The Bells of Montacute, Somerset

Описание: The Church of St Catherine of Alexandria in Montacute, Somerset, is a historic Anglican church with origins dating back to the 12th century. It initially served as the chapel within the burial ground of the adjacent Cluniac Montacute Priory, a fact that highlights its close connection to the medieval monastic community. The church is built from local Ham stone and has been designated a Grade II* listed building, reflecting its significant architectural and historical importance. One of the church's most remarkable features is its clock, believed to be one of the oldest working church clocks in the country, dating from around the early 1400s. This clock may have originally been part of the Montacute Priory and was likely relocated to St Catherine’s after the Reformation. In 2025, the clock underwent a specialist restoration that included refurbishing its mechanism, restoring its original blue and gold dial, and installing new lighting and displays in the clock room to showcase the clock’s intricate workings. The restoration project also involved the local community, including the village school, where pupils prepared a time capsule to be placed behind the clock face. A re-dedication ceremony led by the Bishop of Bath and Wells marked the clock’s return to the tower, accompanied by a village festival celebrating this historic treasure. Today, St Catherine’s Church continues to be a place of worship and a vibrant cultural landmark that preserves and shares the rich history of Montacute from Norman times through to the present day. Its story is deeply intertwined with the heritage of the priory, the village, and the enduring legacy of its extraordinary clock and the community it serves.

The tower holds a ring of six bells. Consisting of three Robert Wiseman bells, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th, cast in 1619, 1610 and 1614 respectively. The fifth was cast in 1810 by Thomas Mears & Son, and the tenor was cast in 1733 by William Knight. In 1901, these five bells were augmented to six with the addition of a treble bell by Mears & Stainbank. The six bells were rehung in a new frame, constructed of oak by Harry Stokes. The tenor weighs 24cwt and is tuned to 'D'.

6 bells, 24cwt in D.