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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS
IN ENGLAND;
Their Inscriptions, Founders' Trade Marks, and
Measurciiicnts,
Together whh some Notice of the Early Bell Founders.

E. ANDREWS DOWN MAN, priest,
Author of "The History of Bolsover," "English Pottery and
Porcelain " (New Issue), etc.

Special Edition (2nd) for Foreign Libraries
LIMITED TO Twenty Copies.

Issued Privately by the AnTHOR,
Laindon, Essex, England.
1899.

^0 Iff
F. (hnclAeuy^ l2i CHirnnmCi'^

LIBRARIES SUBSCRIBING :—
.Berlin, Konigl. Bibliothek.
Christiania, Universitets-Bibliotheket.
Gand, Bibliotheque De L'Universite De L'Etat.
Gottingen, Konigl. Universitats-Bibliothek.
Harvard, U.S.A., College Library.
Heidelberg, Grossh. Universitats-Bibliothek.
Jena, Universitats-Bibliothek.
Leipzig, Universitats-Bibliothek.
Napoli, Biblioteca Nazionale.
New York, U.S.A., Public Library.
Paris, Bibliotheque Nationale.
Strassburg, Kais. Universitats-u-Landes Bibliothek.
Wien, Konigl. Bibliothek.
1^ Yale, U.S.A., University Library.
Zurich, Schweizerisches Landesmuseum.
Author's Copy.
Four copies reserved for Libraries applying late.

This Book is
Dedicated to the Most Learned
AND Ancient
University of Oxford,
BY permission
OF the Hebdomadal Council.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The Object of this Work . .
Bells difficult of access
The Rubbing of Bell Inscriptions . .
Campanologists and their Works
Works upon Church Bells, and where to be
found
Vesper or Curfew Bell
The ]\L\king of Bells
On Inscriptions —
Inscriptions from the Sacred Writings
Requests for the prayers of the Saints
Long Inscriptions and their Translation
Inscriptions containing Names of the Donors
Inscriptions containing Names of Bell Founders
Inscriptions in English
Sample of Modern Inscriptions
Medieval Dated Bells —
English . .
Continental
Ancient Bells bearing no Inscription or
Mark . .

page. 57
9
IO
i8
22
24272727
28
32
3537
39
4042

Founders and thetr Bells still remaining —

Small Wheel Mark

45

William ffoundor . .

47

William. Underhiir

50

Henry Jordan

.. 63

John Danyell

.. 69

Stephen Norton . .

.. 78

John Langhorne . .

.. 83

preface.
were considered a means of devotion, and the prayers of
the faithful ascended to Heaven with their ringing.
I can picture the devout among the Pleshey people at
the sound of the Lady bell repeating their " Ora Mente
Pia Pro Nobis Virgo Maria " (" O Mary, Virgin, pray for
us out of thy piety"), and breathing forth their praise
<" laus ") at the sound of the Thomas bell. The ringing
of the various bells would not so much call them to
service, as recall them to devotion: those who could
would gather at the ringing round the altar of God;
those who were unable to leave their homes would still
breathe forth their prayer or praise.
The Mass bell tolls in many a parish every Sabbath
morning at 8 a.m., and has done for hundreds of years,
though till of late again neither priest nor people heeded
it ; the Gabriel bells here and there (as at Belton,
Rutlandshire) still chime forth daily at noon for the
faithful to echo the words sent from God, " Ave, Maria."
At many a church the Vesper bell (commonly named
the Curfew), calls as of old the believers to evening
prayer or song. These bells, which have been rung daily
for 400 or more years, show the continuity of the Catholic
Church, and that the English Church is no i6th century
foundation, as some thoughtlessly believe.
I have often been surprised when looking through
•articles in various magazines, histories, and directories,
to find no mention of the belL, especially when the Church
described has perhaps an interesting 13th or 14th century
bell. Many a time clergy have shown me the antiquities
•of their Churches, but I never remember any priest
pointing out to me an ancient bell. I once discovered an
¦old bell at Halstead, Essex, through one of the county
directories, stating that there were six bells in the tower,
tut only describing the five which were modern, passing

PREFACE.
'Over the only bell worth mentioning, which bell I climbed
the tower to examine, and found to be of mediaeval times.
I am issuing this work in the hope that it will awaken
interest among the clergy and others in the subject of
campanology. The ringing of bells has for a long time had its followers,
but the history of the bells they ring has apparently no
interest for change ringers. I believe ringing chambers
are in a more orderly state now, than they were a few
jears ago ; but oh, the belfries and the steps leading to
them, their dust, birds' nests, and general filth, and where
the bells are not rung, the rottenness of the wood work 1
Of all the neglected belfries I have visited, that of West
minster Abbey in 1890, was about the worst. (I wrote to
the Dean about it afterwards, and though he never
answered my letter, I trust an alteration was made.) If
the clergy would take a little more pride in their bells, and
the Rural Deans would include belfrys in their visitations,
an improvement might be hoped for.
Thanks are due, and I give them most gladly to my old
friend, Percy J. Heather, who has kindly taken rubbings of
bells for me, etc. ; my old friend and brother priest Charles
W. Howis ; also to Dr. J. J. Raven and Miss Whitehead
{daughter of the Cumberland campanologist) for loan of
rubbings ; Hy. Jenner, (British Museum) ; Charles Welsh,
{Guildhall Museum); J. Potter Briscoe, (Nottingham
Library) ; E. A. Fitch, F.L.S. ; and the Librarians of
the British Museum, Manchester, Liverpool, and
Birmingham for help among books in their several
libraries; also to Robert Hart, D. S. Ingrams, T. H. R.
Shand, priests, for kind help in small matters, as well as to
W. P. W. Phillimore for help on Nottinghamshire bells.
WicKFORD, Essex. E. A. D.
• Epiphany, 1897.

THE OBJECT OF THIS WORK.
A FAIRLY complete list of works issued upon the subject
of church bells will be found later on, from which it will
be gathered that various counties have been searched, and
the results published according to those counties, in most
cases in a special work, but in some as yet only in
archaeological journals.
In all these instances all the bells of the county have
been given, both ancient and modern. Hence, up to the
present, anyone desirous of knowing to what extent
ancient bells still remain in England, the number of bell
foundries and their importance, must, as the author has
done, wade through the numerous books, search the
archaeological journals, besides for new matter upon the
subject, to climb belfry after belfry in unsearched or
Tinpublished counties. In dealing with the books, the
student must turn from one page where the inscription is,
to another where the stamps are, and is seldom even
referred to the page, but must hunt for the illustration or
illustrations. The author of this work has endeavoured to collect
together all the bells of each make, arranged according to
their trade marks or foundry stamps. A great number of
bells have been reserved for a second work, this work
chiefly dealing with bells found round London, taking in
also other foundries of which there has been discovered
almost the complete list of remains. 5

ancient church bells.
Of course there will be probably many bells that ought
to be added to these lists, that remain in those counties-
as yet unsearched, but this would necessitate a long delay.
The author will welcome any addition to his lists if any
old or newer campanologists will be kind enough to send
them, or to receive corrections and diameters where;
wanting.

BELLS DIFFICULT OF ACCESS.
Probably one reason why bells are so little examined is,
that they are seldom easy of access. Even where there is
a regular stairway, the staircase is generally more or less
dark, and perhaps the steps worn ; and when the bell
chamber is reached, the framework of the bells is
necessarily so closely fitted together, that a good deal of
climbing about is needed to examine the bells.
But often there is no ordinary means of access, and
campanologists have to borrow a ladder from a neighbour
ing farm, and when they have reached the first stage,
sometimes to draw up the ladder after them to work the
next stage. Rotten ladders fixed straight against the wall
are not inviting to those who value life and limb.
The following churches have peculiar forms of ladders,
etc. : — Ealing S. Mary, Middlesex ; Clewer Parish Church,
Berkshire ; Laindon, Essex ; Writtle, Essex ; Folkestone
S. Mary, Kent ; Gt. Dunmow, Essex ; S. Hanningfield,
Essex ; Quatford and Ditton Priors in Shropshire, etc.
It is to be hoped that the belfry keys of Hemel Hemp
stead Church have been found. When the author of this
,.humble work endeavoured to obtain them in 1890, he was
sent from the vicarage to the new clerk, old clerk, bell
ringer, clock winder, and back again to the vicarage, but
no one owned to having them in possession ; so a journey
of many miles was made in vain.
Again, there are some bells that can only be reached
with great labour, if at all ; such as the bell hanging on
7

ancient church bells.
the outside of the spire at Braintree, Essex ; and the bell
of the most interesting mediaeval mud church of Black-
chapel in the same county, which is closely encased in
wood work; or Southampton S. JuHen. Belfries are
frequently very dark, and if visited on a draughty day,
great difficulty is experienced in obtaining a light.
In one or two places it has been impossible to rub, or
even see portions of the inscription or marks, as at Leaden
Roothing, Essex.

THE RUBBINGS OF BELL
INSCRIPTIONS.
The butt end of a cedar pencil rubbed carefully but
firmly over some strips of strong paper, produces a good
impression of the inscription and stamps. The strips
should be cut into lengths of about eighteen inches, and
four or five inches in width, for convenience of holding
the same over the bell ; these should be joined together
afterwards, each piece being labelled with the name of the
church and diameter of the bell, and the date when such
rubbing was made. Butter paper, such as is used by
provision dealers, forms a good rubbing material:* or
better still, a tough hand made paper. The three things
to be noticed are : (1) The inscription, wording and
lettering. (2) Every cross, shield, stop or other mark.
(3) The diameter at the mouth.
* Which should be crumpled first to render less brittle.

CAMPANOLOGISTS AND THEIR
WORKS.
W. C. LUKIS.— The honour of having been the
first English author upon the subject of bells, from the
antiquarian's point of view, must be given to William C.
Lukis, Priest, and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.
He, after much time devoted to the study, read a paper
before the general meeting of the Wiltshire Archagological
and Natural History Society, held in Salisbury, 1854 ;
this paper was printed in the Society's magazine, and in
1857 was published in book form, much enlarged, entitled
" An Account of Church Bells, etc." Unfortunately
however, William Lukis worked from the least important
feature of campanology, if perhaps the inost interesting to
the ordinary reader, namely, from the inscriptions. In
dealing with the more recent bells, Lukis recognised the
importance of any signs of the makers, who always, or
nearly alvi^ays, placing their own names upon the bells sent
forth from their foundries, with the year in which they
were made, needed no further trade mark ; but he over
looked the importance of the trade marks or stamps used
in the brighter ages, when the Christian bell founders
forgot to placard their own name, or give the date in
which they lived, in their devotion to their God and His
blessed saints. Lukis states in his preface : — " The
following account has been drawn up almost exclusively
from bell inscriptions ; it will be readily admitted that the
same method applied to mediaeval bells will produce a like,
and a better and more interesting result." Lukis does
mention that a careful examination of devices, shields, etc.,
Ib

ancient church bells.
will " help to elucidate " the history of bells, but he would
depend mainly on the inscriptions. No doubt had there
been nothing else than the inscriptions and their lettering,
something might still have been done, but as will be seen
below, many inscriptions such as ?* §it jlomett Jiomtnt
iSeneUtctum,** and ««Sancta Matttinsi ©ra i|ro
^Obi&f** are common to many foundries ; and as to the.
lettering, unless the bell founders were also type founders,
the same cast of type might have been supplied to more
than one foundry. Or granting that each foundry had
its special type, at the failure of that foundry, the type
would be readily sold and used by another founder, who
would probably prefer his own trade marks.
Taking this line, William Lukis, although he mentions
the bells of some hundreds of parishes in various parts of
England, Wiltshire in particular, and among them a fair
number of mediaeval ones, except in a few odd instances,
does not describe or illustrate the foundry stamps..
Dealing especially with the Wiltshire churches, he notices.
fifty-nine ancient bells, and gives the inscriptions found
upon the same, but shows the marks upon five bells only,
and these imperfectly, and omits the diameters and other
measurements entirely. Hence the whole of Wiltshire
must be re-visited, or at least all those churches where old
bells are said to exist, and rubbings taken of the same,,
that correct information may be had.
How far Lukis may be trusted even in the inscriptions
may be gathered from the comparison below : —
Hemel Hempstead, Herts.—** + UattUaU JBOtnttl **—
W. C. Lukis.,
?*lati)lrate Y Doimni*'— t. North.
(The author on a special visit to verify could not obtain the keys.)
II

ancient church bells.
Cambridge s. Botoiph.— ** + Homeit iHaflOaljnc catttpaiia
a&ttit weloat^**— W. C. Lukis.
** Jtomen maglsaltne (STampana
©ferit MtloUit**—]. J. Raven.
S. Alban's Clock Tower,— **j!aemt0e( CCU& tiafiCO notnen
Herts. ©afirirtW"— W. C. Lukis.
©afirielie '*— E. A. Downman.
This last (S. Alban) the author has copied from a
rubbing taken by himself, with whom North and
Stahlschmidt agree.
In fact in almost all cases where Lukis gives inscriptions
also given by other campanologists, he gives diverse
spellings which in most cases are incorrect, small letters
where capitals exist, etc. This is a great disappointment ;
a few mistakes would be excusable, owing to the difficulty
of the work, but not so many.
A. DANIEL TYSSEN.— After Lukis, Amhurst D.
Tyssen has the honour as a campanological author ; he
produced the " Church Bells of Sussex " in 1864. Tyssen
gives more information than his predecessor, and most of
his inscriptions may be taken as correct ; he does not,
however, give the measurements. As to stamps, Tyssen
does better, though by no means as well as could be
wished. There seems to have been in contemplation a
work upon the bells of Kent, for in Volume II. of the
" Archaeologia Cantiana " (1859), information is asked
concerning the Kent bells by one J. R. Daniel Tyssen ;
this Tyssen may have been working on his own account,
or for A. D. Tyssen, but nothing seems to have been
published by them. 12

ancient church bells.
J. J. RAVEN, D.D., Priest.— The next in order to
publish matter upon the archaeology of bells was John J.
Raven, who in 1869 issued the " Church Bells of
Cambridgeshire ; " re-issued as a second edition and
greatly improved in the year 1881. The inscriptions here
are trustworthy, certainly in most cases ; the stamps are
as a rule given and may also be trusted ; the diameters
are unfortunately here also missing. Although one of the
earliest writers upon bells. Dr. Raven is also one of the
latest, the last work of any importance upon campanology
being by him, namely, the " Church Bells of Suffolk."
Many thanks are due to him for his exertions and the gift
to the world of the result of his labours. A book dealing
with so many bells and belfrys as exist in Suffolk is a
large undertaking. The inscriptions are mostly correct,
and so are those marks which are shown, but some marks
are rather taken for granted as existing than so stated,
and some are neither given at all, nor is any clue to be
found as to what they are, but there was some difficulty
in the way in each case. Perhaps the Doctor will treat
us to a second edition of his " Suffolk Bells " some day,
with full marks and measurements.
LLEWELLYN JEWITT.— Beginning wfth the year
1872, Llewellyn Jewitt wrote some articles upon the bells
of Derbyshire for the Reliquary, not completing the
whole county apparently. The inscriptions cannot quite
be trusted, the marks are not all given, neither are the
diameters noticed ; still he has produced a fair work ; and
J. C. Cox, priest, has also done something on Derbyshire
bells, but a complete book upon the church bells of
Derbyshire would be welcome.
H. T. ELLACOMBE, Priest. — We have now to deal
with one of the most enthusiastic of antiquarian campan-
13

ancient church bells.
ologists, H. T. EUacombe in 1872 issued the " Church
Bells of Devon," in 1874 a pamphlet upon the bells of
Exeter Cathedral, in 1875 the "Church Bells of Somerset,"
and in 1881 the "Church Bells of Gloucestershire."
These three counties formed a large hunting ground for
bells. Here it may be noticed that EUacombe left the
rubbings he had taken and his correspondence upon
campanology to the British Museum, where they may be
found in the Department of MSS., the press marks being
*' Add. 33,202 — 33,206." The inscriptions, stamps and
diameters are on the whole highly satisfactory in all the
three counties, and well has this priest been called the
" Father of Campanologists."
J. L' ESTRANGE.— Following the example of earlier
campanologists, in 1874 J. L'Estrange pubHshed to the
world the results of his la:bours upon Norfolk bells, which
on the whole are very satisfactory, the inscriptions seem
mostly correct, most of the marks are given, though some
are missing, but the measurements are wanting. The
large majority of the bells he found to have issued from
two foundries.
THOMAS NORTH, F.S.A.— Next perhaps to Ella-
combe, Thomas North is entitled to the highest honours
for his labours, and for publishing the result of the same.
His works are as follows : — 1876, " Church Bells of
Leicestershire ; " 1878, " Church Bells of Northampton
shire ; " 1880, "Church BeUs of Rutland;" 1882,
" Church BeUs of Lincolnshire ; " 1883, " Church BeUs
of Bedfordshire;" besides which he prepared the "Church
BeUs of Hertfordshire," which after his death was
published by Stahlschmidt. North is certainly the most
satisfactory writer upon the subject, his inscriptions may
be taken as correct, the stamps are practicaUy in all cases
14

ancient church bells.
given, and so are the diameters ; his books also were
issued in a handy form.
J. C. COX, Priest, F.S.A., LL.D.— The next writer
touching the subject of bells is J. Charles Cox, who in
1877 pubUshed the " Churches of Derbyshire," in which
is given a description of the bells of that county.
E. H. W. DUNKIN.— About this time much was
done and much published upon the subject of bells, almost
every year a fresh work being brought out, and so in 1878
E. H. W. Dunkin published matter upon the church bells
of Cornwall. The county rich in other antiquities is not
rich in ancient bells, but what Dunkin has given us may
be considered satisfactory.
H. T. TILLEY, Priest.— The West Midlands of
England have been rather neglected, but Henry T. Tilley
has visited a considerable portion of Warwickshire, and
in 1882 published a small pamphlet upon the bells of
Warwickshire, but the subject is only slightly touched
upon, and only a few bells with their inscriptions and
marks given. It is to be hoped that such an able
campanologist will see his way to publish the bells of
Warwickshire in a complete form.
J. POTTER BRISCOE.— A smaU book touching
slightly upon ancient bells and their marks was published
in 1883 by J. Potter Briscoe, librarian of the Nottingham
Free Public Libraries.
J. C. L. STAHLSCHMIDT. — A short lived but
enthusiastic campanologist was J. C. L. Stahlschmidt.
He took up the subject rather to search for the founders
than for their works, and has brought to light from various
hidden stores of MSS., etc., in the City of London, much
information which wUl be of greater use when more has
15

ANCIENT church BELLS.
been done in other ways for the study. Stahlschmidt alsa
did a good deal of bell hunting, chiefly in Kent and
Surrey. He published the result of his city labours and ,
bell hunting in Surrey in the year 1884, entitled " Surrey
BeUs and London BeU Founders." In 1886 he completed
and issued Thomas North's work upon the "Church
Bells of Hertfordshire," and the following year (1887)
Stahlschmidt published the " Church Bells of Kent,"
which work had been contemplated thirty years earlier by
one of the Tyssens. Stahlschmidt's works may be con
sidered as models for correctness in inscriptions, marks
and measurements, though the latter have to be calculated
from the treble and tenor.
H. WHITEHEAD, Priest.— No large or perfect book
has been published upon any of the counties included in
the Province of York, but some odd information has been
supplied upon certain portions of various counties. For
instance, H. Whitehead published in 1886 and foUowing
years some small pamphlets upon the Cumberland church
bells, but complete books upon the church bells of
Cumberland and other northern counties have yet to be
drawn up.
ROBERT BLAIR, F.S.A., reported at various meetings
of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-on-Tyne,
discoveries made chiefly in Northumberland and Durham
of ancient beUs, which have been entered in their
Proceedings for the years 1887 onward. In most cases
the marks are not given. The notes thus made are very
difficult to find, being not only scattered throughout
several volumes, but owing to the small size and thickness
of the books, not very ready to the hand.
C. LYNAM.— A very large and unwieldy book was
16

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS,
published in i88g, " The Church Bells of Staffordshire,"
from which it is not easy to gather correct information ;
North's and Stahlschmidt's good example might well have
been foUowed by Lynam, the author. StiU, thanks are
due to his energies and labours among the bells, and for the
putting forth the same. Unfortunately Lynam had not
many mediaeval bells in Staffordshire to encourage him in
his work, and a bell hunter needs much encouragement.
C. DEEDES, Priest, and E. J. WELLS commenced
in 1892 to publish occasionally matter upon the church
bells of Essex in the Essex Review. Practically the
only details given are the inscriptions, the marks in nearly
all cases for some reason or other being omitted; but,
happily, the measurements are shown. Hence campanolo
gists wishing for complete information upon Essex bells
must at present hunt for themselves in that county, which
is the more unfortunate as many of the bells are only
accessible with the greatest difficulty. The author
of this work, who has visited a considerable portion
of the Essex belfrys, will be happy to supply what
information he is able to any brother campanologist.
F. C. EELES has just about finished his work upon
the " Church and other Bells of Kincardineshire," which
should be out from the press before this work. This will
be the first book of its kind upon Scotch bells.
ALFRED HENEAGE COCKS, F.R.G.S., has for
some years been working upon the " Church Bells of
Buckinghamshire," which may shortly be issued, though
at a rather prohibitive price. The prospectus promises a
"most interesting and important work."
Most of the works published about bells were issued in
limited numbers, and are nov/ hardly ever to be bought
either new or second hand. 17

ANCIENT church BELLS.
WORKS UPON CHURCH BELLS IN THE VARIOUS CHIEF LIBRARIES,

County.

Author.

Title.

Date.

Where Published.

Size.

Wiltshire, etc.

Lukis, W. C. ...

Church BeUs, etc.

1857

London ...

8vo.

Sussex

Tyssen, A. D.

Church Bells of Sussex

1864

Lewes

8vo.

Cambridge shire

Raven, J. J. ...

Church Bells of
Cambridgeshire

1869

Lowestoft ...

8vo,

Derbyshire ...

Jewitt, LI.

Reliquary Vols. 13-17...

X872 etc.

Ellacombe,H.T.

Bells of the Church ...

1872

Devonshire ...
Ellacombe,H.T.
Church Bells of Devon
1872
Exeter
4to.
Devonshire ...
Ellacombe,H.T.
BellsofExeterCathedral
1874
4to.
Norfolk
L'Estrange, J.
Church Bells of Norfolk
1874
Norwich ...
Bvo,
Somerset
Ellacombe,H.T.
ChurchBells of Somerset
1875
Exeter
4ta.
Leicestershire
North, T.
Church Bells of
Leicestershire
1876
Derbyshire ...
Cox, J. C. ...
Churches of Derbyshire
1877
London and
Chesterfield
Cornwall
Dunkin,E.H.W.
ChurchBellsof Cornwall
1878
Northampton shire
North, T. ...
Church Bells of
Northamptonshire ...
1878
Rutland
North, T.
Church Bells of Rutland
1880
Leicester ...
4to.
Glo'stershire
Cambridge shire
EIlacombe,H.T.Raven, J. J. ...
Church Bells of
Gloucestershire
Church Bells of
Cambridgeshire
1881
1881
Exeter ...
Cambridge
4to.8vo.
Warwickshire
Tilley, H. T. ...
Church Belis of
Warwickshire
1882
Lincolnshire
North, T. ...
Church Bells of Lincoln
shire 
1882
Leicester ...
4to.
ANCIENT church BELLS.
ARRANGED ACCORDING TO DATE OF PUBLICATION, WITH PRESS MARKS.

British
Museum.

1400 I 33
7708 c 26
7896 aaa I

3477 e
3477 e
3477 e 2

Bodleian, Oxford.

University Library,
Camb'dge

3478 g 3
3478 1 5

3478 g 4

S 3
Oi o

ca
.-• a>
o

City of
London.

B 4 3
B 4 3

B 2 3
d I 3
a I 5
B 43
B 6 2
B 6 2
di S

Reference Library,
Birminghm.

a I 4

55624 50736
50506

81880 50507
50504
67502 13018

Central
Reference Library,
Manchester

789-5LI

388 G 26

13019
50505
67426

5152455364

Free Public
Library,
Liverpool.

D 373

388 G 27
388 G 24

702 D

388 G2S

D 678
D 906

F 470
D 1712
D 1596
F 978
D 1740

Free Public
Library,
Nottinghm.

K 19 4
K 19 4

F639

K 19 4

Remarks.

Stamps not
given.

K 19 4
K 19 4

K 19 4

19

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLSu
WORKS UPON CHURCH BELLS IN THE VARIOUS cHIBF LIBRARIES,

County.

Author.

Title.

Date.

Where Published.

size.

Lincolnshire

Briscoe, J. P. ...

Curiosities of the Belfry

1883

Bedfordshire

North, T. ...

ChurchBells of Bedford
shire 

1883

London ...

4to.

.Surrey

Stahlschmidt,; C

Surrey Bellsand London
Bell Founders

1884

London ...

4to.

Hertfordshire

North and
Stahlschmidt, J C

Church Bells of
Hertfordshire

1886

London

4to.

Cumberland

Whitehead, H.

Church Bells in
Cumberland 

1886

Kendal ...

8vo.

Durham

Blair, R.

Proceedings of Soc. of
Antiquaries, N ewcastle-
on-Tyne, Vols. 2-6 ...

1887 etc.

South Shields

8vo.

Kent 

Stahlschmidt, J C

Church Bells of Kent...

1887

London

4to.

Northumber land

Blair, R.

Proceedings of Soc. of
Antiquaries,Newcastle- on-Tyne, Vols, 2-6 ...

1887 etc.

South Shields

8vo.

Beamont, W. ...

A Chapter on Bells ...

1888

Warrington

8vo.

Stailordshire

Lynam, C.

Church Bells of Staffs.

1889

London

4to.

Suffolk

Raven, J. J. ...

Church Bells of Suffolk

1890

London

8vo.

Cheshire

Earwaker, J. P.

East Cheshire 

Lancashire ...
Church Bells 
Essex
Deedes& Wells
Essex Review 
1892 etc.
Chelmsford
8vo.
Kincardine shire
Walters, H. B.
Eeles, F. C. ...
Church Bells of
Gloucestershire
ChurchBells of Kincards.
1897
Bristol
Aberdeen ...
8vo. 8vo.
Buckingham shire
Cocks, A. H. ...
Church Bells of Bucks.
1897
London and
Norwich
8vo.
20
AliCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
ARRANGED ACCORDING TO DATE OF PUBLICATION, WITH PRESS MARKS.

British
Museum.

3478 g 5
3478 h 7

Ac 5675/2
3478 g 10
Ac 5675/2
3478 i I
3478 g 13

Bodleian, Oxford.

3478 g 20

University Library,
Camb'dzc

Oi o

V
Oi o

City of
London.

Reference Library,
Birminghm.

c 3 4
a I 5
d I 2
d I 2

d 2 3

a I 5
d 2 5
a I I

6505263000 7606286072

789 5 B I
388 G 23
388 G 28
388 G31

100575

Central
Reference Library,
Manchester

388 G 32

q 789-5 L

Free PubUc
Library,
Liverpool.

Free Public
Librar
Nottingl

F 713
F 667
F 1732

F 741

F 756

Press No.
not given.

Library, ghm.

K 19 4
K 19 4
K 19 4
K 19 4

K 19 4

Remarks.

21

VESPER OR CURFEW BELL.
During the ages of purer Christianity, and of simpler
¦devotion, it was the custom of the priest and people, rich
¦and poor, to meet at the churches daily, in the morning
to commemorate the One Great Sacrifice of Calvary, before
nightfall for Vespers, i.e., evening recitation of the Psalms
and Magnificat, and so one of the bells would ring to call
those who were able to assemble, and to remind others to
say an " Our Father " at home.
This bell was rung for many hundreds of years, not only
in the brighter ages of religion, but far into the dark ages
succeeding the unfortunate reign of Henry the Cruel (or
VIII.) In the darker ages of the 17th and i8th centuries,
when the love of many waxed cold, the daily Vespers was
left unsaid by both priest and people, though in some
places the bell was still rung, and is to the present day,
as for instance at : —
Bewdley, Shropshire. Hastings S. Clements.
Cheadle, Cheshire. Leicester.
Chertsey, Surrey. S. Margarets, Kent.
Conway, North Wales. Southampton Holy Rood.
Derby All Saints. Towcester, Northamptonshire
Durham. Warminster.
A few of the pious among the clergy, such as Charles
Simeon, Charles Lowder, etc., revived the Vesper Bell
and Vesper service, and in these last days of the 19th
century, the daily Vesper bell and service have become
almost universal. 22

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
The Curfew bell ordered by William I., to ring the
Saxon serf to bed as a sign of bondage, about the year
1070, was after iioo no longer required by law, but Vespers
closing the day of the working people, they voluntarily
regarded this bell as the " couvre-feu," hence this bell has
often been called the Curfew bell.
Sometimes it was the survival also of the Ave bell, at
the ringing of which those absent joined with those in
church, hailing the Mother of our Lord in the words of
Holy Scripture ; thus Stahlschmidt has found, and relates
how in 1538 the priest of Canterbury S. Peter was
prevented " tolling the Avie-hour in the said church after
the evening song done."

23

THE MAKING OF BELLS.
The object of this work is not to treat at any length upon
the art of bell founding, the metals from which they are
made, the acoustic property of bells, or of the science of
bell ringing.
But it may be here stated that bell-metal is an alloy of
copper and tin, and that the popular idea that silver
largely, or at all entered into the composition of early
bells, is without foundation ; much less that some bells-
were of pure silver, and it has been stated on good
authority that the " ring " of silver would be less than
that of copper.
For Method of casting and of tuning bells, see Lukis on-
Church Bells, pages 20-22.
Bell hanging, see Lukis on Church Bells, pages 22-28.
Bell ringing, see Wigram (W.) Change ringing diS'
entangled.

