The Bells

The first three of the present ring of bells were installed in 1687, during the incumbency of Rev John Baker (1677-1688), although there were bells in the tower before then.  During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, an entry in the old parish records states that in 1590 money for food and drink was paid to the ringers, when the Queen passed through the parish.  The fourth bell was installed in 1767, the fifth in 1773 and the sixth in 1902.

Taylors of Loughborough recast two of the three original bells in 1903, and the third in 1910, adding the inscription

"W.Leighton Grane Vicar".

The fourth bell added in 1767 bears the inscription:

"73:Swain made me"

The fifth bell added in 1773 bears the inscription:

"Pack & Charman of London fecit"
and
Jn. Jackson & Wm. Stenning Churchwardens 1773

The sixth bell, added in 1902, bears the inscription:

"God bless King Edward VII crowned August 9th 1902"

These six bells were hung in a wooden frame, but in 1979 the octave was completed, and all the bells re-hung in a metal frame by Taylors of Loughborough.  Of the two bells added in 1979, one is inscribed:

"To commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II 1952-1977 donated by Peter Ostley"

and the other:

"To commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Guildford Diocesan Guild 1927-1977 donated by Zoë Ostley"

The new ring was dedicated by the Rt Rev Kenneth D Evans, Bishop of Dorking,on Sunday 13th May 1979.  The first peal on the new ring was rung on Saturday 16th February 1980 to mark the Institution and Induction of the Rev John D Smith as Vicar.  This comprised 5040 changes of Bob Major and was rung in 2 hours 50 minutes.

Details of the bells are as follows

  Ringing Practice

Practice nights are Tuesday 7.30 - 9.00.  Visitors welcome.  Further information from the Ringing Master: Peter Ostley telephone 01932 862178

An unusual view of the Cobham ringing chamber and band!