Outings - Autumn 2017
19th Nov 2017
What a great selection of towers Thorne, Barnby Dunn, Arksey
and last but certainly not least the Doncaster Minster.
In the late 15th century the tower was rebuilt with battlements.
There is a light peal of eight with a ninth bell called the Jinny bell possibly used for Angelus pre the reformation.
Three bells are dated 1671, there was no information when they were re hung.
The tower is accessed from the main body of the church via a timber stair.
Saxon and Norman details are evident with the usual interference from the Victorians.
Some difficulty was experienced by some members of the team with the tenor.
Rounds, call changes and methods were rung
The tower was added to the church around 1450. The original ancient bells were re-ordered during Queen Victoria's jubilee 1887 and increased in number to six.
The tower is accessed from the main body of the church, which has some fine glass, via a very tight stone stair.
Rounds, call changes and methods were rung.
The original tower was single storey, a second storey was added and completed by 1220. Arches in the early English style were added to carry the additional weight. The octagonal spire on the tower was erected at a later date. Four bells are dated 1673, 1622 and 1718 . There is some glass dating from mediaeval times and a point of interest a lepers squint allowing lepers, not being allowed in the church, to view the service from outside. Unfortunately this feature has been mortared in. The band were allowed in however and we accessed the tower from the main body of the church via a stone stair.
Rounds, call changes, and methods were rung.
The original church dating from 1300AD burnt down in 1853. The minster as it stands today designed by George Gilbert Scott and on the 14th October 1858 consecrated by the Archbishop of York so quite a quick build. St Georges became a Minster on the 17th June 2004. Of interest is the very fine glass and for musicians the Schulze Organ. Access to the tower gained through a small door to the rear of the minster. Yes a stone stair again, but in two flights, interrupted in the middle by crossing the roof via an open sided corridor. Ben reliably informed me there are 194 steps to the top.
Arriving in the belfry there was some confusion as to whether the clock mechanism was still connected. Will and Jeff displayed their power by ringing up the 1 1/2 ton tenor to set us off. Quite a heavy loud ring causing some to leave early. Whilst ringing rounds the tower swayed a little and I noticed there did not appear to be any lateral bracing, I did say it was a quick build !!!
Rounds, call changes and methods were rung.
Many thanks Gill for a very well thought out enjoyable tour on a sunny Saturday in some of our finest local historic churches. Thanks also to Nick, David and Ian for running the ringing in each tower.
Robert