banner1.jpg (38669 bytes)

PRESTON (near Faversham) St Catherine
Photo RCO 2006
3 bells
Tenor: 3½ cwt approx. in F
Grid Ref. TR017608
Frame: 1853 Deal frame for 6 on 3 levels.
Tuning: never subsequently retuned
Upstairs ringing room
Anticlockwise rope circle
Canterbury District
Unringable

DETAILS OF THE BELLS
Bell Weight Diameter Note Cast Founder

1

 1¾ cwt approx.

193/4"

A

1853

John Warner & Sons

2

 2¼ cwt approx.

215/8"

F sharp

1575

Robert Doddes

3

 3½ cwt approx.

241/2"

F

1725

Unknown (Waylett or Knight)
1. J WARNER & SONS LONDON 1853
2. wpe61.jpg (5604 bytes)
(There is a stop between each word of an open hand.)
3.
[4 squares containing a roundel] G : SYKES T : SMITH CHURCH WARDES 1725 fleur.jpg (998 bytes)fleur.jpg (998 bytes)fleur.jpg (998 bytes)fleur.jpg (998 bytes)

HISTORY

1575

Present middle bell cast.

1725

Present tenor bell cast.

1853

Present treble cast. Bells rehung in a new deal frame for 6 on 3 levels. Bell chamber rebuilt.

1868

New spire added.

1968

New ringing ropes were put on the bells and the bells were rung full circle once or twice at this time. They are currently unringable.

GALLERY
Photo DLC March 1972 Photo DLC March 1972

The treble bell by John Warner - their earliest known work in Kent.

2nd, thought to be by Roberts Doddes of Whitechapel
Photo DLC March 1972 The tenor. This second hand bell hangs in 18th Cent fittings in a frame of 1853. Notice the tuning marks in the sound bow to flatten the harmonics.