Historic church bells restored at St Mary’s Hitchin
New bells at St Mary's Church - Credit: Archant
HISTORIC church bells will be ringing through a town once again after a major restoration project.
Robin Sternberg, church warden, with wife Wendy next to one of the new bells - Credit: Archant
A ring of 13 bells were installed in St Mary’s in Hitchin this week.
The number of operational bells has increased, with eight of the old bells restored and five new ones added.
Other than St Albans Cathedral, the church is the only other place in the county with a ring of 13.
The bells (pictured) were displayed in the church for a week to allow members of the public to view them before they were installed.
Rev Michael Roden said: “One of the main reasons the bells were installed is because they are lighter and easier to ring, and therefore we are hoping to encourage a larger number of ringers and those interested in learning the art.
“We had thousands of people come to look at the bells and a lot of schools visiting to watch the bells hauled – a once in a century opportunity.”
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Six of the bells will be rung on June 2 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation, with the full ring due to be officially dedicated on September 8.
Anyone interested in taking up the art of bell ringing can call the church office on 01462 452758.
