Stalbridge Parish Church
The ring of six bells are rung for the main
morning service each Sunday. The ringing team practices on Fridays at 7.15pm. In
2002, four younger members of the church learnt to ring and now are part of the
ringing team. In 2003, one adult and two younger members are learning and will
join the ringing team when they are ready. It is hoped to re-start ringing for
the Sunday evening service.
The ringing team has
a few social events through the year: summer barbecue and winter skittles.
If you would like to
have a try, you will be welcome to the ringing chamber on a Friday evening.
And here’s what you
could be ringing.
The Treble bell weighs 5 cwt 3qrs
19lbs and is 2'6" in diameter. It was cast in 1868 and recast in 1926 by
Mears and Stainbank of London. It is tuned to C. It bears the inscription:
E.S.Merriman. MA.
Rector. V.G. Kennard. G.E.Prideaux
Churchwardens.
The Second bell weighs 6 cwt 0qrs
7lbs and is 2'8" in diameter. It was cast in 1649 by Thomas Purdue of
Closworth. It is tuned to Bb. It is inscribed:
W.D. R.G. T.P.
followed by Prince of Wales feathers.
Anno Domini 1649
(The
R and G are inverted)
The Third bell weighs 7 cwt 1qrs
0lbs and is 2'11" in diameter. It is tuned to Ab. It was cast
in 1868 by John Warner and Sons of Cripplegate. It has the inscription:
T.T.Perowne. Rector.
R.A.Barrow. C.White. Churchwardens.
The Fourth bell weighs 10 cwt 1qrs
10lbs and is 3'2" in diameter. It is tuned to G. It was cast in 1874 by
John Warner and Sons of Cripplegate. It is inscribed:
Revd.T.T.Perowne Bd
Rector. W.Taylor. R.A.Barrow.
Churchwardens
On one side the Royal Coat of Arms, A Garter Belt with
the words ‘Dieu et mon Droit’.
The Fifth bell weighs 13 cwt 2qrs
1lbs and is 3'6" in diameter. It is tuned to F. It was cast in 1790 by
Thos and James Bilbie of Chewstoke. It bears the inscription:
Mr
Robert James. Gent. Thos Bartlett & Wardens.
God save the King and prosper this town, to keep the
Democrats down. To effect it ye Britons be firm in the cause
in supporting our King, Constitution and Laws. Amen.
The Tenor bell weighs 17 cwt 3qrs
10lbs and is 3'11" in diameter. It is tuned to Eb. It was cast
in 1779 by William Bilbie of Chewstoke. It is inscribed:
Stephen James and
John Lewis. Churchwardens.
To the living call. To the grave doth summon all.
Some
restoration to the bells was carried out in 1926 In November 1995 one of the
bells broke away from its fittings and when an inspection was carried out it
was found that major work was required. The estimate was £15,000. An appeal was
launched to raise the money. The necessary was raised from various events,
charities and a considerable proportion from the residents of Stalbridge. A
gift was received from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.