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| From Churches |
OS: SP191258
Stow on the Wold, St Edward
The parish Church of St Edward, Stow on the Wold, is situated in the middle of this market town just west of the Market Square. Stow on the Wold is the highest town in the Cotswolds and the tower at 88' is the highest point in the town. The church, like much of the town, is built of Cotswold stone. The Church clock is clearly visible from the Market Square, which is where I managed to park, and is just a short walk west along Church Street.
The church is cruciform in shape with the tower in the south-east. The tower can be entered from the south, external, face. Inside the tower there is a small door that gives access to the spiral stone staircase that leads to the ringing room. The ringing room is large and provides lots of seating for those not ringing.
2010-01-23
I visited for the first time on Saturday 23rd January 2010 to join the Four Shires Guild of Bell Ringers for their weekly practice session.
Ringing at an 8+ bell tower always seems to attract more ringers (>20 on this occasion) and I while I am still not proficient in any methods for 8 bells I am making progress with Grandsire Triples. I rang a couple of touches and with guidance from Sophia when I wobbled a few times I got through them both!
I only rang on bell #3 which presented no difficulties.
The Bells
The tower has a ring of 8 bells with a tenor weighing 22-7-24 in D. Dove's Guide includes details of the bells at St Edward and more information is provided by the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers.
| Bell | Inscription | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Dove's Guide to the bells at St Edward |
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| 2 | ||||
| 3 | With a merrie note, now God permit That I long time, my place to fitt." Oct 16 anno 1620 |
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| 4 | "Peace and good neighbourhood" A. Rudhall 1717 |
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| 5 | "God save King James " "William Freeman, Thomas Shayler, William Chadwell, Thomas Compton. Wardens." |
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| 6 | "Fear God, let love increase Obey the King and live in peace Oct 16 anno 1620" |
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| 7 | "Richard Archer, John Fox, Churchwardens" 1718 |
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| Tenor | "John Fox, William Charles. Churchwardens" "John Rudhall. Gloucester Fecit" 1811 |
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