|
1552 |
|
Record of 4 bells. [1] |
|
1580 |
|
2 bells were acquired from Westhythe. Together with the existing bells, they were recast into a new ring of 5. |
|
1742 |
-4 |
Bells recast by Robert Catlin. |
|
1757 |
|
Record of 5 bells in the tower. [2] |
|
1799 |
|
Record of 5 bells in the tower. [3] |
|
1879 |
Dec. |
Major tower restoration completed. |
|
1921 |
|
Bells reported as being unringable. |
|
1928 |
|
The anticlockwise bell frame was lowered in the tower and strengthened. Bells rehung. Ringing room moved from upstairs to the ground floor. |
|
1951 |
|
Bells rehung and treble added by Mears & Stainbank to make 6. |
|
1969 |
|
Bells tuned and rehung clockwise in a new frame by Whitechapel. Ringing room moved back upstairs. |
|
1970 |
4th Jan. |
Bells rededicated. |
|
1976 |
|
Clappers overhauled. |
|
2015 |
|
The ring of 6 was augmented with two trebles, originally cast for Seattle by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry but subsequently becoming surplus when that tower wanted a different (lighter) specification for its new ring. The bells were acquired through the Keltek Trust via John Taylor & Co. The inscriptions on the waists were turned off very neatly, so much so that you cannot see where they were. The fittings and additional steel frame were provided by Taylors and the hanging work was led by Brian Butcher, Tower Captain and Red Leader of the Kent County Association Bell Restoration Squad. |
[1] |
First iiij bells in the stepell. (Edwardian Inventory, 1552) |
[2] |
"This Church seems to have been larger; but, it consists at present only of The Chancell, Body, and Side Isle, to ye North. It has a Tower Steeple, which stands about The Middle of The Building, with 5 Bells; all made by Robert Catling, in ye Year 1742." (Rev’d Bryan Faussett, 1757) |
[3] |
It is a fine antient building, of two isles and a high chancel, having a square tower, which stands in the middle of the south isle, and sparates it from the chancel. There are five bells in it. ('The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent. Vol 8', Edward Hasted) |