THE CHURCH BELLS OF BEDFORDSHIRE. THE CHURCH BELLS OF BEDFORDSHIRE : Their Founders, Inscriptions, Traditions, and Peculiar Uses ; WITH A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHURCH BELLS IN THAT COUNTY, CHIEFLY FROM ORIGINAL AND CONTEMPORANEOUS RECORDS. BY THOMAS NORTH, F.S.A., Honorary Memuer and Honorary Secretary of the Leicestershire Architec- tural AND ArCH.LOLOGICAL SOCIETY, HONORARY MEMBER OK THE DERBY- SHIRE Arch.eological and Natural History Society, etc. L r WITH ILLUSTRATIONS. LONDON : ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW 1883. cc 2. IS. ^5. Bf/Yi ^^ THE RIGHT fj REVEREND JAMES RUSSELL WOODFORD, D.D., edfordshire. Duke, Rev. R., F.S.A., liiilingham R.cc- tory, Pcrshorc. Dymond, E. G., Esq., Asplcy Guise, Wohurn. Edmond, G., Esq., Spring Vale, Niton, Isle of Wight, Large Paper. Edmonds, J. R., Esq., Charnwood House, Sileby, Loughborough. Edmondcs, Rev. T., The Vicarage, Cowbridge. Elvin, C. N., Esq., M.A., Eckling Grange, East Dereham. Evans, John, Esq., D.C.L., LL.D., F.R.S., F.S.A., 6s, Old Bailey, E.G. Eyre, Rev. W. II., Stoneyhurst, Blackburn. Fisher, E,, Esq., Abbotsbury, Newton Abbot. Fisher, S. T., Esq., 4, Bark Prospect, Little Queen Street, S.W. Foster, R., Esq., Llanwithan, Lostwithiel. Foster, J. N., Esq., Sandy, Ijedfordshire. Fowler, Rev. J. T., F.S.A. , Bishop Hatfield's Hall, Durham. Fox, Dr. C. II., The Beeches, Brislington, Bristol. . GOUGH, II., Esq., Sandcroft, Redhill. Gray, II., Esq., 25, Cathedral Yard, Man- chester. Large Paper. Grove, Dr. W. R., St. Ives, Hunts. H.XDDOCK, Rev. Canon, Bedford. Harris, II. E. Hollis, Esq., 78, Regent Street, W. Harting, J. v., Esq., F.S.A., 24, Lincoln's Inn Fields, W.C. Ilaslam, Rev. C. E., Toddington Rectory, Dunstable. Ilayward, T., Esq., Crescent Foundry, Cripplegate. L.argc Paper. Ilebbes, C, Esq., Wootton, Bedford. Hill, James Woodward, Esq., Bedford. Ilockliffe, F., Esq., Bedford. 12, Large Paper, Do., Do. (12 eopies). Holmes, G., Esq., Ilarlcston, Norfolk. Honeyman, J., Esq., 140, Bath Street, Glas- gow. Hope, R. C, Esq., Albion Crescent Villa, Scarborough. Horley, W., Esq., Toddington, Dunstable. Howard, F., Esq., Bedford. Howlett, Rev. J. H., Meppershall Rectory, Beds. James, Francis, Esq., F.S.A., Edg\vorth Manor, Cirencester. Jendwine, Rev. W., Aspley Guise, Wobum, Jepson, G. G., Esq., Springmount, Leeds. Jerram, Mr. J. R., The Close, Salisbury. KiRKLAND, Walter, Esq., 23, Upperton Gar- dens, Eastbourne. Layton, C. Temple, Esq., 17, Mincing Lane, E.G. Layton, Thomas, Esq., F.S.A., Kew Bridge, Middlesex. Large Paper. Lee-Warner, Rev. T. II., Highmoor, Henley- on-Thames. I>uck, Richard, Esq., Llanfairfechan. Lynam, C, Esq., Stoke-on-Trent. Subscribers. IX Macleur, W., Esq., 31, Camperdown Place, Great Yarmouth. Mears, J., Esq., 47, Uurgate, Canterluiry. Large Paper. Mercer, Wm. J., Esq., 12, Marine Terrace, ^Margate. Miles, Rev. II. II., Clifton Rectory, IJiggles- wade. Murdoch, Rev. A., All Saints' Parsonage, Edinburgh. NlEl.D, Wm., Esq., 2, Broad Street, Prist.-)]. Nixon, E., Esq., Saville House, Mcthlej', Leeds. Norton, Mr. W., Cheltenham. ORLEfJAR, Rev. A., Willington Vicarage, Bedford. Ormerod, II., jun., Esq., Boothroyd, Brig- house. Owen, Rev. T. M. N., Rhodes Vicarage, Middleton. PARLANE,J.,Esq., Appleby Lodge, Rusholme, Manchester. Pietcrs, Rev. J. W., S. John's College, Cam- bridge. Pike, (I. II., Esq., Green Dragon Lane, \Vinchmorc Hill. Pulleine, Mrs., Clifton Castle, Bedale. Ram.sev, R., Esq., 27, Grccndyke Street, Glasgow. Large Paper. Raven, Rev. J. J., D.D., School House, Great Yarmouth. Rayncs, J. G., Esq., 14, Great James Street, W.C. Reynolds, A. , Esq. , Merchant Taylors' Schools, E.G. Roots, G., Esq., 2, Ashley Place, Victoria Street, S.W. Roper, Rev. T. II., Piddlehinton Rector)-, Dorchester, Roundell, C. S., Esq., M.P., 16, Curzon Street, Mayfair, W. Rowe, R. Reynolds, Esq., F.S.A., Park House, Cambridge. Royce, Rev. D., Nether Swell Vicarage, Stow- on-Wold. St. Aldyn, J. P., Esq., iiS, Cambridge Street, Eccleston Square, .S.W. Sidebolham, J., Esq., F.S.A., Bowdon, Cheshire. Smith, Rev. P.. C, Ilulcotc Rectory, Wolnirn. Snowdon, J. M., Esq., Old P.ank Chandiers, Leeds. Spiers, E. G., Esq., 21, Bernard Street, Russell Square, W.C. Stahlschmidt, C. T., Esq., Fronsham House, Balham, S.W. Large Paper. Stainer, Dr. John, 5, Amen Corner, E.G. Stanton, Rev. A. II., St. Albans, Holborn, W.C. Stretton, Miss, Danes Hill House, Leicester. L.arge Paper. Sutton, Rev. Canon, West Tofls Rectory, Muntford. Swithinbank, d. E., Esq., LL. 1)., I'pper Norwood, Surrey. Taylor, Messrs. John iV Co., Loughborough. Taylor, Rev. R. F.,Gomcrsal \'icarage, Leeds. Thorpe, G., Esq., 65, Stoke Newinglon Road, N, X Church Bells of Bedfo7'dshirc, Timceus, Mr. C. F., High Street, Kedford (3 copies). Tinkler, Rev, John, Arkengarth-dale Vicar- age, Richmond. Trethewy, II., Esq., Silsoe, Ampthill, Large Paper. Tyssen, A. D., Esq., D.C.L., 40, Chancery Lane, W.C. UssiiER, Rev. R., Grove House, Ventnor, Isle of Wight. ViALLS, G., Esq., 24, Doughty Street, W. Walhouse, M. J., Esq., 9, Randolph Cres- cent, W. Walton, Rev. T. J., Ickleford Rectory, Ilitchin. Warmoll, Rev. Provost, Bedford. Warner, Messrs. J. & Sons, Crescent Foundry, Cripplegate, E.C. Waterton, Edmund, Esq., F.S.A., Deeping Waterton Hall, Market Deeping. Watkins, Rev. H. G., The Vicarage, Potter's Bar, N. Webster, Mrs., Raven Ilolt, Scalford, MeKon Mowbray. White, G. II., Esq., Glenthorne, St. Mary's Church, Torquay. Whitbread, Saml, Esq., Southill, Biggleswade. Large Paper. Whitehead, Rev. H., Brampton Vicarage, Carlisle. Williams, J. H., Esq., Leicester. Wood, R. H., Esq., F.S.A., Penrhos House, Rugby. Worcester, the Very Rev. the Dean of, Wor- cester. Corporation Library, Guildhall, E.C. Society of Antiquaries of London, Burlington House, W. Cathedral Library, Lincoln. The foregoing list of subscribers has been made up to the date of going to press. Any names arriving after this date have been necessarily omitted. PREFACE. — <. — On the completion of my endeavour to place upon record a careful account of the Bells at present hanging in the churches of Bedfordshire, I have to acknowledge, with pleasure and with gratitude, much kind help received from many friends and from many courteous correspondents. To Mr. Edwin Ransom, F.R.G.S., I am specially indebted for (without any solicitation on my part) placing in my hands a collection of copies of the inscriptions on, and the measure- ments of, many bells in the county, carefully made under his direction some years ago. To Mr. D. G. Cary-Elwes, F.S.A., and to Mr. Charles Herbert, I am also very much indebted for spending much time, and making long journeys^ in order to procure for me rubbings from many of the more ancient bells in the county. And further, I beg to acknowledge the ready help I received from the other gentlemen, whose names are in the following list, towards the completion of this work by sending me rubbings, etc., of the inscriptions on, and other particulars relating to, the bells in the different parishes appended to their names. The Rev. W. G. Dimock Fletcher very kindly gave me some assistance in the Bodleian Library, O.xford. The Rev. d—2 Xll CI Lurch Bells of Bedfordshire. J. T. Fowler, F.S.A., Vice-Principal of Bishop Hatfield's Hall, Durham, allowed me, as upon former occasions, to appeal to him for a reading of more than one difficult inscription ; and Mr. Vincent's professional services were very useful to me in the Public Record Office. To each and all I beg to offer my hearty thanks. Baker, Rev. R. Blaydes, F. A., Esq. ... Bolingbioke, Rev. F. ... Bonser, Rev. J. A. Bosanquet, Rev. E. Elwes, D. G. Gary-, Esq., F.S.A. Golmworth, Eaton Socon, rudJington, Staugli- ton Parva, Wyniington. Studham, Whipsnade, Melchbourne. Shillington. Glophill. Bedford (S. Peter, S. Mary, and S. Guthbert), Blunham, Bromham, Cardington, Carlton, Chcllington, Glapham, Cople, Elstow, Gold- ington, Ilarrold, Ilawnes, Kempston, Mug- gerhanger, Northill, Oakley, Odell, Paven- ham, Potton, Sandy, Sharnbrook, Southill, Stevington, Thurleigh, Warden (Old), Wilden, Wilshampstead, \Villington, Woot- ton. FosTEK, Rev. A. J. Herbert, Mr. Gharles. Fandisli. Aspky Guise, Baltlesden House, Billington, Gaddington, Chalgrave, Granfield, Eaton Bray, Egginlon, Flitwick, Harlington, Heath and Reach, Ilockliffe, Houghton Regis, Hulcote, Husborne Grawley, Lidlington, Marston Moretaine, Millbrooke, Milton Bryant, Salford, Stanbridge, Tilsworth, Tin- grilh, Tottenhoe, \Yobuni. Llf, Rev. W. G. Shelton. Preface. Xlll Miles, Rev. II. II. Moxon, Rev. G. II. ObiiORN, Rev. G. M. Ransom, E., Esq. Raven, Rev. J. J., D.D. Rayncs, J. G., Esq. W.\KNER & So.NS, Messrs. Llanfairfechan, North Wales. October, 1883. Clifton. Streallcy, Sundon. Camptoii, ShcfTord. Ampthill, BarforJ Great, BarforJ Little, I5ar- ton-le-Clay, Battlesden, Bedford (S. Paul, S. John Baptist, and Holy Trinity), Bidden- ham, Biggleswade, Bletsoc, Bolnhurst, Card- ington, Clapham, Dean, Dunstable, Evers- holt, Felmersham, Flitton, Gravenhurst (Upper and Lower). Ilatlcy Cockayne, Hig- ham Gobion, Houghton Conquest, Kcysoe, Knotting, Leighton Buzzard, Luton, Mep- pershall, Milton Ernest, Pertcnhall, Pollux- hill, Pottesgrove, Ravensden, RenfoUl, Ridgmount, Riseley, Roxton, Silsoe, Soul- drop, Stagsden, Steppingley, Stondon, Sutton, Tempsford, Tilbrook, Toddington, Turvey, Westoning, Wrestlingworth, Vielden. Holwcll, Maulden. Dunton, Edworth, Eyeworlh, Ilenlow, Lang- ford, Stotfold. Arlesey. T. N. CONTENTS. Church Bells (with special reference to those in Bedfordshire) . The Church Bells of Bedfordshire .... The Bedfordshire Bellfounders {Illustrated) Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells {Illustrated) Peculiar Uses of the Bedfordshire Bells Latin Inscriptions on Bedfordshire Bells {j(.iith Tratislations) A Table of Diameters of Bells, with the approximate Weights . The Inscriptions on the Church Bells of Bedfordshire, with the Diameter at the mouth of each Bell, from which its approximate Weight may be ascertained. To which are added extracts, where procurable, from the Commissioners' Returns temp. Edward VI., and from Parochial and other Records, together with Local Traditions, Notices of Donors, etc., etc. . . . . .121 Index . . . . . . . . 213 PAGE I 37 43 85 117 CHURCH BELLS. ALTHOUGH we know that the Christian Church in the first years of its infancy met in a large upper room, the festival apartment, the best room in the house, and one, no doubt, decently, if not handsomely, furnished ; and that afterwards, in the early centuries of its existence, its members assembled for prayer and praise in handsome edifices, or in caves and catacombs, according to the peace it occasionally enjoyed, or the persecution it not unfrequently suffered, still we know little of the means — public or private, according to these circumstances — adopted for calling the faithful together. Even after its vicissitudes of outward peace and unrest were over, and it enjoyed, under Constantine, encouragement and protection, when some of the ancient basilicas of Rome were placed by the Emperor in the hands of the Church, and magnificent temples were erected by him, in other places of his wide dominions, for the worship of God, the mode of summoning the worshippers is still uncertain, and our knowledge of it obscure. Bingham's opinion is probably correct, that for the first three hundred years the primitive Christians did not meet in their assemblies by the notice of any public signal. The hours of prayer being well known, B 2 Church Bells. and a desire, perhaps, existing not to unduly call the attention of their heathen or Jewish neighbours to the celebration of their more solemn rites, might induce them to assemble, even during periods of peace and quiet, without the use of any public summons. In the times of persecution a secret message passed from one to another would be the safest and only prudent method of calling the Christians together. Later, when the Church had little to fear from outward persecution, the Christians in Egypt and in Palestine appear to have used trumpets, like the Jews of old, and In other parts they used an instrument of wood, called a sigmcm. In the monasteries the monks or nuns were summoned to church by a blow from a mallet at the door of each cell, or by one going round crying " Halleluja."'" It Is not until the fifth century that we find bells used in the Christian Church In the way with which we are so familiar. Small bells, or " metallic ratdes," had been long known and used in various ways by the nations of antiquity. The Jews knew them well ; the Greeks and the Romans were familiar with them ; the Persians wore them on their royal robes ; they have been found In the ruins of Nineveh ; the Hindoos used them in their temples, and the Chinese have probably for ages known them as common things ; but even tradition does not claim the Campana, or large bell, as an ornament of the church, used as a public signal, prior to the fifth century. S. Jerome, who is thought to be the first Christian writer * See Bingham's CArisL A /tiii/. Book viii. oi FeWiccisLS Fo/i/f o///tc CAn's/ian C/iu/r/i, c, vii. s. XV., and see also Bellett's translation Book ii. s. ii. c. i., p. 192. CJmrch Bells. 3 who refers to large bells — Campancr, or Sigjia, as they are frequently called — mentions them in his Rcgitla Illoimc/ionnu, written about a.d. 422, as being then used as a call to Matins and to the other canonical hours.'" Two centuries later (a.d. 604) Pope Sabinian ordered the canonical hours to be sounded on the bells ; and they are mentioned in the Ordo Romanus of that date, as well as in other writin^rs of the close of that century.t Half a century later we find a bell in England. Bede mentions the existence of one at Whitby in the year 680, which was used to awake and to call the nuns to prayer. I The second Excerption of Egbert, issued about the year 750, commands every priest, at the proper hours, to sound the bells of his church, and then to go through the sacred Offices of God. Ingulph tells of a ring of seven bells — and gives their names — as being at Croyland Abbey at the close of the tenth century.§ Bells were cast, for the great Religious House at Abingdon, under the direction of S. .^thelwold ; and S. Dunstan (who died a.d. 977), not only cast bells for the same House and for Canterbury Cathedral, || but drew up a set of rules for their use. Lancfranc (who died a century later) also drew up rules for the ringing of the bells for the canonical hours. Indeed, there is every reason for believing that at the Norman Conquest bells were plentiful in England, and that then, or shortly afterwards, the art of bellfounding was not only well understood, hut carried to * Quoted by Rocca De Canifanis, Opera, \ Ingulph's Chron. (Bohn's Ed.), p. 107. Romcc 1719, vol. i., p. 156. || Rock's Church 0/ our fathers, iii. I'art \ Walcott's Sac. Arch., p. 66. 2, p. 57. X Eccl. Hiit., Book iv. c. xxiv. (Gidley"s translation.) 4 Church Bells. great perfection in this country. The grand old Norman towers of our churches clearly point to the large and heavy bells which they were erected to contain, and the law of Curfew, enforced by the Conqueror, proves the general distribution of bells throughout the country. In the thirteenth century Campano' Magnet are mentioned in the necessary furniture of an English church,* and every such church would appear to have then possessed one bell or more ; the chroniclers, too, constantly refer to the ringing of bells amongst the usual marks of rejoicing and of welcome.t It is in that century that we meet with a regular bellfounder by trade, Roger de Ropeford, who, in the year 1284, was employed to cast four bells for the north tower of Exeter Cathedral. I In the Middle Ages, and, indeed, in much more recent times, when the roads- were bad and the movement of heavy material difficult, bells were often cast within the precincts of Religious Houses, in churchyards, and even, occasionally, within the church itself. Bellfounders, too, itinerated, setting up their furnaces in central situations, doing all the work they could obtain from the neighbourhood around, and then moving on. After the bell was cast, and before raising it to its final place in the bell-chamber, it was set apart for its future use by a solemn ceremonial, and by the recitation of an Office which has been variously termed the Blessing, the Consecration, and * See Peacock's Church Funiittire, pp. J Ellacombe's Bells of Exeter Cathedral 177-9- P- 3- t See especially Matthew of Paris. Church Bells. 5 the Baptism of the bell. The use of this Office, if not coeval with the introduction of the church bell, is certainly of great antiquity. This we gather from the fact that Charlemagne issued, in the year 789, an express order against the baptism of bells. The De Benedictione Signi vel Campancc of the Roman Pontifical follows the ceremonies enjoined in the more ancient Offices. The bell having been first washed by the Bishop with water into which salt had been cast, was anointed by him with holy oil and chrism, he saying : — " Saudi -{-Jicctiir, et consc -\- cretiir Domi/ie Signum istud : in nomine Pa -V iris ei Fi-\-lii, et Spiritus + Sancti in honorem Sancii N. Pax tibi:' After which the inside of the bell was censed. This Office, which had many characteristics of Holy Baptism, was made even more conspicuously similar by the introduction of other — apparently unauthorized — ceremonies, so that, at least in the eyes of the vulgar, it assumed a too close and irreverent resemblance to that holy Sacrament. These additions were the giving of a name — not the simple dedication of the bell in honour of a certain saint — and the use of sponsors. These customs prevailed in France, and also in England, where the chief duty of the sponsors appears to have been to pay the costs attending the consecration. Thus in 1499, when the great bell, named Harry, was hallowed at Reading, we are told that certain persons were " godfaders and godmother at the consecracyon of the same bell, and bcryng all o'" costs to the suffrygan.""' There is a tradition attaching to the ancient * Notes and Queries, 3rd s., vii., p. 90. 6 CJmixJi Bells. Sanctus-bell now hanging in Dunstable, in this county, illustrative of this custom : it is to the effect that at its consecration " there was a gorgeous ceremonial, at which Matilda, daughter of Malcolm, King of Scotland, acted as godmother." To the ancient and — when not accompanied with undue ceremonial calculated to mislead — laudable custom of blessing or setting apart of bells for holy uses we owe the origin of bell inscriptions. The earliest form of inscription is simply the name of the saint in whose honour the bell was cast, placed upon it by the founder, and which name was ratified at its consecration. Upon the largest, or tenor bell, was frequently placed the name of the patron saint of the church, and upon the smaller ones, perhaps, the names of saints whose altars were formerly in the church below, or who were patrons of ancient Guilds or Confraternities in the parish. Of bells of this class (though not necessarily of this early date) may be mentioned one in this county — the 3rd at Carlton, inscribed : — Though the earliest bells do not generally tell us anything as to their date, or the foundry where they were cast, a few early dated English bells have been found : one at S. Chad's, Claughton, Lancashire, is dated 1296 ; another at Cold Ashby Northamptonshire, is dated 131 7 ; two at South Somercotes, Lincolnshire, bear the date 1423 ; and two others at Sowerby, in the same county, tell us they were cast in the year 1431. The early inscriptions are usually in stately, and frequently Church Bells. 7 richly ornamented Gothic capital letters, and in Latin — the language of the mediaeval church. We soon meet with slight extensions of the inscriptions, such as — to quote Bedfordshire examples : — at Cople, and at Hawnes. Although bells cast in pre-Reformation times are, as a rule, undated, they generally bear founders' marks, initial crosses, and other means of recognition by which they can be classified, and, in many cases, assigned to their respective dates and foundries. Care must, however, be taken in so using these bell stamps, for as foundries often went on for generations, and even centuries, so the stamps were sometimes handed down from one founder to another, and so were used for a long period. On bells from the fourteenth century to the period of the Reformation we very frequently find the invocation Ora pro nobis added to the name of the saint, thus : — ^ancta XH'^i^i^ Ora Ipro ,IFlol)is at Edworth, and at Eyeworth. These invocations were taken from the Litanv, and nianv of 8 Chmxh Bells. the other inscriptions found on ancient bells, doubtless owe their origin to the various Offices of the mediaeval church : the 4th bell at Kempston has an inscription of that character, although its actual source is unknown : — and the 5th at Willington : — (*> ^t^xWx ^poforc ^ro )[^obtg jgcmpcr (Diate. The angelic salutation — in part or in whole — appears upon many pre- Reformation bells, as, to confine ourselves to this county : — at Sundon and Thurleigh. Occasionally we find figures of the Blessed Virgin and Child, of men and of angels, on bells of this date. At Impington, Cambridgeshire, the Evangelistic symbols appear ; but Bedfordshire gives us no example of such, neither are there, as is sometimes, though very rarely, the case in other counties, any earlier inscriptions in English than some found on bells cast at the close of the sixteenth century. At the date of which we are now speaking there was no such thing known as change-ringing, and, indeed, it would appear that neither ringing " rounds " nor chiming in " tune " was possible in the great majority of our churches. The returns from the different parishes, obtained in the reign of Edward the Sixth, speak of each as possessing a certain Church Bells. 9 number of bells apparently unfit for musical chiming; or ringing, but quite adequate to the customs of the time. Towards the close of the sixteenth century, however, care was sometimes taken, when bells were re-cast, to have them " in tune."* The decay of Gothic art, followed by the Reformation, produced many changes in connection with bells, as with other ornaments of the church. The stately Gothic capital and the quaint small " black letter," grradually gave place to clumsy Roman letters for the inscriptions. The beautiful initial cross also gradually disappeared. Figures of saint or angel were discarded. English, although it did not altogether supplant Latin, gained a full share of use on the bells. Ancient inscriptions were sometimes erased, and the old forms dropped, at first to give place to mottoes of a reverent character, which soon, however, drifted, in many instances, into doggrel rhyme — stupid, frivolous, and thoroughly out of place, or into a bare list of names of vicar and churchwardens. Dates, in Arabic numerals, now appear on every bell, and founders' names abound. Specimens of all these will be found in the bells of this county hereinafter described. Sometimes eighteenth century bells bear the names of their donors, or commemorate some event of national interest, but bell inscriptions (with some praiseworthy exceptions), after the middle of the seventeenth century, afford little interest. In the second year of Edward the Sixth's reign, a Several instances are quoted in North's Church Bells of Limolmhin; p. 19, C 10 Church Bells. Commission was issued to inquire into the quantity and value of church furniture and ornaments throughout England, and to forbid their sale or misappropriation. Unfortunately for our present purpose, the results of that Commission, so far as regards Bedfordshire, are unknown to us. The Certificate of the Local Commissioners, which would have shown the number of bells then hanging in its steeples, cannot now be found. That of the gentlemen appointed as Commissioners for the survey of all Colleges, Chantries, etc., is, however, extant, but from it we learn little beyond their names and the Returns from two Chantries. It is as follows : — The Countye The certyfycat of Syr John Saynt John Knyght S"" of bedforde. Thomas Rotheram Knyght and Wyttm Smyth Gent' Comyssyons' wythin y^ countye of Bedf . Amonges other authorised by the Kyngf Mayesties letters patent^ of comyssyon beryng date the xiiij day of ffebruary in the second yere of the raign of o'' sovayn lord Edward the syxt by the grace of God Kyng of Ingland ffraunce and Ireland defendo*" of the ffayth and in Erth of the churche of Ingland and Ireland the supreme hed To S"" John Saynt John S"^ Antony Lee S"" Robert Drury S"" Thomas Rotheram knyghts Henr Bradshawe Esquyer George Gyfford & Wyttm Smyth Gent' directed ffor the survey of all Colledges fifrechapells Chauntries ffraternyties Brotheddf Guyldf Stypendaries Obytes Anniv'saries Hghtes and other like w'^'in the countyes of Bedf and Buck' havj^ng or beyng at any tyme w^^in v yeres next before the fourth day of November last past viz Touchyng as well the yerely value of all the manors landf possessyons & heredytamentf stockf of money stocky of Cattell Juells plate ornamentf and other goodf to theym or any of theym W7thin the said Countye of Bedf or els where belongyng or appteignyng w* the yerely repris' & deduccons goyng out of the same And also thaunswering procedyng in that behalf as here after folowyth Church Bells. 1 1 The College of Northewelle The Chauntry of Bydenham bridge in y^ pishe of Bromham \Omitting the particulars up td\ Goodes and Ornament^ belonging to the sayd Chauntry as I ..... . .... , aperith by Inventory remaynyng w^'^ ij belles valued at . J The Chauntry of Wyboston in the pyshe of Eton \Omitting Lands, etc] Goodes and Ornamentf belonging to the said Chauntry as aperith by Inventory remaynyng w''^ one belle valued at xxxviji. vj^.' The Commission of 1549 failing to complete its object, about four years afterwards — in 1552 — another was issued, which carried out its purpose more effectually. A copy of the one for this county is here given : — Edward the Svxt, etc. To our deare Cousyn and Counsaillour William Marques of Northampton, Great Chamberleyn of England, and to our trustie and right welbeloved John Lord Braye, and to our trustie and welbeloved John Seynt John, and Uryan Brereton, Knights, and to our welbeloved Lewes Dyve and Richard Snowe, Esquyers, greting \\'hercas We have at sondry tymes heretofore by our speciall Commyssion, and otherwyse commaunded that ther shuld be takyn and made a just veu, survey, and inventory of all manner goodes, plate, juells, vestyments> bells, and other ornaments within every paryshe, belongyng or in any wyse apperteynyng to any Churche, Chapell, Brothered, Gylde, or Fraternyty, within this our Realme of England, and uppon the same Inventory so taken, had, or made, our commaundemcnt was and hathe ben, that all the same goodes, plate, juells, vestments, bells, and other ornaments, shuld be safely kept and appoyncted to the charge of such persons as shuld kepe the same safely, and be ready to aunswere to the same at all tymes according to the whiche our Commyssyons and sundry * Augmentation OJ)ici : C/iaiitiy Certificate No. I, pp. 9, 10, iS. 1 2 Church Bells, Commaundements. We were advertysed by our said Commyssioners then appoyncted and by other meanes also, that the said goodes, plate, juells, vestyments, belles, and other ornaments of the said Churches, Chapells, Brotherhedds, Gylds, Fraternytyes, and Companyes, were not only vieued and duly survcyd, but also that the Inventories therof were made by Indenture, and thon part of the same remayned with our Gustos Rotulorum of that Countye, or hys Deputye or Gierke of the peax at that tymc being, and the other part with the Ghurchewardens and such men as had the charge of the same goodes and other Inventories also made by our commaundement by our Busshoppes and their Ecclesiasticall Officers, were lykewyse by them retorned hyther to our Gounsaill : yet nevertheless for that we be informed that somme part of the said goodes, plate, juelles, belles, and ornaments of Ghurches be in somme places embeselled or removed contrarye to our former expresse commaundements, and manyfestlye to the contempt and derogacion of our honar in that behalfe. We have thought mete to have the very truthe herin justly and duly knowen, to thintent the same may be as ys most necessarye redressed and furthwith reformed. And for that purpose for the good knowledge and experyence had in your trustynes, faithfulnes, wisdome, and uprightnes, we have appoyncted you to be our special Gommyssioners, and by auctoryty hereof do name, appoynct, and actoryse you four, or three of you, to take and receave a due, full, and just vieu of all goodes, plate, jeuells, bells, and ornaments of every Ghurche and Ghapell in whose hands soever the same be belonging, or in any wyse apperteynyng to any the said Ghurches, Chapells, Gylds, Brotherhedds, or Fraternyties within that our Countie of Bedford. And upon the said vieu so taken to cause a true, just, and full, perfect Inventory to be made of the same, and to compare the same with the best of the former Inventories heretofore made and remaynyng with the said Churchwardens, or suche other as then hadd the same in charge. And for the defaults and wants yf any shalbe, eyther of the said plate, juelles, belles, vestyments, or any other ornaments, or any part of theym any manner of wyse, to make diligent inquyrye and serche as well by the othes of suche honest men as ye shall thinke mete to sweare therfore as any other convenyent meanes to knowe and understond by whose default the same hath been removed, embesiled, aliened, or dimynyshed. And also in whose possession the same things or any part therof so spoiled, removed, embeselled, or Church Bells. 13 demynysshed, do remayne, or to whose use the money and profett therof ys made oris comme, according to the further meanyng of certen in- struccions sent to you herewith, and of your hole doyngs in this behalf, to retorne unto us and our Pryvey Counsaill in wryting your answere accordingly. And yf ye shall fynde any person or persons that wilfully or stubburnlye will refuse to obey any precept or commaundement which you, our said Commyssioners, foure or three of you, shall geve unto theym in or about thexecucion of the premisses, that then we gyve unto you full power, auctorytie to commytt suche person or persons to warde and pryson, ther to remayne without baill or maynprice, untyll suche tyme as you shall think the same ymprisonment to be condigne for his or their offences. Wherfore Wee will and commaunde you and every of you to attende and execute the premysses accordinglye, and moreover Wee will and commaund all and singuler Mayours, Shereffes, Bayllyffes, Constables, Hedboroughes, all Curates, Parsons, Vicars, Churchwardens, and all other our Offecers, Minysters, and faithfuU Subjects, that they and every of them be ayding, helping, counsailling, assisting, and furthering you in and aboute the due execucion herof as they tender our pleasure and will aunswer to the contrarye at ther extreme perells. In Witnes wherof, etc. T. R. apud \sic\* Under this Commission, as will be observed, inquiry was made, upon oath, as to any loss which had accrued by the removal or misappropriation of church goods, to the different churches, since the Inventories of 1549 were made. A new, and in many cases, an appraised list was drawn up, and the goods therein mentioned were committed to the safe-keeping of the Curate and Churchwardens of the parish. A few of these Inventories, dated in August and September, 1552, for parishes in this County, arc preserved amongst the Land Rcvemce Records in the Public Record Office, and will be quoted hereafter when the bells in those parishes are described. • Printed in Seventh Report of the Deputy-Keeper of the Public Records, p. 307. Allhoujjli not dated, there is little doubt it was issued in May, 1552. 14 Church Bells. One — that relating to Harllngton — may be quoted in full as a specimen of the whole : — The Invytorie indented of all man' of plate, Jewell C, vestimentf, Ornamentf and belle belonginge to the pysshe Churche of Harlyngdon in y^ com of Bed' made y^ second daye of September in y<= vj'^ yere of y« Rayne of o'' Sov'aigne lord Edward the sixt by y^ grace of god of England Fraunce «S: of lerland Kynge DefendC of the faithe & in erth y^ sup''me head of the churche of England & lerland Exebyted & delyv^ed to y^ King(> his maiestie Comyssyoners by Wittm Alyson vycar Richard Hawkyns John Nasshe churchewardens John Spyc' z\.^ Helder Richard Mathew townesmen. Imp'mis one chalice of siluer f)cell gylte waying ix oncf ItiTi to crossys of coper & gylte Itm a corpus clothe w' a case of syke \sic\ \\.'m. one payer of sensers of copC ItiB sixse vestmentc v of them of sylke & one of them of whight bustyan Itm ij copes one of damaske whyght & the other of blew damaske Itm iij pillovves olde of silke Itmin y^ Stepull of y^ said churche v belles & a saunce bell — The first bell in wydenes ij foote & vij ynches in Depthe ij foote & one ynche the second bell ij foote & viij ynches in depthe ij foote the thurde bell ij fote wyde & ij foote depth y« fowerth bell iij foote wyde & ij fote depth & a di y^ vth bell iij foote & di wyde ij foote & di depe the saunce bell wyde xj ynches & ix ynche depe Itin all the said churche & porche leaded & the chaunsell tyled & the stepull tyled Comitted to the custodie and safe kepynge of Wittm Alyson Vicar there, John helder & Richard Mathewe I Seynt John Vryan Brereton Lewys Dyve Richard Snowe Endorsed : — Imp'mis one chalyce sold to John Spyce' iij//. iiji". iiij^. which was bestowed vpon the hye waye * * Land Revenue Records. Bundle 1392, File 2, No. 2. P. R. Oft. Church Bells. 1 5 Again, in January, 1553, a third Commission was issued, under which the Commissioners had power and authority to " collect and bring together all and singuler redye money plate and Juelles certyfyed by our Commyssioners aforesaid \i.e.y under the previous Commission] to remayne in any church, chapell. Guild, Brothered, Fraternitye or Company in any shire Countye or place within this our Realme of England." This Commission, which is a long one, directed one or two chalices to be left out of the confiscated plate for use in every cathedral or collegiate church, and one chalice for every small parish church or chapel where chalices were remaining. It next provided for the sale or distribution of the other " ornaments and ymplements " of the churches, and, with regard to the bells, directed : — And also to sell or cause to be sold to our use by weight all parcels or peces of metall except the metall of greatt bell, saunse bells, in every of tTie said churches or chapells.