The new treble bell was a farewell gift to the Parish in 1935 from Canon Macdonald (Rector 1924-34). At this time the treble bell, originally added in 1765, was recast to commemorate the tercentenary of the original peal of four Miles Graye bells. These were hung in the Tower in 1636 by the Rev. Lawrence Washington who was Purleigh’s royalist Rector from 1632 until Cromwellian commissioners dispossessed him of the living in 1643. He was the great-great grandfather of George Washington, the first President of the United States of America.

On 5^th July 1936, the BBC relayed the sound of the Purleigh bells direct to America.

The photograph shows the treble on the right with the second bell and the tenor in the background.

　On 1^st January 2000, bells all over the country were rung at midday to celebrate the new Millennium. Purleigh contributed to this event and the photograph below shows the ringers:

Bellringing as an art and science has been practised in England for four hundred years and we need enthusiastic people to continue the tradition. Purleigh Tower is not alone in having difficulty in finding new recruits; perhaps you may be interested in the qualifications for becoming a bellringer:

1. Aged between 12 and 90.

2. You do not need to be musical.

3. You do not need to be physically strong.

4. It is helpful if you can count up to 6 and back again.

5. Be prepared to ring one hour a week for practice and ring for a half hour before the Sunday service when you are able.

Bellringing is a pastime that can be taken as lightly or as seriously as you wish it to be. It can be mentally and physical stimulating and you will become part of a countrywide group that will accept you as a ringer in their tower whenever you visit a new area.

Our practice night is Thursday from 8:00 pm until 9:15, with refreshments in The Bell afterwards.

If you are interested, please contact me for FREE! tuition – Graham Snow #01621 828557.

You may email me with any comments to: