[Bell Historians] Historic Ringing for the Coronation at Westminster Abbey

[Richard Bimson]

Dear all,

Further to my email earlier this year, I am finishing my article on bells and the coronation.  One thing which has struck me is the paucity of evidence for ringing at the Abbey (I have not been able to consult the Abbey's Library).

The standard histories of the bells of the abbey (Cook/Pitstow/Perkins) all make oblique mention of ringing for coronations at an early date, but with no references.
Cook and Perkins both cite C16th sources (e.g. Stow) who write as if it is an accepted fact (evidence, of course, in itself).
Even in the early modern period, I can find no references.  The London Gazette in its official reports makes no mention of bells at the Abbey, perhaps reflective of the fact that bells were not mentioned in the rubrics of the Rite until 2023, although it is clear that they had been rung at the moment of crowning throughout the C20th.
Newspaper reports mention ringing on Coronation Day, particularly in the evening in London (and of course also generally in the provinces), but again nothing of the Abbey itself.
It is therefore not until the C20th that I can say anything definite, although it is clear that they are following a tradition in things which are done.

I wondered if anyone in their research had come across any earlier more definite references.

Many thanks in advance,
Richard
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