Snargate

SNARGATE, St Dunstan

	3 bells
	Tenor: 8˝ cwt approx. in A
	Grid Ref. TQ991287
	Ashford District
	Never subsequently retuned.
	Anticlockwise
	Ground floor ringing chamber
	Hung for swing chiming with levers by Whitechapel in 1971. Before this, they were (just about) ringable.
	Frame: probably 1673; oak.
	The 2nd was welded in 1971 by Soundweld
	Consideration is being given to restoring these to a ringable condition with a possible augmentation.

DETAILS OF THE BELLS

Bell	Weight	Diameter	Cast	Founder
1	5˝ cwt approx.	30⅛"	c. 1280	Unknown
2	5ž cwt approx.	33"	1673	John & Christopher Hodson
3	8˝ cwt approx.	35⅝"	c. 1325	William le Belyetere

D AVE ˇ MARIA

IOHN ☼ HODSON ☼ MADE ☼ ME 1673

○ C H ○○○○

RICHARD ☼ HALL ☼ CHVRCH ☼ WARDEN ☼ ○○○○○

ANCTE DVN

TANE

Only the vertical of the D of Dunstan on the tenor has come out.

1280-1300

Treble cast by an unknown founder. The lettering is fine.

1325-1350

Tenor cast, possibly by William le Belyetere. The lettering is poor.

1552

Record of 3 bells in the tower.

1673

Middle bell recast by John & Christopher Hodson. Bells rehung in a new frame.

1799

Edward Hasted wrote:

The church, which is dedicated to St. Dunstan, is built of quarry-stone. It is a large handsome building, consisting of three isles and two chancels, having a tower at the west end, in which are three bells.

c.1850

New ringing fittings provided.

1958

Belfry overhaul and fittings repaired.

1970

September

Bells last rung full circle.

1971

2nd was welded by Soundweld. The bells, which were (just about) ringable were rehung for swing chiming with levers by Whitechapel/Kent CACR in the existing frame.

The tenor bell. The treble bell. Pictures 1969.