PRESTON ON STOUR St, Mary 3, 8cwt in Bb
| Grid Reference | 151/203949 |  |
| Postcode | CV37 8NQ | |
| Recording | ||
| Affiliation | Coventry DG | |
| Peals | None | |
| Sunday | None | |
| Practice | None | |
History
This parish was in Gloucestershire until 1931 when it passed to Warwickshire. Previously, it was transferred from the Diocese of Gloucester to that of Coventry on its formation in 1918.
The tower and nave are mostly the original late medieval work but with significant remodelling in 1752-64 (by Edward Woodward of Chipping Campden) The chancel was entirely rebuilt at this time. Inside the chancel are several wall-mounted monuments of 17th & 18th century date, but it is the stained glass which takes centre stage, with a magnificent collection of Continental roundels in the east window, and two superb and extremely unusual side windows by Joshua Price c1750, with standing saints flanked by an eccentric collection of portrait medallions.
There is further notable glass in the west window under the tower, which seems to be indigenous work of 15th & 16th century dates, possibly original to the church, though sadly difficult to see without special access to the bell ringing chamber.
The cast iron frame and the fittings are by James E. Groves of Birmingham, 1923-4, though with wooden headstocks. Perfectly ringable, though perhaps some stiff pullies and a little frame movement is evident. The bells were quarter turned in 1923/4 when they were rehung. The treble alone retains its cable patterned canons, it being slightly flat in relation to the other two. The bells have all been quarter turned. This was sjmply noted in The Ringing World of February 29th 1904, "Mr. James E. Groves has just completed the restoration of the bell3 at Preston-on-Stour, Gloucestershire, where a new iron frame has been installed and the bells hung in new fittings, including ball bearings."
The inscriptions are given in Revd. H. T. Ellacombe's book, "The Church Bells of Gloucestershire"
The church is in the centre of the village, go round the front of the tower to the south side to get to the ringing room.
Details of the Bells
1 Abraham Rudhall I, Gloucester 1713 4¾ cwt 28.75" 1135.5Hz (C#+41c)
2 Henry Bagley I, Chacombe 1635 6 cwt 31.75" 1030.5Hz (C-27c)
3 Henry Bagley I, Chacombe 1653 8 cwt 34.50" 946.0Hz (Bb+25c)
Photo Gallery |
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| The Church - Looking East | The Church - Looking West |
Rings P-R