24

ON INSCRIPTIONS.
In the days when England was rightly called the Land of
the Saints, a donor or band of donors presenting a bell to
the church, it was generally given for the love of God :
afid so upon the bell was placed, either a short text out of
the Holy Writings (which have always been much loved and
reverenced by the Catholic Church) ; a request to some
departed soul for his or her helpful prayers for those still
fighting in the long warfare below ; or perhaps the bell,
like the church, was simply dedicated to the memory of
some patronal saint. In a few instances the names of the
donors appear, and then generally with a request for the
prayers of the faithful, living and departed, on behalf of
the souls of the benefactors.
Now and again the name of the founder occurs ; as
complete a list of such founders, as at present it is possible
to form, will be found below.
As a rule these mediseval bells have their inscriptions in
Latin, which was practically the only written language in
those days ; still now and again bells are discovered with
inscriptions in English, how few will be seen by a glance
at the list below. These English inscriptions are hardly
easier to understand than those in Latin.
The saints to whom the English people have had the
greatest devotion seem to have been. Our Blessed Lady,
S. John, S. Katherine, and S. Margaret. The inscriptions
used by the various founders have been so arranged here
that those most frequently used appear first. S. Augus
tine's name occurs a fair number of times, probably that
25

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Augustine who was apostle to England. S. Botoiph also
has a fair number of bells dedicated to his honour.
S. Katherine seems to have been the patron saint of the
guild of bell founders, the wheel by means of which the
bell is rung probably reminding the makers of the wheel
upon which the saint was martyred.*
An aisle was dedicated at S. Botolph-without Aldgate,
London, to S. Katherine, being built at the expense of
Robert Burford, a well-to-do bell founder about the year
1400 ; this church being, as Stahlschmidt shows, the bell
founders' church by pre-eminence, gives the clue to the
favouritism shown to S. Botoiph among the lesser known
saints. This leads to the question. Who chose the inscription to
be placed upon the bell, the donor, priest or founder?
Probably the donor, if he cared to do so, would suggest
his favourite Scripture or the name of his patron saint.
If the donor did not care to exercise this privilege, then
the parish priest would select some inscription or the name
of a saint, perhaps the patron of the church. Failing the
donor and minister, the bell founder would choose an
inscription such as, with the cast of letters at his
command, would fit in with the size of the bell.
Here let it be noticed that the name of the patron ot a
church, cannot be more than guessed at, when otherwise
unknown, by the dedication of the bells ; since, though
sometimes, yet not always, was it the custom to dedicate
one bell to the village patron, and even if it was the
universal custom, there is no certainty that the bell now
remaining was the patron's bell. Who could determine
the patron saint of S. Bartholomew Church, Smithfield
• The same idea still survives in the firework called S. Katherine's
wheel. 26

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
(were the patronage not known) from the dedication of the
bells, five in number and all ancient, which bear the names
respectively of — SS. Bartholomew, Katherine, Anne,
John Baptist and Peter? Again at S. Michael Mount,
Cornwall, there are bells to SS. Gabriel and Raphael, but
not to S. Michael. In fact, among fourteen villages in
Cornwall retaining the name of their patron saint, and
possessing ancient bells, one only, S. Petrox Minor, retains
a bell to that saint, and S. Petrox Minor has also a bell to
S. Katherine. At Wickham S. Paul, Essex, there is no
S. Paul bell, but a S. Mary, and so on.
The following are the most favourite texts from the
Divine Word used as inscriptions : —
"Sit iHtomm 2aomtnt iSene&tctum"
(Blessed be the Name of the Lord).
"Uoljannce IBst Momtn ISiua"
(His name is John).
(Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee).
(Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews).
Sample of inscriptions asking the prayers of those in
Glory :— iVlaxia i&attv IBti Mtmento fSlei
(Mary, Mother of Him Who is God, remember me).
Sancta Hatertna ®ra i|ro ^obie
(Saint Katherine pray for us).
iBmne& ^antti ®rate i|ro Mobi^ ^mtn
(O all ye saints pray for us. Amen).
Specimens of rather longer inscriptions : —
fl!ac S)n (^onclaUe CEratirt^l ilunc llange S,ua!ot
(O Gabriel now sweetly sing in this assembly).
27

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Sottannt6 ^ti&ti iBavt 2Bitgnare ^vo Mobio d^vaxt
(O John beloved of Christ deign to pray for us).
Vox ^ugu0ttnt Spinet Bn <Sure Bei
(May the voice of Augustine sound in the ear of God).
0,omm ffSlagUaHnt ^ampana <SS^ertt £&elotiie
(The bell Magdalene bears the name melodiously).
3}n Mu\ti» nnni& iiesonet Campana ^otiannt^
(May the bell John sound through many years).
Sum i^osa IPuIeata munUi iXtarta Uocata
(I Mary when struck am called the Rose of the World).
||etru£i Ws mevne Bucat Mo» ila@cua Fits
(May Peter lead us to the pastures of Eternal Life).
^uesumue ^nUrea ;jFamulorum Su^cipe Fota
(O Andrew, we beg thee accept the prayers of thy servants).
it^c dFit Sanctorum (trampana ^antjt ISonornm
(This bell is made to the glory of the saints).
Inscriptions with the names of the donors appear as
follows : —
William Aleys "i$rcp dPOt SCIjC ^OU ©f SHiUiam
aiep9" Cratfield, Suffolk.
Robert Arke "tofiartc oxlxt anlT annt0 fis0tt)ctc maUe
mc" Markfield, Leicestershire.
John Bernard "0CC galirtcl ora p ai'afis BoW {icrnarH
and tniUt ct cicnc uxi0 sue, ct J!rtiomc
Thomas Peyton pegton armtgt Ct margatctc uxt0
0UC filic ct tjcrcii pUtctiir Bofti&et
Cicnc" Isleham, Cambridgeshire.
28

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS
Robert Brethenam "©rate ^vo aia UoUvti Itivctl^cnam
illlonactii iaorttJici" etc. Norwich
Cathedral.
John Brown " 5©1b2lininES a5TR©'WIlin ilBE JPEao;
jPJEIRJ" South Elmham S. James,
Suffolk.
John Burchinshaw "5©ibES asmiRcibimsibam Bjsasas
CESttIRE MDSSflPJ" Conway, North
Wales.
Lord Thomas Cumberworth "Dms xr©/ii!»2is c'iHiraiBEiRTOi©iRa;ib yiiiE
afECa^ af JE1R3 " Somerby Brigg,
Lincolnshire.
The Brothers Guild "aFKS 63XDE SCE ITTRJUataS jfECEIRtt
ME 3f5ETR5" Foulsham, Norfolk.
Kichard Godard "DCU0 proptCtU0 C0tO a'taftU£t
laicarDt @io&arD quondam He
SEpfjam iSU^atetff ct ^li^atitit)
uxorum ctu0 ac aH'atiu0 a'i'm
lijjcrotum ct parcntum 0uotum
QUI fianc campanam fieri ficcrunt
anno la'ni M tCCU X bi" Aid-
bourne, Wiltshire.
John Heylesdon "3©1bflES DE 1bEfXESD©fl ME
JfECJO: 3f5E1R3- ^IW 1b©in©TRE
DE 1R©1Rm!8C© /IBE 3fEC5S"
Hellesdon, Norfolk.
Lord John Horsigton "D©M5m'iHS 5©1b2imiKl5S -BJE tb®TRSm-
a:©fl ME jfECJ^ 3f5E1R3- " Saltfleetby
S. Clement, Lincolnshire.
29

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
(William) Lawley "M5flE2LM© xaWXEB m <a''H51RE
©aiDE ME " Standish, Gloucester.
Philip Bp. of Lincoln " lp1b53LX5DMPS E©C X5flC©Xfl SlPES
iSdien 5in ^IS® esc;" Harringworth,
Northamptonshire.
Thomas Newport and William Treve
"c;ib©Mas m'mip©iRG:E ^iwd mex-
5LEaM a;iREWE SITEMaiRDES
© ClbaiREXEjg " Stowe, Staffordshire.
Edmund Norman "EDM^IFIDIIIS 1ft®1RMam HiiJE
aP5ETR5 jfECJC; SraM JfaCttS SIR
1b©m©1RE ZWB'mZUZ^B" Lessing-
ham, Norfolk.
Peter Bp. of Oxford <'©iRaa;E ©iR© iPEa:iR© essirjeikise
E1PJSC©1P© lR5C1baiRD IBlEr
miMJSJS ME ff3-SC:" Goring,
Oxfordshire.
William Palmer " ^}tc dPit S^rum Campa aauUc
ISonorum Steillcam palmer "
Bradeston, Norfolk.
Sir Richard Pansam "S^^ i^ictiarO iian0am <ltt}fuU"
Anstey, Hertfordshire.
Gregory Pascal «©af i3©raiR C1bE1R5^E ©IRBB JF©1R
iribE MEXjfaiRE ©JF 61RE©©1RZ:
©aSCaX" Capel S. Mary, Suffolk.
Robert Prior "ib.C. ©TRailE UMR© BJH lR®:BE1Rtt5
iE>iR5©TR5s m?m® cm J mcccc m h."
Terrington, Yorkshire.
30

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
John Putte "3©in f'^zzjs ammE aiDE ainxas ibis
miffE %iez MaiftaiR me jsei
UE1R XlffE SIR TlHlSIRCIbElPE ©ff
SaimOiE 3®1Fl" Gloucester S.
Nicholas.
William Resejrvour "maxEXM'ms ffjx^-uis 5ib©ib2imin3s
iRESEim©'cnR ffEcsir me am
1b©m©TRE JSEHXTE MaiRJE"
Ayleston, Northamptonshire.
Richard " iRECaiRDIIlS MaiR©E1R5a 'mS©1R S'dXn"
Deene, Northamptonshire.
Hewgh Royii "S^cra ^iat jS^tc <s;ampana iseata
QTrinitata i^. ia. hewgh royll"
Hartshome, Derbyshire.
John Shrive " ©rate p. aiati0 Soffit Stitibe ct —
UX Ori0 ejU»" Botterdale Chantry,
Suffolk.
John Siutter " of pour cljarite prai for tfje 0oulle0
of Ijotin 0luttcr ^otin Ijunt
SlSiUcm 0lUtter " Botolphs, Sussex.
Sir John Sturman "^EffiXH EmXE1b©m WlB Zm SJIRE
5©m sttimRMjm ffjtr jeire m©5
a:ib©MaS M21DE ISi^ " Long Stratton
S. Mary, Norfolk.
Roger Walround "1R®(5E1R ¦KIia3L1R®mD ©EmtTXEMaiKl
aiDE MaiR32l (STRUXLm" Durleigh,
Somerset.
John Walker "aWEilBaiR3;a_©1RaC32l ©XEma OTRTLZlE,
pTR® mn ^15 3©ibaiKiiwE iD®xiRa "
Alnwick, Northumberland.
31

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Nearly all bells dating from about the year 1560 forward
have their makers' names on them instead of the devout
breathings found on most mediseval bells, but as will be
seen by the following list, this custom was not wholly
unknown in earlier times. The names that here appear,
seem to be the names of the founders, but the " me fecit "
(made me) niay in some cases mean, " caused me to be
made," thus implying the donor rather than the founder
who would be the agent through whom the order came.
Inscriptions with the names of bell founders : —
"3®1baininES aXEim me ffECJO;" Southease, Sussex.
''3®1bin aaXEm 1523 etc" Leaden Roothing, Essex.
"SJOtjn aattmv mC maUe" Chiltem S. Mary, Wilts.
" £licu0 Baxter 3Sra0scr HBt Mottuvto ^iPecit Me "
Ketteringham, Norfolk.
"Me JFetit ISaxtc %liearl;u0 SfnWer Swnt SawMs"
Fundenhall, Norfolk.
"mWLZJBWaS :BX®mE1RE me ffECao:" Spixworth,
Norfolk.
¦" aSa;E1R 3B1RaC1ftE1R fXs'B'S) m>lB" Newton, Cambridgeshire.
"ISi me HoDn dtole ISelfounDcr mW Tangmere,
Sussex.
"3©ib2immES c©ip©iRaff mis jpecj^ caMipama
:J3E21UE MB1R3E" Scawton, Yorkshire.
"3olDanne0 Ue ®ol0alc mc fecit anno 29omini
i*l©ffi®®^X ^ccerunt me in Jonore omnium
Sanctorum iTO.iS.a.©.lS." Beckingham, Nottingham
shire.
' M. DEIRJSi ailJE MH1R521 tSTRMC^n ipXEIRa
DmsmjM'mS C;EC'ni" Bumham Deepdale, Norfolk.
32

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
"ID^XEXMinS DIUDDEXaj ffECStt ME" Well, Lincoln
shire.
"SOtUiam ffOUnDror mc fecit" Pleshey, Essex.
"PEETER YANDEN 6HEIN HEFT Ml GHEGOTEN MDXLYIH"
Cambridge S. Peter College.
"^©ibammEs ©©Di^mcE btb xeirifie me ffEC5^"
Worlington, Suffolk.
"3®1bammES de ©lIlDDamC ffECJ^ me" Wendllng,
Norfolk.
"1baXG:©1R ffECJO;" West Dean, Chichester, Sussex.
"a:EMlP®1RE CXEMEmtrjS XJCIbffJXD SaC1R3Sa:E
iR©ssEiR;r'ms ibammxEj mb^dbxeipie ffECj^r m5
jm 1b©1Fl©1RE MB1RJE etc" Gloucester S. Nicholas.
"S1M®1FI DE IBSlBff^XDE miS ffECJO:" Sutterton,
Lincolnshire.
"S]3M©m 'B'S, 1b2l!^ffEXDE tSiTB ffECJH;" Stanwick,
Northamptonshire.
" ©aXff IRSDIIIS -BTE -fcEDEMITTIim tXiZ ffECJIT"
Billericay, Essex (now, 1896, recast).
" EDMrarnDTIlS -QIB XEmmE ME ffECJO; " Sail, Norfolk.
" 5©1baThl1RES B-E XEIftflE mjB ffECJO;" West Somerton,
Norfolk.
" C;ib®MiaS 1S>TB XEmmE IS!,TE> ffECSO; " Tnmch, Norfolk.
"m5C©XaS iSsl£ ffECJC etc" Bramber, Sussex.
"l^icar&U0 i^tCOl0On me fecit" Bottisham, Cambridge
shire.
" sttEipibEm®iRa;EM ®ff iftEo; iSiiB mbde etc"
Chiselborough, Somerset. 33

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
"¦m DE m©1R1Pail3C® me ffESaO: etc" Barford, Norfolk.
"¦HDIJXEXXMIUS BJB m©1RMBC® SlilE ifJBC^Z etc"
Hellesdon, Norfolk.
"5®1BammES lP©tta;E1R Sa^B ffECao; etc" West Hatton,
Lincolnshire.
" riCarOU0 rcbllCl " Balsham, Cambridgeshire.
" limjXEXM'mS 1REDEX StiJB ffECJIT " Strethall, Essex.
" 1R©:SE1RC:'raS TRJDEIR HHIB JPECJO; " Ridgwell, Essex.
"Ma(55sa:EiR 5®ibaiKiiFiEs iR5sa;©m me ffEcjo;"
Bexwell, Norfolk.
"ffl53iUemU0 MofforUe Me ;JFecit" Westmill, Hertford
shire.
"TimaXEXMTIlS SCIbE© ISsB ffEC5^ BD Xa'ClDEM
SamCttJ aiiaa:©m55" Garboldisham, Norfolk.
" iR©3BEiRtr'cis stramDscibai^ strbdeir me xec;
MaikE" Yate, Gloucestershire.
"3©ibafiinES sxEigo: imiB ffEc^zi; 5mm©iRE satra;^
MaiRja" Glapthorne, Northamptonshire.
" 5'ff)©ibainmEs bib sjraffff®iRD ffEcjzr me am
1b©in®TRE JBE MaiR5E " Leicester All Saints.
" aiOtnnC0 CConne me feat" Aythorpe Roothing, Essex.
"0teptiene tonne me fecit 1544" Gt. Bradley, Suffolk.
"a:it)©MaS miB ffECJ^" Babingley, Norfolk.
"TRJCIbaiRD DE maMBJS ME ffESJO:" Slapton, North
amptonshire.
"pEtriRraS BJS mESa;©m I«i)B ffECSO;" Fairstead, Essex.
34

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
"IRSCaiRD DE Tirai?MK5S m,lB ffEC5^" Gt. Bradley,
Suffolk.
"M5C1baEX DE Timi3M31S5S ME ffECJO:" Bradenham,
Buckinghamshire.
''TKIiaXG;E1R'mS M5MaS5S ME ffECao;" Kingston juxta
Lewes, Sussex.
"5©1bES 2;®1RmE ffECJU ifkJB 51W 1b©m®1RE 3BEattE
MaiRJE" Gt. Billing, Northamptonshire.
, As stated above the number of inscriptions in English
found upon mediseval bells is very limited, the following
being a complete or almost a complete list of those as yet
discovered, and represents the greater part of England.
Of course, since the " deformation " or perhaps better, the
secularising of bells, from the reign of Elizabeth onward,
most inscriptions are in English.
Mediaeval bells with English inscriptions : —
^'5ESTDl ff©1R m M©D51R saiftE sawE ax 13E sainxs
^•fcac; m:B caiRo; MaiKE aMEm" Aikborough,
Lincolnshire.
•" (5®D 1bEXf>. SaiRC^E MaiRja" Madehurst, Sussex.
^' 1b©X]3 MaiRE IPIRai? ff©1R "CIS " Minster in Thanet, Kent.
"'IbaX MaiRJ ffmX ©ff ©IRaS" East Dean, Chichester,
Sussex.
¦" Jin xribE maME ©ff nibE ib®xi!j a:iR5iR5ci3 xainiRins
:BEX CaX me " Hllmarton, Wiltshire.
"sm IE maM ®ff ke iriRimisttE iKi3cib®xas jbex
ME1R CaX ISilB " Gunby S. Nicholas, Lincolnshire.
•" jiKi maME ®ff triRsmstiE ©sxes ssexxe iiriiBv\ caxx
^jE " Snowshill, Gloucestershire. 35

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
"MaiRH ®ff TDamaiRDJBi ®ff ins -©awE meirci"
Laceby, Lincolnshire.
"5 aM MaD jm maME ®ff SEm 5©m mntiv^^sxL"
Alderford, Norfolk.
"ff©1R Zt)TB IE1RE ®ff ©miR X©1RD (5®D SDXIDJ"
Islington, Norfolk.
"©ajsiRjEX js MJ maME jm me sm©xxE ffjmEE
m© SSXaME" Brompton Ralph, Somerset.
"©ff MOXIIIR ClbEIRJttE JMRaiS ff©1R OllbE TKIlEXffaiRE
©ff (51RE©©1RiZ paSCaX " Capel S. Mary, Suffolk.
"a;ib©Mas m'mip©iRa;E amD mEXXEaM ittreide
StTETlCiaiRDES © CDaiREXEB " Stowe, Staffordshire.
"j®m ip'mii;a;E ammE awE ainxjs ib^s mi^ffE xeie
MamaiR ME a3E13 IbEIR XlffE jm TKIl®1RC1bElPia
©ff SafmtTE J©1b" Gloucester S. Nicholas.
"traijmEXM® xamxEB m (SITHjire ©awE miB samca;a
MaiRja a;iii© smcciiRiRE ptissiMa setrid®"
Standish, Gloucestershire.
" aSC;Em JBIRaClkEIR MaD me " Newton, Cambridgeshire.
" CaTEJXr ME J®ammES " Clothall, Hertfordshire.
"iR®3BEiRa:iiis sc;amDscfl)ai sirkdeir me xe^
MaiRE " Yate, Gloucestershire.
" SCElIMbEm®1Ra:EM ®ff TREZT ME llfiWS>JB CaiRMjmE
xEtran'miR ipaiax'ms caMipama iu®cati;miR"
Chiselborough, Somerset.
"iR®©EiR iroiaxiR©mD (5Ema;xEMam awE MaiRja
©IRaCja " Durieigh, Somerset.
"Igclp Mati quotr lioger of itirfeclp" Gainford,
Durham. 36

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
" ai I>rt)ing0 )9raf0 ffioU tg " Backwell, Somerset.
" ilrcp iFor JTfje Sol« ©f fflSatUiam aics0" Cratfield,
Suffolk.
"Sk^r iiicfjarH )|an0am ©Cpute" (Deputy) Anstey,
Hertfordshire.
"SiOtJn ISartlUr mc maJJC" Chiltem S. Mary, Wiltshire.
"13i me 30!jn fflOlC ]3clfOUntrcr J^Jg" Tangmere,
Sussex.
"Of sour cliarite prai for tQc 0ouUe0 of liotin 0lutter
Sotm !)Unt M9illem 0lUtter " Botolphs, Sussex.
"^C0U tI)C0 ticUc0 tDcr maHc in tQe ser o€ goOc
mQxxXbi" Botolphs, Sussex.
" in go5 i& all qnoU ffiafiriCl" Crofton, Yorkshire.
"6e al prai0 to goJl W stoke Rodney, Somerset.
"roliarte arte anU anni0 t|)0tt>cfe maftc mc" Mark-
field, Leicestershire.
"gotf amend al ma" Cotton, Norfolk.
" g05 amCnH ma " South Burgh, Norfolk.
The following is a short list of inscriptions upon modern
bells for comparison with those upon mediseval, these
inscriptions are taken at random from T. North's Church
bells of Bedfordshire, and J. J. Raven's Church bells of
Cambridgeshire, arranged in chronological order.
Modern inscriptions : —
1583 "John: dler: made; me 1383" Arrington, Cambridgeshire.
1609 "GOD SAYE OUR KING 1609" Balsham, Cambridgeshire.
37

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
1630 « PRAY E YE THE LORD 1630 " Chellington, Bedfordshire.
1650 "MILES GRAYE MADE ME 16S0" Bassingbourne, Cam
bridgeshire.
1685 "RICHARD CHANDLER MADE ME 168S" Clapham, Bed
fordshire.
1703 "T. NEWMAN MADE ME 1703. J. JARROLD S. TETSALL
C.W" Chippenham, Cambridgeshire.
1746 " OMNIA FIANT AD GLORIAM DEI. UTILE DULCI. VliS"
Dry Drayton, Cambridgeshire.
1774 "EMMERTON OF WOOTTON FECIT 1773. THOMAS DUNTON
SAMUEL TAYLOR CHURCHWARDENS" Clophill,
Bedfordshire.
1803 "THE LORD TO PRAISE MY YOICE I'LL RAISE 1803"
Whittlesea, Cambridgeshire.
i8ss «C & G HEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 18S5" Langford,
Bedfordshire.
1883 "JOHN TAYLOR & Co. BBLLFOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH
1883."

38

MEDIEVAL DATED BELLS.

Bells cast within the last 350 years, bear, with but few
exceptions, the date of the year in which they were cast ;
but mediseval bells were in England at least, very rarely
dated, the few that have come to light being given in the
list below. The earliest is that of Lichfield S. Chad dated
1255,* which makes it now (1897) to be 642 years old, a
great age for a bell of which, like most church bells,
probably no special care has been taken. There is only
one other bell of the 13th century, two of the 14th century,
thirteen of the 15th century, and thirteen of the first half
of the 1 6th century.
No county seems especially strong in dated bells,
Sussex having four, Yorkshire and Essex three each, and
perhaps others will be discovered in these two counties
when more completely examined.
Ancient dated bells of England as yet come to light : —

(Lichfield S. Chad, Staffordshire* . .

. I2SS)?

Claughton S. Chad, Lancashire

1299

Cold Ashby, Northamptonshire

1317

Duncton, Sussex

1369
Terrington, Yorkshire
1400
Milwich, Staffordshire
1409
Beckingham, Nottinghamshire
1409
Thirsk, Yorkshire
1410
South Somercotes, Lincolnshire .
1423
* There is some doubt as to the date upon, and age of, this bell at
Lichfield. 39
ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

York S. Crux, Yorkshire . .

1423

Samerby Briggs, Lincolnshire

1430

Leeds, Kent

143s

V/hilton, Suffolk

1441

Cartmel, Lancashire

1450

All Hallowes, Steyning, London . .

1458

(now, 1 896, at the Grocers' Hall,

London).

Holme Cultram, Cumberland

1465

(Salhouse, Norfolk

.. 1481)?

Grimley, Worcestershire . .

1482

Eglingham, Northamptonshire

1489

(Canterbury S. Mary Bredin, Kent . .

• • 1505)?

Downe, Kent

1511

Aldbourne, Wiltshire

1516

Isleham, Cambridgeshire . .

1516

SulHngton, Sussex

1522

Leaden Roothing, Essex . .

1523

Bromeswell, Suffolk

1530

Botolphs, Sussex

1536

(Conway, Carnarvonshire

¦• 1536)

Marworth, Buckinghamshire

1538

Littlebury, Essex

1540

Stanstead, Suffolk

1544

Stanstead Mountfitchet, Essex

1548

Cambridge S. Peters College

1548

Cliffe, Sussex

1566

Islington, Norfolk . . xdlvi ?

(probably 1456)

Known early dated bells abroad : —

Fontenailles, Normandy . .

1202

Freybourg (or Friburg) . .

1258

Ratisbon

1325

Frankfort

1371

Nuremberg

1392

Cologne

1448

Cologne

1449

40

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Dantzic

HS3

Halberstadt

HS7
Halle ..
1480
Schaffhausen
i486
Munich
H93
Erfurt ..
1497
Breslau
1507
Oberursel
1508
Brunn . .
iS'S
ANCIENT BELLS BEARING NO
INSCRIPTION OR MARK.
Although most bells whether mediseval or modern have
inscriptions in some form, and the earlier bells initial
crosses to the sacred inscriptions as well as the founder's
trade mark, etc., yet there exist a few bells, mostly of a
small size, perfectly blank without any sign of there ever
having been stamp or wording, which appear to be of
considerable antiquity. The list given on the next page,
though not a complete one, yet represents most of the
ancient blank bells in England. Among these unmarked
bells one of the most curious, and perhaps one of the most
ancient (nth or 12th century) is the one at Ribbesford in
the county of Worcester. This bell is not easy of access,
but the author was able to reach it by means of a ladder,
which the Rector in 1892 kindly obtained for him. The
diameter at the mouth is nineteen inches in one part,
twenty-one inches in another, thus forming an oval.
The height of the bell is twenty-six inches, not including
the crown, the mouth hardly extends beyond the waist, so
that the shape of the bell is not unlike a coffee cup ; the
metal at the mouth is about if inches thick.

42

MEDIEVAL BLANK BELLS.
Bells uninscribed and unstamped, but ancient : —
Ribbesford, Worcestershire ; dia. 19 by 21 in. ; height 26 in.
Beaumont cum Mose, Essex ; dia.
Braintree, Essex ; dia.
Castle Eden, Durham ; dia.
Chignal Smealey, Essex; dia. 29 in.
Latchingdon, Essex ; dia. 25 in.
Layer Breton, Essex ; dia.
Buckenham Ferry, Norfolk ; dia.
Griston, Norfolk ; dia.
Hellington, Norfolk ; dia.
Combe Pyue, Devonshire ; dia. 24 in.
Kinnerleigh, Devonshire; dia. 23|in.
East Ogwell, Devonshire ; dia. 2 if in.
Omington, Staffordshire ; dia.
Southwick, Northamptonshire ; dia. 1 3^ in.
Bristol S. Peter, Gloucestershire ; dia.
Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire ; dia. i8|-in.
Cambridge All Saints, Cambridgeshire ; dia.
Elm, Cambridgeshire ; dia.
Kennett, Cambridgeshire ; dia.
S. Albans Abbey, Hertfordshire ; dia.
Harescombe, Gloucestershire ; dia.
Snettisham, Norfolk : dia.
Chesham Bois, Buckinghamshire; dia. 253- i"-
Foscot, Buckinghamshire ; dia. 20 in.

43

FOUNDERS AND THEIR BELLS
STILL REMAINING.
The following ancient bells are given in groups of connected
marks. The author does not profess to have arranged the
groups in correct chronological order, neither to have
arranged the sequence of the marks contained in the
groups in a perfect form ; his endeavour has been to
show that there is a connection between various stamps
found upon bells, and has generally taken those stamps
found in connection with inscriptions in Gothic capitals
as the earlier marks, and those with inscriptions in small
letters throughout as the latest, regarding bells having
inscriptions in smalls with initial capitals as generally of
an intermediate age. This arrangement may not be
correct, but it may be some guide to future inquiry.
The stamps have been drawn by Joseph Harrison, ot
Chesterfield, showing the general outline of the stamps,
and an endeavour has been made to differ as little as
possible from the marks as given in existing works, except
of course where manifestly incorrect, which happily is
seldom. As to the size of the stamps, owing to the number
of illustrations required, the stamps have been reduced to
rather above half the actual size as found on the bells.
Some stamps vary in size on the bells themselves, as for
instance the shield (Underbill's) bearing the three laver
pots. Four bells have been discovered widely apart, one in
Devon, a second in Hertfordshire, a third in Essex, and
44

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

a fourth in Norfolk ; all having inscriptions in Gothic
capitals, and all bearing the same, or very similar, marks,
namely : (i) A small wheel shaped design. (2) A small
cross formed of four incomplete fieiir de lis. The exact
date is not known, neither the founder or locality of
foundry, but probably they are of very early date, namely,
the 13th, or beginning of the 14th century.

