Betchworth, St Michael

Church Street, Betchworth, RH3 7DN Find on map

Number of bells: 8

Tenor Weight: 11 cwt

Ground floor ring: No

District: Southern

Practice Night: Tuesday

Ringing Times: Sunday Service:9.30 - 10.00am (1st, and 3rd Sundays) Practice: 8.00 - 9.30pm

Entry: Entry is through the external door on the south side of tower to 1st floor ring via a low ceilinged spiral staircase

Contact: Tower Secretary: bernhawk57@btinternet.com Bernard Hawkins Tel 01737 843153

Additional Information: Car park behind the church (turn into Church Street and right by the barn).

Website: stmichaelsbetchworth.net/getting-involved/bellringers

Church is of Norman or earlier foundation. The first documented mention of bells occurs in 1553, when there were “Item in the steple four bells, one of theym is broken”. Church records show dealings with R Phelps of London in 1721 for recasting of the tenor, including a payment for a letter (5d), requesting despatch of the clapper, forgotten when sending the bell for recasting.

The central crossing tower, was rebuilt in 1851 over the South Transept, and held the 5 bells. These were replaced in 1876 by a six by Blews of Birmingham, augmented to eight in 1897 by Mears, and re-hung by the local band in conjunction with the Whitechapel foundry in 1985.

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