History of Bell Ringing

The sound of bells ringing is deeply rooted in British culture. Almost everyone in Britain lives within hearing range of bells. They provide the grand soundtrack to our historic moments, call out for our celebrations and toll sadly in empathy with our grief.

The bitter-sweet sound of just one bell or the majesty of a whole peal, has become part of the English heritage and much of the country’s history can be traced through the history of its bells.

They call us to wake, to pray, to work, to arms, to feast and, in times of crisis, to come together. Above all, bells are the sound of freedom and peace as in World War II they hung silently until the day they could ring in the peace. Click here >>> for a full history, which is very interesting.

Braughing Bell Ringers

The bells of St Mary's Church in Braughing have been rang for at least 600 years. They are still rung today by a band of keen bell ringers.

Practice Night
The team meet each Wednesday evening between 8:00pm and 9:00pm for practice followed by a compulsory drink in one of the village pubs. Visiting ringers are very welcome.

Sunday Ringing
The bells are rung for half an hour prior to Sunday services, the usual pattern being:
First Sunday - 10:00am (service at 10:30am) - Braughing
Second Sunday - 10:00am (service at 10:30am) - Braughing
Third Sunday - 10:00am (service at 10:30am) - Furneaux Pelham
Fourth Sunday - 10:00am (service at 10.30am) - Furneaux Pelham
Fifth Sunday - no Sunday bell ringing. (communion service held at Stocking Pelham)

Other Ringing
The bells are also rung for other occasions, including:
New Years Eve - half muffled before midnight to ring out the old year, the tenor bell then strikes the 12 and all bells are rung after midnight to ring in the new year.
Remembrance Sunday - half muffled bells ring from the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial to the beginning of the service in church.

The ringers can also provide ringing at weddings and funerals on request.

We are also looking for enthusiastic residents to join the band of ringers. No experience of music necessary. To enquire about joining or anything to do with ringing please click here >>>

For more information about the bells - dimensions, weight, key then please click the link.