unlike the other bells, the tenor included the names of the rector and wardens inscribed on its waist. The old tenor from 1752 weighed 23-3-0cwt.
The money for paying James Ridge to hang the tenor was paid in 1840.
Originally, the bells were rung from the ground floor until a ringing gallery was installed eight feet above it. In 1864, the old clock room was converted into a dedicated ringing room, which continues to serve this purpose today. Following the relocation, the gallery was subsequently removed.
Gillett & Johnston carried out a major restoration in 1890 that involved replacing the headstocks on bells 3-7; quarter turning 5 of the bells; false crown staples supplied to 3 bells; and proving the bells with new running gear and bearings. Some of the bells were retuned, though it's not clear from the barely legible G&J order book if they only tuned bells 2&7
"Horsham Parish Church. J.R. Thornton Esq [illegible word]. 60 West St. 8 Wheels, Bearings, Ropes, Stays & Sliders. Stocks to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Quarter turn 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6. False staples to 2, 7 & 8. Angle plates & bolts £90.-. Lower, retune & hoist 2 & 7 (flat) & [illegible] £5.-. Jack for jack & refix hammer £5.-. To be ready for Whitsun”
Mears & Stainbank rehung the bells on new ball bearings, and strengthened the frame. The peal was also retuned and bells 3,4 & 6 were recast.
A rededication service was held and the bells rung out again on May 5th, 1921. The total overhaul cost £521 7s 3d. |
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100 years after Thomas Lester's augmentation to 8, John Taylor & Co rehung the bells on gudgeons, ball bearings, and wheels in 1952. Interestingly, the wheels were painted blue, like those also at Ringmer. Ringing commenced once again on July 20th.
John Taylor & Co rehung the bells in 1952 and reopened for ringing on July 20th. Another major overhaul took place in 1973. Two trebles were cast, augmenting the peal to 10. A completely new frame with cast iron 8.3.A.h trusses was installed and the whole peal was restored. A dedication service was held on July 29th, 1973. Prior to this, the bells were hung in a timber 6.B frame in the 8.3 layout, with Bells 3,4,7&8 in the middle row. Fortunately, photos of the installation survive before they became a 10! |
Prior to 1973
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7 July 52
Messrs. The Vicar & Churchwardens, Horsham, Sussex. June 24 Rehanging the ring of 8 bells acc. to spec. sent 21 Mar 50. New Gudgeons, ball-bearings & bed plates 8 x £12 £96 Rehanging clapper joints 8 x 30/- £12 Resoling & re-shrouding wheels 8 x £7 £56 True - up pulleys & refit with new pins in old boxes (all new ball-bg - see below) £12 Paint for ironwork of frame + £3 Taking off ( Cost One 23-9-1 Hatch 7-12-10) £31-1-11 £42 Fixing (Cost £72 / - / -) £108 Carriage 4 x £6 £24 £353 - - Supplying & fitting entirely new ball-bg pulleys & boxes instead of trueing up old. as incl above £16 - - Opening up hatchway in bellchamber floor EXTRA Humphrey 18hrs x 8/- £7-4-0 ![]()
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On February 21st, 2023, the 4th cracked right around the crown. After it broke, it fell and smashed the bottom of the wheel, and hung balanced on the crown staple. The contractors for the job were Whites of Appleton who came to lower the bell onto the cross bracing between the sills. Their initial plan was to weld it back together. However, the bell was in three pieces: Everything below the crown moulding wires; and the crown in two halves. The idea of welding was then dropped and Plan B was born. Plan B was to get The Westley Group to recast the bell as it was suspected to be underweight! However, due to the cost, Plan C was to get John Taylor & Co to recast it to a Whitechapel profile, and Whites of Appleton to tune it.
Whites of Appleton came on Wednesday 7th June to remove the bell from the tower for scrap. They commenced at 10am, taking equipment up the tower. Instead of smashing the bell up in the tower, the bell was lowered down in one piece, passing around the tenor that was held at an angle. The bell was on the ground floor by noon, and in the van by 3.
