Grid Reference:-
140/301851
Postcode:
CV7 8BB
Bell Audio:-
Hear the bells
Guild Affiliation:-
Coventry DG
Peals Rung Here:-
Felstead Database
No Regular Ringing
History Of The Bells
This church is unusual in that is has bells but no tower! They are hung above the Nave in the roof beams and have a wooden structure with louvres and a sort of cupola to protect them from the elements. This means that the ropes fall in the Nave and, as you can see from the photograph, the only way to get to the east end of the church is through the rope circle - interesting when you are ringing! The Church is Norman in foundation and small but pretty to look at.
The bells themselves could not be described as the most tuneful around; they do not conform to any standard musical scale as they were left untuned when restored in 1937, as the architect wished to preserve,"the plaintive tone of Corley bells. They do handle quite well, though watch your head of the pulpit when ringing the second! The fourth is an old bell, cast some time in the late 14th century. The front 4 are relatively to a scale, but the tenor is noticeably sharp. The cast iron H frame and fittings are by Taylors, 1937. At this time the cracked Henry Bagley II of Ecton bell, cast in 1702, was recast. The old bells retain their canons, the new one, (tuned to be half way between the 2nd and 4th, they not being in tune with each other), is flat topped.
Click here to view Bill Hibbert's tonal analysis of the bells.
The entrance is on the North side of the nave. Parking should be made with care as the road in front of the church is quite busy - try up the side instead. Look for the way up to the bells beside the organ - not the easiest climb to view bells; I know, I've done it!
Details Of The Bells
1 Hugh Watts II, Leicester 1641 1-3-24 1456.8hz 2 John De Colsale c1410 2-2-05 24.25" 1346.0Hz 3 John Taylor & Co, Loughborough 1937 3-1-26 1257.0Hz 4 Mediaeval 4-1-14 28.75" 1126.0Hz 5 Thomas Hancox, Walsall 1631 5-1-16 31.00" 1041.0Hz
Photo Gallery
Ringing the bells |
The "Tower" |