Charlton Adam, Somerset

[David Bryant]

The bells at Charlton Adam in Somerset (a long-unringable five) are
apparently to undergo a 'conservation' restoration, involving the retention
of most of the original fittings. The work is being carried out under the
instructions of architects Beech Tyldesley, and it says on their website:

"The tower retains a rare and remarkably complete bellframe of two tiers
with five bells dating back to the late 1400's. Sadly the bells fell into
disuse and have not been rung since the 1920's. With considerable effort
from a great many sources, and with the support of English Heritage, the
Council for the Care of Churches, the SPAB and the local DAC the frame is to
be restored and the bells re-fitted for full circle ringing.

A major project to restore the C16 bell frame and peel of five bells. The
project involves repair and recovering of the tower roof, repair of the
timber bell frame, refurbishment of the bells retaining wooden headstocks
and original fittings, and installation of a new ringing gallery within the
tower base, following the addition of a clock in the earlier ringing chamber
in 1922."

The bells, I believe, are 18th and 19th century and do not date back "to the
late 1400s".

I am told that a number of contractors declined to quote for the work as
they were unhappy about the idea of reusing the original fittings.

Let's hope this doesn't turn into another Staunton Harold.

David