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MEOPHAM, St John the Baptist |
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DETAILS OF THE BELLS |
Bell Weight Diameter Cast Founder 1
4-2-8
26
1949
Gillett & Johnston
2
4-2-20
27
1949
Gillett & Johnston
3
4-3-16
28¾"
1910
Mears & Stainbank
4
5-2-14
30¼"
1650
Michael Darbie
5
6-0-24
31¾"
1677
John & Christopher Hodson
6
7-1-9
34½"
1677
John & Christopher Hodson
7
9-0-8
36¾"
1651
Michael Darbie
8
12-1-10
41¾"
1679
Christopher Hodson
INSCRIPTIONS |
| 1. |
GILLETT & JOHNSON FOUNDERS, CROYDON |
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| 2. |
GILLETT & JOHNSON FOUNDERS, CROYDON |
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| 3. | MEARS & STAINBANK LONDINI FECERUNT A.M.D.F. | |||||||||
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IN MEMORIAM EDVARDI SEPTIMI OMNIBUS GENTIBUS AMANTER VENERANDI SEPTEMBER 1910 |
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| 4. |
I S R W A |
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| 5. |
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| 6. | IOHN ☼ AN ☼ CHRISTOPHER ☼ HODSON ☼ MAIDE ☼ ME ☼ 1677 ○○○ | |||||||||
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| 7. | MICHAEL DARBIE MADE ME 1651 | |||||||||
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| 8. |
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The layout of these inscriptions needs checking, especially the trebles. |
HISTORY |
1382 An earthquake destroyed the two side aisles of the church. 1386 The side aisles were rebuilt by William Courtney, Archbishop of Canterbury. 1650
Treble (of 5) cast by Michael Darbie.
1651
4th (of 5) recast by Michael Darbie.
1677
2nd and 3rd (of 5) recast by John & Christopher Hodson.
1679
Tenor recast by Christopher Hodson. The Churchwarden at the time disputed the cost of the bell and was arrested.
1837 The height of the tower was raised by 20 feet. 1910
Bells rehung and treble added to make 6 by Mears & Stainbank.
1949
2 trebles added by Gillett & Johnston.
2009 Tie rods and bracing were installed in an effort to reduce movement in the frame and foundation.