Campsea Ashe Church Bells
Four bells currently hang in the Tower and they hang from a bell frame built about 1850, supported by the original medieval beams, with added modern reinforcement. It is believed there have been bells rung in the Church from at least 1553.
The bells are as follows:
Treble
4cwt, founded by John Brend of Norwich and inscribed “J.B. Anno Domini 1614"
Second
5 cwt inscribed “Thos Gardner me fecit 1714” and it bears the impression of two coins
Third
6 cwt and inscribed “Thos Gardner Sudbury me fecit 1729”. There are six coins impressed on this bell.
Tenor
8 cwt founded by Richard Bowler of Colchester bearing the inscription “Richardus me fecit 1601”.
The ringing chamber is situated halfway up the Tower and can be reached by a narrow stone staircase, the belfry itself being reached by a wooden staircase in the Ringing Chamber.
Until the Millennium the bells had not been rung for over 50 years due to the poor state of the bell frame. It was decided to give the bells their voices back and following much fundraising, private donations and generous grants from various bodies, this was accomplished. The four bells are once again regularly rung on Sundays by a local band of ringers who practice every 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday morning from 9.00 to 10.30 am. New ringers are always welcome – just turn up or contact the Tower Captain, Glenys Fear on 01728 747177.
The ringers have rung many Quarter Peals in recent months, usually to celebrate specific events. Details are available on www.campanophile.co.uk.