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The existing bells date back to November 1774 when they were purchased along with the tower clock. The 6 bells were purchased from Pack and Chapman and were placed into the oak bell frame ( the frame miraculously still stands today despite the two devastating fires). In 1810 the tenor bell was recast. In 1894 the bells were refitted and quarter turned by Thomas Mears of London. 2 new treble bells were added in 1904 to make a ring of 8. The earliest record of a peal being rung at St Michaels was in 1928.
In 1956 the old bells were removed and recast as a ring of 8 by Taylors of Loughborough. The cost of this work was £1500. At today's prices, the same work would cost in the region of £100,000!
ST MICHAELS BELLS INSCRIPTIONS
TREBLE - "Although I am but light and small, my voice is heard above them all"
SECOND - "Ring out the old, ring in the new, ring out the false, ring in the true"
THIRD - "Ring in the valiant man and free, ring in the Christ that is to be"
FOURTH - "If you have a judicious ear, you'll hear my voice is sweet and clear"
FIFTH - "Such wondrous powers to music given, it elevates the Soul to heaven"
SIXTH - "Whilst thus we join in cheerful sound, may love and loyalty abound"
SEVENTH - "Though much against us may be said, to speak for ourselves we're not afraid"
EIGHTH - "Alfred James Sanderson. Died 10th November 1956. Bell ringer for sixty years, church warden 1941 until his death."
Bell ringing is an eco-friendly team activity that stimulates the brain and helps you to keep fit, whilst making a glorious sound!! In learning to ring, you will be part of a global group of friends, start a lifelong learning experience, maintain a traditional skill, serve your community and get the opportunity to visit some amazing places. ANYONE CAN BECOME A BELL RINGER! Ringing is well within the capabilities of virtually everyone, with no musical knowledge required. The only maths needed is to be able to count to 8 !!!!
BELL STATISTICS
| Bell | Diameter | Weight | Note | ||
| Feet / inches | cm | cwt-q-lb | kg | ||
| 1 | 2'1" | 65 | 3 - 3 - 12 | 195.3 | F# |
| 2 | 2'2" | 67 | 4 - 1 - 4 | 217 | F |
| 3 | 2'4" | 72 | 4 - 3 - 14 | 246.8 | D# |
| 4 | 2'6" | 76 | 5 - 1 - 26 | 277.5 | C# |
| 5 | 2'8" | 82 | 6 - 1 - 17 | 324.1 | B |
| 6 | 2'9" | 85 | 7 - 0 - 25 | 365.7 | A# |
| 7 | 3'1" | 94 | 9 - 1 - 20 | 477.3 | G# |
| 8 | 3'5" | 104 | 12 - 1 - 14 | 626.5 | F# |
COME AND HAVE A GO !
Tower practice nights are on Mondays at 7pm. We ring every Sunday from 0900-0930. Pop up and see us!! You will be made most welcome.
For further information contact the Tower Captain- Gareth Evans on 01900 824647 or visit the Carlisle Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers website on www.carlisle-dgcbr.org.uk