There are few things more atmospheric than the sound of church bells on a crisp autumn morning – unless, of course, you’re standing inside the bell tower when they ring. This week, I had the chance to climb up into the tower at St. Mary’s Church, and it was one of those rare experiences that make you appreciate both history and craftsmanship in equal measure.
A big thank you to Churchwarden Stuart Williams, who kindly showed me around the tower and explained all the ins and outs of the clock mechanism. It’s an incredible bit of engineering – all cogs, levers, and centuries-old ingenuity, with just enough modern tech to keep it ticking along.
These days, when the clocks go back, it all happens automatically – no need for anyone to clamber up there at 2 a.m. and fiddle with the workings. But back in the day, someone actually had to hold the magnetic mechanism for an entire hour while everyone else enjoyed their extra sleep. Now that’s commitment to keeping time.
As for the bells themselves – they’ve earned a bit of a rest. The whole set is about to be taken down for essential repairs and restoration, which is no small task when you consider the size and age of them. The plan is to have them back in place and ringing proudly by Easter, ready to fill the village with that unmistakable sound once again.
It’s not just the bells getting some TLC, either. Some of the church windows are currently being repaired, and they’re expected to be back in place by December – a fitting bit of sparkle in time for Christmas.
Standing up there among the bells, beams, and centuries of history, it struck me how much care and dedication goes into keeping a church like St. Mary’s alive – not just as a building, but as the beating heart of the community. Time, after all, isn’t just measured by the clock on the tower. It’s in the stories, the people, and the sound of those bells that have marked every joy and sorrow for generations.
So next time you hear St. Mary’s ring out across the village – or notice the silence while the bells are away – just remember: every chime, every tick, and every pane of glass tells a story of time well kept.
Images and video: Rob Francis