* This order as to the bells has generally been understood to direct the sale of all the large bells with the exception of the largest, or tenor, bell in each ring. What was meant, I think, was not the confiscation of all excepting one bell, but that all broken bells — "peces of metall" — and bells other than the parish bells proper, were to be sold, and the proceeds remitted to the King's exchequer. This view is borne out by the fact, abundantly proved, that the church bells were not sold, and also by the express injunction charged later in this same * Seventh Report of the Diputy-Kecpcr of the Public Records, p. 312. 1 6 Church Bells. Commission upon all Deans, Provosts, Churchwardens, Minis- ters, and parishioners of the said churches and chapels : — That they and cverye of them do safely kepe unspoiled, unembesiled, and unsold all suche bells as do remayne in everye of the said Churches and chapells and the same to conserve untill our pleasur be therein further knowne. .When the clean sweep intended under this Commission was effected, an Indented Inventory of the few goods left behind in each parish was drawn up, and a duplicate copy left with the Vicar and Churchwardens. Some of these Inventories are preserved in the Public Record Office, but none from Bedfordshire have at present been found. From a letter, dated the 8th of May, 1556, concerning an inquiry as to certain plate, said on one side to belong to the church, and on the other to have been the property of the late Sir John Gostwyke, who used to lend it to the church for divine service, it appears that the Commissioners in the County of Bedford at that time were : — " S' John Seint John Knight, John Gascoigne K., Vrian Brereton Knight, Nich. Luke esquier, John Seint John esquier, Lewes Dyve, Ric' Snowe & John Colbeke " * About that time — 1556 — certain inquiries were instituted as to the apparent misappropriation of lead and bells then recently belonging to some of the former Religious Houses of the county. A document showing this is preserved among the Land Revenue Records in the Public Record Office, and which is worth quoting here : — * Land Revtmie Record. Bundle 1392, File 3. P. R. Off. Church Bells. 17 Leade iH: Bellys to be answeryd by dyvse psones vnder wrytten ageynst whom it is mete to make owt pcesse The Cyrcuyte of S"" ffrauncf Jobson, K. late Resceyvor of the Countye of Bedf. C The Lorde Wyllyams for v bellys of the late Monasterye of Woborne solde reporte of W. Smythe Surveyor. The L. Will^ms \ Monasterye of Woborne solde by hym by the j '^o speke w^ S"" ffrauncc Jobson Resceyvor for v ^ ^ \ Bellys of the late Monasterye of Warden. f To calle S'' James Ratclyffe ffermer of Elstowe for •' ' ■ ^ ( iiij bell ('there to hym dely\^ed as Mi'Smyth informeth. [ To speke w' S"' Leon'de Chamb'leyn of Wodestok S'- Leon'de Chamb-3 ^' ^o^ ^^^ "^^^^ o^ Dunstable amountynge to xlviij^ 'leyn ] or there abought^ which he claymeth by the qwenes V graunte ij yeres past.* C To speke with s'' ff. Jobson for to knowe of hym 3 ^^^■'^t Bell(' & howe manye in nombre dyd appteign ^ ^ to the late prioryes of Chyksande M'gate, Caldcwell, \ Busshemede & Harrowe and who hadde them. ( To callc uppon thcxec. & admynystrators of s"" John Thexec &: admynyst' J Gostwyke K. for \\]ff. of lede of the late ffryers of of s"" John Gostwyke"] Bedd. by hym. taken towardc byldyng^ att V Wyllyngeton as Mr Stepneth informeth.t There are also other documents of the same date giving some information as to lead and bells : one says : — * Site granted 12 June, 1554 {Fat. R. + Land Revenue Records. Church Goods I Mary, part 6). 447 1) y The Belles The leade ' clix^ ixr. \\]lil>. C/mrck Bells. Thofifice of Gregory Richardson Auditor of the Prestes Com. Bedf. Chykesaunt [blank] M'gate iij Caldewelle vj Elstowe iij Newnehame vj Harrolde ij Busshemeade [ blank] ' The leade of the Monastery^ [' s ' struck ' through with peii\ of Chykesand \^'- M^gate Caldewell Busshemeade o^ Harrolde dothe " struck through with pe?i\ amounte as apperithe in Mr Jobson's accompte de Anno xxxij^° where he tooke the allow- aunce for caryage of the said leade ffrome ^ Chykesand to Amptill Wherof delyvered to Auncelyne Salvage by warraunte lxxj_^ v^. j q^rter iij//^. And so wantithe — ^_ viij^ The warrant under which this portion of the lead of Chyke- sand was delivered was dated London, the 22nd of December, 1 55 1, and was addressed by Sir Richard Sakeville and Sir Walter IVTyldemay to Mr. Smyth, Surveyor of Bedfordshire ; it was an order to deliver the metal to " Acelyne [Anceleine] Salvage, Marchaunte of Jeane [? Genoa].* There is also preserved another document, substantially the same as the one just quoted, but it has the addition of the weight of bell-metal at the left-hand corner at top, thus : — " xv". di iiij/z<^." * Land Ecv^nuc Records, Church Goods, 447 Church Bells. 1 9 Notwithstanding the Commissions issued in the reign of Edward VI., and the measures taken to prevent it, the occasional robbery of churches still went on. Queen Elizabeth, soon after her accession, tried to stop the mischief by issuing a Proclamation, in which it was said : — That some patrons of churches and others who were possessed of impropriations, had prevailed with the parson & parishioners to take or throw down the bells of churches or chapels & the lead of the same, & to convert the same to their private gain, by which ensued not only the spoil of the said churches, but even a slanderous desolation of the houses of prayer. Therefore it was commanded : — That no manner of person should from thenceforth take away any bells or lead off any church or chapel under pain of imprisonment during Her Majesty's pleasure, & such further fine for the contempt as shall be thought meet.* As is the case with the inquiry of 1549, so it is with that of 1552, so far as regards Bcdfoixlshire ; neither the Certificate of the local Commissioners, nor a complete set of the Returns from the different parishes can be found, and so the number of Church Bells in this county at that time cannot be ascertained. Judging from the existing Returns from thirteen parishes then sent in, and which I have recently found in the Public Record Office, the Church Bells of Bedfordshire have suffered very little loss in numbers since that time. In the thirteen parish churches to which I refer, there were in the year 1552 forty-nine large bells and five sanctus bells ; in the same churches now there hang sixty large bells and two Priests' Quoted in Htylyii's Hist, of Reformation, ii. p. 339. 20 Church Bells. bells. These existing Returns are, most of them, very explicit in the description of the bells, some giving the estimated weight, as at Tingrith, and others giving the exact measure- ment of each bell, as at Salford. It must not be supposed from this praiseworthy state of things that the people of Bedfordshire were altogether proof against the temptations of the times. There is extant a letter, dated from Westminster, 1 6th May, 1556, signed by William Berners, Thomas Mildmay, and John Wyseman, and addressed to Thomas Strynger, of M eppershall, in this county, yeoman, by which he is ordered to appear in person before the writers at Westminster on the first day of Trinity Term then next, to answer concerning the detention of church goods formerly belonging to the parish church of Meppershall. There is also another letter from Thomas Hemmynge, of Arlesey, touching the order so given to Stringer, in which he excuses his (Stringer s) attendance at Westminster on the plea that "my neyghbour ys an olde man and not used to iorney," and enclosing his answer " concerninge the premises," which closes with a retort upon one of his supposed accusers — John Leventhorpe the elder, gentleman, of Meppershall — and says that he must needs speak of the " ymbeaselynge " of certain goods by the said Leventhorpe, which were not put in the Inventory : — "Imprimis he had a saunce belle hangynge yn the belfrey & converted the same to his owne use & never payd one peny therfore and by estymacon to be sold iiij markes or thereaboughtes." * The inhabitants of Sandy, too, were at the same time called -■' Land Revenue Recorsd. Church Goods, 442, P.R. off. Church Bells. 2 i upon to account for two large bells, and made their defence in a letter addressed to the Commissioners, which is now preserved in the Public Record Office, and will be quoted hereafter. In later times, too, a few parishes in Bedfordshire, as in other counties, lost their bells to save the pockets of the ratepayers. In 1S09, when the tower of their ancient church was taken down, the people of Lidlington sold four bells ; about sixty years ago Millbrooke lost a bell, and at the same time the Ridgmount folk sold three bells to raise money for the repairs of their church. Streatley had a bell broken by accident, never had it re-cast, and so wasted the metal. In 1799 Souldrop lost two bells, sold to raise money towards building a new and ugly church, which has, happily, been replaced by a more suitable building, in which hang three new bells. The Wilshampstead people sold, by license of the Bishop, three bells, in the year 1742, to keep to meet the expense of " repairing the steeple to its ancient dimensions," which, however, they failed to do. The good people of Arlesey having recently placed a new ring of six bells in their steeple, it is, perhaps, hardly fair to repeat against them the old distich current in the neighbourhood : — ' Arlesey, Arlesey, naughty people. Sold their bells to mend the steeple !' and Sundon is traditionally believed to have sold four bells, and to have, very properly, never prospered since. Two other causes operated to lessen, if not the number of bells, certainly the number of ancient ones, and to necessitate the substitution of modern ones in their place — ordinary (and in 2 2 Church Dells. some, not all, cases) unavoidable wear and tear is the cause of the gradual loss of a goodly nuniber of ancient bells ; but the introduction of change-ringing in the seventeenth century produced a still greater havoc among them. Early in that century ringing increased in popularity, and Fabian Stedman, a printer, resident in Cambridge, who published his Tintinnalogia in 1668, is said to have reduced change-ringing to an art. To meet this new mode of ringing, important changes in the bells became necessary. The old rings consisted, usually, of few bells and heavy ones, dignity and grandeur of tone being the chief thing sought ; now, however, a larger number of bells, and those in musical sequence, was required by Stedman and his disciples. This want was usually met by re-casting the ring of, say, four heavy bells, into six or eight lighter ones, and so increasing the number without buying more metal. By this means a large number of our ancient bells disappeared from the larger town churches — Dunstable, S. Paul's, Bedford, and other churches in this county are examples — and it consequently ceases to be a matter of surprise that it is chiefly in small rural churches, with few bells, where the temptation to change-ringing could not exist, that we chiefly expect, and usually find, ancient bells. Since Stedman's time the English have continued to be most enthusiastic lovers of the melody produced by a ring of bells ; indeed, so popular did the art of ringing become after the invention of " changes," that England became known as the " ringing island." Bedfordshire was foremost in this national taste, as is shown by a manuscript preserved in the Bodleian Library, CJmrch Bells. 23 Oxford. ■'•" This manuscript is a curious compound of prose, poetry, and music, in which English, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew are used. Although the separate portions were written at different dates — the earliest is dated in 1655, ^'^'^ ^s, before Stedman published his book on change-ringing — the whole of the manuscript is in one hand-writing, excepting the last page, which treats of the different modes of worship, which is in another, and a later, hand. Without attempting a full de- scription of the contents of this manuscript, which would be tedious — many of the verses are mere doggrel — enough may be quoted to show that change-ringing was then in vogue in this county, and that Mr. Palmer, of Bedford, and his team — called in the verses "his sons" — were noted rineers. After a long title, and ten lines in Latin and English from the Apocalypse, the Psalms, and the Prophet Isaiah, we have An Epigraiiie To Bedford Ringers, especially to M'' Palmer, Principle in y' noble Consort What is't I heare ? is some ca^lestiall Quire Of Angels now descended ; from their higher Sacred Mansions Here to ring a Peale In th' eares of Mortalls : Thus thinking to steale Uy these diuiner Ayres, each mortalls heart Into a sublime Rapture ; Quite a part From sublunary things ; Or doe I heare Th' effect of I'hansy ringing in mine eare ? No, no, such Musicke Phansy doth exceede, And 'tis too meane from Angels to proceede : But, 'tis brave Palmer's Art, which now doth raise Such Harmony : Too great for mortall praise, * Kawlinsoii, D. 886. 24 Church Dells. Which must confesse 'tis farr beneath ye worth Of Palmer and his Sonnes ;* whose happy Births, Are celebrated in these quick'ning Straines, Which far exceede y<= Ayres of Vulgar braines, Who only can admire, not understand How you should have your bells so at coniand As we with musick meet Between ech witty Act in Cornicke-Playes ; So all Thy Acts present farr better Layes : But yet these Praises to Thy merit due Thy sons must by y' right inherit too ; For t Faldo,^ Eston,^ Cobbe,^ and Spencer"^ are All Roy-all-Consorts in ye same Affaire And claime all equall Portions, for none can In Ringing well, say Hee's y^ elder man. To praise your musique Poetry affords Too little witt, and is too poore in words. But (though not speake it fully) I will try In meeter, to lispe out your melody : Yet there's no neede y' I should set it forth, When e'vy Bell that's rung, sounds its owne worth. Musick's a noble Science ; will revive A drooping spirit, and preserve alive A melancholly Soul : nay this doth give Our Bodies Action, and by this we live For all our life, as seu'rall Lessons, is By our Souls, on ; th' Organs, of our bodies Play'd into seu'rall Actions : But as Some Instruments we know, doe farr surpasse Others for Musicke ; So y= Wide-mouth'd Bell None other Musique 'ere could paralell. *'" P'ellow Ringers Because He was ye most f "Viz. aMathse,' ^ Andreas, cEdm', ancient and best of them." d Nicola' Gen'. " Church Bells. 25 As some One will better musique make, Than He that to doe best doth under take, So, you and your Societie excell All other yt could ever ring a Bell : Then go you on, as you have well begun That all may grieved be, when yee have done. Et paulb post They only now who with the Times can change Are men of great esteeme : methinks 'tis strange ; That noble — Bedford — Ringers should be then (When they so well can change) no greater men. From these lines (to which is appended the name, as writer, of John Tabor, of S. John's College, Cambridge, 1655) we learn that the band consisted of five men, whose names are given ; five is now the favourite number of bells in Bedfordshire steeples, more than one-third of the whole of the churches having that number. After this " Epigrame," we have from the pen of the same John Tabor : — An Exasticke presented to Mr. Palmer & y« rest of y' Consort from which we gather that they had then recently been rather neglecting the " exercise ;" the writer inquires : — What ? sure Thy dextrous hand hath not The ccchoing Bell to guide forgot Or, hath Thync owne Sons lately to Thee disobedient growno ? We have next thirty-four lines written in April, 1657, by "T. W. Scoto-Britann' ^tatis circu octogesimum,'' in honour of Palmer and "his sonnes & Children deare ": those arc D 26 Church Bells. succeeded by some of equal merit, sic^ned "J. Dalt : S.S. The : P * — 57° " and closing with : — Say, lire not Bells of a diviner Birth Fiddles are made by men, but of y'= earth. England's y^ Ringing He may I divine ? Palmer's the second Englands Palmerine. Now go &: prosper still, returne agen I am your Priest, will Gierke be tod. Amen, Edmund Allen, of Wootton, was the writer of the next verses, in 1655, addressed : — To ys much admired Bedfordian Company of Ringers : Especially Mr. Oliver Palmer, Chiefe of y' Musicall Society. It was my Chance lately abroad to be In place where I Bell-musicke sweet did heare, Still I did stand, minding those straines so high, "Which at y^ first, strange to me did appeare : Such sublime Sallies in y^ same I found That I was forced a while to stand my ground. 'Tis not for nothing y*^ Thy Name is blowne So far abroad y' there be Hundreds can Discourse of Palmer though Thou beest not known To them but by Thy Bellgohandlican : Thy Silken-Rope is up so everywhere That Thou a Grace art to our Bedfordshiere These lines show the delight with which change-ringing, then a new art, was heard; they also refer to the "silken rope' S. T. P., i.e. D.D. I suppose. Church Bells. 27 with which Palmer evidently rang his bell. " Thy silken rope" is also mentioned in the " Exastickc " to which reference has just been made ; and " T. W." further says : — When hempcn-Ropc doth hurt his hand For silken-Rope Hee's at no stand. Then follow some pedantic lines by an anonymous writer, in the form of a letter addressed "To his much esteemed Mr. Oliver Palmer in Bedford, these," and commencing- " Melodious gr." This curious manuscript-book — on p. 38 b. of which is written " Thomas Mollas his Book " — further contains twenty lines of Latin elegiac Verses " In laudem Vellentium & Pul- santium Campanaru," by Samuel Luke, of Aubersley, Huntingdonshire, who writes of five bells and one hundred and twenty changes ; about thirty-six pages devoted to " \'ox Campanaru," comprising Psalm tunes and sets of changes on four, five, and six bells, written in Hebrew letters instead of figures, others in which Greek letters are used as well as Hebrew,* and concludes with an account of " a six-fold manner of praising y^ Lord, Mentall, Monumentall, Chordall, Cordiall, Vocall, and Actuall"! If other evidence were necessary to show that change- ringing was popular in this County in the early da3's of its existence, the well-known and often quoted anecdote of John Bunyan as an enthusiastic ringer at P^lstow might be mentioned. There are also other reasons for thlnkinL*" that * The Rev. J. T. Fowler, F.S.A., has set Mr. Ell.ncombe's Bells of tht Chtinh, pp. two of the tunes in musical notation for 301-4. 28 Church Bells. the love of It continued for some years afterwards. In 1733 the Rev. Samuel Roe, Vicar of Stotfold, was a " Cambridge Youth," and as such would hardly fail to keep alive in his neighbourhood the love of bell music. In 1745, when the parishioners of S. Paul's, Bedford, increased their ring from five bells to eight, the Common Council paid six guineas to eight men from St. Nicholas, Cornhill, London, for ringing the opening peals. It is hoped that the emulation of the then local ringers was stirred up by that proceeding, and that they soon became as expert as their friends from London. Twenty years later, whether the art was still well practised or not, It Is evident that the love of Church Bells and their music was still strong in the County. The Rev. Samuel Rogers, who was Rector of Chelllngton from 1758 to 1768, wrote " a Poem addressed to a Bell Founder and Chime Maker," which, though long, is so good in many of its lines that an apology for its introduction here Is hardly necessary : — Since you, good Sir, (whose fame each Country tells For founding, hanging, and attuning Bells.) Since you, to them adjust harmonious Chimes, Soft, artful echo of the poet's rhimes. The muse, in verse with pleasure shall relate Thy Art, assistant both to Church and State. She means not. Sir, her time and pains to waste On tinkling Hand-bells of inferior cast ; What Stentor rings, with gravity of phiz. To usher in the importance of " O Yez." Nor those which, jingling from the foremost load. Cheer each slow-footed pack-horse on the Road. Nor those that ring a thousand times a day Whom waiters, maids, and footmen all obey. Chtirch Bells. 29 Far nobler themes I sing, the lofty power Of sound, from yon old venerable tower. Which in loud clangor rends the echoing air, When happy Damon weds the blooming fair. Or furious Britons on th' embattled plain, Vanquish'd their foes, the fields' great masters reign. When Roman heroes with the spoil of wars Approach'd the city in triumphal cars. While gladsome p?eans hail'd the glorious day And frcsh-cuU'd flowers bestrew'd the public way Had bells but rung, complete had been their joys, And fuller shouts of triumph rent the skies. \ Ev'n fancy now, brings to my ravish'd ears, Notes like the fam'd music of the spheres. Hark ! they come floating on each spreading gale Down Tyber's stream, thro' all the neighbouring vale. From Jove's high Capitol how strong they sound, And Rome's seven hills re-echo all around. The nice divisions viols boast, the harp Abounds with strings, whose notes are flat and sharp, Tho' various stops the solemn Organ grace, The sprightly treble, and majestic bass. Yet say what bass, what treble can excel The chearful matin, or the funeral knell ? What note like that which sounds from Paul's high dome, From Oxford, or fam'd Lincoln's mighty Tom ? What diapason like their lofty hum ? Nor less have Bells our passions at command Than vocal choir, or instrumental Band ; When the deep sound tolls slow o'er solemn biers. See ! pity droops, and sorrow sheds her tears. But whene'er gay festivities draw nigh. And happy seasons call forth public joy. What notf.'s more lively can our senses know. Than the loud changes, which melodious flow, From Ikide's, Saint Martin's, Michael's, Overy's, Bow, And thence convey 'd along the bordering streams. 30 Church Bells. Rejoice each village on the banks of Thames ? When Bells hail in great George's natal day, When every village, every town is gay. On market-hills, when crackling bonfires blaze, While ev'ry street rebellows with huzzas, Then, then our souls true patriot pleasures feel As each high steeple gives the joyous peal ; In every tavern honest healths go round, And Jacobites grow loyal ev'n by sound. Let Handel play, and Frasi charm the fair With Op'ra songs, and soft Italian air. Our country swains with greater pleasure hear Famed Majors, Caters, Triples, and Grandsire, Which while they ring sonorous, clear and sweet, The face of commerce smiles along the street ; Their merry sounds ev'n some refreshment yield To toiling husbandmen amidst the field ; Let skilful Germans, with their hands and feet. Still play their chimes, and labour still and sweat, Far more the barrel does our wonder move. Which strikes the hammers on the bells above. Taught thus with sounds melodious to prolong Playford's grave psalm or Purcel's tuneful song. No longer Albion, for the time to come. Shall raise her armies by the beat of drum. Her youth but coldly mind what Captains say Of pleasant qudrters, or of present pay ; But when they hear, in notes exalted higher, " Britons strike home " from yonder sacred spire, Their spirits kindling at the martial song, Rush furious to " revenge their Country's wrong." In vain a sister bids her brother stay, In vain invents new causes of delay. In vain the mother would her son detain. And black-eyed Susan sheds her tears in vain. See the brave lads, whilst brighter glory charms. Resistless break from their opposing arms. Church Bells. 3 1 Cheerful to war in burning climes they run, As if, the labour of the harvest done. They meant themselves a while but to regale, With merry dancing, and with cakes and ale. Nor here forget the pious founder's care When notes discordant strike th' offended ear ; Soon as the constant sounds are known, He pares off all excressences of tone, Studious examines all, till all agree. Note following note in truest harmony. Thus bards retrench each rough poetic draught, And lop off all redundancy of thought, Correcting long what they had wrought too soon, Smooth each harsh line, and turn them into tune. Proceed, great man, whose fam'd mechanic hand Works wondrous service to thy native land \ Proceed, till chimes, by thy auspicious art. Raise noblest passions in each British heart ; Proceed, till sciueamish schismatics shall deign To hear their sounds, nor think their music vain. No longer Bells with Popery condemn. But, turn'd to peace, learn harmony from them. Hence village swains thy bells and fame shall raise, The muse you aid shall chime in grateful lays And every town ring loudly of thy praise.* • The Rev. Samuel Rogers (the son of the above copy is from A Key to the Art of Rev. Benj. Rogers, who was Rector of Ringing. By Jones, Reeves & Blackmore Chellington for upwards of fifty years, and (p. 278), published, probably, in the year died in 1771, aged 85 years), was Rector of 1796. The circumstances under which the Chellington-cuni-Carlton for about ten years— poems was written, and the name of the namely, from March, 1758, when he was in- founder addressed, are alike unknown. It stituted, until the year 1768, when he resigned will be seen that neither the bells of Carlton Chellington for a living in Northamptonshire. nor of Chellington arc of that date. The It was during his residence in Bedfordshire Rev. Samuel Rogers was subsequently Rector that he wrote the above poem. I do not of Husbands-Bosworth, in Leicestershire, know where the lines were first printed; it He jHiblisheil two volumes of Poems (Svo.) may have been in a volume of poems he is in 17S2, printed at Hath, in whicli an in- said to have published early in life. The dirferent portrait of him is given. lie married 32 Church Bells. In 1 80 1 we find a record of the Society of College Youths ringing 5040 Grandsire Triples at Leighton Buzzard, but it is evident that the love of change-ringing had then waned in Bedfordshire. Since that time, and until quite recently, the bells of the county — speaking generally — have been much and sadly neglected. Many of the rings have been allowed to fall into a deplorably dilapidated condition. But, as it may be accepted as an axiom that whenever real ringing is unknown dirt and neglect of all matters connected with the bells and belfry reign supreme, it is satisfactory to know that a " Bedfordshire Association of Change-ringers " has recently been formed. It has been originated mainly by the exertions of Mr. Charles Herbert, of Woburn, who has spared neither time nor energy in endeavouring to bring about a better state of things in the belfries of his County. Being himself an enthusiastic ringer, he has imbued others with a love for bell music, and also by inculcating the proper use of bells as " ornaments " of the Church, he has enlisted — as he well deserves to do — the sympathy and co-operation of very many of the clergy and gentry of Bedfordshire in the welfare of the new Society, which will, it is hoped, be the means of reviving that love for change-ringing which we have seen was so well understood here two hundred years ago. Miss Catherine Peers, but died, without issue, Mr. John Rogers, of Chellington, who at the Close, Salisbury, in July, 1790. possesses a manuscript diary of remarkable For these biographical particulars about events kept by the above named Rev. Benj. the Rev. Samuel Rogers, I am indebted to Rogers, the father of the poet, the kindness of a representative of his family, THE CHURCH BELLS OF BEDFORDSHIRE. ^xx* THERE are now in the Bedfordshire Churches 564 Church Bells. That number includes 22 Priests and other small ones. The 542 large bells are thus distributed : — 8 Rings of 8 bells 64 13 Rings of 6 bells 78 47 Rings of 5 bells 235 18 Rings of 4 bells 72 1 8 Rings of 3 bells 54 8 Rings of 2 bells 16 Single bells 23 542 To the 564 Church Bells may be added, as worthy of notice, the clock bell at Battlesden House, thus making a total of 565 bells to be described. Of these 565 bells, only the small number of 53, or about 9 per cent., can be said to have been cast before the year 1600, being a smaller proportion of ancient bells than is found in Leicestershire (i4f per cent.), Northamptonshire (loj per cent.), Lincolnshire (17^ per cent.), or Rutland (16 per cent.) There is only one complete ring of ancient bells hanging in this county — that of three at Hockliffe. E 34 ^/^^ CInu'ch Dells of BcdfordsJiii^e. The Dedications and Legends of these 53 ancient bells may be thus classified : — Two (Staughton Parva 4th and Wymington 4th) are inscribed .Sit ^omcn [IDomini ^cncUictfam ; one (Maulden 1st) has the joyous another (Old Walden 3rd) has the prayer : — One bell (Northill ist) is dedicated to the Archangel Gabriel, one (Cople 4th) to the Archangel Michael, and one (Wyming- ton 5th) to the Archangel Raphael. Eight of these ancient bells are dedicated to, bear inscriptions relating to, or addressed to, the Blessed Virgin Mary in these forms : — at Salford (3rd). Sundon (single), and Thurleigh (5th) ; ja-^©^ m^j^^^^^j^ ©mj^^iii ^j^i^^mm- on the ancient Sanctus-bell at Dunstable ; at Edworth (3rd) and Milbrooke (ist) ; the 3rd bell at Hawnes has the unusual inscription: — The CJmrch Bells of Bedfordshire. 35 and the 4th at Kempston (what is Intended for) — One bell (Campton 3rd) is dedicated to S. Andrew ; one (Hockliffe ist) to S. Augustine ; one (Willington 5th) to S. Christopher ; two (Carlton 4th and Harlington 4th) to S. John ; two (Chellington 4th and Wilden 2nd) to S. Katherine ; one (Carlton 3rd) to S. Martha, a very unusual dedication; three (Eyeworth ist, Hockliffe 3rd, and Tingrith 3rd) to S. Margaret ; one (Wymington 3rd) to S. ^lary Magdalene ; one (Chalgrave ist) to S. Nicholas ; one (Campton 2nd) to S. Paul ; two (the Priest's bell at Lidlington and Stotfold 2nd) to S. Peter; and one (Hockliffe 2nd) to S. Thomas. Ten of these bells (Bolnhurst 2nd and 3rd, Clapham 3rd, Clifton 8th, Harlington 5th, Houghton Regis 5th, Maulden 3rd, Meppershall ist, Tingrith ist, and Willington 4th) have the names of the founders only ; one (Northill 2nd) has the names of the donors only ; two (Hulcote 2nd and 3rd) have the names of both founders and donors. Two other of these ancient bells (Fandish 3rd and Harlington ist) have the invitation — (STTTxn crvxn i^xrxy ^y\n-^j\ One (Studham 3rd) calls upon all listeners to PRIES THE LORD; another (Thurleigh 2nd) has the loyal prayer — 36 The Church Bells of Bedfordshire. Two bells at Clifton (two of four which evidently bore originally on each a single line of a complete verse) say : — ^OWM :pj^©rs i5tr@ri^:i^ ©Tr:Ei rnM^^i^. On one of these ancient bells (the 4th at S. Mary's, Bedford) there are founders' stamps only, and on another (Roxton 3rd) the date only. The earliest dated bell in Bedfordshire is the 5th at Houghton Regis, cast in 1580; the largest is the single bell given to the new church at Woburn by the Duke of Bedford in 1867 — it weighs two tons fifteen hundredweight; and many people consider the most interesting one to be the 4th at Elstow, called *' Bunyan's bell," of which more will be said hereafter, when the bells of that parish are described. I THE BEDFORDSHIRE BELLFOUNDERS. THE only permanent Bellfoundry at present known to have been established in this county was carried on during the greater part of the eighteenth century at Wootton, a village live miles south-west of Bedford. THOMAS RUSSELL, who was a clock and watch maker as well as a bellfounder, supplied the ist bell at Aspley Guise, and the 2nd at Harlington, in the year 1715, those being the earliest bells in this county from his foundry. He was married twice, and had six children — three sons and three daughters. His first son, John, died in his infancy, but Thomas, baptized 8th February, 1707-8, and William, baptized 27th September, 1710, were, in due time, associated with their father in the foundry. On the 3rd bell at Wootton, dated 1736, we find " Thomas Rvssell, William Rvssell fecit," and on the ist and 4th bells at Bromham we read, " Thomas Rvssell of Biddenham and William Rvssell of Wootton made me in 1739." The Biddenham Registers indicate that the residence of Thomas Russell the younger in that parish was only temporary, apparently extending from about the year 1734 to the year 1740, during which period he had three sons baptized there ; but no entries relating to the family arc 38 The Bed/or dJiire Bcllfotmders. found after the last mentioned date. Thomas Russell, the elder (who supplied bells still hanging in this county, dated from, as just said, the year 171 5 to the year 1743, when he sent bells to Barton-le-CIay, Thurleigh, and Westoning) died in 1744-5 ; the Parish Register of Wootton says he was buried on the 22nd of January in that year, and describes him as " Clock-maker and Bellfounder." The Russells used no inscriptions upon their bells in this county beyond their names as founders, and those of churchwardens. They, rarely, used a vine as a border-ornament, as on the 5th bell at Sandy. They used a plain cross occasionally — though not generally — as an initial, as at Thurleigh ; placed many impressions of coins amongst their inscriptions, and not unfrequently, as on Stotfold treble, gave an impression of a Pentacle, the five-point star of modern Freemasonry, which denotes the five points of fellowship, and that the man using it was a master mason ; no doubt, at the revival of Masonry in 171 7, and onwards, men would be proud of showing that they belonged to the craft. Upon the death of Thomas Russell, the foundry at Wootton appears to have been closed for some years ; we find no bells bearing the name of Russell after the year 1 743, so it may be presumed that the sons of Thomas Russell did not carry on the business after the death of their father. A quarter of a century subsequently to that event the Wootton foundry was reopened by WILLIAM EMERTON, whose father, John Emerton, of Marston Moretaine, married Hannah Gary, of Wootton, on the Sth of January, 1699-1700, as is recorded in the Wootton Register. Their son W'illiam, who married Mary Warren in The Bedfordshire Dellfoiinders. 