Landmark project offers rare chance to view church bells and clock mechanism at St Paul’s Bedford
The 12 bells of St Paul's Church, Bedford, are to be lowered ahead of a landmark refurbishment project following a five-year fundraising appeal.
The appeal target of £940,000 has been reached which means work urgent repairs to the church tower, clock and bells, can now go ahead.
Before then visitors will have the opportunity to see the bells being removed from 12pm to 4pm on Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3, from 10 am to 2pm. Visitors will also a rare chance to view the bells at close hand before they are taken away for refurbishment from November 8 to November 26.
The bells, described as among the finest sounding in the country, date back to 1896/7 when they were cast by John Taylor & Co, of Loughborough.
The 12 bells, which have rung out for more than 400 years to mark religious, civic and national events, urgently need re-hanging to prevent them falling silent forever.
The heaviest weighing one and half tonnes, they have not been seen in public since the Second World War when they were stored in the churchyard for safety. Once overhauled they will be rehung in the tower later next year in a new metal frame.
The clock mechanism can also be viewed in the church before it is repaired with the clock faces repainted and gilded. It is one of the earliest surviving examples of a public clock with a deadbeat escapement mechanism dating back to the late 17th century.
The decorative boards recording the names of the many people over the years who have rung peals, commemorating special events, are also on display until the end of November.
Vicar the Rev Anthony Davis, said: "This landmark project will help ensure that the treasured features of St Paul's continue to serve Bedford and its community for generations to come. Thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring this ambitious project to life, including sponsors, supporters, trusts and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we can now embark on the first stage of the work."
The St Paul's Tower, Clock & Bells Appeal was launched in October 2021 with £25,000 still to raise. You can contribute to Bedford's heritage by making a donation here.