Brent Tor, Devon (B^XXmS 1D®C©1R JBQ® S®X1IIS
dia. 28 SintiEIR ©^iRja s©m©
Deopham, Norfolk DTIIXSJS C5S^© ^EXJS ID©C©'K
dia. ca^ipama iRajfaiEx^s
Little Hormead, Herts. STinCZU iHbaiS^aiRE^TH ©IRa ©IR©
dia. 2si m©J65S
Great Holland, Essex ©jIBflES SaiRCttJ ©IRaUlE DIR®
dia. 24 m©aS5S TilSilBn.

Toleshunt Major,
dia. 29

Essex 1D©S IEI>\»H1RI>J S©flBtt
21D1RJS DBS
45

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

The following bells omit the wheel mark but retain the
fieur de lis cross : —

Peters Mariand, Devon ipiR©a:i£©lB IDJIR©© ©521
dia. 35 C©flD®C© SaiRtTH ^aiRJ2l
Brentingly, Leicestershire ; dia.
211DIS ilBB1R5B ©TRJicja ©Eisma
Caldwell, Leicestershire 31bC = 1R2lZ;2l1RBmTIlS i IRES i
dia. 5'm2)E©1R'mi1B
Walton Isley, Leicestershire; dia. 21 ^aiRJB
One bell at Saxmundham has the same fieur de lis cross
as above and a coin : —

Saxmundham, Suffolk; dia. Sanctc ^acofte ©ra l|ro i^obio

46

Founder : WILLIAM FFOUNDOR, of London,
1385-1408. (?) We have here bells bearing the following
marks, namely, an initial cross composed of four fieur de
lis, and a very ornamental stop, consisting of two birds
perched upon a twig, and the wording,
" fflOiUiam JfounUor me fecit."
One William the founder was discovered by
Stahlschmidt in the records of the city of London,
apparently as having been a bell founder, and as the bells
with this stop claim to have been made by " William
ffoundor," it seems reasonable to connect the two ; the
bells themselves and their inscriptions appear to be of
about the commencement of the 15th century.
From the presence of a pair of birds, some campanolo
gists have thought that the founder's name may have been
Bird, because there seems to have been a John Brid about
the year 1418, of which Bird may have been another
spelling. Again a William Dawe has been suggested (the birds in
the stop being taken for jackdaws), who may have lived at
London or Norwich about that time.
What other name William ffoundor may have had is
perhaps uncertain, but we find his bells in the following
counties : —
Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk, Somerset, Suffolk,
Sussex. 47

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Bramfieid, Herts. ^ti&tU» lietpetue Bet JlO&lEf ^^auOia
dia. 28 Vtte

Pleshey, Essex ©ra iWeitte i|ia ?|ro MoU^ Vivgo
dia. 41 Mxtia
Downe, Kent; dia. 33 ^gjotiamie^ ©tteti ffiare
Kingsdon, Somerset ; dia. I UBignate l^tO JlO&td
Otham, Kent ; dia. 32 J J ©rare
Great Oakley, Suffolk ^um 4lO0a )|Ul0ata inunDt
dia. itatertna Focaia
Pleshey, Essex H^iCOr Cfgo STtlOmaS (Itti&ti Uau» <S»t
dia. 34 ^onus ©mad
At Nedging one bell of William ffoundor is found,
bearing a new cross in addition to the marks used before.
48

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Nedging, Suffolk ^of)ane0 G^vMi ©are jiignare iiro
dia. Motia ©rare
On this one bell at S. Elmham S. Peter, according to
Canon Raven, we have the cross and stop of William
ffoundor, and a shield, possibly the arms of an Underbill.

South Elmham S. Peter, Suffolk UofjanneS ®ri«lti H^Ve
dia. Bignave mo MoUa ©rare

49

Founder: WILLIAM UNDERHILL ? The previous
shield and the one that follows seem to have been the
arms of the Underbill family, and of one William
Underbill in particular. But there seems no special
evidence that William Underbill was a bell founder ; in
fact, the name, place and date (except that he probably
immediately succeeded William ffoundor, if he was not
partner with him for a time), of the founder of the
following sets of bells are very uncertain. But for the
sake of a name and out of respect to more learned
campanologists, the author of this work accepts the
Underbill suggestion till more certain knowledge appears.
The following set of bells, accepting the above theory,
are William Underhill's, bearing his own coat and
William ffoundor's cross and stop : —

South Elmham S. Peter, ^urj ©aijrtel ^ata Matit

Suffolk ; dia
Cringleford, Norfolk ;
dia.
Upper Hardres, Kent ;
dia. 36

Sum ©omttata

Sum Mosa iiulsata Mumi
Baterina Uocata

50

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Suriingham s. Mary, gjofjannes Qtvmti ©are JStgnare
Norfolk; dia. ||ro ilobtd ©rare
Ninfieid, Sussex ^u CPflt imarttnuo ©Item ^aluet
dia. ^rtnuo (St SEnud
Norwich All Saints, ©aUUS UOCOr QSgO ^OlUd SUper
Norfolk; dia. ©mtlia S»OnO
Underbill on the following bells omits W. ffoundor's
stop, but retains his initial cross, and adopts new
inscriptions.

Ipswich S. Stephen, Suffolk ©rt0tU0 i|erpetue Bet JlOtlt0
dia. 29 dSauDta Ftte

Folkington, Sussex ; dia.
Ipswich S. Stephen, Suffolk ;
dia. 26J

Fox augustini 5onet
^n aure Bei

Hawstead, Suffolk (Stexni» ^nnte Uesoitet ©ampana
dia. goftanni^
South Ormsby, Lincolnshire ^ancta iKargareta ©ra IPro
dia. 31 MOtii&
Newcastle S. Nicholas,
Northumberland iBulctd Sii&to MeU& ©ampana
dia. Focor MicaeliQ

51

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Pelham Stocking, Herts.
dia. 24
Smithfield S. Bartholomew i
the Less, London :
dia. 32|-
Tangmere, Sussex ; dia.
Tangmere, Sussex ; dia.

Ftncenctus Be&oat Wit ©uneta
Moxia jfToUat

1 No inscri
I marki

nscription, but the above
marks on each.

The two shields appear together on the following bells,
and the capitals of one inscription are crowned.

Guestling, Sussex ;
dia.
Lewes All Saints, Sussex
dia.

^ancta itatertna ©ra i|ro
Motii&

s. Petrock Minor, Cornwall ^aticta ^atartna ©ra Uro
dia. 32 ^
MoU»
Wooibeeding, Sussex fgec i^oba ©ampana iHargareta
dia. QS&t i9.omtnata

Heyshot, Sussex ; dia.
Tor Mohun, Devonshire; dia. 30J5

>No inscription.

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Here we have a strange initial cross in union, first with
William ffoundor's stop, second with the Underbill shields.
Probably this cross was the mark of a separate bell founder,
(if the crosses found on bells were founders' marks and not
the Guild cross), who after a time united with Underbill,
or with William ifoundor first, the stamps of the two
founders faUing into the hands of Underbill.

Ufford, Suffolk ^um 5Ro0a Hulsata itlunlrt Matia,
dia. Focata

Downe, Kent ^um Uom ||ul£tata iWlunOt Itatertna
dia. 36 Focata

a

Creed, Cornwall ; dia. 34* "i ^ .^
Sancte CCtJoma ©ra l|ro
Sutton-le- Marsh, Lincolnshire j- janhts
dia. 3oi J
Creed, Cornwall ; dia. 30J No inscription.
53

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

-9

Kemsing, Kent mtvni& ^uutd l^eootiet ©ampana
dia. 32 giol)annt0
A good number of bells bearing this cross, which we
have seen above to have been used, apparently by William
Ifoundor and Underbill are found, especially in the West
of England, but not entirely. The odd part is that some
of the inscriptions are in capitals throughout, some with
initial capitals, some in smalls only.

^N

t

Holton, Somerset ; dia. HIDE ©IRaCja ©XEIRa
Woollavington, Somerset; dia. 38 HIDE /IIiH1R3-2l
Holton, Somerset ; dia. 'Si\i}JB ©IRHCja
Holton, Somerset ; dia. aiB QTR^UQM
Sandford Orcas, Somerset
dia- m>jB ^aiRj2i sac /iBaiR©m
Templeton, Devonshire ; dia. 28 ©EflO /DbHIRja
54

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Mylor, Cornwall; dia. 31 J
(cracked) JIR : 1&®1Kl®TRiB : S^mttJ ; 0E®TR©55
Bridford, Devonshire ; dia. 29^ ©iRji jpiR© in©3!3JS
(cracked)
Combe in Teign Head, Devonshire
dia. 35 2) mBff© XJIb s(am ^m ffl©
Cray s. Paul, Kent ^o^anticd ©rt0ti ©are Btgnare Pro
dia. 32 Motii& ©rare

Colan, Cornwall ; dia.

i^ro to rt£ m.

Coryton, Devonshire ; dia. 27 ^ancte i^etre ora pro nobt^
Coffinsweii, Devonshire ||rotege btrgo pia quo0 contioco
dia. 36 0ancta marta
Whimple, Devonshire ; dia. 35 J
i^ancta marta sancta marta

Honeychurch, Devonshire ;
dia. 30J
East Teignmouth, Devonshire
dia. 36J
Deabury, Devonshire; dia. 29^-
Hittisleigh, Devonshire ; dia. 25 J
Monk-Okehampton, Devonshire; dia. 26^
Monk-Okehampton, Devonshire; dia. 29J
Monk-Okehampton, Devonshire ; dia. 3 1
Stockleigh, Devonshire; dia. 27
East Teignmouth, Devonshire ; dia. 30
West Teignmouth, Devonshire; dia. 31^-
Twitchen, Devonshire; dia. 33
Upton, Somerset; dia. 55

©£it mtcfii coUatum t|)c
t0tu0 nomen amatum

Foce mea Hobo.
Oepello cunta
noctba

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Honeychurch, Devonshire Iell0 019 plauOtt Ut me tam
dia. 27 0eptu0 auOit
Loxbeare, Devonshire Ie0 010 plauQtt Ut me tam 0eptU0
dia. 30 autrit.
Holcombe Rogus, Devonshire mn)CmC UamOU UOmcn
dia. 33i uamou nomeu

This seems to be Underhill's distinctive cross, which
replaced that of William ffoundor. The bells from this
foundry are found in various parts of England.

Barking, Suffolk iftac §n ©onclaJje ©fatiriel iaunc
dia. llange ^uaUe
Barking, Suffolk i|rotege i|rece l^ta <!|ttO0 ©ontooco
dia. Sancta Matia
Canterbury S. Paul, Kent ^ternt0 ^nnt0 liesOUet
dia. 32 ©ampana §offanw
Sibton, Suffolk ^n Mnlti& anni0 ia«0onet ©ampana
dia. ^ot)annt0

\

-.6

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Halstead, Essex ; dia. 38 \
llketshall S. Margaret, Suffolk }-^rt..^«,-^- IT ^.«. ^ • .•
^i^ ©ampana Focor <ffia6rieU0
Grimoldsby, Lincolnshire giUm lSO0a i^Uloata iHunOt
dia. 35^ ©atertna Focata
Hardwycke, Northamptonshire^
dia.

Peasenhall, Suffolk ; dia.
Partney, Lincolnshire ; dia. 35
Ilketshall S. Margaret, Suffolk
dia.

Sum iao0a |^ul0ata
iWuntit iSaterina Focata

Laindon Clay, Essex ^MOT MO&a ||Ul0ata iMunSt
dia. 40 Satrna Focata
Rougham, Suffolk ^um Mosa )|ul0ata il$tunOt iVtarta
dia. Focata
Laindon Clay, Essex ^ot)anne0 ©rt0ti ©are 29tgnare
dia. 31 ipro Mottia ©rare
Woolborough, Devonshire ©elorum ^pe IPIaCtat STifit
dia. 36 Hex Sonu0 3&te amen
Above cross and shield and the bird stop.
Aidham, Essex ^nm lio0a ^ulsata iStunQt itatertna
dia. 33 Focata
(Stahlschmidt states this combination at Aidham.)
We now have a slight variation in the initial cross, and
another bell with crowned capitals. 57

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Easton Maudit, Northamptonshire JiUlCtd §^i&tO MelK
dia. ©ampana Focor ©aarielio
Skegness, Lincolnshire lBUlCt0 ^i&tO MtlM FOCOr
dia. 4oi ©ampana il*lic!iaeli0
Woolborough, Devonshire §,««» UO&Sl |^Ul0ata iHunUt
dia. 34 sKaterina Focata
<m ^ w % ^
Southfleet, Kent fgac Un ©onclai)e ©aflrtel jlunc
dia. 38^ mm flange SuaDe
Petistree, Suffolk (StettiM <^nni& aae0onet ©ampana

Uot)annt0
Me ©lamante Iltiesu iJlaneat
ISetljleem Sine £&e0U
Woolborough, Devonshire ||rOtege i|rece l|ia ©UO0
dia. 39 (cracked) ©OUilOCO S^^tCta JBaria

dia.
Petistree, Suffolk
dia.

This newer cross appears with both the shields of
Underbill. 58

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Lansaiios, Cornwall S^^^t^ iWergareta ©ra Uro
dia. 34 i^Otlt0

A few bells lack any cross, as below ;

59

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Great Cornard, Suffolk <sternt0 anni0 3ae0onet ©ampana
dia. IIOl|t0
(There may be a cross on this bell.)
Mawgan-in-Pyder, Cornwall S^"^^ auUrie ©ra i|rO
dia. 33 ilOl]t0
Oxford Cathedral st^Ia iTOarta i%tart0 Suceure
dia. ||u0tma iiolito
Exeter S. Mary Arches, Devonshire ; dia. 25. No inscription.
(Shield with three sprays only )
Several bells have only one mark, a cross or shield.

Brenzett, Kenti^naulcis $^i&to MeU& Focor ©ampaua
dia. 40 MiC^aeli^
Catsfieid, Sussex l!9ulct0 Si*'*" MeU» ©ampana Focor
dia. ^a&rtelt0

60

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Catsfieid, Sussex ; dia. |g„m ^q^^ ^im^ata fWunUi
Copford, Essex ; dia. 36 J itatertna Focata

Newton, Cambs. ^nvx Ko0a i|ul0ata iSlunlit ilSlarta
dia. & Focata
Canterbury s. Peter Uot)amte0 ©rt0tt Mate jlStgnare
Kent; dia. 34 ^ro i^o&t0 ©rare

*Butley, Suffolk ; dia. "i ©ternt0 annt0 l^f 0onet
Ditchingham, Norfolk; dia. J ©ampana Uot)anni0
* This bell at Butley is said by Raven to have also a coin mark.
mmm m
Ditchingham, Norfolk S""* Uom f|Ul0ata i^UnQt
dia. ffi . ^ .
iaatertna Focata
Westerfield, Suffolk fflOox augu0tini Sonct Sln ^urc
dia. 2Bet
Westerfield, Suffolk ; dia. MMM
Exeter S. Mary Arches, Devonshire ; dia. 27^
Trevalgo, Cornwall ; dia. }-No inscription.
South Elmham S. Peter, Suffolk ; dia.
61

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

A new mark composed of six fleiir de lis is found on a
few bells either alone, in conjunction with Underbill's
cross, or with Jordan's shields, thus forming an interesting
link between two extensive and important foundries.
This mark is perhaps that of a short lived founder who
worked Underbill's foundry at his death or retirement, till
Henry Jordan came into possession. Some of these
inscriptions, as were one or two of Underbills, are stamped
in capitals throughout.

Osbournby, Lincolnshire ^nm IlO0a f|Ul0ata iHunDt
dia. 36i itatertna Focata
(Pebmarsh, Essex ; dia. Raven states that a bell here has
or had the marks as above, but no further details are to hand.)

Aifriston, Sussex M®! zi'ci©'msa;5mj s©iR2m; jm aiaiRiE
dia. 2):iE5
Gunwaiioe, Cornwall dstetm^ ^nnt0 lle0onet ©ampana
dia. Uot)ant0

Founder : HENRY JORDAN, of London, who died
about 1469. J. S. L. Stahlschmidt has gone fully into
the matter of the existence of a bell founder by name
Henry Jordan, son of Giles Jordan ; and in his " Church
Bells of Surrey" gives in full Henry Jordan's will. Jordan
was a member of the Fishmongers' Company.
Now one of the shields on the following set of bells,
contains the Cross-keys and Dolphin, both part of the
Fishmongers' arms, the Bell and Laver-pot denote his bell
founding trade, and the Wheatsheaf he obtained from the
arms of his father. The arms of Giles Jordan were once
to be seen on a brass in Loughborough Church.
Henry Jordan seems to have bought or otherwise come
into possession of the foundry of William Underbill,
perhaps from the hands of the stranger whose sixfold fieur
de lis mark we have seen. Bells by this founder were
carried, as those of Underbill were, into all parts of
England, including Cornwall.
Payments to Jordan in connection with bell casting,
occur in tbe Mundum books of King's College, Cambridge.

Clayton, Sussex; dia.

Sancte SToma ©ra l|ro ^0610
63

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

The bells of Henry Jordan make a goodly show, and a
new specimen of his casting is always welcome to an
antiquarian campanologist.
The cross is placed on the bells between the two shields,
thus occupying the place of honour.

Ardeley, Herts. ; dia. 37J 1
Bartlow, Cambs. ; dia.
Betchworth, Surrey ; dia. (now
destroyed)
Bramfieid, Suffolk ; dia.
Brookland, Kent ; dia. 34
Colchester S. Leonard, Essex ; dia. 36
Collingtree, Northamptonshire; dia.
South Elkington, Lincolnshire; dia. 36 J
Fawsley, Northamptonshire ; dia.
Marldon, Devonshire ; dia. 38
Newport, Essex ; dia. 35
Roade, Northamptonshire, dia. 33^
Thorpe S. Peter, Lincolnshire; dia. 36
Townstall, Devonshire; dia. 35
Wymington, Bedfordshire ; dia. 37
Whitwell, Norfolk ; dia. 64

Sit Jtomen
naomtnt
Benetrtctum

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

bBt vSr wfy Mew
Fneston, Lincolnshire ; S««tt *lO0a )|Ul0ata ICIUnQt
dia. 42

iWaria Focata

Bainton, Northamptonshire ; dia. 39J
Bilsington, Kent ; dia. 39 (cracked)
Broughton, Bucks. ; dia. 39^
Fawsley, Northamptonshire ; dia.
Roade, Northamptonshire ; dia. 40
Scotton, Lincolnshire; dia. 38^
Thorpe S. Peter, Lincolnshire ; dia. 40^ J

^n i»ulti0
^nnt0 lie0onet
©ampanaI}ol^annt0

Bramfieid, Suffolk; dia.
South Elkington, Lincolnshire ; j
dia. 39

^ntonat ©eeU0 smox
©ampana i)tltcT|aelt0

South Elkington, Lincolnshire; dia. 32^
Eythorne, Kent ; dia. 30
Harpswell, Lincolnshire ; dia. 35
Horstead Parva, Sussex ; dia.
Iford, Sussex ; dia.
Iken, Suffolk; dia.
Ipswich S. Laurence, Suffolk; dia. 33
Pyecombe, Sussex ; dia.
Roade, Northamptonshire ; dia. 37
Whitwell, Norfolk ; dia.
Townstall, Devon ; dia. 34

Lindsell, Essex; dia. 33 in.
Rushmere S. Andrew, Suffolk ; dia.
65

S^RttA itatertna
©ra i|ro MoU»

XSiOntta itatartna
J®ra ^ro Mobi0

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Edburton, Sussex;.; dia.

Sancte itatertna ©ra
Groton, Suffolk; dia. t^win* «t.nt*.vMi» wi«
Harbledown, Kent; dia; 33

I ^ro Mot)i&

Barwick, Somerset ; dia. 1 S^ntA iKatartUa ©ra ||rO
Townstall, Devonshire; dia. 34) ii.Oilt0

Basildon, Essex.; dia. 34
Bramfieid): Suffolk ; dia.
Iford, Sussex ; dia.
Michaelstow, Cornwall; dia. 31

Sancta ittargareta ©ra
4lro Motn&

WBox ^ugu0ttnt
Sonet ^n ^ure
JBet

Bartlow, Cambridgeshire ; dia. ]
Bearstead, Kent ; dia. 30 J
West Bergholt, Essex ; dia. (broken.)
Cowbit, Lincolnshire ; dia. 29-J
Iken, Suffolk; dia.
Rushmere S. Andrew, Suffolk ; dia.
Townstall. Devonshire ; dia. 30 J
Whitwell, Norfolk ; dia.
Wivelsfield, Sussex ; MSlOX ^gU0ttne SOtlCt 5)1 ^Ute
dia. Jlet
Barwick, Somerset ; ^SSSlOX ^UgU0ttne S^nct ^U ^Ure
dia. J3et
Barming, Kent ; dia. 30"!
Pitsea, Essex; dia. 30 }^*"'*' ^'''' ®^* ^""^ ^'^'^'^
Iken, Suffolk; dia. g^aticte Cl&oma ©ra liro Jlolits
Harpsweii,Lincoinshire; Sancte ^ntirea ©ra l|ro JlOlli0
dia. 34 66

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

(SeafrMston, Essex; V
dia. 35 liaomen ittagHalene O^ampana
TT ^1, ir . ^- J <^^** Meloltie
Eythome, Kent ; dia. 36 J

East Bfifent, Somerset ;
dia.
Wymington, Bedfordshire ;
dia. 34

iiomen jFKiagtialena ©ampana
OKerit iSleloUte

Bamardiston, Suffolk ; s^ncta itlarta ifttagOaleua ©ra
dia. ipro^ Jtofn0
Fawsley, Northamptonshire ;"j
^^^- po!)anni0 <i?0t iiomen m»0
Merrowj Surrey; dia. 33^ j
*Tarring Neville, Sussex ; dia. ^ofiane0 <!t0t ilomen ^ine
Albuiy, Hertfordshire; dia. 32 J
fStot Stsnum ^etba Xpi Maxi& Cl^oma
Albuiy, Hertfordshire; dia. 35^
l^oc Sinum §^ev\isi Xpi Matia SToma
Bartlow, Cambridgeshire ; STempOra ^Ulgura IBUm l|Ul0O
dia. ^e&co MsLtieL
East Bergholt, Suffolk; ^etce @atirieU0 s^nat Igec
dia. m m
©ampana ^ttielt0
Wymington.Bedfordshire; i!9U0a liafaelt0 S^nat ^UritlU0
dia. 40 m ilCtan))elt0
* Also medallion representing the Crucifixion.
67

Fawsley, Northamptonshire ; dia.
Preston, Sussex ; dia.
Rushmere S. Andrew, Suffolk ; dia.
Appledore, Kent ; dia, 34^-

Sancte ISotolfe
©ra liro Mobw

Sancte i^icola ©ra liro Mbw
Thuriby, Lincolnshire ; smi\QZlB mjC®XaE ®1Ra PU®
dia. 24 m®a55S

Boxford, Suffolk ; dia. N
Welton-le- Wold, Lincolnshire ;
dia. 34
Wixoe, Suffolk ; dia.

Sancte Jiecolae ©ra i|ro
ilOllt0

Copford, Essex ; dia. 3 1
Saint Dennis, Cornwall ; dia.
Winwick, Northamptonshire ; dia. 30J
Woodmancote, Sussex ; dia.

"No inscription.

Bilton, Rugby, Warwick ; dia. ¦ Inscriptioi> not to hand.

68

Founder: JOHN DANYELL, of London, 1458-66.
There seems to have been a John Danyell (whose will is
dated 1468), who was casting bells at King's College,
Cambridge, about 1459. One of these bells, sold in 1754
and probably melted down, but of which details have
been preserved, bore the Royal arms (uncrowned) and
the circular mark that we shall find on a bell at West
Monkton, Somerset. On a bell at Bildeston we find the
initials I D (John Danyell).
Henry Jordan, died 1469. \.
John Danyell, worked 1458-66. J
Thus these two founders working at the same time,
used the same devotional cross with the words, "ifju
merct» laOi ijelp."

[a these dates are correct.

Bildeston, Suffolk ; dia. Sancte QToma ©ra l|ro MoU& B ^

Grapham, Sussex; dia. Satncta itatertna ©ra Pro MoU&
69

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

A small ornament, a kind of extra conventional fieur de
lis was also used by John Danyell.

Aivingham, Lincolnshire; dia. 36
Guilden Morden, Cambridgeshire; dia.
Wilby, Northamptonshire; dia. 36

)

Sit ilomen
j3omtnt
ISeneDtctum

Bottesford, Leicestershire; dia. 41
Croyland, Lincolnshire ; dia. 39
Great Easton, Essex ; dia. 39J
Grainthorpe, Lincolnshire ; dia.
North Thoresby, Lincolnshire ; dia. 39^^

3)n ittulttd ^nnto
l^e0onet ©ampana
^ot)annt0

Grainthorpe, Lincolnshire ; ^n STOUat Be ©eU0 FO*
dia. ©ampana imtctiaelt0
Tingrith, Bedfordshire ; s^ncta i^argarcta ©ra iiro
dia. 32 J JlOtlt0
Aivingham, Lincolnshire ; iiomcn itlagtialene ©ampaiia
dia. 33 (iRerit melotrte
Rendcombe, Gloucestershire; il$tt00t Be ^eU0 flgalieO
dia. iHomen <SifaI)rtelt0
70

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Old, Northamptonshire; Mi&fii Be 'WeU& fgaboe j9,omen
dia. 36 ^atirtelt0
Brockley, Suffolk ; ©f)rt0tU0 HcrpetUe JlSet MoU^
dia. dSautita Ftte
West Wickham, Cambridgeshire :
dia. ^jj)e na?arenu0 rex iuOeoru

On some bells of Danyell's make, the Royal arms are
uncrowned.

Brockley, Suffolk ; dia.
Kettlethorpe, Lincolnshire; dia. 34
Wix, Essex ; dia.

Sit ilomen jiomtnt
ISenelttctum

Torksey, Lincolnshire ; S^ncta ilttargareta ©ra liro
dia. 33i 0Otii»
Shawell, Leicestershire ; S^nCta itatertna ©ra l|rO
dia. 33 M0tM&

Brockley, Suffolk;
dia.

Foa; ^ugu0ttnt Sonet gjn
^ure Bei
71

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Most of John Danyell's bells lack Jordan's devotional
cross.

Tealby, Lincolnshire; dia. ilomcn JiOmtUt ISeneQtCtUm
Cambridge s. Botoiph ; s^ncta Motgaveta ©ra l|ro
dia. 3S MObi^
Cambridge s. Botoiph ; iiomeu MagHalene ©ampana
dia. 36 ©erit MeloXiie
Here we have perhaps an early form of Jordan's cross.

West Monkton, Somerset ; ^eC ;lPtt S^nCtOrum ©ampana
m m
dia. maulte ISonorum
72

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

John Danyell used for most of his bells the following
three marks. First, the Royal arms uncrowned as a rule;
second, ornament ; third, plain cross fleury.

Kea, Cornwall; dia. 36
Langham, Rutlandshire ; dia. 37
Little Munden, Hertfordshire ; dia. 37
Angersleigh, Somerset ; dia. (Royal)
Arms crowned)

Sit ilomen
ISomtnt
ISeneOtctum

Mildenhall, Suffolk ; dia.

Bn Multis anni0 lte0onet
©ampana £io!)annt0

Edgcott, Buckinghamshire; dia. 31 J
Lakenheath, Suffolk ; dia.
Lewes S. Ann, Sussex ; dia.
Sible Hedingham, Essex ; dia. 35
(Royal Arms crowned)

Sancta itatertna
©ra pro Mobi&

Wilden, Bedfordshire ; dia. 32 S^nCta l^trtua ©ra l|rO
(cracked) MObifi

Jevington, Sussex ; dia.

Sauncta itatertna ©ra pro
Mobi^

Rendcombe, Gloucestershire ; dia.
(Royal Arms crowned) s^nctc itatcria ©ra pro ilOtli0
73

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Merton, Surrey ; dia. 32^ s^ncta iHargarcta ©ra pro
ilotii0
Hockliffe, Bedfordshire ; s^ncta itlargrcta ©ra Pro
dia. 31^ iiObt0
Durham s. Margaret, s^ncta iWcrgareta ©ra Pro
Durham; dia. 32 i^Otlt0
Hockliffe, Bedfordshire ; FOX agU0tint S^nCt 0n ^Urt
dia. 29^ Bei
Great Holland, Essex ; dia. 28 \ YTOX ^gU0tini SOnCt
Stopham, Sussex ; dia. j 3" "^tlte Bel
Durham S. Margaret, FOX ^gU0tnt S^nCt glU ^UrC
Durham ; dia. 28 Bei
Mountfield, Sussex ; aSiOX ^UgUOtiUe S^nCt SJtt
dia. aure Bei
Heybridge, Essex ; dia. 31 iiOX augU0tini SOnCt §n
^ure Bei

Burmarsh, Kent ; dia. 36
Pitton, Northamptonshire ; dia.

iflomen ilMagaalene
©ampana t&evit
i%teloDte

Lakenheath, Suffolk ; ©ri0tU0 PerpCtUe Jl^Ct JlOflt0
dia. ©faudta Fite
West Chiltington, Sussex ; dia. £fOl)anne0 Xpi ©are
S. Mary-in-the -Marsh, Kent; S^nCte pCtre ©ra PrO
dia. 30 ilOtlt0
Fairfield, Kent ; dia. 25 s^ncte auOree ©ra pro iiOl>t0
Cambridge S. Botoiph ; dia. 29!-
Sancte ^ntirea ©ra Pro iiobi0
74

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Nettleton, Lincolnshire; dia. 33^
Sancte ^acotie ©ra Pro ilo&t0

Brede, Sussex ; dia.
Burstow, Surrey : dia. 30
Hockliffe, Bedfordshire ; dia. 30
iExeter S. Petrox, Devonshire ; dia. 25
Wadesmill, Hertfordshire ; dia. 27^

Sancte Glioma ©ra
Pro Mobi»

\ ajo!)anne0 (S&t
J ilomen iBiU0

The initials "I D " (which Dr. Raven has thought
looked more like "I O " on the bell at Cambridge S.
Botoiph) appear again on bells with various marks as
follows: —

Torksey, Lincolnshire ; dia. 31 FOX ^UgU0ttnt SonCt
(cracked) ^naurc Bei B B
Little Munden, Hertfordshire ; S^nCte PCtre ©ra PrO
dia. 3oi i^Otli0 B B

^Cambridge s. Botoiph ; S^ncte ^poUne ©ra pro ilo6t0
dia. 28 31 29
75

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Gt. Mapiestead, Essex ; s^ncta iHargarcta ©ra pro
dia. 2gi MObi& B ^^
And the above cross but without "I D "
Gt. Ponton, Lincolnshire ; S** ilOmcn IBOmtni IScne-
dia. 36 Dictum
Gt. Ponton, Lincolnshire ; S^nCta itatCriua ©ra PrO
dia. 33 MObi&

Here we have Jordan's two shields and Danyell's cross
fleury in company, as before we had Danyell's shield in
company with Jordan's cross ; hence there must have been
a close connection between the two foundries ; unless as
before suggested the cross was an ecclesiastical mark.