39 1766, is described in the entry of marriage in the Wootton Register as a "Clockmaker." Upon his marriage he com- menced business as a Bellfounder in Wootton, sending the 4th bell to Ampthill in the year 1768, and continuing to supply bells to various churches in the county until the year 1789, the date upon the 3rd bell at Eversholt. He sent an entire ring of five to Tilsworth in the year 1776, and six to Biddenham in 1787. On the 5th bell at Eversholt he claims the credit of casting " this peal," but is contradicted by the bells themselves, three of which were cast by Miles Graye about a century before Emerton was born. Like his pre- decessors, the Russells, he seldom used any inscription on his bells beyond his own name and those of churchwardens— the 5th bell at Eversholt, however, is an exception to his general rule. He, too, was partial to a display of coins, and on the 4th at Stanbridge, and on bells at Tilsworth, he shows the Pentacle. The site of the Wootton foundry — of which there are now no indications — is now occupied by the "Star Inn," and the local tradition is that the last founder was ruined, and his foundry brought to a close, by the inability of the parish of S. John Baptist, Bedford, to pay for three bells which he cast for it, and which bells are said to have been " lying kicking about in the orchard " for some time afterwards. No record of the death of William Emerton has been found. In addition to the permanent foundry worked at Wootton, there were certainly two, if not more, temporary ones set up in the county for short periods, a not uncommon occur- rence in the days of bad roads, and when, consequently 40 TIic BedfovdsJiire Bellfotmders. movement of heavy weights like church bells was a difficult process. On the lly-leaf of the oldest Register Book belonging to the parish of Hargrave, Northamptonshire, commencing in 1572, is the following entry : — John Smith Gierke January 13 anno 1599 the lytle bell was cast at bedford this year 1599 by newcn tho. browne Junior Ed. Aspyn Churchwardens the same yeare This Hargrave bell was evidently cast at a furnace set up at Bedford by Edward Newcombe, or by one of his three sons, who were, about that time, associated with him in the Leicester foundry.* One of the earlier Newcombes had already sent, as will be noticed hereafter, a bell (which is still hanging) to Carlton, but they did not, probably, set up their temporary foundry at Bedford until about the time they cast, the Hargrave bell — 1599. An examination of the other bells, twenty-eight in number, supplied by the Newcombes, and still hanging in Bedfordshire churches, shows that they range in date from 1602 at Blunham (2nd and 3rd), and Sandy (4th), to 161 7 at Felmersham (2nd and 4th) and Goldington (3rd). Of these, nine, ranging in date from 1602 to 1607 (viz., Barton-le-Clay, ist, 2nd and 3rd ; Blunham, 2nd and 3rd ; Elstow, 5th ; Roxton, 2nd ; Sandy, 4th, and Shillington, 3rd), bear the usual seventeenth century inscription of the Leicester Newcombes : — * ■"' See North's Church Bells of Leicestershire, p. 54. The Bedfordshire Bellfoiuiders. 41 + BE • YT • KNOWN E • TO • ALL • THAT • DOTH • ME • SEE THAT • NEWCOMBE • OF • LEICESTER • ^L\I)E • ME preceded by their initial cross, fig. i,herc engraved, and were, most probably, supplied direct from the Leicester foundry. A second batch of ten, ranging in date '^"^r***^! from 1604 to 161 3 (namely, Bedford, S. Mary /—A I ^fj^ Cranfield 2nd and 3rd, Husbornc Crawley ^ 2nd and 6th, Milton Ernest ist, 4th and 5th. Northill 5th, and Sharnbrook 4th) are inscribed, without any initial cross : — NEWCOME OF LEICESTER MADE ME; and the remaining nine bells, ranging in date from 161 i to 161 7 (viz., Edworth 2nd, Felmersham 2nd and 4th, Houghton Regis 3rd, Husborne Crawley 4th, Keysoe 3rd, Pavenham 4th, and Tempsford 4th) are inscribed, without any initial cross, or any reference to Leicester : — NEWCOME MADE ME. Most probably the second series of Newcombe's bells were (as indicated by the absence of the usual initial cross and the change in the form of inscription and lettering) cast at Bedford, and the same may, with more certainty, be said of the third series, upon which the word Leicester no longer appears ; indeed, the latest dated bells of the Newcombes in Leicester- shire are in the year 1612, about which time their foundry there was merged into, or eclipsed by, that of Hugh Watts. We are indebted to the Account Books of Jesus College, Cambridge, for knowing that Christopher Graye (probably a 42 The Bedfordshire Bellfotuiders. son of Miles Graye, a noted founder at Colchester, to whom reference will hereafter be made) set up his foundry for a short time at Ampthill, in this county. Amongst other charges in the College books in the year 1658-9 is — Paid to Christopher Gray of Ampthil in Bedfordshire Bellfounder for new casting of the Chappell Bell . . 06 15 00* He was an itinerant, having, it seems, been casting bells in Staffordshire, and after his sojourn at Ampthill he went to Haddenham, where he resided for some fourteen or fifteen years.t There are a dozen of his bells still remaining in this county ; the earliest were cast in 1655, the latest (Ampthill 3rd) is dated 1665. He placed no further inscription upon any of them than the bare announcement — CHRISTOPHER GRAYE MADE ME, with, sometimes, a star of dots between each word. From the large number of bells still hanging in Bedfordshire, cast between the years 1589 and 1639 by members of the Watts family, who had a considerable foundry at Leicester at that time, it might be inferred that they, like their neighbours, the Newcombes, had likewise a foundry somewhere in this county ; but as there is, at present, no documentary evidence forthcoming to support that supposition, we must refer to their bells hereafter under a brief notice of the Leicester founders. • Coniniunicated liy Mr. J. W. Clarke, M.A., Trin. Coll., to Dr. Raven. See Church Bells oj Cambyidgcshirc^ 2nd Ed., p. 202. f Ibid, p. 89. OTHER FOUNDERS OF BEDFORDSHIRE BELLS. LEAVING the Bells already enumerated as cast by Founders within the County of Bedford, we pass on to notice those cast by other founders, known and unknown, ancient and modern. The ancient bells first claim attention, and then brief notes upon those of more recent date will follow. This elaborate and curious founder's stamp is found on the 2nd and the 3rd bells at Campton. It was long a puzzle to cam- panists ; by some, from the fiirure f^^ r ^ ^^^ ''^.i^ I of the bird and the letter P below /^^^^^^^P^ rll5^ ^^^ clapper of the bell, the L-««saHra>is^?^^iL] . 9 10 It has been well observed lh;it the date of the fcnindry originally using these shields of the Royal Arms must have been subsequendy to 14 13, when Henry V. substituted these fleur-de-lys in the first and fourth quarters of his coat instead of the semee of (leur-de-lys ; and INIr. J. W. Clark in his Paper upon the Bells of Kings College, Cambridge, by extracts from the College books, and by his discovery of a 48 Church Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. careful drawing of the inscriptions and stamps upon ancient bells formerly belonging to that College, goes far to prove — if he does not do so indisputably — that these shields of the Royal Arms were used as stamps by Henry Jorden, who was employed to cast the College bells in 1466, and for which he was paid ^40.* * See Cambs. Antiq. Society's Coiiuituni- cations, No. xxi., p. 223, for Mr. Clark's valuable Paper and drawings of those in- scriptions. Since writing the above, Mr. Stahlschmidt— a former Master of the Worshipful Company of Founders, London — has very politely sent me a copy of the will of " Henry Jorden Citizein and P'yshmonger of the citie of London," dated the 1 5th of October, 146S, and which he obtained from a copy preserved by the Fishmongers' Company, and collated with another copy enrolled at Cuildhall, Henry Jorden by this will be- cjueathed his lands and tenements ^in the lane called Billiter Llane in the pyshe of seynt Katheryn Crechurrche wMn Aldgate of London," also " all that mesuage and all the apptenns in the said pisshe of saynt Katherync beside Crechurche of London upon the comr of the said lane of Billiter lane of London," and "all my Tenements wt their apptenns in the pyshe of seynt Brigidc in Fllete streete in the subberbes of London," unto "the wardyenes of the comynaltie of the mistery or crafte of ffysh- mongrs of the said Citie of London," upon trust to devote the proceeds to various charitable uses, and to the payment of priests celebrating his obit annually in several churches. The testator appears to have so disposed of his real estate in consequence of his son, Henry Jorden, being "a monk p'fesscd in the house of Horley in Barkshire." Whether this Henry Jorden is the same man as the Bellfounder mentioned above is not certain, for, unfortunately, this will deals only with the real estate of the testator. It appears not to have been at all unusual at that time for men to make two wills — one for realty and one for personalty — and so, until the other will is found, we are wanting in the certain evidence which a description of the personal estate of the deceased would give as to his trade. Mr. Stahlschmidt's opinion is that the first-mentioned property gives the site of the foundry, the second that of the shop, and the third, perhaps, that of his dwelling-house ; that though a fishmonger by craft, he was not one by trade, "the trade was most strictly confined to three special localities, and he had no property in any one of them." Further research may produce further proof of identification. Certainly the date of the will and the locality of the property — Billiter (Belzetter or Bellfounders') Lane — are in favour of the testator being the Bellfounder referred to in the text ; also it may be noted that one of his executors was " William Chamberleyn Ffounder," and that he desires " a quarter of coles " to be given annually to " xxti of the poire households wtin the crafte of Ffounders dwellyng wtin the walks of the citie of London." The apparent anomaly of his leaving his property to be dealt with by the Company of Fish- mongers, rather than by that of the Founders, may be explained by the fact that he was a member of the former, which was a rich and Other Fotmders of Bedfordshire Bells. 49 But in addition to the ancient bells in this county upon which the Royal Arms appear, there are others linked with them by bearing some of the other stamps which accompany those arms on the bells at Hockliffe and Wilden. Thus the cross fig. 6 is also on the ist bell at Eyeworth, in company with the shield fig. ii, which bears a kind of merchant's mark, with I to the left and W beneath, and is so found in other places. Again the fine cross fig. lo, which is on the Tingrith bell in company with the Royal Arms, is also on the 3rd, 4th and 5th bells at Wymington, accompanied by the two shields. so well known to campanists, and engraved on the next page as figs. 12 and 13. 1 1 powerful body, the latter a comparatively poor and insignificant one ; and it should also he notedthat thelicllfoundcrsof that tiniewerc not generally called " founders " (which craft confined their operations chiefly to the mak- ing of candlesticks, laver pots, etc., etc.), hut were as often called "braziers" or "potters." There was in the fifteenth century a company of " bcllmakers," so much we learn from a list of Guilds dated 1422 — in the Records of the Brewers' Co. — but at present nothing more is known about it. There was, how- ever, nothing anomalous in a Bellfounder being a brother of another and more important Guild, and making it the dispenser of his property for charitable and religious purposes. If it were proved that the Henry Jorden under notice was a fishmonger by craft and a bellfounder by trade, one would be tempted to assign to him — as suggested by Mr. Stahlschmidt — the curious stamp en- graved on page 50 as fig. 12. The Patron Saint of the Fishmongers (in the fifteenth century there were two companies — the Stock Fishmongers and the Salt Fishmongers ; it is of the latter we are now speaking) was S. Peter, and the arms of the Company were azure three cross-keys saltire wise, or, on which a chief ^iilcs, three dolphins naiant, argent. On this bell-stamp we have the cross- keys and a dolphin naiant, showing the owner's connection with the Fishmongers' Company, and in addition we have the bell and the laver pots, the recognised marks of the bellfounder and brazier. H 50 Olhcr Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. 13 The Inscriptions on all these bells at Hockliffe, Wllden, Tingrith, Eyeworth, and Wymington are (with the exception of the 5th bell at Wymington, where the only difference Is the crowning of the capitals) from the same letter-stamps ; so, too, are the inscriptions on the 4th bell at Cople and the 5th at Willington, where, however, the initial cross In both cases is fig. 15, accompanied by the two shields figs. 14 and 16. This 14 15 16 shield (fig. 14)— the Plantagenet Arms of England— which Is Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. 51 upon a bell at S. Clement's, Truro, with fig. 15,* is found on a curious bell at S. Mary's, Bedford (the 4th), which also bears, without any inscription, in addition to the impression of a coin which is unfortunately undecipherable, the four following stamps figs. 17, 18, 19 and 20. 17 '!IHI(l|l|ll,,i:l'r,r-il|J|. I IM.IIIIIIHIIm ' niiiicsc. EE)€)m0 I i « 18 19 Church Bells of Gloucestershire, p. 126. 52 Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. It may, it is thought, be safely inferred from the use of the same letter-stamps on the bells just enumerated, and from the way in which the founder's stamps are linked together, that the latter (figs. 1 1 to 20 inclusive), engraved above, all belonged either to Henry Jorden himself, or to his immediate predecessors or successors in the same foundry. Mr. Ellacombe tells us* that the stamp fig. 20 — "the rose en soleil, the symbol of Edward IV." — was used by Austin Brac/ccr, with "the arms of England, three Lions passant, gardant " ; the same is stated in The Church Bells of Norfolk.\ It would almost appear as if Henry Jorden was partial to these Royal Arms and symbols, and that a generation or two after his death some of his stamps fell into the hands of this Austin Bracker, who was living and casting bells in 1556.I Another form of the stamp, fig. 17 is upon the ist bell at Northill, and is here engraved (fig. 21). The only other instance at present known in which this stamp occurs is on the 3rd bell at Castle Ashby, Northampton- shire, where, as at Northill, there is no initial cross. It has been suggested that as these shields with the initials T. B. are found in various parts 21 * Bells of the Church, p. 322. t p. 56. + Dr. Raven's Church Bells of Cambridgeshire, 2nd Ed., p. 52. Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. 53 of the country, they probably belonged to a London founder, and so, possibly, to a man named Bullisdon, whose name occurs as a London founder in 15 lo.* But may they not — looking at the Bedford bell — with equal probability, have belonged to another member of the family of Bracker ? A cluster of ancient bells from one and the same foundry — with inscriptions in rather thick and clumsy Gothic "smalls," with crowned capitals of inadequate size — are found in this county, at Carlton (4th), Chalgrave (ist), Maulden (ist), Millbrooke (ist), and Salford (3rd). These all bear the cross, fig. 22, and the stamp fig. 23 here engraved, and have also an indistinct impression of a coin between the stamps ; in addition to which, the Carlton, Maulden, and Salford bells have the founder's shield fig. 24. Bells with these stamps are found In Tyssen's Church Bells of Sussex, p. 15. 54 Other Fotmders of Bedfordshire Bells. most of the counties of England, and are supposed by Mr. Tyssen, like those mentioned on p. 46, to have been cast at Reading, probably by John Saunders (i 539-1 559). into whose hands, perhaps, the R.L. shield descended from an earlier founder. This supposition is strengthened by finding his initials, J. S., upon several bells bearing these stamps ; those initials do not, however, appear upon any bells in this county. On the 3rd bell at Edworth we find the shield fig. 26 accompanied by the cross fig. 25 and the stamp fig. 27 all here engraved. This shield is found upon bells in Cambridgeshire with the cross fig. 25, and upon the 2nd and 3rd bells at Mumby, Lincolnshire. Other Foiuiders of Bedfordshire Bells. 55 2S The small initial cross, fig. 28, is upon the 4th bell at Kempston, the 2nd at Stotfold, and the 3rd at Warden, in each case preceding an inscription in equally small and neat Gothic capital letters. This cross, and the letters used with it, are found upon ancient bells in various counties; their date may, perhaps, be approximately arrived at by their being used upon a small bell now hanging in Lincolnshire, at Magdalen College School, Wainfleet, which school was founded in 1484, and very possibly the bell may have been cast and placed there at that time, although the form of letters used certainly claims an earlier origin. There are two Ave Maria bells bearing the same initial cross fig. 29 : they are the single bell at Sundon, and the 5th at Thurleigh ; the inscriptions are in plain and medium-sized Gothic capitals, in both cases from the same letter-stamps. The bell at Sundon has also, as an intervening stop, the "Royal Head" (fig. 30), usually assigned to Edward I. This and other '' Royal Heads," well known to campanists, are found upon ancient and later bells in various localities, and frequently in connection with the initial crosses figs. 28 and 29. They were occasionally used by the later Leicester founders, and so late as 1742 they were 29 56 OlJiev Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. placed by Thomas Hcddcrly, of Nottingham, upon the 3rd bell at Chaddesden, Derbyshire. There is an ancient bell at Chellington, with an inscription in Gothic " smalls " with initial capitals, of which, owing to the difficulty of access, complete rubbings have not been taken. At the close of the Sancta Katerina Ora Pro Nobis are the initials of the founder, read by one gentleman as J + D, but by Mr. Cary-Elwes, who is probably correct, as J + O.'"' The inscription on the interesting Sanctus- bell at Dunstable is preceded by the initial cross fig. 31 here engraved. The Salutation is in Gothic capitals of a small size. If the tradition be true that Matilda, the daughter of Malcolm, King of Scotland, acted as God- mother at the benediction of this bell, it is the most ancient bell in the county, Malcolm III. (who had a daughter Matilda, wife of Henry I. of England) being King of Scotland in the latter half of the eleventh century. The last of the ancient bell-stamps found in this county to 32 See Dr. Raven's Ch. Bells of Catnb., 2nd Ed., p. 24, for a similar difficulty as to these initials. Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. 57 which attention has to be directed, are those on the 3rd bell at Carlton, from the Leicester foundry, with the very unusual dedication Hv XHiiXlTJK^ — they are here given as figs. 32 and '^^i, and they call for a brief notice of the Leicester founders, and of the many bells they supplied (especially in the seventeenth century), to the churches of this county. John of Stafford was probably, for reasons given in TJie Church Bells of Leicestershire, a bellfounder in Leicester in the middle of the fourteenth century. The first recorded founder, however, was William Millers, who died in 1506; to him succeeded Thomas Newcombe {pb. 1520), who was succeeded by Thomas Belt. He was Mayor of Leicester in 1529, and died in 1538, when he was succeeded by his son-in-law, Robert Nezucombe, who had three sons — Thomas, Robert, and Edward — who all became founders. Thomas Newcombe, his eldest son, used as a founder's mark the shield engraved above as fig. ^iZ^ bearing his initials (very probably also used by his predecessor of the same name), and as an initial cross the one also engraved above as fig. 32. To this Thomas Newcombe, who died in 1 580-1, or more probably, from the style of the inscription, to the elder Thomas Newcombe, who died in 1520, may be assigned the 3rd bell at Carlton, to which reference has just been made. Edward Newcombe, the third son of Robert, had himself three sons connected with the foundry, and it was probably one of them, as the representative of his father, or on his own account, who had a foundry at Bedford in the year 1599, as already mentioned on page 40. The foundry there would appear to I 58 Other Founders of BedfordsJiire Bells. have been at work for a short time after that date, for it has already been shown (p. 41) that the Newcombes supplied bells to Bedfordshire churches for a few years after they had, apparently, closed their foundry at Leicester, where it was absorbed, or eclipsed, by that of the famous Leicester founder, Hugh Watts. Two of the Watts family were casting bells in the sixteenth century, respecting whom we have at present little, or no, documentary notice. " Hew Watts " placed his name upon the 1st bell at South Luffenham, Rutland, in 1563. I have made a long search for his Will, but without success. In the accounts of the churchwardens of S. Martin's, Leicester, for 1 61 7- 1 8, is a receipt : — Item for the bells for olde Mr. Watts & buryall in the church xij5 This was not Francis Watts (to be mentioned presendy), who died in 1600, but, possibly, his father, the above " Hew Watts." The Watts' foundry, or their house, being in the Gallowtree Gate, Leicester, they would be residents in S. Martin's parish. The name of William Wales, or William Wattes, appears upon the 8th bell at Clifton (where there are two others cast by him at the same time — 1590) and upon the 5th at Harlington (where the ist was also his handi- work), without a date. These are very fine bells, the inscriptions being in large ornate Gothic capitals, of which the letters OtJier Founders of Bedfordshire Bel/s. 59 Zl are here engraved as examples ; the intervening stop between the words on all these five bells is fig. 38, and the founder's stamp at the end of the inscription on each is the shield fig. 39, both on the next page. To this founder may also be assigned the 2nd bell at Northill, dated 1589. and bearing the same stamps. 6o Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells, .,;^^,,,^&|2)fl.^-^'^. There is no proof at present that these two men were Leicester founders ; indeed, it is more probable that William Watts had his foundry in Bedfordshire, but Fra7tcis Watts appears, with certainty, as such, in 1564, when he bought some bell-wheels from the church of St. Peter, Leicester, then being taken down. He very rarely placed his name upon his bells, the only instance at present known being a bell at Bingham, Nottinghamshire, which is inscribed in letters of various sizes, badly put together : — " Fraunces Wattes made me." He died in the year 1600, his will being proved in that year. To him may be assigned (but whether cast in Bedford- shire, where he may have continued the foundry upon the death of William, or at Leicester, cannot be determined) the 3rd bell at Fandish, dated 1597, and bearing the shield, fig. 39, and the 2nd at Thurleigh, dated 1593, which, in addition to the same shield, has the intervening stop (found on the Leicester bells elsewhere) here engraved, fig. 40. The letters Other Fowiders of Bedfordshire Bells. 6£ on these bells are the ornate capitals mentioned above as used by William Watts. The letters and stamps used by these early members of the Watts family were previously used by the Brazyers, founders at Norwich ; it is, therefore, highly prob- able that the immediate predecessor of one of them had been employed at Norwich, and leaving during the temporary closing of the foundry there upon the death of Richard Brazyer in 15 13, found his way to Bedford or Leicester, bringing some of the old bell-gear with him, and opened a foundry there. Francis Watts was succeeded in the Leicester foundry by his son, Hugh Watts, who speedily obtained a high reputation as a founder. Upon the death of his father he placed his name upon a few bells, but quickly discontinued the practice, then becoming common with founders, of so doing. The ist bell at Dean, and the 5th at Kempston, are inscribed " Hugh Wattes made me 1603." In addition to these two there are thirty-nine bells still hanging in Bedfordshire churches, which were supplied by Hugh Watts, and all bearing his stamp, fig, 39. The largeness of this number, the way in which they arc grouped, and the style of lettering used in the inscriptions, all point to the probability of a large proportion of them being cast in this county. Finding no mention of William Watts after the appearance of his name upon the Clifton and Harlington bells (1590), it may be presumed that he died before, or about the time of the death of Francis Watts, the father of Huo^h 62 Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. (a.d. 1600), and that not only the Leicester, but the presumed Bedfordshire foundry, in consequence fell into the hands of the latter, who, as just stated, placed his name upon the bells at Dean and Kempston in the year in which his father died. It is curious to note the grouping of inscriptions on the bells he next cast for churches in this county. Willington ist has the name of the donor; six bells (Campton 4th, Carlton ist, Elstow 2nd, Harrold 3rd, Oakley 5th, and Ravensdale 3rd) are all inscribed, "Praise the Lord;" two bells (Goldington ist, and Harrold 2nd), have the inscription "Come, Come, and Pray ;" four others (Goldington 4th, Pavenham 2nd, Melchbourne 4th, and Northill 3rd) have loyal in- scriptions. All these thirteen bells were cast in the year 1600-1603. There was then a pause in the casting of bells for Bedfordshire until the year 1609 ; in that and in the following year, 1610, Hugh Watts cast at least a dozen (Bedford S. Mary 6th, Bedford S. Peter 3rd, Blunham 4th, Dean 3rd, the whole ring of five at Marston Moretaine, Puddington 2nd, Wilden 3rd [?], and Yielden 4th), all having the alphabet, or portions of it, upon them in lieu of inscription. All these bells have their inscriptions in the ornate Gothic capitals figured above (p. 59), which we have seen were in the hands of William W^atts and Francis Watts. Now, although those letters were occasionally used by Hugh Watts upon bells cast at his Leicester foundry, they appear but rarely, he having adopted a rather coarse Roman capital letter for use in his inscriptions, of which examples are here given, fig. 41. It would thus appear that the foundry, which it is presumed was worked by William, and, perhaps, by Francis Watts, in Other Founders of BedfordsJiire Bells. 63 Bedfordshire, was carried on by Hugh, their successor, until the close of the year 16 10, he using the bell-gear and the letter-stamps which were in the hands of his deceased relatives. 41 It would further ajDpear that, having finished his casting of the group of alphabet bells in 16 10, he closed his furnaces in this county, for no more bells are found of his casting until twenty- three years afterwards, that is, until the year 1633, when he again appears in the bell-chambers of Bedfordshire, sending between that year and 1639 fourteen bells, namely : — the ring of five at Great Barford, the ist at Felmersham, the ist and 2nd at Kempston, the 3rd at Shelton, the 5th at Wilden, the 5th at Odell, the 3rd at Oakley, and the ist and 2nd at Riseley. Of these, five have his favourite inscription : — IH'a : NAZARENVS : REX JVDEORUM : FILI DEI : MISERERE MEI which he used so often — there are ninety in Leicestershire — as to cause his bells to be known as " Watts' Nazarcnes." The letters IH'8 engraved above are the first three letters of 64 OtJicr Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. that, his well-known inscription, the letter S being always reversed, as shown. He and his predecessors generally extended the inscription round the bell, filling up the spaces between the words with the ornamental acorn band, fig. 42 : — He also very rarely — as on bells at S. Margaret's Church, Leicester — used another form of Gothic letter, a specimen word of which may be given (fig. 43), although it does not Other Fonnders of Bedfordshire Bells. 65 appear on any bell in Bedfordshire, and with it he used the elegant border ornament, fig, 44 : — Hugh Watts died in 1643, when portions of his bell-gear fell into the hands of the Nottingham founders, but his stamp, fig. 39, and band ornaments never appear after his death. The Leicester foundry was then closed, to be re-opened at the commencement of the eighteenth century by Thomas Clay, who, however, sent no bells to this county. Upon the closing of his business, there was another interval until Edward Arnold, the nephew of Joseph Eayre, the bellfounder of S. Neots, cast his first ring of bells in Leicester in the year 1784, for Rothley church, Leicestershire, as he tells us upon one of the bells there. He sent no bell to this county from Leicester, but upon the ist and 2nd at Cardington he describes himself as of S. Neots and Leicester, although he had not at that time commenced business at the latter place. These and other in- scriptions show that during part of the time he carried on 66 Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. the Leicester foundry, Edward Arnold continued his business at S. Neots, into which he received, as an apprentice, Robert Taylor, who towards the close of the eighteenth century- succeeded to the foundry there, which at that time was carried on in a lofty brick building situate in the Priory, and built in the form of a bell. Robert Taylor sent the whole ring of five bells to Bletsoe in 1786, and between that year and 18 16 he sent many other bells to churches in the county, upon all of which he placed his name. Upon the 3rd bell at Risely (dated 1816) he, doubtless for some exceptional reason, joined J. Briant's name with his own as founder. About that time the firm became R. Taylor & Sons. They sent bells to Husborne Crawley and Wresdingworth in 1820. In the year 1 82 1 the Messrs. Taylor removed to Oxford, from whence they sent the 2nd bell at Bromham in 1826. In 1825 Mr. John Taylor^ one of the Oxford firm, went to Buckland Brewer, near Bideford, Devon, to cast the bells there, and after casting several rings and odd bells in Devon, Cornwall, etc., returned to Oxford in 1S35. In 1839 he and his son went to Loughborough, in Leicestershire, to cast the bells there, and finding the town well-situated for business, they took up their residence in that place. From thence they, in the same year, sent the 5th bell to Turvey, describing themselves as W. Csf J. Taylor, Oxford and Lo7Lghhoroiigh. Although William Taylor (the brother of John) continued to work the Oxford foundry until his death, which occurred in 1S54, his name does not again appear upon bells cast at Loughborough. The foundry^ there was carried on by JoJm Taylor, who describes himself upon the ist bell at Puddington, dated 1843, Other Fotcnders of Bedfordshire Bells. 67 as of " Oxford and Loughborough," and upon the Wymington I St, cast in that same year, as " late of S. Neots." Since that time Mr. John Taylor has died, leaving his son, the present Mr. John Williaiu Taylor, the head of the now justly cele- brated Leicestershire foundry. Messrs. John Taylor cir" Co. have supplied several bells to Bedfordshire churches, but as their names appear upon them a list in detail is rendered unnecessary.* Returning to the older bells in Bedfordshire, we find ten cast by John Dier, about whom litde is at present known. His bells in this county date from 1580, at Houghton Regis (5th), to 1593, the date on bells at Houghton and at Maulden. His earliest bell bears his name " John dier," in thick black letter ; on the more elaborate bells at Hulcote, with the donor's arms, he appears in the same type of letters as "Johannes Dier," the last two letters being linked together on one stem ; but on the Willington 4th he discarded the old black letter, and appeared in sharply defined Roman capitals as " John Dyey," with the whole inscription placed backwards. He used the Pentacle as a trade-mark, and upon the Hulcote bells he placed a number of small fanciful stamps. The name oi John Clarke is, as founder, upon the 2nd bell at Flitwick, dated 1608. He, too, used the Pentacle in place of the ancient initial cross. His bells are rare. There is a similarity between his lettering and that of John Dier, but at present three is no proof of any connection between them. About this time, too, we find Richard Iloldfcld, or Oldficld, sending two bells into this county — the ist at Shelton, * For a full account of the ancient Leicester licllfoundcrs, with copies of their Wills, etc., sec North's CInitch Bells of LeuaUnhiie, pp. 37-74- 68 Other Founders of BedfordsJiire Bells. inscribed " Praies God," and the 3rd at Studham, inscribed " Pries the Lord ;" they are both dated 1599. They bear no founder's name, but the letters of the inscriptions on both — small Roman capitals — and the initial cross on the Studham bell, here engraved, fig. 45. are identical with those on the 3rd bell at Everton, Huntingdonshire, inscribed in part " Ricardvs Holdfeld me fecit 161 1." Dr. Raven suggests (for reasons given in his Church Bells of Canibindgeshire '"') that Richard Holdfeld was a Cambridge founder. There is also every reason for assuming that he was a member of the family of Oldfield, of Nottingham, founders there for several generations. On the 3rd bell at East Bergholt, Suffolk, and upon some bells in Essex, cast by Richard Bowler early in the seventeenth century, there is a circular stamp bearing the initials R.H., divided by an arrow, which points to some connection between Richard Holdfeld and the founder of those bells. Richard Hattlsey cdi-st the 2nd bell at Dunton, and the 1st at Edworth ; they are both dated 1623. The inscriptions are l^in Roman capitals of the same character as those used by Richard Holdfeld, and preceded by an initial cross of the same form (fig. 46), but both letters and cross are larger in size. It is probable that Haulsey succeeded to the foundry of Richard Holdfeld. * 2nd Ed., p. 131. Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. 