Ringer Ollie

Ringer Ollie Hello! My name is Ollie. I am a church bell ringer and video producer recording English campanology.

Founded in 2016, the Ringer Ollie YouTube channel aims to create a visual directory for bells across the world. We hope this channel will be a ‘hub’ and will promote the art of campanology as a part of our tradition and the soundscape of the United Kingdom.

Ringer Ollie's Christmas Message 2025.My annual Christmas Message to YouTube will be broadcast live on 25th December 202...
24/12/2025

Ringer Ollie's Christmas Message 2025.

My annual Christmas Message to YouTube will be broadcast live on 25th December 2025, at 12:00 GMT. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas, and every good wish for the coming year.

My annual Christmas Message to YouTube will be broadcast live on 25th December 2025, at 12:00 GMT. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas, and every good wis...

The Bells of Ilchester, Somerset.St Mary Major Church in Ilchester, Somerset, is a Grade II* listed parish church with o...
23/12/2025

The Bells of Ilchester, Somerset.

St Mary Major Church in Ilchester, Somerset, is a Grade II* listed parish church with origins in the 13th century. It originally served as a rectory under Muchelney Abbey before the patronage transferred to the Bishop of Bath and Wells in 1239. The church underwent significant changes during the 15th century, including a reduction in its original size. A major restoration was carried out in 1879–80, during which a south aisle was added. One of the original pillars from the medieval arcade, discovered during the restoration, now stands in the churchyard. The building is constructed from squared lias stone with Hamstone dressings and has clay-tiled roofs. Its layout includes a three-bay nave, two-bay chancel, north chapel, south aisle, and a three-stage west tower with an octagonal upper section.

Internally, the church features several historical elements, including a late 16th-century octagonal timber pulpit, fragments of 17th-century dado paneling, traces of medieval wall painting, and sections of medieval stained glass. A font assembled from fragments found in the churchyard and various stone memorial pieces also contribute to the church’s layered history. St Mary Major is one of two medieval churches still standing in Ilchester, a town with Roman and Saxon roots. The church remains active today as part of a benefice that includes the parishes of Ilchester, Northover, Limington, Yeovilton, and Podimore, within the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

The tower contains a ring of five bells. The treble was cast in 1938 by Gillett & Johnston, the 2nd was cast in 1854 by Charles & George Mears. The 3rd is a listed bell, having been cast in 1612 by Robert Wiseman. The fourth was cast in 1783 by Robert Bilbie, and the tenor being the oldest bell, having been cast in 1609. The bells were last rehung in 1938 by Gillett & Johnston, at the same time as the casting of the treble. The canons of the 2nd and 4th were removed, and the treble was cast with a flat top, whilst the 3rd and tenor retain their canons.
The tenor weighs 11-3-4cwt and is tuned to F. The bells are rung from an upstairs ringing chamber.

5 bells, 11-3-4cwt in F.

St Mary Major Church in Ilchester, Somerset, is a Grade II* listed parish church with origins in the 13th century. It originally served as a rectory under Mu...

The Bells of Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire.St Helen’s Church in Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire, is a captivating medieval p...
18/12/2025

The Bells of Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire.

St Helen’s Church in Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire, is a captivating medieval parish church steeped in nearly a millennium of history. Although the Domesday Book of 1086 notes a priest in the village—suggesting an earlier wooden chapel on this site—the present stone church primarily dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, featuring a nave with north and south aisles, chancel, and a distinctive west tower built in the 14th century. The chancel retains a beautifully carved 13th-century priest’s door and a poignant fragment of the 14th-century rood screen displayed above the south chancel door—testament to the church’s rich medieval fabric. Victorian architect Edward Browning led a major restoration in 1862–63, adding the south aisle and porch, decorative tiled flooring, a font and pulpit supported by marble pillars, and stained glass windows that enhance its interior charm. The 15th-century west tower houses a peal of five bells, including one recast in 1825 to celebrate George Payne’s coming of age—a local connection to Georgian society. The churchyard holds memorials of note, including the grave of vicar and pioneering botanist Rev. Miles Joseph Berkeley, a correspondent of Darwin, and Lady Beatrice Taylour, celebrated for her snowdrop varieties. Recognised as a Grade II* listed building since 1954, St Helen’s remains a beloved heart of the Naseby Group Benefice, open daily to visitors seeking its historic and spiritual solace.

