[Bell Historians] Exeter Ontario

[Bickerton, Roderic K (SELEX) (UK)]

There is no evidence that there were any ground pulleys before the
modern ones were fitted. That in itself is no bar, more than one 1/4 was
rung on the old 4 at Greystoke Cumbria  with ropes running on groves in
beams at hand.
On smaller bells the effect is not actually very noticeable, and I think
a newish rope would make a peal length without to much difficulty. It is
I think possible, but unlikely. It would sound dreadful. the 2nd double
clappers and pulling the ropes in rounds fails to get rounds from the
bells. Fairly recently D Herd and others rang a course of Cambridge.
The garter holes in the wheels were old, so could have been in from the
start.
I would guess that the "peal" was something like a 120 or other short
touch, and the 4 hours a more modern gestimate. There are a number of UK
examples of such "peals" from the 18th century.


Thank you for posting the photos of Exeter Ontario bell and ground
pulleys!

Certainly explains why my poor wife had difficulty in keeping up her
bell a few years ago. I've unfortunately have never had the opportunity
to ring there.

Now for the big question. There is some evidence that a peal was rung on
those bells way back when - 19th century. Would it have been possible
when the bells and fittings were new, or not? I believe the noted time
was in excess of 4 hours.

Regards

Alan



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