The Bells of Norwich

Introduction

The tenor bell at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich
(photo by Taylor's in Tony Clayton's collection)

This site has been created by David Bryant using information compiled by David Bryant and Rev'd David Cawley. It aims to collate information on the bells of Norwich, be they in churches or secular establishments. The city has the largest number of medieval parish churches of any English city (thirty-two surviving intact within the area of the former city walls, plus more outside), and in consequence has a large number of bells although a number were sadly lost during the twentieth century. Currently, there is no up-to-date book on the bells of the city, although Dr Paul Cattermole is working on one. It is hoped that this website will therefore prove of interest to those who have an interest in Norwich, in bells, and in the field of ecclesiology generally.

Each entry within the site aims to describe the bells, fittings and framework which the building in question currently contains or did formerly. Sources used include notes made by both of the compilers when inspecting bell installations in the city, and any other published (printed or on-line) and unpublished sources which were found to contain relevant information. Brief notes on sources used are placed at the foot of each entry. Full bibliographic details of all sources used may be viewed by clicking here. The photographs are individually attributed, and we would like to thank those who readily gave permission for their work to be reproduced on this site. Currently, there are gaps in the information, and there will inevitably also be a number of errors. Any corrections, additional information or comments will be gratefully received by .

A note on the geographical scope of the project is also required here. Our aim has been to include the bells of any church or secular building which is itself within the city boundary, or those of any church which although itself outside of the boundary has a substantial part of its parish within it.

Finally, we would like to thank those who have supplied information and/or illustrations for the site: Jonathan Dickenson, Matthew Higby, David Kelly, Chris Pickford, Jonathan Plunkett, Andrew Stevens and especially Steve Day, who arranged access to a number of the towers in addition to supplying various pieces of information.

So, without further ado, we will now turn to the bells. To navigate the site, use the link bar to the left.

You are visitor number

This shield is an enlarged replica of the foundry stamp used by Richard Brasyer of Norwich from 1500 and later by Hugh Watts of Leicester until 1640.