PRIORS HARDWICK St Mary 3, 8cwt in Bb (GF)
| Grid Reference | 151/472562 |  |
| Postocde | CV47 7SN | |
| Recording | ||
| Affiliation | Coventry DG | |
| Peals | None | |
| Sunday | None | |
| Practice | None |
History
The church of consists of a chancel, nave, north vestry, south porch, and west tower. The building is of early-to mid-13th-century origin, but of this period only the west tower remains. The chancel was rebuilt and much enlarged c. 1300 and has some interesting details of that period. The nave, which is short and broad for its length, was probably widened at the same time or very shortly afterwards, but its side walls were entirely rebuilt in 1868, and only the early 14th-century doorways and west wall survive. New roofs were also provided and a vestry built in place of a north porch. There have been other repairs during the 20th century to chancel windows, &c.
These bells are hung in a two-tier wrought iron "bar" frame by Webb and Bennett of Kidlington in 1922, the treble being hung above the others. Mears & Stainbank replaced the treble headstock in 1959. All the bells have been quarter turned. A grant was given to the church by the Coventry DG on 7/7/01 to help repair the treble wheel and to install rope guides. This has been completed. A small tower, making any projected augmentation difficult.
The bells do not form a "true" three, being about 1, 3 & 4 of a four - those old enough might remember the children's show, "The Banana Splits"; the bells form the first three notes of the signature tune! They have been quarter pealed, in 1990. The exact pitch of the tenor is Bb-12 cents.
Follow the signs for the village centre from the (relatively!) main road and you soon find the church and can park on the road before or after it.
Details of the Bells
1 Henry Bagley I, Chacombe 1670 4cwt 27.75" 1214.5Hz (Eb-42c)
2 Thomas Newcombe, Leicester c1580 6½cwt 31.75" 1015.5Hz (B+48c)
3 Henry Bagley I, Chacombe 1670 8cwt 34.375" 926.0Hz (Bb-12c)
Photo Gallery |
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| The Church - Looking West |
The Church - Looking East |
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Rings P-R