HISTORY

1154

Record of 3 bells being hung in the Gundulf Tower by Prior Reginald, one of them coming from a former cracked bell.

1251-74

Record that Richard of Waldedene made a bell called Andrew.

1343

Bishop Hamo de Hythe built up the central tower and hung 4 bells in it.

1545

Record of 6 bells in the central tower with the bells in the Gundulf Tower gone.

1635

3rd (of 6) recast by John Wilnar.

1683

5th and Tenor (of 6) recast by Christopher Hodson.

1695

Treble (of 6) recast by John Wood of Chancery Lane.

1711

Richard Phelps gave an estimate to recast the 4th (of 6) although he never actually did.

1712

4th (of 6) recast by James Bagley of Cripplegate, who also quarter-turned the 2nd.

1749

Upper part of the tower and spire rebuilt.

1770

Treble (of 6) recast by Lester & Pack.

1823

Old tower demolished to ringing chamber level and a taller, pinnacled tower built by L N Cottingham.

1834

Tenor (of 6) recast by Thomas Mears.

1838

Some bells repaired and rehung by John Stedman.

1840

Some bells repaired and rehung by John Stedman.

1843

Some bells repaired and rehung by John Stedman.

1882

Bells rehung and Ellacombe chiming apparatus restored by H. Stokes of Woodbury.

1904

Cottingham's work was demolished and the present bell chamber and spire were built and the lower part of the tower refaced by C Hodgson Fowler. Treble, 2nd, 3rd and 5th of 6 recast and the ring augmented to eight by Mears & Stainbank at the expense of Mr Thomas Hellyar Foord. Dedicated 30th November, 1904, by Dr Randall Davidson, Archbishop of Canterbury, and formerly Bishop of Rochester.

1918

Chapter minute books [25th Nov]: "The Dean mentioned that it had been suggested that two additional bells should be provided in the Tower. It was resolved that this should not be done except upon a report from the Cathedral Architect that the additional weight would not in any way endanger the safety of the tower or the bell frame."

1919

Chapter minute books [25th Nov]: "The Dean reported that the Bellringers desired that two light bells should be added to the present peal, at an estimated cost of £270 by Messrs Mears & Stainbank if funds could be obtained. It was desired that the proposal must first be approved by the Cathedral Architect. "

1920

Chapter minute books [2nd Mar]: "Letter was read from the Dean to the effect that two additional bells had been promised by an anonymous donor.  The Chapter Clerk was instructed to obtain particulars of the weight of the bells and to ascertain from Mr Tempole Moore whether such weight together with the vibration were likely to affect the stability of the Tower. He was also to ascertain the exact cost and to submit the same to the Donor for his approval. "
[29th Mar]: "The Archdeacon reported that an estimate had been received from Messrs Gillett & Johnston to supply two new bells with cast iron and steel frame on steel joists, and to supply two sets of ringing fittings for £318, and that Mr Charles Willis was prepared to pay for these.  They submitted a further estimate of £127 for eight steel shanks to strengthen the existing frame and to tune the existing bells Nos. 1, 2 and 3. For this the Ringers were prepared to guarantee the expense.  It was ordered that these estimates be accepted subject to Mr Temple Moore being satisfied that the structure was sufficient to carry the additional weight.  The inscription for the Bells submitted by Mr Charles Willis was approved. "
[7th Jun]: "It was reported that the Cathedral Architect had decided that the proposed struts to support the new bells were not necessary and that the Ringers were anxious that the old bells should be tuned and re-cast where necessary at an estimated cost of £248, which sum they hoped to be able to collect.  It was ordered that the Chapter cannot consent to the expenditure being incurred unless the money is actually in hand."
[6th Sep]: "Letter was received from Messrs Gillett & Johnston, Bell Founders, to the effect that the cost of tuning the 8 bells, 5 of them being recast, would be £439, and that there would be a loss of 6 cwt of metal in the process.  The Chapter desired to know the reason for the increase in the estimate from April last when the amount was £248 - they also desired to know the reason for the loss of 6 cwt of metal.  The Archdeacon kindly undertook to obtain information as to the proposed method of tuning the bells. "
[6th Oct]: "Mr W W Harmer (or it could be Starmer)  attended the Chapter by invitation and gave his opinion on the proposals of Messrs Gillett & Johnston and on their estimates.  He advised the Chapter generally that it would be wise to have all the bells recast and tuned if it was decided to take that course with regard to any of them and he undertook to obtain from Messrs Gillett & Johnston an estimate of the cost of this which the Chapter would consider together with the estimates already received."
[23rd Oct]: "The question of recasting the Bells was further considered and Mr Harmer and Mr Johnston explained their views to the Chapter.  It was ordered that a statement of the position be drawn up by the Dean and Archdeacon and made public in order to give possible donors an opportunity of offering a war memorial in connection with recasting the bells.  That Messrs Gillett and Johnston be informed that the Chapter are not in a financial position to give an order, but are making their needs publicly known, and that they be asked to give a separate estimate for recasting each bell for purposes of appeal."
[17th Dec]: "It was reported that the Bells had been taken away to be recast and the Chapter Clerk was instructed to ascertain whether a bell could be borrowed from Messrs Johnston to sound the hours of service and to take the strike of the Clock."

1921

Chapter minute books [29th Jan]: "It was reported that new ropes were required for the Bells and that the leather cases required repair.  It was ordered that an estimate be obtained from Messrs Gillett & Johnston."
[28th Feb]: "Bellringers - Letter was read from the Bell Ringers to the effect that they desired to give their salary received by them for the period during which the bells were not in use to the Bells Fund, for which the Chapter desired to record their thanks to the Ringers."
[7 Apr]: "Messrs Gillett & Johnston's estimate of £2.10.- for 10 Indian rubber sleeves for the chiming rope and £24 for extending the chiming apparatus to take in the new bells and supplying and completing all necessary attachments and completing were accepted."
[10th Jun]: "The account of Messrs Gillett & Johnston in connection with the Bells was produced and examined by the Chapter and it was ordered that the account be paid."

1960

Bells rehung in a new frame by John Taylor.

c.1935

The frame was braced by the erection of steel 'buttresses' at each corner.

1991

6 of the clappers were refurbished by John Taylor together with a number of pulley wheels.