The five bells consist of bells cast by two founders. The tenor was cast in 1825 by W & J Taylor. The fourth was recast in 1956 by John Taylor & Co. The third was also cast by John Taylor & Co, but in 1883. These three bells are augmented to five with two bells cast in 1877 by Mears & Stainbank. These two bells pre-date the third and fourth, and presumably the fourth that pre-dated the 1956 bell.
The bells have been overhauled twice. First in 1956 by John Taylor & Co, during which time the present day fourth bell was cast. In 1998 the five bells were rehung once again, by the same contractor. During this time the bells were rehung in a few cast iron frame. The five bells have each been quarter turned, presumably during the 1998 rehanging, and all retain their canons, except the 1956 John Taylor & Co bell, which was cast with a flat top. The bells are very easy to ring and strike, and are rung from a ground floor ringing chamber.

5 bells, 10-2-2cwt in Ab.

St Helen’s Church in Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire, is a captivating medieval parish church steeped in nearly a millennium of history. Although the Domesday B...

The Bells of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.Nestled along Shortmead Street in Biggleswade, St Andrew’s Church is a remarkable...
13/12/2025

The Bells of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.

Nestled along Shortmead Street in Biggleswade, St Andrew’s Church is a remarkable chronicle of English parish life, architectural evolution, and enduring faith. The site was first recorded in 1132, linked to a grant of land by Bishop Alexander I of Lincoln, and was later designated a Royal Peculiar around 1163 under Bishop Robert de Chesney. Though the earliest surviving fabric dates from circa 1300—evident in the tower arch and south doorway—the church has been much enlarged and refined over subsequent centuries. Its 15th-century chancel, richly furnished with stained glass and the impressive monumental brass of Archdeacon John Rudying (d. 1481) dramatizing Memento Mori, marks significant medieval patronage. The collapse of the medieval tower in the early 18th century led to its reconstruction in 1720, complete with a ring of bells cast in 1721. A major restoration in 1870 under W.G. Habershon and Pite addressed structural decay: roofs and stonework were repaired, a new organ chamber constructed, and seating reconfigured. Further embellishments followed—a stone reredos by R.J. Withers in 1877 adorned by Antonio Salviati mosaics in 1881, plus chancel reroofing and a new vestry added under William Butterfield between 1885 and 1888.

In November 1953 a fire damaged the chancel and organ chamber, prompting swift restoration and the addition of a west-end organ gallery—completed by 1955. A 20th-century south porch with a priest’s room above and a modern church halls complex added in the 1970s illustrate continuous adaptation. Today, the church presents a harmonious blend of ironstone nave, ashlar tower, Perpendicular windows, famed stained glass—including a window commemorating the devastating Fire of 1785—and the evocative Rudying brass. With Grade II* status secured in 1952, St Andrew’s remains a vibrant centre of worship and community. It thrives thanks to the dedication of parishioners and “Friends” who have maintained and enriched the building for future generations.

The tower rings a hold of ten bells. Formerly a ring of eight with a tenor of 13-1-18cwt in F, the bells having been cast in 1912 by Gillett & Johnston. This ring was remodelled, rehung and augmented to ten in 2016 by John Taylor & Co. This saw the tenor of the original ring of eight being recast, and the addition of two new treble bells. The ring of ten were rehung in the original frame, which is constructed of cast iron, by Gillett & Johnston in 1912.
In addition to the ring of ten, there is a service bell, weighing 1-2-2cwt and tuned to A, having been cast in c1882 by John Taylor & Co.

10 bells, 13-1-3cwt in F.

Nestled along Shortmead Street in Biggleswade, St Andrew’s Church is a remarkable chronicle of English parish life, architectural evolution, and enduring fai...

The Bells of Crediton, Devon.Following the Ringing World National Youth Contest in Exeter, the Sussex and Kent Young Rin...
09/12/2025

The Bells of Crediton, Devon.

Following the Ringing World National Youth Contest in Exeter, the Sussex and Kent Young Ringers met at Crediton to ring for the Sunday Service. The church of the Holy Cross sits beside the busy main road and the tower holds a wonderful ring of twelve bells.

Below is the history of the bells, taken from the church website:
There have been bells in our Norman tower for well over 700 years. By the mid-1990s it was becoming very apparent that the peal of eight bells, cast in Crediton by John Pennington and Co (Tenor 27½ cwt-recast by Thomas Mears in 1814) was in urgent need of attention. A long period of consultation and discussion took place when a number of cheaper, non cost effective and temporary schemes were considered and rejected. After a good deal of soul searching we arrived at the final and inescapable conclusion-a total restoration of the bells and fittings.

