Bell Ringing

 

Sheriffhales bells - a brief history

 

Today Saint Marys' Church in Sheriffhales has a ring of 6 bells. In 1522 records show there were three bells in the tower - however records show in 1722 five bells were cast by Joseph Smith of Edgbaston - and in 1894 another bell was cast by James Barwell of Birmingham - and these are the current total of 6. The bells are numbered 1-6 the lightest being 1 (aka as the treble) cast 1894, 6 being the heaviest (aka the tenor). A recent close inspection of each of the bells has revealed the dimension, the weight, the note of each bell and any lettering (note) traditionally placed on each bell by the donor or the foundry where cast.

 Here is information on all of the bells for both the interested observer or the committed campanologist;-

Bell 1 - diameter 26 inches, weight 4 cwt, note E, note John Critchley Walter John Shuker Churchwardens/Arthur Tompson Mitchell Vicar/1894

Bell 2 - diameter 27 inches, weight 4 ½ cwt, note D, note Be it knowne to all that doth see me that Joseph Smith in Edgbaston made all the rest and me 1722

Bell 3  - diameter 29 inches, weight 5 ¼ cwt, note C, note C William Taylor Benefactor (donor) 1722

Bell 4 - diameter 31 inches, weight 6 cwt, note B, note William Plaxton Benefactor

Bell 5  - diameter 33 inches, weight 7 ¼ cwt, note A Mr Robert Fowler Vicar, Thomas Whittle Andrew Penson Chvrch/ Wardens 1722

Bell 6 - diameter 37 inches, weight 9 cwt, note G note the Wriht Honorable Lord John Gower Baron of Stepny Chief Benefactor 1722

 The first peal of bells was rung on 10 October 1925 in 2 hours and 55 minutes.