Bells at St Mary’s Church
Bells have been rung in the church since it was built.
Prior to his death in 1692, Walter Chetwynd made provision in his will for a peal of
six bells to be cast and installed in the church tower. They were cast by Henry Bagley and dated 1676.
Subsequently, one bell was cracked and was the first bell to be recast by Mears and Stainbank in the
Whitechapel Bell foundry after the war in 1945. These beautifully toned bells bearing the arms and
initials of Walter Chetwynd are still in the bell tower today.
An HLF ‘Your Heritage Grant’ in 2004 contributed funds towards for the restoration and
refurbishment of the bells and bell tower and enabled us to promote the history and heritage of the
church. The restored bells were re-hung in 2006.
Innovative display facilities were also provided to demonstrate bell ringing.