69 Robert Oldfield, too, was casting bells at that time. He cast the 3rd bell at Stanstead Abbots, Hertfordshire, and placed his name upon it, in 1605. To him may be assigned the 4th bell at Eaton Socon, with a pre-Reformation In- scription In Gothic capitals, preceded by the cross, fig. 47, 47 48 49 with fig. 49, for an intervening stop. In 163S he supplied the present treble bell to Shillington, which has fig. 47 for an Initial stamp, and under It the founder's stamp fig. 48, all here engraved. The fortunate preservation of the Shillington Churchwardens' Accounts for the year in which this bell was cast enables us to assign these stamps with certainty to yo Other Founders of BcdfordsJiire Bells. Robert Oldfield, and to state that he was then working his foundry at Hertford. The Churchwardens charge : — 1638 Ite' spent at Hartf when we went w"' the Bell o 8 8 Ite' to John Crouch for drawing our bell to Hartford 013 o Ite' to Robert Oldfeild for casting our bell at elcaven shillinge the hundred 4 10 6 The only other bell from Robert Oldfield's Hertford foundry now in this county is the Priests' bell at Luton, which has no inscription, but only the date 1637 immediately over the shield-shaped stamp fig. 48 on page 69. Robert Oldfield was doubtless connected with the Nottingham founders of the same name. The initial cross he used, fig. 47, is similar in form to those constantly used by them. At a later date a foundry was worked at Hertford by John Briant, who sent several bells to the churches of this county, dated from 1790 at Eaton Bray (5th) to 18 16 at Meppershall (3rd). He died at S. Albans in the year 1829, being then in his 8ist year, and was buried in All Saints' Churchyard, Hertford.* There are a large number of bells — nearly fifty — supplied to Bedfordshire churches from the foundry formerly existing at Drayton Parslow, in Buckinghamshire. " Anthonie Chandler Blacksmith," who was buried at that place on " Aprill the 20, 1 64 1," had by his wife, who was buried there in 1643, two sons, Richard, baptized there on the 6th of March, 1 601-2, and Anthony, who died an infant in 1605. Richard Chandler * For a fuller account of him, see North's Church Bells of Northamptonshire, pp. 102-4. Other Fotincicrs of Bedfordshire Bells. married Bridget Conoper in 1622, and was the first bellfounder at Drayton, sending tlie present 2nd bell to Milton Bryant in 1636. He placed his name on that bell as "Richard Chandeler," with the date both before and after it, and the two stamps here engraved as figs. 50 and 51. He was buried at Drayton on the 13th of June, 1638. He had by his wife Bridget one son, Anthony, and five daughters, two of whom, says the Regis- ter, " Bridgetta Chanler et Maria Chan- ler filice posthumae Richardi et Bridgettoe bapt : fuerant secundi die Aug^ 1638." AntJiony Chandler (the only son of this Richard), who was baptized on the 20th of August, 1622, carried on the foundry on the death of his father (probably during his youth with the assistance of a foreman) sending a few bells to churches in his own and neifjhbourincf counties. He sometimes placed his name in full, as at Egginton (2nd), Houghton Regis (6th), and Westoning (ist), and some- times only " Chandler made me :" and very rarely — as on the 5th bell at Harrold — the fleur-de-lys, fig. 5 1, given above. He was buried either on the 23rd of January, 1680- 1, or on the loth of January, 16S4-5 (for there were two men of the name living nt the same time at Drayton), leaving a numerous family — four sons — Richard, baptized 15th December, 1650; George, baptized 3rd March, 1654; Thomas, baptized 30th November, 1656, and John, baptized loth July, 1664 — and four daughters. =: I I - Other Founders of DcdfordsJiire Bells. Ann, Jane, Bridg-et, and Leah. The two elder sons, Richard and George, appear to have succeeded to the business of the foundry, most probably as partners, though their joint names have not yet been found on any single bell. The name of George Chandler appears as founder upon the 3rd bell at Eaton Bray, dated 1705, and upon the 5th at Stanbridge, dated 1725, soon after which he died; but the Parish Registers do not give the entry of his burial. Richard Chandler died on one of the last days of the year 1 704, being buried (the Register describes him as " Bellfounder ") on the ist of January, 1704-5. He sent several bells into Bedfordshire, some having his name, and some only his initials. Upon his death another Richard Chandler, most probably his son — though here the Registers do not help us — placed his name upon bells. He was the " Richard Chaundler, bellfounder," whose son Henry (according to the Register) was baptized on the 28th of April, 1702, and whose daughter Susan was buried on the 28th of February, 1703-4. The latest date we find upon Richard Chandler's bells in this county is 1723, upon the 4th bell at Hulcote. The date of his death is at present unknown. The Chandlers were succeeded at Drayton Parslow as bellfounders by Edward Hall, who sent only four bells to this county, Eaton Bray ist, dated 1740, Pottesgrove ist, dated 1743, and Whipsnade, ist and 2nd, dated 1740. He was not successful with his foundry, and the addition to it of the original business of the Chandlers — that of a blacksmith — does not appear to have added much to the security of his position, for the Parish Register records his burial thus : — 9 February, 1755, Edward Y{:x\\, poor beHfounde?: Other Foiinders of DcdfordsJiirc Bells. 73 The site of the foundry at Drayton Parslow is now used as a garden and paddock behind the " Three Horse-Shoes" Inn: scraps of bell-metal, and other indications of the foundry work, have been found."" Another foundry in Buckinghamshire supplied the ist and the 3rd bells at Chellington. BartJiolomew Alton, " Tann' and Bellfounder, the apprentice of Thomas Newcome, Tann' and Bellfounder," then deceased, was admitted to the Merchants' Guild, or made free of the town of Leicester, in 1582-3. Shortly after that date he was casting bells at Buckingham, of which town he was bailiff in 1604.! He sent several bells into Northamptonshire, and showed his connection with the Leices- ter founders by using some of their stamps.^ Upon many of his bells are also placed the initials of Robert Alton, who was associated with him in the foundry. The dates of the deaths of these two founders are not at present known, but Bartholo- mew cast bells as late as 1636, and Robert as late as i634.§ Upon the 3rd bell at Chellington Wil- liam Alton appears as founder, with the name of this Robert Atton ap- /# pended. In 1654, when the treble bell there was cast, William Atton had a son associated with him, the founders' names being given as " \\\ Atton and Son :" soon after that date he dic-d, for the * For numerous extracts (about sixty in number) from the Parish Registers of Dray- ton Parslow relating to the Chandler family I am much indebted to the courtesy of the present Rector, the Rev. A. Cyril Pearson. t Lipscomb's Hist, of Rucks -^ vol. ii., p. 567. :J: See North's Church Bells of Northants, p. 114. § IbiJ. pi>. 114, 115. 74 Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. Buckingham Register says " Mr. William Atton four times Bailiff [buried] Oct. 23, 1655."* The Attons used as an initial cross fig. 52 engraved on p. ']-^\ it appears upon the 3rd of the Chellington bells. There are a score of bells in Bedfordshire churches which were, as their inscriptions testify, cast by Miles Graye. They range in date from 161 5 at Stotfold (3rd) to 1667 at Fandish (ist). Miles Graye was a founder of considerable reputation at Colchester. The inscription on the tenor bell at Kersey, Suffolk, says : — Samuel Samson, Churchwarden, I saye, Caused me to be made by Colchester Graye. Although no founder of his period, according to Dr. Raven, " was equal to * Colchester Graye,' " not much is at present known about him beyond what his bells themselves tell. He is said to have died in i666,f It is generally supposed that Christopher Graye, whose bells in this county have been already mentioned (see p. 41) was his son. During the time Miles Graye was casting bells at Colchester Ja7n£s Kecne was actively employed in the same way at Wood- stock in Oxfordshire. There are twenty-three of his bells in this county, dating from 1618 at Odell and Puddington to 1641 at Milton Bryant and Wootton. GOD SAVE OVR KING was his favourite motto : it appears on fourteen of those bells. On the Chellington 2nd and on the Colmworth 4th he placed " Pray.e ye the Lord," omitting, apparently, the letter s in the * Willis' Hisi. of Bucks., p. 72. + But the Fandish bell is dated in the following year (1667). Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. 75 first word : the 3rd at Stanbridge has the name of the church^ r^ warden, and on the 2nd at Fan- iVj^l dish, the ist at Milton Bryant, the I St, 2nd. and 3rd at Odell, and the ist at Salford, the ini- I tials I. K. are given with the ^5 Pl^ date. These initials, which are also on many of his other bells \ — for James Keene did not give '' his name in full — are generally in the form given as fig. 53, using frequently as initial crosses the figs. 54, 55 and 56. The initial cross fig 54 is upon bells at Chalgrave(2nd), Clophill (2nd), Hawnes (ist), Odell (4th), Pavenham (5th), and Puddington (3rd and 4th). That figured No. 55 is on bells at Colmworth (3rd), Cople (5th). Flitwick (4th), Henlow (2nd), Milton Bryant (3rd), Salford (ist), and Studham (4th), and that figured 76 Other Foimders of Bedfordshire Bells. 57 58 59 No. 56 is found on bells at Chellington(2nd), Colmworth (4th), Milton Bryant (ist), Stanbridge (3rd), and at Wootton (5th). James Keene also rarely used as a stop fig. 57 here engraved : it is only found once in Bedfordshire — on the 3rd bell at Odell ; and much more frequently the fleur-de-lys, fig. 58, which is found on ten of his bells in this county. Amongst the other seventeenth century bells are five from the Stamford foundry. Tobias or Tobie Norris, Bellfounder, took up his freedom at Stamford on the 4th of June, 1607, consequently the ist and 2nd bells at Clapham, dated in that year, and upon which he placed the initial cross fig. 59, and the stop fig. 60, were amongst his first efforts. He was also the founder of the 4th and 5th bells at Shillington, dated 1624, upon the latter of which he also placed the initial cross fig. 59. It appears from the accounts of the churchwardens of Shillington that these two bells were cast at St. Ives, where Norris had probably set up a temporary foundry. He died on the 2nd of November, 1626, and was succeeded in the foundry by Thomas N'orris, who took up his freedom of Stamford, as a bell- founder, on the 31st of December, 1625. Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. jj He sent no bells now remaining in this county, but his son and successor, Tobias Norris (2nd), who was baptized at S. George's Church, Stamford, on the 25th of April, 1634, and was buried in the same parish on the 19th of January, «====— =-=^ 1698-9, sent the 2nd bell to Dean in ^ i(:>']'], placing upon it his name preceded by the initial cross fig. 59.* Bryan Eldridgc, of Chertsey, sent only one bell to Bedford- shire — the 2nd at Yielden, dated 1660. During the greater part of the seventeenth, and the earlier years of the eighteenth centuries, foundries were worked at Chacombe and at Ecton, Northamptonshire, by the family of Bagley. Henry Bagley, the first bell-founder at Chacombe (baptized 2nd Oct. 1608, died about 1676), sent no bells to Bedfordshire : upon his death the business appears to have been carried on by his two sons, Henry (not mentioned in the Parish Register) and Williatn (born 29 June, 1663), in con- junction with his nephew Matthezu (baptized 6 April, 1653). Although their names do not appear jointly in any known instance upon the same bell, Henry and Matthew frequently each placed his name upon separate bells in the same ring, and cast at the same time. Their bells are not numerous in this county, being the 5th at Stagsden, the ist at Tilbrook, and the 2nd and 3rd at Turvey. Tilbrook is on the borders of Northamptonshire, but the Bagleys probably owed their * For a full account of llic Stamford Foundry, see North's Church Bells of Norlhanls, pp. 95-102, and his Church Bells of Lincolnshire, pp. 51-58. 78 Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. introduction to the other places to the Rev. Thomas Monta- gue, Rector of Burton, North- amptonshire, the donor of a bell to Sharnbrook in 1683. The Bagleys occasionally used the stamp fig. 61, and the intervening stop fig. 62, which is on the 5th bell at Stagsden. On the 2nd bell at Willing- ton is, in bold thin-faced 61 Roman capitals, Thomas Tom- pion Fecit 1671. Of him nothing is at present known. Thomas Janazvay, of Chelsea, sent the 4th bell to Potton in 1785. Mr. Tyssen tells us that he probably learned his art in the White- chapel (London) foundry, that the Chelsea foundry only lasted from 1763 to 1786, and that at its close all its stamps and tools were bought and transferred to White- chapel, and there used for many years.'" Thomas Nezuman, whose name appears as founder upon the 5th bell at Eaton Socon, cast in 1705, and upon the ist at Potton, cast in the following year, was of Norwich, but he itinerated, and it is quite probable that those bells were sent by him from Cambridge, where it is known he was casting bells a few years latent * Sussex Coll., xvi., p. 179. J See Dr. Raven's Church Bells of Cambridgeshire, 2nd Ed., p. 98. Other Fo7inders of Bedfordshire Bells. 79 In 171 7, Thomas and John ^^_)'r^, the first bellfounders at Kettering, Northamptonshire, supplied the treble bell at Yielden ; upon the death or retirement of John Eayre in, or about, the following year, the foundry there passed into the sole management of Thomas Eayre, who did a large business. He, however, only sent three bells into Bedfordshire : — the ist and 5th at Ampthill in 1725, and the ist at Oakley in 1750. He was buried at Kettering on the 3rd of January, 1758, after which the foundry there was carried on for a few years by his son and sole executor, Thomas Eayre (2nd), who being unfortunate in business, brought it to a close in 1761." Joseph Eay7'e (the brother of the first-named Thomas Eayre, of Kettering), who was baptized as "an adult person" at Kettering, in the year 1731, and whose marriage in the Kettering Register is thus noted :— Mr. Joseph Eayre of S. Neots and Mrs. Sarah Soame of Kettering, opened a foundry at S. Neots about the year 1735, in which year he sent a ring of bells to Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. He sent six bells into this county, dating from 1740, at Eaton Socon (ist), to 1772 at Langford (3rd). After his death the business at S. Neots was held jointly for a short time by his late foreman, Tliomas Osborn, and his cousin, Edivard Arnold. After they dissolved partnership, Edzuard Arnold held the foundry at S. Neots, sending bells from thence to KeyscE (5th) in 1772, and to Langford (2nd) in 17S0. In 1784 he opened his foundry at Leicester (see p. 65), still, however, keeping on the S. Neots foundry for a time. * See North's Church Bells of Northants, pp. 48-51, for a full account of their foundry. 8o Other Fotmders of Bedfordshire Bells. Thomas Osborn, after dissolving partnership with Edward Arnold, set up for himself at Downham Market, where he subsequently took William Dobson, his grandson, into partner- ship. Upon the death of his grandfather, this William Dobson carried on the foundry, sending the 3rd bell at Eaton Socon in 1832. Although he had a large connection, he was not prosperous in business. In 1833 his foundry passed into the hands of Mr. Thomas Mears, of London. The modern Birmingham founders are represented by two bells. Mr. James Barzvell supplied the ist at Stevington in 1872, and Messrs. Wm. Blews & Sons the ist at Wyming- ton in the following year. In writing of the bells in this county cast by the Newcombe's of Leicester and Bedford (see pp. 57-8), the 4th bell at Elstow, traditionally known as Bunyan's bell, escaped notice as being probably from their foundry. It bears for an initial cross, fig. 63, which cross is not only found on bells in Leicestershire and Northampton- shire, but on the 2nd bell at Upton Magna, Salop, dated 1605, where it appears in company with a border ornament used by the Newcombes, and preceding a form of inscription, '' Come Come and Pray," found 63 on the bells of the Leicester founders. The only other founders who sent bells into this county are those of London from the seventeenth century to the present time. As their bells are nearly one hundred and twenty in number, and as the name of the founder of each appears upon it, and so will be pointed out in the proper place under the Other Fotmders of Bedfordshire Bells. Si parish in which it hangs, It is unnecessary to give a detailed Hst of them here. John Hodson — the first London founder of the modern era whose bells are in Bedfordshire — and Christopher Ilodson were the principal founders of their time, a time not encouraging to men of their craft. In 1653 John Hodson supplied the 4th bell at Harrold ; in the following year he sent four bells to Stevington ; and in 1663 he cast the 3rd at Pavenham and the 1st at Cranfield. On the last-mentioned bell he placed, as intervening stops, a fleur-de-lys and fig. 64, here engraved, with the royal arms after the inscription. He used large plain Roman capitals for his inscriptions, with fleur-de- lys, the fig. 64, coins of Charles I. and the Commonwealth, stars of dots, and lozenges plentifully, as Intervening stops. The Initials \V. H. observed on his bells at Cranford, Pavenham, and on two at Stevington, arc those of William Hull, who was his foreman, and to whom he apparently taught his trade. William Hull not only placed his initials upon many of John Hodson's bells, but sometimes his name appears in full in conjunction with that of his master, and on the ist at Pertenhall we have " William Hvll made me 1666" standing alone, although it was clearly his master's bell. After leaving John Hodson he was employed by M UTT/IMC 64 82 Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. Michael Darble, until he set up for himself at South Mailing, Sussex, where he died in the year i687.'''' The Whitechapel (London) bellfoundry is of ancient date ; there was a foundry there as early as, if not earlier than, the year 1520. Later on we find that Robert Mot, who was buried on the ist of April, 1608, worked the foundry there until his death. Joseph Carter succeeded him, who, dying early in the year 16 10, left the management of the London foundry to the care of his son William Carter, who only lived a few years after his father's death. To him succeeded (in 1 6 1 9) Thomas Bartlett, who had been a servant in the foundry, and in the family of the Bartletts the Whitechapel foundry remained until the end of the seventeenth century. The only bell sent into this county by the Bartletts is the clock-bell at Battlesden House, dated 1674. That bell has the name of Anthony Bartlett as founder, and also the circular stamp, bearing three bells encircled with the words " Thomas Bartlett," which had been used by the first founder of that name. Anthony Bartlett, who died in 1676, was succeeded by his son, fames Bartlett, who died in 1701. Richard Phelp, who cast several noted bells, was the next founder at White- chapel ; he died in 1738, when he was succeeded, as founder, by his foreman, Thomas Lester, whose name appears on six bells at S. Paul's, Bedford, cast in 1744. He soon took Thomas Pack into partnership, and the names Lester & Pack are upon the single bell at Lower Gravenhurst, dated 1758. Upon the death of Lester in 1769, his nephew, William * For a full account of Wm. Hull, see Mr. Tyssen's Church Bells of Sussex, pp. 26-29. Other Founders of Bedfordshire Bells. 8 J Chapman, became Pack's partner, and the new firm, Pack & CJiapnian, sent bells to Cardington, Dunstable, and Luton from 1772 to 1776. The firm next appears in this county as Chapman & ^Teal's — Pack died in 1781, and William Mears, who had learned his business under Chapman, and had been casting bells on his own account, was then taken into partnership by him — upon bells at Caddington cast in 1782. William Chapman died in 1784, when William Mears was alone for a short time only, for in 1787 we find IV. &' T. Mears describing themselves on bells at Leighton Buzzard as '' late Lester, Pack, & Chapman." The foundry remained in the Mears family — many of their bells will be found hereafter described under the different parishes — until about the year 1865, soon after which it passed into the hands of the present proprietor, Mr. Robert Stainbank, who, however, retains the name of Mears in the firm (Mr. George Mears, his former partner, after being out of business some years, died at Landport, Portsmouth, on the 12th of August, 1873, aged 53 years), and he, under the style of Mears & Stainbank, has sent many bells to the churches of this county.* The name of Islip Ednmnds, London, appears upon the i st bell at Melchbourne as the founder in i 764, and upon the 3rd at Milton Ernest in 1765. Of him little is known. Messrs. * Mr. Tyssen in his Church Bells of merchant, lie died at his residence, Spring Sussex, gives much information about the Lodge, Lawrie Park, Sydenham, on the Whitechapel foundry. Since writing the morning of Wednesday, the 24tli of January, above, Mr. Stainbank (who was bom at Not- iSSj, and was buried on the following tingham about the year 1815) has died. Monday, at Boston, Lincolnshire, where his Before entering into partnership with the father, mother, and other members of his late Mr. Mears, he was in business as a timber family are interred. 84 Other Fowiders of Bedfordshire Bells, John Warner & Sons, of the well-known Crescent Foundry, Cripplcgatc, London, have sent bells to Bedfordshire, including a full ring of six to Arlescy in 1877.* * For a fuller account of this foundry, see North's Chtirch Bells of Northamptonshire, pp. 119, 120. From an Illummated MS. of the Psalms (fourteenth century) in the King's Library, British Musemn : marked 20. B. xi. PECULIAR USES OF THE BEDFORDSHIRE BELLS -'XX* THERE are very few directions in the Rubrics and Canons of the Church of England as to the use of the Church Bell. The single one in the Rubrics is that in which the Curate is ordered to " cause a bell to be tolled " to daily service " a convenient time before he begin, that the people may come to hear God's word and to pray with him." The directions in the Canons are also very brief: the 15th, which directs " Litany to be read on Wednesdays and Fridays," orders that warning be " given to the people by tolling of a bell," and the 67th orders : — And, when any is passing out of this life, a bell shall be tolled, and the Minister shall not then slack to do his last duty. And after the party's death, if it so fall out, there shall be rung no more than one short peal, and one other before the burial, and one other after the burial. No further directions are given as to the use of church bells, and the only other references to them are in the 88th Canon against the superstitious use of bells upon " Holy days or Eves abrogated by the Book of Common 86 Peculiar Uses of the Bedfordshire Bells, Prayer, nor at any other times without good cause, to be allowed by the minister of the place " and by the church- wardens, and in the iiith against hindering the minister or preacher " by untimely ringing of bells." It was, no doubt, the superstitious use, and the "untimely" ringing of the bells in mediaeval times, which caused the Church at the Reformation, not only to put a check upon their excessive ringing, but to order only the most simple and necessary use of them. It will be observed that one bell is all that is really essential in carrying out the directions of the Church, so that the poorest parish can have no difficulty in obeying. But it by no means follows that what is sometimes, but not always correctly, spoken of as " Apostolical simplicity " is intended, either in this or in other matters connected with the services of the Church, to be inculcated when better things can be obtained ; indeed, we know that it is generally only poverty, or some other difficulty, which hinders the erection in our modern churches of a number of bells with which to ring those peals in which almost all English Churchmen delight. And so it was in more ancient times : the larger parish churches sometimes had five bells, many four, more perhaps only three, but it was a very rare thing indeed to find any church with less than two and a sanctus bell. In pre-Reformation times, as I have shown elsewhere, the bells were heard much more frequently than now. Where the Canonical Hours were kept they would be ringing very frequently and very regularly, by day and by night, so that they answered very much the purpose of a clock, and the different ways in which they were rung told the service then about being PectUiar Uses of the Bedfordshire Bells. 87 said. The bells were then frequently rung by the deacons. Such, we know, was the case in the fifteenth century at Holy Trinity, Coventry, and in the following century at Ludlow and at Exeter. Sculpture on the font at Belton, Lincolnshire, shows the cavipanarius attired in his camise, chiming two bells. In our smaller parish churches, too, those bells be- longing to minor altars, to Guilds and Fraternities, or used for special Offices, would very frequently be sounding. Thus, at Ludlow — in addition to a ring of five bells — they possessed "Our Lady belle," " First-Mass-Bell," and ''the gild belle."* On Sundays and on high-days all the bells appear to have been rung for Matins and Evensong — the two Services which all were expected to attend, and so the custom has continued to the present time. Hooper, in his Injunctions, dated 1551, whilst forbidding ringing at unseasonable times, adds " but before services, as well morning as at even, to warn people by as many peals or ringings as they think good." The mode of ringing or of chiming for Divine Service varies somewhat in different parishes in Bedfordshire, as in the other counties of England. At Ampthill, Harrold and Pavcnham, all the bells arc chimed, followed by a five minutes' sounding of the treble as the parson's bell. At Cardington, Carlton, Chellington, Goldington, and Houghton-Conquest, all the bells are chimed, followed by a five minutes' tolling of the tenor. At Apsley Guise and at Eversholt the tenor is rung for a few minutes, followed by a chiming of all the bells. ■•'■' See Ludloiij Churchwardens^ Accounts, published by Camden Society. 88 Pectiliav Uses oj the Bedfordshire Bells. At Barton-le-Clay the treble is rung for fifteen minutes, then all the bells are chimed, followed by the tolling of the treble for five minutes. At Dunstable they chime all the bells for twenty minutes, followed by the sanctus-bell for ten minutes as a sermon-bell. At S. Peter's, Bedford, the first four bells are chimed, followed by the tenor bell alone. The same custom is followed at Blunham and at Cranfield. At Melchbourne and at Hawnes the first three are chimed, followed in the same way by the 4th or tenor. At S. Mary's, Bedford, the bells are chimed for fifteen minutes, after which the tenor is tolled for ten minutes, followed by the priest's bell for five minutes. At Houghton-Regis the tenor is first rung up as a sermon- bell, and is " dropped in " with the other bells when chiming commences, and so is gradually " lowered," after which it is tolled till the commencement of service. A similar mode is followed at Marston Moretaine (where, however, about twenty strokes on the treble concludes), and also at Stanbridge ; indeed, that is the favourite style of using the bells on Sunday in that part of the county. At Husborne-Crawley, too, the tenor is first raised, then " dropped in," whilst the other bells are chimed for twenty minutes, after which the tenor is lowered alone, followed by a chiming of all the bells until a few minutes before the commencement of Divine Service, when the priest's bell concludes the warning. At Meppershall all the bells are first chimed with the tenor rung in ; the tenor is then lowered and chimed with the other bells. Peculiar Uses of the Bedfordshire Bells. 89 At Clifton ten of the bells arc chimed by machinery until five minutes before the commencement of Service, when ilic 6th, /th and 8th bells are chimed. The chiming of the bells at Leighton Buzzard is dixidcd into two peals, between which the tenor is raised and rung as a sermon bell. At Northill the chiming commences an hour before I)i\in(? Service ; after a pause it is resumed half-an-hour before the time, and is followed by five minutes' tolling of a single bell. At Hockliffe any one bell is rung as a sermon-bell, followed by the chiming of the whole three ; and at Pertenhall the sermon-bell is first rung, then the three bells are chimed, followed by the tolling — for a few minutes — of the tenor. At Old Warden (where there are four bells) they first chime all for twenty minutes, then toll one bell for five minutes, and conclude by the ringing of the third bell for five minutes. The bells at Arlesey are usually rung, not chimttd, for Services on Sunday. At Woburn new church the single bell (the largest in ihc county) is rung up half-an-hour before the hour for Divine Service by three men ; then a pause for ten minutes, after which there is ringing again for ten minutes, and the bell is lowered ; the ringers receive three shillings per Sunday, paid by the Duke of Bedford. On the Great Festivals the call to Divine; Service is rung instead of chimed at Coplc and at Tottenhoe. These examples show the diversity of usage at present in different parishes, but, no doubt, anci("nt customs have, in many cases, departed. N 90 Peculiar Uses of the Bedfordshire Bells. Early Sunday Peals. — With the introduction of the " new service " (as the Book of Common Prayer was called) in the time of Edward VI., the singing of the Canonical Hours — with the exception of Matins and Evensong — was dropped. The only traces of them we now have in the use of our church bells, excepting the ringing or chiming for Morning and Evening Prayer, are the ringing of the " first and second peals " on Sunday mornings at seven and eight, or at eight and nine o'clock, in many parishes. In pre-Reformation times matins was said in all parish churches before breakfast as a preparation for mass. The "first peal "was the call to matins, the "second peal " to tierce and mass. It is a curious proof how tenacious custom is in having continued the ringing of these bells for over three hundred years after the purposes they served were abrogated, and when few even think of, or inquire as to, the meaning of their sound. For these " peals " — which are rung in many Bedfordshire parishes — the smaller bells are generally used. The mode of rinorinor varies : — At Houghton Conquest the treble bell is rung at 7 a.m., the ist and 2nd at 9 a.m. At Marston Moretaine the ist is rung at 8 o'clock, and is called " 8 o'clock bell," or "first peal," and the ist and 2nd at 9 a.m. At Pertenhall they ring the ist at 7 a.m., and the ist and 2nd at 8 a.m. At Stanbridge the ist is rung at ^.^o a.m., and again at 9.30 (the latter now for Sunday-school). The two early-peals have, in many parishes, merged into Peculiar Uses of the Bedfordshire Bells. 91 one ; thus one bell (generally the treble) is rung at 8 o'clock at Ampthill, Bedford (S. Cuthbert), Biddenham, Dunstable (2nd bell), Flitwick, Harlington (for "sermon bell," commonly called " 8 o'clock bell"), Kempstone (where they formerly rang ist at 7 a.m., and ist and 2nd at 8 a.m.), Lidlington, Mill- brooke, Northill, Potten, Shelton, Stotfold, Tilbrook, Wilden, and Wilhampstead. Two bells are rung at the same hour — 8 a.m. — at Bedford (S. Peter's), Blunham (ist and 2nd), Card- ington (3rd and 4th, called " sermon bells "), Eversholt (ist and 2nd, called "8 o'clock bells "), Leighton Buzzard (3rd and 4th. called " the 8 o'clock peal "), Odell, and at Sandy (ist and 2nd). At Cranfield they chime the ist, 2nd and 3rd bells at 8 a.m. In some parishes a large bell is rung at 8 a.m. ; thus at Cad- dington they ring the 5th, and call it the sermon-bell ; at Southill the 3rd is rung, and at Toddington the 6th bell is rung alternately at 8 and at 8.30 a.m. At Houghton Regis the treble is rung at 7 a.m., and is still called the " first peal ;" the treble is rung at the same hour at Milton Bryant and at Turvey, and at Tingrith the 2nd is then rung, and is called the sermon-bell. At Fandish and at Hawnes a bell is rung at 9 a.m. ]\Tany years ago it was the custom at Aspley Guise to ring a bell at 8 a.m. and again at 9 a.m., called respectively "the first and second peals ;" so, too, until recently, one bell was rung at 7 a.m. and two at 8 a.m. at S. Paul's, Bedford. The ringing of a bell at Tilsworth at 7 a.m., and of one at Willing- ton at 8 a.m., are remembered. They have both been dis- continued for some years. The Sermon Bell was heard in Pre-Relormation limes, as 92 Pectdiar Uses of the Bedfordshire Bells. is evident from the Riles of Durham, and the Royal Injunc- tions of 1547 ordered a bell in convenient time to be runj^ or knolled before the sermon. The ringint^^ of this bell, which is usually the tenor, though not universal, is heard in many parishes in this county, and that frequently after the chiming. The tenor bell is so used at Bedford (S. Peter's and S. Mary's), Carlton, Chellington, Egginton, and Milton Ernest ; it is rung before chiming at Houghton Regis, Husborne Crawley, Marston Moretaine, Pertenhall, Stanbridge and at Hockliffe, where any bell, not necessarily the tenor, is rung. At Leighton Buzzard the tenor is rung as a sermon bell between two peals of chiming. At Dunstable the ringing of the sanctus bell for ten minutes after the chiming of all the bells is called the sermon bell. At Harlington the ringing of the treble at 8 a.m., at Caddington the ringing of the 5th bell, and at Cardington the ringing of the 3rd and 4th at the same hour, are called sermon bells. At Tingrith the 2nd bell, rung at 7 a.m., is called the sermon bell ; and many years ago it was customary after this bell was raised to strike the day of the month. At Tilsworth the ringing of the sermon bell was discontinued about the year 1870, and at Stevington it was rung until recently at 8 a.m.; it was discontinued in con- sequence of the clerk being a shepherd, and his services being supposed necessary in the fields at that hour. Sunday Mid-dav Peals. — It is customary in some parishes to ring at the close of the Morning Service in a similar manner to that described under Early Peals. Thus the ist and 2nd bells are so rung at Pertenhall ; at S. Peter's, Bedford, the treble is rung for five minutes, followed by the ringing of the PcctUiar Uses of the BcdfordsJiirc Bells. 