banner1.jpg (38669 bytes)

DYMCHURCH, Ss Peter & Paul

3 bells
Tenor: 4½ cwt approx. in C sharp
Grid Ref. TR103298
Ashford District
Hung Dead c.1935
Bells 1, 2 & 5 of a former ring of 5.

DETAILS OF THE BELLS
Bell Weight Diameter Cast Founder

1

1¾ cwt approx.

 22"

1685

Christopher Hodson

2

3 cwt approx.

 24"

1685

Christopher Hodson

3

4½ cwt approx

 28"

1685

Christopher Hodson

INSCRIPTIONS
1. CH ¢ MADE ¢ ME ¢ 1685 ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢
 
2. CH ¢ MADE ¢ ME ¢ 1685 ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢
 
3. CHRISTOPHER ¢ HODSON ¢ MADE ¢ ME ¢ 1685 ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢
 
 

EARLIER BELLS
Bell Cast Founder Fate

3 (of 5)

?

Unknown

 Sold in 19th Cent.

5 (of 5)

?

Unknown

 Sold in 19th Cent.

HISTORY
1552 Record of 2 bells in the tower "Item ij bells in the steple".
1685 Christopher Hodson cast the 3 bells currently in the tower.
1799 Edward Hasted wrote:
The church, which is dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, consists of one isle and one chancel, having a low pointed steeple at the west end, in which hang five bells. At the bottom of the tower of the steeple is an antient circular arch, ornamented.
1887 Stahlschmidt recorded 3 bells in the tower.
c. 1935 Bells hung dead by Mears & Stainabank.
1983 There was interest in restoring the ring of 3 for chiming.
1997 One of the bells, which was badly cracked, was welded by Soundweld, and all three bells were rehung by the KCACR.

There is a picture of the earlier tower that was taken in 1821 preserved in the church;
it looked similar to Brenzett whereas the present tower is built up off the former west wall buttresses.