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SUTTON VALENCE, St Mary

 
1 bells (formerly 4 bells)
Tenor: 6 cwt approx.
Grid Ref.
Maidstone District
Frame: 1832 braced centre-posts and corner posts strengthened 1971
Retuned: Never subsequently retuned
Chiming with levers

DETAILS OF THE BELL

Bell Weight Diameter Cast Founder

Single bell

6 cwt approx. 32"

1732

Richard Phelps

INSCRIPTION

1.
R: PHELPS MADE ME 1732 EDW: WELDISH IOHN SHIRLY CH: WARDENS
 

 

HISTORY

1723   Bell that is currently the sole survivor was cast by Richard Phelps.
1832   Church rebuilt. It is assumed that 3 of the former ring of 4 bells there were disposed of at that time. Nothing more is known about the lost 3.
1894   Bell given a new headstock (this is the date inscribed on it). At this stage the bell was hung for ringing and all the other fittings seemed to date from this time.
1971 27th July The bell was fitted with a new timber headstock, ball bearings, clappers and independent staple and a chiming lever by Whitechapel. The work was done by Harry Parkes and David Cawley.