93 3rd and 4th bells for five minutes, called " the dinner-ljell ;"' at Blunham and at Cardington a bell (at the latter place the 3rd) is then rung for a few minutes. As the early peals are freciuently considered signals for the Morning Service, so these mid-day ringings are sometimes now- used as warnings that Evensong will be said ; such is the case at Wilden, where a bell is runof at 12 o'clock when MorninLf Prayer has not been said, which, however, very rarely happens. The bell so rung at the close of Morning Service is, in some places, called The Puddixc, or Dixxkr Bell, being supposed to be rung in order to give the cook warning that Service is over, and so dinner may be prepared. Such is the case at Leighton Buz- zard, where the 3rd bell is rung at i o'clock, and (as we have seen) at S. Peter's. Bedford. At Tingrith a bell is rung immediately after Morning Service, and is popularly known as The Potato Bell, " because on hearing this bell the people at home put their potatoes in the }JOt for boiling." At Wilhamp- stead the ringing of this bell has been recently discontinued. This custom is probably the survival of the Knollinc; oe tiii; Aves, mentioned in the Injunctions of 1538 as being sounded after the Service, and at certain oiher times, and as having been brought in and begun by the pre- tence of the Bishop of Rome's pard(jn, and il was ordered that they be thenceforth left and omitted. Shaxton, Bisho[) of Sarum in that year, said " that the bell called the Partlon, or Ave Bell, which of longe tyme hathe been used to be tolled three tymes after and before Divine Service, be not hereafter, in cUiy part of my diocese, any more tollyd." 94 Peculiar Uses of tJie Bedfordshire Bells. In some places the Aves' bell was tolled thrice every day. That was the case at Cropedy, Oxfordshire, as we know from a benefaction to the bells made by Master Roger Lupton, vicar of that parish, by indenture dated 26 August, 151 2. He gave certain money to the churchwardens upon condition that they should, amongst other things, "toll dayly the Avees bell at sex of the clok in the mornyng, at xij of the clok at noone, and at foure of the clok at afternoone.""" The saying of the Aves was between the tolling. Among the Articles of Enquiry in 1547 was one whether the knolling at the Aves be used. The ringing or tolling of a bell or bells before the chiming commences for Divine Service at Aspley Guise, Barton-le- Clay, and in other parishes, may be, and probably is — as well as the ringing at the close of the Service — a continuance of the custom of knolling the Aves. The Passing-Bell. — Besides the use of bells for calling to Divine Service, the Canons enjoin the tolling of the " Passing- bell." The custom of notifying, by this means, the passing of a soul out of this life. Is almost. If not quite, as ancient in this country as the use of bells by the Church. Bede records its use as early as the year 680. f Durand, writing about the close of the twelfth century, thus describes the object, as well as the mode, of ringing : — When any one is dying, bells must be tolled, that the people may put up their prayers, twice for a woman and thrice for a man : if for a clerg)-man, as many times as he had orders. 1; * Historical Notices of Cropedy, by Rev. D. f Bede, Book iv. c. xxiii. Koyce, p. 43. J Brand's Pop, Aittiq. ii. 129. Peculiar- Uses of the Bedfordshire Bells. 95 The Passing-bell was, of course, then rung at all hours of the night, as well as by day. After the Reformation the custom of ringing the Passing-bell in the ancient way was continued. Bishop Hooper, in his Injunctions (1551) allowed it, the Royal Injunctions of 1559 enjoined it, and the Advertisements of 1564 show it was then usual to ring or toll the Passing-bell whilst the person was believed to be dying, but not yet dead. In after-years the Bishops inquired in their Articles whether the Passing-bell was so tolled ; indeed, the custom was con- tinued until recent times. An aged friend recently told the writer that when his mother was in extremis she desircjd her maid to order the Passing-bell to be tolled, and other similar instances are on record.* Persons have even been known to recover their health after their Passing-bell had been tolled. + The ancient custom of so rincjim^ the Passinof-bell had eradu- ally fallen almost into disuse about a century ago. W'heatley speaks of it as being generally disused in 1755.I The bell now used for the Passing-bell (or more properly, the Death-knell, as it is not now rung until after death) is usually the tenor, but this is sometimes changed, as we shall see, in the case of children, for a smaller bell. At the close, or the commencement, or at both, of the Passing-bell, it has long been the custom to indicate the sex of the person departing, or departed, by certain strokes or tolls of the bell. These have generally been three for a male (in honour of the Holy Trinity), and two for a femak^ (in honour of our Saviour. * See North's C/iinr/t Bells of Liitcolushire, t Ibid., p. 173. p. 173. X Kat. III. of Hook if Com. Frayet , p. 427. 96 Pendiar Uses of tJtc Bedfordshire Bells. born of a woman) on the tenor bell, as at Ampthill — where all the bells are previously sounded in succession for half-an-hour — S. Cuthbert's, l^edford, and Biggleswade. At Goldington these tolls are given both before and after the knell. At S. Paul's and S. Mary's, Bedford, Kempston, Potton Sandy, and Steppingley, the same distinctive tolls — three for a male, two for a female — are given on the tenor for adults, on a smaller bell for children. The same number of tolls are given on each bell after the knell at Clapham, Oakley and Milton Ernest (where the knell is rung for five minutes only), and before the knell at Carlton, Chellington, Harrold, Langton (where they begin with the treble for children), Northill, Odell, Pavenham, Stanbridge, Stevington, Stotfold, Tilsworth and Toddington ; the same custom is followed at Blunham, Houghton Conquest and Tin- grith, where, however, the knell is tolled on the treble bell for infants. At Marston Moretaine they give three tolls for a male and two for a female on all the bells, beginning with the treble, both before and after the knell, which is rung on the tenor for adults, on the 4th or 3rd for young people in their teens and under. At Flitwick three strokes are given on all the bells for a male, two for a female, commencing on the tenor for adults, on the treble for children under twelve years of age. At Great Barford each bell is sounded three times for a man, twice for a woman, and once for a baby before the knell, which is rung on the tenor for males, on the treble for females. Peadiav Uses of the Bedfordshire Bells. 97 At Clophill they orive the same tolls on each bell for a man. and two on each bell for a woman or child. At Old Warden three strokes are given on c^ach bell for a man, two for a woman, and one for a child, after which the tenor is rung up and sounded once a minute. Another usual form of notifying the sex in this county, as elsewhere, is thrice three tolls for a male, and thrice two for a female. Such is the custom after the knell at Caddington, Dunton, Lidlington and Salford ; and both before and after the knell at Aspley Guise, Chalgrave, Cranfield, Dunstable, Eversholt, Houghton Regis (where the 3rd bell is used for young people), Hulcote, Leighton Buzzard, Milton liryanl. Pertenhall, Pottesgrove, Tottenhoe, Wootton and Woburn ; at Tottenhoe and Wootton the treble is used for children. At Rattlesden and Wilhampstead the custom is to give, after the knell, thrice three tolls for a man, thrice two for a woman, and three single tolls for infants : the same custom is followed, both before and after the knell, at Egginton and at Hockliffe ; also at Millbrooke, where the tolls are given on both the bells. At Harlington the thrice three tolls for a male and thrice two for a female are given on all the bells in succession before the knell : the same custom is followed at IMeppershall, where the tenor is used for adults, the treble for children, and where, after the knell is rung and the bell lowered, the age of the deceased is tolled. At Shillington the same number of tolls arc given on the tenor bell for adults, on the 4th bell for young people, and on the treble for children. At Southill they give the same number of tolls (3 x 3 and o 98 PcciUiar Uses of tJic Bedfordshire Bells. 3x2) on the tenor for people above twenty years of age, on the 5th for those under twenty, on the 4th if under sixteen, on the 3rd if under twelve, on the 2nd if under eight, and on the treble if under four years of age. These are given before and after the knell on the tenor bell, which is rung with a stroke at intervals of a few seconds. Different customs are observed in other parishes. Thus at Cardington they give three tolls for a male on the bells in succession, commencing with the 8th (tenor) bell, and going to the 3rd, when the tenor is rung for the knell ; the same number of strokes are given on the same bells for a female, but commencing with the 3rd and going on to the 8th. At Dean and at Melchbourne three tolls are given for males on the tenor, and the same number on the treble for females, both before and after the knell on the tenor, which is tolled forty minutes for adults and fifteen minutes for children. At Tilbrook three strokes are given on all the bells " for all alike." At Husborne Crawley thrice three tolls for a male and thrice two for a female are given on the 3rd, 4th and 5th bells before and after the knell, which is rung on the tenor for adults, on the 5th bell for children. At Keysoe the custom is to give three tolls twice on all the bells both before and after the knell, which is rung for an hour, for males and females alike, commencing with the tenor for the former, with the treble for the latter. At Turvey they give, at the close of the knell on the tenor bell, thrice three tolls on all the bells, commencinof with the treble, for a male above twelve years of age ; for a female of Pecidiar U^cs of the Bedfordshire Bells. 99 the same age the same number of tolls are given in succession on the first five bells ; for children under twelve the 5th bell is used for the knell, closing with three tolls on the first five bells for a boy, on the first four for a girl. In some parishes they give no distinctive tolls, but use a different bell for the knell, according to the age of the deceased. Thus at Clifton the tenor is used for adults, one of the middle bells for a young person, and the 3rd for infants. So, too, at Edworth the 3rd is used for adults, the 2nd for young persons, and the treble for infants ; and at Wilden — where the knell is rung for an hour — the tenor is used for adults and the treble for children. There is no distinction of any kind at Gravenhurst, Hawnes and Willington. In this county, as elsewhere, the Passing-bell is not rung in cases where an inquest is held, until the jury have given a verdict other ^^TiVi felo-de-se. Death-Knell. — In addition to the Passing-bell, the Canon enjoins that " after the party's death, if it so fall out, there shall be rung no more than one short peal." That custom is mentioned by Durand (who wrote about the end of the twelfth century), in \\\igs in the ear of God.\ NON VERBO SED VOCE RESONABO DOMINI LAUDES. [^Resound the praises of the Lord not in word, but -with roiie.\ O MARTIR XPOFORE PRO NOBIS SEMPER ORATE. [C Martyr Christopher, ever pray for //j.] OMNIA FIANT AD GLORIAM DEI. \_Let all be done to the glory of God.] PATER IN MANUS TUAS COMMENDO SPIRITUM MEUM. [Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.] SANCTE PAULE ORA PRO NOBIS. [Holy Paul, pray for us.] SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTUM. [Blessed be the Name of the Lord.] STATUTUM EST OMNIBUS SEMEL MORI. [// is appointed unto all men once to die. ] SUM ROSA PULSATA MUNDI MARIA VOCATA. [/, being rung, am called Mary the Rose of the World.] SUM CAMPANA MARIE MATRIS MESSIE PIE. [/ am the bell of Mary, the pious mother of Messiah.] TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. [ We praise Thee as God?^ TU INTONAS DE COEITS VOX CAMPAN/E MICHAELIS ITERUM FUSA. [Thou soundest from the heavens, O voice of bell Michael cast again.] VOX AUGUSTINI SONET IN AURE DEI. [Let the voice of Augustine sound in the car oj God.] XPE AUDI NOS. [O Christ, hear us.] I-'O Avcraj^c IV eight of Bells. List ok Tiiii Average Weights and Sizes of Bells cast by Messrs. Mears & Stainbank, Whitechapcl ; Messrs. Taylor & Co., Loughborough ; and Messrs. Warner & Sons, Cripple- gate, London. The diameter being known, a reference to this list will give the approximate weight of any bell. Messrs. Mears. Mess Rs. Taylor. Messrs. Warner. Weight. IVeighi. Weight. Inches, c'iVis. (jrs. His. eivL . (jrs, ll>s. C7vts. qrs. lbs. Inches, 20 I 3 2 I 3 20 21 200 2 1 200 21 22 220 2 2 2 I 22 23 230 2 3 2 2 14 23 24 300 3 300 24 25 320 3 2 320 25 26 400 4 400 26 27 4 I 4 2 4 I 27 28 420 5 430 28 29 500 5 2 5 I 29 30 5 I 6 5 3 30 31 620 6 2 600 31 32 600 7 I 6 2 14 32 ^i 630 7 3 700 33 34 720 8 I 720 34 35 700 9 800 35 36 S 9 3 820 36 37 900 10 2 900 37 38 920 II 10 38 39 10 II 3 10 3 39 40 II 12 2 12 40 41 13 2 22 13 2 12 3 41 42 14 2 14 2 13 3 42 43 14 3 15 2 14 2 43 44 16 2 16 2 15 44 45 17 3 18 17 2 16 45 46 17 18 2 17 46 47 18 20 18 47 48 20 21 19 48 49 20 22 20 3 49 50 22 23 2 23 50" SI 25 I 10 25 24 2 51 52 24 27 25 3 52 53 25 28 27 53 54 26 30 28 54 S| 27 2 31 29 55 ^ 56 30 32 30 56 57 33 3 7 34 31 57 58 35 36 32 58 59 35 45 39 34 2 59 60 38 42 36 66 THE INSCRIPTIONS ON THE CHURCH BELLS OF BEDFORDSHIRE, With the Diameter at the mouth of each bell, from which its approximate weight may be ascertained (see opposite page). To which are added Extracts, where procurable, from the Commissioners' Returns temp. Edward VL, and from Paro- chial and other Records, together with Local Traditions, Notices of Donors, etc., etc. Note. — The 7itC77ibers between [ ] refer to the ^ooodcuts itwrked into the letter- press. It being impossible to reproduce here the various forms of mediaeval Gothic letters fotmd on the ancient bells, one form of letter is used to indicate where Gothic capitals are foufid [ J5_ ^ O'] and one form where small Gothic, or " black letter," is found [a b l*J. For the various forms of Roman letters found on modern bells, one form [A B C] 70 ill suffice. Errors of spelling, misplacement of letters, etc., etc., in the follojving Inscrip- tions, are copied literally from the Bells. They are therefore Founders' blunders, and not Printers' mistakes. A I'eference to the pages given after the name of each Parish in the Index will supply, in most instances, information as to the uses of the Church Bells therein. A similar reference to the pages given after the name of each Foundry or Founder, will furnish some particulars respecting it or him. R 1 2 2 The Inscriptions on the AMPTHILL. S. Andrew. 5 Bells. 1. IHS NAZARENE REX JUD^ORUM FILI DEI MISERERE MEI -H GLORIA DEO SOLI h- A • . • DOM O 1725 O. (Diam. 31 in., height 23 in.) 2. T : B : STONE & I : KIRK C : WARDENS I : BRIANT HERT- FORD FECIT 181 1. (Diam. 31 in., height 24^ in.) 3. CHRISTOPHER GRAVE MADE ME 1665. (Diam. 35 in., height 26 in.) 4. DAVID BRODIE ESQ. O CHURCHWARDENS O. JOHN LEACH CHARLES WHEELER WILLIAM JONES. WILLIAM EMMERTON OF WOOTTON MADE ME 1768. (Diam. 40 in., height 30 in.) 5. IHS NAZARENUS REX JUD^ORUM FILI DEI MISERERE MEI -1- GLORIA PATRI FILIO ET SPIRITUI SANCTO T: EAVRE. KETT. 1725. (Diam. 4^ in., height 32 in.) ARLESEY. S. Peter. 6 Belis. 1—5. J. WARNER & SONS FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1877. cwt. qr. lb. 1. Diam. 28 in,, weight 5 i 24, Note E. 2. Diam. 30 in., weight 5 2 25, Note D. 3. Diam. 32 in., weight 6 i 24, Note C. 4. Diam. 34 in., weight 7 d 10, Note B. 5. Diam. 36 in., weight 7 3 19, Note A. Church Bells of Bedfordshire. 1 23 6. THIS BELL IS GIVEN BY REV. RICHD. FOLLIOT SCOTT, M.A., VICAR OF ARLESEY, IN MEMORY OF HIS GRAND- FATHER, JAMES CURTIS, ESQ., B.C.S. ? (f ^VLES } CHURCHWARDENS. YDoJtor's \) Arms\ (Diam. 39^ in., weight 10 cwt. 3 qr. 15 lb., Note G.) The ancient spire of this church fell in the early part of the last century, and the story is that the people then sold the ring of bells, according to the distich current in the neighbourhood : — " Arlesey, Arlesey, naughty people. Sold their bells to build their steeple," but did not so expend the money. The tradition at Arlesey is that their bells went to the neighbouring village of Shillington, but that is not correct, as we learn from the Shillington bells, and also from an account made by Browne Willis of the expenses attending the recasting of the bells, and augmenting the ring, at Bletchley, in Bucking- hamshire, in the year 17 12. In that year the five bells there were taken down, and with " eighteen hundredweight of additional metal (which cost, with the carriage of it from Arlesey in Bedfordshire to Bletchley, with other expenses in bringing it, ^65 i6s.) were delivered to Mr. Abraham Rudhall, of Glou- cester," bellfounder, who recast the whole into a new ring of eight bells.* It appears from this transaction that the Arlesey bells were broken when the spire fell. This is rendered more evitient by the fact that in the wooden erection, shortly afterwards put up, the parishioners did not place one of the bells belonging to the old ring— which they probably would have done had one been in a sound condition — but a new one, which was inscribed : — Henry Russell of Wootton made me 1714- This single bell, which weighed 5 cwt. i qr. 6 lb., was the only bell hanging here from the time of the loss of the ancient ring until— a new tower having * Notes and Queries, i S. xii. 60. 124 The Insc7'iptions on tJie been built at the cost of the widow of the late S. Bedford Edwards, Esq. — the present bells were hung in the year 1877. They were purchased by subscrip- tion, and cost ;^48o. The new ring was opened by six members of the ancient Society of College Youths, on the 27th of June, 1877, on which occasion the new tower was also consecrated by the Lord Bishop of Ely. Mr. Curtis, to whose memory the tenor bell was given, was patron of the living. The arms under the inscription are those of the donor — the present vicar — three Catherine wheels in a bordure engrailed. ASPLEY GUISE. S. BOTOLPH. 6 Bells. -5. JOHN TAYLOR & CO. BELLFOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1883. TO THE GLORY OF GOD. J. C. MALTBY M.A. RECTOR G. A. D. MAHON. W. SMITH CHURCHWARDENS APRIL 1883. JOHN TAYLOR & CO. BELLFOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH. The weights of these Bells are : — cwt. qr. lb. I, 3 2, 3 3 1 1 3- 4 2 27 4- 5 2 9 5- 7 I 6. 10 II Total 34 I 3 The previous ring consisted of four bells only, which were inscribed : — 1. Thomas Russell of Wootton [made] mee 17 15. (Weight, 4 cwt. I qr. 18 lb.) 2. Who made thee Chandler made me 1654. (Weight, 5 cwt. 3 qr. o lb.) Church Dells of Bedfordshire. 125 3. G. Mears & Co. Founders London iS6r. (Weight, 6 cwt. 3 qr. 23 lb.) 4. C. & G. Mears founders London 1S50. (Weight, 7 cwt. I qr. 15 lb.) These four bells were, to use a ringer's report, " a bad lot, both as regards gear and tone ; they are not of one family" The previous 3rd bell was cracked, and so had to be recast in the year 1861 ; and the previous tenor fell out of the gudgeons and was cracked, when one " Will Brown " was ringing the Sermon-bell on a Sunday morning. It had a narrow escape of being again broken on its return from the founders, for, the task of rehanging it being entrusted to John Hewlatt, of Aspley, and he attempting to raise it by a rope too weak for the purpose, the bell fell upon the stone floor when above fifteen feet high. Fortunately only a small piece was chipped off, the sound not being materially altered. The new bells were dedicated by a special service on Tuesday, 29th of May, 1883. There are some useful rules for the guidance of the ringers. ASPLEY GUISE [District Church]. This modern District Church has one small bell, cast by Messrs. Mears and Stainbank in 1S68. ASTVVICK. S. GuTHLAC. I Bell. The single bell here (which is traditionally believed to have been stolen from Stotfold) is so difficult of access that I am reluctantly compelled to leave it undescribed. BARFORD GREAT. All Saints. 5 Bells. [^39]- . , (Diam. 32;l- in., height 27 in.) 126 The Inscriptions on the a. DANIEL GOVLDSMITH. CLERICVS. GVLIELMVS CARTER. GEN. 1636 [U 39]- (Diam. 33J in., height 26 in.) 3. GVLIELMVS CLARKE ET GEORGIVS FLAVEL GARDIANI 1636 [U39]- (Diam. 35^ in., height 28| in.) 4. IH'a : NAZARENVS : REX JVDEORVM : FILI : DEI '• MISERERE : MEI : 1636 [U 39]. (Diam. 39I in., height 31 in.) (Diam. 43^ in., height 34 in.) For the Stamp on these bells see p. 60. For letters used on ist and 5th, see p. 59, for those on 4th, see p. 63. This is a fine ring of uniform bells from the foundry of Hugh Watts, of Leicester. The Parish Register tells us that " Daniel Gouldsmyth [see 2nd bell] was endowed with the Vicarage of Barford in the yeare of our Lord 1635." He signs the Register until the year 1644, when the writing changes, and the entries are made in English. There is no entry of his burial. We also learn from the Register that William Carter [see 2nd bell] was churchwarden in 1633 and 1634. After the entries of the baptism of three children (1630, 1632, 1634), we find that of his daughter Elizabeth on the 3rd of September, 1637, and six days after (9th of September) the record of the burial of his first wife, Anna, " pulcherrima, amantissima, suavissima." He himself was buried on the 5th of September, 1644.* BARFORD LITTLE. S. Denys or S. Mary. 4 Bells. I. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 16S1. (Diam. 26^ in., height igi in.) * For lliese notes from the Registers I am indebted to the Rev. C. Greene. Chiii'ch Bells of Bedfordshire. i 2 7 2. CHRISTOPHER GRAVE MADE ME 1661. (Diam. 27^ in., height 20 in.) 3. Blank. (Diam. 29 in., height 21 in.) 4. JOHN GAMBLE MINISTER. EDWARD PECK CHURCH- WARDEN 1759. (Diam. 30} in., height 24 in.) The Rev. John Gamble (see tenor bell) was inducted to this benefice in March, 1733, and died in 1763. BARTON-LE-CLAY. S. Nicolas. S Bells. I, 2, 3. [ + I ] BE . YT . KNOWNE . TO . ALL . THAT . DOTH . ME SEE . THAT . NEWCOMBE . OF . LEICESTER . MADE . MEE . 1604. (i. Diam. 34 in., height 27 in. 2. Diam. 36^ in., height 27 in. 3. Diam. 39 in., height 31 in.) 4. + RUSSELL OF WOOTON MADE ME 1743 + ROBERT HURST AND RICHARD CROUCH CHURCHWARDENS. (Diameter 42^ in., height 33 in.) 5. JOHN HALE RICHARD CROVCH C. W. 1622. (Diam. 47 in., height 34 in.) For Stamp on ist see p. 41- BATTLESDEN. S. Peter and All Saints. 3 Bells. t. Blank. (Diam. 29 J in., height 22 in., cracked.) 128 Tlie Inscriptions on the 2. THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1813. (Diam. 31 in,, heigh* 23 in.) 3. Blank. (Diam. 33 in., height 29^ in.) In 1552 " Batelysdene " possessed " Item ij hanbelles Item in the stepuU of the scid churche iij Belles."* The treble bell, being cracked, is not now used. Close to the church is Battlesden House, a handsome modern structure, built upon the site of a previous mansion, formerly the residence of Sir Saunders Duncombe, and subsequently of Lord Bathurst. Here is a clock which strikes upon a bell which belonged to the former house. The bell, which hangs on the roof of the house, is in ringable order, having a wheel, rope, etc. It is inscribed : — ANTHONY BARTLETT MADE MEE 1674. (Diam. 21 in., height 18 in.) and bears the founder's stamp of Thomas Bartlett. BEDFORD. S. Paul. 8 Bells. I. MEARS & STAINBANK. FOUNDERS. LONDON. MICHAEL FERRABEE SADEL, RVICAR. JOHN MASON CUTHBERT^(.j^uRCHWARDENS. 1868. JOHN TRAPP I (Diam. 31 in., height 24 in.) 2,4. THOMAS LESTER MADE ME 1744. (Diams. 31^ and 37 in., heights 26 and 30^ in.) 3. MEARS & STAINBANK. FOUNDERS. LONDON. (Diam. 37 in., height 26 in.) * Land Revenue Records, Bundle 1 392, File 2, P.R. Off. CJi u rch Bells of Dedfo rdsh ire . 129 5. BY A SUDDEN FALL MY SUBSCRIBERS DID SUPPRISE BUT NOW AM COME TO PLEASE THEIR LISENLNG EARS AND EYES. T. L. 1744. (Diam. 42 in., height 34 in.) 6. THOS. LESTER MADE ME. (Diam. 45 in., height 35 in.) 7. THQS LESTER OF LONDON MADE ME 1744. (Diam. 49 in., height 35 in.) 8. JOHN RUSSELL MAYOR. THOMA^ RICHARDS JAMES BRADLEY CHURCHWARDENS 1744. THOMAS LESTER OF LONDON MADE US ALL. (Diam. 52 in., height 41 in., weight 27 cwt.) Prior to 1744 there were five bells only. The ring of eight bells was opened in the spring of 1745, as is shown by the following extract from the minutes of a meeting of the Common Council held on the 19th of April in that year : — " It is voted ordered and agreed unto at this Court of Common Council That the Chamberlains of this Corporation shall pay amongst eight men that shall come from Saint Michael, Cornhill, London, the sum of six guineas for their trouble in ringing the new Peal of Eight Bells which are hung up in the steeple of the Parish Church of Saint Paul in this Town." The treble has been an unfortunate bell : it was cast with the others in 1744, and inscribed : — " At proper times my Voice I'll raise and sound to my subscribers praise 1744. Thomas Lester made me," cracked, and recast by Lester and Chapman in 1755, and again cracked, and recast, as above, in 1868. The old chimes here having been long silent, a new machine was erected by Messrs. Gillett and Bland in 1879, through the exertions of Mr. Elger. It consists of two barrels, each playing seven tunes — three sacred and four secular. The new carillon machine was opened with a religious service on New Year's Day, 18S0. The following inscription, engraved on a plate, records this acceptable addition to the belfry : — " The purchase by public subscription, and the erection of these chimes in this Tower of the Parish Church of Saint Paul, Bedford, were S 1 30 The Inscriptions on the originated by Thomas Gwyn Empy Elger, Esquire, during his Mayoralty in the year of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 1879." The Rev. M. F. Sadler (see ist bell) resigned on the 13th of March, 1870. BEDFORD. S. Peter. 5 Bells and a Clock Bell. 1. TV INTONAS DE CGELIS. VOX CAMPAN^ MICHAELIS ITERVM FVS.^. A.D. MDCCCXXV. PHILIPPO HVNT. LLD. ECCL. DIV. PETRI RECTORE GVLIELMO BROWN THOMA SMALL ^DITVIS. (Diam. 24 in., height 21 in.) 2. ooD svAa THa :hii\[g oso. (Diam. 24 in., height 22^ in., piece cut out, originally cracked). 3- M-i^mi^m ^^.(srm^is^ i^m:M<^ 1609 [U39]. (Diam. 26 in., height 2i| in.) 4. HOC SIGNUM PETRI PVLSATVR NOMINE CHRTSTI FVSVM. A.D. MDCCCXXV. GVLIELMO BROWN. THOMA SMALL ^DITVIS PHILIPPO HVNT. LLD. ECCL. D. PETRI. RECTORE. (Diam. 30 in., height 23 in.) 5. THOMAS GROVES AND JOHN LANGFORD CHVRCH- WARDENS. THOMAS RVSSELL OF WOOTTON MADE ME 1733. (Diam. 32-I- in., height 24 in.) Clock Bell : — RIC. CHANDLER MADE ME 1701. (Diam. i6| in., unhung, no clapper). For Stamp, see p. 60. For specimens of letters used on 3rd, see p. 59. The Rev. Philip Hunt (see ist and 4th bells) was presented to the living in 1799, and died in 1S35. The inscription on the second bell is curious and noteworthy. The Common- wealth was declared on the 19th of IMay, 1649, but here we have a bell cast in the following year bearing the loyal inscription, ' God save the King.' The letters are placed, many of them, upside down, and it has been sug- gested that the Royalist founder so placed them in order that the ignorant might not readily read the inscription, and so not notice the expression of his Church Bells of Bedfordshire. 131 sentiments. Such blunders, however, are not uncommon on bells (Elstow, 4th bell, and Old Warden 2nd, both in this county, are examples). Probably the casting of the bell was so near to the declaration of the Commonwealth, and the state of public opinion was still so unsettled, that the founder ventured on one of his old and favourite inscriptions. The small bell was formerly used as a clock-bell, and now shows the hammer- marks on the outside. It probably hung in a small bell turret, which was formerly on the top of the tower. BEDFORD. S. Mary. 6 Bells and a Priest's Bell. 1. t J : EAYRE. S'l" NEOTS O 1748 -^ + J : ACHURCH. BROM- SALL. C.W. (Diam. 24 in., height 21 in.) 2. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 1682. (Diam. 24 in., height 21 in.) 3. NEWCOMBE OF LEICESTER MADE MEE 1604. (Diam. 25 in., height 20 in.) 4. [Ui7- U 19- U 18 O U 14- U20. ] (Diam. 27 in., height 21 in.) 5. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME. 1682. (Diam. 30^- in., height 23 in.) 6. .ii:B<3r:E)©- :^<^jj^i\^ jh^jxms^ 1609 [U39]- (Diam. 30 in., height 24 in.) Priest's Bell : — 1750- (Diam. 13 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 50, 5 1 and 60, and for letters used on 6th bell, sec p. 59. BEDFORD. S. John Baptist. i Bell. I. T. Mears of London Fecit 1827. John Green Amos ) ^ •' V Churchwardens. John Woodward J (Diam. 31 in., height 25 in.) 132 The Inscriptions 071 the It is said that the present bell replaced one which was cracked whilst being rung — it must have been a sorry peal — for Colonel McQueen's election for the county. BEDFORD. S. CuTHBERT. I Bell. I. T. MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1831. (Diam. 24 in.) BEDFORD. Holy Trinity. i Bell. I. JOHN TAYLOR, BELLFOUNDER, 1840. GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH. (Diam. 30 in., height 22 in.) BIDDENHAM. S. James. 6 Bells. 1. BE LIGHT AND GLAD IN GOD REJOICE EMMERTON FECIT 1787. (Diam. 29^ in., height 22 in.) 2. EMMERTON CAST THIS PEAL 1787. (Diam. 30 in., height 24 in.) 3. EMMERTON FECIT 1787. (Diam, 32 in., height 25 in.) 4. WILLIAM EMMERTON OF WOOTTON 1787. (Diam. 33 J- in., height 25 i in.) 5. EMMERTON FECIT 1787. Five old Bells cast into six at the EXPENCE OF Mr, John Brooks. (Diam. 37 in., height 27 in.) 6 BLESSED IS THE NAME OF THE LORD EMMERTON OF WOOTTON FECIT 1787. (Diam. 42 in., height 30 in.) Chirch Bells of Bedfordshire. 133 In 152 1 Isabella Low left, by her will, " to the bellys iiijIEEP, C.W. GLORY TO GOD COME UNTO ME. (Diam. 32 in., height 23 in.) 3- [+32 ]• .^ mt^m^wMm [u zz\. (Diam. 36 in., height 28 in.) 4- 3Ett X3Q,uHt0 J5.nnt!5 ^cs^nef ©"ampana Jxjftannla [ n 23 U 24 ] O [ D 22 ]. (Diam. 38 in., height 30 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 60, 56, 53 and 54. For specimens of letters used on the ist bell, see p. 59. The capitals of the inscription on the 4th bell are crowned. The Rev. W. S. Escott was instituted in 186 1, resigned in 1876. CHALGRAVE. All Saints. 3 Bells. 1. Hancfc :^Bi:0la5 CE)ra ^Prrr ^OiwMs [Q 23.] ©[022]. (Diam. 35 in., height 30 in.) 2. [ + 54.] GOD [D 58] SAVE [DSS] OVR [058] KI>1G 1623. (Diam. 37 in., height 30 in.) 3. WILLIAM EMERTON OF WOOTTON FECIT 1775. William Willison ) ^ William Shaw | Churchwardens. (Diam. 42 in., height 34 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 53, 75 and 76. The capitals of the inscription on the ist bell are crowned. Church Bells of Bedfordshire. 1 4 1 These bells are in a sad state of disorder ; the clapper of the tenor bell is out, and now (1881) lies at the back door of the cottage of the woman who cleans the church. The bell-chamber, and indeed the whole tower, is in a very dilapidated condition ; the bells have not been rung — only tolled by " clock- ing " — for some time, and rubbings of the inscriptions were obtained witli great difficulty and some danger. CHELLINGTON. S. Nicholas. 4 Bells. 1. W. ATTON & SON MADE > ME -> 1654. (Diam. 28 in., height 23 in.) 2. [+56] PRAY . E YE THE LORD 1630. (Diam. 29 in., height 24 in.) 3. W ATTON [+52] MADE [+ 52] MEE [+52] 1611 [+ 52] ROBERT ATTON. (Diam. 31 in., height 24 in.) 4. .Sancfa J^attrina Ora ;f>v0 ^>ubta I + O (Diam. 33^ in., height 25 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 75 and 73. These bells are difficult and dangerous of access ; the floor of the bell- chamber is all gone. CLAPHAM. 5. Thomas A Becket. 5 Bf.i.ls. 1. [+ 59] GOD [n6o] SAVE THY [n<5o] CHURCH 1607. (Diam. 24^ in., height 18 in.) 2. [+ 59 ] GOD [ n 60] SAVE THY [ Q 60] OHAHD 1607 [.? Q'''^"'"]- (Diam. 26^ in., height 2ii in.) 3. Jolitt $ fetcr $ matic $ ntc $ (Diam. 27^ in., height 20^ in.) 4. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 1685. (Diam. 29 in., height 24 in.) 5. CHRISTOPHER GRAVE MADE ME 1662. (Diam. 32 in., height 24 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 76 and 77. 142 The Inscriptions on the These bells — which were rehung in 1861 — are not rung, in consequence of the roof of the tower being in a weak state ; repairs have lately been effected, but more remains to be done. CLIFTON. All Saints. 8 Bells and 7 for chimes. I, 2, 3, 5. ROBERT STAINBANK FOUNDER LONDON 1867. (Diams. 23^, 24, 26, 30^ in.) 4. T. Mears of London Fecit 1831. (Diam. 28 in.) 6. :oTr5i?[n38]^:Bi©-:Ei[n38]<3T©mH©-ii^ [038] j:m^ [038] xii©-Tzsf^3E:K. [038] 159° ^^\o-^ 3^-S[U39]- (Diam. 32^^- in., height 25 in.) 7. :i^Q>wM [038] ^j^^s [038] toe-j>xj>x [038] OTr:Ei [038] ©-^^me" [038] 1590 :e.© [U39]- (Diam. 35^- in., height 27 in.) 8. \yy^yh:sh%m^^]ix [d 38] 'vaMm^s> [□ 38] xii,^:e)©- [038] T^B [038] %^t [038] M-^Et^SKB [038] :xs)CE)xaa©-';5ie-[U39]- (Diam. 38 in., height 29J in.) Additional Bells for Chirnes : — 1-4. Mears & Stainbank, Founders, London, 1869. (Diams. 17!, 18, 19, 20 in.) 5, 6. Hf0'B€KC s€m3mBmmM 2£0BBt>€m ara^EBOB 1867. (Diams. 2oh, 2iiin.) 7. In memoriam patris optimi, carissimi, hanc campanam, cvm decem ALUS posvit Henricvs Hvgo Miles Mears & Stainbank founders, London, i86g. (Diam. 29I in.) For Stamps, see p. 60 ; and for specimens of letters on 6th, 7th and 8th bells, see p. 59. Prior to 1867 there were five bells only. Before two of those were recast the whole were, without doubt, of one date — 1590 — and bore inscriptions which, read consecutively, gave a jingling rhyme of five lines, of which the last three are now on the sixth, seventh and eighth bells. These three are fine bells, and good specimens of the work done at that period by the Watts family. The Church Bells of Bedfordshire. 