History of the Bells at St James Thrapston
Thrapston Bells were cast by John Taylor and Co. Loughborough in 1897, the year of Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. They were fitted into a new cast iron frame in the same year. The cost was £300 and were funded by public subscription. For those interested, the Loughborough Foundry is still on its original site and is open to visitors.
When Thrapston Bells were cast, each bell had an inscription created in the casting.
- The Treble Bell. The smallest bell, weighs just over 4cwt (217kg or 34stone). The wheel diameter is 4ft 6 inches (1.35m) The inscription on the treble bell is ‘Ring in The Christ that is to be’.
- Bell No. 2. Inscription is ‘Ring out the darkness of the land’.
- Bell No. 3. Inscription is ‘Ring in the thousand years of peace’.
- Bell No. 4. Inscription is ‘Ring out the thousand years of war’.
- Bell No. 5. Inscription is ‘Ring in redress to all mankind’.
- Bell No. 6. Inscription is ‘Ring out the feud of rich and poor’.
- Bell No. 7. Inscription is ‘Ring out the false ring in the true’.
- The Tenor Bell. The largest bell, weighs just over 14cwt (714kg or 112stone). The wheel diameter is 5ft 10 inches (1.75m). The inscription on the tenor bell is ‘This Peal of Eight Bells was erected June 20 1897 to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria’.
During The Second World War towers were instructed not to ring as this was to be reserved as a sign of invasion. However, an enterprising Thrapston ringer created temporary wooden ‘silencers’ which allowed ringers to ring occasionally thus keeping the moving parts of the bell mechanism in good order. To this day the same silencers are used when we teach inexperienced beginners. We are also able to muffle the bell clappers at times of funerals or state mourning. The effect of this is to create a slow mournful echo which to some sounds quite haunting.
Bell ringing Today at St James Thrapston
St James’ Thrapston regularly have visitors who travel many miles to ring the bells, these ringers often comment that the bells are a fine set, in both handling quality and sound. Similarly, our ringers are often welcomed at other towers around Britain.
Thrapston ringing chamber is easy to access via a short flight of stairs to the Victorian Balcony. Pictured here in St James’ ringing chamber are ringers who regularly ring at Thrapston. This includes ringers from Thrapston, Woodford, Spaldwick, Higham Ferrers, Aldwincle, Hargrave and Lowick
Ringing is not a strenuous activity as often portrayed in the media but is a gentle and effective exercise. It is a team activity where every individual plays a vital role. It is a skill that requires specialist training and is an excellent social activity leading to a sense of achievement. It is both a physical and mental exercise.
We are very fortunate at Thrapston to have a certified member of The Association of Ringing Teachers amongst our team, enabling St James’ to offer excellent tuition in bell handling. We also have a permanently fitted sound simulator which can be used to gauge the accuracy and quality of ringing.
Currently the team ring for one Sunday service each month and at other special times such as weddings, funerals and Thrapston Charter Fayre. Our aim at St James is to ring for all Sunday services but to enable this to happen Thrapston needs more people to learn. There is a practice each Monday evening, 7.30 – 9.00pm. Ringers from other churches, members of the public curious about this ancient art and those considering whether the activity is for them are always very welcome.
Contact Frank Jenkins, the Tower Captain at: franktjenkins@gmail.com or phone him on: 01933 460691