Yeovil's Virtual Museum

St John's Bells

and their early maintenance

 

The earliest of St John's bells is the Sanctus Bell, usually referred to in the accounts as the 'Little Bell'. Dating to around 1399, and almost certainly from an earlier church on the site. The Sanctus weighs 1cwt 0qtrs 8lbs with a diameter of 18.25 inches.

One of the earliest churchwardens' accounts in the country is that recorded for Yeovil in 1457-8, the Latin text of which was printed in full, with all its contractions, in ‘Collectanea Topographica et Genealoical', published by JB Nicholls & Son in 1836.

Expenditure is detailed in 71 entries, many of which relate to the bells of the church. The most important work during the year was the provision and erection of a recast bell for which £5 0s 8d (around £4,000 at today's value) was allocated the previous year. The relevant entries are:

• For one man conveying the broken bell in drink 2d
  
• Paid to one man for making the last new bell £5 0s 8d which were received from Tristram Burnell and Thomas Smythe £1 0s 1d
  
• Paid for carriage of the old broken bell up to Bristoll 5s 0d
  
• In bringing back the same bell homewards to Yeovil 6s 8d
  
• Paid for hanging of the same bell in the tower to John Hill, Thomas Capenter, and John Harrys 2s 0d
  
• Paid to John Wayte for obtaining the rope at Mountagu (Montacute) and for the help of the said carpenter for one day and a half 6d
  
• Paid to Richard Hosyer being with the same carpenter at the same time 6d
  
• Guy Corveser present at the same place for half a day 2d
  
• One horse brought for carrying the said rope from Mountagu to Yevell 2d
  
• For nails and bolts purchased at Shurbourne for fixing the said bell 5d
  
• Paid to William Barry for repair of the ironwork of the said bell 4d
  
• For meat and drink for the said men helping to raise the said bell in the tower for two days and a half 2s 2½d
  
• In carrying the rope to Mountagu 3d
  
• For timber and boards lying in the tower and placing them in other places for fixing the said new bell 2d

These are the specific references to the recasting of an old bell which most probably came from the former church (pre-1380). It seems surprising that in order to hoist the bell up into the bell chamber, it was necessary to send to Montacute to borrow a rope of sufficient strength, and though twopence was spent in its carriage from there, it cost threepence to return it. It was also necessary to go to Sherborne for nails and bolts and, indeed, in further expenditure on other bells, sevenpence was paid 'for transport of two clappers, namely the fourth and third bells, to Shurbourne there and back', the making of these clappers ‘for the Feast of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’ costing separate payments of 4d and 6d, while, at the end of the accounts, a further 12d was paid to ‘William Smyth of Shurbourne for the repair of the clappers beyond the costs above’. The reason for this may be due to the existence of a smith working for the Abbey there, who specialised in bell maintenance.

Other bell expenses included repairs to a ‘bawdry’, the thong attaching the clapper to the bell, on two occasions; 1½d for ‘acsingia’ (flick) for greasing the bells at Whitsuntide; 1d ‘for a clapper purchased a new for the bell serving the Body of Christ’, this would have been the small hand bell rung at the celebration of Mass; and 2d ‘for a string (cordu) purchased for the Salsyngbelle’. This last, which is referred to as the ‘Salve’ bell in 1544 and in 1557 accounts, is the ancient Sanctus bell which still remains in St John’s and which almost certainly came from the former church, which was pre-1380.

Fourpence was also paid ‘for making one hempen rope containing thirteen pounds of hemp by gift of Tristram Burnell serving the great bell’. Tristram Burnell, of Poyntington, had married Agnes, widow of Ralph Brett of Newton Surmaville, and together they acquired the whole of that manor in 1442. Another entry relating to the bells is:

• In drink given to the ringers while it thundered (tonutruat) 1d. Payments of this nature for drink either for the ringers or for the clerk, continued until the Reformation when such 'superstitious practices' were banned. It was a commonly-held belief that the sound of the bells drove away the devil who was held responsible for creating thunder.

Below are the records of the Churchwardens' Accounts relating to the maintenance of the church bells. The first records are an isolated instance from 1676, but recorded in some detail from 1676 until 1769, after which all payments (except for oil and almost annual new bell ropes) are generally included within several annual unspecified bills of those contracted to carry out maintenance works.

