Bells
The tower houses eight bells. These were installed by Abraham Ruddall of Gloucester in 1726, using metal from the five old abbey bells. The heaviest (the 8th or Tenor) weighs 18 3/4 cwt (963kg) and is tuned to E. Our ring (a set) of eight bells: 18-3-22 (963kg) in E.
The bells were re-tuned by Taylors of Loughborough in 1903, and rehung on a new steel frame. In 1950 they were refitted on ball bearings.
The photo shows the Bell Chamber, which sits below the the Clock Chamber, both of which are reached via a spiral staircase.
The chamber includes the original 1726 painted instructions for using the bells. There are records of many of the peels rung on the bells, a model bell, and the pendulum of the church clock.
Bell Ringing
We ring at St Modwen’s every Sunday morning at 10.30 a.m. for the 11.00 a.m. service.
We practice every Tuesday night from 7.30 until 9.00 pm at St Modwen’s, except on the first Tuesday of the month where we ring at St Paul’s. We also ring for weddings and some funerals, and for other special services and occasions – such as extra services at Christmas and to mark events like Trafalgar Day.
Our Tower Captain is Stewart Bannister.
Interested in bell ringing? New and experienced ringers are always welcome!