A brief history of the bells

Early records of the origin and number of bells are scanty, but from inscriptions on the bells themselves, together with research in the County Record Office, it appears that from 1687 to 1764 the church had a ring of 4 bells. A fifth bell was added in 1764. Records confirm that in 1791 there were five bells and a good clock.

A further bell was added in 1802 to make a ring of 6.

In 1871 two new bells were added to the old six in an attempt to produce a full octave. The result was not very satisfactory since it is recorded that all the bells were out of tune with each other! The discordant notes were certainly not appreciated because 27 years later, in 1898, some of the bells were recast and others retuned to form a better ring. At the same time the old wooden bellframe was repaired. (see below.)

The next major work took place between the two World Wars, when the bells had their plain bearings replaced with ball bearings so making the job of ringing and maintaining them far less strenuous.

By the late 1950's the wooden frame and its fittings were showing signs of decay and old age. The result was that ringing the bells had become difficult and sometimes even hazardous for the ringers.

It was about this time that a large scale restoration of All Saints took place and it was decided that because of their poor state , the bells should be included in this.

The bells were removed from the tower in 1961 and taken to Taylor's Bellfoundry at Loughborough where, in 1962, they were all recast and returned to the tower and rehung in a modern steel frame.

The inscriptions from the old bells were preserved on the new ring.

In 1991 the local band undertook the provision of two new Taylor bells, so producing the glorious ring of ten we hear today.

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Article from Northallerton Parish Magazine of June 1898

Having ascertained that May 26^th was the date on which previous reopening and Dedication services had been held in All Saints' Church, Northallerton, an effort was made to complete the work of restoration of the tower and to have the Bells once more in their places by that date,though many thought this an impossibility, it was accomplished, a fact reflecting the greatest credit on every one engaged in the work. The bells were removed on April 23^rd, and the month that Northallerton was without them made everyone know their value, and their return from London on May 23^rd was a satisfaction to all within and around Northallerton. The eight bells were raised into their places on Tuesday, May 24^th,in two hours and a half without the slightest accident.

Five of the bells have been re-tuned, the 3^rd and 5^th have been recast, and No 1 has been recast and considerably enlarged,the 3^rd was half a note and the 5^th a quarter of a note from its proper pitch. Both these bells date from 1656-one being inscribed with the motto "God save his church" and the other "All glory bee to God on hee." The peal now consists of eight bells, two of which were added in 1871- it is one of these which was the treble bell in the original peal which has been re-cast and enlarged. A message has been received since Thursday from the president of the Durham and Northumberland Society of Ringers, saying, "that they were very pleased with the Bells and the mounting of them left nothing to be desired."

The Dedication Service was held at 8 o'clock according to the form in use in the Diocese of York the first part of the Service was held in the Belfry. The Clergy, Choir, and Churchwardens were present and the service was performed by the Rev. H.C. Holmes, Rector of Birkby and Rural Dean. On reaching the bellringers chamber the Churchwardens taking hold of the ropes said, "We request you to dedicate to the glory of God and the use of this church this peal of Bells," The Rural Dean then receiving the ropes said, "By virtue of our sacred office we do solemnly set apart and separate from all profane and unhallowed uses these bells now dedicated to the glory of God for the benefit of His holy Church," then delivering the ropes to the Vicar-"Receive these bells as a sacred trust committed unto thee as the appointed Minister of Christ in this Church and Parish and take heed that they be ever and only used in His service and for His Glory."

The Clergy, Choir, and Churchwardens then ascended the Tower and from the roof sang the Te Deum (Dykes in F.) and the well known hymn "O God our help in ages past." The scene was solemn and impressive as the strains of the glorious hymn of praise were heard and the "Holy, Holy, Holy," ascended, reminding us of the many saints of God who in former years had taken their share in the work of restoring and beautifying His Church on earth and who now join in the hymn of the Church triumphant. The remainder of the service was taken in the Church, the hymn "The Church's one foundation" was sung and the remainder of the Dedicatory prayers were read by the Rural Dean. During the offertory the special hymn "Lifted high within the steeple now our bells are set on high" was sung, and at the close of the service the Vicar read the general thanksgiving, adding the words "We thank Thee for the faith and courage which led thy servants to take in hand the restoration; for the perseverance which has enabled them to continue the work; for the liberality which has led to the success of the present undertaking; and for the preserving care over all who were engaged in the difficult and dangerous work in connection with it."

At the conclusion of the service the bells were rung in such a manner as to show them to the greatest advantage, a full peal of 5,040 changes being rung by the Durham and Northumberland Society of Ringers in three hours and two minutes.>>>>>>>>>>>The first peal on the bells.