[Bell Historians] Christopher Dalton

[Andrew Bull]

This is most distressing news indeed. We have been robbed of a uniquely
gifted individual who brought bell archaeology to a new peak. His Dorset
books showcased many of his special gifts; not only his great knowledge and
eye for detail, but the beautiful layout and photographs that make the books
such a treat. But what really marked them apart was the wonderful way in
which the bells were described in Christopher’s unique and endearing style.
For me he added an extra dimension to the survey of bells; an analysis and
description of the tone and tuning of the bells – for the whole raison
d’être of bells is, after all, to make a sound. I have Christopher to thank
for introducing me to this deeply fascinating facet of bell archaeology, and
I will forever be grateful for this and his help and encouragement for my
own efforts in this field over the years.

 

My outstanding memory of him will always be when I was privileged to be with
him and Chris Pickford on an afternoon’s bell-hunting in South Wales. We had
permission to inspect the bells at Llandenny, an unringable six which I had
never inspected. My previous attempts had all been thwarted by lack of key
for various reasons, despite prior arrangements having been made. And so it
proved again on this occasion. As I sat despondent in the church, Chris
Dalton marched out of the building. Chris Pickford said to me “don’t worry,
we have the technology”. Chris Dalton returned, with a large cloth bag. He
examined the lock on the tower door, produced a key from the bag, and with a
deft touch the door was opened, allowing us to experience the delights
above. Truly, it was a wonder to behold the professionals at work.

 

We have suffered a great loss, but what a tremendous legacy he leaves
behind.

 

Andrew Bull

 

  _____  

From: bellhistorians at yahoogroups.com [mailto:bellhistorians at yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Neil Skelton
Sent: 04 February 2008 13:25
To: bellhistorians at yahoogroups.com; 3and4bell at yahoogroups.com;
nabbers at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Bell Historians] Christopher Dalton

 

I have just received the sad news that Christopher died yesterday (Sunday)
afternoon. He had been in a great deal of pain and discomfort for many
months.

 

His funeral and burial will be at Ullingswick sometime next week. I
understand that this will be for family and close friends only. There is to
be a memorial service at Hereford Cathedral at a later date. 

 

Christopher has left a tremendous legacy, not least in his magnum opus the
Bells and Belfries of Dorset. At the time of his death he was working on the
Bells and Belfries of Wiltshire and for which he made provision for its
completion and publication in the event of his death.

 

I was glad to have played a part in securing for him the richly deserved
award from the Dorset Archaeological Society last year. This was in
recognition of his Dorset book and his contribution to the history bells and
churches generally; also, his valuable work for the Redundant Churches Fund
(now The Churches Conservation Trust). I have been privileged to have been a
part of that too, not least in that we were colleagues for a number of
years. Indeed, it was through Christopher that I joined the staff of the
Trust.

 

Neil Skelton 

 

           
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