The Bells of Saint Mary's

To hear Saint Mary's bells ringing 'Cambridge Royal '  -  ding the bell  → ( 167 kb wav  file)

The church tower was completed in 1478 and the first mention of bells was in the inventory taken in 1552 when there were five bells and a Sanctus bell in the tower. A new frame was installed for these bells in 1550. In 1602 Richard Holdfield of Cambridge recast at least three of these bells. John Darbie of Ipswich recast the tenor bell in 1682. The fourth bell of the five fell down in 1772 and was recast at the Whitechapel bell foundry in 1773. On the installation of the clock by Thwaites and Reed of Clerkenwell in 1800, a clock bell, cast by Thomas Mears was installed. This remains and is now the oldest bell in the tower. A sixth bell was added in 1806, also cast by Thomas Mears. With the exception of this sixth bell, all the old bells were recast by Mears and Stainbank in 1872; the tenor bell had been cracked since 1863 and was not in use. In 1895 Mears and Stainbank cast two smaller bells to complete the octave and in 1902 John Warner added two further bells to make the present ring of ten bells and recast the 1872 tenor bell. At this time the bells were rehung with completely new fittings in a new composite framework of cast iron frame sides and wooden sills.

In 1967 the bells were rehung on ball bearings in the old framework but all the other fittings, consisting of the wheels and wooden headstocks, on which the bells are bolted, were reused. This work, including the recasting of the fourth bell which was found to be cracked, was carried out by John Taylor & Co. of Loughborough. As most of our ring of bells was cast in the Victorian era of mass produced and uninspiring bells, it was hoped to have a new ring of bells at this time so as to provide us with the best possible and truly musical peal to compliment our truly magnificent fifteenth century tower.

 Most of the fittings and the framework are now in excess of 100 years old. They are coming to the end of their life and are making the bells difficult to ring. We have had a report from a company of engineers and bell hangers that says the framework may be causing damage to the fabric of the tower because of movement between the cast iron frame sides and the timber sills and the poor design of the framework. It is clear that the time has come for something to be done if there is to be a long term future for the ringing at St. Mary's.

We have an active band of ringers and a ringing school which has been in operation for over ten years. Some of the members of our band are finding it increasingly difficult to ring the bells and the condition of the bells can only deteriorate as time goes by, with the possibility that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to teach new ringers.

 The ringers are of the opinion that the opportunity to have a new peal of bells should not be missed this time. This will provide a ring of bells worthy of our Grade 1 listed tower.  If we decide to replace the bell frame and have a new peal of bells, the project would not be subject to V.A.T. which would otherwise amount to the cost of a new bell frame. If we have a new peal of bells we would, in effect, not have to pay for a new bell frame. It is not possible to repair or renovate the existing 100 year old fittings and these will have to be replaced.

 Projects of this kind, where new bells are cast, provide the opportunity for the donation of bells. These can be in memory of a loved one, in thanksgiving for a particular occasion or anniversary or as a corporate donation. In these circumstances, the names of the donors and a suitable inscription can be cast in the bell and the donors can visit the foundry to see the bells cast. Traditionally, new bells are blessed before being hoisted into the tower, so they will be on display in church for all to see. Names of donors would also be recorded in the church.

 The cost of this undertaking, with an expected completion date for the project within, say, the next 2 years, allowing for increases in price, would be about £110,000. The individual costs and weights of the new bells, including the fittings and framework, would be approximately:­
 

Before the order can be placed at the bell foundry, we would need to be sure that we will have sufficient donors to pay for the new bells. If you would like to donate a bell, either individually or together with others, please contact the Tower Captain: David Sloman on Tel: UK - 01702 545568, or email david@sloman7951.freeserve.co.uk.
At this stage it is not necessary to give the donation, only a pledge or promise to do so when it is needed.

This is a very exciting project and will ensure that the bells of Saint Mary's will ring out for the 21^st century and beyond.