The Bells of Foxley, Norfolk

St Thomas' church in Foxley sits in the middle of a busy village, that is located alongside the A1067 road from Fakenham to Norwich. The church is located on a small rise, and is full of history from its painted mediaeval screen to its 16th century box pews. Sadly, the church is locked during the day, but for the church crawlers out there, the key can be obtained from a nearby house.

The ring of six bells are rung from the ground floor. They form a very pleasant and enjoyable peal to ring on. The bells are hung at the louver level but are, somewhat uniquely hung in their wooden frame that sits 45 degrees out of alignment to the internal walls of the tower. A result of this means that certain bells swing out of the end of their pits and into the louvers (which have been accordingly boarded up). The bells were last rehung in 2013 by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough. The work undertaken at this time saw the frame being strengthened, the bells being rehung on all new fittings, the cracked 2nd and tenor welded and all six retuned. Until 1901, the ring of six were entirely cast by Thomas Gardiner, however at the time of this rehanging, John Warner & Sons recast the 4th bell. Later that year they were rehung by George Day & Sons, a bellhanger local to East Anglia. The frame is believed to have been constructed and installed in the tower in 1809. It is made of oak and is by an as yet unidentified maker. The local band practice here on the 1st Sunday of the month.

The ringing featured here was recorded during the summer of 2022.

6 bells, 6-2-13cwt in A.