History of The Bells It Rings
Four bells and a sanctus are mentioned in 1516 and it is believed they were at one time hung in a belfry in the churchyard (1594) until the new church tower was not completed until 1608. In 1611 the four bells were recast into a ring of five and augmented to six probably in 1621-2. Two more bells were added to make a ring of eight in 1667/8 and the lightest two of the old six recast. In 1722/3 Richard Phelps recast these bells and added as much metal again to increase the ring to a heavier ring of ten. The tenor was damaged and required recasting by Pack & Chapman in 1770 and the opportunity was taken to increase the ring to twelve. The new front bells were poor examples especially the treble which was shortly recast in 1773. The eleventh was recast in 1825, the tower restored in 1892, the two trebles recast in 1911 and the seventh recast in 1923 due to damage incurred when celebrating the Armistice in 1918. The final major work involved recasting the trebles yet again and rehanging the bells in a new metal frame. For the first time they were also hung to be rung clockwise. In 1992 the 9th cracked during practice ringing and this was repaired (welded) by Soundweld of Lode.
In 2009 following extensive research and consultation a replacement lighter ring (with an incidental bell) in a new frame was installed that not only reduced considerably the problems of tower sway but also resulted in a ring that has been widely praised for its tone, weight and audibility. All the 18th century bells were preserved, either for display or as part of the clock chimes
Read more about this topic: Society Of Cambridge Youths
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