The Bells of St. Mary’s

During this time following the death of her majesty Queen Elizabeth many may have wondered why they have not heard the church bells of Bolsterstone ringing.

Bell Ringers saying goodbye to the church bells.

Photo by Andy Barnes, Stocksbridge Photo Society

The bells have been taken down and sent away to be serviced along with all their fittings and mountings.

The bells have been hanging in the church tower of St. Marys for 130 years since 1892 and have been in use for all this time. Regular minor maintenance has been given over this period for wear of ropes, guides etc. but a time has come when the constant stresses of ringing have resulted in some loss of tuning with shape changes, corrosion and movement of the mounting frames.

The church has been aware of the need for the work for some years.

Recently, a benefactor has given a significant donation to cover all the necessary repairs and reinstatement.

The Bells have been taken down over a period at the start of September 2022 The bells have been removed to the works of J Taylors of Loughborough, this firm is the same as the one who supplied the bells in 1892. The bells have been transported to Loughborough to the bell makers for overhaul, cleaning, retuning and rehanging and may arrive back in church sometime around November 2022.

A reinstatement celebration is being planned.

THE BELLS

The bells were purchased by public subscriptions which raised approximately £600 from around 900 individuals. The bells came to Deepcar station by train and were then carried by 9 horse and carts in procession led by Stocksbridge Brass Band, the Church Lads Brigade, Church Clergy and the Fire Brigade to Bolsterstone. The total weight of the bells is 51cwts 1qr 4 pounds, just over 2 tons in old money, bronze in this case.

A special service led by the Archbishop of York was held on Saturday, October 1st to which it was estimated that 2000 people attended. At the service, the Bishop blessed the bells and also the new font, the wooden screen in front of the bell ringing chamber and the tower clock which was switched on using electricity for the first time.