For most of this period there were seven bells, including the Great Bell and the Little Bell. In 1768 two further bells were ordered at a total cost of £156 15s 10d (around £21,000 at today's value). Today there are fourteen bells in St John's two-storey belfry.

 

Bell	Weight	Note	Diameter	Dated	Founder
1	6cwt, 3qtrs, 5lbs	G	29.00"	2013	Whitechapel Bell Foundry Ltd
2	7cwt, 2qtrs, 9lbs	F	30.56"	2013	Whitechapel Bell Foundry Ltd
3	7cwt, 3qtrs, 3lbs	E	31.88"	1931	Mears & Stainbank
4	9cwt, 1qtrs, 9lbs	D	33.88"	1931	Mears & Stainbank
5	8cwt, 3qtrs, 4lbs	C	35.38"	1768	Thomas I Bilbie
6	9cwt, 0qtrs, 2lbs	B	36.25"	1768	Thomas I Bilbie
7	10cwt, 2qtrs, 11lbs	A	38.50"	1662	Thomas Purdue
8	11cwt, 2qtrs, 27lbs	G	40.50"	1626	Thomas II Pennington
9	16cwt, 1qtrs, 17lbs	F	44.69"	2014	Whitechapel Bell Foundry Ltd
10	17cwt, 3qtrs, 27lbs	E	47.50"	1626	Thomas II Pennington
11	24cwt, 1qtrs, 3lbs	D	52.75"	1626	Thomas II Pennington
12	40cwt, 0qtrs, 23lbs	C	61.13"	1728	Thomas I Bilbie
0extra	6cwt, 2qtrs, 15lbs	A	27.94"	2013	Whitechapel Bell Foundry Ltd
6♭	10cwt, 2qtrs, 2lbs	B♭	37.13"	2013	Whitechapel Bell Foundry Ltd
Sanctus	1cwt, 0qtrs, 8lbs	A	18.25"	c1399	Unidentified

 

         Courtesy of Roger Fox, Tower Captain

Sanctus Bell
The age of this bell is unknown but may date to around 1399. It is probably one of three bells installed shortly after the church was completed around 1420.There is no inscription and no clue as to the founder. It retains its canons (loops cast on its top for hanging) but its original cast iron staple (to which the clapper would originally have been attached) has been drilled out as far as possible to prevent damage by corrosion. It was re-hung in 2014 but, unlike the other bells, employs a wooden headstock. It can be swung chimed from the ground floor. It is estimated to weigh 1½ cwt.

c1450 - The inscription on the 9th bell says they (that is, the tenor and the ninth) were the gift of Stephen Hooper and his wife Joan. Stephen Hooper was actively engaged in the affairs of the town between 1400 and 1462, during which time the church was completed. It therefore seems likely that both the ninth and tenor were hung in the tower shortly after it was built. Although it is believed the tower was completed as it looks today by about 1480, some sixty years after the completion of the body of the church, it may be that the bells were hung in a shorter or incomplete tower. It is also thought that both the ninth and the tenor contain metal from that early date, having been re-cast two or three times.

1577 - Six bells are known to have existed at this time since they were rung to celebrate Queen Elizabeth the First's 20th anniversary.

1628 - Thomas Pennington re-cast the present 6th, 8th and 9th.

1636 - Richard Purdue of Stoford re-cast the tenor bell. Court papers of 1640 refer to a dispute over payment.

1662 - Thomas Purdue of Closworth re-cast the present 5th.

1728 - Thomas Bilbie of Chewstoke re-cast the present 7th and tenor.

1753 - a ringing loft was installed - probably at the present level - which should have made ringing easier (see next).

1760 - Six bells were re-hung. Before this twenty-two men were required to ring them. Some 120 of Grandsire were reportedly rung by seven men in this year. These were the 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the 1891 augmented ring.

1768 - Two new Bilbie bells (the 3rd and 4th of the 1891 ring of ten) were added to make a ring of eight bells.

1780 - Thomas Bilbie was employed to make a new wooden frame for the bells and re-hang the 'little bell'. This cost about £80 and he was allowed to re-use such of the old timber as was suitable.

1891 -  Two new trebles were added to give a ring of ten bells, the 7th was re-cast and all were re-hung by Warners. The canons were removed where they still existed, except that the re-cast 7th has 'Doncaster' canons. An 'Ellacombe' chiming apparatus, which enabled all ten bells to be chimed, was installed and since it is thought that this bears a Warner's nameplate it was installed at the time of that augmentation. This was disconnected in 2013.

1931 - The two new trebles were re-cast and the whole ring of ten bells were re-hung on ball bearings and tuned by Meers and Stainbank.

1980 - Tenor bearings renewed by Taylors.

2013 - Project began to re-hang and add four new bells.

2014 May/June - Re-installation of the ring of twelve bells.

 

 

The lower bell chamber, photographed in 2021.

 

The lower bell chamber seen from the restricted access of the doorway. Photographed in 2021.

 

... and a slightly different view of the lower bell chamber. Photographed in 2021.

 

 

1676	Paid Jerman Churchhouse for mendinge the fifth bell wheele	5s  0d
	Payd Joseph Foot for two Ropes one for the fowerth & one for the little bell	8s 6d
	Payd Thomas Ellis one Dayes work about the bells	4s 0d
	Paid Jerman Churchhouse for mendinge the fifth and second bell wheels	10d
	Payd Old Hart for Labor about the Bells	4s 0d
	Payd John Phelpes for Iron worke about the Bells	1s 6d
	Payd Joseph Foote for two Ropes for the Tennor & Chimnes weighing 46lb	£1 3s 0d
	Payd for a Rope for the third bell	7s 3d
	Payd John Gilham for Leather about the Bells	1s 3d
	Payd for oyle for the Clock Chimnes and bells	3s 4d
	Payd Robert Bryant for work about the bells and Chimnes	8s 4d
	Payd for a Rope for the First Bell	5s 0d
1693	Pd John Day for mending the great bell wheele	6s 0d
	Pd Joseph Foot for a first bell Rope	6s 0d
	Pd Joseph Foot for a 5th bell Rope	9s 0d
	Pd Joseph Foot for Oyle	2s 0d
	Pd Francis Butcher for mendinge the 5th bell Clapper	10s 0d
	Pd for mendinge the 4th bell	5s 0d
	Pd for mendinge the 3rd bell	2s 6d
	Pd for mendinge the greate bell	6s 0d
1694	pd Ed: Edwards for a Gig for ye great bell	3s ?d
	pd Rih: Grange for mendinge the 3rd Dell Wheele	3s ?d
	pd Francis Boucher as by his Bill will appeare for work done to the Bells	£1 1s ?d
	pd Joseph Foot for a great Bell rope weighinge 22 pound	11s 0d
	pd Joseph Foot for a Treble Bell rope weighinge 10 pound	5s 0d
	pd Joseph Foot for 6 drawing ropes for the great Bell weighinge 8 pound	4s 0d
	Pd Joseph Foot for Oyle	2s 0d
1695	Pd John Day for mending the 5th bell wheele	2s 0d
	pd for poles to make Stayes for the Bells	1s 0d
	Pd John Day for mending the 4th bell wheele	1s 6d
	pd Thomas Ellis for mending the great bell	2s 0d
	Pd Joseph Foot for a Third bell rope weighing 15 pound	7s 6d
	Pd Joseph Foot for drawing ropes for the 4th 5th & 6th bells weighing 10 pound	5s 0d
	Pd Joseph Foot for 3 ropes for the Clock and great bell waying 42½ lb	£1 1s 3d
	pd for a 2nd bell rope weighing 14½ lb	7s 3d
	pd Joseph Foot for the 5th & 6th bell &nailes for the Tower Door	1s 3d
	pd for 2 Ropes for the Chimes weighing 20 pound	10s 0d
	Pd John Day for mending the great Bell wheel	6d
	pd for mendinge the 5th bell wheel	8d
	pd for a new quarter for the Third bell wheel & rightinge the other wheels	4s 6d
	pd for timber for the 4th bell wheel and Nailes	5s 4d
	pd for a gig for the great bell Clapper	6d
	pd for makinge a wheel & new hanging	4s 6d
	pd Francis Boucher for mendinge the great Bell Clipper	5s 0d
	pd him for mendinge the main stay of the fifth bell	2s 6d
	pd him for 2 Clamps & 2 bolts for the little bell	4s 0d
	pd him for one Key for the 2nd bell	4d
	pd him for shutting the great bell Clipper	15s 0d
	pd him for 6 Clamps & 2 Staples for the 4th bell	1s 6d
1696	pd for one 3rd Bell Rope weighing 12lb & halfe	6s 3d
	pd for part of the Treble rope wayinge 4lb	2s 0d
	pd for Oyle for Clock Bells and Chimes	3s 4d
	pd for Leather for the great Bell Clapper	1s 6d
	pd Thomas Ellis for mendinge the 4th bell wheele and new hanging 2 Clippers	2s 6d
	pd Thomas Ellis for mending the great Bell Gudgeons & the 3rd bell Clipper	4s 8d
1697	pd for a greate Bell rope weighing 25lb	12s 6d
	pd for a Second bell rope weighing 11½ lb	5s 9d
	pd for a Treble bell rope weighing 9½ lb	4s 9d
	pd for Oyle for Bells Clock & Chymes & Nailes	3s 5d
	pd Tho: Ellis for mending of the 4th 5th & 6th bells	11s 0d
	pd Tho: Ellis for mending the 1st belle hammer	6d
	pd for leather for the 5th bell	1s 1d
	pd for leather for the 3rd bell	11d
	pd Thomas Ellis for shutting the 3rd bell clapper & mending the 2nd bell Clapper	5s 6d
	pd Samuel Eglin for mending the great bell wheele	2s 6d
	pd for clamping the great bell wheele & changing the fifth bell Clapper	1s 6d
	pd for fasteningthe gudgeons & bolts of the fifth bell	2s 0d
	pd for mending the great bell	3s 0d
	pd for mendinge the 3rd bell Clapper	5s 0d
	pd for fastening the Keys of the other bells	1s 6d
1698	pd Thomas Ellis his bill about ye Bells	6s 2d
	pd Joseph Foot for a leather for the 3rd bell Clapper	4d
	pd him for a rope for the 4th Bell six drawinge ropes for the great bell 20 pound	10s 0d
	pd him for a rope for the first & 2nd bell ropes& drawing ropes for the great bell 32 pound	16s 0d
	pd him for a great bell rope weighing 24 pound	12s 0d
	pd him for leather for the greate & fifth & Seond Bell	2s 8d
	pd him for Oyle for Clock Chymes and Bells	3s 4d
	pd him his yeares wages	£3 6s 8d
	pd John Day for mending the great bell wheel	8d
1699	Paid To Germane Churchouse Junr 8s 8d For mending ye 5th & 3rd Bell	8s 8d
	Paid to Germane Churchouse for work done in ye Bellfry	8s 2d
	Paid Tho: Ellis for an Iron Clamp for ye 5th Bell Wheele	8d
	Paid Joseph Foot for a Rope for ye 5th Bell weighing 14 att 6d	7s 0d
	pd him for leathers for ye Bells and two pence For Oyle	1s 4d
	pd Tho: Elis for Wedges and Fastening the 5th Bell Braces etc	3s 6d
	pd Joseph Foot for a new Rope For ye 3rd Bell weighing 15lb 7s6d for line 2d	7s 8d
	Paid John Elis for a New Clapper for the Third Bell weighing 51lb at 4½ & 18 pence labour	£1 0s ?d
	Paid John Elis for a New Gusgeon for Third Bell and other works	£1 1s ?d
	Paid for Oyle for the Chimes and Bells in the whole Yeare	3s 10d
1700	paid for ye Greate Bell Rope weighing Twenty pound	10s 0d
	paid for the 5th Bell Rope weighing 16lb	8s 0d
	paid for the Second Bell Rope weighing 10lb	5s 0d
	pd for ye 4th Bell Rope weighing 12 pound	6s 0d