Ashen, Essex ; dia. 34 Si* i^OmCU JSomtUi iSeueOiCtUm
Brailes, Warwickshire '; ^n ittluUi0 ^nnt0 ]ie0Onet
dia. ©ampana g}ot)anni0
76

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Harbledown S. Michael Hospital, Kent ;
dia. zsi g)of)anni0 IB0t ilomen C?iu0
Litlington, Sussex ; dia. 1 „ , ^- . ^ ^-..
h^ot)anne0 (S&t ilomen (iStU0
Tillingham, Essex ; dia. 28 J
s. Allen, Cornwall ; f^cc iloVia ©ampaua l^argarcta
dia. fS0t ilominata
Bratoff, Lincolnshire; dia. 3o-|SanCte ISOtOlfe ©ra PrO
Iford, Sussex ; dia. J ^Obi»
Bratoff, Lincolnshire ; S^nCte ilCCOlai ©ra PrO
dia. 26i MObi&
Broughton, Buckinghamshire; S^nCtC ©ri0tine ©ra PrO
dia. 3oi iaotJi0
Gnosall, Staffordshire ; ilomcn ©ampana ©rCrit
dia. 37 IWeloOie M 
Bilton, Rugby .Warwickshire ; (Two bells, inscriptions not to
hand)

77

Founder : STEPHEN NORTON, of Kent, 1363-81.
We now come to a long series of marks closely connected
and^nterchanging, as we have seen other sets of marks
doing. In the present state of bell literature it is
impossible to correctly' arrange the marks, or rather the
bells in their right chronological order, but re-starting
with' Norton's bells we will proceed from his highly
ornamental cross, as found at Chiselborough ; this may or
may not have been his earliest cross.
This crowned cross fleury, or better, cross of fteur de
/m; ornamented with other fieur de lis {twenty -ionr fleur de
lis in all, beside those in crown), being accompanied with
Stephen Norton's name in English, though in a rather
shortened form at Chiselborough, and a slightly diverse
cross also with his name at Canterbury Holy Cross and
Snave (at these places, in Latin), shows us undoubtedly
whose bells we have before us. The place of his foundry
is not so certain ; Maidstone has been suggested, the date
Stahlschmidt is responsible for.
The longer stop found at Chiselborough seems to be
unique here, tbe shorter stop we shall meet again.
78

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS;

Chiselborough,Somerset; caiR^5iniB %lBZnZWR ©a'mX'ClS
dia. ca^ipama ^©(latt'DiiR isziBp-
ibEm©iRa:B^ ®3f treo: m^jB

Bells bearing this cross and stop of Stephen Norton are
found as follows : —

Canterbury Holy Cross, Kent; i
dia. 35
Snave, Kent ; dia. 33 |

szjB^timims iiii©iRa;©m]E
DE iRTEmtr miB ffiecjtt

Wotton,Surrey; 3©1BammiBS CIRSSO;? C211RIE BJIFlCmaiRE
dia. 27 ipiR® 1Kl©JS5S ®1RaiRlE
79

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
At Wotton, beside Stephen Norton's usual marks, these
complicated ornaments and some vague Roman numerals
are found.

T hMM^

AJwi

Wotton, Surrey;
dia. 25

©•Ra MEm^iE mn bmr® m©as5s

At Sible Hedingham, Essex, Chertsey and East Clandon,
Surrey, we have an interesting mixture of marks, viz. —
Stop used by Stephen Norton about 1380, a cross fleury
not unlike his, except that it is less ornamental, and the
lion's head and coin said to be used by John Saunders,

1540!

80

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Sible Hedingham, Essex ; dia. 38 BIDE ^aiRja
Chertsey, Surrey ; dia. 40 © TR H iHbEmzrie ©53 BM?®
mmmmm mmmmm mmmmm
m©36js iDjiR©® iHiaiRja
East Clandon, Surrey; dia. 30 ]
Aston Sandford, Buckinghamshire ; h S^nCte COma ©T
dia. 28^ I mmm
Aston Sandford, Buckinghamshire ; S^nCte ©leme0 ©ra
m m
dia. 32* pro MobM

Whose marks are these, surely John Saunders is 150
years or so too late ? 81

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Ewhurst, Surrey ; dia. 3 1
Fittleworth, Sussex ; dia.

Sancte Petre ©r
Sancte ^oma ©r
Millbrooke, Bedfordshire ; dia. 33
Sancta iSlaria ©ra pro Mobi»
mm mm
Hambleden, Buckinghamshire ; ©ra iUlente Pia PrO
mmm
dia. 4ii Mobie Virgo imaria
Cocking, Sussex ; dia. Sancte ^of)anni0 ©ra pro i%otii0
mm m
Hughenden, Buckinghamshire ; ©ri0te ]Saptt0ta ©ampana
m m
dia. 41 ©atiJjeat B»ta
Felpham, Sussex ; dia. Sit ilomen Bomini ISeneDtctum

And without the coin.
Passenham, Northamptonshire ; S^nCta itttarta ©ra PrO
dia. 34 B.Obi&
Chalgrave, Bedfordshire ; dia. 35
Sancte iiecoloe ©ra Pro Mobi&
Headbourne, Hampshire ; dia. (Inscription not to hand)
82

Founder: JOHN LANGHORNE, of London, 1379-
1405 ? Stahlschmidt found in the records of the city of
London, that there was a John Langhorne who probably
was a bell founder 1379-1405. We have a shield with the
initials "R L" upon it, probably standing for Robert
Langhorne, possibly the father of John. This shield is
found on bells bearing marks in close connection with the
marks of Stephen Norton.
Stephen Norton, 1363-1381.
John Langhorne, 1379-1405.
Probably John Langhorne was a worker in Norton's
foundry, who about 1379 started on his own account, using
a crowned cross fleury all but similar to his former master's,
a coin as his master did, and in one or two cases Norton's
stops. The lion's face would probably be his own special mark,
the tongue of the lion being out in derision ; he may have
quarrelled with Norton.
The bells with the connecting marks, Sible Hedingham
and Chertsey, have their inscriptions in capitals. East
Clandon being the first with initial capitals and smalls.

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Bushey, Hertfordshire ; S^nCta J!rrintta0 i!SnU0 BtUfi
dia. 39i imi0erere iiolii0
Easebourne, Sussex ; dia. Ce 29eum ilaUl)iamU0
'm m ^s fS
Granborough,Buckinghamshire ; 3)n iltUltt0 ^nni0 lfte0Onet
dia. 35i ©ampana 3)otianni0
S. Catherine, Somerset ; dia. 36
Sancta ilttaria ©ra pro Mobi»
Cocking, Sussex ; dia. Sancta ©atrina ©ra pro Mobi^
Fawley, Buckinghamshire ; dia.
^ m mmm
sancte |0o|ianne0 ©ra pro ilotii0
Ewhurst, Surrey ; dia. 34 Sacte gjotianni0 ©ra pro Bobia
Hinton-in-the- Hedges, Northamptonshire ;
dia. (No inscription)
84

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
On these bells the coin is wanting.

Maulden, Bedfordshire ; dia. 29 STC j!9eum ilauOamU0
Carlton, Bedfordshire ; ^n iltlUlti0 ^nni0 lEle0Onat
dia. 38 ©ampana Bottemne»
Salford, Bedfordshire; dia. 31 ^bt MUtie
Kingsdon, Somerset; dia. Sancte Ijolianne0 ©ra pro Mobi»
S. Catherine, Somerset ; dia. 39
Sancte j^ecoUae ©ra pro Mobi»
At Caldecote we have an interesting bell with marks
showing a connection between Langhorne, and a founder
whose initials were T. H. 85

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Langhorne's marks, — crown cross fleury, coin and a
head. T. H.'s mark, — Maltese cross.
Also there is a plain cross in a shield found alone in one
or two places.

Caldecote, Cambridgeshire; dia. 889
86

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

At Chiddingfold the cross is omitted, and we have a
most extraordinary inscription ; evidently the workman
responsible could not read !

Chiddingfold, Surrey ; dia. 32
Sancta Crtnttao ©ra Pro Mobia

The head which is on the Caldecote bell also appears
upon bells at Hoggeston, Buckinghamshire, and Bloxham,
Oxfordshire ; when we have full details of the bells in the
immediate West of London we may hope for better
information upon this set of bells.

Radford, Nottinghairishire ; dia.

©iatirieU0

Whatiey, Somerset s^ncte (Krcgori ©ra pro Mobit^
dia. mst H
87

Founder: THOMAS HAWARD, of London, circa
1382 ? There was a Thomas H award who appears to have
been a bell founder, who worked in London about the
year 1382. We find a small set of bells bearing the initials
T. H., a Maltese cross and a coin. As we have seen
above, a bell at Caldecote bears this Maltese cross and
coin, and also two marks (crowned cross fleury and head)
used by a founder, probably Langhorne, apparently about
the year 1380.
John Langhorne, 1379-1405.
Thomas Haward, about 1382.
Hence probably Haward joined Langhorne in his new
foundry, but soon set up a small foundry for himself. As
Langhorne's early inscriptions seem to have been crowned
(see Chertsey, Surrey), so also do we find Haward's as at
Althorne.

Althorne, Essex ; FOX 3U6V0ttne SOHCt SJU aitre Bti
m m
dia. 32 B ^

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

The coin and crown derived from Langhorne are omitted
by Thomas Haward on the following bells : —

Potterspury. Northamptonshire ; ^it i^OmCU jlomtnt
dia. 37 ISene&ictum ^ W
Blatherwycke, Northamptonshire ; ia,Omen itttagOalene
dia. ©ampana (Serit MbUaJie C 16
Hampton Court (Clock), Middlesex ;
dia. (Inscription not to hand)

A rose seems to have been adopted by Thomas
Haward.

Hove, Sussex ; dia. (No inscription)

Limpsfield, Surrey ; dia. 35
Sancta iSlergareta ©ra pro iaolit0
89

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
We find on a bell at Findon an extremely odd mixture,
viz., first, Stephen Norton's stop ; second, Langhorne's
shield : third, the arms of the See of Winchester
emblazoned on a cross fleury ; fourth, black letter
inscription.

Findon, Sussex ; dia 0anC te gatirt SU»
Kimpton, Hertfordshire ; dia. 33 0anC tC Dun 0tane IS
This mark appears alone on the following bells with
black letter inscriptions : —

West Itchinor, Sussex ; dia. 0a UC ta ma rt a
Easebourne, Sussex ; dia. 0anc ta an na Ora prO UO tli0
Elstead, Sussex ; dia. 0anCte paulC Ora prO nOJ>i0
Greatworth, Northamptonshire; 0anc ta mi Clja el Ora prO
dia. 34J no 6is

90

Founder : KEBYLL, (or Kebell), circa 1420 ? We have
before us a set of bells by no means easy to locate or
date. The first bell we will deal with is a bell at Chickney,
Essex, having an inscription with Gothic initial capitals,
and three marks as follows : —
(i) Crowned cross fleury as used by Langhorne,
1379-1405.
(2) Cross fleury as used by Stephen Norton but
uncrowned, 1363-81.
(3) Shield bearing three stars and the crescent ; this
shield is much like the arms of the Knolly's
family.
A cross fleury somewhat of the same character was also
used by William ffoundor 1385-1408.
One or two of the bells of this make have inscriptions
in capitals throughout. A probable date is about 1420.
For the name of the founder, Kebyll (or Kebell) has
been suggested.

Chickney, Essex ; dia. 36 m ©eU Sfina PerOUCat
itatertna

91

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

The following bells have these two marks only, the
cross is sHghtly ornamented : —

Croxton, Cambridgeshire; dia.
Ellisley, Cambridgeshire ; dia.
Sit ilomen HBomtni ISeneOictum
(Haytesbury, Wiltshire ; gjntOnat US <BeU& VOX ©ampanC
dia. il$ticIiaeU0)

Assington, Suffolk ;
dia. 43

ilBi00t Be ©eli0 fgabeo ilomen
(^a&rtelt0

Chickney, Essex; dia. 33 (No inscription)

Above two marks and

Kelvedon Hatch, Essex; dia. 31 J \ SanCtC ^UUrca
Chesham Bois, Buckinghamshire; dia. 3"^ | ®^* ^^^
(Here the_;Z?«r de lis is crowned) J MObiti

92

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
On these bells the shield is omitted but a crown
introduced, at Fairlight as a stop, at Stoke as a crown for
the capitals : —

Fairlight, Sussex ; dia.
mm m m
Stoke-by- Nayland, Suffolk; £|n Multi» anni0 iae0Onet
mmm 
dia. ©ampana gfol^anni0 Bofie»
fro0t alia0 tDorn

/

Groton, Suffolk ; dia.

Sit Jtomen JSomini ISeneDtctum

Wood Ditton, Cambridgeshire ; dia.
Wickford, Essex ; dia.

jSit iiomen jQom-
I ini ISeneOictum

Sandhurst, Kent ; dia. 37^
Walton-on-Thames, Surrey ;
dia. 42 (cracked)

[Bn Mnlti^ ^nni0 lte0onet
m m
©ampana g|otianni0
93

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Boxford, Suffolk ; ^ittoiiat dB ©elt0 Fox ©ampauc
dia. 0[alirteli0j
Wickford, Essex ; dia. Sancta itatertna ©ra pro Bobi0
mmmm m
Newnham, Kent; dia. 35^ ^U ©eli SBW* PerJJUCat iaO0
itatertna

Beside the three marks that we have met with before in
tbis set, we have a small cross fleury used also by John
Danyell (1458-66), on some bells. The crown here given
is that with which some of the capitals are crowned.

Hadleigh, Suffolk ; dia.
Sudbury S. Peter, Suffolk; dia.

Sit ^omen ISomtnt
m ISene&ictum

Mumby, Lincolnshire ; dia. 43 | Sit ia,Omen BOmtUi
Penhurst, Kent ; dia. 36 / ISeneOtCtUm
94

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
^s ^s m
IBn multi0 ^nni0
m m
^^^^^^ <i^^mpma
Boftanni9
Mumby, Lincolnshire; dia. 47 fjn multt0 ^nni0 lte0Onet
©ampana £jof|annt0
m mmmm
Sudbury S. Peter, Suffolk ; gjntonat ^ ©eli0 FOX ©am-
m
dia pane il^ictiaelid
Edworth, Bedfordshire ; dia. 36^
Sancta iWaria ©ra pro iao6i0

Wrawby, Lincolnshire; dia. 35 J
Sit iiomen liSomini ISeneOictum

95

SYMBOLS OF THE FOUR EVANGELISTS.
The symbols of the four Evangelists, interesting as they
are in themselves, have an additional interest as connecting
links between two sets of marks. They occur alone at
Saxmundham. On a bell at Imprington they are in
company with " Kebylls " shield (three stars and the
crescent), and the crowned cross of fleur de lis used by
Kebyll and also by Langhorne.
At Norton we have the symbols of the four Evangehsts,
in company witb the " cross and ring " shield, of which
more hereafter.

Imprington, Cambridgeshire ; dia.
Sancta itatertna ©ra Pro Mobi»
96

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Symbols of the four Evangelists as above, and,-

Norton, Hertfordshire ; dia. 34
Sancte petre ©ra pro Mobi&
Symbols of the four Evangelists as above, other marks
not to hand.
Saxmundham, Suffolk; s^ncta iltargareta ©ra pro
dia. MObi&

Symbols of the four Evangelists and the following
cross.

\

\

Saxmundham, Suffolk ; s^ncta iWargarcta ©ra Pro
dia. J^Otlt0
Bradfieid Combast, s^ncta iStaria ittagDalcna ©ra
Suffolk; dia. PrO MObi»
97

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Symbols of the four Evangelists as above apparently
alone-East Harling, Norfolk; <a2l3BCl)J£ ff©1b51ftX:fllSm©lp©
dia. Q,nmaBJB Jf 0 lb 5 1ft 1, IH ® ©
01b51R3L^
(Some of these letters are inverted).

98

Founder: RICHARD HILLE, of London, 1420-40.
We now come to the set of bells stamped with the shield
sometimes called by campanologists the " cross and ring,"
connected with the last set of marks not only by the
symbols of the Evangelists as above, but also by the cross
formed with four fieur de lis.
Stahlschmidt thinks there is good reason to regard this
shield as that of Richard Hille, of London, who worked
as a bell founder, 1420-40.
On the death of Richard Hille his wife, Johanna HUle,
seems to have carried on the foundry, and to have married
a man by name Sturdy, whom she also survived and still
kept on the foundry as Johanna Sturdy ; when Hille's
shield occurs with a lozenge it is supposed to be the mark
of his wife.

Little Staughton, Bedfordshire ; dia. 34J
Sit ilomen JBomtni ISeneOictum

Manaton, Devonshire ; s^ncta itatertna ©ra pro
m
dia. 34 ilO&t0

Horton, Northampton
shire; dia. 32 J

Sancta itatertna ©ra pro
Jlo&i0

99

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Manaton, Devonshire ; dia. 30
Sancte dSieovge ©ra pro Bobi»
(The first two marks only)
The three marks as above and, —

Watlington, Norfolk ; dia.

Sit ilomen 2Bomtnt iSenetiictum

Watlington, Norfolk ; dia.

Sancta ^nna ©ra Pro Mobi&

Imprington, Cambridgeshire ; dia.
Sancte petre ©ra Pro ilolit0
^n if$Sultt0 ^nnt0 Ite0onet
©ampana ^oQannt0

Washbrook, Suffolk
dia.

100

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Canterbury S. Mary Magdalene,
Kent ; dia. 32 s^ncta itatertna ©ra pro Mobi»
East Preston, Sussex ; dia. Sancte ^acobe ©ra pro ia,otii0
Tadlow, Cambridgeshire ; dia.
Sancte ^nOrte ©ra pro Mobi&
Richard Hille seems to have used several crosses, here
is one.

Headley, Surrey; dia. 32 S^nCta itatrtua ©ra PrO MObi&
Ipswich S. Mary-at-Elms, Suffolk ; dia. (No inscription)
The last and plainer of the following crosses used by
Richard Hille was probably the mark of an earlier foundry
bought up by Hille.

East Horsley, Surrey ; dia. 36
Staple, Kent ; dia. 37^
Ufford, Northamptonshire ; dia. 35^-'

tSit Homen laomini
ISeneDtctum

lOI

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Ufford, Northampton- ^n iIWulti0 ^nni© lte0onet
shire; dia. 40 ©ampana 3lotianni0
Shipton Moyne, Snnt lto0a pul0ata imunot
Gloucestershire; dia. 44 iHarta FOCata
Ringshall, Suffolk ; dia. Sancta itatertna ©ra pro i^olit0
Tixover, Rutland ; dia. 35 Sancta 4Fif^0 ©ra pro iHtolit0

Great Glemham, Suffolk; dia.

Sum ltO0a pul0ata munOt
ifttaria Focata

These may be marks used by Johanna Hille or Sturdy.

Clayton, Sussex; dia.

(No inscription)

Some bells have with their inscriptions two crosses, but
no shield or other special trade mark.

102

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Gloucester Cathedral ;
dia. circa. 42

Bn MnUi& ^nnt0 l^eeonet
©ampana ^otannt0

The bell at Chalk, as given here, probably does not
belong to this set, perhaps this is the work of a different
foundry, as the inscription is in capitals and there is a
stop. It may be the special mark of the foundry from
which Hille and others obtained it.

Chalk, Kent ; dia. 29 JpB : 1P5E ¦¦ S%®S ¦¦ IXiMWiB

Margaretting, Essex ; dia. 39
Sit ilomen lOomtnt ISeneDtctum
Lindsell, Essex; dia. 39 ^n illultt0 ^nnt0 lt.e0Onet
(cracked) ©ampana I)otiannt0
103

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Frindsbury, Kent; dia. 37 Sit ilomen JlSomtnt iSeneOtctum
Hartlip, Kent; dia. 39 \ ^„ il$lultt0 annt0
S. Maiy-in-the-Marsh, Kent ; dia. 40 ^ lte0Onet ©ampaUa
Stratford S. Mary, Suffolk ; dia. J 3IO8annt0

North Benfleet, Essex; dia. 33
North Benfleet, Essex ; dia. 36
Canterbury S. Martin, Kent ; dia. 34
Nonington, Kent; dia. 34

Sancta itatertna ©ra
Pro Mobi»

Cowden, Kent; dia. 30 J g)ot)anne0 <B0t Homen ®iU0

Higham S. Mary, Suffolk ; dia.
Sancta dpiist& ©ra pro Mobi»
We have now to deal with a separate foundry, probably
of an earlier date than Hille's, and from which the follow
ing cross was acquired by Richard Hille. The marks used
are this plain cross and a single fieur de lis. The inscrip-
104

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

tions are mostly in capitals. Bells of this foundry ate
chiefly to be found in the neighbourhood of London, but
a few have found their way more west. Probably others
will be found in Wilts and Dorset.

Rayleigh, Essex ; dia.
Pevensey, Sussex; dia.
Westfield, Sussex , dia.

Sit ilomen HSomtnt ISeneOtctum
\ S5Z m®^iEm J5)®/ii!>5m5
J 3i5JE1HE2)3C^1IUCi

Bowers Gifford, Essex; dia. 33
Merstham, Surrey ; dia. 34
Wyddial, Hertfordshire; dia. 32J

Sancta itatertna ©ra
pro iiott0

Eastwood, Essex ;
dia. 38
Sidlesham, Sussex ;
dia.

SamCXTB ©1R3B(B®1RJ ®1Ra ©IR©
n®mQ
^JBTR (am®s 3f'Dim2)aa:'cnR
a tr-miR

105

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Kimpton, Hertfordshire ; dia. 36
Chiselborough, Somerset; dia.
Bowers Gifford, Essex ; dia. 37
Chelsham, Surrey; dia. 34^^
S. Maiy-in-the-Marsh, Kent; dia. 36J
Hollington, Sussex ; dia.
Seal, Kent ; dia. 36J /

«%Z m©J!ilE1R
D©/IBJin3-
3S3lEmiBD5(ia:'Cl/ll!»

Chiselborough, Somerset; dia.
Rodmersham, Kent; dia. 33

) samcca iRac;jEiR5ma
j ©IRa IPIR® 1Fl®:«355

Burmarsh, Kent ; dia. 30 3®ibainmES tbsz m®^iEiFi Bjms
Charlynch, Somerset ; dia. 3 1
ciR3sa;3E ©JE af3L®s ^aiRjE

Eastwood, Essex ;
dia. 32

samctta iftaciEiRjma
1R®3BJS

^

fe

0 0

®iRa ©iR®

Westminster Abbey, Middlesex ; dia. 28
CIRJSttlE aiD2>5 m®s
106

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Charlynch, Somerset ; dia. 3 1
c'a^sa;E pjje g%®5 ^aiR5E

107

Founder: JOHANNA STURDY, circa 1450. There
exists a set of bells, some bearing the initials " I S," some
bearing a shield known as the " In Domino," with various
¦crosses and coins ; connected with the marks used by
Richard Hille by means of a fieur de lis cross and a cross
fleury ; connected also with the marks of Kebyll [ (?)
star and crescent shield] , and those of Stephen Norton
through the fleur de lis cross used by all three.
Stephen Norton, 1363-81.
Kebyll (?) about 1420.
Richard Hille, 1420-40.
A coin is also used by I S, and we have had a coin used
before by Thomas Haward, (circa 1382) and Langhorne,
1379-1405. For whom the initials I S stood, and whose shield it is
bearing the letter W and a bird, as if in connection with
the W, have been difficult questions for campanologists to
decide. It has been suggested that I S stood for John
Saunders, but since his date is given as 1539-59, he is 100
years too late, the character of the inscriptions alone are
against him, apart from the connection of these marks
with others as shown above, of much earlier date.
The shield, it has been thought, was that of William
Culverdon, 1510-22, the bird representing a culver or
pigeon, but this is very late also.
Now, as we have seen above, Richard Hille had a wife
Johanna who carried on the bell foundry, first as a widow,
then on marrying a man by name Sturdy, as Johanna
Sturdy. 108

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

If I S stands for Johanna Sturdy we have the continuity
of the foundry and connecting marks.
The reason why the cross formed of four fieur de lis
survived was undoubtedly owing to its artistic form.
Of course it is by no means certain that the bells bearing
the initials IS and those bearing the shield, " In domino"
are the work of the same founder, though they undoubtedly
have a common connection, and probably the truth is that
those with the shield are by William Dawe, see below.

Lindsell, Essex ; dia. 36
(cracked) Sit ilomcn J3omtnt ISeneHtctum

(Layer de la Haye,
Essex; dia.

^n iIMultt0 ^nnt0 3te0onet
m m
©ampana g)otiannt0)

1

s

log

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Tallington, Lincolnshire ;
dia. 36 Sit iiomen JBomint iSeneUtctum
Little Totham, Essex ; __
m m m m m ^.
dia. 33 Sancta iWarta ©ra pro iaol»0
*Thrapstoue, Northamptonshire ;
m m mmm.
dia. 33 sancta ^nna ©ra pro Mobi»
Canterbury S. Mary Magdalene,
Kent ; dia. 30^ Sanctc pctrc ©ra pro ilOlli0
Nettlecombe, Somerset; dia.
Sancte paule ©ra pro Mobi9
Chichester S. Martin, Sussex ; dia. (No inscription)
And the above marks without " I S," —
Grendon, Northamptonshire ; dia.
Sit ilomen Jiomtnt ISene&ictum

* The Angelus is rung daily at I p.m.
no

Founder: WILLIAM DAWE, of London and
Norwich, 1385-1418 ? Probably the bells bearing the
shield, " In Domino," etc., are of much earlier date than
those of Hille and Sturdy, their connecting marks having
a common origin in the marks of Stephen Norton,
<i363-8i.)

Argument.

There was such a bell founder as William
Dawe, who worked in London 1385-1418, and afterwards
lived in London.
If the bird represents a name the bird may be meant
for a daw (jack-daw).
William Dawe must have learnt his trade at some
foundry, so as likely as not with Stephen Norton, from
whom he would have obtained his cross of four fieur de
lis, but used it without the crown, but using tbe crown
slightly altered for some of his capitals.
As Stephen Norton used a coin so also this founder.

Ill

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

The crown shown here is that which crowns the
capitals throughout this set of bells, when used.
Chobham, Surrey ; Sancta idlergereta ©ra. Pro
m
dia. 32^ S.Obi&
mm mm
Margaretting, Essex ; sancta iStargarcta ©ra pro
m
dia. 31 MObi&
^^Bi ^SS QSSS QE^S cfls
*Aveley, Essex; dia. 32 SanCte PCtrC ©ra PrO ia,Otlt0
Landbeach, Cambridge- ^p& PerpCtUC Bet ilOllt0 tSrauDta
shire; dia. ffigatte
Boughton Aluph, Kent ;
dia. 35 Sancte paule ©ra Pro Mobt0
Pelham Furneaux, Hertfordshire ;
dia. 32^ Sancta itatertna ©ra pro Mobi&
Kingstone, Staffordshire ;
dia. 24i Sancte gjacoti ©ra pro Mobi&
Kingstone, Staffordshire ;
dia. 2 6f Sancte HeonarDit ©ra pro iiotit0
Stratford S. Mary, Suffolk ;
dia. Sancte (&vegoti ©ra pro iiotit0
Takeley, Essex ; dia. 36 ^CCtt PrtnCtptO SanCta MlltiH
Meo
'' The larger coin not used here.
112

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Tillingham, Essex ; dia. 25 Sancte iluca
Wimbledon, Surrey ; dia. 33
Sancte ISartl^olomee p

W^

X

Campton, Bedfordshire;
dia. 29i Sanctt Paule ©ra pro ilo6i0
Newbum, Northumber- Sancta iJlergereta ©ra Pro
land ; dia. 36 iiOtlt0
(This bell has the shield as above, but what other marks are doubtful)

Brentford S. Laurence, Middlesex; dia. 31^
Greenford, Middlesex ; dia. 28
Steeple, Dorset ; dia.
Ubbeston, Suffolk ; dia. 113
9

Sancta ^nna
©ra Pro Mobi»

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Wicken Bonant, Essex ;
dia. 24 samciTE xiaca

Campton, Bedfordshire ;
dia. 32 Sancte anOree ©ra pro iaolit0
m m''
Graveney, Kent ; dia. 3 1 saiftCttlE ®3'2l IP®
A few bells carry the mark of Stephen Norton uncrowned
and enlarged, together with another and otherwise unique
cross.

