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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>In a book on the history of the country village of
Clipston in the county of Northamptonshire there is a paragraph which
reads:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The Enclosures Act of 1777 states that the parish
clerk from time immemorial has been entitled to a piece of ground in the open
fields called Bellropes, and he was entitled to a sheaf of wheat from every yard
of land in the open common fields of Clipston and Newbold as part of his wages
on condition that he found the necessary ropes for the bells. In 1777 a further
piece of land in lieu of the sheaves of wheat was given to the parish
clerk.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>One has heard of many instances of Bell Yard or
Bell Field where itinerant bell founders cast their bells but how frequent do we
find examples of the above?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Is there a history attached to the making of bell
ropes? Who made them in those days and who might be the earliest known bell rope
maker?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The five bells of Clipston are:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>1, 1752 T Eayre.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>2, undated.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>3, 1681 William Babley.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>4, 1589.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>5, 1869 J. Taylor & Co. [13-3-0].</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Alan Buswell</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>