On August 17th, the Horsham ringers, including myself, travelled up to Loughborough to watch the new 4th be cast. The metal was poured at 14:45, and following this, we had a tour around the foundry. The following week, it was broken out of the mould and sent to Oxfordshire for tuning. As the bell was cast slightly larger than the original, it had a considerable amount of skirting. It has a fairly simple inscription. Taylor's medallion is inscribed on the inscription band alone.
On one side of the waist is King Charles' name and his Royal cyphen, and Whites of Appleton Church Bellhangers on the other.
The bell returned to Horsham on Tuesday 12th where it was blessed during a special service at 10am. The bell has been fitted on new ball bearings, the original headstock painted blue; the original wheel was refurbished; and a new stay fitted.
In addition, the rest of the bells were were re-greased, and new pully sheaves supplied. The bell was hung in the tower by 4pm.
Visited: 11/03/2023; 07/06/2023; 12/09/2023
Visited with: David Capewell, Dylan J Thomas, Francis Smith, Graham Clifton, Ian Smith, James from Whites, Michael Cattell, Richard Pendlebury, Stephen Pocock, Tom Sutton, Tom White, Valerie Burgess.
On February 21st, 2023, the 4th cracked right around the crown. After it broke, it fell and smashed the bottom of the wheel, and hung balanced on the crown staple. The contractors for the job were Whites of Appleton who came to lower the bell onto the cross bracing between the sills. Their initial plan was to weld it back together. However, the bell was in three pieces: Everything below the crown moulding wires; and the crown in two halves. The idea of welding was then dropped and Plan B was born. Plan B was to get The Westley Group to recast the bell as it was suspected to be underweight! However, due to the cost, Plan C was to get John Taylor & Co to recast it to a Whitechapel profile, and Whites of Appleton to tune it.
Whites of Appleton came on Wednesday 7th June to remove the bell from the tower for scrap. They commenced at 10am, taking equipment up the tower. Instead of smashing the bell up in the tower, the bell was lowered down in one piece, passing around the tenor that was held at an angle. The bell was on the ground floor by noon, and in the van by 3.
On August 17th, the Horsham ringers, including myself, travelled up to Loughborough to watch the new 4th be cast. The metal was poured at 14:45, and following this, we had a tour around the foundry. The following week, it was broken out of the mould and sent to Oxfordshire for tuning. As the bell was cast slightly larger than the original, it had a considerable amount of skirting. It has a fairly simple inscription. Taylor's medallion is inscribed on the inscription band alone.
On one side of the waist is King Charles' name and his Royal cyphen, and Whites of Appleton Church Bellhangers on the other.
The bell returned to Horsham on Tuesday 12th where it was blessed during a special service at 10am. The bell has been fitted on new ball bearings, the original headstock painted blue; the original wheel was refurbished; and a new stay fitted.
In addition, the rest of the bells were were re-greased, and new pully sheaves supplied. The bell was hung in the tower by 4pm.
Visited: 11/03/2023; 07/06/2023; 12/09/2023
Visited with: David Capewell, Dylan J Thomas, Francis Smith, Graham Clifton, Ian Smith, James from Whites, Michael Cattell, Richard Pendlebury, Stephen Pocock, Tom Sutton, Tom White, Valerie Burgess.
The old 4th
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The New 4th
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Recordings of the bells:
How the bells are tuned in relation to the 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 - 415Hz - G#+0
Prime - 784.5Hz - G+1
Tierce - 965Hz - B-39 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 1244.5Hz - E♭+0
Nominal - 1573Hz - G+6
Prime - 784.5Hz - G+1
Tierce - 965Hz - B-39 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 1244.5Hz - E♭+0
Nominal - 1573Hz - G+6

