G&J Simpson tuning

[CHRIS PICKFORD]

Interesting that G&J based their early "Simpson" tuned bells on the Taylor chime at Turnham Green, Chiswick. This seems perfectly credible, given the date and the convenience for a bit of industrial espionage from nearby Croydon.

According to Taylors' record, the bells at Turnham Green were completed on 24 April 1907 - slightly after Elstree School (hour bell cast in December 1906 and the rest in February 1907) but before G&J's true-harmonic output started in earnest. Details of Turnham Green - with relatively light little bells cast to chiming scales - are:
1. Taylor 1907 19.125" 1-1-13

2. Taylor 1907 20" 1-2-22

3. Taylor 1907 22" 2-0-2

4. Taylor 1907 24" 2-2-11

5. Taylor 1907 27.125" 3-2-11

6. Taylor 1907 29" 4-2-13

7. Taylor 1907 32" 6-0-4

8. Taylor 1907 36.375" 8-0-11

Compare the weights and diameters - and graduation - for some of the early rings:

Launton: 22.25, 24, 26.25, 28, 30.25, 33.375, 2-1-17, 2-3-14, 3-2-20, 4-0-27, 5-0-23, 7-0-5 - dated 1907, opened New Years Day 1908

Bitteswell: 24.5, 25.5. 27.5, 29, 32, 34, 3-0-0, 3-1-0, 3-3-18, 4-2-0, 6-0-0, 8-1-10 - 1909 according to tower notice, but catalogue quoted by Andrew says 1908

Pattishall: 26, 28.625, 31.25, 33, 36.125, 40.25, 3-2-27, 4-2-2, 5-2-17, 6-2-23, 8-2-0, 12-2-12 - 1909

On Oakham, Jim Hedgcock is right in giving the date of the original G&J ring as 1910 - the date actually cast on the bells as recorded in Time in Rutland - and not 1911, making them G&J's first "Simpson" eight. The tenor inscription says "This peal was recast ... Dec.1910". The dedication took place in 1911 - on 24 February. The seventh and tenor were recast in 1924

CP



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