Stalbridge Parish Church
The clock was fitted with the chime mechanism and carillon by Burden Brothers of Salisbury in 1896. The clock itself had been presented by the Reverend L.C.Powys during his incumbency, 1837-1867.
It is most likely the largest and most complicated clock that Burden Brothers ever manufactured and is the best example of their work. It is a very unusual design for tower clocks, because the chime system machine is mounted on the top of the clock movement. Usually the carillon is mounted separately from the clock movement.
The carillon plays seven hymn tunes, one every three hours and automatically changes to a new tune each day.
The carillon was probably stopped at the same time as the bells at the outbreak of war in 1939 when church bells were only to be used as a warning of an invasion. The carillon remained silent until 1999. Following local interest and fund-raising, the carillon was restored to working order.
The Archdeacon of Dorset, the Venerable Alistair Magowan re-dedicated the carillon on 19 November 2000.
(From the Parish Magazine. June 1896)
‘We had on May 6th a meeting of the Chimes Committee, but it was not well attended. The order for the work to be done was entrusted to Mr W.Burden of Salisbury, whose references were exceedingly good.’
The seven tunes decided were:
Easter Hymn 1
Lead kindly light
Lord dismiss us
We love the place
O Praise ye the Lord
Rock of Ages
Abide with me