In 1999 an appeal was launched to raise an estimated £100,000 needed to carry out the work and at the same time consultations were held with various bodies regarding permission to carry out the work. A successful conclusion was achieved at the end of 2003 and on Easter day 2004 the old eight were rung for the last time, taken from the tower and sent to the Whitechapel Bell Foundry for re-casting. Whilst the bells were away the tower was internally cleaned, the ringing room re-ordered and decorated and the walls of the bell chamber prepared to allow for the girders carrying the new frame to be built in to the tower walls. In October the new frame and bells were installed and the work was dedicated by the Bishop of Exeter in November 2004. Two years later, a new treble bell was donated by Ed Rossmiller and family in memory of Frances and the second was donated by John and Christine Clarke, two local ringers. As the frame was already designed and installed as a twelve bell frame this was a relatively simple project and Crediton bells became twelve on the 16 January 2007.

Firstly the electrification of the clock winding mechanism would allow the re-ordering of the ringing chamber including the removal of the redundant Victorian timber structures which cluttered the ringing room and restricted the massive amount of space available. Secondly, the removal of the 18th century wooden bell frame. Although in good condition the frame was of a very poor design (the two heaviest bells swung in the same direction,) and it transferred all the weight of the bells on to the very old oak beams between the bell chamber and the clock room. Finally, the bells themselves were tonally very poor and it was recognized that modern founding techniques would produce a much more acceptable musical effect. Also increasing the bells to ten in number would give the ringers much more flexibility regarding having a lighter peal of six bells for practice.

12 bells, 26-2-23cwt in D.

Following the Ringing World National Youth Contest in Exeter, the Sussex and Kent Young Ringers met at Crediton to ring for the Sunday Service. The church of...

The Bells of Thornfalcon, Somerset.Nestled in the picturesque village of Thornfalcon near Taunton in Somerset, the Churc...
02/12/2025

The Bells of Thornfalcon, Somerset.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Thornfalcon near Taunton in Somerset, the Church of the Holy Cross is a stunning example of medieval architecture and a rich symbol of English ecclesiastical history. Dating back to the 14th century, with elements from even earlier periods such as a 13th-century font, the church has stood as a place of worship for centuries. Restored in 1882 by the renowned Victorian architect Benjamin Ferrey, Holy Cross retains many original features, including intricately carved bench ends—one dated 1542—and a beautifully preserved south door with medieval wood and ironwork. The church also treasures an Elizabethan chalice from 1573. The churchyard features a venerable yew tree and notable memorials like the Harred family chest tomb. Supported historically by the Chisholm-Batten family, the church underwent several enhancements over time, including the addition of a vestry in 1958. Still active today, Holy Cross remains part of the Creech St Michael & Ruishton with Thornfalcon benefice and serves as a cherished place of worship, remembrance, and community life, including a World War I memorial listing 22 local names.

Its west tower houses five bells. The treble and second were cast in 1904 by Mears & Stainbank. The third was cast in 1609 by George Purdue. The fourth and fifth were cast in 1683 by Thomas Purdue. The back three bells hang in an oak frame, constructed in c1799. The two 1904 trebles, which were cast to augment the three Purdue bells to five are hung in a part cast iron and part oak frame, constructed in the same year of the trebles' casting, by Thomas Doble. Doble constructed 16 frames in Somerset and Devon. Based in Taunton, his first frame was Staplegrove in 1897 and his final frame was Shute in 1923.

5 bells, 7cwt in A.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Thornfalcon near Taunton in Somerset, the Church of the Holy Cross is a stunning example of medieval architecture and a...

The Bells of Litcham, Norfolk.All Saints Church in Litcham, Norfolk, is a remarkable example of a late medieval parish c...
23/11/2025

The Bells of Litcham, Norfolk.

All Saints Church in Litcham, Norfolk, is a remarkable example of a late medieval parish church with a rich and layered history. A place of Christian worship has existed on the site since at least the 13th century, but the building we see today largely dates from a major reconstruction carried out between 1400 and 1412. This ambitious project was led by the then-rector Richard Rokel and funded in part by local religious guilds that had grown in prominence after the Black Death. The new design included a widened chancel and the addition of both north and south aisles to accommodate processions. The Perpendicular Gothic style, with its soaring arcades and delicate Y-traceried windows, reflects the craftsmanship of William Hindley and his team of freemasons—many of whom left their carved marks in the stonework, still visible today.

