[Bell Historians] Thurlbear

[Richard Smith]

Mike Chester wrote:

> Am I right in thinking that Thurlbear are the oldest ring 
> of 4 and, if so, does this make them the oldest complete 
> ring by one founder, or even oldest ring of all?

I believe there are six 15th century fours: Fawsley, 
Northants; St Botolph's, Cambridge; Northleigh, Devon; the 
back four at Banham, Norfolk; Spetchley, Worcs; and 
Thurlbear, Som.  St Lawrence, Ipswich is the sole 15th 
century five.

Based solely on what is in Dove, it would appear that there 
is too much uncertainty over dates to state unambiguously 
which is the oldest.

RAS