	pd for ye Treble Bell Rope weighing 10 pound	5s 0d
	paid for Oyle this yeare	3s 0d
	paid for Leather for ye Greate Bell Clapper	1s 0d
	paid For Leather for ye 5th Bell	10d
	paid For Leather for ye 4th Bell	10d
	paid for Leather for ye 3rd Bell Clapper	10d
	paid for Leather for ye 2nd Bell Clapper	10d
	paid for a Rope for the Saintes Bell	6d
	paid Thomas Elis his Bill For Fastening and ordering the Bells	10s 0d
	July the secd paid Tho: Elis for putting on a new Bole To the Treble Clapper & mending stem	3s 0d
	paid For a pound of Wire For the Chimes	1s 0d
	paid German Churchouse For a Gigg for the fifth bell Clapper	1s 0d
1701	paid for a Rope for the 4th Bell eight pound weight	8s 0d
	paid for a Rope for the 3rd Bell 14lb weight	7s 0d
	paid for a Rope for the 2nd Bell 12lb weight	6s 0d
	paid for a Rope for the Treble10lb weight	5s 0d
	paid for Leather for the Bells	2s 0d
	paid Thomas Elis his Bill For Fastening and ordering the Bells	1s 6d
	paid For Oyle for the Bells & Chimes	2s 6d
	paid for mending the Railes in the Bellfry	2s 0d
	paid for mending the first Bell Clapper	6s 8d
	paid for a Stirupe for the second Bell	1s 6d
1702	a Rope to the Great Bell & 6 Draing Ropes	14s 0d
	a Rope for the 5 Bell Waying 15 pounds	7s 0d
	a Rope for the Third Bell Waying 13 pounds	6s 0d
	The Second bell Rope wayinge 13 pounds	6s 6d
	6 Drawing Ropes for the Great bell	4s 6d
	Paid for Leather for the Great bell	1s 0d
	paid for Leather for the 4 bell	10d
	paid for Leather for the 3 bell	10d
	paid for Leather for the Second bell	8d
	paid for Leather for the first bell	6d
	More paid for Leather for the Great bell	??
	paid for Oyle for the Clock Bells and Chimes	4s 0d
	paid John Day for worke about the tower and mending the bell wheeles	9s 0d
	paid Richard Day for mending the third bell wheale	6d
1703	pd for Oyle at MidSumer for Clock & Chemes	10d
	pd for Oyle for Clock & Cheemes	1s 4d
	pd for Rope for ye Great Bell waid 21lb	10s 6d
	pd for Rope for ye 5th Bell waid 17lb	8s 6d
	pd for Rope for ye 3rd Bell waid 14lb	7s 0d
	pd for Rope for ye 2nd Bell waid 10lb	5s 0d
	pd for Leather for 3rd Bell Clapper	10d
	pd for Leather for 2nd Bell Clapper	8d
	pd for Leather for 1st Bell Clapper	8d
	pd for Leather for 5th Bell Clapper	1s 0d
	pd for Oyle	2s 0d
	pd John Day for a gide for ye Great bell Rope	8d
	pd for Gige & hanging ye 2nd bell Clapper	1s 6d
	pd Tho: Ellis for Turning ye first bell Clapper & fastening ye 4th Bell Gudgin	3s 0d
	pd for Mending tye 2nd & 4th bell wheales	1s 2d
	pd for a Gigg	6d
	pd for hanging ye 3rd bell Clapper	4d
1704	pd Mathew Chead for Jergare for ye Little Bell	1s 2d
	pd for a Seconf Bell Rope	6s ?d
	pd fopr Leather for ye Great Bell 5 Bell and 2 Bell	2s 0d
	pd for Line to hang the Clippers	?d
	pd for Oil	3s 7d
	pd for 5 Bell Rop waid 15lb	7s 6d
	paid forLione for the Bells	?d
	pd Richard Day for mending the 2nd bell Wheale and a Gigg	??
	pd for mending ye Great bell wheale Labour and nailes	6s ?d
	pd for hanging of 2 bell clipper	?d
	pd for fastening ye 5 bell wheale and mending ye Bells and Cays	10d
	pd Richard Day for mending ye first bell and third bell wheale	2s 9d
	pd Thomas Ealles for Taking down of ye Great bell and new hanging - own and Labours	14s 0d