S. Albans Clock Tower, iWt00t Be ©eli0 fl^atieO ilomcn
Hertfordshire ; dia. 41 ©falirtelt0 114

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Gloucester Cathedral,
Gloucestershire ; dia. 45 i
Sudbury All Saints, Suffolk ; dia.

I Sum Uom pul0ata
[ MnvLQi i$larta
' Focata

Bristol S. Werberg, ^in iftlUltt0 '^nni& UC&Onet
Gloucestershire; dia. ©ampana gjofjanni©

Stradbroke, Suffolk;
dia.

(Sue <iKa&rfelt0 Sonat |gec
©ampana ^fFiOelt©

115

Founder unknown. Several bells are found bearing
the shield below, accompanied by crosses which are found
on bells by other founders, and in a few places with a
single fleur de lis. At present there is no clue as to the
founder, his date, or the locality of his foundry, beyond
that as most of the bells are found round London, the
probability is that they were made in that city.

Adisham, Kent; dia. 36 ilomen il^agUalene ©ampana
(SSertt MeXoXiie

"^

Gt. Waitham, Essex ; ilomen C^agOalene HSketit
dia. ©ampana i^elotrte
Twywell, Northampton- FOX <SugU0ttnt ^OVltt B^ ^WCe
shire; dia. Bei 116

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Margaretting, Essex ;
dia. 36

^n itlultt0 ^nni0 Ue&onet
©ampana gjoDannto

Angersleigh, Somerset ; dia. 1 ^UtOUat Be ©eli0 FOX
Harpenden, Hertfordshire; dia. 38 J ©ampaua i!^tCf)aelt0

Bumham, Essex ; dia. 32
Pulborough, Sussex; dia.
Stelling, Kent ; dia. 34J
Widford, Hertfordshire; dia. 33

'sancta itatertna ©ra
Pro ilotit0

Eyeworth, Bedfordshire; dia. 32^ ] SanCta l^argareta

Westmill, Hertfordshire; dia. 3
Balcombe, Sussex ; dia.
Great Burstead, Essex ; dia.
Ightham, Kent ; dia. 29 J

I* i

©ra Pro Mobi»
[Vox ^ugu0ttnt Sonet
^n ^ure JIBet

Eastwick, Hertfordshire; Fox ^t!gU0ttnt S^nOt B^ ^UXe
dia. 30J naei
Stelling, Kent ; dia. 30 Fox ^gu0ttnt S^net ^n ^url
Bei
Stanstead, Kent; dia. 27 Bofiemni& C?0t ilomeu CFiU0
Ightham, Kent; dia. 27^

Wychling, Kent; dia. 25

mmice Xpi ^otianni©

117

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Mountnessing, Essex ;
dia. Sancte ^aco&e ©ra Pro i3olii0
South Benfleet, Essex ; ilomcn ittagHaleite ©ampana
dia. 36 ©erit i^eloUte
Tansor, Northampton- Sit i^Omen JStUtnt JJJtl^^U
shire; dia. 34 eneQtCUm
Fairfield, Kent; dia. 23 J
(cracked) £}!je0
Fairfield, Kent; dia. 22 J £j!)0

118

Founder unknown, but perhaps Bullisdon, circa 1500.
The shield now to be dealt with has on it a " non ringing "
bell without any crown, but attached to a beam, and the
initials " a b " beside the bell. These initials which occur
upon shields ought to give some clue to the founders who
used them, but at present only surmises can be made ;
here they might stand for Austen Bracker or Bullisdon,
the former has other marks that we know to be his, so
that Bullisdon is the more likely owner of this shield.
There are three variation^of this mark, one having "T b."
The most complete set of bells of this make is at the
Church of S. Bartholomew the Great, London, where
five bells remain, all bearing this shield, but in two forms
with various other marks as will be seen in the following
pages. The initial cross sometimes occurs with slight variations,
but practically the same.
Compare these shields with those below ascribed to
Thomas Bett.

Landewednack, Cornwall ;
dia. 3oi Sancta ^nna ©ra Pro Mobi» B
119

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
s. Clement, Cornwall ; Sancta i!rrtntta0 S3nU0 JBeU0
dia. iICtt0erere 0.obi&
Aldbourne, Wiltshire ; St^Ua : ifHarta : iTOari0 : SUCCUrC
dia. Ptt00ima : ilOtlt0
West Hothly, Sussex ; dia. -v
„ Off,, J Sancta iWarta ©ra
Kesgrave, Suffolk; dia. ^ ^^^ ^^^^
Rampton, Cambridgeshire ; dia. j

Sancta ^nna ©ra
Pro iiolii0

Edburton, Sussex ; dia.
Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire ; clockbell ;
dia.
Paulerspuiy, Northamptonshire; dia. 31
Cudham,Kent; dia. 29^ sancte paule ©ra Pro ilOtlt0
East Dean, Eastbourne, Sussex ;
dia. Sancte gjacolie ©ra pro iloiiis
S.BarthoiomewtheGreat, Sancte ^olianne0 ISaptt0te ©ra
London; dia. 30 prO ilOtlt0
S. Bartholomew the Great,
London; dia. 24^ sancta ISaterina ©raproiloftte
Grade, Cornwall ; © UKarttr ©ristofore pro Mobis
dia. 35i S^ntpcr ©rare
Rampton, Cambridgeshire ;
dia. Sancte ©©tuaiae ©ra pro Mobi&
Landewednack, ilomen i^tagtialena ©erit ©am-
Cornwall; dia. 35^ paua J^elOtTie
East Dean, Eastbourne, Me i^elior Fere MOU C?0t
Sussex; dia. ©ampana SniJ QSve
120

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

S.Barthoiomewthe Great, Sancte Uartfjolcmeo ©ra pro
London; dia. 22J i%Ot)t0
The cross that appears here was that also used by
Danyell, —

S. Bartholomew the Great, London ;
dia. 27 Sancta anna ©ra pro Mobi&
The shield and bell here rather differ from other
examples.

121

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
.S. Bartholomew the Great, London ;
dia. 31 Sancte petre ©ra Pro Mobin
This mark seems to be another form of the shield
attributed to Bullisdon.

Northill, Bedfordshire ;
dia. 3'^i Sancte ©aliriel ©ra pro ilo6i»
¦^Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire ;
m m mmm
dia. 40 sancta ^gatl^a ©ra pro Bobis

The bell at Bedford S. Mary is very rich in shields,, one
seems to make a fourth form of the "a b" mark. The
lion and rose shields occur elsewhere.

122

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Bedford S. Mary, Bedfordshire ; dia. 27 (No inscription)
On a few bells the shield stands alone without any
initial cross.

Rayleigh, Essex ; dia. sancta iMargareta ©ar pro
iao0 3tin0
m m mmm
Iken, Suffolk ; dia. Sancte ^jacolie ©ra pro i%otii0
Little Gransden, Cambridgeshire ;
dia. Sancte ilecolatte©ra Pro iaoW0
(Weeley, Essex ; dia. Full details not to hand)

123

F. C. SHIELD.
Founder : unknown. Date perhaps about 1490. Again
we have a shield bearing initials, this time "F C," with a
simple cross between them. This shield occurs on but a
few bells, and then in most places in company with a
cross, either the same or much like one used with the
"ab" shield, and used also by Danyell. Who "F C"
was is yet a mystery. The marks used by this founder
are closely allied to the marks used by Bullisdon or who
ever the founder was who used the a b shield. The belb
of this founder are widely scattered.

Twywell, Northampton- g)n il¥tUlti0 ^UUie IteeOUet
shire; dia. ©ampana g;ofianni0
Smithfield S. Bartholomew the Less,
London ; dia. 38 fjntonat Be ©eli0Fox ©ampana
ililic(]aeli0 124

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

s. Clement, Cornwall ; Sancta ittlargareta ©ra Pro
dia. 34i ilotli0
Chebsey, Staffordshire ;
dia. 36 Sancta l^elena ©ra pro Mobi&
Denton, Kent; dia. 31^ Sanctc 3leonarlTe ©ra pro ilo&i0
Landewednack, Cornwall ;
dia. 3 3 Sancte ilicHolae ©ra pro ilolii0
Wiiiington, Bedford- © ittlarttr Xp ofore pro ilotii0
shire; dia. 384 S^nipcr ©rate
Pott Shrigley, Cheshire ;
dia. Sancte Xp ofore ©ra pro iiolii0
Denton, Kent ; dia. 34 ilomeu JtlagOalcne ©ampana
©fertt MeloUie
Cople, Bedfordshire ; Jp^Ueli& i^e0Uri0 i^OmCU ©am-
dia. 36 pana Mv'^ael^&
Hormead, Buckingham- FOX augU0tini Sonct gju aurc
shire ; dia. 29 il3ei
Oldbury, Shropshire ; dia. (Inscription not to hand)
125

Founder : AUSTEN BRACKER, circa 1400 (?).
The shield of three lions seems to have come from the
foundry of Austen Bracker, who worked about the year
1400, as will be seen from the following bells. Who was
" Thomas " who made the Babingley bell ?

Ashen, Essex ; dia. 26 a\DE jffliaiRja ©IRaCja pXEfia
2)®^5in'2lS ziBavxm

Babingley, Norfolk ;
dia.

^1b®^aS 3E/lft afECJ^

Newton, Cambridgeshire ;
dia. E/IR wnm IREIRCaiRB tiJBZ Sa
Hales, Norfolk; dia. (."MSZlBm JSIRaCIRieiR mUB .flIiE"
backward) 51bC : ma^aiREIFl'dS
IRES ¦ 51t)I)E®1R1H/llb
Little Cornard, Suffolk; 51b S IH a Z: a 1R E "ffnil S IREf
dia. 51i)S>E®1RlD^
Ashen, Essex ; dia. 29 z:aiRE1Il 1RE$ aD2)E®1R'iIl^

Little Welnetham, Suffolk; dia.

^E . /iJbaiRcaiREUE : ca/iiiipa-
ma/ift . B^asziB ¦¦ xEttE
126

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Shouldham, Norfolk ; aWSttEIR flCIRaOIRgnR IHiUa ^3t
dia. amna® <2®«i3m5 m

*Anstey, Hertfordshire ; Sancte <iBeorge ©ra pro ilOtli0
dia. 36 s^t^ Ittc^arO pan0am ©epute
* It has been suggested by Stahlschmidt that the word "Cepute"
should be " Depute," i.e. " deputy.''

127

Founder : JOHN TONNE, circa 1520. The Tonnes
were bell founders of the i6th century, their names often
appearing on bells with dates. John seems to have been
the first of the founders and was succeeded by Stephen ;
most of Stephen's bells are too late and uninteresting to
be entered here. They seem to have used a great variety
of marks, and cast their inscriptions without capital
letters, or used capitals very sparingly.
Writers upon campanology have not always been
accurate in describing the actual marks occurring upon
Tonne's bells, but the following list is the best to hand.
The bell at Down is perhaps an early specimen of John
Tonne's work, dated 1511, or if this date is too early for
him, the bell may have been by a founder with whose
foundry John Tonne had some connection. Small lettering
is employed as usual with Tonne.

il

i^^

Down, Kent ; dia. 39^ ^urgc tuant &etbive Oeo anno Ont
mUxt 128

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

At Stoke-by-Clare is a bell with the same inscription as
at Down, Kent, and with the same small lettering, but
lacking the date, and with only one small cross such as
was used by John Tonne : —

Stoke-by-Clare, Suffolk ; clock bell ;
dia. 0urge = mane

0arbire ; Deo

Most of Tonne's bells bear the larger and well known
cross, mostly in conjunction with other marks. At
Findon, according to Tyssen, this cross appears alone : —

jotinne0 tonne me feat
Findon, Sussex ; dia. 0 0ancte 0te pDane
129

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Also a medaUion of S. John Baptist.
Beddingham, Sussex ; in multt0 aUUf » nomcn tiapttftte
dia. totanni0

130

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

jol^nne0 tonne me feat
Also a Tudor rose and a Henry VIIL medal.
Botoiph, Sussex ; dia. 0anc te pe tre 0 ta pro no bi»
Botoiph, Sussex ; dia. Of SOUt t^attte ptat fOr ttie
0oulle0 of lio^n siutter gjotin
Tiunt Wiillem alutter
Botoiph, Sussex ; dia. gje0tt ttie0 beHe» tpct maOc tu
tQe ser of goDe mDrxxxtot

131

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Twineham, Sussex : iJOC mtCJji tam retrO nomCU Vt
dia. 0imone petro
These bells want the coin : —
Twineham, Sussex ; ^U Mnlti& anni0 UOmCU tiapttSte
dia. ^Otiani0
Keymer, Sussex; dia. ))irgini0 a00upte tiome gcro 0ancte
marie
Suiiington, Sussex ; pul0emu0 gratis omucs lauOes
dia. trinitati ^» trnt mo° ccccc xxii"

132

AJICIENT CHURCH BELLS.

gjotinne0 tonne me feat

133

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Aythorpe Roothing,
Essex ; dia. 26
Aythorpe Roothing,
Essex ; dia. 28
Aythorpe Roothing,
Essex; dia. 30

bitgini atqi matri tesonat cam-
pana marta
tiuic fratris simonts anOrir
nomen fiatiet
Die celts mi00i nomen ^abto
galirieli0

Felstead, Essex ; clock bell ;
dia. 22 (Inscription, if any, inaccessible^
The Rotherfield and Lewes bells have the two crosses-
and arms, as above, and the following two^marks : —

Rotherfield, Sussex;
dia.

sanctorum more moOo pitlso
laulie0 l^onore

At Lewes also the figure of S. Catharine and a rose.
Lewes Market Tower, gabrieli0 meutt Ut Oetts l^aliio
Sussex; dia. UOmen

Stephen Tonne seems to have used the same marks as.
John, as well as the old inscriptions. 134

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Wood Ditton, Cam- 0um ro0a pul0ata muuDt maria
bridgeshire; dia. DOCata 1588 0tep$anUS tOUnt
me fecit

Wood Ditton, Cam- Pirgiuts a00umpte nomen gero
bridgeshire; dia. 5me marie 1588 stcpfjanus
tonnt me fecit g)otiannes prat
135

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
The above marks and also the figure of S. Catharine and
a coin.
Balsham, Cambridge- ^ntouat <!fcelis Fox ©ampana
shire ; dia. il^icl^aelts rtcarttus tebbel
Ijotannes tonne me fecit
Little Wratting, Suffolk; sauctorum morc mo5o pulso
dia. lauOes tliiinore ^ol^annes
tonne me fecit

136

Founders, uncertain. A set of bells bearing two or more
stamps out of a set of five in various combinations, are
found in the three counties, Norfolk, Suffolk and Kent,
but chiefly in Norfolk. They were probably not made by
the same founder, as those bells bearing the shields are
with few exceptions found only in Kent. When the
county of Essex and those counties which are West of
London have been more perfectly explored, other bells of
these makes may be found. Stahlschmidt has suggested
William le Belyetere of Canterbury, as the founder of
these bells about the year 1325, this might be correct as
far as the bells found in Kent is concerned, but bells made
in Kent would hardly find their way into Suffolk an^
Norfolk in such large quantities, to the exclusion of Essex
and other counties. Isolated bells bearing the smaller cross
have been found, one in Leicestershire by North, the other
in Warwickshire by Tilley.
A bell at Canterbury S. Mary Bredin, Kent, has the
letters «^0>/, which Stahlschmidt says stand as the Arabic
numerals for 1505 !

fvT;

E

X

i^

3

Bale, Norfolk ; dia.

in®:ii3?s sTUjamiRiRE /^KibaEi
iRaiMbaEX. (summz% d
137

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Weasenham S. Peter, CE3L J 1RE©5ma MJC1B5 SEillBpEIR
Norfolk ; dia. SJ^ ^ED5C5ina
Bamham Broom, d^'S aiaBIREa 3f a^'3L©1RTO'
Norfolk; dia. SmSCJlPE lD®C;a
Themelthorpe, Norfolk ; dia. "1 _ _ _
^ I SIDE j«aiR5a
Norwich S. George Tombland, Norfolk; f _„_,-__, ^„_„_.
dia. J
Sherefc^d vel Sheringford, Norfolk ; | ^^^ ^^^^^
Whinbergh, Norfolk ; dia. ;
N.Burlingham S.Andrew, aWE ©IRaCja lp3tEina 2)m&
Norfolk ; dia. GIECTH/IIS
Fordham, Norfolk ; dia. aiDE 61Ra ©XEIWa
N.Burlingham S.Andrew, © .flRaSSaXEIRa BTIIC 1R©S
Norfolk; dia. a© ©amDja ©XEiwa
N.Burlingham S.Andrew, a OiE/IBlpESXra^E 1P1R®irE(5aS
Norfolk; dia. m®S ©EZTIRE rBEaOlE
Witton, Walsham, © SJBIUS CEX3 jaC 3BaiR3i3aiRa
Norfolk; dia. CTRJ^jma 2)E3L5
Colkirk, Norfolk; dia. ©CSDIIIS CE3L5 JfaC JSaiRffiaiRa
C1R5illi5ma DEX3
Norwich S. George Tombland,
Norfolk ; dia. © Q^wmS CE5L3- JfaC JSSaiRffiaiRa
aiRja DEX9
Cranworth, Norfolk ; SmfiGZU ^BiaiRCaiRECia ®1Ra
'dia. (MR© m©3SS3S
138

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Thrigby, Norfolk;
dia.
Denton, Norfolk; dia.
Denton, Norfolk; dia.
Eccles, Norfolk; dia.
Eccles, Norfolk ; dia.

Halvergate, Norfolk ;
dia.
Frettenham, Norfolk;
dia.

]Fac ^<3a iREzra m®3B3s -dec
ynb'mma
© ^a^rjbEE ^E aD^iaiDa
MEma;E a3B3yiB5S SWL%7BVn
E®^'miR2)E_TRES sac^jssjyubE
3fac OlECm SE1PE1R IP^IDEIRE
SCE J5EmEI>5Ca:E ®'!Ra ©ir®
in®a85s
jBEaxTE ama:®inj ®iRa ipiR©
m®ffi5s
sac cmmca;5s ammjs m©ffi5s
•(am m>5zn 5®"©ss
sjc cmcc5S aipmjs m®j35s
loja mzM 5®ms

Halvergate, Norfolk ;
dia.

3^1FlC:E'tRCEDE IPja IPIR® 1Fl®3J8?&
1D51R<5® ^aiRja
Melton Magna, Norfolk; cassias 1DE1R® 1P5E ©affilRJEIL
dia. SlBTRZ %TBXm ^aiR5a
Newton-by-Castleacre, in©S S©C5Ea; SCJS SE/IBIPEIR
Norfolk; dia. H^cibS 5m aHUJS
Norwich S. Clement, SCa IKacaiRjma jmUEIRCEBE
Norfolk; dia. IPIR® ^E
Ilketshall S. John Baptist,
Suffolk; dia. SaiRCCE PECIRE ®1Ra ©IR© flSE
Quidenham, Norfolk; fliasSIHS DE CEItJS IbaaSE®
dia. m®/!bEm ©aSIRSEE^S
139

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Waltton, Norfolk; dia. © H)©® ttJ^jmia ©IRa IPIR® m®3B5S
aD Dm^
Quidenham, Norfolk ; lt)51R(5® C®1R®maCa DIHC m®S
dia. aD iRE©ma ssEaca
Thorpe-next-Haddiscoe, ®TRa ^EIRCE mn IPIR® 1R®3B5S
Norfolk; dia. ID5TR(5® /DiaiRja
Ravingham, Norfolk ; craCTRJS ESC® Ma ioi SElPEK
dia. ID©© JtraCja
Laxfield, Suffolk; dia. Dj-djiwi nvmSS^lLS^ ^aiWl^C
SE/BilPEIR m©3B5SCi

Tivetshall S. Margaret, Norfolk ; dia.
Tharston, Norfolk ; dia.

1 (most of inscriptions
J destroyed)

Rickenshall Inferior,
Suffolk; dia.

SCE aaC® JSE amCEIRCEDE fl>1R®
^E

Norwich S. Clement,. Norfolk; dia.
Rushmere S. Michael, Suffolk ; dia.

I sea :«3aiRj!8aiRa
' E$®iRa

Colney, Norfolk ; dia. © 1U51R©© asaiRJSSaiRa pIR® m®ffl3^
DEXtt/IB E$®1Ra

Frostenden, Suffolk;
dia,

pyt.

K

I

I^jA

3

® in®® 3&mmRn pir® m®J639
DEiES©1Ra

<8>

140

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Bridge, Kent ; dia. 39 a'ma_yffiiaiR5a ©iRacja pxgcma
Dms C3CGm
Canterbury S. Dunstan, aiHE /IBaiRja ©TRaCja pXEma
Kent ; dia. 40 DmS CECDl
Q^terbuiy S. Georg^i Kent ;
dia. 33 SaCE ©E©1R©J ©IRa PTR© m©a8JS
The bell at Canterbury S. Peter has the cross and shield
as above, but lacks the stop : —
Canterbury S. Peter, SamCCa ^aiRja ©IRa pIR©
Kent; dia. 37 m©ffi3S

<3> <5>

Kingstone, Kent; dia. a'ClE_yil!>aiR5a ©IRaCja pXEma
Dms CEcm

141

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Patricksboume, Kent ; dia. 29
aiuE ifiaiR?a evtnasn psLEma
Postling, Kent, dia. 38 samcca jBaiRja ®vtn p«®
m®B5S
PostUng, Kent, dia. 35 SamCCE PECIRE ©"Ra pIR®
m®a5js

>y.

1^

3

SouthElmham S.George, a'aiE_flBaiR5a ©IRaCja pXEma
Suffolk; dia. DmS CECUl
PulhamS.Maiy,Norfolk; © DTHS D3f5LJ JfaO ffiaTRffiaiCa
dia. DiRj^jma Daxj

<3>

Canterbury S. Maiy Bredin, Kent ; dia. 21^ /RaiRja
Canterbury S. Maiy Bredin, Kent : dia. 22
CE DEW xaiDDafflbms «^0?
{th(jyij perhaps equals 1505 in Arabic numerals.)
142

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

ME

Willoughby Waterless, gamCCE XaWIREmCJ ®1Ra pi?®
Leicester ; dia. 3 1 m®ffi5S
UUenhall, Warwickshire ; dia. (Inscription not to hand)

^1^

^^

Old Romney, Kent ;
dia. 34 saoca amma ©iRa pir© m®:fiS3s
Hoath, Kent ; dia. 25^ SaflbS

143

Founders : R. and T. CHURCH, ROGER REVE,
etc., of Bury S. Edmunds, circa 1490-1540. Some eighty
bells are found well circulated round the town of S.
Edmundsbury (or Bury S. Edmund's as it is now more
commonly called), bearing various combinations of five
marks, viz., a large and small shield, a very ornamental
cross and a single and a double stop. These marks stand
alone, and seem to have no connection with those used
by foundries in other parts.
The question therefore crops up, who was the founder,
where the foundry, . when and for how long did it exist ?
No name, initial or date has yet been discovered on any
bell bearing these marks, beside the initials " H S " upon
the shields, and no one has yet been discovered to have
been a bell founder whose name begins with H S.
Examining the shields, which differ but slightly we have
the following details : —
(i) A bell, pointing to the fact that the coat of arms
is that of a bell maker.
(2) A cannon, showing that the owner of the arms
was also a founder of ordnance. The
cannon also throws some light upon the date
of the foundry, as ordnance could not well
have been cast in England earlier than the
year 1400.
(3) Cross keys, perhaps representing the keys of a
combined monastic and secular town ; or
144

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
having some connection with the name of
S. Peter.
(4) Cross arrows, the symbol of S. Edmund who
was pierced by arrows.
(5) A crown, which may imply a Royal Charter.
(6) The initials " H S " which may be the initials
of the first owner of the foundry, or perhaps
the initials of a motto.
As most of these bells are found round S. Edmundsbury,
which in the 15th century was an important town, and
the arrows on the arms show a connection with Saint
Edmund, it seems reasonable to suggest that town as the
place of foundry. According to Raven, the author of
works upon the bells of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire,
there was a bell founder, of Bury S. Edmunds who died
in the year 1498, part of whose will is printed in his
Church Bells of Cambridgeshire, by name Reignold Chyrch
(or Church), who was succeeded by his son Thomas
Chyrch. The name of Thomas Chyrch is mentioned in
the Mundum books of King's College, Cambridge, as
recasting bells in the year 1500. Another S. Edmunds
bury founder, was one Roger Reve, whose name appears
in a bond, also quoted by Raven in his work upon the
Church Bells of Cambridgeshire, connected with a bell
cast by him at Debden in the county of Essex in the
year 1533. Whether these founders occupied in succession
the same foundry, and whether the following bells are
their work remains to be proved, but probability points to
that conclusion. The author has not been able to examine
many of these bells in person, so that occasionally there
should be given perhaps a double stop where a single one
is shown, and vice versa. 145

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Conington, Cambridge- SamCCa /BSaiRja
shire; dia, m®M35S
Aidham, Suffolk ; dia.
Denston, Suffolk; dia.
Garboldisham, Norfolk ; dia.
Garveston, Norfolk; dia.
Gestingthorpe, Essex ; dia. 44
Gimmingham, Norfolk ; dia.
Hemingstone, Suffolk; dia.
Henley, Suffolk ; dia.
Ipswich S. Laurence, Suffolk ;
dia. zgi
Ixworth, Suffolk; dia.
Lerling, Norfolk ; dia.
Needham, Norfolk ; dia.
Norwich S. Michael Coslany,
Norfolk ; dia.
Wiggenhall S. German, Norfolk ;
dia.

®iRa piR®

Sancta Matix ©ra
pro i^olits

Rockland Tofts S. Peter, Norfolk ;
dia. Sancta i^aria ©ra
146

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Garboldisham, Norfolk ; dia. "1 fi|Ui mcguat CPt JaUttS
Hemingstone, Suffolk ; dia. J ©eli IBet PtUUUS
Ipswich S. Matthew, Suffolk ;
Sancta itatertna ©ra pro Jlotiis
Sancta ^nna ©ra pro Jlotiis
Sancte petre ©ra pro nobis
Sancte (EToma ©ra pro ilotiis
Sancte (S&munlie ©rapro Jioliis

dia. 36
Felsham, Suffolk; dia.
Denston, Suffolk; dia.
Henley. Suffolk; dia.
Elmswell, Suffolk; dia

Stoke Ash, Suffolk ;
dia. ©refto Bn Bewn ©mni potentem
Rendham, Suffolk ; dia. -v . 
Ftrgo ©oronata Bnc
Wilby, Suffolk ; dia. '
Yaxley, Suffolk ; dia.
Barkway, Hertfordshire ;
dia. 26 ^Pe Matia <iKracta plena
Holton s.Mary,Suffoik; aUc f^arta CSacia picua
dia. I3ominu0 STecum

Imo& ^0 Megna iSeata

Redenhall, Norfolk ; dia.
Sudbury All Saints, Suffolk; dia.

Stella i^aria ittlari0
Succurre pii00ima
Jiolits

147

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Bacton, Suffolk ; dia.
Bozeat, Northamptonshire ; dia.
Bradfieid S.Clare, Suffolk; dia.
Charsfield, Suffolk ; dia.
Chillesford, Suffolk ; dia.
Hollesby, Suffolk; dia.
Offton, Suffolk ; dia.
Shottisham, Suffolk ; dia.
Great Thornham, Suffolk; dia.
Threxton, Norfolk ; dia.
Wicken, Cambridgeshire; dia.

South Lopham, Norfolk ;
dia.

Sancta Matia ©ra
Pro Mobi»

Sancta Mavia. ora prono ISis
South Lopham, Norfolk ; dia.
Stodey, Norfolk; dia.
Westhorpe, Suffolk ;
dia.

] Sancta maria ora
j pronobts

Sancta Maxia roa pronotiis
Kingston, Cambridgeshire ; dia.
Ottley, Suffolk ; dia.
Sudburj' All Saints, Suffolk ; dia.

[sancta ^aterina ©ra
I pro i^odts

Stetchworth, Cambridge- Sancta Mutgoxeta ©ra Pro
shire; dia. J)lOi}t0

Cambridge S. Edward Con.,
Cambridgeshire ; dia.
Stoke Ash, Suffolk ; dia.
TuddenhamS.Mary,Suffolk; dia.
Wenhaston, Suffolk : dia.
East Wrentham, Norfolk ; dia. 148

Sancta ^nna ©ra pro
MobiG

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Haiesworth, Suffolk ; g)of)annes ©1)ri0ti ©are 29ignare
dia. pro Jlotiis orare
Snailwell, Cambridgeshire ;
dia. Sancte petre ©ra pro Jlofiisj
Holton S. Mary, Suffolk ;
dia. Sancte paule ©ra pro i^otiis
Haiesworth, Suffolk ;
dia. Sancte ^Tfjoma ©ra pro Jlotiis
Risby, Suffolk ; dia. iltteritts <!?timunlti S^nius a
©rimine i^uttOi
Monks Eieigh, Suffolk ; ©ra Haureuti ISoua ©ampana
dia. Pact
West Winch, Norfolk ;
dia. Sancte — ©ra Pro Jlotiis
Wickham Market, ©eli Uct muuus qui rcguat et
Suffolk; dia. UnUS
Ely Holy Trinity, Cambridgeshire ;
dia abe gracia plena
Conington, Cambridge- pirgo corouata Btuc no0 oU rcgiia
shire ; dia. tlCata
Shelley, Suffolk ; dia. 1 0ancta maria ora pro
Stanton All Saints, Suffolk ; dia. j notli0
149

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Cheveley, Cambridgeshire ;
dia. sancta ^nna ora pro notiis
Shelley, Suffolk ; dia. saucta ana ora pro notiis
Hinderclay, Suffolk ;
dia. sancta caterina ora pro notiis
Newton Bromswold, Northamptonshire ;
dia. 27 sancte petre ora pro notii0

Stanton All Saints,
Suffolk; dia.

