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Barfreston
 

Barfreston, St Nicholas


Photo: Dickon Love, Jun 2003

  • Single bell hung for swing chiming in a tree in the churchyard
  • Tenor: ¾ cwt approx.
  • Grid Ref: TR264501
  • Frame: No frame but hung in a yew tree
  • Denomination: Church of England
    Diocese (Anglican): Canterbury
    Archdeaconry (Anglican): Ashford
  • Building Listed Grade: I Click for Heritage details.

Details of the Bells

Bell Weight
(most recent)
Diameter Note Date Founder Canons Retuned
҂ Single bell ¾ cwt approx.14⅞" 13th Cent Unknown Never

҂  - Hung for swing chiming

History

c 1150 The famous Norman church was built.
c 1250 Bell cast, founder unknown. George Elphick, Ranald Clouston and David Cawley agree on a mid-13th century date.
1759 Faussett notes "two bells without inscription". [1]
1795 Record of 1 bell. [2]
1844 The bell was reported as being in a turret at the west end of the church.
1887 Stahlschmidt records 1 bell.
c 1900 Bell moved to its present position in a yew tree in the church yard.
[1] "This Church which is beautifully adorned with *Carved Work, both within and without, and whose Arches are circular (whichs shews its great Antiquity) consists of only the Chancell and Body, which are separated by a very beautyfull circular Arch. In The Steeple, which has a shingled Spire, and stands at the West End, are 2 Small Bells without Inscription. *The Arch over the South Door, and some Figures under the Arch, are remarkably well carv’d and very beautyfull; but, are almost hid by ye paltry tiled Roof of ye Porch." (Rev’d Bryan Faussett, 1759)
[2] Here is one Bell, also at the West end. (Zechariah Cozens, 1795)

Gallery


The small bell hung in the tree.
Photo: Richard Offen, Oct 2006

The small bell hung in the tree.
Photo: Richard Offen, Oct 2006


Love's Guide to the Church Bells of Kent Page updated: 1 April 2016