143 letters used in the inscriptions are of the type engraved, as Figs, 34-37 on p. 59 ; the use, as usual, of the small black letter tu in place of a large Ciothic capital, which those founders did not possess, will be observed, and the letter S is reversed. The inscription on the tenor is incomplete, the date of the year being wanting. In the year 1867 one of the five bells was recast, and five additional bells were added — one to the ring, thus making it a ring of six bells, and four were used for the " Cambridge Quarters," which were, in that year, added to the clock. In 1869 the five additional smaller bells were added, thus making in all fifteen bells ; upon the ten least of these a chiming apparatus with two barrels, erected by Messrs. Gillett and Bland, of Croydon, played fourteen tunes — seven by each barrel. Two of these smaller bells were subsequently fitted with wheels, etc., and added to the ringable bells, so giving a ring of eight bells as at present, and as described above. The chimes are not now (1881) in working order. The cost of these extensive works in connection with the bells was defrayed by the present Rector, and his relatives, in memory of his father, the late Henry Miles, Esq., of Downfield, Herefordshire, who was patron of the living, and by whom the church was restored and handsome school buildings erected. CLOPHILL. S. Mary. 2 Beli.s. 1. EMMERTON OF WOOTTON FECIT 1774. Thomas Dunton I ^ ^ ^ /^ /^ c r^ \ Churchwardens O O O O Samuel Taylor J v> v> w w (Diam. 34 in , height 25 in.) 2. [+ 54] GOD [DSS] SAVE [058] OVR [QsS] KIZG 1623. (Diam. 39 in., height 29 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 75 and 76. These bells were removed from the old church on the hill, where were three bells. CLOPHILL [ancient church]. S. Mary. i Belu There were three bells liere : two were removed to the new church when it was erected, and one remains here, and is used as a funeral bell : it was the treble, or smallest of the three, and is simply inscribed : — R C R C The initials, most probably, of the founder, Richard Chandler. (Diam. 30^ in., height 22^ in.) 144 The Inscriptions on the COLMWORTH. S. Denis. 4 Bells. 1. R C 4071. 2. R . C 1704. (Diam. 33I in., height 25I in.) 3 [+ 55 ] GOD SAVE OVR KING [I K 53] 1635. (Diam. 35 in., height 27 in.) 4. [+ 56] PRAYE YE THE LORD [I K 53] 1635. (Diam. 38 in., height 29^ in.) For Stamps, see p. 75. The initials on the ist and 2nd bells are those of the founder, Richard Chandler. James Keene, the founder of the 4th bell, appears to have omitted the letter S from the first word of the inscription, which he, doubtless, intended to have been " Prayse." COPLE. All Saints. 5 Bells. 1. GOD SAVE OVR KING 1628. (Diam. 29 in., height 23 in.) 2. Blank. (Diam. 29I in., height 24 in.) 3. BELIEVE BE WISE AND RETURN REMEMBER TO DIE : I : EAYRE S'. NEOTS FECIT 1762. (Diam. 2,Z i^^o height 26^ in.) 4- [+15] ^HtiticUs XHesuria ^omcn (3"ampana XHuJiactga [U 14 U 16]. (Diam. 36 in., height 27 in.) 5- [+ 55] GOD SAVE OVR KING 1624. (Diam. 36^- in., height 28 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 50 and 75. As to the inscription on the 4th bell, the Rev. J. T. Fowler, F.S.A., suggests that as it stands it may be, " Michael's bell is '^my) name, (I am) true in (my) measures " (dimensions or tone) ; but that something seems to be missing, and " Fydelis " clearly ought to rhyme with " Mykaelis." > Churchwardens. CJmrch Bells of Ihdfordshire. 145 CRANFIELD. SS. Peter and Paui- 5 Bells and a Priest's Bell. 1. [064] JEFERY [D 64] ALDRIGE [Q*] THOMAS [ D 64 ] FEILD [D 64] CHVRCHWARDENS [D 64] W H [D*] JOHN [064] HODSON [064] MADE [Q*] ME [064] 1663 [064]. Royal X) Arms. (Diam. 35 in., height 26 in. *Fleur-de-lys). 2, 3. MEWCOME OF LEICESTER MADE ME A" 161 1. (Diams. 36, 39 in., heights 26^, 28 in. Cannons ofi'3rd.) 4. T. Mears of London Fecit 1833. William Faldor John Langston (Diam. 42^ in., height, 29I in.) 5. TAYLOR . FOUNDER . S^ NEOTS 1805 GEO. DAVIES RECTOR. JAMES OSBORNE & W FALDOR CHURCHWARDENS. (Diam. 47 in., height 33^ in.) Pricsf s Bell :— Blank. (Diam. 15! in., height 10 in.) For Stamps, see p. 81. The Inventory of Goods belonging to this parish in 1552 is extant, but it is much mutilated ; it, however, shows the following as to the bells then existing : — Church iiij belles & a sane' bell the wey second xjc. thyrd xvc the fourth x Church .... of latten w' iij small belles ij crosses of lattcn etc.* The Rev. George Davies, B.D. (see tenor), died 22nd August, 1S09, aged Co years. The bells here are good and in good condition. DEAN. All Saints. 3 Bells. I. :Bix3c©:Ei \yi]^m^&B xrii^x^e- jcne" 1603 [ u 39 \ (Diam. 32^ in., height 24 in.) ♦ Latid Revemu Records. Bundle 1392, File 2. P. R. Off. 1 46 7 he Inscriptions on the 2. [+ 59] T DOLTON C W TOBIE P10RR12 CA2T ME 1677. (Diam. 35 in., height 28 in.) 3 m.i^^Qx:E\.Bm 1610. (Diam. 39^ in., height 30^ in.) P'or Stamps, see pp. 60 and 76. The inscriptions on the ist and 3rd bells are in the fine Gothic capitals used by the Watts family ; specimens are engraved on p. 59. The tower is now in a dangerous condition. DUNSTABLE. SS. Peter and Paul. 8 Bells. 1. Altho I AM Both Light & Small I will be Heard Above You All. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1776. (Diam. 30 in., height 24 in.) 2. If you have a Judicious Ear You'll own my Voice is Sweet and Clear Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1776. (Diam. 31I in., height 24 in.) 3. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1776. (Diam. 33^ in., height 25 in.) 4. Whilst thus we Join in Chearfull Sound Let Love & Loyalty abound Pack tSj Chapman of London Fecit 1776. (Diam. 36J in., height 26 in.) 5. Peace & Good Neighbourhood. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1776. (Diam. 37 1 in., height 28^ in., cracked.) 6. Music is Medicine to the Mind Pack &: Chapman of London Fecit 1776. (Diam. 40 in., height 30 in., cracked.) 7. In Wedlock Bands All ye who Join with Hands Your Hearts Unite So shall our Tunefull Tongues Combine To Laud the Nuptial Rite Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1776. (Diam. 43^ in., height 32^ in., cracked.) 8. William Coles & William Eames Church Wardens Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1776. (Diam. 51 in., height 35 in., weight 20 cwt. 2 qr. 2 lb., cracked.) Church Bells of Bedfordshire. 147 Pi test's Bell:— [+31] Msyr^ ^;^MSX\%M. r«J :r>olti9 [+27. U 26 ]. (Diam. 36^ in., height, 28^ in.) For Stamps, see pp. 68 and 54. EGGINTON. S. Michael (?). 2 Bells. 1. GOD SAVE OVR KING 1622. (Diam. 18^ in.) 2. AMTHO^IY CHAMDLER MADE ME 1677. (Diam. 22 in.) These are good bells, and the wheels are in good order, but the interior of Laud Revenue Records, IJuiullc 1392, File 2, P. R. Off. 1 50 The Inscriptions on tJie the cage is in a very dilapidated condition, and the floors require renewing. These defects it is hoped to remedy shortly. ELSTOW. SS. Mary and Helena. -5 Bells. I. CHRISTOPHER • .' • GRAIE • .* • MADE •."• ME • .'• 1655. (Diam. 27 in., height 22 in.) (Diam. 30 in., height 23 in.) 3. GOD SAVE THE KING 1631. (Diam. 33 in., height 26 in.) 4. [+63] ABCDE>iG[n*] VBCDE[n*]-agXAAV[n*]- (Diam. 35 in., height 28 in. * Fleur-de-lys.) 5. [+ I ] BE YT KNOWNE TO ALL THAT DOTH ME SEE THAT NEWCOMBE OF LEICESTER MADE ME. 1604. (Diam. 36 in., height 28 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 60, 80 and 41. The bells here hang in a campanile detached from the church. The letters on the 2nd bell are of the type of those engraved on p. 59. The 4th bell is the one pointed out as " Bunyan's bell." The writer of the great allegory, who lived in this parish, was, as is well-known, an enthusiastic ringer, until, in the strong revulsion from a careless life to a religious one, his then over-sensitive mind caused him to give up a practice which he doubtless felt that he loved too well. Even then the sound of the bells drew him to the belfry, although he no longer handled a rope. " He so hankered," writes Southey, "after his old amusement, that, though he did not pull a rope him- self, he would go and look at the ringers, not without a secret feeling that to do so was unbecoming the religious character he professed ; a fear came upon him that one of the bells might fall. To secure himself against such an acci- dent he stood under a beam that lay athwart the steeple from side to side ; but, his apprehensions being once awakened, he then considered that the bell might fall with a swing, hit the wall first, rebound, and so strike him in its descent. Upon this he retired to the steeple door, thinking himself safe enough there ; for if the bell should fall he might slip out. Farther than the door he did not venture, nor did he long continue to think himself safe enough there, lor the next fancy that possessed him was that the steeple itself might Church Bells of Bedfordshire. 1 5 1 fall, and this so much disturbed him that he dared not stand at the door any longer, but fled for fear the tower should come down upon him." The intense love of bells and their music was, however, so engrained into his nature, that it finds expression more than once in his " Pilgrim's Progress," for as his pilgrims approached the Heavenly City, " they thought they heard all the bells therein to ring to welcome them thereto." And when they had entered, " then I heard, in my dream, that all the bells in the City rang again for joy." " Well," (writes a recent visitor to Elstow) " the bell is here still, and the beam is here, and the tower; but the rugged, wistful face is gone. Here, nevertheless, his memory abides still, and many a fancy summons him up into a bodily presence again, and to many a listener the musical and melancholy peal has an added pathos from the fact that it still includes John Bunyan's bell." EVERSHOLT. S. John Baptist. 6 Bells. I, 2, 4. MILES GRAIE •.'• FECIT • .' • 1638. (Diams. 29^, 31^, 37 in., heights 23, 26, 28! in.) 3. EMMERTON OF WOOTTON FECIT 17S9. John Daniel ) ^ ^ ^ \ Churchwardens. \\ iLLiAM French ) (Diam, 34^ in., height 26 in.) 5. EMERTON OF WOOTTON CAST THIS PICAL T. WHITi: . I. PURSER. CHURCH WARDENS. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE (]RA\1': I SUMMON ALL 1786. (Diam. 41 i in., height 28 in.) 6. JOHN TAYLOR & Co FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1S82. (Diam. 45^ in., weight 17 cwt. i qr. 16 lb.) In 1552 there were here : — Item ij sacrynge belles Item in the steapuU iiij belles.* The tenor bell was previously inscribed : — Thomas Rvssell of Wootton made me 1727. (Diam. 44 in., height 35 in.) * Land Revenue Kec\>rds. Bundle 139.1. Iilc2. I*. K.UIf. 152 The Inscriptions on the The statement of the founder of the 5th bell was rather wide of the truth. These bells, which are in good condition and well cared for, form a very musical ring, and are considered by the people here as second only to those at Crawley. There is a tradition that Handel was once driving in the neighbourhood when these bells were ringing, and that he was so charmed with the beauty of the ring that he ordered his coachman to stop for several minutes in order that he might listen more attentively and enjoy the music more thoroughly. A MS. book headed "Particulars of Eversholt," 1802, after noting that a plan of Eversholt was made on parchment in the year 1764, with a folio Reference Book, gives a corrected list of owners, tenants, etc., amongst which is : — Bell Rope acre, containing oa. 2r. 8p., then occupied by William Axam, under the Rev. John Sandys, Incumbent EYEWORTH. All Saints. 2 Bells. 1. [+6] jS'aucfa X3Q,ar0ar£fa ©ra ^rw ;i?i06t5 [U n]. (Diam, 32I in., height 24 in.) 2. MILONEM GRAVE ME FECIT + 1632. (Diam. 34I in., height 27 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 46 and 49. There is a frame here for a third bell which has, apparently, been removed. FANDISH. S. Michael and all Angels. 3 Bells. 1. CHRISTOPHER GRAVE MADE ME 1667. (Diam. 22^ in.) 2. [IK 53 D 58 D 58058] 1625. (Diam. 25 in.) 3. (ST-^xn m^mi -^Jsa^ ^^iM. 1597 [u 39]- (Diam. 28 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 75, 76 and 60. In 1552 there were here "thre belles in the stepuU and a sanctus belle."* There was, until recently, a small bell, without inscription, unhung and standing in the church : it has been sold. * Exck. Q. A'. CliMxh Goods Bedjordshirc \. P. R. Off. Church Dells of Bedfordshire. 153 FELMERSHAM. S. Mary. 5 Bells. 1. IH'8 NAZARENVS : REX : IVDEORUM : FILI : DEI : MISERERE MEI 1634 [U39]- (Diam. 35 in., height 29 in.) 2, 4. NEWCOMBE MADE MEE 16 17. (Diams. 36} and 43 in., heights 28 and ^tl i"-) 3 JOHN HUTCHINSON VICAR. WILLIAM BITHREY. ROBART LORD . CHURCHWARDENS. EAYRE S^ NEOTS FECIT 1766. (Diam. 39^^ in., height 29 in.) 5. CUM UOCO UENITE. JOHN HUTCHINSON VICAR WILLIAM BITHREY ROBART LORD CHURCHWARDENS. JOSEPH EAYRE, S^ NEOTS FECIT 1766. (Diam. 47^ in., height 35^ in.) r'or stamp and lettering on the ist bell, see pp. 60 and 63. The Rev. John Hutchinson (see 3rd and 5th bells) was presented to this living in January, 1756, and was buried here 15th July, 1792. FLITTON. S. John Baptist. 5 Bells. 1-5. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 16S7. (i. Diam. 25^ in., height 22} in. 2. Diam. 27 in., height 22 i in. 3. Diam. 28^ in., height 23 in. 4. Diam. 31 in., height 25 in. 5. Diam. 35 in., height 26^ in.) FLITWICK. SS. Peter and Paul. 5 Bells. 1. GOD SAVE OUR :HING 1637 RECAST BY JOHN T.VYLOR & Co. 1867. (Diam. 30 in., height 22 in.) 2. jjoljauucs CSriarlie \\a\\t fcdt (STanuLinani 1608. (Diam. 31 in., height 23 in.) X 1 54 The Insc7'iptions on the 3- [+55] <^C)D SAVE OVR KING 1631 [I K 53]. (Diam. 34 in., height 25 in.) 4. MILES •!• GRAYE MADE ME 1653. (Diam. 35 in., height 25 in.) 5. MILES •!• GRAYE •'. • MADE •.*• ME 1654. (Diam. 39 in., height 29 in.) For Stamps, see p. 75. These are good bells, kept in excellent order. GGLDINGTON. S. Mary. 4 Bells. I. m-^mi m-^mi .^:i^:e) :i^mers^ 1600 [u 39 ]• (Diam. 28 in., height 25 in.) 2. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE MEE 1696. (Diam. 29 in., height 26 in.) 3. NEWCOMBE MADE ME 161 7. (Diam. 30 in., height 28 in.) 4. ©<2):e) BJ^:i^m WM^ (^^^mm^^^ 1600 [u 39]- (Diam. 33 in., height 31^ in.) For Stamp and form of letters on the ist and 4th bells, see pp. 59 and 60. GRAVENHURST UPPER. S. Giles. 5 Bells. I, 2, 4. M G. (Diams. 28, 30J, 35I in., heights 22, 23, 28 in.) 3. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME i69e. (Diam. 32 in., height 24 in.) 5. O O JOSEPH CRAWLEY CHURCHWARDEN O O WILLIAM EMERTON OF WOOTTON MADE ME 1772. (Diam. 39 in., height 30 in.) The initials M. G. are probably those of Miles Graye the founder. GRAVENHURST LOWER. S. Mary [?]. i Bell. I. THE LORD BE WITH US LESTER & PACK OF LONDON FECIT 1758. (Diam. 28 in., height 22 in.) Church Dells of BedfordsJiire. 1 55 HARLINGTON. S. Mary, 5 Bells. I. [n38]<3rooxii[n38]©rooxii [n38]i5.:mx>[D38] :]g>'m,^:Ee" [U39]. (Diam. 29^ in., height 2t^\ in.) 2. JOHN TAPSTER CHVRCHWARDEN 17 15 THOMAS RVSaELL MADE ME. (Diam. 33 in., height 24} in., cracked, unhung,) 3. CHANDLER MADE ME 1697, (Diam. 35 i in., height 26 in.) 4. In XHwIiis J5-nnts X^csmtct dampana J0r|anni0 [+3 + 4]. (Diam. 38^ in., height 29^ in.) 5. iiT^Ljix.-B: J JiXH [ □ 38 f \^J7LW-^^S> [ D 38 J XIli3.I0)3 WM%B X33:i^j£x [U 39]- (Diam. 40^ in., height 32 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 60 and 45, and for specimens of letters on the ist and 5th, see p. 59. The letter S is reversed on the latter bell. From the Inventory of Church Goods belonging to this church, taken on the 2nd of September, 1552, we learn there were then : — " Item in y*= stepuU of y^ said churche v belles and a saunce bell. The first bell in wydenes ij foote and vij ynches in depthe ij foote and one ynche the second bell ij foote and viij ynches in depthe ij foote the thurde bell ij fote wyde and ij foote depth y^ fowerth bell iij foote wyde and ij fote depth and a di. y^ v"^ bell iij foote and di. wyde ij foote and di. depe the saunce bell wyde xj ynche and ix ynche depe."* The 2nd bell was cracked about twenty years ago, but she was rung with the others for some years afterwards : she now rests upon a wooden block ; two of the bell-ropes hang close to the wall ; this would have to be remedied should change-ringing be attempted. With these exceptions the bells — which are excellent in tone — are in good order. HARROLD. All Saints. 5 Bells. I. THOMAS KNIGHT AND WILLIAM WOOTTON C : W : lOS : EAYRE S^ NEOTS 1756. (Diam. 30J, in., height 26 in.) * Land Revenue Records. Bundle 1392, File 2, P. R. Off. 156 The Inscriptions on the 2. csTTscxii ©"TiixTi j^:m:f> y^ixi^^y^^ 1603 [u 39]- (Diam. 32 in., height 25 in.) 3. :]p>ji,^3EB©' wM^ j>xo:ei)E)©- i6oe [u 39]- (Diam. 34 in., height 26^ in.) 4. JOHN :;': HODSON .'■: OF :•■; LANDON : ; : MADE ;•; ME .;; i6Se. (Diam. 37I in., height 27^ in.) 5. CHAMDLER MADE ME 1652 [Dsi]. (Diam. 39^ in., height 30 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 60 and 71, and for specimens of letters on the 2nd and 3rd bells, see p. 59. HATLEY COCKAYNE. * . S. John Baptist. 2 Bells. 1. R. TAYLOR. S^ NEOTS FECIT 1786. (Diam. 33 in., height 24 in.) 2. RVSSELL OF WOOTTON MADE ME 1725. (Diam. 34 in., height 25 in.) HAWNES. S. Mary. 4 Bells. 1. [+ 54] GOD [DsS] SAVE [D 58] OVR [DsS] KING 1627. (Diam. 25^ in., height 20 in.) 2. CHRISTOPHER GRAVE MADE ME 1662. (Diam. 27 in., height 21 in.) (Diam. 30 in., height 24 in.) 4. OG TT AV A\ 1653. (Diam. 31^ in., height 26 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 75 and 76. The inscription on the 3rd bell is reversed on the bell : it is " Sum campana Marie Matris Messie pie." The cross in the centre is apparently quite plain in character, but the bells being very difficult of access — there is no floor to the bell-chamber — it was not possible to take a " squeeze." Church BelL of Bedfordshire. i 5 7 HEATH AND REACH. S. Leonard. i Bki.i. 1. RICHARD WIGE GENT MAN ONER OF ME 1695 a7id incised on the top of the bell, H TOMAS SEPHEZS. (Diam. 20 in., height 18 in.) There is no stay or slider to this bell. Heath was formerly a parochial chapelry attached to Leighton, and, until the year 1850, was without a burial ground, the dead being interred at Leighton. There, too, marriages and baptisms were formerly registered. The family of Wigge had for some years been connected with this neighbourhood when the above small bell was cast. In 1639 William Wigge, yeoman, purchased Stewkley Grange with its manor and appurtenances (it formerly belonged to Woburn Abbey). The family resided there, and occupied the farm for several generations, but eventually — in 1760 — sold the property to a Mr. Ward. Members of the Wigge family were also connected with Mentmore. Another branch resided at Heath. The Registers at Leighton record the marriage of John Franks and Elizabeth Wigg, of Heath, on the 13th of May, 1703. She was a daughter of the " Richard Wige " whose name is on the above bell. The Registers give no information about him : possibly the bell belonged originally to his house as a dinner-bell — in which case he would be its " oner " — and was afterwards given by him to the chapel, where are two pewter alms dishes, dated 1698, which may also have been his gift at the same time. HEN LOW. S. Mary. 5 Bki.i.s. 1. MILES •". • GRAVE • ". • MADE •". • ME • .'• 1630. (Diam. 32 in., height 25 in.) 2. [ + 55] GOD SAVE OVR KING 162S. (Diam. 34 in., height 26 in.) 3. MILES • ! • GRAIE • '. • FiXlT • '. • 1638. (Diam. 35 in., height 27 in.) 158 The Inscriptio7is on the 4. -<- THOMAS TRUSTRAM CHURCHWARDEN -t- CVM VOCO VENITE H- J : EAYRE : S'l". NEOTS -h -^ 1750 h- (Diam. 39 in., height 29 in.) 5. 1638 RECAST 1877 W. HOLESGROVE VICAR. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON. (Diam. 43 in.) For Stamp, see p. 75. The tenor bell was previously inscribed : — Miles Graie fecit 1638 G E • '. • G C. (Diam. 42 in., height 34^ in.) HIGHAM GOBION. S. Margaret. i Bell I. T. Mears of London Fecit 1829. (Diam. 33 in., height 24 in.) HOCKLIFFE. S. Nicolas. 3 Bells. 1. "^0X J5.0^slitti S>^mi Jn Jiltrc :E)ci [ + 6 U 7 D 8 ]. (Diam. 29I- in.) 2. [ + 6 ] ^anrfB g[?I|mtta ©ra ^Xi^ :i?l0lits [ Q 8 U 7 ]• (Diam. 30 in.) 3. [ + 6 ] Hancfa XHargreia Ora ^x^ :ii),tfbis [ U 7 ]• (Diam. 31 J in.) For Stamps, see p. 46. This is the only complete ring of ancient bells in Bedfordshire. They are all of the same date and from the same foundry. The ejaculatory prayers on the beautiful cross on these bells are frequently found on memorial brasses of pre-Reformation date. An example formerly existed in Luton Church in this county, on a brass to the memory of John Ackworth, who died 17th March, 15 13, where the closing words of a quaint inscription were ; — Jesu mercye : Lady helpe : Mercy Jesu. Since the above was written the ring here has been increased to four bells Chtirch Bells of Bcdfordshii'e. 159 by the addition of a new treble, cast by Messrs. J. Taylor and Co., of Lough- borough, It is inscribed : — DEUM LAUDO; VIVOS VOCO ; MORTUOS PLANGO. F. H. GRAY, A.M., RECTOR. G. E. GILLMAN ET JACOBUS E INWARDS ECCLESL^i CUS- TODES 1883. (Weight 4 cwt. 3 qr. 19 lb.) HOLWELL. S. Peter. 2 Bells. I, 2. REVD C. D. RADCLIFFE RECTOR. THOS- ARMSTRONG CHURCH WARDEN. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1 84 1. HOUGHTON CONQUEST. All Saints [but query S. James]. 6 Bells. 1. DOMINE MEMENTO MEL T. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1840. (Diam. 31 in., height 25 in.) 2. PATER IN MANUS TUAS COMMENDO SPIRITUM MEUM T. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1840. (Diam. 34 in., height 26^ in.) 3. GLORIA PATRI FILIO ET SPIRITUI SANCTO T. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1840. (Diam. 36 in., height 27 in.) 4. OMNIA FIANT AD GLORIAM DEI T. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1840. (Diam. 38 in., height 28 in.) 5. GURGITE ET AUDITE VOCEM MEAM. REV. HENRY J ROSE RECTOR. Titus Cherry ) „ o ^ V Churchwardens 1 841. Joseph Chappell ) (Diam. 41 i in., height 29 in.) 6. I H S NAZARENUS REX JUDEORUM FILI DEI MISERERE MEL T. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1S40. (Diam. 43 in., height 30 in.) i6o The Inscriptions on the Probably, prior to 1626, there were only four bells, for the Parish Register tells us that " Thomas Archer, person of Houghton, gave Ten pounds to the making of a ffyft Bell in Anno Dom. 1626, Aprilis primo." "The seuerall inscriptions," says another entry in the Register, "upon the five old bells were as follovveth : — 1. Sr. Edmund Conquest, Sr. ffrancis Clarke, Mr. Thomas Archer, Mr. Thomas Audley 1633. 2. Lord Ailsbury, Lord Ashburnam, Benedt. Conquest, Esq., Thomas Armstrong, Esq., Etheldreda Conquest, Henry Pearce, Thomas Impey. 3. Ave Maria ! Gratia Plena ! 4. Vive diu sed vive Dei, Deus omnia vidct, 1626. 5. The Trinity have mercy on me Margaret Conquest. Trinitate sacra fiat hac Campana beata. The Rev. Thomas Archer, who contributed so liberally to augmenting the ring of bells here, left a collection of MSS., from which we learn that he was "borne in St. Edmunds Burie, 12 Aug., 1554," and was presented to the Rectory of Meppershall in November, 16 13, which he probably held in con- junction with Houghton Conquest. He also relates that "Sir Edmond Conquest, Knight" — whose name was on the ist bell — "was high shreive of Bedfordshire in Anno dom. 1618," and that " Sir ffrancis Clerke " — whose name was also on the same bell, and who " was married to M. Anne Conquest the 26 of Novemr, 1593" — "was high shrive for the Countie of Bedford in a part of anno Dom. 1623 and in part of 1624, and Kinge Jeames, king of great Brittane, fraunce, And Ireland being this yeere in his progress in Bed- fordshire graced him with the degree of knighthood, 1624, in July." These five bells were " run into six by Thomas Russell of Wooton in the year 1724."* The six bells, so cast in 1724, having become, some cracked, and all more or less unfit for use, were recast by Mr. Mears, as described above, in the year 1840, at a cost of ;^54, and were first rung on the birth of the Prince of Wales in the following year, 1841. * For these extracts from the Parish Registers and from the Archer MSS. I am indebted to the industry of Mr. F. A. Blaydes, who contributed them with many others to Bedfordshire NoUs and Queries. Note xxxi. Church Dells of Bedfordshire. i6i The Rev. Henry John Rose (see 5th bell) was instituted in 1837, and died on the 31st of January, 1873. What is the allusion on the 5th bell ? HOUGHTON REGIS. All Saints. 6 Dells. 1. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1815 +. (Diam. 31 in., height 25 in.) 2. J. BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 18 16 + ^ ^. (Diam. 32 in., height 27 in.) 3- aaWODAVaN made MEE i6i6. (Diam. 34 in., height 31 in.) 4. J. BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 181 1 + C : W.-. (Diam. 36 in., height 29 in., names of C.W. omitted.) 5. J0l|n $ ^trr matic $ mt 1580. (Diam. 40 in., height 36 in.) 6. AMTHONY CHAPIDLER MADE ME 1673. (Diam. 44 in., height 30 in.) In 1552 the ring had apparently been recently increased from four to five bells, but was again reduced to the original number in consecjuence of the cost of the new bell not being paid. The Inventory taken that year says : — " Item iiij belles and y"^ v bell wass not all payd for and therforo yt wass solid to pay yt."* Considerable alterations are said to have been made in the belfry early in the present century. There were then five large bells — the parishioners had cither recovered the fifth bell, sold about the year 1552, or had subsequently purchased another. The ancient tenor bell — the stock of which is still pointed out in the ringing chamber — is reported to have been sold to Wavendon in Buckinghamshire ; the old second was recast in 181 1, and two new trebles — completing the present ring of six bells — were added in 18 15 and 1816. The 5th and 6th bells have had their cannons knocked off; the cannons of the new bells, ist, 2nd and 4th, are very short ; those of the third— a powerful bell — are very long. The fifth bell is a great favourite with the parishioners. * Land RcvcHUi Records. Bundle 1392, File 2. P. R. Off. 1 62 The Inscriptions on tJie HULCOTE. S. Nicolas. 4 Bells. 1. CHAHDLER MADE ME 1683. (Diam. 27I in., height 21 in.) 2. ^Donor's U Arms^ ^jicliartr (^\\tvcxiist\\ :EsqltEtr Tfuljanne© :in)icr $ XXlE ^ JP.ecEf 8 .,^ 8 1593 Onlu 3?» C^otJ X3b 8 all $ :&t0n0r ^ ©Iwrie. (Diam. 3o| in., height 22 J in.) 3. [Z)^«(^r'5 U Ar7ns\ ^|p:r|artr (3rijarn0ck ^E.sqtrmr TfoTiannes :E)tEit XIlB :RECBf J5- 3 1593 OnlK 5Pw (50ti X3e 23-a ;Mit»n0ti ^ ©l0ttte. (Diam. 38 in., height 25 in.) 4. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 1723. (Diam. 36 in., height 30 in.) On the 31st of August, 1552, when the Inventory of Church Goods belonging to this parish was taken, there were : — " Item iij lytell belles in the stepell the fore bell in compas A yeard one foote iij ynches in depth di. yard ij ynches in compas the second j yard di. iiij ynches in depthe di. yard vj ynches the third in com- pase ij yeardes xiij ynches depthe di. yeard vij ynches."* These three little bells probably remained here until the church was rebuilt by the Richard Charnock, Esq., whose name is upon the present 2nd and 3rd bells, and who, doubtless, at that time gave four bells, two of which have since been recast. So much of the history of the Charnock family as is sufficient for our present purpose may be gathered from two inscriptions on monuments in the church here. The first relates to the father of the donor of the bells : — Robert Chernocke Esqvier, Father of Richard Chernocke Esqvier Here interred did desende of an Anciente Hovse called Chernocke Hall in Lancashieree— He hadd by twoe wives of worshippfvU parentage ten children, by the one 6 and by the other 4 — He was the firste that planted this famelye in this covntye. He lefte his estate to the * Laiid Revenue Records. Bundle 1392, File 2. P. R. Off. Church Bells of Bedfordshire. 163 sayd Richard his sonne, Departingc this life abovtc 60 yearcs of age Anno Domini 1547. The second relates to the donor himself : — Here lyeth interred the Bodye of Richard Charnocke Esci"" sonne & Heire of Robert Chcrnocke here remembered he had twoe wives the first named Mary Pvthenam daughter of S' George Puthenham of Sherfielde in Hamshire Knight — By her he had Issve 6 sonnes and 8 daughters — The second wife named Avdrey Fradsom davghter of William Fradsom of Elton in the Covntye of Chester Esq. by whom he had noe issve. He reedified his parish Churche at his owne proper charge, newe bvilt his mansion Howse, Thrice bare office of Highe Shrife in this Shire : And Lastelye Havinge attayned the age of 84 yeares peaceablye and piovslye Deceased the 14th daye of August Anno Domini 16 15. The donor's arms on the 2nd and 3rd bells are [ arg. ] on a bend [ sa. ] three cross crosslets of the first with a crescent in chief for difference. HUSBORNE CRAWLEY. S. James. 6 Bells and a Priest's Bell. 1. St. JOHN THOMASON ESQ. GAVE ME 1637 RECAST 1820 BY R : TAYLOR & SON S'l. NEOTS. (Diam. 31^ in., height 24 in.) 2. MEWCOME OF LEICESTER MADE ME 161 1. (Diam. 33^ in., height 26^ in.) 3. WILLIAM EMERTON OF WOOTTON FECIT O i7 79- (Diam. 35 J in., height 27 i in.) 4. MEWCOME MADE ME AO 1616. (Diam. 39 in., height 31 in.) 5. R. TAYLOR & SON FOUNDERS S'i\ NEOTS SEP^ 13TH ,820 0000000 (Diam. 42^ in., height 32 in.) 6. MEWCOME OF LEICESTER MADE ME AO. 1613. (Diam. 46^ in., height ii\ in.) 164 The Inscripticrns on the Fries fs Bell.— 1661. In the Inventory of Church Goods belonging to " Husbande Crauley," taken ist September, 1552, is a full description of the size of the bells : — " Item j hanbell and a Saunce Bell. " Item in y= steple of y^ sayde chyrche iiij belles. The grete bell in bredithe iiij foote & hallfe A inche, in depthe iij foote & v inches & in thycknes iij inches. The second in bredthe iij foote viij inches in depthe iij foote ij inches iij quarters in thycknes ij inches and iij quarters of an inche. The thyrde in bredthe iij foote v inches, in depthe iij & hallfe and {sic) inche and in thycknes ij inches & a hallfe. The fourthe bell in bredthe ij foote xj inches, in depthe ij foote v inches and in thycknes ij inches and a quarter of A inche." * There is a tradition at Ridgmount that three bells were sold from the old church there to this parish about the year 1820. It is reported, and very currently believed, at Woburn, that the Crawley bells were intended for that place, but the steeple there not being able to carry them, they were hung in their present position. There is clearly no truth in this fancy • it may have arisen from a jealous feeling in times past, on the part of the Woburn folk, for these bells are considered the best in the neighbour- hood. The frames and wheels, too, are in excellent order. These bells had a narrow escape of destruction in the year 1841, when their frames were, after a thunderstorm, found to be on fire, which was quenched by water carried up the spiral staircase — which was then in a sadly dilapidated state — in buckets. The bells were not rung for some years afterwards ; the frames were then restored from the wood left in the old frames, which were large. The staircase, too, has recently been repaired, and the approach to the bells and clock is now all that can be desired. There is a charity here called " The Husborne Crawley Charity," from the receipts of which grants can be made for the " repairs of the Parish Church, Church Steeple, Bells and Church Clock." " S^ John Thomason, Esqi's.," who gave the treble bell in 1637, was pro- bably a son of the John Thomson, Esq., one of the auditors of the Exchequer and Lord of this Manor, who, dying in 1597, was buried here in a tomb, upon Land Revenue Records t Bundle 1392, File 2, P. R. Off. Church Dells of Bedfordshire. 165 which are the effigies of himself and his wife. The Registers contain entries at intervals relating to his family, but there is no trace of the donor of the belL KEMPSTON. All Saints. 5 Bells. I. ^^^]^j.&^ ^:E^e- _ j2:o:nx)e- 1617 [U39]- (Diam. 36 in., height 28 in.) 2. IH'2 NAZARENVS REX IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERERE MEI "^^^Zl [U 39]- (Diam. 37 in., height 30 in.) 3. RYCHARD MAMFORD : GEORGE WHEELER CHURCH- WARDENS 16 16. (Diam. 39 in., height 33 in.) (Diam. 43 in., height 35 in. ; cracked). 5. :mxii:©:Bi \yij^^w^^ xrij3.x)e xnee 1603 [U39]. (Diam. 46 in., height 36 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 60 and 55, and for specimens of letters on the ist, 2nd and 5th, see pp. 59 and 63. The founder intended to say on the 4th, " Ex Anna nata salvet nos ^"irgo Beata." KEYSOE. S. Mary. 5 Bklls. 1. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1840. REVD. WILLIAM AIRY VICAR. John Fox 1 _ ■; ,, Churchwardens. John Browning I (Diam. 33 in., height 25 J in.) 2. RICHARD BRICE AND IS.\.\C FLANDi: RS CHURCHWARDENS. JOS. EAYRE KECri\ (Diam. 34 A in., height 28 in.) 1 66 The Inscriptions on the 3. MEWCOME MADE ME Ao 16 15. (Diam. 30 in., height 29 in.) 4. HEPIRY HAWES CHAMDLER MADE ME 1683. (Diam. 39^ in., height 30 in.) 5. WILSON WELLS VICAR THQS HARTOP AND THQS WHITE CHURCHWARDENS h- EDD ARNOLD S'r NEOTS FECIT 1772. (Diam. 44^ in., height t^t, in.) KNOTTING. S. Margaret. i Ret.l. I. Unitas. Rev J. W. Hawkesley Rector George Hine Church- warden. T. Mears of London Fecit 1828. (Diam. 2i| in., height i6| in.) The Rev. J. W. Hawkesley was instituted in March, 1792, and died in April, 1856. LANGFORD. S. Andrew. 3 Bells. 1. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1855. (Diam. 28f in.) 2. RICHARD WHEELER CHURCHWARDEN EDW© ARNOLD ST NEOTS FECIT 1780. (Diam. 29J in.) 3. JOSEPH FEILD AND EDWARD CLARK CHURCHWARDENS JOSEPH EAYRE FECIT 1772. (Diam. Z2> i"-) LEIGHTON BUZZARD. All Saints. 8 Bells and a Priest's Bell. I. John Swinstead did thro' perseverance Raise This Peal Compleat. Real merit is his praise 1787. John Stubbe M.D. Donor W. & T. Mears of London Fecit 1787. (Diam. -^2 in., height 25 in.) CJiurch Dells of Bedfordshire. 167 2. John Mann Yeoman. W. «Sc T. Mears late Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1787. (Diam. t^i in., height 25 in.) 3. Mrs Martha Sidgwick Donor 1639 W. & T. Mear.s ok London Fecit 1788. (Diam. 35^ in., height 25 in.) 4. Si'' Thomas Leigh Knighi- Donor 1623 \S . & T. Mkars late Lester Pack & Chapman oi" London Fecit 1787. (Diam. 38I in., height 27 in.) 5. AV. & T. Mears Late Lester Pack and Chapman London Fecit 17S7. (Diam. 41] in., height 30 in.) 6. John & Matthew Tii.lcock Overseers The Living to the Church I call and to the Grave I summons all W. ^ T. Mkars Late Lester Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1787. (Diam. 43! in., height 32 in.) 7. L\ \Vi:nLOCK Bands alt, ve who Join AV^ith Hands Your Hearts Unite So shall our Tunekuli, Tongues Combine To Laud the Nuptial Rite W. & T. Mears Late Lester Pack c\: Chapman* OF London Fecit 1787. (Diam. 47;^ in., height 35 in.) 8. Rev" John Wilson Samuel Davis Esquires Jeremiah Tilcock and William Poulton Churchwardens W. & T. Mears of London Fecit. (Diam. 53J, in., height 51 in.) Priest's Bell:— Blank. (Diam. 18 J in., height 18^, in.) The total weight of these bells (exclusive of the Priest's bell) is 5 tons 5 cwt., the tenor is 3^ in. thick at the sound-bow.