St Chad’s Church Bell

We are fortunate to have an ancient church bell that David Slowman, Chelmsford Diocesan Bell Advises is a bell extreme significance. It is the oldest and smallest of three remaining bells from a very rare founder, Peter Hawkes, who operated along the North Essex and Suffolk boarder.

From the original installation documents provided by Whitechapel Bell Foundry it can be confirmed that the bell date from 1608, is 25 inches in diameter and weighs approximately 3cwt. The bell was originally hung at the 12^th century Parish Church St Mary Magdalen, Shopland, near Rochford, Essex, which fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1957.

The bell was installed at St Chad’s on completion of building in 1958. In 1966 a crack appeared and remained out of use for half a century. With the support of community organisations and schools we were able organise an exhibition that enabled funding to be raised. The bell was repaired, reinstalled, and dedicated by The Bishop of Bradwell: The Rt Rev. Bishop John Wraw on Sunday 19^th April 2015.

The lettering at the top of the bell reads:

peter  hawkes  made  me  1608

The bell before repair with a rope/hand strike that probably caused to crack.

The bell repaired and with an electronic strike mechanism.

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