A unique bell tower in a rebuilt church

Ringers will be on hand to demonstrate the historic art of change ringing, which has its origins in England in the sixteenth century, deviating from continental systems of bell ringing following Henry VIII and the reformation. Bell towers and the bell frames within them have evolved to accommodate increasing numbers of bells for ringers to practice this art. We will have a CCTV camera to enable people watch the bells swinging high up in the tower, and ringers will be on hand to demonstrate this art and give visitors a go at ringing the bells.

There will also be an exhibition about the heritage of bell ringing and how, following the fire in June 2014, the church and its tower were rebuilt. A unique steel structure has needed to be threaded between the timbers of the old tower structure to withstand the forces exerted by the bells as they swing through 360 degrees. The structure contains one of the heaviest peals of English style bells hung in a free standing tower in the world!

A team of handbell ringers will also be present to demonstrate the art of ringing tunes on handbells, and visitors will be able to have a go at this too. Something to interest all the family.

Refreshments will be provided, and visitors will see the magnificent new interior of the building, built inside the ruins left by the great fire.

Also check out other Arts events in New Alresford, Exhibitions in New Alresford.