RAMSGATE, Christ Church |
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DETAILS OF THE BELLS
Bell
Weight
Diameter
Pitch
Cast
Founder
Ringing bell
4-2-14
28½"
D sharp
1884
Gillett & Co.
Chiming bell
9-1-0
38½"
G
1878
Gillett, Bland & Co.
INSCRIPTIONS |
| R | CAST BY GILLETT & Co CROYDON 1884 |
| C | .:. CAST BY GILLETT, BLAND & Co., BELL FOUNDERS & CLOCKMAKERS, CROYDON 1878. |
| The smaller bell is cast with normal canons. Normally at the time “Doncaster” heads were cast. It is thought that this is a recasting of an older bell, and its was perhaps cast with traditional canons in order to secure it to its predecessor’s headstock. It is hung for ringing with full fittings in a standard timber lowside type frame, possibly the originals of 1847. Although it is in fair condition and has a proper rope, the bell is not in regular use. The larger bell has a “Doncaster” head, and is equipped only with a wooden deadstock, a clapper and a clock hammer. It hangs “dead” in a wood frame of 1879, with four identical sides, consisting of heads, sills and main braces. The pit is square on plan, with no room for the bell to swing. Strangely, this is the bell in regular use, both for the clock and, via a cord attached to the clapper, passing to the ground floor. |
HISTORY |
There is a mystery about these bells. Stahschmidt (1887) records “3 bells. One by C. and G. Mears, of London, dated 1847; and two by Gillett, Bland, and Co., of Croydon.” It is possible that he had a record of the original 1847 bell and the addition of that of 1878; and that he mistook the provision of the 1884 bell as being that of an additional bell, while the physical evidence in the tower is of a straightforward recasting, using the old fittings and framework. There is no evidence of its frame having been cut down nor are there any rope-holes to indicate more than the present number of bells.The clock, also by Gillett, Bland & Co., 1878, has a flat bed for three trains; but only the going and hour striking movements have ever been fitted. |
| 1846-7 | Church built; architect, G. G. (later Sir Gilbert) Scott complete with a fine, large north east tower and spire. | |
| 1847 | 4th August | Church consecrated. Bell cast by C & G Mears and hung in the tower. |
| 1848 | Parish formed from St Laurence's. | |
| 1877 | Parish enlarged from St Laurence's. | |
| 1878 | Hour bell supplied by Gillett, Bland & Co, hung "dead", complete with clapper for tolling. A clock also installed by the same firm. | |
| 1884 | The Gillett records show a bell received (19/2/1884) and a new one dispatched (29/2/1884) having been 'recast to the same weight'. It was rehung with its predecessor's frame and fittings. |
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The ringing bell of 1884 in a frame dated 1847. |
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| The ringing bell. Note the angular canons, which are unusual for Gillett. | The hour bell of 1878 in a contemporary frame. |
