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1552 |
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Record of 4 bells in the tower. |
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1721 |
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Bells 1, 2, 3 and 5 (of 5) recast by John Waylett who rehung the bells in a new timber frame. |
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1723 |
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4th (of 5) recast by John Waylett. |
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1770 |
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The church tower was struck by lightning which caused significant damage. |
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1777 |
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The tower was rebuilt with a new frame for 6 bells but only the 5 bells were put in it. |
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1799 |
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Record of 5 bells in the tower. [1] |
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1904 |
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Mears & Stainbank reported that the 4th (present 5th) was broken in half and the then 4th was badly cracked and in danger of breaking and falling. |
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1913 |
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3 and 4 (of 5) recast by Alfred Bowell and the remainder rehung. [2] |
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1936 |
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A treble was added to make 6 in the empty pit, by Alfred Bowell. This was cast to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George V. It was dedicated outside the church by the Archbishop of Canterbury on Sun 5 July. [3] [4] |
[1] |
The church, which is dedicated to St. Matthew, is a large handsome building, consisting of three isles and a chancel, all which are ceiled, and handsomely kept. At the west end is a square brick tower, built about twenty-six years ago, in the room of the old one, which fell down. There are five bells in it. ('The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent. Vol 8', Edward Hasted) |
[2] |
To recasting the 3rd & 4th bells and rehanging the peal of five. To repairing the floor under the bells and strengthening the framework £74. Paid cq. 19 Mar 1913. (Bowell records, 7 Mar 1913) |
[3] |
1936 7 July:
To supplying new treble bell complete as per contract $60. To 2 best bell ropes @ 22/- £2-4-0. Total £62-4-0. Paid cq on a/c £32-4-0 7 July 1936. cq £30 10 Aug 1936.
1936 10 July:
To 13 handbells £4. Paid by cq. 28 Aug 1936. (Bowell records) |
[4] |
THE "MISSING BELL" OF WAREHORNE.
LEGEND ENDED BY NEW ONE.
The greatest event for centuries in the history of Warehorne church, between Hamstreet and Appledore, took place on Sunday, when the Archbishop of Canterbury added the last chapter to the ancient legend of the missing Warehorne bell.
In 1770, the church tower was struck by lightning and a new brick tower was built seven years later.A stand was set up for six bells, but only five were hung. Local tradition has it that the missing bell was stolen by the people of Kenardington.
The provision of a sixth bell has been an object of the present Rector, the Rev. Dr. W. Ivens, since his induction in February, 1935. His efforts have resulted in the hanging of a perfect treble bell, weighing 4¼ cwta. The Archbishop dedicated the bell as it stood on a table near the belfry door, outside the church.
After the service the Archbishop shook hands with the ringers in the belfry. (Kentish Express, Fri 10 Jul 1936) |
Bells 1, 2 and 3. Photo: Christopher J Cooper, 2000 |
and bells 4, 5 and 6. Photo: Christopher J Cooper, 2000 |
The layout of the 6 bells in their frame as seen from above. Photo: Christopher J Cooper, 2000 |
Photo: Ollie Watson, Aug 2021 |
Photo: Ollie Watson, Aug 2021 |
Photo: Ollie Watson, Aug 2021 |
Photo: Ollie Watson, Aug 2021 |
Photo: Ollie Watson, Aug 2021 |
Photo: Ollie Watson, Aug 2021 |
Photo: Ollie Watson, Aug 2021 |
Photo: Ollie Watson, Aug 2021 |
Photo: Ollie Watson, Aug 2021 |
The intermediate chamber. Photo: Ollie Watson, Aug 2021 |
The third. Photo: Christopher J Cooper, 2021 |
The fifth. Photo: Christopher J Cooper, 2021 |
The fourth. Photo: Christopher J Cooper, 2021 |
The tenor. Photo: Christopher J Cooper, 2021 |
The treble. Photo: Christopher J Cooper, 2021 |
The second Photo: Christopher J Cooper, 2021 |
Treble in foreground, two on left, tenor in centre, three and four at back, fifth on right in background. Photo: Christopher J Cooper, 2021 |