The Bells of Redenhall, Norfolk

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Redenhall in Norfolk, often simply called Redenhall Church, is a magnificent example of medieval ecclesiastical architecture with deep historical roots. Archaeological discoveries in the 19th century revealed that the site likely housed a Saxon or early Norman church with a round tower, and some scholars believe it may have once been the location of a Saxon minster serving the wider region before Harleston grew in prominence. The present chancel, dating from around 1326, reflects the Decorated Gothic style and was likely funded by Rector William de Neuport. In the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the church underwent a major expansion during East Anglia’s prosperous church-building era. This period saw the construction of the spacious nave, aisles, and the striking 106-foot west tower, richly decorated with flint flushwork, a hallmark of the region. The tower was likely completed around 1518, with funding from prominent families such as the De la Poles. Inside, the church boasts rare and exquisite furnishings, including one of only three surviving 15th-century double-headed eagle brass lecterns in England, and a fine organ built by G.M. Holdich in the 1840s. The chancel also contains vibrant stained glass by James Henry Nixon, installed in 1846. A unique aspect of the building is its location: while the church is dedicated to Redenhall, most of the structure actually lies in the neighboring parish of Wortwell. Nevertheless, it has long served as the mother church for the united benefice of Redenhall, Harleston, and Wortwell. Now a Grade I listed building, the church remains a powerful symbol of both spiritual and architectural heritage in Norfolk.

The tower holds a ring of eight bells, with a tenor weighing 22-2-20cwt. The tower itself has housed eight bells since at least 1738, when a peal of Plain Bob Major was rung on Monday 13th February. The treble was cast in 1736 by Richard Phelps, with the second being cast by the same founder the following year, along with the fifth. The third and fourth were cast in 1924 by Alfred Bowell of Ipswich, during which time the bells were rehung with new fittings in the existing frame. The sixth was cast in 1588 by Thomas Draper, with the 7th having been cast some 40 years later in 1621 by John Draper. The tenor, the oldest bell, was cast in c1514 by the Bury St Edmunds foundry and, along with the sixth, is subject to a preservation order. Bells 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8 retain their canons. the 3rd and 4th were cast with flat tops and the fifth has had its canons removed. In 2002 the tenor cracked, and was welded. During which time, all eight bells were rehung in 2002 by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry with new fittings, again in the existing frame. The frame was built in 1806 and is constructed of timber. The tenor weighs 22-2-20cwt and is tuned to 'D'.

8 bells, 22-2-20cwt in D.