About the Bells

St Catherine’s has a peal of four bells cast in 1627 and 1695, and a chimed Sanctus bell cast in 1800. The bells are of conventional design, but retain the original bearing system of cast iron gudgeon pins into brass sleeve bearings, the bearings being adjusted by opposing dovetails within the original cast iron pillow blocks. The clappers are suspended from the crown staples on an iron to leather bearing surface, in the original manner. This causes some problems in ringing up and maintaining an even striking rate.

Sanctus: No inscription. Date 1800; possibly from the foundry of Henry Penn about 1700, but certain features of its construction suggest a more likely date of 1800. Weight 1cwt.

Bell Weight Note Diameter Cast Founder Inscription
Treble   D 27.38 " 1695 Richard Keene  
2 4 ½ cwt C# 29.00 " 1627 Ellis Knight I  
3 5 ½ cwt B 32.00 " 1627 Ellis Knight I  
Tenor 7 ½ cwt A 35.75 " 1627 Ellis Knight I Prayes the Lord
Sanctus   E 16.00 " c1699 Richard Keene