Stories from the past: Downton's oldest bell

It’s probably hardly surprising that the eight bells that ring out from St Laurence Church are old. In fact, the two lightest bells date from 1946 when the ring of six bells had two new bells added. The oldest bell is number 5, which dates from the 14th century, possibly around 1350, making it one of Downton’s oldest functioning items. Little is known of it’s origin, but it has the inscription “R.W.” which indicates that it was made by a foundry in Winchester which made bells for churches in the area during the middle of the 14th century. When it was manufactured, St Laurence was under the bishopric of Winchester. It’s listed in the Church Building Council Schedule of Bells for Preservation, effectively making it a “listed” bell. It’s around 100 years older than the next oldest bell in the tower, the sanctus bell. This bell is separate from the ring of eight and is rung during services. It was made at the Salisbury foundry in about 1499.

Bell number 5 would have been heard in the village for nearly 800 years as a witness to events including the Black Death Plague, the English Civil War and the two world wars. One of many changes to the church during this time was in 1791. The tower was raised so that the Earl of Radnor could see it from Longford Castle. It was lowered to its former height in 1859 to avoid the danger of collapse.

It’s over 120 years since there was last significant work carried out on the bells, and a recent survey has recommended various works to the frame and bells to restore them to continue to ring out across the village for many years to come. The works will involve a significant amount of money, and plans are being made to raise the funds needed.