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SUTTON VALENCE, St Mary
(and Sutton Valence School)
 
1 bells (formerly 4 bells)
Tenor: 6 cwt approx.
Grid Ref. TQ810491
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
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.

 

SUTTON VALENCE SCHOOL
 
4 bells
Hour bell: 4-2-20 in E flat
Clock Chime
Grid Ref. TQ813493
Maidstone District
Bell Weight Diameter Pitch Cast Founder

1

 0-3-18 16" C 1910 John Taylor & Co

2

 1-0-19 18" B flat 1910 John Taylor & Co

3

 1-2-26 20" A flat 1910 John Taylor & Co

Hour Bell

 4-2-20 28" E flat 1910 John Taylor & Co

 

1911 3rd Jan A clock bell and 3 quarter bells were dispatched from Taylor's to Joyce's clocks. From here they were supplied to the school.