* The impression here is that the Priest's bell is an ancient one — it is called a " Roman Bell."" It is probably, from its length compared with its diameter, of pre-Reformation date. * Ex itifor. John Harris, Esq., C.E. 1 68 The Inscriptions on the On the Bell-frame is cut : — EDWARD : ASHWELL ROBERT : KESER. FRANCIS MYCKELL : COLLS. PRICE C : W. 1639 Mr. John Swinstead (see ist bell) was a landed proprietor living in the neighbourhood. He is traditionally remembered as a man passionately fond of music and bells, and was endowed, it is said, with a voice of five octaves in compass. Mr. John Stubbe was a physician practising in Leighton at that time. Mr. John Mann (see 2nd bell) was also a landowner at Leighton : his descendants emigrated to America. Sir Thomas Leigh (see 4th bell) was at that time Lord of the Manor of Leighton. The Rev. John Wilson (see tenor bell) died in 1826. "The Hon^'^ Charles Leigh Esq''^-" left, in 1704, by his will, 205-., to be paid every Christmas to the Parish Clerk for ringing the bell to daily prayers. This, being charged on leasehold property, expired some time ago. The clock and chimes having been silent for many years, were restored, in 1863, by Charles White, Esq., merchant of London, a native of this place. LEIGHTON BUZZARD. A new church dedicated to S. Andrew, and consecrated in 1S67 ; has one small modern bell. LIDLINGTON. All Saints. i Bell and a Priest's Bell. I. MEARS & STAINBANK LONDON 1874. (Diam. 40 in., height 29 in.) Fries fs Bell :— ^Efrc [ D <^ Lion passant gardant\ (Diam. 12 in., height 9 in.) In the tower of the old church, taken down in the year 1809, were five bells. In that year a blacksmith was induced by a gift of five shillings to ascend the belfry, then in a dangerous condition, and to hammer the tenor bell, then cracked, whilst the other bells were being rung. The 4th bell of the old Church Dells of Bedfordshire. 169 ring and the Priest's bell were alone preserved and hung in the new tower. The former was inscribed : — Becoming cracked, it was recast as above in 1874. The latter is an ancient sanctus bell, bearing, in addition to its name, a small stamp of a lion passant gardant. LUTON. S. Mary. 8 Bells and a Priest's Bell. 1. I mean to make it Understood that Tho' I'm Liitle vet Fm Good Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1775. (Diam. 29 in., height 23 in.) 2. Altho' I AM Both Light and Small I will be Heard above you All. Pack & ChapxMan of London Fecit 1775. (Diam. 30 in., height 25 in.) 3-7. Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1775. (Diams. 33, 35, 36^, 39, 41^- in., heights 25, 25, 26}, 30, 2,0 in. The letters on the 7th bell are incised.) 8. I H S Nazarenus Rex Judeorum Fili Dei Miserere Mei Jos. Eayre S'^ Neots Fecit 1761. (Diam. 46 in., height 36 in.) Priests Bell:— 1637. [U48.] (Diam. 19 in., height 17 in.) For Stamp on Priest's bell, sec p. 69. The " old ring " of bells is said to have consisted of five, namely : — Treble — mediceval. 2nd — dated 1602. 3rd — dated 16 16. 4th — undated. Tenor— mediaeval, and believed to have weighed 44 cwt. 2 qrs. 16 lbs.* When the present bells were examined the Priest's bell was missing, but was eventually found in an outhouse at the Rectory. It had been lent for use at a temporary district church, and had not then been restored to its proper place. * E.y ill/or. Julin Harris, Esq., C.E. 170 The Inscriptions on the MARSTON MORETAINE. S. Mary. 5 Bells. 1-5. ,iipB€T:E>©^:H ^^^%^j^^ixM o:p Church Wardens. M'* John Seabrook J (Diam. 40 in., height 29 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 53 and 54. The Rev. Chas. Ward (see tenor bell) was instituted in 1S25. Church Bells of Bedfordshire. 1 7 1 MELCHBOURNE. S. Mary. 4 Bells. 1. PAWLETT St JOHN VICAR W^ AND THQS EDMUNDS C. W. •. ISLIP EDMUNDS LONDON FECIT 1764. (Diani. iZ^ i"-) height 26^ in.) 2. THOMAS RVSSELL MADIE ME 17 19. (Diam. 35^ in., height 27^ in.) 3. NON VERBO SEQ VOCE RESONABO DOMIM {sic) LAVDES 1626. (Diam. 28 in., height 31^ in.) 4. i^:^M-y^^ ©ojE) j3.:e>:o 0:13 c^u w^m^ ^^UL^m^ 1 60 1 [ u 39 ]• (Diam. 42 in., height 32 in.) For Stamps and Letters on 4th bell, see pp. 60 and 59. The Rev. Pawlet St. John signs the Registers as Curate in 1740, and first as Vicar in May, 1742 ; his name ceases to appear after 7 August, 1774, but he does not appear to have been buried in this parish. MEPPERSHALL. S. Mary. 5 Bells. 1. jJol|u :E)tcr V Xllatic XHe 1591. (Diam. 28^ in., height 2\\ in.) 2. HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD. JOHN TAYLOR & Co. FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1882. (Diam. 31^ in., weight 6 cwt. 3 qr. 7 lb.) 3. J : FOX. C : W. J : BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 181 6. (Diam. 31 i in., height 23 in.) 4. OMNIA FIANT AD GLORIAM DEI : JOSEPH EAYRE OF SAINT NEOTS HUNTINGDONSHIRE FECIT 1766. (Diam. 36 in., height 28 in.) 5. WILLIAM EMMERTON WOOTTON FECIT O 1774 William Lincoln Churchwarden O (Diam. 39^ in., height 29 in.) In the Public Record Office are preserved some papers relating to — amongst other Church goods — a " Saunce bell," fomierly belonging to this Church. 172 The Inscriptions on the There is a letter dated from Westminster, on the i6th of May, 1556, signed by William Burners, Thomas Mildmay and John Wyscman, and addressed to Thomas Strynger, of Mepersale, in the county of Bedford, yeoman, by which he is ordered to appear in person before the writers at Westminster on the first day of Trinity Term then next, to answer concerning the detention of Church goods formerly belonging to the parish church of Mepersale. There is also a letter from Thomas Hemmynge, dated from Alrychesey, 3rd June [1556], and addressed to Berners, Mildmay and Wyseman, touching the order so given to Stringer, stating that the charge was made against him out of malice, "and forasmuche as my neyghbour ys an olde man, and not used to jorney, and that also I unworthely among;^ other of the worshypfuU as I sup- pose are yn lyke Commyssyone within our Shyre of Bedf: of and for the churche gooddes and other thynges, I have called the seid partie before me, and have declared the contentes of yo"" lettres before hym, and uppon dewe examynation therin had before me and other of the Commyssyon, have taken his answer concernynge the premisses yn wrytynge." The writer promises to go up himself within a day or two- of the beginning of that term, and trusts that the non-appearance of Stringer will not offend them. The declaration of Thomas Strynger is also preserved. It sets forth at some length that about six or seven years past he and one Gowther Parker, yeoman, of the same town {i.e. Mepersale), now deceased, were the Churchwardens of Mepersale, and when they were commanded by the King's Commissioners to come before them, and to bring a lawful inventory of such church goods and money as belonged to the said church of Mepersale, they appeared at Luton, and also at Clifton, and at the latter place delivered to Sir Michael Fisher, knight, and other Commis- sioners, an inventory in which, with other things, "and also v belles." After the inventory so presented, and before any goods were delivered, he and Parker upon the accounts were discharged, and John Strynger and Harry Meade were elected Churchwardens, after which election, and about three years past, they were commanded to appear before new Commissioners at Bedford with the ornaments specified in the inventory, and the said Churchwardens did make delivery accordingly. And forasmuch as it is to be supposed that one John Leventhorpe the elder, gentleman, of Mepersale, is one of the procurers of the bill against him, the deponent says that he must needs speak of the " ym- beaselynge " of certain goods by the said Leventhorpe which were not put in the Inventory " Inprimis he had a saunce belle hangynge yn the belfrey, and converted the Church Bells of Bedfordshire. /o same to his owne use, and never payd one peny therfore and by estymacon worthe to be sold iiij markes or thereaboughtes." The charge against Thomas Strynger appears to be comprised in these words : — " Ornamentes belonging to the churchc of Mepersale and soldc and deteyned by Thomas Stringer of the same, ffyrste one chalesse ......... Item one handebell solde to Leonard Daye xvj^. Sm^ vij''. xiij^ viij*^. M.^ the Commyssyoners certyfycate of Beddfordshyre beyng serched the xix Daye of June ann. ij'io and iij<='° itt api)erythe that Iviij*. viijd. for the broken chalycc the cope of Taffyta and latten was i)aid to the Commyssyoners handes by the said Thomas Stringer, and is chardged within the summe of cccviiji'. iiijd. for the churche goodcs of Beddfordeshyre."* Prior to 1882 the present 3rd bell was the 2nd, and the then 3rd bell was an ancient one, inscribed : — This old bell, being full of flaws and of bad tone, was recast in that year for the 2nd bell, and the old 2nd, cast in 1816, being much too flat for its position in the ring, was adopted as the 3rd bell. MILLBROOKE. S. Michael. 2 Bf.i.i.s. 1. Hancta XHarla Ora [IPrw :i?iobis [ n 23 ] O [ D ^~^\ (Diam. 33 in., height 26 in.) 2. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 1677. (Diam. 40 in., height 31 in., cracked.) For Stamps on the ist (where the capital letters are crowned) sec p. 53. There were formerly three bells : one is now missing ; an aged clerk says, " Sent away by Churchwardens, about sixty years ago, to be run, and never came back." * Land Revenue Records. Churcli Goods, '^'*^' P.R. OfT. »7. 1 74 The Inscriptions on the MILTON BRYANT. S. Pkter. 3 Bells. 1. [+ 56] [IK 53] 1641 [DSS]. (I)iam. 30 in., height 24 in.) 2. 1636 [D 51] RICHARD CHAMDELER [+50] 1636. (Diam. 32^ in., height 27 in.) 3- [ + 55 ] <^'01) [ D 58 ] SAVE OVR KING 1641 [ I K 53 ]. (Diam. 36I in., height 27 in., cracked.) For Stamps, see pp. 75, 76 and 71. On the fly-leaf of one of the Registers is a memorandum that " i bell was cast in 1622, Mr. Winn'e being the Rector." No present bell agrees with this entry. The tenor was recently cracked by allowing the clapper to " drop," and so strike the bell below the sound-bow. The clock-hammers (there are two) which now strike on the 2nd bell, bell-ropes, etc., required attention when these bells were examined. Possibly the defects have been since remedied by the Churchwardens. The bells formerly hung in a kind of wooden tower, or bell-cage. The present tower was built about thirty years ago. It is large enough for a good ring of bells, but the walls are rather thin. MILTON ERNEST. All Saints. 5 Bells. 1. 4, 5. MEWCOME OF LEICESTER MADE ME AO 161 1. (Diams. 28, 34, 37 in., heights 23, 26, 29 in.) 2. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 1678. (Diam. 30 in., height 24 in.) 3. I .-. EDMUNDS LONDON FECIT 1765. GEO .*. BACK- HOUSE VICAR. HENRY BULL & JAME2 HARTWELL : C . • . W . • . (Diam. 32 in., height 25 in.) MUGGERHANGER. S. Mary the Virgin. i Belu I. HOLINESS TO THE LORD. G. MEARS FOUNDER LONDON i860. (Diam. 23^ in., height 18^ in.) Church Bells of Bedfordshire. I D NORTHILL. S. Mary. 5 Bfj.i.s. I. L^ 21] Hanctc ©a&rtct Ota ^trw ^obia O. (Diam. 34J in., height 26 in.) ji:m:iii©- [038] :BiJiT^is)i:i?i<3 [U39] 1589- (Diam. 35 in., height 28 in.) 3. is{mM:^^ C50DE> j5-:m)E) ox^e^u xx^e X>XiXXl€Te- 1602 [U39]- (Diam. 39 in., height 30 in.) 4. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 17— 11. (Diam. 43^ in, height ii\ in.) AO 5. MEWCOME OF LEICESTER MADE ME 161 13. (Diam. 48^ in., height 36 in.) For Stamps and for specimen of letters on the 2nd and 3rd, sec pp. 52, 60 and 59. OAKLEY. S. Mary. 5 Bells. 1. R. STOKES -H VICAR O J : AGUTER & O : PURSER C : W -.- 1750. T : EAYRE . • . RETT. FECIT O. (Diam. 28 in., height 23^ in.) 2. T. SMITH R. KNIGHT CHVRCHWARDENS J. C 1711. (Diam. 30 in., height 23^ in.) 3. (50X> BMsv:'^ wx^^ x^ixi©.9 [U39]. (Diam. 32 in., height 26 in.) 4. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1842. (Diam. 35 in., height 25 in.) 5- X>XiJiXHQ- WM^ X^OXi:0 1600 [U 39]. (Diam. 38 in., height 35 in.) For Stamps and for specimens of letters on the 3rd and 5th bells, see pp. 60 and 59. There is in the church a memorial to "The Rev"*. M'. Robert Stookes [see treble bell], Vicar of this parish and Curate of Steventon : he died the nth of November, 1770, in the 62"'* year of his age." 1 76 The Inscriptions on the ODELL. All Saints. 5 Bells. I, 2. 1638. I K. (I)iams. 30^^ and 33 in., heights 24 and 25^ in.) 3. WB[n 57]. RR[D 58]. CW 1638. IK. (Diam. 34I in., height 28 in.) 4. [ + 54] GOD SAVE OVR KIWG i6j8. (Diam. 38I in., height 30 in.) j^^i^ miBM-^m WM^ itLj.^i(^ 1635 [u 39]- (Diam. 42-I in., height 32 in.) For Stamps and for specimens of letters on the 5th bell, see pp. 76, 75, 60 and 59. There are a set of good rules hanging in the ringing chamber for the guidance of the ringers. PAVENHAM. 5. Peter. 5 Bells. I. DANL HIPWELL AND WILLIAM DIX C : WARDENS ROBt TAYLOR ST NEOTS FOUNDER 1796. (Diam. 28| in., height 2o| in.) 2. ©o:e) BMs^m wM^ ^.^^m:Eim 1602 [u 39]- (Diam. 28^ in., height 22J in.) 3. RICHARD O GILBERT [*] ROBERT o TOLE o CHVRCH O WARDENS [*] JOHN O HODSON O MADE rj MEE Oi663[*] WHO 00. (Diam. 30 in., height 25 in. * Fleur-de-lys.) 4. MEWCOME MADE MEE AO 1614. (Diam. 33^ in., height 26 in.) 5. [+ 54] GOD [D 58] SAVE \U 58] OVR [Q 58] KF/IG [ D 58] 1623 [IK 53]. (Diam. 35 i in., height 27 in.) For Stamps and for specimens of letters on the 2nd bell, see pp. 60, 75, 76 and 59. Clmrch Bells of Bedfordshire. 1 7 7 PERTENHALL. SS. Peter and Paul. ' 3 Bells. 1. ROBEART O SMITH O EDWARD <> PECOKE O CHVRCH O WARDENS O O O O O WILLIAM O HVLL <> MADE <> ME O 1666 O- (Diam. 29^ in., height 23 in.) 2. JOHN WADSWORTH Q CHVRCHWARDEN 17 16 THOMAS RV22ELL OF WOOTTON. (Diam. 32^ in., height 25 in.) 3. CHANDLER MADE ME 1683. (Diam. 34^? in., height 28 in.) These bells have been recently re-hung. POLLUXHILL. S. James. i Beli, I. Tho^ Mears of London Fecit iSoo W'' Collyer &: Jos" Cole Church Wardens. (Diam. 32 in., height 24 in.) POTTESGROVE. S. Mary. 3 Bells. 1. Blank. (Diam. 26^ in., height i8| in.) 2. EDWARD HALL MADE ME 1743. ELLISTON WALKER CHURCHWARDEN. (Diam. 28^ in., height, 2\\ in.) 3. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 1813. (Diam. 30 in., height 22 in.) It is said that prior to the year 1743 there was only a single bell, which hung in a stone turret. About that time two other bells were added, and a wooden erection was put up in which to place them. The church is now (18S1) being restored. This wooden cage will be removed, and a new stone turret erected to contain the bells, in accordance with the original design. They will not be hung for ringing, simply for chiming by means of iron levers. The treble bell, without inscription, is a long-waisted, ancient-looking bell. The cannons have been cut off", and she has been much cut, apparently in an endeavour to bring her into tunc with the others. 2 A 1 78 The Inscriptions on the POTTON. S. Mary. 5 Bells. 1. THOMAS NEWMAN MADE MEE 1706 Mr. RICHARD LEE. (Diam. 26| in., height 19'; in.) 2. THOMAS HANKIN, THOMAS PLOMER. CW 1706. (Diam. 28 in., height 21 in.) 3. JAMES UNDERWOOD & GEORGE KITCHING CHURCH- WARDENS ROBT TAYLOR ST NEOTS FOUNDER 1797. (Diam. 29 i in., height 2\\ in.) 4. GEORGE KITCHIN & JOHN YAVD : CHVRCHWARDENS T. JANAWAY FECIT. RECAST ANNO DOMINI 1785. (Diam. 32 in., height 23 in.) 5. GEORGE SMITH ) r^TTTTr>r>TT,,r a-dt^itxtc JOHN CRESSEY LLOYD I CHURCHWARDENS. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1844. (Diam. 35 in., height 25 in.) The Parish Registers contain several entries relating to the Lee family (see ist bell), dating from 1673 to the 3rd of October, 1708, on which day is entered the burial of " Richard Lee, Gent.," the donor of, or a benefactor to, the treble bell. His name is mentioned in an account of the Potton Charities as lending ^15 in July, 1699, to make up the sum of £,220, the amount required to purchase some " Town Lands." The numerous local records of this parish are scattered about ; they should be collected and placed in safe keeping. Many are lost, others are being damaged by damp and mice. PUDDINGTON. S. Mary. 4 Bells. I. JOHN TAYLOR FOUNDER OXFORD AND LOUGHBOROUGH 1843. (Diam. 30 in.) 2. j^:BLM)E MEE 160. (Diam. 44 ^j in.) 4. NON CLAMOR SED AMOR CANTAT IN AURE DEI 1624. (Diam. 45 in.) 5- [ + 59 ] CUM CANO BUSTA MORI CUM PULPITA VIVERE DISCE. DISCE MORI NOSTRO VIVERE DISCE SONO 1624. (Diam. 47 j in., height 39 in.) Pries fs Bell:— 1626. (Diam. 16 in.) For Stamps, sec pp. 60, 69, 41 and 76 ; and for specimens of letters on the 2nd bell, see p. 59. The Churchwardens' Accounts, which are in good preservation, contain many entries relating to the bells. 1 have, by the kind permission of the Rev. J. A. Bonser, the Vicar, extracted the following : — 1574 Paid ta Robert Green and to Richard Deere for vj dayes worke aboute y"' hanginge of the great bell and for trussingc of the other belles and mendinge of y'= frame xiiij-f- Payd to James Dcare for bred and 1 )rinke at y*^ sett- ing upp of y*-' poste to way y"" great bell ... ... iiij-/ 2 li 86 The Inscriptio7is on the Payd to Willya Smithe for drawing fourth of y*^ great bell clapper and for rounding of ye same ... ... \5. Paid to Willya Smithe for laying of y<= flite of y*^ fore bell clapper and for roundinge of y"^ same... ... \s. [Second and third bells mentioned] Paid to John Wodfeild plumer of Hitchin for xv . . . ofmettell ... ... ... ... ... ... x5. 1575 Receyvid of the belfounder ... ... ... vli. Paid for one half hide witlethere ... ... ... \]s. n]d. [This was for making baudricks for the bells] Paid for makinge y^ quittance when we receyved money of y^ belfounder ... ... ... ... \]d. Paid ye belfounder in ernest when he toke y'^ bell to caste ... ... ... ... ... ... ... \\]d. Paid for his supper ... ... ... ... ... xj^. [Church Clock mentioned] Paid to Robert Greene for mendinge the belles ... \\]s. \]d. Payd when they went to buckyngham when they went w' the great bell ... ... ... ... xx\]d. Paid y« same tyme for theyre suppers at Woburne x\]d. Paid for theire brekfaste in y'^ mornyng ... ... viij^. Paid for takynge downe y^ bell ... ... ... \d. Paid to Willm. ffowlere for carringe the bell ... xs. Paid to grene & his companye when they hounge up y« bell for theire brekfasts at Deare his howse... xxij(/. Paid for on paire of boote ledgs to make bawdriks w'all ... ... ... ... ... ... ... xij^. Paid ij bell Ropes ... ... ... ... ... v\]s. Payd to ye Ringers on Seynt Hewes daye and for barbers suppere ... ... ... ... ... \\]d. [George Edwards] He laid forthe at buckingh^im when they w^ent w^t ye bell ... ... ... ... ij.f. iiij^. He laid forthe homeward at Woborne ... ... xx^. He paid Willni ffowler for carrynge the bell ... x^. He laid forthe at Amptill as they came homeward w' the bell ... ... ... ... ... ... \]d. Church Dells of Bedfordshire. 187 1576 Paid for bred and drinke for y^ Ringers on Sainte Hewes daye ... ... ... ... ... .•• xviiji. 1577 Itiii for a pece of Whytlether ... ... .-• \]s- 1578 Itiii for mcdyng a bawdricke ... ... ... vj^. [At the end of this year's account is, in a different handwriting : — The new fore Bell do way vij hundred and xxij //. The old fore Bell did waye vij hundred and a halfe and xiiij //. The old third Bell did way iij enters of a hundred more than the new. The new great Bell do way a hundred xxj //. more than the old] 1579-80 Itm for Bell mcttell rec. \\]li.xs. Payments : — Itm to the bell founder an ernest ... ... ... \)d. Itm expence at the castinge of the bells ... ... vijy. \\d. Itm it was agreed that Ringted should have for takinge downe the bells and hangingc them up agayne xxxiiji'. iiij^. whereof he receyved in money and a brasse of half a crowne Itni foure baudryks for the belles ... Itiii for the bell ropes Itiii layd out for the belfounder for vij sacks of char- coales and the fetchinge Itni for the expences at the castinge of the last bell 15S0-1 Itni rec. for Bell mettell the xvij daye of Jan. beinge the first paymente ... ... ... ...\\U.\\s. Itiii rec. for Bel mettel at one other lymcbcingc the last paymente ... ... ... ... iiij//. xvij.r. Payments : — Paid vnto William Smyth for mcndinge of foure clapers and other worke ... ... ... ... xxiiji'. \\\)d. September the xviij^'' Paid vnto the belfounder ... liijj. iiij 1654 I L O H N O CHVRCH W. (Diams. 32, 35 in., heights 25!, 27 in.) 4. JOHN O HODSON O MADE O MEE O 1654 O I I^ O H N OCWO WH (Diam. 38 in., hciglit 29 in.) 5. JOHN O HODSON O ^L\DE O MEE O 1654 JOHN O LATTON O HENRY O NF(;OVS [ f ] W <> H O CHVRCH WARDENS. (Diam. 42 in., height 32 in. f Flcur-delys.) * Sleppingley Far. Re^.^ kindly supplieil by Kcv. Dr. Sniylh. 196 The Inscriptions on the STONDON. All Saints. 1 Bell. The single bell here is small, and has no inscription. STOTFOLD. S. Marv. 3 Bells. I. THOMAS RUSSELL OF WOOTTON MADE ME : Richard Sexton ^ _ _ ^ , T- + Churchwardens 1740 O O O and John Fensham ' ^ w w v^ (Diam. 30 i in.) (Diam. 36^ in., wheel broken, not used.) 3. MILES •.'• GRAVE •.'• MADE •.*• ME •!• 1615. (Diam. 38^1- in.) For Stamp on the 2nd bell, see p. 55. There is an impression in the village that there were formerly five bells here, and that one of the two missing ones now hangs at Astwick. It may be mentioned that a former Vicar of Stotfold — the Rev. Samuel Roe, M.A., Fellow of Trinity College, the author of works against enthusiasm, etc. — was a ringer, being admitted a " Cambridge Youth" in 1733.* STREATLEY. S. AL\rgaret. I Bell & a Priest's Bell. I. T. Mears of London Fecit 1832. (Diam. 26 in.) Fricsfs Bell:— Blank. (Diam. 17 in.) There was formerly a second large bell, but it fell, whilst being rung, to the floor of the tower, broke into pieces, and was never replaced. See Dr. Raven's Bells of Cambridgeshire {2nd Ed.) p. 109. CImrch Bells of Bed/ordshiix. 197 STUDHAM. S. jNIary. 4 Bells. I, 2. CHAHDLER MADE ME 1666. 3. [ + 45] PRIES THE LORD 1599. 4. [+55] GOD [DsS] SAVE [DsS] OVR [ D 5S ] KING [ D 5S J 1627 [I K 53]. For Stamps, see pp. 68, 75 and 76. SUNDON. 5. Mary. 1 Bell. I. [+29] j5SV:G [030] OliiXlIii. (Diam. 36 in.) For Stamps, see p. 55. It is said here that there were formerly five bells, and four were sold years ago to the parish of Toddington, since which time, it is further said, this place has never prospered. SUTTON. All Saints. 4 Bells. 1, 3. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1S56. (Diams. 30, 32 in., heights 24, 24?, in.) 2, 4. CHRISTOPHER •*. • GRAIE •'. • MADE ME 1655. (Diams. 31!, 35! in., heights 22^ 25 in.)j TEMPSFORD. S. Peter. 5 Bklls. 1,3. MILES •'.' GRAIE -'.• 1656. (Diams. 26^, 29^ in., heights \^\, 23 in.) 2. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 1703. (Diam. 27^ in., height 20 in.) 4. MEWCOME MADE ME A" 161 1. (Diam. 33^ in., height 24^ in.) 5. T. Meaks of London Fecit 1S29. (Diam. 36^, in., height 26 J, in.) 198 The Inscriptions on the THURLEIGH. S. Peter. 5 Bells. 1. RUSSELL OF WOOTTON MADE ME 1743. + Samuel Redman ^ „ „ Churchwardens. AND Richard Evins (Diam. 34 in., height 24 in.) 2. ©OX) [ D 40 1 Hii-X^er [ D 40 ] W^G [ D 40 ] OTite-e-:i?ier [n4o] 1593 [u 39]. (Diam. 36 in., height 28 in.) 3. OLLIVER HARVE ESQVIRE. GEORGE FRANCKLIN JVSTIS OF PEACE 1595 + RECAST BY PARISHIONERS 1864. THE ORIGINAL IN- SCRIPTION RESTORED BY THE MARQUIS OF BRISTOL AND JOHN HARVEY OF ICKWELLBURY ESQUIRE. (Diam. 34 in., height 27?^ in.) 4. Blank. (Diam. 36I in., height 30 in.) 5. [ + 29] j^-^^ \ XIli5.Xi^J5L. (Diam. 43 in., height 35 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 61, 60 and 55, and for specimens of the letters on the 2nd bell, see p. 59. The Herveys were seated here as early as the reign of Edward I., when John de Hervey, having married Joan, daughter and heir of John Harman, of Thurleigh, died here in the 2 ist year of that King's reign. From him descended George Hervey, who was High Sheriff of Bedfordshire. He married, having issue by his wife only one daughter, Joan, who (though married) died appa- rently in her father's life-time, without issue. George Hervey, however — according to Lysons — had an illegitimate son, Gerard, by Margaret Smart. By his will, proved in 1526, he left certain property to that Margaret Smart for her life, remainder to her son Gerard and his heirs, and also to the same Gerard his manor of Thurleigh. Gerard Smart took the name of Hervey, was Knighted, and was M.P. for Bedford in 1553 : his grandson was the " Olliver Harve, Esquire," whose name is on the 3rd bell. His descendants continued Chttrch Bells of Bedfordshire. 1 99 at Thurleigh till the death of John Hervey, Esq., in 1715, but the manor had passed out of the family before that time. From Thomas Hervey, a younger brother of George Hervey above mentioned, are descended the Herveys of Ickworth, Earls of Bristol. The Franklins had a seat here for several generations.* Here are the following Rules for Rinxers. If to ring you do come Here You must ring well with Hand and Ear And if a Bell you chance to Throw Six-Pence to Pay before you go — And if you Ring in Spurs or Hat Twelve-Pence in all to pay for that. TILBROOK. All Saixts. 3 Bells. i. MATTHEW BAGLEY MAGE MEE 16S2 O O O O O (Diam. c;! in., height 22 in.) 2. OLIVER S'^JOHN COOPER RECTOR. G JAMES AND JOIIX SANSAM CHURCHWARDENS 1763. (Diam. 29 in., height 24^ in.) 3. NON CLAMOR SED AMOR CANTAT IN AVRE lED 1625. (Diam. 32^ in., height 24J, in.) The letters of " Dei " on the 3rd bell are reversed. The Parish Register has the following entries relating to the Rector named on the 2nd bell : — O S' John Cooper was inducted into the Rectory of Tilbrooke March the 26''' 1738. Oliver S' John Cooper Rector of Tilbrook was buried in the Parish Church Nov'^'' i, lySi.t * See a pedigree of llic Hervey family in SUiiiniala C/tii/u/iaiiii ; and bcc also " Lysoiis," vol. i. p. 140. t Kindly extracted for me by the Rev. N. D. Voung, the present Rector. 200 TJic Inscriptions on the TILSWORTH. All Saints. 5 Bells. 1,4. EMERTON OF WOOTTON FECIT 1776. (Diams. 29, 32 in., heights 21, 26 in.) 2. JOHN SWINSTEAD D : ELLINGHAM WARDEN. W: EMERTON OF WOOTTON FECIT 1776. (Diam. 29 in., height 23 in.) 3. EMERTON OF WOOTTON FECIT Q O DANIEL ELLINGHAM CHURCHWARDEN 1776. WiLLLVM Balls John Oney Henry Purrett Thomas Skikelthorp. (Diam. 31 in., height 25 in.) 5. EMERTON OF WOOTON ^ ^ Daniel Ellingham Churchwarden NEAR BEDFORD FECIT ^^^ John Partridge senor John Partridge junor WiLLiAiM Dover. (Diam. 34 in., height 27 in., cracked.) The parishioners of Tilsworth were formerly proud of their bells and their excellent ringers ; but for some years the bells were only heard upon absolutely necessary occasions. The tenor was cracked in a thunder-storm, and in con- sequence was not used; in 1821, however, a piece fell out, and the sound greatly improved. Recently (in 1880) the whole ring was rehung, and now again the ringers are at work, and the sound of their bells again cheers the Tilsworth folk. There is an excellent set of rules for the guidance of the ringers. TINGRITH. S. Nicholas. 3 Bells. 1. Jolitt $ Mcr $ ntatic $ iliis $ bcII 3 (Diam. 28 in., height 20} in.) 2. CHRISTOPHER GRAVE MADE ME 1660. (Diam. 29^- in., height 22^ in.) Church Bells of Jhdfordshire. 20 r 3. [U9+ 10] .iranct.-t .(TMriMrcfa Or.i ;pr'r Tiobir. [QSj. (Diam. 32^ in., height :;4 in.) For Stamps on the 3rd bell, see pp. 46 and 47. In 1552 " Tyngrythe " possessed Item in the stepuU of the saide churclie iij belles weyngc by estymation XXV hundred wyght.* It may be noticed that the stone of the arched doorway leading up to the bells is much worn away, as if some one had sat upon the stairs and there chimed the bells, chafing the ropes against the stone. Such was really the case prior to the restoration of the church, when "old Jim Smart," the then sexton, fearing that the clappers of the bells, which were then unsafe, might fall upon him, adopted that plan as a means of precaution against such an acci- dent. The bells were afterwards reclappcred ; the old clappers are now in the bell-chamber, and the bells arc all in good order and sound. TODDINGTON. S. George. S P>ei.i.s and a Priest's Bell. 1. C. & G. MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1850. (Diam. 30^- in., height 23 in.) 2, 3, 4, 8. ThC^ Mears Late Lester Pack & Chapman of London Fecit 1792 Tho^ Hollis & Harry Osborn Churchwardens. (Diams. 31^, 33, 35!, 51^ in., heights 23?,, 25, 26, 35 A in.) 5, 6. Tno'' Mears Late Lester Pack cV' Chatman ok London I'lcir (792. (I)iams. 38J,, 41 in., height 28^, 30 in.) 7. Tho'' Mears of London Late Lester Pack iV Ciiap.man Yvcw 1792. (Diam. 45 in., height x,i in.) Priest's Bdl .■— CHANDLER MADE ME. (Diam. 16! in., height 13 in.) See under Sundon for a tradition relating to these bells : the parish docu- ments here having been lost there are no proofs for or against it-; truth. Merc are chimes for the (juarters, pi iced in 1S76 at the expense of the Kcv. John Clcgg. * Land Kcvcmic Records. Buiullc 1392, l"ilc 2. 1'. K. OfT. 2 D 202 TJie Inscriptions on the TOTTERNHOE. S. Giles. 5 Bells 1. CHAPIDLER MADE ME 1655. (Diam. 30 in., height 26 in.) 2. C.\ST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1865. [ Royal XJ Arms?[ Patent. (Diam. 31 in., height 26 in.) 3. 4, 5. CHAI^DLER MADE ME 1654. (Diams. ZZ^ 35, 38 in., height 26, 30, 31 in.) The tenor bell is badly cracked, and is now without a clapper. A few years ago the clapper fell out, and it was sent to a blacksmith to repair. He, think- ing to improve it, made it longer and larger, in consequence of which, when replaced in the bell, it struck below the sound-bow, and after striking a few times broke and ruined the bell : a warning to all in whose care bells are placed to employ competent persons for their repair. TURVEY. All Saints. 6 Bells. 1. G. MEARS & Co. FOUNDERS LONDON. PRESENTED TO HIS BROTHER PARISHIONERS BY L^. COL. W. B. HIGGINS, OF PICTS HILL, TURVEY, SEPTEMBER, 1864. (Diam. 32 in., height 27 in.) 2. THOMAS BURTON AND JOSEPH OSMOND CHVRCH- WARDENS, 1682. {Diam. 31 in., height 28 in.) 3. HENRY BAGLEY MADE MEE 1682. (Diam. 34 in., height 27 in.) 4. -f- -h R : HOPLEY RECTOR T : DAVISON AND W :SKEVING- TON CHURCHWARDENS h- J : EAYRE S^ NEOTS FECIT 1750- (Diam. 38^- in., height 28 J in.) 5. W & J TAYLOR BELLFOUNDERS OXFORD & LOUGHBORO'. (Diam. 41 in., height 30 in.) Church Bells of Dcdfordshire. 203 6. T : LATTAMS & W : PEARSON C : WARDENS R TAYLOR ST NEOTS FECIT 1815. (Diam. 46 in., height 34 in., large piece out of shoulder.) Prior to 1864, when Colonel Higgins gave a new treble, there were five bells only. The donor died in the autumn of 1S7S. There was formerly a Sanctus bell, which, after standing for many years on the floor of the chancel, was sent to the founders and added to the tenor in 18 1 5, when that bell was recast. The Rev. R. Hopley (see 4th bell) is said to have been instituted in June, 1745.* P^om the Registers, however, it would appear that the only resident clergyman between 1727 and 1750 was "Matthew Keate, curate." Mr. Hopley's handwriting first appears in the latter year. He was succeeded by the Rev. J. Griffith in June, 1764, so probably he died in that year, but there is no record of his burial. In the ringing-chamber are three memorial tablets to deceased ringers ; such a mode of remembrance might well be adopted in other churches. There is also an oil painting depicting the scene described in S. John x.\i. 21. It was given to the church by the Rev. Erasmus Middleton, instituted Rector in 1S03, and had been placed over the altar-table, where it remained until the church was restored in i852.t WARDEN, OLD. S. Andrew. 4 Bells. 1. MILES •!• GRAVE • .' • MADE •.'• ME •]• 1653. (Diam. 29^ in., height 22^ in., cracked.) 2. VBCD [t] H5XA [t] IIIKTIM [ + ] GHIK W. (Diam. 32^ in., height 25 in. :J: Fkur dc-lys.) 3- [ + 28] -xl^ : j^T^X)X ; t\<^>^^ (Diam. 36 in., height 28 in.) 4. THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1S40. (Diam. 39^, in., height 29! in.) For Stamp on 3rd bell, see p. 55. The friend who inspected the bells for me writes :— " Horrible place to get up; nearly pitch dark ; the steepest ladder I have ever been up." * History of IVillcy Hundred. t Ex in/or, llio Kcv. G. T. W. Munhy. 204 ^^^^ Inscriptions on the WESTONING. S. Mary Magdalen. 5 Bells. 1. ANTHONY CHANDLER MADE ME 1672. (Diam. 29 in., height 24 in.) 2. + RUSSELL OF WOOTTON O O O INLADE + ME 1743- (Diam. 33 in., height 25 in.) 3. T. Mears of London Fecit 1829. W" Woodward ) ^ ,,, ^ ,, , Church Wardens 1S29. Ld Aldridge j (Diam. 34^- in., height 26 in.) 4. RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 1722. (Diam. 36} in., height 28^^ in.) 5. RUSSELL OF WOOTTON HE MADE ME IN SEVENTEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY THREE + JOSEPH HARLEY AND EDWARD BURR CHURCHWARDENS O O O (Diam. 41 in., height 32 in.) In the *' Inventory of plate^ jewels, vestments, ornaments, and bells belong- ing to the parish church of Westonynge, in the county of Bedford, made 2 Sept., 6 Ed. 6 " (1552) is : — Item in the stepull of the seyde churche iiij belles to [two] of the seyde belles weyng by estymation xvij hundred and a half, the other to grete belles xx'* hundred by estimation and a saunce bell, to hand belles. Item to sacarynge belles. Item the churche chauncell steple all covered w' leed.* WHIPSNADE. 8. Marv Magdalen. 3 Bells. 1. E. HALL 1740. 2. a. HALL 1740. 3. GOD SAVE OVR KING 1630. These are three small bells. "•■ Land Rrc'cnuc Records. Bundle 1392, File 2, P. R. Oft". Chiu'ch Bells of Bedfordshire. 20 = WILDEiX. S. Nicolas. 5 Bells, 1. A SMITH \V GROVE 1649. (Diam. 30^ in., licight 25 in.) -■ L + 6] .S'lncfa Kafrhut Ova ;r>vu \ ),iiliis [ D S U 7 ]• (Diam. 32 in., height 24 in., cracked.) 3 i5^PB€T:E) ei-C5Ti J-X^y^ iJXXXO [U39] (Diam. 34 in., height 27 in.) 4. CHANDLER MADE IslE. (Diam. 37 in., heiglit 27 in.) 5. IH'5 NAZARENUS REX IVDEORVM FILI DEI MISERERE MEI 1637 [U 39]- (Diam. 40 in., liciglit 32 in.) For Stamps, see pp. 46 and 60, and for specimens of letters on the 3rd and 511-1 bells, see pp. 59 and 63. A. Smith and W. Grove (see ist \)c\\) were the cluin hwardens at that time, as is shown by their initials cut on a beam in the belfr)-, tlius : — AS : WG : G : 1G50. WILLIXGTON. S. L.vuRENCE. 5 Bells. I. u»ij:i:i^ij^xii c3^o.Svru.j:c;;L^ o i - u. i i . i . - XMG^OX^ 1600 [U39]- (Diam. 2 7 J, in., height 21! in.) 2. THOMAS TOMPION FECIT 1671. (Diam. 28! in., height 21 J in., cracked). 3. SIR : WILLIAM ; (ToSTWICK \ BARN ; W ll.LLXG rG.