Grandsire Triples at Hampstead, Greater London

Описание: An excerpt from a quarter peal of Grandsire Triples rung at Hampstead on Saturday, 16th November 2024.

The church’s ring of eight bells, with a tenor weighing 24 cwt, was installed in 2005 following the dedicated efforts of Michael Royalton-Kisch, the tower captain. He single-handedly raised £100,000 to replace the old, unsafe bells that previously hung in the tower. The current band practices every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. and rings for most Sunday services, keeping the tradition of bell-ringing alive and vibrant. The Hampstead bells, while modern in installation, have quickly become an integral part of the church’s identity and the local community’s life.

The bells themselves are a fascinating blend of old and new. Four of them—the treble, tenor, third, and fifth—were cast by the renowned Gillett & Johnston and originally hung in St Luke’s Church, Cowley, Oxford. These bells were discovered during the restoration process and were a fortuitous addition, bringing historic value and tonal richness to the ring. The other four bells were newly cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 2005, blending seamlessly with the older bells. All eight were hung in a new cast iron and steel frame designed and installed by Matthew Higby & Company. Although the bells can feel a little slow to handle, they perform beautifully when rung at a brisker pace. They are often underrated compared to other famous eights in London, like St Laurence Jewry or Clerkenwell, but they are a delightful ring, and I would happily ring quarters and peals here again!

The church itself, built between 1850 and 1852, is a fine example of Early English Gothic revival architecture, designed by Samuel Daukes. Constructed from Kentish ragstone with Portland stone dressings and slate roofs, it is an imposing and elegant structure that reflects the Victorian enthusiasm for medieval design. Sir Gilbert Scott added a timber gallery in 1860, though this was dismantled during the 1960s. Later, in 1881–82, Ewan Christian designed the north porch and aisle, further expanding the church. These additions and modifications give the building a layered history, showing the influence of different architectural styles and the ongoing care taken to preserve and adapt the space for the needs of its congregation.

Hampstead Church has long been associated with education. In 1855, it established a school on the adjacent site, initially intended for infants. By the mid-20th century, the school had expanded to cater to boys and girls aged 3 to 11, with one class per year. Like many other church-affiliated schools in the area, it played a vital role in providing accessible education to the community. The school’s history is a testament to the church’s broader commitment to serving the local population, not just spiritually but also through practical support and outreach.

Music has always been central to Hampstead’s identity. The church’s first organ, installed in 1857, was crafted by the legendary builder Henry Willis, who also served as its first organist. Over the years, this instrument underwent many changes, but its legacy endures. In the 1960s, dry rot was discovered above the organ, leading to its partial dismantling. Though stored temporarily, it was never reassembled, and a smaller two-manual tracker-action organ was eventually installed at the rear of the church. Despite these changes, Hampstead has remained a center of musical excellence, with a distinguished line of organists, including Walter Brooks, Henry Walford Davies, and Cyril Rootham, who contributed to its reputation.

Tenor 24-0-5 in Eb

https://dove.cccbr.org.uk/tower/13829

https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.ph...