[Bell Historians] Levels of Bell Production

[Anne Willis]

________________________________________

Subject: [Bell Historians] Levels of Bell Production

 

  

>I was interested to read Mark Regan's letter (and associated graph) in
todays RW. This may have been discussed before >but has anyone done a
similar analysis in other counties or nationally? 

>Andrew

 

 

Some years ago I did an analysis for Wiltshire between the years 1559 and
1642 and got the following.  I used the comparison with Sussex as it was
readily available, but it is based on Tyssen's 19th century survey.  Does
anyone have an update?

 


DECADE

 

SUSSEX

 

WILTSHIRE


1580-1589

 

no figures

 

    33


1590-1599

 

10

 

      13


1600-1609

 

73

 

at least 73


1610-1619

 

34

 

at least 98


1620-1629

 

22

 

    78


1630-1639

 

42

 

    77


Total 1590-1639

 

    182

 

at least 339

 

 

The sources for Wiltshire included Churchwardens' accounts (about 10%
survive), Lukis, James Jerram and Walters.  The 1590's were a time of dearth
and it would be interesting to see national figures for this period.

 

The two main founders were John Wallis of Salisbury (fl 1580-1624) and Roger
Purdue I of Bristol, (fl 1620-1642).  Wallis is said to have cast the first
eight for Wiltshire at Bishops Cannings in 1602.  Purdue cast a considerable
number of five-bell peals and there is some very interesting material from
Melksham, Highworth and Hannington on these.  

 

There may be many more 'vanished bells'.  For example, judging by the
expenditure (which is not detailed), Pewsey did an enormous amount of work
in 1640 which could have included bells.  No bells from that date survive at
Pewsey though.

 

 

Anne

           
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