BARKWAY BELLRINGERS

According to the national inventory of church goods carried out in 1552 at the instigation of Edward V1, it was recorded that Barkway church at that time contained 5 bells. This remained so until 1797 when they were removed and recast by John Briant of Hertford to form a ring of 6. In 1914 further work was carried out with the addition of two trebles, wnich were cast by Alfred Bowell of Ipswich, to form the current ring of eight. At the same time, the wooden frame was replaced by one made of steel.

However in the 1980's it had been identified that the bells needed turning through 45 degrees to prevent further indentation and therefore avoid the chance of any of them  cracking. Unfortunately the existing headsotocks would not allow this and therefore new ones would be required. Following nine years extensive fundraising by the local band, enough money was raised to have the new headstocks fitted , thus allowing the bells to be turned, and at the same time the bells were retuned. This was carried out in November, 1993 and the bells were back in action just in time for Christmas, 1993.  

Details of the Bells are as follows:-