horsham_1.mp3 |
Bell 2
Hum - 369.5Hz - F# -1
Prime - 700Hz - F+4
Tierce - 843.5Hz - A♭+27 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 1112Hz - D♭+5
Nominal - 1401.5Hz - F+6
Prime - 700Hz - F+4
Tierce - 843.5Hz - A♭+27 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 1112Hz - D♭+5
Nominal - 1401.5Hz - F+6

horsham2.mp3 |
Bell 3
Hum - 343Hz - F-30
Prime - 591.5Hz - D+12
Tierce - 767.5Hz - G-36 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 1006Hz - B+32
Nominal - 1254.5Hz - E♭+14
Prime - 591.5Hz - D+12
Tierce - 767.5Hz - G-36 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 1006Hz - B+32
Nominal - 1254.5Hz - E♭+14

horsham_3.wav |
Bell 4
Hum - 327.5Hz - E-10
Prime - 550.5Hz - Db-11
Tierce - 721Hz - F#-44 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 901.5Hz - A+42
Nominal - 1172.5Hz - D-2
Prime - 550.5Hz - Db-11
Tierce - 721Hz - F#-44 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 901.5Hz - A+42
Nominal - 1172.5Hz - D-2

horshamnewfourth.wav |
Bell 5
Hum - 294.5Hz - D+5
Prime - 519.5Hz - C-11
Tierce - 646Hz - E-34 (major 3rd)
Quint - 856Hz - A-47
Nominal - 1042Hz - C-6
Prime - 519.5Hz - C-11
Tierce - 646Hz - E-34 (major 3rd)
Quint - 856Hz - A-47
Nominal - 1042Hz - C-6

horsham_5__1_.wav |
Bell 6
Hum - 255Hz - C-43
Prime - 464Hz - B♭-7
Tierce - 569Hz - D♭+45 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 744.5Hz - F#+11
Nominal - 931.5 - B♭-1
Prime - 464Hz - B♭-7
Tierce - 569Hz - D♭+45 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 744.5Hz - F#+11
Nominal - 931.5 - B♭-1

horsham6.wav |
Bell 7
Hum - 229.5Hz - B♭-26
Prime - 397.5Hz - G+24
Tierce - 506.5Hz - B+44 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 657Hz - E-5
Nominal - 829.5Hz - A♭-1
Prime - 397.5Hz - G+24
Tierce - 506.5Hz - B+44 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 657Hz - E-5
Nominal - 829.5Hz - A♭-1

horsham7.wav |
Bell 8
Hum - 210.5Hz - A♭+24
Prime - 387Hz - G-21
Tierce - 473.5Hz - B♭+27 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 606.5Hz - E♭-43
Nominal - 779Hz - G-10
Prime - 387Hz - G-21
Tierce - 473.5Hz - B♭+27 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 606.5Hz - E♭-43
Nominal - 779Hz - G-10

horsham8.wav |
Bell 9
Hum - 188.5Hz - F#+32
Prime - 334Hz - E+23
Tierce - 421Hz - A♭+24 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 546.5Hz - D♭-24
Nominal - 697.5Hz - F-1
Prime - 334Hz - E+23
Tierce - 421Hz - A♭+24 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 546.5Hz - D♭-24
Nominal - 697.5Hz - F-1

horsham9.wav |
Bell 10
Hum - 172Hz - F-25
Prime - 315.5Hz - E♭+24
Tierce - 378.5Hz - F#+39 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 488.5Hz - B-18
Nominal - 620.5Hz - E♭-4
Prime - 315.5Hz - E♭+24
Tierce - 378.5Hz - F#+39 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 488.5Hz - B-18
Nominal - 620.5Hz - E♭-4

horsham_0.wav |
Old 4
Real recording:
Hum - 306.5Hz - E♭-25
Prime - 516Hz - C-23
Tierce - 701Hz - F+6 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 863Hz - A-33
Nominal - 1172.5Hz - D-2
Prime - 516Hz - C-23
Tierce - 701Hz - F+6 (minor 3rd)
Quint - 863Hz - A-33
Nominal - 1172.5Hz - D-2

horshamfourthswinging.mp3 |
Computer modified recording:

