[Bell Historians] Russell of Wootton

[Chris Pickford]

Thomas Russell I of Wootton (b.1667-d.1744) was principally a clockmaker - and a very notable one - who was a native of Hampshire. He trained in London and settled in Bedfordshire in 1700. He turned his hands to bellfounding in about 1710, and with his sons Thomas II (1707-c.1750) and William (1710-1770) cast some 72 bells between c.1710 and 1743. Of these some 40 survive, including the back five at Hillmorton near Rugby, four bells at Napton on the Hill, three at Walgrave (Northants). Former rings at Biggleswade and Houghton Conquest have been recast. His largest surviving bell is the 18 cwt tenor at Blunham. Otherwise his output consisted largely of single bells. 

His bells are generally very neat castings - those at Hillmorton are especially well moulded with lengthy inscriptions in neatly formed lettering in two different sizes - but of average 18th century tone. 

CP


           
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