The Bells of Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire

St Helen’s Church in Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire, is a captivating medieval parish church steeped in nearly a millennium of history. Although the Domesday Book of 1086 notes a priest in the village—suggesting an earlier wooden chapel on this site—the present stone church primarily dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, featuring a nave with north and south aisles, chancel, and a distinctive west tower built in the 14th century. The chancel retains a beautifully carved 13th-century priest’s door and a poignant fragment of the 14th-century rood screen displayed above the south chancel door—testament to the church’s rich medieval fabric. Victorian architect Edward Browning led a major restoration in 1862–63, adding the south aisle and porch, decorative tiled flooring, a font and pulpit supported by marble pillars, and stained glass windows that enhance its interior charm. The 15th-century west tower houses a peal of five bells, including one recast in 1825 to celebrate George Payne’s coming of age—a local connection to Georgian society. The churchyard holds memorials of note, including the grave of vicar and pioneering botanist Rev. Miles Joseph Berkeley, a correspondent of Darwin, and Lady Beatrice Taylour, celebrated for her snowdrop varieties. Recognised as a Grade II* listed building since 1954, St Helen’s remains a beloved heart of the Naseby Group Benefice, open daily to visitors seeking its historic and spiritual solace.

The five bells consist of bells cast by two founders. The tenor was cast in 1825 by W & J Taylor. The fourth was recast in 1956 by John Taylor & Co. The third was also cast by John Taylor & Co, but in 1883. These three bells are augmented to five with two bells cast in 1877 by Mears & Stainbank. These two bells pre-date the third and fourth, and presumably the fourth that pre-dated the 1956 bell.
The bells have been overhauled twice. First in 1956 by John Taylor & Co, during which time the present day fourth bell was cast. In 1998 the five bells were rehung once again, by the same contractor. During this time the bells were rehung in a few cast iron frame. The five bells have each been quarter turned, presumably during the 1998 rehanging, and all retain their canons, except the 1956 John Taylor & Co bell, which was cast with a flat top. The bells are very easy to ring and strike, and are rung from a ground floor ringing chamber.

5 bells, 10-2-2cwt in Ab.