The Bells of Thornfalcon, Somerset

Nestled in the picturesque village of Thornfalcon near Taunton in Somerset, the Church of the Holy Cross is a stunning example of medieval architecture and a rich symbol of English ecclesiastical history. Dating back to the 14th century, with elements from even earlier periods such as a 13th-century font, the church has stood as a place of worship for centuries. Restored in 1882 by the renowned Victorian architect Benjamin Ferrey, Holy Cross retains many original features, including intricately carved bench ends—one dated 1542—and a beautifully preserved south door with medieval wood and ironwork. The church also treasures an Elizabethan chalice from 1573. The churchyard features a venerable yew tree and notable memorials like the Harred family chest tomb. Supported historically by the Chisholm-Batten family, the church underwent several enhancements over time, including the addition of a vestry in 1958. Still active today, Holy Cross remains part of the Creech St Michael & Ruishton with Thornfalcon benefice and serves as a cherished place of worship, remembrance, and community life, including a World War I memorial listing 22 local names.

Its west tower houses five bells. The treble and second were cast in 1904 by Mears & Stainbank. The third was cast in 1609 by George Purdue. The fourth and fifth were cast in 1683 by Thomas Purdue. The back three bells hang in an oak frame, constructed in c1799. The two 1904 trebles, which were cast to augment the three Purdue bells to five are hung in a part cast iron and part oak frame, constructed in the same year of the trebles' casting, by Thomas Doble. Doble constructed 16 frames in Somerset and Devon. Based in Taunton, his first frame was Staplegrove in 1897 and his final frame was Shute in 1923.

5 bells, 7cwt in A.