Wedding Bells at Quadring
It was Saturday, July 3rd and six enthusiastic ringers promptly arrived , 12 noon at St Margarets church to ring for the wedding of Chloe Jones and Ryan Collier. I always enjoy these occasions particularly where, as at Quadring, the ringing room is at the base of the tower and affords an extensive view of nave and chancel so one is able to enjoy the happy ceremony, perhaps recalling one’s own, now a distant memory. I think our well struck Bob Minor did these fine toned bells justice despite the stretchy ropes of No’s 2 and 3 bells as on leaving the church we received compliments from several of the guests which are always appreciated. But what are these six bells and what do we know about their history?
Writing in 1882 North tells us there were four bells inscribed as follows
1 Thomas Norris Made Mee, 1638 2 T. Osborn Fecit 1788 3 In anno oni 1619 4 In noc ihu rpi 1619
No’s 3 and 4 were both cast by Henry 11 Oldfield at his Long Row Foundry, Nottingham and are surprisingly good toned bells. No 1 is, of course a product of the Stamford Foundry, its site commemorated today by the excellent Tobie Norris Pub, much appreciated on one of our summer outings, while No 2 was cast at Osborn’s Downham Market Foundry, also long gone but it’s site recalled by the narrow passageway close to the centre of town aptly named “Soundings Alley”.
North also mentions what appear to be four earlier bells, the largest of these carrying the inscription “Virgo Coronato dvc nos ad Regna Beata” which translates “O crowned virgin lead us to the blessed realms” Perhaps this refers to Queen Elizabeth 1, but what became of these bells is at present unknown.
The next major work here was in 1946 when the firm of John Taylor & Co of Loughborough added two smaller bells completing the six bells now in the tower, the largest weighing 9 3/4 cwts and sounding the note F sharp. Interestingly a modern bell of this note would weigh 12 to 13 cwts, considerably heavier than the Oldfield bell, which although light for its note, does sound well.
Years ago the village had a butcher, fishmonger. blacksmith and several pig farms, but unusually is completely separated from the church which apart from the Primary School stands completely alone in fields. Rev. Ian Walters, who I met at the wedding thought the road had been realigned, leaving the church in its isolated position. Another reference indicates that the village moved away from the church during the 14th century to escape the black death. I imagine we shall never know the truth behind this apparent move. However it is a lovely church and well worth a visit, as are, to we bell ringers its six bells and long may they continue to ring.
In conclusion the band who rang for their wedding would like to convey to the happy couple our best wishes and good luck in the future . We were Janet Young, Greg Harrison, John Bennett, Brian Plummer, Luke Tobin and Tony Walker who organised the ringing. Unfortunately in our benefice this summer weddings have been few, but happily we have one this coming Saturday, July 18th at Fleet, when Angela, Tony, Malcolm, Terry, Doug and myself will be ringing the bride into the church followed by a second wedding at Gedney on July 31st. We wish both couples happiness and the best of luck in their future lives together. J. B.Bennett