A significant event in the church’s history occurred in 1666, when the original medieval tower was destroyed by fire. In its place, a striking red-brick tower was erected in 1669, thanks to the generosity of Matthew Halcott, a Royalist supporter. The contrast between the flint body of the church and its brick tower remains a distinctive feature. The tower houses a peal of six bells, and a clock dating from 1725 made by a blacksmith in Swaffham. This mechanism, still operational thanks to community restoration efforts in 2025, includes two five-foot clock faces which were recently replaced to ensure continued use.

Inside the church, one of its most prized features is the 15th-century rood screen, unusually well preserved. It spans five arches and is adorned with vivid red and green paintwork, featuring painted images of twenty-two saints, including St. Cecilia, St. Dorothy, and St. Ursula. Other medieval fixtures include a finely carved octagonal font, a 14th-century chest with blind tracery, and rare misericords—small wooden shelves beneath folding choir seats. There is also a unique Dutch wooden coffer, one of only a handful known in the UK, which was once used to store liturgical books. Of particular interest to historians and pilgrims alike is the enigmatic "Litcham Cryptogram," a deeply incised inscription located within one of the pillars. Its meaning remains a mystery despite considerable study. Alongside this, the church walls and columns display over 50 pieces of medieval graffiti—crosses, compass-drawn daisy wheels, names, and symbols—documented by the Norfolk Medieval Graffiti Survey.

Outside, the churchyard holds a Grade II-listed war memorial in the form of a Celtic cross. It commemorates the lives of fifteen local men lost during the First World War and five from the Second, serving as a poignant reminder of Litcham’s contributions and sacrifices. The stained glass windows, several of which were installed in the 19th and early 20th centuries in memory of prominent local families, add further colour and historical depth to the church’s interior. Listed as a Grade I building since 1960, All Saints Church continues to serve as both a spiritual and historical centre for the village of Litcham.

The tower holds a ring of six bells. The treble was cast in 1895 by John Warner & Sons. The second, thirs and fourth were cast in 1672 by John Darbie. the fifth was cast in 1914 by Alfred Bowell. This bell replaces an older bell originally cast by John Darbie. The tenor was cast two years earlier than the other three John Darbie bells, cast 2 years befor in 1670. All of the John Darbie bells are listed for preservation, but have had their canons removed. The Alfred Bowell bell was cast with a flat top, and the treble, which was cast to augment the original ring of five bells, was cast with 'Doncaster' canons. All six bells hang in a 1894 cast iron frame by John Warner & Sons, which was when the bells were augmented. The ringing featured in this video was recorded on Tuesday 17th June 2025, during a quarter peal (featuring fellow Norfolk ringing YouTubers, / and / .w ) and short session of general ringing on the bells, being the final ringing on the bells prior to a complete restoration, rehanging and retuning. The work started the following morning, with five of the six bells being lowered on the first day. The final bell was lowered from the tower on Thursday 19th June, and all six bells transported to Whites of Appleton. The bells are due to return in October.

6 bells, 9¾cwt in Ab.

All Saints Church in Litcham, Norfolk, is a remarkable example of a late medieval parish church with a rich and layered history. A place of Christian worship...

The Bells of Woolpit, Suffolk.St Mary’s Church in Woolpit, Suffolk, is a remarkable example of medieval religious archit...
28/10/2025

The Bells of Woolpit, Suffolk.

St Mary’s Church in Woolpit, Suffolk, is a remarkable example of medieval religious architecture, steeped in centuries of history. The site likely hosted a pre-Norman church, though the earliest surviving part of the current building is the 12th- or 13th-century south doorway. Significant development took place in the 14th century, including the addition of the south aisle and chancel. The most striking transformation came between 1439 and 1455, when the north aisle, clerestory, and the church’s celebrated double hammerbeam roof were constructed. This roof, richly adorned with carved wooden angels and intricate detailing, is considered one of the finest of its kind in Suffolk, thanks to local benefactors such as John Brumpton and John Skeppere.

The church’s architecture showcases the wealth and devotion of its late medieval congregation. The grand south porch, built around the same period, features fan vaulting and once held statues in its niches, which were removed during the Reformation. Inside, visitors can admire original 15th-century elements including exquisitely carved bench-ends, an early Tudor eagle lectern from around 1520, and a largely intact rood screen blending medieval and Jacobean craftsmanship. The west tower has a storied past of destruction and rebirth. First built in the early 16th century, it was damaged by a storm in 1602, rebuilt, and then destroyed again in the great hurricane of 1703. In 1852, a lightning strike caused further devastation, leading to a full Victorian reconstruction by architect Richard Phipson. His work culminated in the present Decorated Gothic-style tower and spire, completed in 1870, which remains a local landmark.