© martir Barfiara prome ISeum
<!!?xora

Stanton All Saints,
Suffolk; dia.

© »ibm ©eli dFtit ISartiara
©remina Belt

Tostock, Suffolk; dia. Sancta Moxta ora pro notiis

Depden, Suffolk; dia. sancta auua ©ra Pro Mobi»
150

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Great Ashfield, Suffolk; Swni l^OSa Pul0ata ilBunlli
dia. iUaria Focata
LittleStonham, Suffolk; Firgo ©Oma Bnt M0» Wt
dia. I&egna
Barton Mills, Suffolk; s^ncte ^nUria ^postoli ora pro
dia. JlOtli0
Depden, Suffolk ; dia. SanCtC i^lCOlaC ©ra PrO i^OtliS
Great Ashfield, Suffolk ; ifSlerittS CttDmunOt StntUS ^
dia. ©rimine IStunUt
Darsham, Suffolk; dia. sancte ©pouia ©ra Pro ilotits
Above two marks and also a coin : —
Isleham (clock), Cambridgeshire ;
dia. ' Sancte ^nOrta ora pro

Trumpington, Cam- ©eli Bet iHunus <i5ui licgnat
bridgeshire; dia. et 93nUS
151

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Upon the bell at Isleham are the two marks, shield
and stop, as above, and also the arms of the Bernards
and Peytons. John Bernard died 1451, Thomas Peyton
1484 (so states Raven), according to a tomb in the
church : —

Isleham, Cambridge
shire ; dia.

see ga&ciel ora p aialis Bofti»
liernarO mtlit et elene uxis sue
et ttiome pepton armigi et
margarete uxts eue fiilte et
j^ereij pOtctor Botti^ et elene

On the following bells the smaller shield is found, upon
which the arrows are feathered : —

Tostock, Suffolk; dia. sanc cpctre ora pro notiie
Barton Mills, Suffolk ;
dia. Sancta Barbara ora pro Jlo&is
Weston Market, Suffolk; SaUCtC ^nOrea^pOStOU©raPrO
dia. ilObiS 152

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS

At Wattisham tbe bell has the cross and smaller shield
as above, and also this double stop, —

Wattisham, Suffolk ; sancta iHarta i^agOfalena ©ra
dia. pro ilobis

Little Beallings, Suffolk ; dia.
Bedfield, Suffolk ; dia.
Ipswich S. Helen, Suffolk ; dia.

Sancta ilStaria ©ra
pro iiotiis

Carleton, Cambridgeshire ;
dia. ^p Matia. dSxatia
Coton, Cambridgeshire ; pirgo corouata Uttc nos nU rcgna
dia. beata

153

A NUMBER of bell founders seem to have lived during
the 14th century, who were more or less connected;
a few of their bells have maintained their position in the
towers of our churches for these 550 years or thereabout ;
none of these bells are dated, but many of them bear the
names of their makers, and all have inscriptions in capital
letters. Stahlschmidt devoted a considerable amount of
his time to searching the archives of the City of London,
the result of which exertions may be seen in his " Surrey
Bells and London Bell Founders."
The following list gives the names of the founders
whose bells are here dealt with, with the time of their
foundries : —
John Aleyn, unknown.
Walter Wymbis, of London, perhaps about 1288
Michael de Wymbis, „ „ who died 13 10
Richard de Wymbis, ,, ,, circa 1310
Peter de Weston, „ ,, circa 13 30- 1347
R unknown. (Perhaps Revel.)
William Schep, of London, circa 1340
William Revel, „ „ „ 1350
William Rofforde (or Ufford), ,, ,, „ 1330
(Henry) Derby „ „ „ 1360
154

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Kingston juxta Lewes, TTOiaSLCEIRTIlS MJilBiffiJS HtUB
Sussex; dia. jfECJC

Southease, Sussex ;
dia.

3®ibammES axEim osib jpecjc

o

o

Bradenham, Buckinghamshire; dia. 25 '
Bradenham, Buckinghamshire; dia. 28
Old Bradwell, Buckinghamshire ; dia. 24J •
Old Bradwell, Buckinghamshire ; dia. 25^
Lee, Buckinghamshire ; dia. 20
Grayingham, Lincoln- JSCa CaiHipama SamCC^
shire ; dia. 32^ 5®ibamm3s EWamffiEl-SSCJ

^JCIbaEH BM
v>miS!>ms ME
3fEC5C

Friesthorpe, Lincolnshire ;
dia. 26J aii)j6 iSinmn
Holton le Beckering, Lincolnshire ;
dia. 33 aiDSt ilBaiR5a
*Laceby, Lincolnshire ; HHmm ®3f DaTmiaiRDaSl ®3f IDiS
dia. 34i  IbaiDE ME1RC13 
* This bell has also a coin.
155

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

o
oo

*Manton, Lincolnshire ;
dia. 24 aiDE ^aiRja ©iRaaja

Brookthorpe.GIoucester-iECETRmjS ammjS 1RES®mEC
shire; dia. ca/nbpamas 3®ibamm5s

oo o

Goring, Oxfordshire ; ©IRaCE P'K® PECK® ES®m3-

dia.
LongfieldjKent; dia.
Rowdham, Norfolk;
dia.

EmSE EP5SC®p© IRJCaiRD
BB m^iSimis miB ffjsc
¦amEXEXMms iredex m£
JfECJC

umsxExmiiis ffECSC

IREIDEX ynSE

* This bell has also mark like a spear point.
156

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

oo
o

Norwich S. Laurence,
Norfolk; dia. 34

iD©c®iR 5®ibammEs
MS-XEX/llblllS 1REWEX ^IRE JfECJC

Yapton, Sussex ; dia. TR aWE MaiRja

Fairstead, Essex;
dia.
Gt. Waitham, Essex ;
dia. 43
Batheaston, Somerset;
dia.
Heckfield, Hampshire ;
dia.

1D©C©1R 5©1bamES PECIRIUS
BJB 11ClESC©m ME ffECJC
ib©c s5©minM SEiRDa spe
MajiRja cib©Ma
W51R©3m3S a©1RE©5E 1D©C©1R
caMpama mnmiB
m®m ©®D ibExp amD ibawE
ax

Whitwell, Isle of Wight ;^51KaEXJS CaMpama 3fTIl©3r-
dia. amc piaxsamcE pTR®pibama
PTKII
Appledram, Sussex ; SamCCa fldaiRSa ®1Ra PIR®
dia. m®385S PUm
157

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Appledram, Sussex ; :BEmED5CCa SJC SamCCa
dia. ciRjmjcas PW
Stowting, Kent ; dia. 25 TWl p
*Washington, Sussex;
dia. 1R JIR ib©m®iRE samccE MaiRja
*Up. Seeding, Sussex ; 1R jm 1b®m©1RE SamCCE
dia. macEiRjmE
*Up. Seeding, Sussex ; 1R JIR 1b©m®1RE SamCCE
dia. MaiR©aiRJCE
Washington, Sussex ;
dia. 1R samccE MJCtbaEX

o
o

Surham, Kent ; dia. 25* 1R5©1baiRD BTB mBMJBJS /IBE
ffECJC
Garboldisham, Norfolk ; a® XaWDEM SamCCJ amC©m55
dia. 27J(now MJXEXMHIS SCIbEp ME
destroyed) 3fEC3-C
Hassingham, Norfolk ;
dia. TKIIJXEXM'CIS TREIDEX ME jfECJC
Above mark, but stop of three dots instead of two : —
Slapton, Northampton- TRJC'IbaiRD BB MaMaSJS ME
shire; dia. igj 3fES3-C
* A D. Tyssen gives SANCTE as above ; the author has not been
able to verify.
158

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

o
o
o

Gt. Bradley, Suffolk ; IRJcaiRD DE irai?M3SS5S a:>lB
dia. 3FEC3C
Assington, Suffolk ; •©©(! SJ©miHM SEIRWa SpE
dia. MaiRja C1b©Ma
Monks Eieigh, Suffolk ; aSSTHMpCa ESC MaiRja jm
dia. CEX'QIM

^1==

oo
o

Serechurch, Essex; dia. TRJCaiRDTHS DE TOIJMJSJS ME
(now destroyed) 3fEfl5C
Rawreth, Essex; dia. 30-J ja^ CEMplHS ESC
Ardeley, Hertfordshire ;
dia. 27 1D©C©1R MaiRja
Letchworth, Hertfordshire ;
dia. 30 m>B MaiRsa DiRacja pxEma
Clothall, Hertfordshire ;
dia. 29J caijc JSijB 3®ammEs
159

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

The cross, stop and sample of lettering used by Robert
Rider :—

Hartley, Kent; dia. i8 1R®3!SE1RC\t)S IRJDEIR ME JFECJC
Cross and lettering as above without the stop : —
Ford, Sussex; dia. 1R®a5E1RCDS IRJDIRE ME JFECJC

ooo

Sutterton, Lincolnshire ; S13M©m BTB IbaZjFJXDE ME
dia. 12 3FEC5C
Toft, Cambridgeshire ;
dia. awE MaiRja
Kings Sutton, North- awE MaiRja ©TRacja pxEma
amptonshire; dia. D®M3miIlS CECTHM
Alderton, Northamptonshire ;
dia. ait)a MaiRja ©iRacja pXEma
*Madingley, Cambridge- D3C®1R E©® C1b®MaS XaiUS
shire; dia. ESC $PJ S®mTaS ®MaS

* This inscription is found also on a bell at Pleshy, Essex.
i6o

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Old Warden, Bedfordshire ; dia. 36"!
Slapton, Northamptonshire ; dia. 29

SPE aiDDJ m®s

Kempston,Bedfordshire; a$ ama maca SaXlDEC m®S
dia. 43 (cracked) WJTR©© aSEaca
Bamardiston, Suffolk ; ©MmES SamCCJ BJB3^ ©IRaCE
dia. PIR© m©3!S3S
The cross as above, but no stop : —
Ayston, Rutlandshire ;
dia. 30 BWE TRJE$ ©EmCJS am©X©TR1IlM
Stolfold, Bedfordshire ; samCCE pECIRE ©IRa pIR©
dia. 36^ m©3B5S
A king's head, thought to be that of Edward IIL,
(1327-77) is found with the cross and stop used above : —

Cherry Hinton, Cambridgeshire ;
dia. aiDE MaiRja Ma©m.

o
o
o

Caldecote, Cambridgeshire ;
dia. ^pe ^aria
161
12

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

The following shield, with the initial H upon it, seems
to have some connection with this set of marks. H
might stand for Halton, who seems to have been a
founder : —

Belton, Grantham, Lincolnshire; dia. 27
Scothorne, Lincolnshire ; dia. 36

}

3f)S MaiRja

Radbourne, Derbyshire ;
dia.

3®1bS MaiRja M 3B p
162

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

o o o

Westmill, Hertfordshire; ¦fflllJXXEXM'mS 1R©i|f3f©1RDE ME
dia. 32 3FEC3C

Hexton, Hertfordshire ; dia. 34^-
Thurleigh, Bedfordshire ; dia. 43

\nvj6 MaiR5a

Bumham Deepdale, awa MaiRja ©TRaCja pXEmB
Norfolk; dia. DmSmMWS CaClD MDaiRTO
samccE PECIRE ®iRa pir®
m®aS5S DEIRaSl^ 3FEC5C jsca
Above marks without the head of Queen : —
Chippenham, Cam- SamCCa MaiR©aiRECa ®1Ra
bridgeshire; dia. pTR© m©3!S5S DE1R3S13

New Houghton, Norfolk ; dia.

Chippenham, Cam- aiDE MaiRja ©IRaC^a pXEma
bridgeshire ; dia. D®M3mX[lS CECHIM
163

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Sundon, Bedfordshire ;
dia. 36 awE MaiRja
Hardmead, Buckinghamshire ;
dia. 36 it)®(r®iR 3®ibammES
A.mpton, Suffolk ; dia. SamCCE amDTREa ®1Ra pTR®
m®3533S DE1R3S3ffi

164

Founder: THOMAS POTTER of Norwich, circa
1400. Connected apparently with the marks as shown
above which were used by various founders in the 14th
century, are the marks used by Thomas Potter who was a
bell founder of Norwich, and obtained his freedom of that
city in the year of our blessed Lord, 1404, which is about
the date we should expect judging from the marks and
use of capitals in some cases. Perhaps Thomas Potter
had learnt his trade as a bell founder with Henry Derby,
and used at first the King's head, supposed to be that of
Edward III. This king died in 1377, hence possibly
Thomas commenced his foundry about that date, and
later on substituted the head of a lion for the sovereign's
head ; he had his own special cross. Combining the
trade of a potter to that of a founder, he uses as a mark
the potter's stool, and from this trade he was surnamed
the Potter.
The inscriptions at first are in capitals throughout, but
after a time retain only the initial capitals, smalls being
substituted to complete the words.

Aiiopton, Suffolk; dia^

samcca : MaiRiREca : ®iRa : p-R®
m©3B?S : CD©MaS jfEC^C
165

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

OQO

Somerleyton, Suffolk ; aWE DJIR©© WJTRS^mTOM MaCElt
dia. 51bm SP5

Gosfield, Essex ; dia.

triplex per0ona QTrinita^
Jlunc ^auOia JSona

Wickham S. Paul, Essex ; (fTampaua i^arie
dia. 33i (fgrcgie Uocor
Lakenham S. John Bap., Norfolk ;
dia. aHe CKracta plena

Firgini»

;iFac imargaretai%olii»
fgec iittunera aieta

Dennington, Suffolk; dia.
Hoxne, Suffolk ; dia.
Shotesham All Saints, Norfolk :
dia.
Norwich s. Giles, CCelt licgtua SLanguenttlius S^
Norfolk ; dia. 43* meOiCtUa
Hickiing, Norfolk ; aiSaillm0 Q&teene dpttit iPieri
B»tam <9;ampanam (S^elilAegiiia
Ilanguentitm0 Mi^i S^ntV^
Stt itneHicina
®eli Hegina iWiclii S^tnper S^it
ISteOiciua
ilSlf 00US Uero Pie &abttel jFetfl
ULeta ifnarie
166

dia.

Wretton, Norfolk ;
dia. 40
Ringland, Norfolk ;
dia. .

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Norwich S. Swithin,
Norfolk ; dia.
W. Winch, Norfolk ;
dia.
Witton (Norwich),
Norfolk; dia.

iloIiis Solamen «reIorum Het
iSeus ^men
<i9uesimus anDria dFamulorum
Suscipe Fota
m©S Cf)©ME ME1R5C5S MEltB-
aMTniR ©ainDja xiiicas

y^m_z~?^

oOo

^ . ^

o-^fe

^33

-^^

If ^vs

'Siy,
Eaton, Norfolk; dia.
ainE ©iRacja pxma
Gt.Plumstead, Norfolk; samCC©-K'mM ME1R5C5S
dia. pam©aMins aamcaca
xaTODSs
Norwich S. John Sepulchre,
Norfolk; dia. |Qas Cu (iitampanas ^Fotrmastt
Pottere Gliomas
Illington, Norfolk ;
dia.
© samccE c-E)©Ma m®:ffi5S cm
©a'DiDja D®ma
167
Founder : RICHARD BAXTER the Brasyer of
Norwich, circa 1440, onward. Richard Baxter appears
to have been a worker in Thomas Potter's foundry, and
to have carried on the trade after Potter's death. There
seems to be no definite history of the Norwich foundries
in the mediaeval times, but the large number of bells,
found chiefly in Norfolk and Suffolk, testify to the large
ness of the works ; and the fact that so many have
survived 400 years of ringing, testifies to the good quality
of the metal and casting. Baxter's name is found upon
the bell at Ketteringham which simply bears for mark,
the cross used by Thomas Potter. Richard Baxter died
1482, his son Richard died in 1513. Two bells at
Mundham S. Peter, have the initials R. B.
Other names that appear upon bells are, —
(i) Robert Brethenam, for whose soul prayers are
requested, as we find on a bell in the
Cathedral of Norwich ; this Robert Brethe
nam was, according to L'Estrange, a
gardener about 1451.
(2) Sir Richard Gravoure, whose name appears upon
the bell at Martham, probably he was the
donor, since he was connected with Martham
about 1468.
(3) John Riping. 168

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
A bell at Salhouse given apparently by the Guild of
Corpus Christi, and requesting the prayers of the faithful
for the souls of the brothers and sisters of the Guild, is
dated m cccc iiii i, but the exact meaning of these letters
is doubtful ; 1481 has been suggested, and seems to be a
likely date. Some bells, perhaps of later date, bear the
arms of the city of Norwich. The foundry must have
lasted many years, and seems to have surnamed the
family Brasyer, thus Richard Baxter the Brasyer becomes
Richard Brasyer, as Thomas the Potter had become
Thomas Potter.
Richard Baxter at first made use of Potter's cross, then
introduced a shield of three bells, etc. This shield appears
in two forms ; the Ihree bells may imply that three
foundries were united ; this is probable, as several other
marks occur with Richard's shields. The lion's head used
by this foundry as a rule, has the tongue protruding, which
makes it possible that Richard Baxter set up in opposition
to Potter's foundry after a quarrel, hence the tongue of
his lion is out in derision of the lion used by Potter. The
cross generally used by him has a face in the centre.
The inscriptions are cast with initial capitals and smalls ;
the capitals are highly ornamental.
The inscriptions differ considerably from those used by
most founders, as to the text, but closely follow the lead
of Thomas Potter. 169

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Ketteringham, Norfolk;
dia.
Stoke-by- Nayland,
Suffolk; dia.
Cratfield, Suffolk ; clock
bell ; dia.

Shipdham All Saints,
Norfolk; dia. 17
Norwich S. Giles,
Norfolk; dia. 36

Hicus ISaxter ISrasper Be
ilortppco ^ecit Me
®iRa : MEmcE : p?a • pir® •
m®:B5s : it)5TR©® ; mnmn i
aMEm
Uirginis ©gregie Focor dHam-
pana IStaria prep ^or iS^e
Sole of M9iUiam ^legs
protege prece pia <>|uos coniiocat
Firgo maria
imissus Fero pie (iSatiriel 4F^
ileta ptarie

5g"§g§

ilUUJ^

Fressingfieid, Suffolk ; S'^l^Um i^tCrittS PangamUS
dia. ^antica SauDis

Bradwell, Suffolk ;
dia.

iti&l iftlm itilm rsflt no mbt
170

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Cransford, Suffolk;
dia.
Ormesby, Norfolk ;
dia.

t@ec 4Fit S^eotn &ampa ULauOe
iSonorum
29ulci0 St0to MeU& etampana.
Focor imic1|i0

Hethel, Norfolk; dia.
Stoke Holy Cross, Norfolk; dia.

West Rudham, Norfolk; ISulCtS St^tO |Cleli0 tHampa
dia. Focor micliis Bn multis ^nnts
Hesonet ©ampana
Bom
Brooke, Norfolk; dia. gjn iltUltiS ^UiS %le0Onet ®a-
pana £iotiis
Norwich SS. Simon and Jude,
Norfolk ; dia.
Thurton, Norfolk; dia.

(Firginis C!?gregie
Focor ©ampa Mavie

Burgh, Aylesham, Norfolk ; dia.
Hingham, Norfolk ; clock bell ;
dia.
Norwich Cathedral,Norfolk; dia.
Runhall, Norfolk ; dia.

I ,iFac iHargareta i3otii»
l^ec fttunera aieta

Geist, Norfolk ; dia. Sanctc ilHartine dFacmargareta.
iloPis i^ec munera Heta
171

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

At Icklingham we have Potter's cross and lion's head
with a shield slightly varying from the other, and the
fact that this shield is used with these early marks rather
shows that both forms were used early : —

Icklingham All Saints, (i^uesumus ^nlirea ^amulorum
Suffolk; dia. Su0eipe Fota

If these marks at Repton are correct, taken on the
authority of Jewitt, oddly enough the old stamp of
Edward III. occurs with shield and lion's head used by
Richard Baxter : —

r^

^

in,

-I

C

<¦<

5)

y^

Vv

l<^

"0

7/,

^i

y^

^

\

%

^-^

d

Repton, Derbyshire ;
dia.

Fox Bni gitiu Xpi Vox dfxul-
tacione X
172

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Norwich Cathedral,
Norfolk; dia.

©rate pro ^ia -laoberti ISretl^e-
nam il^onacDi iSortPict Sum
iao0a pul0ata ittunOi Focata

mm

Weston, Norfolk; dia. 5m CaiR5CaCE pEIRjfECCa
c®m3f5iRMa m®s ciRjmjcas
samcca
Mundham S. Peter, l!9ulci0 <a;i0tO i*leU0 ^^ampaua
Norfolk J dia. Focor i«ictii0 IS. 13
Weston, Norfolk; dia. jl3ulci0 Si^to irMelt0 (S^ampana
Focor l^icl^ts
Norwich S. Michael Coslany,
Norfolk; dia. iWuurre ISaptistc -tJenetfictus
Stt ©tiorus Sste
Wickiewood, Norfolk ; Jlos STliome il¥lertti0 iltercamur
dia. <2SaulTia 2Luci0

173

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

m'm^

(C

^

\

c^

^1

I

"0

L'"'

^1.

v\

\

%.

\^

'*'$)

L'Estrange, whom I have been able to verify in a few cases only, is
not clear in these marks. — E. A. D.
Martham, Norfolk ; PetrU0 ^U ©tCrue JSUCat HOS
dia. pa0cua Fite 0er ric grauour
Mundham s. Peter, n^ac Bn CEonclabe ^latiriel lauc
Norfolk; dia. PaugC SuaDC li 13

Dennington, Suffolk ; dia.
Kettleburgh, Suffolk ; dia.

}

Sancta iCtaria ®ra
pro ilofiis

Salhouse, Norfolk ;
dia.

®rate pro ^iatip dFtm ^ S^vor
<2StlQe (i^orpus Xpi Be ®xe-
turgl) ^nno Bnt m tttt iiii i

Cove Hithe, Suffolk ; dia.
Dalham, Suffolk ; dia.

\ Sum laosa pulsata
J ittunOi iinaria Focata

Anmer, Norfolk ; . dia.
Great Linstead, Suffolk ; dia.
Norwich S. Michael Coslany,
Norfolk; dia.
Postwick, Norfolk; dia.

Firgtni0 <2?gregie
Focor (irampana
il^arie

174

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

I Firginis iSgttgie
Earl Stonham, Suffolk ; dia. J ^^'^^ «*"»»« ^«»^**

Feltwell S. Nicholas, Norfolk ;
dia.

Breccles, Norfolk ;
dia.

ilos prece ISaptiste Salbent
STua Fulnera Xpe

Billingford, Elmham, ^U multiS ^UntS IftCSOnet
Norfolk; dia. ®ampana ^otannis
South Acre, Norfolk ; dia.
Ashmanhaugh, Norfolk ; dia.
N. Burlingham S. Peter, Norfolk ;
dia. (and three legged
potter's stool as above)
Fomcett S. Mary, Norfolk ; dia.
Ketteringham, Norfolk ; dia.
Norwich S. John Sepulchre,
Norfolk ; dia.

Bn iWultis ^nnis
l^sonet (S^ampana
I^ofiis

Norwich S.Mary Coslany,
Norfolk; dia.
Eatoii, Norfolk ; dia.
Marlesford, Suffolk ; dia.
Rollesby, Norfolk ; dia.
Ufford, Suffolk; dia.
Cotton, Suffolk ; dia.
Cretingham, Suffolk ; dia.

^n l^ttltis 9nnes liesonet
Campana ^ofiis

fin iHultis ^nnts
liesonet (Batnpa ^oj^is
^ tirelesti Ittanna QTua
proles i^os (Bibit
^nna

Bildeston, Suffolk ; dia.
Cretingham, Suffolk; dia.
Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk ;
dia.
Southwold, Suffolk ; dia.

Subtieniat jiigna
laonanttlius iganc
i^aterina

175

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Norwich S. George Colegate,
Norfolk; dia. Su&Hentat iSigna JBonanttfius
l^ac itatertna
Stowiangtoft, Suffolk ; Suti^eutat JSiugua IBonanttlms
dia. ^ant itatertna

Shimpling, Norfolk ; dia.
Strumpshaw, Norfolk ; dia.
Thrandeston, Suffolk ; dia.
Ufford, Suffolk ; dia.
Bastwick Wood, Norfolk ; dia.
Burgh Apton, Norfolk ; dia.
Bradwell, Suffolk ; dia.
Carlbrooke, Norfolk; dia.
Cossey, Norfolk; dia. (much
defaced)
Cove Hithe, Suffolk; dia.
South Cove, Suffolk ; dia.
Dallingho, Suffolk ; dia.
Hickiing, Norfolk; dia. (cracked)
Earl Soham, Suffolk; dia.
Mendlesham, Suffolk; dia.
Strumpshaw, Norfolk; dia.
Sibton, Suffolk ; dia.
South Walsham, Norfolk ; dia.
Wyverstone, Suffolk ; dia.

I dFac imargareta iloIiis
iHec Jtlunera fteta

)

petrus m (Stettte
Bueat jlos pascua
Fite

South Burlingham, Norfolk ; dia.

petrus mi QSettnt Butat jlos
Pascua Fite
176

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Badwell Ash, Suffolk ; dia. 41^
Great Glemham, Suffolk ; dia.
Hardley, Norfolk ; dia.
Ilketshall S. Margaret, Suffolk ;
dia.
Marlesford, Suffolk ; dia.
Metfield, Suffolk ; dia.
(also Arms of Norwich City)

ilttunere 13aptiste
13enetrictus Sit (i^fiorus
aiste

Bamingham, Suffolk ; dia.
Bedingfield; Suffolk; dia.
Brandish, Suffolk ; dia.
Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk ;
dia.
Earl Soham, Suffolk ; dia.
Friston, Suffolk ; dia.
Earl Stonham, Suffolk ; dia.
Wreningham, Norfolk ; dia.

^ue0umu0 ^ntirea
dFamulorum Suscipe
Fota

Cotton, Suffolk ; dia.
Erpingham, Norfolk ; dia.
Hempstead-by- Happisburg,
Norfolk ; dia.
Ixworth, Suffolk; dia.
Lessingham, Norfolk ; dia.
Lyng, Norfolk ; dia.
Otley, Suffolk ; dia.
Great Thornham, Suffolk ; dia.
Wherstead, Suffolk ; dia.

177

i^os Cliome meritis
Mexeamuv ^auHia
ilucis

13

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Hackford, Hingham, iios Come iCteritis fWereamur
Norfolk ; dia. <2fiiaUl)[ia ilUCiS

Alburgh, Norfolk ; dia.
Garboldisham, Norfolk ; dia.
Geldeston, Norfolk ; dia. 39^-
Kelsale, Suffolk ; dia.
Layham, Suffolk ; dia.
(and Arms of Norwich City)
Charsfield, Suffolk ; dia.
Monk Soham, Suffolk ; dia. 34
Reymerstone, Norfolk ; dia.
Hickiing, Norfolk; dia. (cracked)
Norwich S. George Colegate,
Norfolk ; dia.
Spexhall, Suffolk ; dia.

Bona liepenDfe pia
liogo Magbalena
Mavia

JSulcts St0to Mella
<s:ampa Focor
ilQictiaelis

29ulcts ^ieto melts
(il^ampa Focor Mit^r»

Hacheston, Suffolk ; dia.
Kirkley, Suffolk ; dia.
Mendlesham, Suffolk ; dia.
Brandish, Suffolk; dia.
Narford, Norfolk ; dia.
Norwich S. Mary Coslany, Norfolk;
dia.

naulcis <2!;tsto ittelis
I <irampa Focor Mitffi»
Bulci» (Biato Meli»
Campana Focor
Mitfi is

Drayton, Norfolk;
dia.

jiaulcis <!ri0to MeU» ^ampana
ilocor Mitfti»
178

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Alburgh, Norfolk; dia.
Bumham Oveiy, Norfolk ; dia.
Benhall, Suffolk ; dia.
Carlbrooke, Norfolk ; dia.
Fornham All Saints, Suffolk; dia.
Hingham, Norfolk ; dia.
Reydon, Suffolk ; dia.
Uggeshall, Suffolk ; dia.

ftac Bn eiontlabt
(ifiatiriel jlunc pange
Suabe

Bale, Norfolk ; dia.
Bamham Broom, Norfolk ; dia.
Brandon Parva, Norfolk ; dia.
Brunstead, Norfolk ; dia.
Otley, Suffolk ; dia.
Earsham, Norfolk ; dia.
Frettenham, Norfolk; dia.
Lessingham, Norfolk ; dia.
Playford, Suffolk ; dia.
Melton Constable, Norfolk ; dia.
Upton, Norfolk ; dia.

