The Bells

The Tower is 24 ft. wide and 80 ft. high. The lower part is probably in large measure of the thirteenth century church, but in 1661 it was almost in ruins, was restored, and raised to its present height.

There are eleven bells in the belfry, the oldest of which is a small bell, in use since at least 1537, which was formerly attached to the Bellingham Chapel, where it was probably used as a Sanctus Bell. Later it was rung to call the boys to school in the medieval Grammar School (the lovely building on the North side of the churchyard) and became known as the 'Tinkler'; at this time it was chipped round the rim by boys who used to throw stones at it. It was removed to the tower in 1804; and after several subsequent moves, is now back in the tower.

In 1576 there were three bells in the tower, one of which weighed 35 cwt. It is said that it took three men to ring it. In 1631 two further bells were added. In 1695 the fifth bell was cracked, and so it was recast, and a sixth added at the same tine. In 1774 the Tenor was cracked and was melted and recast into three bells, making a total of eight. In 1816 the fifth of this peal was cracked. It was recast, and two further bells were added, making a peal of ten, this work serving as a thanks offering from the town for the peace following the Battle of Waterloo.

To Thee 0 Lord most High The Bells their voices raise, O May they call Thy servants nigh and utter forth Thy praise. O Christ be Thou our Strength, though the day be long. For old and young the bells at length must ring for evensong.

The ringers in this old pub sign (now situated in the North Aisle) appear to be standing in their original bell loft, the floor being level with the sill of the West window at a height of 15 ft from the ground. A doorway - cut out from the stairs now used to reach the higher room - is still left in its old place, its well-worn stone threshold reminding one of old Kendal ringers. The men and their belfry - and the jug - have gone, but very interesting facts about them are still preserved.