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Tenterden
 

Tenterden, St Michael & All Angels


  • 6 bells hung dead and chimed with Ellacombe hammers
  • Tenor: 10-0-21 in G.
  • Grid Ref: TQ886354
  • Denomination: Church of England
    Diocese (Anglican): Canterbury
    Archdeaconry (Anglican): Ashford


Details of the Bells

Bell Weight
(most recent)
Diameter Note Date Founder Canons Retuned
1 5-2-2129³⁄₁₆" E 1892 Gillett & Co, Croydon (1353) Never
2 5-2-2430³⁄₁₆" D 1892 Gillett & Co, Croydon (1349) Never
3 6-2-2131¹⁵⁄₁₆" C 1892 Gillett & Co, Croydon (1352) Never
4 7-0-033⁹⁄₁₆" B 1892 Gillett & Co, Croydon (1351) Never
5 8-1-2136⅛" A 1892 Gillett & Co, Croydon (1357) Never
6 10-0-2139⅜" G 1892 Gillett & Co, Croydon (1354) Never

 - Hung dead

Inscriptions

History

1862 Building of the church started. The architect was Gordon M Hills.
1863 The church was dedicated on St Michael's Day. The tower was still not complete, having been erected to just 2 stages. Fundraising continued to see the fower and spire completed, along with bells. [1] [2]
1865 The tower and spire were completed. The existance of bells arising from the tower and bells fund is not known. It is possible that the funds would only stretch as far as the spire, although the church will have had a bell from the date of its opening in order to comply with Canon Law. [3]
1884 A single bell was cast by Gillett & Co, weighing approximately 8 cwt.
1892 A new chime of 6 bells was cast and hung dead in a new oak frame in the tower by Gillett & Co.
[1] SAINT MICHAEL'S CHURCH AND BURIAL GROUND, AT TENTERDEN The new church dedicated to St Michael at Bore's Isle, Tenterden, owes its erection to the joint exertions ofthe Rev. C. Tress Beale, and the Rev. H. R. Merewether, Vicar of Tenterden. ... The church of St Michael was commenced exactly a twelve-month ago, the key-stone being laid by Mrs. E. J. Eyres, widow of the late Capt. H. Eyres, C.B. The architect was Mr. Hill, of London. ... The Church consists of a chancel 25 feet long and, 17 feet wide, with a nave 53½ feet long and 22 feet wide, and a south aisle opening to the nave by an arcade, of three arches; at the east end of the aisle stands the tower, opening to the nave by a fourth arch in continuation of the isle arcade, and opening also by an arch to the end of the aisle. The tower is at present incomplete, being raised only to the height of two stages, the remainder will be completed as funds permit. (Kentish Gazette - Tues 11 Aug 1863)
[2] TENTERDEN. On Michaelmas day the first anniversary of the dedication of St. Michael's Church was celebrated with an evening service ...Collections were made after the services, which amounted to the sum of £10 8s. 8½d., in aid of the spire and bell fund. (Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser - Monday 10 October 1864)
[3] TENTERDEN. THANKSGIVING SERVICES.- On Sunday next, thanksgiving services for the late abundant harvest will be celebrated both in the parish church and S. Michael's, and the 29th inst. being the festival of S. Michael and All Angels', the second anniversary will be celebrated in S. Michael's church on the eve of that day, and the offerings in the parish church will be devoted to the restoration of Roberts' Aisle, and those at S. Michael's to the Spire and Bell Fund. We may here mention that the spire of this church is rapidly approaching completion, and when finished, will be a handsome and conspicuous object for many miles around. Several hundred pounds are yet required to pay for it, which, if not contributed by the public, will have to be found by those who have already contributed their thousands towards the church and schools in this district. Donations will be thanfully received at the London and County Bank by A. Havers, Esq., treasurer to the fund. (Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser - Mon 25 Sept 1865)



Love's Guide to the Church Bells of Kent Page updated: 17 May 2020