Bell Ringing

If you would like to arrange a visit or would like to join our Bellringing Team then follow this link to our enquiry form and we will get back to you

The first record of bells in the tower is from 1502 when a legacy of 6/8d (£0.33) was left towards their restoration. We have no record of their number or weights. In October 1617 the churchwardens reported: "we were cited Worcester because the bells were oute of order” (Stratford was then in the Worcester Diocese). In December of the same year £4 12d. [£4.05] was paid for re-casting. The next bell-related memorandum in the Vestry minute book is from 1650: “It was agreed upon yt there shalbe a leavy made for the gathering of x.li. [£10] vizt. v.li. [£5] for the Towne, and v.li. [£5] for the parish to cast three new belles.” In 1887 the bells were all re-hung, the third and fourth of the existing six re-cast, and two new trebles added by Taylors to produce a 17½ cwt. octave. The metal from this eight was used in the present ring.

The present-day bells (10 19-0-2 in E) were cast as a complete ring by Taylors of Loughborough in 1948. The late forties were vintage years for Taylors and Stratford's bells are arguably the best light ten in existence.

If you would like to arrange a visit or would like to join our Bellringing Team then follow this link to our enquiry form and we will get back to you