St Mary’s was also an important pilgrimage site in medieval times. It once housed the famous statue known as "Our Lady of Woolpit," attracting pilgrims from across the country. King Henry VI visited the shrine in 1448 and 1449, and Queen Elizabeth of York made offerings there. This devotion ended abruptly during the Reformation, when the statue and its chapel were removed by royal order. Nearby, Lady’s Well stands as another testament to Woolpit’s spiritual past. Located just outside the village in a medieval moated enclosure, the well was believed to have healing properties, especially for eye ailments. Analysis in the 1970s revealed a high sulphate content in the water, possibly explaining its legendary status.

The tower holds a ring of six bells. The treble, 2nd and 3rd were cast in 1844 by Charles & George Mears, the tenor being cast by the same founders 11 years later, in 1855. The 4th and 5th were cast in 1658 by John Darbie. The tenor weighs eight and a quarter hundredweight and is tuned to 'Ab'. All six bells hang in an oak frame, made in c1845. A service bell was cast in 2005 by John Taylor Bellfounders Ltd, and rings the note of Ab, an octave higher than the tenor, presumably so that it could form the treble of a ring of eight in the future. This video was recorded during my outing to Suffolk in November 2023, with Woolpit being the final tower of the day.

6 bells, 8cwt in Ab.

St Mary’s Church in Woolpit, Suffolk, is a remarkable example of medieval religious architecture, steeped in centuries of history. The site likely hosted a p...

The Bells of Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire.The Church of St Mary the Virgin in Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire, is a r...
23/10/2025

The Bells of Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin in Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire, is a remarkable historic building that traces its origins back to the late 12th century. Evidence suggests that the church was already well established by the early 13th century, with records indicating the appointment of its first known rector, Richard de Rolf, in 1217. The church has since played a central role in the spiritual and community life of Stoke Bruerne, serving generations of villagers over the centuries. Architecturally, St Mary’s reflects the evolution of English church design, with significant developments occurring during the 14th and 15th centuries when Gothic influences became prominent. During this time, the church saw the addition and enlargement of key elements such as the nave, chancel, and its distinctive tower, enhancing both its structural beauty and functional capacity to accommodate a growing congregation.

In the 19th century, the church underwent a series of sensitive restorations aimed at preserving its medieval character while responding to the liturgical and aesthetic changes brought about by the Victorian era. Restoration work carried out in 1853, 1879, and 1901 helped to repair aging stonework, update the interior fittings, and restore stained glass windows, ensuring the building’s continued use and structural integrity. These efforts balanced respect for the church’s original Norman and Gothic features with the needs of a modern parish. Today, St Mary the Virgin is recognized as a Grade II* listed building, a designation that highlights its architectural and historical importance. Visitors to Stoke Bruerne can admire the church’s blend of Norman simplicity and later medieval craftsmanship, from its sturdy stone walls and elegant windows to its tranquil setting within the village. The church remains a vital part of Stoke Bruerne’s heritage, embodying centuries of worship, community gatherings, and local history in the heart of Northamptonshire.

The tower holds a ring of five bells. The treble, second and tenor were cast in 1684 by Richard III Chandler, a relatively rare founder based in Drayton Parslow, having only ever cast 58 bells between 1674 and 1723. The third was cast in 1975 by John Taylor & Co, and the fourth in 1770 by Matthew III Bagley. The canonshave been removed from the treble, second, fourth and tenor, and the 3rd was cast with a flat top. All five bells hang in an oak frame, constructed in 1770, the same year as the casting of the fourth. At the time of the casting of the 3rd, all five bells were rehung by John Taylor & Co, and the work was completed a year later, in 1976. The bells are rung from a ground floor ringing chamber.

5 bells, 11-1-15cwt in E.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin in Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire, is a remarkable historic building that traces its origins back to the late 12th century....

The Bells of Great Brington, Northamptonshire.The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Great Brington, Northamptonshir...
16/10/2025

The Bells of Great Brington, Northamptonshire.

