RHYMES GRAVE AND GAY

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 155, 27 March 1926, Page 22

RHYMES GRAVE AND GAY

CHURCH-BELL LORE. “I, think upon that happy time That time, so fondly loved, When last we heard the sweet bells chime, As thro’ the fields we rov’d.” —Linley. From all parts of England, from the Lake district to Cornwall, have come replies to the appeal made by the Rev. E. P. Baverstock, rector of Whitchurch, near Pangbourne (Bucks), through tlie “Daily Chronicle,” for churcli-bcil and bell-ringing lore. Here is an inscription on a bell at Badgeworth:— “Badgeworth ringers they were mad Because Rigbe made me bad,: Abel Rodhall you will see Made me better than Rigbe.” The earliest peal of bells in England is said to be that put up by Thurketyl, Abbot of Crowland, 946-975, and his successor, Abbpt Aegelric. Thurketyl restored the Abbey of Crowland after it had been destroyed by the Danes in the previous century. He cast "a great bell,” and his successor six more. But these were not the bells heard over the wireless a few weeks ago; they fell in streams of molten metal when the abbey was burnt in 1091, in Ingulph’s day. There are some inscriptions, Mr. Baverstock finds, which are to be seen all over the country, such as:— “To the Church the live I call, To the grave I summon all. Ye people all who hear me ring, Be faithful to your God and King.” This is found, among other places, at St. Michael’s, Coventry. The other bells in that beautiful peal have curious inscriptions “In wedlock bonds, all ye who join, With hands your hearts unite; So shall our tuneful tongues combine To laud the nuptial rite.” I am and have been called the common bell, Tolling when fire breaks out to tell. Ye ringers all who prize your health and happiness, Be sober, merry, wise, and you’ll the same possess. If you have the judicious ear You’ll own my voice is sweet and clear, Although I am both light and small I will be heard above ye all.” St. Michael’s has a "pancake bell,” a “pudding bell,” and a “gleaming bell.” Mr. Baverstock is doubtful n'-nnt the meaning of the pudding bell.