\ ; 1710 ;••;••;••; o o o o o o o (Diam. 31 in., height 24 in.) 4- ;} 19S1 3 Ma ;> aavM 3 vavci 3 zhoi (Diam. 35 in., height 27 in.) 5. O X-Tlarttu Xiuifnrc .1 >i-n ruuii'-^ .^ciiu'cv (^iMlc[+ 157 i ri fx."^ - 4- 6) ... 7 I n :s 5- 7) ... 9 3 26 Tenor 6. 8) ... 12 -^ J 19 48 o 19 In 1877 the ring was increased, as the bells show, to eight, by the addition Church Bells of Bedfordshire. 209 of two trebles; the augmented ring was opened on the i6th of April in that year. In 1829, when the churcli tower was being rebuilt, and the five bells were taken down to be recast, the Saint's bell mentioned in the 1651 Inventory, and which hung in an " open cupola supported by eight pilasters " on the top of the tower, was removed (with the Fire-Ik-ll from the old Town Hall) to the Park Farm, from which it was subsequently stolen. It has been pointed out that there is an error in the inscription on the 6ih bell. The Duke of Bedford thereon mentioned was the 6ih, not the 5th, Duke. The bells here hang in two tiers of four each ; the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and tenor hang below, and the ist, 2nd, 4th and 6th above. The clock strikes on the 6th : the small space in the tower has necessitated great care in the hanging of the bells. The ringing chamber (as well as its ap])roaches) is in excellent order, is a model of cleanliness, and a pattern of what such a place should be. The bells arc fitted with " Seage's Tell Tales," which enable the ringers to practise as much and as long as they choose, without causing any annoyance to the people living in the close neighbourhood of the tower. WOBURN [New Church]. S. Mary, i Ef.i.i- I. MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON 1S67. (Diam. d-^ in., height 43 ia, weight 2 tons 15 cwts.) This is the largest bell in the county. WOOTTON. S. Mary. 5 Bells and a Priest's Beli_ I. WILLIAM EMMERTON OF WOOTTON FECFT 1779. (Diam. 34 in., height 24 in.) 2,4. I : TAYLOR & Co. FOUNDERS LOUCilllU )l<()HiII 1S74. (Diams. 35^1-, 41^ in., heights 27, 29J, in.) 3. Thomas Rvssell : IX. 11 r ecu- William Rvssell : Stephen Hvdson : ,, , rs r\ r^ f->. ^ Chvkciiwakhkns i7;6 (J (J U (J Benjaman Rainbow : ChKISTOI'HEK Fl.EMlNC; O O C 'i'HOMAS Si.ArvR John Si.aiku O O O O O (Diam. 38I in., height 28! in.) 2 K 2IO The Inscriptions on the 5. [+56] GOD SAVE OVR KING 1641 J H, (Diam. 44 in., height 34 in.) Piicifs Bdl {in turret) : — 1748. • (Diam. 14 in., hciglit 11 in.) For Stamp on the 5th bell, see p. 75. On the back of an old book belonging to the church are the following dates of the bells : we learn from the list the date of the previous 4th bell : — Treble Bell i779- Second [no date or description, so the bell was probably a pre- Reformation one]. Third ... ... ... 1736. Fourth 1595. Tenor ... ... ... 1641. Sanctus ... ... 1748. WRESTLINGWORTH. S. Peter. i Bell. I. R. TAYLOR & SON FOUNDERS ST NEOTS 1820 I : FOBIGG C : W. (Diam. 28^ in., height 20 in.) There are frames for two more bells which arc now wanting. WYMINGTON. S. Laurence. 6 Bells. 1. THE GIFT OF STEPHEN WOLLASTON ESQ. TO THE PARISH CHURCH OF WYMINGTON BEDFORDSHIRE IN HONOR AND PRAISE OF GOD, 1873. WILLIAM MONK RECTOR. WILLIAM BLEWS AND SONS FOUNDERS BIRMINGHAM. (Diam. 27^ in., heights 23 in., unhung.) 2. L TAYLOR FECIT LOUGHBRO' LATE OF ST NEOTS 1843. (Diam. 30^7 in., height 25 in.) 3. ^I^omrn XH'i0i»*^Ic"'t (STniupana Grrcf xrifti?i>i> [U 12 D 10 U 13]- (Diam. 34 in., height 28 in.) 4. HH ^mnrn X)i^»ti»i X^nttMiium [U ^^ D 10 U 13]- (Diam. 37 in., height 28 in.) CJmrcJi Bells of BcilfordsJiirc. 2 i 1 5. XXlusa Xl'if.iclir. .Suuaf j i.uvilms ^'(T) auliclii-i [7 1 2 □ i o "7 1 3]. (Diam. 39 in., heiyht 29 in.) 6. JOHN ACHURCH C : WARDEN. K : 'IWYLOR S'" NEOTS . FECIT . 18 14. (Diam. 44 in., height 30J, in.) For Stamps on the 3rd, 4th and 5th bells, see pp. 47 and 50. Prior to 17S3 there were five bells only. In that year an additional treble bell was given, as shown above. Though presented to the parish, it has not yet — 1 88 1 — been hung, but stands on the floor of the church. According ioWeexer {Fi/tii-ral Afouiii/iiiifs, Introd. cxix.) — who, however, is not quite correct in his copies of the inscriptions on the present ancient bells — the two recast (2nd and 6th) were previously inscribed : — 2. Hoc signum Petri pulsatur nomine Christi. 6. Sum rosa pulsata mundique Maria vocata. There is said to have been formerly also a Sanctus bell here, inscribed : — George ora pro nobis. YIELUEN. S. Marv. 4 l>i:i-i-J^- 1. T. & J. E.VYRE FECERUNT. GRATA SIT ARGUTA RESONANS CAMI'.Wri.A VOCE Q R '- CELL & W : SAMWORTH CHURCHWARDENS O OCT013 1717. (Diam. 2 7 J, in., height 2 2 J, in.) 2. BRYANVS ELDRID(;E ME FECIT 1660. (Diam. 29 in., height 22J, in.) 3. PRAISE THE LORD 1617. (Diam. 32 in., height 23 A in.) [ u 39 ]• (Diam. 34 in., height 25 in.) For Stamp and specimens of letters on the 4lh bell, see pp. Co and 59. GOD'S APPOINTMENT IS MY CONTENTMENT. INDEX .<► — AniNc.nox, ancient bells at, J. Advent ringing, 107. Jviiclwolil, S., casts bells, J. Agnus-l)t;ll, 103. Anipthill, a bell foundry at, 42, 122. Aiiipthill bells, 42, 79, 87, 91, 96, 114. Aiii^c/iis, the, 104. Anthern bell, I02. Arlesey bells, 21, 89, 107, 107, loS, 109, 122. Arnold, Edu-ard, a bellfounder, 65, 79. Ascension-day peals, loS. Asjdey Guise bells, 87, 91, 94, 97, 107, 107, loS, 124. Astwick bell, 125. Atton, Bartholomew, a bellfounder, 73. Atton, Robert, a bellfounder, 73. Atton, William, a bellfounder, 73. Atton, William and Son, bellfounders, 73. AGLEV, Henry, a bellfounder, 77. aglcy, Henry (2nd), a bellfoundci', 77. agley, Matthew, a bellfounder, 77. agley, William, a bellfounder, 77. inns peals, no. IJaptism " of bells, 4. arford, Great, bells, 63, 96, 107, 107, 112, 125. arford, Little, bells, 126. artlett, Anthony, a bellfounder, 82. .irllett, James, a bellfounder, S2. artlett, Thomas, a bellfounder, 82. :irton le-Clay bells, 40, 88, 94, 107, 107, 109, 113, 127. arwell, James, a bellfounder, 80. altlesden bells, 97, 103, 113, 127. attlesden house-lieli, 82. ede (a.D. 680) mentions bells, 3. edford Ringers, " Ejiigram " to, 23- edford Ringers, an " l!.\astickc " presented Bedford, S. Mary's, bells, 36, 41, 51, 62, SS, 92, 96, 114, 114, 131. Bedford, .S. I'aui's, bells, 2S, S2, 91, qO, 104, 106, 112, 1 14, 128. Bedford, S. I'etcr's, bells, 62, SS, 91, 92, 92, 93, 113, 114, 130. Bedford, S. Cuthbert's, bell, 91, 96, 132. Bedford, S. John Baptist, bell, 1 31. Bedford, Holy Trinity, bell, 132, Bedfordshire bells, tcm/<. Ed, \T., ccrlificale mi.ssing, 10. . Bedfordshire chantries, certificate relating to, 10. Bedfordshire bells, commission relating to, in 1552, II, 19. Bedfordshire religious houses, bells bclon^j- ing to some, 16. Bedfordshire, ringing in, 22. Betlfordshire Association of Change-ringers, 32, 115- Bedfordshire, Church Bells of, ^y Beuford.^hire bellfounders, 37. Bedfordshire bells, other ftjunders of, 43, Bedfordshire bells, peculiar uses of, 85. Bedfordshire bells, Latin Inscriptions on, with translations, 1 1 7. Bedfordshire bells, Latin inscriptions on, 121. Bellfounders, Bedfordshire, 37. Bells, use of, universal, 2. Bells cast in churches and churchyards, 4. Bells, benediction of, 4. Bells, forms of in-icrijition on, 6. Bells, oldest dated in Engl.md, 6, Bells, how used before the Reformation, S, S6. Bells, ancient, why scarce, 21, Bells formerly rung by the ilc.icons, 87, Benediction of belU, 4. Bett, Thom.a.s, a bellfounder, 57. Biddenham bells, 91, IIO, 132. Biggleswade bells, 96, 107, loS, 133. 214 Index. liillinglon bell, 133. llingliam, Notts, a bell at, 60. ]Jirming]iani bcllfounders, So. IJietsoe l)clls, 66, 133. ]!le\vs ami Son, bellfounders, 80. liiunham bells, 40, 40, 62, 88, 91,93,96, 107, 109, III, 112, 113, 134. Bolniuiist bells, 35, 112, 135. Bracker, Austen, a bellfounder, 52. Briaiit, John, a bellfounder, 70. Bride's jieal, the, 1 10. Bromhani bells, 66, 136. Buckingham, bellfoundry at, 73. BuMisdon, — , a bellfounder, 53. " Bunyan's bell," 36, 80. Burial peals, 1 00. Bushmead Priory, bells of, 17, 18. Bydenhambridge, Chantry of, bells, II. Caddington bells, S3, 91, 92, 97, 137. Caldwell Priory, bells of, 17, 18. Cainpana, a large bell, 2. Canipton bells, 35, 35, 43, 62, 1 38. Canons of Church of England on bells, 85. Canonical hours, ringing of, 3, 90. Cardington bells, 65, S3, 87, 91, 92, 93, 98, loi, 106, 107, 109, 112, 113, 138. Carlton bells, 6, 35, 35, 53, 57, b2, 87, 92, 96, 107, 112, 112, 113, 114, 140. Carter, Joseph, a bellfounder, 82. Carter, William, a bellfounder, 82. Castle Ashby, Northants, a bell at, 52. Chacombe, Is'orthants, a bellfoundry at, 77. Chalgrave bells, 35, 53, 75, 97, 114, 140. Chandler, Anthony, a bellfounder, 71. Chandler, George, a bellfounder, 72. Chandler, Richard, a bellfounder, 70. Chandler, Richard (2nd), a bellfounder, 72, Chandler, Richard (3rd), a bellfounder, 72. ('hapman and Mears, bellfounders, 83. Chellington bells, 35, 56, 73, 74, 76, 87, 92, 96, 112, 112, 113, 114, 141. Chelsea, a bellfoundry at, 78. Chertsey, a bellfoundry at, 77. Chicksand Priory, bells of, 17, 18. Chiming at funerals, lOO. China, bells used in, 2. Christians, early, mode of calling together, i. Church bells, i. Clapham bells, 35, 76, 96, 114, 141. Clarke, John, a bellfounder, 67. Claughton, Lancashire, early dated bell at, 6. Clay, Thomas, a bellfounder, 65. Clifton bells, 35, 36, 58, 89, 99, 112, 142. Clophill bells, 75, 97, 143. Colchester, a bellfoundry at, 74. Cold Ashby, Northants, early dated bell at, 6. Colmworth bells, 74, 75, 76, 144. Commemorative Services, loi. Common or mote-bell, 113. Coplc bells, 7, 34, 50, 75, 89, 100, 107, 107, 109, 114, 144. Corse-bell, 104. Cranfield bells, 41, 81, 81, 88, 91, 97, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 108, III, 113, 114, 145. Croyland Abbey, bells at, 3. Culverden, William, a bellfounder, 44. Curfew-bell, 103, 104. Daily Service, a bell to be tolled for, 85. Daily bells, other, 105. Dean bells, 6i, 62, 77, 98, 107, 108, 145. Death-knell, the, 99. Dedication peals, 109. Diameters of bells, guides to their weights, 120. Dier, John, a bellfounder, 67. " Dinner-bell," 93. Divine Service, modes of ringing for, 87. Dobson, William, a bellfounder, 80. Downham Market, a bellfoundry at, 80. Drayton Parslow, Bucks, a bellfoundry at, 70. Dunstable bells, 6, 34, 56, 83, 88, 91, 92, 97, 102, 102, 107, III, 113, 114, 146. Dunstan, S., casts bells, and draws up Rules for ringing, 3. Dunton bells, 68, 97, 112, 114, 147. Early Sunday peals, 90. Early Morning-bell, 104. Easter peals, 108. Eaton Bray bells, 70, 72, 148. Eaton Socon bells, 69, 78, 79, 80, 148. Eayre, Joseph, a bellfounder, 79. Eayre, Thomas and John, bellfounders, 79. Eayre, Thomas, a bellfounder, 79. Eayre, Thomas (2nd), a bellfounder, 79. Ecton, Northants, a bellfoundry at, 77. Edmunds, Islip, a bellfounder, 83. Edworth bells, 7, 34, 41, 54, 68, 99, 149. Egbert (A.D. 750) mentions bells, 3. Egginton bells, 71, 92, 97, 107, 114, 149. I-^ldridge, Bryan, a bellfounder, 77. Elstow Nunnery, bells of, 17. Elstow bells, 36, 40, 62, 80, 150. Emmerton, William, a bellfounder, 38. Epiphany peals, 108. Eversholt bells, 87, 91, 97, 103, 105, 105, 106, 107, loS, loS, 108, loS, loS, 109, 151. Index. 21 Execution bell, 112. Eyeworth bells, 7, 35, 49, 152. Fair peals, no. Fandish bells, 35, 60, 74, 75, 91, 152. Felmeisham bells, 40, 41, 63, 153. Fire-bell, 103, 112. Flitton bells, 153. Flitwick bells, 67, 75, 91, 96, loi, 107, 107, 109, 153- Gabriel-bell, 105. nieanlng-bell, the, 112. Goldington bells, 40, 62, 62, 87, 96, 107, 1 13, 114/154- r.ood P'riday use, loS. Gravenhurst, Upper, bells, 154. Gravenhurst, Lower, bell, 82, 99, 114, 154. Graye, Christopher, a bellfounder, 41. Graye, Miles, a bellfounder, 42, 74. (Jreeks used bells, 2. Gunpowder Plot, ringing on 5th Nov., 113. Hall, Edward, a bellfounder, 72. Hand-bells, 103. Harlington bells, 14, 35, 35, 35, 44. 58, 91, 92, 97, 107, 107, 109, 109, 113, 155. Ilariold Priory, bells of, 17, iS. llarrold bells, 62, 62, 71, 81, 87, 96, loO, 106, 112, 112, 113, 155. Hatley Cockayne bells, 114, 156. Ilaulsey, Richard, a bellfounder, 68. Hawnes bells, 7, 34, 75,88, 91, 99, 113, 156. Heath and Reach bell, 157. Henlow bells, 75, 157. Hertford, bellfoundries at, 70, 70. Higham Gobion bell, 1 58. Hindoos used bells, 2. HocUliffe bells, 33, 35, 35, 35, 47, 89, 92, 97, 105, 107, 107, 108, 114. 15S. Hodson, Christopher, a bellfounder, Si. Hodson, John, a bellfounder, 81. Holdtield, Richard, a bellfounder, 67. Hohvell i)ells, 159. Houghton Conquest bells, 87, 90, 96, 107, II I, 113, 114, 114, 159. Houghton Regis bells, 35, 36, 4I, 67,71,88, 91, 92, 97, 107, 107, 108, 109, III, 112, 113, 113, 114, 161. Houselling-hell, 104. llulcote bells, 35, 67, 72, 97, lOO, I06, 107, I 10, 114, 162. Hull, William, a bellfounder, 81. Husborne Crawley bells, 41, 41, 66, 88, 02, 98, 103, 107, 108, lo8, 109, 1 10, 1 13, 1 14, 163. Impincton, Cambridgeshire, l>ells at, 8. Induction bell, 1 14. Inscriptions on Church Pells of Bedford- shire, 121. Janawav, Thomas, a iK'UfounJcr, 78* Jerome, S., mentions bells, 2. Jews used bells, 2. Jorden, Henry, a bellfounder, 48. Kkkne, James, a bellfounder, 74. Kempstone bells, 8, 35, 55, 61, 63, 91, 96, III, 113, 114, 165. Kersey, Suffolk, a 1h.11 at, 74. Keysoe bells, 41, 79,98, 107, 107, loS, II3, 114 165. Knolling of the Aves, 93. Knotting bell, 166. Lai>v-day peals, 108. Lanfranc, Rules for rmging by, 3. Langford bells, 79, 79, 96, no, 112, 114, 166. Leicester bellfounders, 57. Leighton Pu/zard bells, S^, 89, 91, 92, 93, 97, 104, 107, 108, 108, 108, 109, 113, 166. . Leighton Puzzard, .S. Andrew's, bell, 1 68. Lenten ringing, 108. Lester, Thomas, a bellfounder, 82. Lester au^l Pack, liellfi>unders, S2. Lidlington bells, 21, 35,91.97. 1 02, 1 14, 16S. Litany, a bell lo be lolled for, 85. London, modern, bellfounders. Si. Loughborough bellfoundry, 66. Loyal peals, 1 1 5. Luffenham, .South, a bell at, 58. Luton bells, 70, 83, 102, 104, 169. Lych-bell, 104. ^L\R^.ATE Priory, bells of, 17, iS. Market-bell, the, III. .Marston Moretaine bells, 62, 88, 90, 92, 96, 106, 107, 108, 109, no, n I, 112, 113, 170. Matins, call lo, 3. .Maulden bells, 34, 35, 53, 67, 170. M.nyor's peals, 1 14. MePTs, \V. and T., bellfounders, S3. Mears and .Stainbank, bellfounders, S3. Melchbournc bells, 62, S3, 88, 98, 107, roS, 171. Meppershal! bells, 20, 35, 70, SS, 97, 107, 107, 108, loS, 109, n2. 171. Millbrooke bells, 21, 34. 53, 9I, 97, 173. Millers, Wdli.im, a bellfounder, 57. Milton Pryant bells, 71, 74, 75, 75, 76, 91, 97. I '4. >74- 2l6 Index. Milton Ernest bells, 41, 83, 92, 96, 109, 112, 114, 174. Mot, Robert, a bellfounder, 82. Mote, or common bell, 1 13. IMuggerhanger bell, 112, 174. Mumby, Lincolnshire, bells nt, 54. Newcomise, Edward, a bellfounder, 40, 57. Newcombe, Thomas, a bellfounder, 57. Nevvcombe, Robert, a bellfounder, 57. Newcombe, Thomas (2nd), a bellfounder, 57. jSi'evvman, Thomas, a bellfounder, 78. Newnham Priory, bells of, iS. New Year's Eve, ringing on, 108. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, ring- ing on, 109. Nineveh, bells found at, 2. Norris, Thomas, a bellfounder, 76. Norris, Tobias, a bellfounder, 76. Norris, Tobias (2nd), a bellfounder, 77. Northill bells, 34, 35, 41, 52, 59, 62, 89, 91, 96, 175- Oakley bells, 62, 63, 79, 96, 105, 106, 112, "3. 175- Oliit-days, loi. Odell bells, 63, 74, 75. 75. 76, 91. 96, 113. 176, Oldfield, Richard, a bellfounder, 67. Oldfield, Robert, a bellfounder, 69. Osborn, Thomas, a bellfounder, 79, 80. Oven-bell, the, no. Oxford, bellfoundry at, 66. Pack, Thomas, a bellfounder, 82. Pack and Chapman, bellfounders, 83. Palmer, W., of Bedford, and his sons, 23. Pancake-bell, 106. Passing-bell, 85, 94. Pavenham bells, 41, 62, 75, 81, 81, 87, 96, 112, 114, 176. Peals, first and second, 90. Peculiar Uses of the Bedfordshire Bells, 85. Persians used bells, 2. Pertenhall bells, 81, 89, 90, 92, 92, 97, 107, no, 112, 113, 114, 177. Phelp, Richard, a bellfounder, 82. Poem addressed to a bellfounder, 28. Polluxhill bell, 177. " Potatoe-bell," the, 93. Pottesgrove bells, 72, 97, 105, no, n4, 177- Potion bells, 78, 78, 91. 96, ni, n3, 17S. I'riest's bell, or Ting-Tang, 102. Public rejoicings, peals on, 114. " Pudding-bell," 93. Puddingtun bells, 62, 66, 74, 75, 178. Ravensden bells, 62, 179. Reading, hallowing a bell at, 5. Renhold bells, 179. Restoration of Charles II., ringing on anni- versary of, in. Ridgmount bells, 2i, 179, 180. Riseley bells, 63, 66, 180. Rogers, Rev. Samuel, poem by, 28. Romans used bells, 2. Ropeford, Roger de, a bellfounder, 4. Roxton bells, 36, 40, 180. Rubric of Book of Common Prayer on bells, 85. Russell, Thomas, a bellfounder, 37. Saf.iman, Pope (.\.D. 604), used bells, 3. Sacring-bell, 103. S. Hugh's day, ringing on, 109. S. Neots, a bellfoundry at, 65, 79. Salford bells, 20, 34, 53, 75, 75, 97, lOO, 103, 106, 107, iSi. Sanctus, or saunce-bell, the, loi. Sandy bells, 20, 40, 40, 91, 96, 107, 108, n2, 113, 114, 181. Saunders, John, a bellfounder, 46. Sermon-bell, 91. Sharnbrook bells, 41, n2, n2, n3, 184. Shefford bell, 184. Shelton bells, 63, 67, 91, 109, 1S4. Shillington bells, 40, 69, 76, 97, 108, 109, 109, nr, ni, n3, n4, n5, 185. Shrive-bell, 106. Sioniiin, a large bell, 3. Silsoe bells, 191. Somerby, Lincolnshire, early dated bells at, 6. Souldrop bells, 21, 191. Southill bells, 91, 97, 108, 109, 192. South Somercotes, Lincolnshire, early dated bells at, 6. Stainbank, Robert, a bellfounder, S3. Staflbrd, John of, a bellfounder, 57. Stagsden'bells, 77, 78, 193. Stamford, a bellfoundry at, 76. Stanbridge bells, 75, 76, 88, 90, 92, 96, 107, 109, n3, n4, 193. Stanstead Abbots, Herts, a bell at, 69. Staughton Parva bells, 34, 45, 194. Steppingley bells, 96, no, 195. Stevington bells. So, Si, Si, 92, 96, 195. Stondon bell, 196. Stotfold bells, 35, 55, 74, 91, 96, 196. Streatley bells, 21, 196. Index. 217 Studham liells, 35, 68, 75, 197. Sunday mid -day peals, 92. Sundoii bells, 8, 21, 34, 55, 197. Sutton bells, 197. 'Tantony bell, 102. Taylor, Robert, a bellfoundcr, 66. Taylor, R. and Sons, bellfounle bells, 72, 204. Whitsuntide peals, loS. Wilden bells, 35, 47, 62, 63, 91, 93, 99, 107, 109, 112, 112, 113, n4, 205. Wilhanipstead bells, 21, 91, 93, 97, 206. Willington bells, 8, 35, 35, 50, 62, 67, ;8, 91, 99, 112, 112, 113, 205. Woburn Monastery bells, 17. Woburn bells, 36, 89, 97, lot, 104, 105, 107, 107, 109, 106, III, 114, 208. Woods'.ock, Oxfordshire, a bellfoundr)'at, 74. Wootton, a bellfoundry at, 37. Wootton bells, 74,76, 97, 107, II3, 1 14, 209. Wrestlingwortii bells, 66, 210. Wyboston, Chantry of, bell, II. Wymington bells, 34, 34, 35, 40, 67, So, 2lo. VliiLDEN bells, 62, 77, 79, 211. CORRIGENDA. Page 3, sixth line from bottom, for Laiicfranc, read Lanfranc. ,, 6, third line from bottom, for Son'crby, read Somcrby. ,, 50, the fourth woodcut should l)e numbered 15, and the fifth numbered 16. ,, 52, fourteenth line, for Austin, read Austen. ,, 62, eighth line, for RavoisJale, read Ravcnsden. ,, 81, eighth line from bottom, for Craiifon/, read Cranfieid. ,, 87, second line from bottom, for Apsley, read A'^piey. ,, 96, thirteenth line, for Lattgtoii, read Langford. ,, 107, sixteenth and twenty-fifth lines, for IIaititijilo)i, read Ilarliiiglon, and so on the third line of page 109. ELLIOT STOCK S NEW AND RECENT PUBLICATIONS. Reli^io Medici, By SIR THOMAS BROWNE, Physician. Being a facsimile reproduction of the first Edition published in 1642, with an Introduction by 1)k. GREEN HILL, Hastings. 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Architectural and I ha7ids of Mr. Thomas A Archceological Society. known author of ' The Chm and Northa7uptonshirel w, 7naterials in a simila) \Bedfordshirey Some Opinions on Mr. •sdum<; : jpqj JO sSuiMBJQ Xq paj'BJisnnt opqAV sqi 'Xj5uno3 aqi puc uopuo-] ; put; *J^J^aT;J^I ui^quMOQ 'sjoajsj "cj 'aquioDuio 'pjojuni)*,' '>iDOispoo\\ 'qSnojoqqSnoi 'aajsaDioq '3uij3U3M 'piojuaj-i yc soupunoj jo siuno.u 'sdiUBis 'saapuno j uopuoq XiJi:^ jo soduou opnpui i[i\\ "sipij OJuis 'AI NOrXDUS pUB 'pjOJpaq Vi SOqUIODA\DtyI 01(1 JO 'uOllOOyW JO 'U01J3VU;.I IUVI1]IW JO apnpui ii!;V\. "sn oj ua\ou>| 3jv sv sjopuno ,{ aqi jo qDns jo sjioin sai4punoj juajajyip aqj jo sjunooDV uiejuod m-w uoijoos siqj. — *sJop •/// NOIIDHS JO spuaSaq put: suouT^otpaQ aqi jo uonwytssxro •painqujsiQ Moq pi •pajnqujsia Avoq 's[pa aSiuq 'sipa .sisauj jo snpuvg -sJiqspjo ^^>'i<=S'*«'*«'*C5^e<^a>,i<=«^i<^«^^ I ft ft^trtraf^ir, bu p^ttmisBtim, to f^e asig^f m^b. Corli ©iafiop of ®Ig. i" Tie Council were very pleased to hear from Mr. Ransom that having several years since pro- cured a description of [many of] the Church Bells of the county, lie had now placed the MSS. in the hands of Mr. Thomas North. F.S.A., the welU knownaulhorof 'The Church Bells of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire; who proposes to employ these materials in a similar work on the Bells of Bedfordshire." Soint Opinions on Mr. NorlKs firmir Bill Bctki. T^E i Cp^e^ •}• BELLS OE ^BEDBO^DS^II^E .^ Their Founders, Inscriptions, Traditions, Peculiar Uses, WITH A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHURCH BELLS IN THAT COUNTY, Chiefly from Original and Contemporaneous Records, BV THOMAS NORTH, F.S.A., Hon.Mem.atidHon. Sec. of the Leicestershire Architectural and Archcsological Society, Hon. Mem. of the Derbyshire Arcliaological Society, &c., &c. publisher has much pleasure in announcing for early issue the present year the above new volume by Mr. North. ^^_ The work, which is now at press, is arranged on the same plan as his former volumes on the Church Bells of Leicester- shire, Northamptonshire, Rutland, and Lincolnshire, and will be uniform with them in size and style. The following abstract of contents will indicate the thorough manner in which the subject has been treated. The book -will be published in fcap. 4to., handsomely printed on thick paper, illustrated by about 65 woodcuts, bound in cloth, and will be charged Twelve Shillings and Sixpence to Subscribers. Only 250 copies of the ordinary edition will be printed, of which a few copies will be prepared in paper boards, with printed label and rough edges for those who prefer that style of binding. In addition to which TwENTV-FivE CoriES, onlv, will be printed on Large Paper, with rough edges, bound in paper boards, or cloth, according to the selection of the Subscribers. The price of these Large Paper copies will be jCi ys. 6d, each. As these numbers will be strictly adhered to, intending Subscribers are requested to at once send in their applications to the Publisher on the annexed form, taking care to indicate the binding they select, as well as whether they wish large or small paper copies. It may be added that some of the former volumes of Mr. North's series are now out ol print, and cannot be obtained excepting at con- siderably advanced prices. ^Sig^n.iSy(^;:ig^^$iS^;s^^eiS^4^^j^yi?;jgy(sSag^;SiBLyi:^s^g^ <>-BI(IEB •^ 55]BST^;;56T •!• OB -f gOpEpS.- I Introduction of Bells into Churches. Early Modes of Calling to Prayer. Bells in Saxon England. S. Dunstan and Lanfranc on Beil-ringing. Early Bell-founders and Bcll-founding. Benediction of Bells. Early Bells, what they tell : Bedfordshire Examples. Bell-ringing in Mediaeval Times- Changes in connection with the Inscriptions and Ornamentation of Bells after the Reformation. Com- " ' "" ~" ~ " ■' " ; relating to Colleges, Chantries, &c., ' " ' ! Ed. VI. as to Church Furniture. Certiti 1549. Commission of 6 Ed. VI., copy of: Its Action in Bedfordshire, with Examples. I of 7 Ed. VI. Bell-metal, what became of it. Original Documents relating to Bedford- fordshir ' shire Bell-metal, and the Bells and Lead of Religious Houses in the County. Onginal records quoted relating to Bell-metal removed from Bedfordshire. Proclamation of Elizabeth against the ^ throwing down of Bells. Comparison between the Number of Bells in Bedfordshire femp. Ed. VI. and the Present Time. Causes of Destruction of Ancient Beljs : Bedfordshire Examples. Ringing, Love of English for. Early Cultivation of in Bedfordshire. Oliver Palmer and " his sons ;" " Epi- grame to Bedford Ringers '' (1655), " An Exastick " presented to Mr. Palmer, and other quaint verses. John Bunyan, and other Lovers of Bells in Bedfordshire in the 17th and 18th centuries. Poem by the Rev, Samuel Rogers, of Cheilington. Decline of Ringing ; consequent neglect of Bells. Recent /ival of Change-nngmg, and fori of Bedfordshire As: of Change-ringers. these Ancient Bells. SECTION II. SECTION III. The Bedfordshire Bell-founders. — This Section will contain Accounts of the different Foundries I the County, with short Memoirs of such of the Founders as are known to us. Will include s of the RusselU, and of William Emerton, of Wootton, of the Newcombes at Bedford, and Christopher Graye at Amptbill. SECTION IV. Drayton Parslow, Buckingh:ti of other modem Foundries ir Initial Crosses, Stops, and other Stamps. The book will be published in fcap. 4to., handsomely printed on thick paper, illustrated by about 65 woodcuts, bound in cloth, and will be charged Twelve Shillings and Sixpence to Subscribers. Only 250 copies of the ordinary edition will be printed, of which a few copies will be prepared in paper boards, with printed label and rough edges for those who prefer that style of binding. In addition to which Twenty-five Copies, only, will be printed on Large Paper, with rough edges, bound in paper boards, or cloth, according to the selection of the Subscribers. The price of these Large Paper copies will be £1 js. 6d. each. As these numbers will be strictly adhered to, intending Subscribers are requested to at once send in their applications to the Publisher on the annexed form, taking care to indicate the binding they select, as well as whether they wish large or small paper copies. It may be added that some of the former volumes of Mr. North's series are now out of print, and cannot be obtained excepting at con- siderably advanced prices. S^S^S^^^'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^i^^^^^^^^^^ ^B^iEB ^ j^m\jm ^ OB ^ 6opEps.-<^ ♦••'♦ SECTION I. Introduction of Bells into Churches. Early Modes of Calling to Prayer. Bells in Saxon England. S. Dunstan and Lanfranc on Bell-ringing. Early Bell-founders and Bell-founding. Benediction of Bells. Early Bells, what they tell : Bedfordshire Examples. Bell-ringing in Medieeval Times. Changes in connection with the Inscriptions and Ornamentation of Bells after the Reformation. Com- mission of 2 Ed. VL as to Church Furniture. Certificate relating to Colleges, Chantries, &c., in Bed- fordshire in 1549. Commission of 6 Ed. VI., copy of: Its Action in Bedfordshire, with Examples. Commission of 7 Ed. VI. Bell-metal, what became of it. Original Documents relating to Bedford- shire Bell-metal, and the Bells and Lead of Religious Houses in the County. Original records quoted relating to Bell-metal removed from Bedfordshire. Proclamation of Elizabeth against the throwing down of Bells. Comparison between the Number of Bells in Bedfordshire te7np. Ed. VI. and the Present Time. Causes of Destruction of Ancient Bells : Bedfordshire Examples. Ringing, Love of English for. Early Cultivation of in Bedfordshire. Oliver Palmer and "his sons :" "Epi- grame to Bedford Ringers " (1655). " An Exastick" presented to Mr. Palmer, and other quaint verses. John Bunyan, and other Lovers of Bells in Bedfordshire in the 17th and i8th centuries. Poem by the Rev. Samuel Rogers, of Chellington. Decline of Ringing; consequent neglect of Bells. Recent revival of Change-ringing, and formation of Bedfordshire Association of Change-ringers. Peculiar Us« Parish Registers! ing for Divine S( various Uses in '. different Parishc rung, popular E ancient Use, wi different Modes Burial Peals and Commemorative Bell, or Ting-tan how used. Agnt Lych-bell. The Daily Bells. T Peals. Easter Lenten Ringing, Dedication Pea Restoration Peal or Common-bei: Belfry Reform Latin Inscri being known) b The InscriR -3p SC ''pQ "S NEtr h t^t (^66^ It ®' HIS Work fu principal hist Cross from t succinct desc disputed question of fabric itself; and frci given. The Work is il specially made for thi taken from interestin the remaining Illustr: which it is believed accompanied by a dc the surroundinijs and Cf)f ^bbi folio size, tastefully pi restricted to One Hui at 1 2s. 6d. each ; tlust *j* As so ft intending Subscribe order to avoid disc SECTION V. ing for Divine Service in Mediseval Times. Canonical Hours. Bells rung by the Deacons. Present various Uses in Bedfordshire. Early Sunday Peals, Survivals of Canonical Hours, how rung in the different Parishes. The Sermon-bell, ancient and present Customs. Sunday mid-day Peals, how run^, popular Explanations of; Pudding Bell; Potato Bell; Knolling of the Aves. Passing-betl, ancient Use, with curious Examples. Meaning of Tolls at end, general Custom, nearly thirty different Modes in Bedfordshire explained. The Death-knell explained, traces in Bedfordshire. Burial Peals ancient and modem, Bedfordshire Examples. Peals after Funeral. Obit or Year-mmd. Commemorative Peals. Sanctus-bell, what, how used ; ancient Examples in Bedfordshire. Priests' Bell, or Ting-tang, how used. 'Tanlony-bell. Anthem-bell. Sacring-bell, Bedfordshire Examples : how used. Agnus-bell. Hand-bells, how used, Bedfordshire Examples. Houselling-bell. Corse or Lych-bell. The Curfew. Early Morning-bell ; e&r\y An^eius ; Gabriel Bells; how now rung. Other Daily Bells. The Shrive or Pancake Bell, ancient and present Use. Advent Ringing. Christmas Peals. Easter Day. The Epiphany. Ascension Day, Whit Sunday. Lady-day. Tnnity Sunday. Lenten Ringing. Good Friday Use. New Year's Eve and Day. S. Hugh's Day. Queen's Day. Dedication Peals. Banns' Peals. Wedding Peals. Bride's Peal. Fair Peals. The Oven-bell. Restoration Peals. Gleaning-bell. Execution-bell. Fire-bell. Gunpowder Plot. Market-bell. Mote or Common-bell. Vestry-bell. Induction-bell. Mayors' Peals. Public Rejoicings. Loyal Peals. Belfry Reform. Ringing-chamber: proper care of BeUs. SECTION VI. vith Translations. A Table (the diameter SECTION VII. The Inscriptions, with the Founders' Initial Crosses and other Stamps, on the Church Bells' of Bedfordshire, 565 in number, from Rubbings and Casts taken specially for this work ; the Measure- ment of each Bell, by which its Weight can be ascertained ; to which will be added Notes on Local Traditions, numerous Notices of the Donors, &c,, of Bells, and copious Extracts from Parochial and Public Records. Full Indices, Lists of Subscribers, Helpers, S:c., will be given. FORM OF ORDER, Mr. ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, London, E.G. Please enter my name as a Subscriber to the " Church Bells of Bedfordshire," as described in the foregoing Prospectus, price and forward _,cop,„,.. „to me on _ _ *paper bound in _. Name „^ A ddress ^ , !__ [p.T.o. NEW WORK ON WALTHAM ABBEY. t^i, (^66eg of tDaf^pam f ofg Croae: Its History and Architecture. by edward h. buckler. HIS Work furnishes in a concise but comprehensive form an account of the principal historic events" connected with the Abbey Church of Waltham Holy \J^ Cross from the earliest times, derived from original succinct description of its most interesting architectural feati disputed question of the age of the building is discussed from the fabric itself; and fresh light, it is believed, is thrown on the subject given. The Work is illustrated by Twenty Drawings on Six Plates, which have been specially made for this work by the Author. Of these, the views have been purposely taken from interesting points of observation which have r ' ' " ' the remaining Illustrations represent objects of interest in c which it is believed have never been illustrated before, accompanied by a descriptive text, which gives much curio the surroundings and associations of the Abbey. Ct)C ^bllCP of Siaaaltfiam i^OlB CTrOfiS is published in large folio size, tastefully printed in antique style, and handsomely bound. The Edition is restricted to One Hundred and Fifty Copies, and will be supplied only to Subscribers at I2S. 6d. each ; tliese have all been appropriated but about 25 Copies. *^* As so few reynain unappropriated, the Publisher regtiesis i/iat intending Subscribers will send their names to him as early as possible, in order to avoid disappointment. es, in which the Lfidences of the I the particulars t hitherto been selected ; nnection with the Abbey These Illustrations are i information concerning FORM OF ORDER. Mr. ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, London, E.C. Please send meaCopy of'CflE at)6r!)0f JK!9alt6am JftOlH Cross,' by Mr. BUCKLER, price I2s. 6d., as de- scribed in ttie foregoing Prospectus. Na»:e ^07?^ ON IFALTHAM ABBEY. The bool thick p^per, illu charged Tw..v,^ Of "^(^U^Xi^ gofg CrO00 1 History and Architecture. BY EDWARD H. BUCKLER. Only 2^'i which a few co and rough edgeig to which TwEN' with rough edg selection of the * be £\ ys. 6d. e As these are requested tc annexed form, imishes in a concise but comprehensive form an account of the 1 1 1 • oric events connected with the Abbey Church of Waltham Holy ^ 'he earliest times, derived from original sources, as well as a It may tiption of its most interesting architectural features, in which the the age of the building is discussed from the evidences of the series are now ■^ ^j^j^^.^ -^ j^ believed, is thrown on the subject in the particulars siderably advanc lustrated by Twenty Drawings on Six Plates, which have been ^>J^^^'^^^s work by the Author. Of these, the views have been purposely „ ^ points of observation which have not hitherto been selected ; itions represent objects of interest in connection with the Abbey have never been illustrated before. These Illustrations are ■^J3X\1 scriptive text, which gives much curious information concerning associations of the Abbey. JB Of 2lBalt1)am f^Olg atrO$0 is published in large •inted in antique style, and handsomely bound. The Edition is idred and Fifty Copies, and will be supplied only to Subscribers ' have all been appropriated but about 25 Copies. » Introduction of Be W^*^ Bells^^^Eily^Belir," ^^£^ remain unappropriated, the Publisher requests that Changes in connections^ 2£/z7/ seud their names to him as early as possible, in mission of 2 Ed. VI. a , , • - , fordshirein 1549. Q^pp Ointment. Commission of 7 Ed. shire Bell-metal, and quoted relating to Be throwing down of Bel and the Present Time.' Love of English for. grame to Bedford Rin< \ John Bunyan, and otl the Rev. Samuel Roge 0_ revival of Change-rmg PQRM OF ORDER. m UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. I^^H cc North - 212 The church bells BUNSl of Bedfordshire. 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