Church Bells of Warwickshire

PRESTON ON STOUR St, Mary 3, 8cwt in Bb

p_on_stour.jpg (53331 bytes)

Grid Reference:-
151/203949

Postcode:
CV37 8NQ

Bell Audio:-
Hear the bells

Guild Affiliation:-
Coventry DG

Peals Rung Here:-
None

No Regular Ringing

History Of The Bells

This parish was in Gloucestershire until 1931 when it passed to Warwickshire, and it was transferred from the Diocese of Gloucester to that of Coventry 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 in a new cast iron frame with new fittings by James E. Groves of Birmingham. 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

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The Nave