St Peter & Paul Church Bell Tower - Shorne - Kent - UK
Posted by: 
dave-harris
N 51° 24.787 E 000° 25.780
31U E 321260 N 5698901
The Bell Tower at St Peter and Paul Church, Shorne.
Waymark Code: WMJ8AW
Location: South East England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 10/10/2013
Views: 3
This church was founded in Anlo-Saxon times, with part of the original wall still standing.
The Tower on this church contains six bells which are still used today and rung prior to Sunday Services and weddings. All six bells here were cast in 1803 by Thomas Mears. In 1914 the original bell frame was replaced with a new steel frame. The new frame has the capacity to hold eight bells, even though six are still used to this day.
The following information was taken from the Loves Guide to the church bells of kent.
Bell.. Weight........ Diameter... Cast... Founder
1......4 cwt approx...27¼"........1803....Thomas Mears I
2......4½ cwt approx..29½"........1803....Thomas Mears I
3......5 cwt approx...31¼"........1803....Thomas Mears I
4......5½ cwt approx..32½"........1803....Thomas Mears I
5......7 cwt approx...34¾"........1803....Thomas Mears I
6......9-2-0..........37¾"........1803....Thomas Mears I
Five of the bells carry the same inscription on them "THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1803". The sixth bell is inscribed "THE REVD. ROBT. FOOTE VICAR MR JARVIS NOAKES MR WILLIAM BILBOE CH. WARDEN T MEARS FECIT 1803".
Since the new frame was put up in 1914, the only repairs needed to these bells were new ropes fitted in 1933 and the 3rd bell in 1996 was seen to have a loose Clapper Staple. This was drilled out and repaird.
Address of Tower:
Off Butchers Hill
Shorne, Kent United Kingdom
DA12 3EA
Still Operational: yes
Number of bells in tower?: 6
Relevant website?: [Web Link]
Rate tower: 
Tours or visits allowed in tower?: No
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Visit Instructions:
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