![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Whitbourne's BellsSt. John the Baptist, Whitbourne, has a ring of six bells
(with a tenor of 11.75 cwt.), plus a Sanctus bell. The present cast iron frame,
installed in 1908, lasted a hundred years – a crack was found in January 2009,
resulting in the bells being pronounced dangerous to ring. The crack has now
been repaired, but some doubt remains about the condition of the beams below the
frame. We do ring, but only occasionally.
Enthusiasm for bell ringing in any parish waxes and wanes. We had a good band at the turn of the century (18-1900); indeed, in 1912 they were ringing in competitions. Three of the ringers in the photograph began ringing in 1908, one in 1891 and R.J. Caswell, the Captain, began in 1883. He was still ringing fifty-one years later on his 70th birthday! This was probably in 1934. There is no record of bell-ringing then until the early 1980s, when a new band was formed. Three of those are still ringing (or would be if the frame was not cracked!). However, the long draught (length of rope between bell and ringer) and the rather worn plain bearings meant that, in spite of a rope guide having been installed, they were very difficult for beginners, and several aspiring ringers were put off. Now, with a very good training programme at nearby Bromyard, we have two ‘newcomers’ ringing at other towers.
The first mention of bells here was in 1453. Our local historian, Phyllis Williams, while doing research for her book “Whitbourne: A Bishop’s Manor”, published in 1979 (some copies are still available at Bromyard & District Local History Society www.bromyardhistorysociety.org.uk) found the following:
Recent tree-ring dating of the beams on which the frame rests shows that the oldest is from a tree felled after 1414. One was 1471 – 96. The others are more recent, although five, which match each other, do not match any of the reference data. One was dated at 1717, matching the recasting of that year. Fundraising for the Bell Restoration Fund began in 2010. By June 2012 we had
raised around £13,000. The frame has been mended - the next job is to install an
electronic chiming mechanism. We are now fund-raising for the final stages,
including building in a ringing gallery, to replace the one demolished in 1865,
and refurbishment of the bells themselves. Donations may be sent to the Rector,
Rev’d. David Howell, at The Rectory, Whitbourne, WR6 5RP, or the Tower Captain,
Brenda Allan, Gaines Lodge, Whitbourne WR6 5RB. Thank you. Brenda Allan. July 2012. |
This page last updated for Brenda Allan on 10th January 2014 by John Bland.