STOCKTON, St Michael 3: 9cwt in G - Limited Ringing
| Grid Reference | 151/437635 |  |
| Postcode | CV47 8JF | |
| Recording | None Available | |
| Affiliation | Coventry DG | |
| Peals | None | |
| Sunday | None | |
| Practice | None | |
| Other Information | Church Website |
History
The first reference to a church in Stockton is during the reign of Henry I, between 1100 and 1135. It was founded by Rob de Limesi. In those days, different people (Lords of the Manor, important families, and so on) had the right to appoint a priest for the parish. This right passed through several families, until 1824, when New College, Oxford, bought it. The College still has the right to a say in the appointment of a priest in Stockton The original church was probably built of wood and burnt down. Three parts of the church were rebuilt starting around 1530:
- The oldest part is the south wall of the chancel (14th century)
- Then the tower - may be 15th century
- Then the arch leading into the chancel
The rest of the alterations to the church, until those recently completed, began in 1809. It is built of brown and red sandstone
These bells were said to be unringable, due to poor frame design which left one truss almost free-standing and the poor state of the fittings. Some work carried out in October 2018, particularly to the wheels, means that they can be rung on limited occasions.
Fittings are by White of Appleton, installed in the late 19th century. They hang in an oak frame by an unknown local carpenter, it being installed in 1817.
They have been quarter turned and retain their canons. The Watts bells are very fine in their tone. The tenor is "maiden". The treble has been chip-tuned to raise its note, it is still a little flat of where it should be. The second's note has been deepened by chip tuning.
Details of the Bells
1 Newcombe, Leicester 1608 5¾cwt 31.00" 956.5Hz (Bb+44c)
2 Hugh Watts II, Leicester 1622 7cwt 33.375" 873.5Hz (A-13c)
3 Hugh Watts II, Leicester 1620 9cwt 37.00" 786.5Hz (G+6c)
Photo Gallery |
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| Two of the bells - showing the hoop gudgeons | Two views of the frame, showing the poor design | |
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| Two views showing the poor state of some of the wheels | The clapper design | |
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| The Treble's wheel has been refurbished and metalwork has been treated |
The 2nd's wheel has been rebuilt | |
Rings S