Database of Historically Significant
Bells and Bell Frames
The schedules of bells and bell frames of historic significance (then known as 'bells and bell frames scheduled for preservation', commonly called 'listed bells and bell frames') were originally compiled by the late H. B. Walters M.A. F.S.A. in the 1930s for the then Central Council for the Care of Churches. Its aim was to include all bells cast before 1550 and a selection of the more important post-Reformation bells.
Parishes are listed alphabetically as they would appear on a map, i.e. North Wingfield appears under N and not W. The bell number 4 of 6 means the fourth bell in a ring of six. The category of canons specifies the number of hanging loops on top of the bell. The Pickford typography is used for the bell frame entries (see "Bell frames, a practical guide to inspection and recording", C. Pickford (1993), ISBN 0 9512321 1 8). Every entry is followed by the initials of the fieldworker and the date of his visit.
If any discrepancies are noted, please notify the Secretary, Church Buildings Council, Church House, Great Smith Street, LONDON SW1P 3AZ. enquiries.ccb@c-of-e.org.uk
In 2006 the Council adopted new criteria* for the identification of bells and bell frames of historic significance and the schedules of historically significant bells and frames are gradually being revised in accordance with the new criteria. At present, some of the diocesan schedules have been revised according to the new criteria.
The bell information was put into electronic format by Mr George Dawson, and the Council is greatly indebted to him for the energy and interest that he gave to this work.
*If you don't have a (free) Adobe Acrobat PDF viewer, you can get one from http://www.adobe.com/