Hac Bn ^onclabe
} a&abviel Muc pange
Suabe

/

Bradwell, Suffolk ;
dia.

i^ac Bn dtontlabe Gabriel Mnt
page SuaDe

*Norwich s. Giles, figac Bn ©onclaUe ^atiriel nuc
Norfolk ; dia. 34J pauge SuaPe
Framlingham, Suffolk ; J^aC ^n (iCOClatie (iSiatiriel Mnt
dia. pange SuaDe
* This bell lacks the cross, and has small "n" for nuc.
179

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

DUieeus Ue ®elis fl^aiieo iiometi
KiKatirielis
aiuugere ^os Xpo StuBreat
iiicl^olaus Bn ^Uo
Westoii Market, Suffolk; iaOS SOCtet SanCttS S^UtP^
iiicl^olaus gin ^Itis
ilos Soviet Sets S^n»P^»^ Mit^O-
laus Bn ^Itts
meritis <!?timunDi Stnius ^
®rimine munQt
North Burlingham S. Peter, ^
Norfolk ; dia.
Colney, Norfolk ; dia.

Martlesham, Suffolk ;
dia.
Playford, Suffolk ;
dia.

dia.
Bamingham, Suffolk;
dia.
Semer, Suffolk ; dia.

iSec ;iFit Scorum
<a;ampa Hautre
ISonorum

Charsfield, Suffolk; dia.
Great Glettiham, Suffolk ; dia.
Harpley, Norfolk ; dia.
Norwich S. Paul, Norfolk ; dia.
Rishangles, Suffolk; dia.
Rollesby, Norfolk ; dia.
'Cretingham, Suffolk ; fgec Jpit ^covu (S^ampa ilauOe
dia. ISonoru
Edingthorpe, Norfolk ; dia. 1 jj^eC^itStOr (S^ampaua
Little Massingham, Norfolk; dia. J Hautie ISOUOr
Feltwell s. Nicholas, (g^tlieltiretia 13ona STilii laantur
Norfolk; dia. piurtma HBona
Great Snoring, Norfolk; S^Ol^Um meritis PangamUS
dia. ^antita Haulrts
i8o

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Here we have a set of bells with a shield of a slightly
different design, but with the same inscriptions. The
Barnby bell bears the name of Job Riping ; at present we
have no information as to who he was.

.4S

#

%

7

c

M

j]

L^

v>

\(J

"0

1/^

-^<

y.

\\

\

K

i->

^

Barnby, Suffolk ; dia. g|n multi0 ^nutS 13.e0Onet
(Sampa £}otii0 gjoU Uiping

West Bradenham, Norfolk ; dia. ^
Bumham Norton,. Norfolk ; dia.
Landwade, Cambridgeshire; dia.
East Lexham, Norfolk ; dia.
Risby,. Suffolk; dia.
Somerleyton, Suffolk; dia.

Firgini0 <!?gregte
Focor <2tampana
marie

Norwich S. Peter Permountergate,
Norfolk; dia. Firgtni0a?gregieFocor®ampna marie

Brockdish, Norfolk ;
dia.

Firgo <iCoronata Hue ilos 9I»
megna iSeata
i8i

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Little Saxham, Suffolk ; ^Ue marta (Gratia Plena
dia. naominus Cecum

Norwich S. Julian, Norfolk; dia. \ ^iJC H&tatia Plena

Stanningfield, Suffolk; dia.

1

JBomtnus Cecum

Matlask, Norfolk ;
dia.

Sufitieniat IBigna JBonantitms
f^ant itatertna

Sutton, Norfolk ; dia. SuJi Feuiat 23igna 2aonantitni£r
ac|g itatertna

Great Blakenham, Suffolk; dia.

Sutieniat 13igna jSonantitms
Iganc itatertna

Bungay, Suffolk ; dia.
Ford Abbey, Devonshire ; dia.
Lyng, Norfolk; dia.
MorleyS. Botoiph, Norfolk; dia.
Martlesham, Suffolk; dia.

Jpae margareta ilotits
iiec munera Ueta

Banham, Norfolk; dia.
Great Blakenham, Suffolk ; dia.
Plumstead-by-Holt, Norfolk ;
dia.
Rishangles, Suffolk; dia.
Wimbotsham, Norfolk; dia.

(S^elesti manna Cua
- proles ilos (Bibet
^nna

Brampton, Suffolk ; ilOtltS S^lameU iS^ClOrum Btt
dia. jiaeus ^nna
182

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Banham, Norfolk ; dia.
Bredfield, Suffolk ; dia.
Heigham Potter, Norfolk ; dia.
Swardeston, Norfolk ; dia.
Tivetshall S. Maiy, Norfolk ;
dia.
Monk Soham,. Suffolk ; dia. 37

1

petrus mt (iterne
- Jiaucat ilos pascua
Fite

Keninghall, Norfolk ;
dia. sancte petre ®ra Pro ilolits

South Elmham S. George, Suffolk ;
dia.
Keninghall, Norfolk ; dia.
Melton, Suffolk ; dia.
Ormesby, Norfolk; dia.
"Sapiston, Suffolk ; dia.

Jlos Ctiome meritis
mereamur (JKauHia
SLucis

Peasenhall, Suffolk; dia.
Pettaugh, Suffolk ; dia.
Stockton, Norfolk ; dia.
Sutton, Norfolk ; dia.
Wenhaston, Suffolk ; dia.
Stanfield, Norfolk ;
dia.
Eye, Suffolk ; dia.
Melton, Suffolk; dia.
Ranworth, Norfolk ; dia.

^ue0umu0 Andrea
V ^amulorum Su«)eip<
Fota

J

<(|uesimus ^n&ria ;jFamulorum
Suscipe Fota
^ naona liepenlre pia
laogo magOalena
maria
183

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Stanfield, Norfolk; Bona UlepenDe pia Uoga Mag-
dia. Dalena maria
Little Saxham, Suffolk ; mtSSUS Bt ©CUS ^aJieO il.Omen
dia. CKalirielis ^ lE^ac Bn <s:onclatie
Banham, Norfolk; dia. \ ^^ , ¦ , ^ „^
\ (iSfatirtel jlunc pange
Somerleyton,. Suffolk ; dia.
Mehon, Suffolk ; dia. |^ac Bn ffioclapc @iatiriel ilttC
pange Suabe meritis ^Omutttti
Kennett, Cambridgeshire ; dia

Rishangles, Suffolk ; dia.

Simus ^ Crimiite
muntii

Stockton, Norfolk ; ficc dFtt S^orum OTampana
dia. SL^auDe ISonorum
Banham, Norfolk ; ilOS SiOtiet ^ti& S^Utpcr iltCl)0-
dia. laus Bn ^ltt0
North Burlingham S. Peter,
Norfolk; dia. © pre0ul ptc Jlicljolae Jlobts
miserere
Ashby S. Mary, Norfolk; dia. \ mtSSUS FcrO PtC
(cracked) I ©atirtel ^jFcrt acta
Cromer, Norfolk, dia. ) m^arte
Moriey s. Botoiph, ©ttjelOreaa ISoua JSantur Citii
Norfolk; dia. piurtma 23ona
184

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

p -

^

%

(^

¦^

"o
i ^

^]

^

t5

P

vj

1/,

A

y^

>S

\

%

1^

'j

Syleham, Suffolk ;
dia.
Heigham Potter,
Norfolk; dia.
Bintry, Norfolk ;
dia.

ilos Cf)ome meritis mereamur
<[KauUia Hucis
ilos Cl^ome meritis mereamur
iSDauOia Hucis
jQulcis Sii^to melts (S^ampa
Focor mictiis

The bells below from the Norwich factory are late iri
the 1 6th century, thus showing the age of the firm : —

Rushmere S. Michael, gjn Ftlet aull ^n tPO SaulJes
Suffolk; dia. BeO
Southwold, Suffolk ; ^n ssaesltf) auU Bn fflBBo aauOes
dia. JPeo
Hacheston, Suffolk ; 1582 s aSf Uectov 18 JF ffi a®
185

dia.

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

The lion's face on the bells below has not the tongue
out, and is larger than the lion faces that usually appear
in the eastern counties.

This Lion's face is larger than represented.
Ipswich S. Laurence, Sum MOSa Pulsata mUUHi
Suffolk ; dia. 43^ marta Focata

Combs, Suffolk; dia.

ilos Prece ISaptiste SaUient
Cua Fulnera xi&QS

This mark with the cross and lion's face as above at
Ipswich S. Laurence.

Boxford, Suffolk ;
dia.

siDM -RacEiRjma sempek
¦JIIJIR©® 2)E® i>5(5ma

186

Founder : perhaps RICHARD PETTE whose name
is said to appear upon a bell at Kirkby Fleetham, York
shire (of which the author has not details). Date probably
about 1500.

Rothwell, Lincolnshire ; dia. 34^
(cracked) s« 3lo!)ies ©ra pro ilo&is

Hartshome,Derbyshire; ^Pe (&Vtia plCUa JBomtUUS'
m
dia. 33i CCCUm
Horkstow, Lincolnshire ;
dia. 32 ^pe <2Kracia plena JI9ominu»
Cecum
Horkstow, Lincolnshire ;
dia. 28 mie <Srracia plena
187

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Morley, Derbyshire ;
dia.

ISeata ^nQrea ©ra pro ilotiis

Some of the details on the following set of bells are
gathered from the notes by Blair in the proceedings of the
Newcastle-on-Tyne Society of Antiquaries, he does not
give the initial cross but probably it is the one given
here.

Pittington, Durham ;
dia. 24
Bonby, Lincolnshire ;
dia. 27
Pittington,. Durham ;
dia. 24
Grinton, Yorkshire ;
dia. 38

sea trinitas unus Oeus miserere
notits
Sancta ionnts ora pro notiis
sea maria orapro notiis
Sancta (Batetena ©rapro nobi»

South Cowton, Yorkshire ; dia. (details not to hand)
188

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Kirkby Fleetham, York- liicI)arJl PCttC
shire ; dia. (further details not to hand)
Melsonby, Yorkshire ; dia. (details not to hand)
This cross seems to be rather more correct than the
design given by[ Raven : —

^

^

%^

(c

mS\

Q.

"T)

\d "0

7/,

V(

v. >s

\

St

W

Ipswich S. Laurence, SOUitU0 <[?gitlti ^0Centlit aH
Suffolk ; dia. 35* (S^uemtua (Kelt
Ipswich s. Laurence, iios Cfjomc meritismercamur
Suffolk; dia. 41 J (iKauDta ilucts

*Repton, Derbyshire ;
dia.

meloOte ilomen Ceneo mag-
Delena

The Polebrook bell having the lion's head of the
Baxter foundry of Norwich and the form of inscription
used by Newcome of Leicester connects the foundries : —

Polebrook,, Northamptonshire ; dia. 34 S MARJA
* This bell has also a crown
189

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
A combination of marks at Waniip also shows a con
nection between the Norwich and Leicester foundries.

Waniip, Leicestershire ; QSfetit ilomcu magOalene (SCam-
dia. pana

Ayston, Rutland ; dia. 27 AMBROSE

Deene, Northamptonshire;
dia. ACEFGHIKLMNOPQRSTVW 190

Founder : THOMAS NEWCOME of Leicester, 1506-
1520. Judging by the connection shown above in the
marks, Thomas Newcombe or Newcome was probably
a worker in the Brasyer foundry at Norwich, who after
wards set up on his own account at Leicester, he may
have purchased a small existing foundry from the hands
of William Millers, whose stamp was perhaps the griffon.
The shield used by Thomas Newcome ha.s,inter alia,the
initials T. N., this is almost the only case where the initials
occurring upon a shield coincide with the known founder.
The inscriptions are the shortest among inscriptions,
simply consisting in the name of a saint, with or without
the initial for sancte or sancta. Capitals are used, but
these i6th century capitals must not be confused with
13th or 14th century capitals. The letters are frequently
placed upside down or otherwise incorrectly.

Ab-Kettleby, Leicestershire ; dia. S AN VN
Cosby, Leicestershire ; dia. 35 S. MARIA
191

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Wistow, Leicestershire ; dia. JHESUS
Gaddosby, Leicestershire ; dia. SANCTA MARIA
Saxelby, Leicestershire; dia. 33 S PATJLEE
Shawell, Leicestershire; dia. 31 S JAOOBa
Thorpe Arnold, Leicestershire; dia. S CORNELI
The Nailstone bell has the cross and shield as above,
and this crown : —

Nailstone, Leicestershire ; dia. S KATHERINA

The Syston bell has the above crown only.
Syston, Lincolnshire; dia. 32 TOBE
192

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Thomas Newcome used also another and more
ornamental cross as on the following bells : —

Upton S. Michael,. Northamptonshire ;
dia. 30 J SANCHA MARIA O P
Greatworth, Northamptonshire ;
dia. 29 S AANN
Carlton, Bedfordshire ; dia. 36 S MARTHE
Barton Seagreave, Northamptonshire ;
dia. S JACOBE
Barton Seagreave, Northamptonshire ;
dia. S JOHANWE
Wing, Rutland ; dia. 35 S TADDEE
Braunstone, Rutland ; dia. 31 S THOMAS
Horton, Northamptonshire ; dia. 30 JACOBS
Polebrook, Northamptonshire ;

dia. 3 if
Wardley, Rutland ; dia. 27

ANDREA
THOMA

Barton Seagreave, Northamptonshire ;
dia. SASA
Southwick, Northamptonshire ;
dia. 26 SSS

193

H

Founder : ROBERT NEWCOME of Leicester, circa
1540.

Little Bowden, Northamptonshire ;
dia. mobaUe iletpcome
Haceby, Lincolnshire ; dia. 28^ S BARBARA
Barholme, Lincolnshire ; dia. 30 MARCUS
Barholme, Lincolnshire; dia. 26 LEWKAS
Tallington, Lincolnshire ; dia. 30^ JOHANES
Sempringham, Lincolnshire ; dia. 27 BS NOT OASR BHSia

At Charwelton the bell has the above cross only
without the crown.
Charwelton, Northamptonshire ;
dia. S MARGARETA
194

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Kirkby Mallory, Leicestershire ;
dia. S ANN
?Lutterworth, Leicestershire; dia. 1 8 Pa TSR
Waniip. Leicestershire ; dia. GEVE THANKES TO GOD

Sudborough, Northamptonshire ;
dia. 31 J

THOMAS

The bell at Melton Mowbray has the shield and cross
as above and this cross ;

Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire ;
dia.

lie a ta ma rt a

*Tbis bell is called "The Sacriament Bell.'
195

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

B^

Peatling Parva, Leicestershire ;
dia. 32

GABRIEL

Barton Seagreave, Northamptonshire ;
dia. ste pe tre 0 p n
The bell at Paulerspury according to North has the
three marks as below, namely, Newcome's shield, Henry
Jordan's elaborate cross, and the small cross also found on
other bells.

SI.

Paulerspury, Northamptonshire ;
dia. 41 Vox Ont ifju xpi tpox ex ultacionis
196

Founder : perhaps THOMAS BETT of Leicester,
1520-1538 (?). A few- bells exist, chiefly in the parts of
England round the town of Leicester, bearing a very
elaborate cross in conjunction with various other marks,
of both the Norwich and Leicester foundries mentioned
above. One of these bells bearing the cross and a special
stop, at Deene, has the names, " Richard and Margaret
his wife," if this is the right translation of ?? litcarOus
morgeria uxor sua." Whether these people were the
donors or the founders we are not told. The inscriptions
are various, some short, like those of the Newcome type
and in capitals throughout ; two are unlike the usual style,
some of the words beginning with capitals, others are all
smalls, a great many words are very shortened. If the
initials " T N " upon Newcome's shield, stand for
Thomas Newcome, then the founder using this special
cross together with the " T N " shield must have made
his bells either during the founding days of Newcome or
after ; hence as Thomas Bett either succeeded Thomas
Newcome, or at least was a bell founder of Leicester after
tlie death of the same, it is very probable that he was the
founder of these bells.
Probably there was in bell founding, as in pottery
moulding later on, a good deal of interchanging of work
men and splitting up into separate foundries.
But as will be seen, a shield bearing the initials T. B.
is more likely to be that of Thomas Bett.
197

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Lockington, Leicestershire ;
dia. Fox Uni it)u xpi exultaciont0

Higham-on-the-Hill, Leicestershire ;
dia. 38 SANC TA PSTRa
Theddingworth, Leicestershire ;
dia. 37 S PE TE
198

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Deene, Northampton- IHC NAZARENUS REXR JUDE-
shire; dia. ORUM RECARDUS MARGERIA
UXOR SUA
Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire ;
dia. IHC NAZARENUS REX JUDE-
ORUM
Syston, Leicestershire ; AVE MARIA GRA PLENA DNS
dia. 37 TECVM
Fenny Drayton, Leicestershire ;
dia. 30 IN HO NORE MICHAEL ARGH-
ANGLL
Taddington, Derby- CVSTOS NRARU MICHAEL IT
shire; dia. DUX AJARV
The Cosgrove bell has the cross and stop as above and
this lion's head : —

^

J^

%^

i^

.

L^^

^

^

\^ 0

f/^

^1.

V- vN

\

%

Jw

^,

Cosgrove, Northamptonshire; dia. S MARIA
(See the bell at Polebrook, Northamptonshire, above)
199

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Isham, Northamptonshire ; dia. 33 AMBROSE
On tbe following bells the cross as above occurs alone :
Cranoe, Leicestershire ; dia. 42 SCI PETRI
Cranoe, Leicestershire ; dia. 42 AVE MARI

200

Founder : probably THOMAS BETT of Leicester,
1520-1538. This shield is not unHke the T. B. shields
shown (p. 122), thought by some to be those of Bulhsdon.
All the six shields are closely connected : —

Monyash, Derbyshire ;
dia. S^a maria 0 p n
Cubley, Derbyshire ;
dia. 32^ Par Para opn
Blithfield, Staffordshire ;
dia. 36 0ce gregore ora pro s

The following bell at Cubley has no stamp, but is ot the
same make as its fellow, shown above : —
Cubley, Derbyshire ;
dia. 36i see antt rea 0 p n
201

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

The following stamp and inscription appears to belong
to this set : —

Aston Flamville, Leicestershire ;
dia. s^a caterina ora p notii0

202

Founder : (uncertain), date circa 1480-1520. It
may be noticed that two bells, one in Leicestershire,
the other in Derbyshire, have two marks, a cross formed
of a double fieur de lis crossed by an arrow, and a
stop formed of a double fieur de lis, in fact like a portion of
the cross. It may be noticed also that this stop is not
unhke the stop used by Thomas Bett or whoever was the
founder using the last mentioned set of marks, hence it
seems probable that there is sorne connection. Further, a
good number of bells found in Gloucestershire and one in
Shropshire (there may be others found when Shropshire
has been thoroughly searched), bear, with a crown, a
mark very like the arrow cross and stop above dealt with.
The author suggests that possibly a worker from the
Gloucester foundry found his way to Leicester ; and that
the original Gloucester foundry stamp underwent two
changes. Perhaps when more is known of the Shropshire,
Warwick, Worcester and Oxford bells, greater light will
be thrown upon the subject.

Hominghold, Leicestershire ;
dia. AVE MARIA ORA PLENA
Newton Solney, Derbyshire ;
dia. SANCTE MARIA ORA P NOBIS
203

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire ;
dia. SANCTA ANNA ORA PRO NOBIS
Higley, Shropshire ;
dia. 37i SANCTI BARBARA PRO NOBIS.
Hewelsfield, Gloucester- VIRGINIS EGREGI VOCOR CAM-
shire; dia. PANA MARIE
Charfield, Gloucester- SANCTE THOME ORA PRO
shire; dia. NOBIS
Cromhall, Gloucester- SANCTE MICHAEL ORA PRO
shire; dia. NOBIS
Farmington, Gloucester- SANTA NICOLAS ORA PRO
shire; dia. NOBIS
Who was the " I. S." on the following bell at Aldsworth ?
or " S. I." as on the bell at Gloucester S. Nicholas,
below ?

o o o

Aldsworth, Gloucester- SANCTE JOHANNES BAPTISTA
shire ; dia. IS 204

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

o o o

IJ

Aldsworth, Gloucester- SANCTA MARIA MAGDALENA
shire; dia. ORA PRO NOBIS

Standish, Gloucester
shire ; dia.

SANCTA MARIA TUO SUCURRE
PIISSIMA SERVO WINELMO
LAWLEY YIQUI.RE GAVE ME

o

o

Gloucester S. Nicholas ; SANCTE JO HAN NES BAP
dia. 36 TIS TA ORA PRO NOBIS
SI -f- TEMPORE CLEMENTIS
LICHFILD SACRISTI ROB-
ERTUS HANNLEI MAGDA
LENE FECIT MI IN HONORE
MARIE
Aldsworth, Gloucester- AVE DOMINA SANCTA MARIA
shire; dia. MATER DEI

DriflBeld, Gloucestershire ; dia.

SANTA MARIA ORA
Woolaston, Gloucestershire ; dia. I PRO NOBIS
i205

}

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.
Dowdeswell, Gloucester- SANCTE PETRE ORA PRO NOBIS
shire ; dia.
Driffield, Gloucestershire ; dia. ) SANCTE MICHAEL
Leigh, Gloucestershire ; dia. J ORA PRO NOBIS
Sevenhampton, Gloucestershire :
dia. SANCTE GABRIEL ORA PRO
NOBIS
Boddington, Gloucester- SANCTE RAFAEL ORA PRO
shire; dia. NOBIS
Elmstone Hardwicke, Gloucestershire ;
dia. SANCTE RAFAEL ORA PRO
NOBUS

206

INDEX.

Ab-Ketdeby Acre, South
Adisham
Albury . .
Alburgh Aldbourne AldertonAlderford Aidham AldsworthAifriston All Hallows Steynin
Aikborough Althome
Alnwick Aivingham Aleyn, John
Aleys, William . .
AmptonAngersleigh . .
Anmer . .
Anstey . .
Appledram Appledore

PAGE.
.. 191
•• 175
.. 116
.. 67
178, 179
24, 40, 120
. . 160

.. 36
57. 146
204, 205
.. 62
r.. 40
• 35
.. 88
•• 31
.. 70
32, 154
.. 28
164, 165
73. "7
.. 174
30. 37, 127
157. 158
.. 68

Archaeological journals 5, 12
Ardeley . . 64, 159
Arke, Robert . . 28, 37
Arnold, Thorpe . . 192

PAGE.
Arrington . . . . 37
Ashby . . . . . . 184
Ashby, Cold . . 39, 122
Ashby-de-la-Zouch . . 199
Ashen . . . . 76, 126
Ashfield, Great . . 151
Ashmanhaugh.. .. 175
Assington . . 92, 159
Aston Flamville . . 202
Aston Sandford . . 81
Ave Maria . . . . 2, 23
Aveley . . . . . . 112
Ayleston . . . . 31
Ayston . . . . 161, 190
Aythorp Roothing 34, 134
Aylen, John . . . . 32

Babingley BackwellBacton . .
Badwell Ash
Bainton Balcombe Bale . .
Balsham Banham Barbur, John
Barford

34, 126 37
148177 65
1,17
^31, 179
• • 34, 37, 136
182, 183, 184, 185
32,37 34

207

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.

Barking

.. 56

Barkway

.. 147

Barholme

.. 194

Barming

.. 66

Bamardiston . .

67, 161

Barnby . .

.. 181

Barnham Broom

138, 179

Bamingham . .

177, 180

Bartlow

64, 66, 67

Barton Mills . .

151, 152

Barton Seagreave

193, 196

Barwick

.. 66

Basildon

.. 66

Bassingbourne

.. 38

Bastwick Wood

.. 176

Batheaston

•¦ 157

Baxter, Richard 32

, 168, 172

Beallings, Little

•• 153

Beamont, W. . .

20

Bearstead

.. 66

Beaumont-cum-Mose . . 43

Beckingham . .

32,39

Beddingham . .

.. 130

Bedfield

•• 153

Bedford S. Mary

122, 123

Beds, bells of . .

14, 20

Bedingfield

.. 177

Beeding, Upper

.. 158

Bell casting . .

24, 63, 69

Bells, bad state of

3

Bell metal

.. 24

Bell hanging . .

7

Bell ringing . .

• • 3, 24

Belton, (Grantham)

.. 162

Belton, (Ruts.)

2

PAGE.
Bell founders, guild of 16, 20
Belyetere, William le . . 137
Benfleet, North . . 104
Benfleet, South .. 118
Benefactors . . . . 25
Benhall . . . . 179
Berechurch . . . , 159
Bergholt, East. . .. 67
Bergholt, West . . 66
Bernard, John. . 28, 152
Betchworth . . . . 64
Bett, Thomas . . 119, 201, 203
Bewdley . . . . 22
Bexwell . . . . 34
Bildeston . . 69, 175
Billericay . . . . 33
Billing, Great . . . . 35
BilHngford, (Elmham) 175
Bilsington . . . . 65
Bilton, (Rugby) . .68, 77
Bintry . . . . . . 185
Bird . . . . 47, 108
Birmingham Library . . 3, 19
Black-chapel . . . . 7
Blair, Robert . . 16, 20, 188
Blakenham, Great . . 182
Blatherwycke . . . . 89
Blithfield . . . . 201
Blower, Walter . . 32
Bloxham . . . . 87
Boddington . . . . 206
Bodleian, Oxford . . 19
Bonby  188
Bottesford . . . . 70
Botesdale . . . . 31

208

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS

PAGE.

PAGE.

Bottisham . . . . 33

Bridge . .

141

Botoiph 31, 37, 40, 131

Bridford

55

Boughton Aluph .. 112

Bristol S. Peter

43

Bowden, Little . . 194

Bristol S. Werberg .

"5

Bowers-Gifford 105, 106

Briscoe, J. Potter 3,

15, 20

Boxford 68, 94, 186

British Museum 3,

14, 19

Bozeat  148

Brockdish

. 181

Bracker, Austen 32, 36, 126

Brockley

• 71

Bradenham, West . . 181

Bromeswell

. 40

Bradenham . . 35, 155

Brompton-Ralph

• 36

Bradeston . . . . 30

Brooke . .

• 171

Bradfieid Combast . . 97

Brookland

• 64

Bradfieid S. Clare . 148

Brookthorpe . .

. 156

Bradley, Great 34, 35, 159

Brothers' Guild

29, 168

Bradwell rss, 170, 176, 179

Broughton

65,77

Brailes  76

Brown, John . .

. 29

Braintree . . . . 8, 43

Brundish . . i

77, 178

Bramber . . . . 33

Briinn . .

• 41

Bramfieid 48, 64, 65, 66

Brunstead

• 179

Brampton . . . . 182

Buckenham Ferry

• 43

Brandon Parva . . 179

Bucks., bells of

17, 20

Brasyer, Richard 32, 168, 191

Bullisdon 119, 122, 124, 201

Bratoff"  77

Bungay. .

. 182

Braunstone . . . • i93

Burgh-Apton . .

. 176

Breccles . . . . i75

Burgh, Aylesham

• 171

Brede  75

Burgh, South . .

¦ 37

Bredfield .. ..183

Burham

. 158

Brent, East . . . . 67

Burchinshaw . .

• 29

Brent-Tor . . . . 45

Buiford, Robert

. 26

Brentingly . . • ¦ 46

Burlingham, North, i

5.

Brentford S. Lawrence 113

Andrew

. 138

Brenzett . . . . 60

Burlingham, North, i

5.

Breslau.. .. •• 4^

Peter 175, i

80, 184

Brethenam . . 29, 168

Burlingham, South .

. 176

Brid, John .. ¦• 47

Burmarsh

74, 106

209

IS

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.

PAGE.

Bumham

117

Canterbury S. Peter

Burnham-Deepdale 32,

163

23,

5i, 141

Burnham-Norton

181

Capel S. Mary.,

30,36

Burnham-Overy

179

Capitals, crowned

Burstead, Great

117

52, 58,

5i, etc.

Burstow

75

Carlbrooke . . i

76, 179

Bury S. Edmund's

Carleton
• 153
Foundry
144
Carlton . .
85. 193
Bushey . .
84
Cartmel
. 40
Butley . .
61
Castle-Ashby . .
. 122
Butter paper . .
9
Castle-Eden . .
' 43
Catholic Church
• 2,25
Catsfieid
.60,61
Caldwell
46
Chalgrave
. 82
Caldecote 85, 86, 87, 88,
161
Chalk 
¦ 103
Cambridge All Saints
43
Chandler, Richard
• 38
Cambridge S. Botoiph
Changeringers
• 3,24
12, 72, 74
,75
Charfield
. 204
Cambridge S. Ed. Conf.
148
Charlynch . . 106, 107
Cambridge, King's Col.
Charsfield 148, i
78, 180
63, 69,
1^15
Charwelton
• 194.
Cambridge S. Peter 3:
!, 40
Cheadle
22
Cambridge Univer. Lib.
19
Chebsey
• 125
Cambs., bells of i:
>, 18
Chellington
27,38
Campton .. 113,
114
Chelsham
. 106
Canterbury S. Dunstan
141
Chertsey 22, 78, 80, 81
, 83, 88
Canterbury S. George
141
Cherry Hinton
. 161
Canterbury Holy Cross
Chesham Bois. .
43,92
78,79
Cheshire bells . .
20
Canterbur)' S. M. Mag.
Cheveley
. 150
lOI,
no
Chickney
91,92
Canterbury S. Martin. .
104
Chichester S. Martin
. no
Canterbury S. Mary
Chiddingfold ..
¦ 87
Bredin . . 40, 137,
142
Chignal Smealey
• 43
Canterbury S. Paul . .
56
Chillesford . .
. 148
210
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ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.

PAGE-

Crowned capitals 52, 58, etc.

Ditchingham . .

.. 61

Croxton

.. 92

Devotion

I, 2, 22

Croyland

.. 70

Dolphin

.. 63

Cubley . .

