6 bells Tenor 5-2-17 in C Grid Ref. TQ683725 Rochester District Frame: 1922 Alfred Bowell Retuning: Whitechapel 1998 (apart from the 5th) Rung from upstairs ringing room. Peals

1.   IN LOVING MEMORY OF L. C. SMITH 7.5.77 R. J. HORNSBURY 11.3.96 "WITH THE LORD" 19 98 WHITECHAPEL 2. DONATED BY CYNTHIA AND PETER HARDY "THANKS BE TO GOD" 19 98 WHITECHAPEL 3.   WITH THANKS FOR THE MINISTRY OF REV. CANON JAMES REINHOLD FRY, M.A., B.S.C., S Th. 1966 - 1997 19 98 WHITECHAPEL 4. 1634   5. XPE : PIE : FLOS : MARIE   6. IOH ◊ WILAR ◊ MADE ◊ ME ◊ 1634

c.1348	Bell cast by Thomas de Weston.
1634	John Wilnar cast 2 bells around the 1348 bell (forming bells 1 and 3 of 3).
1922	Bells rehung in a new frame for 6 by Alfred Bowell (rehanging work begun 3rd Oct and finished 10th Oct). Bowell removed the canons from the bells despite being expressly instructed not to by the Architect, Mr Weir. This led to a Consistory Court hearing at 3:30pm on 10th Feb 1923.
1923	Correspondence concerning a Consistory Court hearing regarding the unauthorised removal of the canons from the bells, 1923 [5 letters]- (with thanks Chris Pickford for his research) Letter from J. Rees, Chalk Vicarage, to Bowell, 29 Jan 1923 notifying him of a court of enquiry to be held in the church on 10th Feb concerning the rehanging of the bells. The Chancellor of Rochester Diocese is to be present. Hopes Bowell will be able to be present to convince the Chancellor “…that our bells were rehung in the best and safest manner and that the removal of the “cannons” did not in any way damage the Bells. We want to make a very strong case out of it, and you will be thoroughly supported by us. There are other 2 or 3 churches having an enquiry the same day. Mr. Avis will be pleased to support you in every way”;  Letter, Rees to Bowell, 2 Feb.1923 saying he expected a letter from him. “I hope Mr. Weir [William Weir, architect] will not have everything his own way re the bells etc. I have seen several clergy concerning the matter and all agree that this little fuss is not necessary at all. Canon Gedge Rector of Gravesend had the cannons removed off St. George’s 20 years ago and the cannons of our Cathedral in Rochester were removed lately. Please get few experts of the Bellringers to give their opinion as well as bell-hangers on the modern way of hanging bells etc. I hope that you will call upon us on Monday on your way to Cliffe”; Letter, Rees to Bowell, 6 Feb.1923, thanking him for his letter and enclosure. “I am very sorry if you cannot attend the Court at 3.309 p.m. on Saturday, as it is most important that you should be present”. States that Bowell began work to rehanging the bells on 3rd October [1922] and finished early on the 10th. Asks “when did Mr. Weir the architect come to see you?”, suggesting that it was on either Thursday October 5th or Wednesday 4th. “When he came you had not commenced removing the Canons”.  The Vicar and Churchwardens have engaged a solicitor for the occasion, and “he said that you ought to be present, so that we have strong evidences against the architect &c &c”. So Rees “sincerely trusts” that Bowell “will be present for the sake of his own prospects in future”. “It is no doubt the best way to face them and stop their vain insinuations re the tone of the bells after removing the canons etc”  P.S. Requests reply by return; Letter from W.H. Troughton, solicitor, Gravesend, to Bowell, 6 Feb.1923, regarding appearance at the Consistory Court “with regard to the removal of the cannons from the bells and as to which I have seen your agreement dated the 9th October last in case any question should arise thereon”. Troughton understands “that you removed the cannons after Mr Weir the Architect had objected to such removal” and therefore  suggests that Bowell should attend the court for his own protection “as I expect one of the objections will be that the tones of the bells have deteriorated”. Continues “I have seen your letter of the 3rd instant to Mr. Reed and also your book of testimonials especially the one from the Vicar of Royston and therefore I know your views on the subject of tones”. Requests an early reply and points out that the Chancellor could make an order compelling him to attend; Letter from W.H. Troughton, solicitor, Gravesend, to Bowell, 6 Feb.1923, regarding appearance at the Consistory Court “with regard to the removal of the cannons from the bells and as to which I have seen your agreement dated the 9th October last in case any question should arise thereon”. Troughton understands “that you removed the cannons after Mr Weir the Architect had objected to such removal” and therefore suggests that Bowell should attend the court for his own protection “as I expect one of the objections will be that the tones of the bells have deteriorated”. Continues “I have seen your letter of the 3rd instant to Mr. Reed and also your book of testimonials especially the one from the Vicar of Royston and therefore I know your views on the subject of tones”. Requests an early reply and points out that the Chancellor could make an order compelling him to attend;
1998	3 trebles added, all 6 bells being rehung by Whitechapel. The bells were tuned around the 5th (which was untuned).