These were replaced in 1700 by a new ring of six, cast and installed by Henry Bagley of Ecton, near Wellingborough. North goes on to explain the customs practised at Castor at the time:
'At the Death-knell twice three tolls are given before, and three tolls after the knell for a man; twice two tolls before, and two after for a woman, in both cases on the tenor bell. The same mode is followed in the case of children, but the 4th bell is then used.
On Sunday the 2nd bell is rung at 8 a.m. This is called the Sermon bell. When there is a celebration of the Holy Communion the 1st and 3rd bells are chimed at 8 a.m. For Divine Service all the bells are chimed for fifteen minutes, after which the tenor is rung for fifteen minutes.'
The bells would have been mounted in a large, heavy oak frame supported on oak beams. In 1900 the bells were re-hung in iron frames with steel girders by Taylor's of Loughborough, and the opportunity was taken to 'turn' the bells, (to present an unindented surface to where the clapper strikes the sound-bow). The cannons on top of the bells, used to secure the bells to the old wooden headstocks, would have been removed at this time, together with their crown staples, (loops of iron cast into the top of each bell from which the clapper was suspended) and new clappers fitted. The autumn of 1969 saw the bells being taken down yet again by Taylor's for re-hanging and fitting ball bearings. Apart from re-tuning and removing the cannons, the bells are as cast by Henry Bagley 300 years ago.
Towards the end of 1999, the Bagley six were augmented to an eight by the addition of two new trebles, cast by Taylor's and hung in an extended frame, supplied and fitted along with all the other bell fittings by Hayward Mills. This work was completed in time for the Dedication on October 17th 1999.
Details of the Bells
Full circle bell ringing is an art form, which has been practised for over three hundred years. It is practised extensively in England and English speaking parts of the world. There are around 6000 rings of bells, which are set up for bell ringing, as we understand it, and the vast majority of these are in Britain. In most parts of the world, bells are hung so that they swing through a short distance and can be chimed or are fixed and are usually hit with a hammer or a swinging log of wood. A collection of bells hung for chime ringing in this way is known as a Carillon and used for playing tunes. In Britain, bells are generally hung for full circle ringing, which allows for greater control of the timing of the bell and the art of change ringing to develop.
Mastering this art is a long and sometimes difficult task, which can only be achieved in stages, and which requires a great deal of patience to reach the levels of being able to ring any of the more complicated methods you may hear discussed. However, it does not take that long before you will begin to feel a sense of achievement, as you are able to ring and join in 'rounds' successfully, for the first time, so if you think you might like to have a go, or just come and see how bell ringing is done, then come along on a Monday night (7.30-9.00), we will be very happy to welcome you or contact the Tower Captain, on E-mail: tony.ajt.evans@talk21.com