horshamold4th.mp3 |
Inscriptions:
*Underlined text is inscriptions within the inscription band*
*Text in blue is on the opposite side of the bell*
*Text in blue is on the opposite side of the bell*
1 |
THE GIFT OF THE ST MARY SOCIETY OF BELLRINGERS 1972 ⚪ WHITECHAPEL |
2 |
THE GIFT OF THE FRIENDS OF ST MARY'S SOCIETY OF BELLRINGERS 1972 ⚪ WHITECHAPEL |
3 |
THOS̥ LESTER & T : PACK MADE US ALL J752 |
4 |
◉ KING CHARLES III 2023 Ⓒ WHITES OF APPLETON CHURCH BELLHANGERS |
5 |
MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON. 1921. ◉ |
6 |
MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON. 1921. ◉ |
7 |
THOMAS LESTER OF LONDON MADE ME ⚛⋙⚛⋙⚛ |
8 |
RECAST BY MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON. 1921 ◉ |
9 |
≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎ |
10 |
THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1838 REVD̥ H..W. SIMPSON VICAR JOHN THORPE RICHARD WALDER } CHURCH WARDENS. PETER WILSON } |
1972 - 2023
1 |
THE GIFT OF THE ST MARY SOCIETY OF BELLRINGERS 1972 ⚪ WHITECHAPEL |
2 |
THE GIFT OF THE FRIENDS OF ST MARY'S SOCIETY OF BELLRINGERS 1972 ⚪ WHITECHAPEL |
3 |
THOS̥ LESTER & T : PACK MADE US ALL J752 |
4 |
T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜ |
5 |
MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON. 1921. ◉ |
6 |
MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON. 1921. ◉ |
7 |
THOMAS LESTER OF LONDON MADE ME ⚛⋙⚛⋙⚛ |
8 |
RECAST BY MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON, 1921. ◉ |
9 |
≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎ |
10 |
THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1838 REVD̥ H..W. SIMPSON VICAR JOHN THORPE } RICHARD WALDER } CHURCH WARDENS. PETER WILSON } |
1921 - 1972
1 |
THOS̥ LESTER & T : PACK MADE US ALL J752 |
2 |
T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜ |
3 |
MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON. 1921. ◉ |
4 |
MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON. 1921. ◉ |
5 |
THOMAS LESTER OF LONDON MADE ME ⚛⋙⚛⋙⚛ |
6 |
RECAST BY MEARS & STAINBANK, LONDON, 1921. ◉ |
7 |
≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎ |
8 |
THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1838 REVD̥ H..W. SIMPSON VICAR JOHN THORPE } RICHARD WALDER } CHURCH WARDENS. PETER WILSON } |
1838 - 1921
1 |
THS̥ LESTER & T : PACK MADE US ALL J752 |
2 |
T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜ |
3 |
T LESTER FECIT |
4 |
THOMAS LESTER & THOS PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1752 |
5 |
THOMAS LESTER OF LONDON MADE ME ⚛⋙⚛⋙⚛ |
6 |
THOMAS LESTER & THOS PACK FECIT 1752 |
7 |
≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1815 ≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎ |
8 |
THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1838 REVD̥ H..W. SIMPSON VICAR JOHN THORPE } RICHARD WALDER } CHURCH WARDENS. PETER WILSON } |
Latin Translation:
4,9: FECIT - to make
4,9: FECIT - to make
⚪ = Fig. WBF, 1 (Bells 1,2)
⚜⚜⚜ = Fig. L,e (Old 4)
◉ = Fig. ARH, 1 (Bells 5,6,8)
≎ = Fig. TLE,1 (Bell 9)
⚛ = Fig. XLVII,a (Bell 7)
⋙ = Fig. XLVII,d (Bell 7)
Ⓣ = Fig. LVIII,c (Bell 4)
Ⓒ = King Charles' Royal Cyphen (Bell 4)
*Click on images to enlarge them*
⚜⚜⚜ = Fig. L,e (Old 4)
◉ = Fig. ARH, 1 (Bells 5,6,8)
≎ = Fig. TLE,1 (Bell 9)
⚛ = Fig. XLVII,a (Bell 7)
⋙ = Fig. XLVII,d (Bell 7)
Ⓣ = Fig. LVIII,c (Bell 4)
Ⓒ = King Charles' Royal Cyphen (Bell 4)
*Click on images to enlarge them*
Photographs:
*Click on the images to enlarge them*
Sources:
- Sussex Archaeological Collections Vol. XXXI p. 81 - 94
- Sussex Record Society Vol XLII p. 344, 346
- FORD, Wyn. K (1994): Chichester Diocesan Surveys 1686 and 1724
- BARHAM, Joan; FOSTER, Andrew (2017): Church Surveys of Chichester Archdeaconry 1602, 1610 & 1636
- CATTEL, Mike: Brief details of St Mary's bells
- https://sussexparishchurches.org/church/horsham-st-mary/