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Great Brington, Northamptonshire, stands as a testament to over eight centuries of English ecclesiastical and family history. Its origins reach back to a likely Saxon wooden church recorded in the Domesday Book, though that structure was replaced by the stone tower around 1200, serving as both a bell tower and part of a beacon system. Between 1220 and 1280, the nave with its north and south aisles was constructed in Early English style, evolving internally to accommodate changing worship practices. The arrival of Sir John Spencer in 1508, wealthy from his Althorp estate, marked a new era: he rebuilt the chancel and founded the Spencer Chapel, which became the imposing mausoleum for nineteen generations of his line, including a host of remarkable monuments by prominent sculptors such as Hollemans, Stone, Nollekens, Flaxman, and Chantrey.

The church also boasts fascinating memorials—the grave slab of Sir Lawrence Washington, great-great-great-grandfather of George Washington, lies in the chancel, bearing early “Stars and Bars” heraldry predating the American flag by over a century. Notably, Sir William Spencer (d. 1532) donated a stained-glass east window depicting St John the Baptist and the Spencer arms, now relocated to the chancel’s south window. Later enhancements include an exquisite 1912 east window by Morris & Co, commemorating Countess Spencer, and the addition of reredos, pulpit, and fine poppy-headed bench ends during Edward Blore’s 19th-century restorations.
Today a Grade I listed building, St Mary’s continues to welcome visitors drawn by its architectural evolution—from medieval tower, aisles, and clerestory through Tudor chapels to Victorian artistry—and its deep connections to the Spencers, Royal history, and even early American roots.

The tower holds a ring of six bells. The front five were cast in 1723 by Abraham II Rudhall, and the tenor was cast in 1948 by John Taylor and Co. At the time of the tenor's casting, all six bells were rehung in a new two-tier cast iron frame by John Taylor & Co, with the treble and 2nd sitting above the back four. The front five had their canons removed and all six hung on new fittings. The bells are rung from the ground floor.

6 bells, 17-2-2cwt in E.

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Great Brington, Northamptonshire, stands as a testament to over eight centuries of English ecclesiastical and fami...

The Bells of Redenhall, Norfolk.The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Redenhall in Norfolk, often s...
09/10/2025

The Bells of Redenhall, Norfolk.

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Redenhall in Norfolk, often simply called Redenhall Church, is a magnificent example of medieval ecclesiastical architecture with deep historical roots. Archaeological discoveries in the 19th century revealed that the site likely housed a Saxon or early Norman church with a round tower, and some scholars believe it may have once been the location of a Saxon minster serving the wider region before Harleston grew in prominence. The present chancel, dating from around 1326, reflects the Decorated Gothic style and was likely funded by Rector William de Neuport. In the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the church underwent a major expansion during East Anglia’s prosperous church-building era. This period saw the construction of the spacious nave, aisles, and the striking 106-foot west tower, richly decorated with flint flushwork, a hallmark of the region. The tower was likely completed around 1518, with funding from prominent families such as the De la Poles. Inside, the church boasts rare and exquisite furnishings, including one of only three surviving 15th-century double-headed eagle brass lecterns in England, and a fine organ built by G.M. Holdich in the 1840s. The chancel also contains vibrant stained glass by James Henry Nixon, installed in 1846. A unique aspect of the building is its location: while the church is dedicated to Redenhall, most of the structure actually lies in the neighboring parish of Wortwell. Nevertheless, it has long served as the mother church for the united benefice of Redenhall, Harleston, and Wortwell. Now a Grade I listed building, the church remains a powerful symbol of both spiritual and architectural heritage in Norfolk.

The tower holds a ring of eight bells, with a tenor weighing 22-2-20cwt. The tower itself has housed eight bells since at least 1738, when a peal of Plain Bob Major was rung on Monday 13th February. The treble was cast in 1736 by Richard Phelps, with the second being cast by the same founder the following year, along with the fifth. The third and fourth were cast in 1924 by Alfred Bowell of Ipswich, during which time the bells were rehung with new fittings in the existing frame. The sixth was cast in 1588 by Thomas Draper, with the 7th having been cast some 40 years later in 1621 by John Draper. The tenor, the oldest bell, was cast in c1514 by the Bury St Edmunds foundry and, along with the sixth, is subject to a preservation order. Bells 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8 retain their canons. the 3rd and 4th were cast with flat tops and the fifth has had its canons removed. In 2002 the tenor cracked, and was welded. During which time, all eight bells were rehung in 2002 by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry with new fittings, again in the existing frame. The frame was built in 1806 and is constructed of timber. The tenor weighs 22-2-20cwt and is tuned to 'D'.

8 bells, 22-2-20cwt in D.

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Redenhall in Norfolk, often simply called Redenhall Church, is a magnificent example of medieval e...

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