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Luton
 

Luton, Christ Church


Photo: Diocese of Rochester

  • Single bell, formerly 8 tubular bells
  • Tenor: 1 cwt approx.
  • Formerly 8 tubular bells, disposed of 1984
  • Grid Ref: TL087213
  • Denomination: Church of England
    Diocese (Anglican): Rochester


Details of the Bells

Bell Weight
(most recent)
Diameter Note Date Founder Canons Retuned
1 1 cwt approx.17 9/32" 1842 Thomas Mears II, Whitechapel

Earlier Tubular Bells

Bell Length
DiameterDate Founder Fate
1 58"3"1926 Harrington, Holland & Co., Coventry Disposed of in 1984
2 60"3"1926 Harrington, Holland & Co., Coventry Disposed of in 1984
3 65"3"1926 Harrington, Holland & Co., Coventry Disposed of in 1984
4 70½"3¼"1926 Harrington, Holland & Co., Coventry Disposed of in 1984
5 76½"3¼"1926 Harrington, Holland & Co., Coventry Disposed of in 1984
6 80"3½"1926 Harrington, Holland & Co., Coventry Disposed of in 1984
7 86¼"3⅝"1926 Harrington, Holland & Co., Coventry Disposed of in 1984
8 94"3¾"1926 Harrington, Holland & Co., Coventry Disposed of in 1984

History

1842 The first church was built and consecrated on 13 Aug by the Bishop of Rochester. A bell was cast by Thomas Mears. [1]
1852 The parish of Christ Church Luton was created out of St Mary's Chatham, although a church may have existed in the area since 1814.
1884 A new church was built and the old church became a church hall, although there is no record that it was ever deconsecrated. The architect was E R Robson. [2]
1885 The new church was consecrated on 14 July.
1926 A faculty was granted for a set of 8 tubular bells, commemorated with a tablet, at as a bequest from Annie Claydon. [3]
1929 A tower was added to the new church and the bell was transferred from the old church.
1982 The church was closed at Easter as the foundations started to subside. It was subsequently demolished.
1984 A new church was built and the Mears bell was transferred to this. The architect was Patrick O'Keefe. This 3rd church was consecrated by Rt Revd David Say, Bishop of Rochester on 14th Sept. As much of the 1884 church as possible was transferred.
[1] CONSECRATION OF CHURCH CHURCH, LUTON On Saturday last, the Lord Bishop of Rochester, attended by Dr. Robertson, who acted as chancellor of the diocese, and by the Rev. R. Shaw, who acted as chaplain to his Lordship, in the present of a large number of his clergy and the laity, consecrated the new church, called Christ Church, in the parish of Chatham. (Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser - Tues 16 Aug 1842)
[2] LUTON. NEW CHURCH.- On (Monday) afternoon the Hon. J. S. Gathorne-Hardy, M.P., for Mid Kent, laid the corner stone of the new church at Luton-next-Chatham, in the presence of a large assemblage. (Kent & Sussex Courier - Fri 27 Jun 1884)
[3] Stained Glass Window, peal of 8 tubular bells with marble tablet for bequest of Annie Claydon (Kent History and Library Centre (DRb/A/f/1/85D/8))

Gallery


The second church, built in 1884 and into which the tubular bells were first installed.
Photo: Scott Murray Walker , 1980


Love's Guide to the Church Bells of Kent Page updated: 25 April 2020