St Peter & St Paul: the bells and the bellringing team 

The bells in Tonbridge Parish Church are rung every Sunday for morning service, and on Thursday evenings at 7.45 which is practice night.  In addition, we ring them for special occasions such as weddings and to mark national events.
 
We are always seeking new recruits to join our band – ringing is fun, good exercise both physical and mental, and a means of joining a country wide activity.  Unfortunately, our bells are rather heavy and therefore not suitable for the very young, aged 15+ should be fine.  Contact Angela Clark if you would like to know more: angelaclarkbuttons@btinternet.com

History of the bells

The St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Change Ringing Society was formed in 1886 and 10 or 12 members ring regularly. We have 8 bells in our tower, plus a tiny sanctus bell which is no longer in use. The smallest bell, the Treble, weighs 5cwt.2 quarters and 2lbs., whilst the heaviest, the Tenor, weighs in at 19cwt. and 1 quarter, very nearly a tonne. They are tuned to the key of E. Bells numbered 4, 5 and 6 date back to 1774. The others have been recast since, with the whole peal tuned and rehung by Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1952. The Whitechapel Bell Foundry took over Messrs Mears & Stainbank who originally cast the bells, whose Senior Partner, Alfred Silva Lawson, was a Past Master of the Skinners’ Company and a Governor of Tonbridge School.