Church Bells of Warwickshire

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.

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
The Church - Looking East	The Church - Looking West