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SNARGATE, St Dunstan
Photo RCO Aug 2004  
3 bells
Tenor: 8½ cwt approx. in A
Grid Ref. TQ991287
Ashford District
Never subsequently retuned.
Anticlockwise
Ground floor ringing chamber
Hung for swing chiming with levers by Whitechapel in 1971. Before this, they were (just about) ringable.
Frame: probably 1673; oak.
The 2nd was welded in 1971 by Soundweld
Consideration is being given to restoring these to a ringable condition with a possible augmentation.

DETAILS OF THE BELLS

Bell

Weight

Diameter

Cast

Founder

1

5½ cwt approx.

301/8"

c. 1280

Unknown

2

5¾ cwt approx.

33"

1673

John & Christopher Hodson

3

8½ cwt approx.

355/8"

c. 1325

William le Belyetere

INSCRIPTIONS
1. D AVE · MARIA
2.
IOHN [ HODSON [ MADE [ ME 1673 fleur.jpg (998 bytes) ¡ C H ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡
fleur.jpg (998 bytes) RICHARD [ HALL [ CHVRCH [ WARDEN [ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡
3. D BackwardsS.jpg (744 bytes)ANCTE DVNBackwardsS.jpg (744 bytes)TANE
Only the vertical of the D of Dunstan on the tenor has come out.

HISTORY

1280-1300

Treble cast by an unknown founder. The lettering is fine.

1325-1350

Tenor cast, possibly by William le Belyetere. The lettering is poor.

1552

Record of 3 bells in the tower.

1673

Middle bell recast by John & Christopher Hodson. Bells rehung in a new frame.

c.1850

New ringing fittings provided.

1958

Belfry overhaul and fittings repaired.

1970

September

Bells last rung full circle.

1971

2nd was welded by Soundweld. The bells, which were (just about) ringable were rehung for swing chiming with levers by Whitechapel/Kent CACR in the existing frame.

PHOTOGRAPHS
Photo DLC 1969 Photo DLC 1969
The tenor bell. The treble bell. Pictures 1969.