FACULTY : A Protective Roof over the Bells

ROOF OVER BELLS : STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

St. Peter’s Church, a Grade 1 listed, 13th to 15th century building, has a dedicated congregation, numbering some 50-60 regular weekly worshippers, and enjoys considerable support from the wider Sharnbrook community, many of whom are regular donors via monthly or quarterly standing order, also contributing towards major Church Fabric projects through the fundraising activities of The Friends of St. Peter’s.

The 8 bells in the tower at the western end of the nave at St. Peter’s church Sharnbrook are currently exposed to the elements. The provision of a protective roof over the Bells is not expected to have any impact on the existing Structure or Function of the Church building, but is considered to be essential preventative maintenance that will limit future damage from excessive rainfall or snow. It will also help to perpetuate a Tradition and Heritage dating back more than 325 years.

The oldest bell, the tenor, was cast in 1699 by Henry Bagley, and by 1887 there were six bells. A major refurbishment took place in 1923, with the installation of a new iron and steel frame capable of supporting 8 bells. 5 of the original 6 bells were melted down and recast, but the original tenor, which was considered to be of a very fine tone, survives to the present day. In 2006, two new treble bells were donated, thus completing the octave.

A dedicated team of ringers under the guidance of Pat Albon, Tower captain, calls us to worship every Sunday, practices weekly on a Tuesday evening, is often called on to mark special civic and family occasions, e.g. Remembrance Sunday, weddings, funerals, and regularly invites visiting teams, usually aiming to ring Quarter Peals.