What do we know about the bells at All Saints Church? The most important historical source we have is the bells themselves.
A bell founder would inscribe their mark and/or name and often a date on a bell. Further insight can be gleaned from looking at other records including known bell makers and bell foundries, church accounts and wills.
The oldest and largest bell, which is the tenor (lowest pitch) bell which is believed to have been cast in 1398 at the Kings Lynn bell foundry and hung in 1399. It weighs about 429 kg and is recorded as the heaviest bell to be cast at this foundry. The bell frame is partly made of medieval oak and the remainder appears to be recycled beams from old barns, ships and houses.
During the fifteenth century, we know at least two local residents left legacies in their wills towards the bells and for repairing the tower. The earliest church accounts in 1576 show a payment of 11 pence for a “baldric” (a U-shaped metal strap with leather lining used to suspend the clapper) for “one of our bells.”
In 1581, the accounts recorded four shillings and sixpence “for mending of the bell” and, a year later, “nails for the bell” which cost one penny whilst a “bell wheel” cost five shillings. A second bell, weighing about 264 kg, was added in 1597, cast by Richard Bowler in Colchester. The accounts of 1603 show the bells were “trimmed,” likely a tuning to ring for the coronation of King James I.
In 1608 the accounts show one shilling and eight pence “laid out towards mending the bell wheels”, and a year later eight shillings were spent on “making a new wheel for the bell.” In 1634, seven shillings and sixpence were “laid out for ringing the bells.”
Two more bells were added in 1707 and were cast by Henry Pleasant at the foundry in Sudbury. A final bell of the original five was cast in 1712 by John Thornton and John Waylett, both former apprentices of Henry Pleasant who later went on to develop their own foundries.
We don’t have any other details until 1731, when church accounts show a payment of five shillings to the bell ringers for their efforts on Guy Fawkes Night. While it might seem strange that the bells were rung for Guy Fawkes Night, at that time bell ringing was more of a recreational activity and not necessarily only tied to ringing for church services. Also in 1731 the accounts detail that three shillings and sixpence were spent for “mending the bell clapper.” In 1735, two bell clappers and three new bell ropes cost a total of 12 shillings.
Hover over the photos for a description.
The restoration of the bells begins
Leslie and Tony Ford-Platt dedicating the newest bell in memory of their son Michael
Newly installed bells and bell frame
The restored five bell complete with headstock dedicated to Patricia and Graham Weir
The newly restored bells arrive at the church
The restored bells and new treble bell back at All Saints church