1929
The five old bells in Spratton Church were originally cast in a wooden frame in 1685 by Matthew and Henry Bagley who were later killed when a bell mould full of molten metal exploded. In 1929, the vicar, George Raw, received the bad news that the old bells needed to be re-hung in a steel frame and No2 and No 4 bells had to be recast. Rev. Raw reminded the village how important the bells were and how they had rung out over the centuries for great national occasions. He mentioned the old village records showing 2 shillings had been paid to the Spratton bell ringers when we had victory in Flanders. This was in 1706 when the Duke of Marlborough was victorious over the French in the battle of Ramillies, Flanders, in the War of the Spanish Succession. In 1714 they rang out again when the king landed and the ringers were paid 10 shillings. George I, having succeeded Queen Anne, travelled from Hanover, Germany, and landed in England to national rejoicing. The bells rang out again for the coronation of George I - a grand day according to the old records - and 4 shillings was paid to the ringers.
Seen with the old bells, when they came out of the Church are (left to right): Ted Austin, William Buswell, Charlie Gilby, Arthur Balderson, Rev. George Raw (vicar), George Payne, Tom Manning, and (sitting) William Balderson.
The work on the bells was carried out by John Taylor of Loughborough. People in the village responded well to the vicar's request for donations and the cost of £385 was soon met. On Tuesday 8th April 1930, the Bishop came to dedicate the newly restored bells and a team of Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers under the Master, Mr. F Wilford, brought out the music of the bells. The bells were re-installed in a six-bell frame leaving a spare space for a new bell in the future.
Image Reference: 0248
Related Searches: Church | People | 1920