East Markham
St John the Baptist

Bells

The inscriptions on the bells are as follows:

 

 Founder Inscription

1

JOHN TAYLOR &Co., Bell-founders. Loughborough 1924

Let this bell ring to the GLORY OF GOD and in loving memory Of Ann Cowlishaw, who passed to her rest 6th April, 1916

2

JOHN TAYLOR & Co., Bell founders. Loughborough 1924

Let this bell ring to the GLORY OF GOD and in loving and grateful memory Of Henry Cowlishaw who fell asleep 2nd July, 1924

3

JOHN TAYLOR & Co., Bell founders. Loughborough

GIVE GOD THE PRAISE
This bell is the gift of an anonymous friend through Mr Fred. W. Wells, Solicitor, Retford. A.D. 1895
(Medallion of Taylor & Co. Loughborough)

4

 

TO GOD AND HIS CHURCH
G. W. BRAMELD, VICAR
W. H. CANON, A. K. C. CURATE

H. COWLISHAW, JUNR.    

}

CHURCH WARDENS

C. CRAWFORD

}

5

 

ALL GLORI BE TO GOD. 1637

6

 

+ GOD SAVE THE CHVRCH. 1637

7

 

I sweetly toling men do call
To taste on meat that feeds the soule
1637

8

 

All men that hear my mornful sound
repent before you lye in the ground.
1637. T. E.

9 (Sanctus bell)

 

 

The 1552 Inventories of Church Goods taken by commissioners during Edward VI’s reign recorded three bells in the steeple, one hand bell, and a small sacring bell.

In 1637 four bells were hung in the tower. The Rev R F Wilkinson (1929) claims that the letters and dates on the four oldest bells indicated that they were recast from an older peal in Oldfield’s Foundry; George Dawson has confirmed that they are the work of George Oldfield I and represent the largest number surviving in any tower by him.

The sanctus bell, although blank, stylistically appears to date from the 16th century.

In a survey of churches in England and Wales made by Browne Willis in 1740, East Markham is recorded as having five bells.

The bells were rehung in 1893 by Taylors of Loughborough on new oak beams gifted by the Duke of Newcastle and two new bells were added in 1895.

In 1925 the two newest bells were given to the church by  T W Hopps of Leamington in memory of his aunt and uncle.

Belfry Miniature bells

The belfry was completely refurbished in 1981. A miniature replica of the bells was raffled to help towards the cost. The winners of the raffle presented the replica to the church and it can now be seen in the chancel.