St Michael's Stone, Bell Restoration Project

A bit of history

Most bells are hung in churches, but they have always had a much wider significance than simply ecclesiastical. In mediaeval times, churches typically had several bells which each had a particular function and significance – the sanctus bell, the angelus bell, the passing bell, and people would know from the sound they heard what was being announced. In the seventeenth century, ringers began to swing bells higher and with more control, and it was realised that ringing several bells together in a controlled way could be satisfying and pleasing to listen to. By the end of the century, many churches had sets of bells, and bell founders were able to supply such sets reasonably in tune. Having a set of bells became a matter of pride not just to the church but to the community as a whole, and there was sometimes rivalry between neighbouring parishes to see who could have the best ring of bells. As change ringing developed in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, it became customary for bells to be rung to mark a variety of local and national events, some joyful, some sad. For example, royal events such as coronations, births and birthdays were often occasions for ringing, and still are today: there was a great deal of specially arranged ringing two weeks ago for the royal wedding, and the ringers of Stafford still get paid by the civic authorities for early morning ringing on the birthdays of the Queen and the Prince of Wales and for the opening of the court session. In 178x, Stone bells would have rung to celebrate the opening of the canal, and it was also common, if the ringers were supplied with enough beer by the successful candidate, to celebrate election victories with ringing. In 1710 both Eccleshall and Stone (I wonder which was first) bought six new bells from the famous Rudhall foundry in Gloucester. These bells were probably taken up the Severn to Bridgnorth and then, with some difficulty, transported by road. A century later the whole journey could have been done by boat with much less trouble.

Background to the project

The project

What the new bells will sound like

Radio Stoke interview

Project Costs for Bells and Frame

We are very grateful for the individual donations that we have received so far for the four bells above.

Bell hung for Change Ringing

How can you help

Tower Plan

Project Launch

The appeal was launched at the Crown Hotel, Stone

Events

Donations to the Bell Appeal

We are very grateful for the following donations that we have received so far .

Mr & Mrs Walker,  Mr & Mrs Pick., Mr J R Hargreaves, Sheltonia Lodge, Mrs H M Deakin, Mrs Moore, MR & Mrs Sedgwick, Mr E A O Pick,
Mrs J Austin, Mr & Mrs R Mason, Mrs H Tallent, Mrs C Prothero, Mr M C Cockin, Bev’s Bakery, Stone Mayor’s Charity, Walton Co-op Hamper Raffle, which was won by Mrs E Gould. Mr Bonham, Mr Cadagan,  Mr Bromley, Mr & Mrs Wright, Stafford Mayor's Charity, Morrison's customers, Stone Festival committee, Mr K D Pemberton, Mrs J Ruxton, Mrs Galletley, Mr & Mrs Prew, Mr M Gray, Mr N Cardington, Mr J Maslin, Mr D Knowles, Mr D Beecham, Mr D B Clive, Mr J Hawkins, Mr C Webb, Mr & Mrs Harvey, Mrs A H Rose, Mr & Mrs R Osborne, Mr D E D Johnson