. . 201

Donors . .

.. 25

Cudham

. . 120

Directories

2

Culverdon, William

.. 108

Dowdeswell

. . 206

Cumberland bells

16, 19, 20

Diameters

9

Cumberworth, Thomas 29

Ditton Priors . .

7

Curfew . .

. . 2, 22

Downe . . 40,

48, 53, 128

Drayton

.. 17S

Dalham

.. 174

Drayton, Dry . .

.. 38

Dallingho

. . 176

Driffield

205, 206

Dantzic

.. 41

Dudley, William

•¦ 33

Danyell, John 69, 94

, 121, 124

Duncton

•• 39

Dark Ages

I

Dunkin, E. H. W.

I, 15, 18

Darker Ages . .

22

Dunmow, Great

7

Darsham

.. 151

Durham bells . .

16, 20, 22

Dawe, William 47,

109, III

Durham S. Margaret . . 74

Dean, East

35, 120

Durleigh

31,36

Dean, West

•• 33

•

Deedes, C.

I, 17, 20

EaHng S. Mary

7

Deene . . 31, 190,

197, 199

Earsham

.. 179

Denbury

•• 55

Earwaker, J. P.

20

Dennington

166, 174

Easebourne

84, 90

Denston

146, 147

Easton, Great . .

67,70

Denton . .

125, 139

Easton-Maudit

.. 58

Deopham

•• 45

Eastwick

.. 117

Departed souls

25, 168

Eastwood

105, 106

Depden

150, 151

Eaton . .

167, 175

Derby, Henry . .

154, 165

Eccles . .

•• 139

Derby, M.

¦ • 32

Edburton

66, 120

Derby All Saints

22

Edgcott

•• 73

Derbyshire bells i

3. 15, 18

Edingthorpe . .

.. 180

Devon bells . .

14, 18

Edward III. 16

1, 165, 172

Dier, John

¦• 37

Edworth

¦• 95

212

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.

PAGE.

Eeles, F. C. . .

17, 20

Fairlight

¦• 93

Eglingham

.. 40

Fairstead

34, 157

Elizabeth

•• 1,35

Farmington

.. 204

Elkington, 'South

64,65

Father of Campanolo

EUacombe, H. T. i, i

3, 14, 18

gists . .

.. 14

Ellacombe's bell

Fawley . .

.. 84

rubbings

.. 14

Fawsley 64, 65, 67, 68

EUisley

.. 92

F. C. Shield . .

.. 124

Elm . .

•• 43

Felpham

.. 82

Elmham, South S.

Felstead
¦• 134
George
142, 183
Felsham
.. 147
Elmham, South S.
Feltwell
175, 180
James
.. 29
ff'oundor, William
Elmham, South S.
1,33,'
^7, 50. 91
Peter. . • • 49, 5°, 61
Fenny-Drayton
.. 199
Elmstone Hardwicke
. . 206
Findon . .
90, 129
Elmswell
.. 147
Fitch, E. A. . .
3
Elstead
.. 90
Fittleworth
.. 82
Ely Holy Trinity
.. 149
Folkington
•• 51
English Church
2
Folkestone S. Mary
7
English Inscriptions
25,35
Fontenailles . .
.. 40
Erpingham
.. 177
Ford . .
160, 182
Erfurt ..
.. 41
Fordham
138, 179
Essex beUs 17, 20,
47, 137
Fomcett
¦• 175
Essex Review . .
.. 17
Fornham
.. 179
Evangelists, Four
.. 96
Foscot . .
•• 43
Ewhurst
82,84
Foulsham
.. 29
Exeter, bells of
14,18
Four Evangelists
.. 96
Exeter S. Mary Arches 60, 61
Framlingham . .
.. 179
Exeter S. Petrox
• 75
Frankfort
.. 40
Eye
.. 183
Fressingfieid . .
.. 170
Eythome
65,66
Frettenham
139, 179
Eyeworth
.. 117
Freybourg (or Friburg) 40
Frieston
.. 65
Fairfield
74, "8
Friesthorpe
•¦ 155
213
ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.

p

AGE.

Frindsbury

104
Greatworth
90,
193
Friston . .
177
Greenford
113
Frostenden
. .
140
Grendon
no
Fundenhall
32
GrimleyGrimoldsby
••
40 57
Gabriel bells ..
2
Grinton
188
Gaddesby
192
Griston . .
43
Gainford
36
Groton . .
66
>, 93
Garboldisham
Gudding, John
33
34, 146, 147,
158,
178
Guestling
52
Gaveston
146
Guild, Brothers
29,
169
Geist . .
171
Guild of Bell founders
26
Geldeston
178
Guilden-Morden
70
Gestingthorpe . .
146
Guildhall Library
3
Ghein, Peter Vander
I.
33
Gunby S. Nicholas
35
Gimmingham . .
146
Gunwaiioe
62
Glapthorne
34
Glemham, Great 102,
177
180
Gloucester Cathedral
103
,115
Haceby
194
Gloucester S. Nicholas
Hacheston
178,
185
31, 33, 36,
204,
205
Hackford, (Hingham)
178
Gnosall
77
Hadleigh
94
Godard, Richard
29
Halberstadt . .
41
Godynge, John
33
Hales ..
129
Goring . .
30,
156
Haiesworth
149
Gosfield
166
Halle ..
. ,
41
Grade . .
120
Halstead
• • ^
',57
Grainthorpe . .
70
Halton . .
33,
162
Granborough . .
84
Halton,, West . .
34
Gransden, Little
123
Halvergate
. .
139
Grapham
69
Hambleden
82
Graveney
114
Hampton Court
, ,
89
Gravoure, Richard
168
Hanley, Robert
33
Grayingham . .
155
Hanningfield, South
7
Graye, Miles . .
38
Harbledown . .
66
214
ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

p

A.GE.

PAGE.

Harbledown S. Michael

Hempstead by Happes-

Hospital

77

burgh .. ,. 177

Hardley

177
Henley.. .. 146, 147
Hardmead
164
Henry VIII  22
Hardres, Upper
50,
Herts, bells of 14, 16, 20, 47
Hardwycke
57
Hethel  171
Harescombe . .
43
Hewelsfield . . . . 204
Harling, East . .
98
Hexton , . . . 163
Harpenden
117
Heybridge . . . . 74
Harpley
180
Heylesdon, John . . 29
Harpswell
6;
,66
Heyshot . . . . 52
Harringworth . .
30
Hickiing 166, 176, 178
Harrison, J.
44
Higham S. Mary . . 104
Hart, R.
3
Higham-on-the-Hill . . 198
Hartlip . .
104
Higley  204
Hartley
160
Hille, Richard 99, 108, in
Hartshome
31,
187
Hille, Johanna . . 99
Hassingham . .
158
Hilmarton . . . . 35
Hastings
22
Hinderclay . . . . 150
Haward, Thomas
88,
108
Hingham . . 171, 179
Hawardby, Mary of
36
Hinton-in-the-Hedges 84
Hawstead
51
Hittisleigh ., .. 55
Hayfild, Simon de
33
Hoath . . . . . . 143
Haytesbury
92
Hockliffe . . 74, 75
Hayfeld, Simon de
33
Hoddesdon . . . . 120
Headbourne . .
82
Hoggeston . . . . 87
Headley
lOI
Holland, Great 45, 74
Heather, P. J...
3
Hollesby .. ..148
Heckfield
157
HolHngton . . . . 106
Hedemton, Gal. de
33
Holcombe Rogus . . 56
Heigham, Potter
183,
185
Holme-Cultram
HeUesdon
2S
,34
Holton-le-Beckering . . 155
Hellington
. ,
43
Holton  54
Hemel Hempstead
• • 1
', II
Holton S. Mary 147, 148
Hemingstone . .
146,
147
Holy Writings 23, 25, 26, 27
215
ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Honeychurch . .
Horkstow
Hormead, Little
Hominghold . .
Horsley, East . .
Horstead Parva
Horsygton, John
Horton . .
Hothly, West
Houghton, New
Hove . .
Howis, C. W.
Hoxne . .
HughendenHunt, John

PAGE.
55, 56
.. 187
45, 125203 lOI 65 29
99, 193 120
163 89 3
166 8237

65

172
66,77
, 117
65, 66, 123

Icklingham
Iford . .
Ightham
IkenIlketshall S. John Bap. 139
Ilketshall S. Margaret 57, 177
Illington . . . . 167
Imprington . . 96, 100
Initial crosses . . 47, 51, 53
Inscriptions . .
Inscriptions, translation
of ..
InterestIpswich S. Helen
Ipswich S. Laurence 65, 146, 186, 189
Ipswich S. Mary at
Elms.. .. .. loi
Ipswich S. Mathew . . 147

2527 3
153

PAGE.
Ipswich S. Stephen . . 51
Isham . . . . . . 200
Isleham 28, 40, 151, 152
Islington . . 36, 40'
Itchinor, West . . 90
Ixworth . . 146, 177
Jenner, Hy. . . . . 3
Jevington .. .. 73
Jewitt, LI. I, 13, 18, 172
Jordan, Giles . . . . 63
Jordan, Hy. 62, 63, 69, 72, 196
J. S. . . . . 108, 204

KeaKebell . .
Kebyll . .
Kelsale . .
Kelvedon Hatch
KempstonKemsingKeninghall
Kennett

•• 73
.. 91
91, 96, 108
.. 178
.. 92
.. 161
••' 54
.. 183
43, 184

Kent bells 12, 16, 20, 47, 137
Kesgrave . . . . 120
Ketteringham 32, 168, 170, 175
Kettleburgh . . . . 174
Kettlethorpe . . . . 71
Keymer . . . . 132
Kimpton . . 90, 106
Kincardineshire bells 17, 20
Kingsdon . . 48, 85
Kingston . . . . 148

2i5

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.

PAGE.

Kingstone

112, 141

Lee

¦ 155

Kingston-juxta-Lewi

S35, 155

Leeds (Kent) . .

. 40

Kings- Sutton . .

. . 160

Leicester

22, 191

Kinnerleigh . .

•• 43

Leicester All Saints .

¦ 34

Kirkby-Fleetham

. . 189

Leicestershire bells 14

18,137

Kirkby-Malloiy

•• 195

Leigh . .

. 206

Kirkely, Roger of

• 36

Leighton-Buzzafd

¦ 43

ICirkley. .

178

Lenne, Edmund of .

• 33

Knolly . .

•• 91

Lenne, John of

• 33

Lenne, Thomas of
• 33
Laceby. .
36, 155
Lerling or Larling
. 146
Ladders
7
Lessingham . . 30, i
77, 179
Lady, Our
• . 2, 25
L'Estrange, J. i, 14,18,
[68,174
Laindon Clay . .
• • 7, 57
Letchworth
• 159
Lakenheath
73,74
Lewes All Saints
• 52
Lakenham S. John Bap. i66
Lewes S. Ann . .
• 73
Lanes., Bells of
20
Lewes Market Tower.
• 134
Landbeach
. . 112
Lexham, East . .
. 181
Landewednack 119,
120, 125
Lichfield S. Chad .
• 39
Landwade
.. 181
Limpsfield
. 89
Langford
.. 38
Lincoln, Philip of
• 30
Langham
•• 73
Lincolnshire bells 14,
18,29
Langhorne, John
Lindsell . . 65, i
03, 109
83, 88, 89
96, 108
Linstead, Gt. . .
• 174
Lansaiios
¦• 59
Lion face cross
• 174
T.arling. .
146
Lion head steps
¦ 83
Latchingdon . .
•• 43
Littlebury
40
Latin-cross shield
.. 86
Lillington
• 77
Lawley . .
30, 36
Liverpool Library
• 3, 19
Laxfield
140
Lockington
. 198
Layham
.. 178
Longfield
. 156
Layer-Breton . .
•• 43
Lopham, South
. 148
Layer-de-la-Haye
.. 109
Loughborough
38,63
Leaden-Roothing
8, 32, 40
Lowder, Charles
22
Lead pencil . .
9
Loxbeare ' . .
¦ 56
217
ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.

PAGE.

Lukis, W. C.

Merton..

.. 74

I. 10, n,

12, 18, 24

Metfield

.. r77

Lutterworth

•• 195

Michaelstow . .

.. 66

Lynam, C.

I, 16, 20

Mildenhall

•¦ 7S

Lyng . .

177, 182

Millbrooke

.. 82

Millers, William
.. 191
Madehurst
¦• 35
Milwich
• 39
Madingley
.. 160
Minster-in-Thanet
¦• 35
Magazines
, . 2, 10
Monk- Okehampton
•• 55
Maltese cross . .
86, 88
Monkton, West
69,72
Manaton
99, 100
Monks-Eleigh . .
149, 159
Manchester Library
• • 3. 19
Monyash
. . 201
Manton
.. 156
Moriey . .
. . 188
Mapiestead, Great
¦• 75
Moriey S. Botoiph
182, 184
Margaretting
Mountnessing . .
.. 118
I02, 103,
112, 117
Mountfield
.. 74
Markfiield
28,37
Mumby
94,95
Marldon
.. 64
Munden, Little
• 73.75
Marlesford
175, 177
Mundham 169,
173, 174
Martham
168, 174
Mundum books
63, 145
Martlesham
180, 182
Munich
.. 41
Marworth
.. 40
Musical properties
r
Mass-bell
2
Mylor . .
¦• 55
Massingham, Little
180
Matlask
.. 182
Nailstone
. . 192
Maulden
.. 85
Narford
.. 178
Mawgan-in-Pyder
.. 60
Nedging
48,49
Melton . .
183, 184
Needham
.. 146
Melton- Magn a
•• 139
Nettleton
¦• 75
Melton-Mowbray
•• 195
Nettlecombe . .
. . no
Melton-Constable
•• 179
Newburn
.. 113
Melsonby
.. 189
Newcastle S. Nicholas 51
Mendlesham . .
176, 178
Newcome, Robert
•• 194
Merrow
.. 67
Newcome, Thomas
Merstham
.. 105
189,
191, 197
2X8
ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.
Newnham . . . . 94
Newport . . . . 64
Newport, Thomas . .30, 36
Newton . .32, 36, 61, 126
Newton-by-Castleacre 139
Newton-Bromswold . . 150
Newton- Solney . . 203
Nicholson, Richard . . 33
Ninfieid . . . . 51
Nonington . . . . 104
Norfolk bells . . . . 14, 18
Norman, Edmund . . 30
North, Thomas i, 11, 12, 14,
17, 18, 20, 137, 196
Northants, bells of . . 14, 18
NorthiU .. .. 122
Northumberland, bells
of . . . . . . 16, 20
Norton . . . . . . 96, 97
Norton, Stephen
33,36, 78,83,108,111,114
Norwich foundry 165, 168
Norwich All Saints . . 51
Norwich Cathedral
29, 168, 171, 173, 175, 177
Norwich S. Clement 139, 140
Norwich S. George . . 138
Norwich S. George
Colegate . . 176, 178
Norwich S.Giles 166, 170, 179
Norwich S. John
Sepulchre . . 167, 175
Norwich S. Juhan . . 182
Norwich S. Lawrence 157

PAGE.
Norwich S. Mary Cos
lany .. ..174,175, 178
Nonvich S. Michael
Coslany . . 146, 173
Norwich S. Peter Per
mountergate . . 18 r
Norwich S. Paul , , 180
Norwich SS. Simon and
Jude . . . . . . 171
Norwich S. Swithin . . 167
Norwich, William of . . 34
Nottingham Library . . 19-
Nottinghamshire bells 3
Nuremberg . . . . 40

Oakley, Great .
Oberursel Off'ton . .
Ogwell, East .
Old . .
Oldbury OmingtonOrmesby Ormsby, South
OsbournbyOtham . .
Otley . .

.. 48
.. 4r
. . 148
•¦ 43
¦• 71
.. 125
•• 43
171, 183
•• 51
.. 62
.. 48
148, 177, 179^

Oxford, Bodleian Lib. 19, 21
Oxford Cathedral . . 6a
Oxford, Peter of . . 30
Palmer, William . . 30
Pansam, Richard . .30, 37
Partney . . . . 57
Pascal, Gregory ..30,36

219

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Pj

4.GE.

PAGE.

Passenham

. .

82

Preston

. . 68

Patricksboume

. .

142

Preston, East . .

.. 101

Patronal Saint. .

• -2.

;, 26

Prior, Robert . .

.. 30

Paulerspury . .

120,

196

Pulborough

.. 117

Peasenhall

57,

¦83

Pulham S. Mary

.. 142

Peatling Parva

196

Putte, John , .

•31, 36

Pebmarsh

62
Pyecombe
.. 6s
Pelham Stocking
52
Pelham Fumeaux
1 12
Quatford
7
Penhurst
¦•94,95
Quidenham
39, 140
Peters-Marland
, .
46
Peter of Oxford
, ,
30
Radbourne
. 162
Petistree
S8
Radford
• 87
Pettaugh
. .
183
Rampton
.. 120
Pette . .
187,
197
Ranworth
. 183
Pevensey
105
Ratisbon
. 40
Peyton, Thomas
28,
152
Raven, J. J. 1,3,12,13
,18,20,
Philip of Lincoln
30
61,62,65,75, 145,
[52, 189
Phillimore, W. P. W.
3
Ravingham
. . 140
Pitsea . .
.. •
66
Rawreth
¦ • 159
Pitton . .
7+
Rayleigh
05,123
Pittington
188
Records, City of
Playford
179,
180
London 15, 45,
83, '54
Pleshey i, 2, 33,
48,
160
Redenhall
• 147
Plumstead, Great
, ,
167
Rendcombe . .
•70,73
Plumstead-by-Holt
182
Rendham
•• 147
Polebrook 189,
193,
199
Repton . .
172, 189
Ponton, Great. .
76
Reseyvour, WUliam
3'
Postling
142
Reve, Roger . .
. . 144
Postwick
'74
Revel, Richard
• • 34
Pott-Shrigley . .
125
Revel, William
34, 154
Potter, Heigham
183,
18s
Reydon
• • 179
Potter, John . .
3+
Reymerstone
.. 178
Potter, Thomas
16s,
168
Ribbesford
• .42,43
otterspury . .
89
Richard
•• 31
220
ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.
Rickenshall Inferior . . 140
Rider, Robert . . 34, 1 60
Ridgwell . . . . 34
Ringland . . . . 166
Ringshall .. .. 102
Riping, John . . 168,181
Risby .. . . 149, 181
Rishangles . . 1 80, 1 82, 1 84
Riston, John . . . . 34
R. L. Shield . . . . 83
Roade  64, 65
Rockland-Tofts S.
Peter. . . . . . 146
Rodmersham . . . . 1 06
Rofforde, William 34,154
Rollesby . . 175, 180
Romney, Old . . . . 143
RothweU .. .. 787
Rotherfield . . . . 1 34
Rougham . . . . 57
Royll, Hewgh . . . . 31
Rowdham . . . . 156
Royal Arms .. ..69,73
Rudham West .. 171
RunhaU .. .. '71
Rushmere S. Andrew 6s, 66, 68
Rushmere S.Michael 140, 185
Rutland bells .. . . '4, 18
Sacrifice. Gt  22
S. Alban's Abbey . . 43
S.Alban's ClockTower 12,114
S. Allen . . • • 77
S. Augustin . . • • 25

PAGE.
S. Bartholomew the Gt.
26, 1 19, 120, 12 I, 122
S. Botoiph . . . . 26
S. Botoiph Aldgate .. 26
S. Catherine 25, 26, 85, 134, J 36
S.Clement(Corn wall) 120, 125
S. Dennis . . . . 68
S.John.. .. 25,130
S. Michael Mount . . 27
S. Margarets . . . . 22
S. Margaret . . . . 25
S. Mary in the Marsh 74, 104, 106
S. Petrock Minor , . 27, 52
Salford  85
Salhouse .. 40, 169, 174
Sail .. .. .. 33
Saltfleetly S. Clement 29
Sandford-Orcas . . 54
Sandhurst . . . . 93
Sapiston . . . . 183
Saxelby .. .. 192
Saunders, John 80, 81, 108
Saxham, Little . . 182,1 84, 1 86
Saxmundham . . 46, 96, 97
Scawton . . . . 32
Schaff'hausen . . . . 41
Schep, William 34, '54
Scotch bells .. ..17,20
Scothome . . . . 1 62
Scotland, bells of . . 1 7,20
Scotton . . . . 65
Seal  106
Semer  180

221

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.
Sempringham . . . . '94
Sevenhampton . . 206
ShaweU . . 71, >92
Shelley. . . . 149, '50
Shereford-vel-Shering- ford  138
Shield, cross and ring 96, 09
Shield, F. C  124
Shield, R. L  83
Shield, Latin Cross . . 86
Shield, three bells 169, 188
Shield, three lions 69, 122,125
Shields, T. B. . . 122,201
Shields, Tudor rose 122, 127, 131
Shimpling .. .. 176
Shipdham All Saints . . 170
Shipton Moyne .. 102
Shotesham All Saints . . 166
Shottisham . . . . T48
Shouldham . . . . 127
Shrive, John . . . . 31
Sible-Hedingham 73, 80, 81, 83
Sibton . . . . 56, 176
Sidlesham . . . . 105
Silver . . . . . . 24
Simeon, Charles . . 22
Skegness . . . . 58
Skyder, R. S  34, 36
Slapton. . .. 34, 158, 161
Slaughter, Lower . . 204
Sleyt, John . . . . 34
Siutter, John . . . .31, 37

PAGE.
Smithfield S. Barth. Gt.
26, 119, 120, 121, 122
Smithfield,S. Barth. Less 124

Snave . .
Snailwell
Snettisham Snoring Great . .
Snowshill Soham, Earl . .
Soham, Monk . .
Somerby-BriggsSomercotes, South
Somerleyton Somerset bells

..78,79 .. 149
•• 43
.. 180 35
176, 177
178,183
..29,40 39
166, 181, 184
14, 18,47

Somerton, West . . 33
South'pton Holy Rood 22
Southampton S. Julien 8

Southease Southfleet
SouthwickSouthwoldSpexhallSpixworthStaff's, bells of
Stafford, John of
Stahlschmidt, J. C. L.
14, '5, 17-20,23,26,47,63, 78, 83,99, '37, '54
Staircase . . . . 7
StandishStanfieldStanningfield StansteadStanstead-Mountfilchet 40
Stanton All Saints 149, 150

32, '55
• • 58
43, '93
175,185 .. 178 32
..17,20 •• 34
I, 12,

30, 36, 205
183, 184, j86
.. 182
40, 117

222

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.

PAGE.

Stanwick

•• 33

Suriingham

•• 5'

Staple . .

lOI

Surrey bells

16, 20

Staughton, Little

.. 99

Sussex bells . .

12, 18

Steeple..

.. IJ3

Sutton . . . . )

82, 183

Stelling

.. 1.7

Sutton-le-Marsh

•• S3

Stetchworth . .

. . 148

Sutterton

33, 160

Stockleigh

•• 55

Swardeston

.. 183

Stockton

183,184

Syleham

.• 185

Stodey . .

.. 148

Syston . .

92, 199

Stoke-by-Nayland

93, '70

Stoke- Ash
147, 148
Taddington
. . 199
Stoke-by-Clare
.. 129
Tadlow. .
lOI
Stoke Holy Cross
.. 171
Takeley
112
Stoke-Rodney . .
•• 37
Tallington . . j
10, 194
Stolfold
.. 161
Tangmere . . 32
, 37, 52
Stonham, Earl
'75, '77
Tansor . .
.. 118
Stonham, little
.. 151
Tarring Neville
.. 67
Stopham
.. 74
T. B. Shield . .
22, 201
Stowe . .
••30,36
Tealby . .
• 72
Stowting
.. >58
Teignmouth . .
¦• 55
Stowiangtoft . .
176
Templeton
•• 54
Stradbroke
• • 115
Terrington
30, 39
Stratford S. Mary
104, 112
T. H  85
, 86, 88
Stratton, Long
3'
Tharston
140
Strethall
34
Theddingworth
.. 198
Strumpshaw . .
.. .76
Themelthorpe . .
• 138
Sturdy, Johanna 99,
108, 1 1 1
Thirsk . .
•• 39
Sturman, John
•• 31
Thomas i, 2, 34, j
26, 165
Sudbuiy S. Peter
94, 95
Thoresby, North
.. 70
Sudbury All Saints
Thornham, Gt. i
48, 177
"5,
147, 148
Thorpe-Arnold
. . 192
Sudborough . .
.. '95
Thorpe S. Peter
64, 65
Suff-olk bells ..
IS, 20
Thorpe-next- Haddisc
oe 140
Suiiington
40, 132
Thrandeston . .
.. 176
Sundon
• • 154
Thrapstone
no
223
ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.

PAGE..

Three-bell-shield

169, 188

Tyssen, J. R. . . ¦

12, 16

Three-lion-shield 69, 122, 125

Threxton
.. 148
Ubbeston
.. 113
Thrigby
• 139
Uff-ord
Thuriby
68
S3, loi, io2„ IS4,
17s, 176
Thurieigh
.. 163
Uggeshall
•• '79
Thurton
.. 171
UUenhall . .
¦¦ 14J
Tilley, H.T. .. i
5, 18, 137
Underbill, WiUiam 44, 50, 63
Tillingham
77, "3
Upton . .
55, '79-
Tingrith
.. 70
Upton S. Michael
.. 193
Tivetshall S. Margaret 140
Tivetshall S. Mary
.. 183'
Vanden, Peter. .
•• 3 J
Tixover
102
Vespers
.. 2, 22
Toft . .
160
Toleshunt Major
•• 45
Wadesmill
•• 75
Tonne, John . .
34, 128
Walker, John . .
¦• 31
Tonne, Stephen
34, '28
Walround, Roger
31, 3^
Torksey
7', 75
Walsham, South
.. 176
Tor Mohun . .
.. 52
Walters, H. B.
20
Tostock
150, 152
Walton Isley . .
.. 46
Totham, Little
. . no
Walton-on-Thames
•• 93
Tovycester
22
Waitham, Great
116, 157
Townstall
54, 6s, 66
Wambis, Richard
.. 34-
Trevalgo
61
Waniip . .
190, 195
Treve, William
30, 36
Warden, Old . .
.. 161
Trumpington . .
.. 151
Wardley
¦ • 193
Tmnch..
33
Warminster
22
Tuddenham
. . 148
Warwickshire bells
IS, '8
Tudor-rose shield
Washbrook
100
122,
127, 131
Washington . .
.. 158
Twinchen
•• 55
Watlington
(00
Twineham
•• '33
Wattisham
• ¦ 'S3
Twywell
116, 124
Watton. .
140
Tyssen, A. D.
Weasenham S. Peter
.'. '38
I, 12, 16, 18,
129, 158
Weeley . .
.. 123
224
ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

Well, (Lines.) . .
WeUs, E. J. . .
Welnetham, Little
Welsh, Charles
Welton-le-Wold Wendling
Wenhaston Westerfield
Westfield
Westhorpe

PAGE.
•• 33
17, 20
126 5
68 33
148, 183 61
• ¦ 105
. . 148
Westmill .. 34, 117, 163
Westminster Abbey 3, 106
Weston, Peter . . 34, 1 54
Weston . . . . . . 173
Weston-Market 152, i8o
Whatiey .. .. 87
Wherstead . . . . 77
Whimple . . . . 55
Whinbergh .. .. 138
Whittlesea . . . . 38
Whitton . . . . 40
Whitehead, H. 3, 16, 20
Whitwell . . 64, 65, 66
WhitweU (L of Wight) 157
Wicken . . . . . . 1 48
Wicken Bonant .. n4
Wickford . . 93, 94
Wickham, West . . 71
Wickham S. Paul 27, 166
Wickham-Market . . 1 49
Wickiewood .. .. 173
Widford . . . • n 7
Wiggenhall S. German 146
Wilby . . . 70, 147
WUden  73
16

PAGE.
WUliam 1  23
Wiiiington .. .. 125
Willoughby Waterless 143
Wiltshire . . n, 18, 105

93

Wimbledon
Wimbotsham . .
Winch, West . . 149
Winchester, Arms of see
Wing . .
WinwickWistow. .
Witton (Walsham)
Witton (Norwich)
Wivelsfield Wix . .
Wixoe . .
Wood Ditton .
Woodmancote .
Wooibeeding .
WoolastonWoolborough .
WoollavingtonWorlington Wotton . .
Wratting, Little
Wrawby Wreningham .
Wrenham, East
WrettonWrittle - .
WychlingWyddial
Wymbis, Michael 35
Wymbis, Richard 35
Wymbis, Walter 35

"3
182
167 90
'93 68
192
'38
167 66 7'68

'35 68
52
205
57,58 5433
79, 80
136 95
'77
148166 7
117
¦105 '54
'54 '54

225

ANCIENT CHURCH BELLS.

PAGE.

PAGE.

Wymington

64,67

Yaxley . .

,. 147

Wyverstone

.. 176

York, Province of

.. 16

York S. Crux: . -
, . 40
Yapton . .
¦ • 157
Yate . .
34.36
Zorke, John . .
• 35
ERRATA.
Page 17 "Alfred Heneage Cocks, Priest," omit "Priest."
,, 20 First line, " Lincolnshire " omit.
„ 27 " Sancta Itatertna " read " ilat^rina. '
„ ' 31 " Botterdale " read " Botesdale."
„ 34 " Hatton " read " Halton."
,, 48, 49, 50 On illustration, "ffounder " read
" ffoundor."
,, 96 " They occur alone at Saxmundham " omit.
,, III "Afterwards lived in London," read "Norwich"
for " London."
„ 146 " Lerling " read " Larling."
226
YALE UNIVERSITY

1 39.01.'

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