banner1.jpg (38669 bytes)

WEST WICKHAM, St John the Baptist

6 bells
Tenor 13 cwt approx. in F sharp
Grid Ref. TQ389649
Lewisham District
Frame: ? (treble frame 1938)
Retuning: Never subsequently retuned
Upstairs ringing room
PEALS
¯ Hear the bells
(2005)

DETAILS OF THE BELLS

Bell

Weight

Diameter

Cast

Founder

1

 4-1-0

27"

1938

John Taylor & Co.

2

5 cwt approx.

29¼"

1640

Brian Eldridge

3

5-1-21

31"

1857

Charles & George Mears

4

 6½ cwt approx.

33½"

1669

John Hodson

5

 8-2-26

36½"

1958

Mears & Stainbank

6

13 cwt approx.

42"

1640

Brian Eldridge

INSCRIPTIONS
1. tba
   
2.
GLORIA DEO IN EXCELSIS 

  1640
   
3. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS 1857
   
4.
¡ IOHN HODSON MADE ME 1669 EDWARD WOODEN CHVRCH WARDEN WH CH
   
5. tba
   
6. GLORIA DEO IN EXCELSIS BRYANVS ELDRIDGE MADE MEE 1640
   
 

INSCRIPTIONS ON FORMER BELLS

5. BRIANVS ELDRIDGE ME FECIT 1624
   

HISTORY
1552   Record of 4 bells.
1624   4th (of 5) recast by Brian Eldridge.
1640   Treble and tenor (of 5) cast or recast by Brian Eldridge.
1669   3rd (of 5) recast by John Hodson.
1847   Tower rebuilt by Whichcord and Whichcord.
1857   2nd (of 5) recast by Charles and George Mears.
1927   Bells "repaired" by Gillett & Johnston.
1938   Treble added to make 6 by John Taylor and hung in a frame above the other 5. Taylors also rehung the remaining bells.
1939 28th June New treble dedicated.
1958   5th recast by Mears & Stainbank.