	pd for Drink att ye Same time	1s 6d
	pd John Helyar for nailes for ye bells	8d
1705	paid Thomas Ellis for taking down the first Bell and taking out the Braces	12s 0d
	paid for 34 pound weight of Ropes for the fourth and Sixth Bell	17s 0d
	paid Richard Day for mending the great Bell wheel	1s 0d
	paid John Helyer for mending the Great Bell wheel and the Clock	2s 0d
	paid Thomas Ellis and John Day for mending the Great Bell Wheel & fith	2s 6d
	paid for Leather to Leather ye Bells	1s 6d
	paid Thomas Ellis for the Leathering of three Bells and turning their Clappers	2s 6d
	pd John Day and John Helyer for Ritting the Treble Bell	14s 0d
	pd for 3 Bell Ropes weighed 40lb	£1 0s 0d
	paid Joseph Foot for oil	2s 3d
	paid Samuel Egelin for boards Nails & labour for mending the Great Bell and Treble wheels	1s 6d
1706	paid for Oyle for the Bells a 4 times	1s 0d
	pd Richard Day for mendinge the Bell Wheeles	5s 0d
	pd for the leather for the 5th Bell	1s 0d
	paid Joseph Foot for a Rope for the great Bell weighing 20 pounds	10s 0d
	paid for a Rope for the Saints Bell	2s 0d
	pd for more Oyle	1s 0d
	pd John Helyar for cleansinge the Clock & Chimes & Work done about the Bells	14s 10d
1707	paid John Coggan for leather for the 5th Bell	1s 0d
	paid for a Gigg for the great Bell	6d
	paid James Foot for the 3rd Bell Rope and line for the Clapper	7s 0d
	paid Richard Day for mendinge the Fourth and Second Bell Wheeles	2s 0d
	paid Joseph Foot for a Rope for the Chimes weighing 20lb att 6d a pound	10s 0d
1708	Paid the Clark for Oil for the Clock and Bells	3s 0d
	Paid for the Great Bell Rope	10s 0d
	Paid for the Fifth Bell Rope	7s 0d
	Paid for the Second Bell Rope	5s 0d
	Paid for the first Bell Rope	5s 0d
	Paid for three Drawing Ropes	2s 0d
	Paid for Beer for the Smith when about the Great Bell Clapper	6d
	Paid Richard Dayfor Mending the Fourth and Great Bell Wheels	2s 0d
1709	Paid James Foott for the Great Bell Rope weighing 21 pound	10s 6d
	Paid James for a Rope for ye 4th Bell	8s 0d
	Paid James Foott for a Rope for ye 3rd Bell	7s 6d
	Paid for a rope for the 2nd Bell	6s 0d
	Paid for Six Drwaing Ropes	3s 0d
	Paid for oylefor the Xclock bElls & Chimes	2s 6d
	For Lines to Lye the Bells Clappers	6d
	Paid Richard Day for mending the Bell Wheels	4s 0d
	Paid John Day for worke about the Bell Wheeles as by his Bill appears	4s 0d
1710	Paid James Foott for 1st Bell Rope	5s 0d
	Paid him for ye 2nd Bell Rope	5s 0d
	Paid for Ropes for ye Chimes	14s 0d
	Paid Tho: Ellis for work about ye Bells	3s 6d
	Pd John Day for work about the Bells and putting in a Raile att Nun Well	4s 10d
	Pd Matt: Ched for Nailes & Twists used about the Belfry door	6s 9d
	Pd Wm Row for Board & Plank used about the Same Door	8s 5d
	Pd John Day for work about the same Door & Mending the great Bell Wheel	9s 0d
1711	Pd James Foott for ye Great Bell Rope	10s 6d
	Pd him for the 4th Bell Rope	8s 0d
	Pd him for the 2nd Bell Rope	5s 0d
	Pd him for the 1st Bell Rope	5s 0d
	Pd for Oyle for the Bells	3s 4d
	Pd for Leathering the Bell Clippers	2s 8d
	Pd for Twine to Tye the Clipper	3d
	Pd Francis Boucher for mending the Clipper of the 2nd Bell	12s 0d
	Pd Mr Chaffey for a Stone for ye Chimes	3s 10d
	Pd John Day for Timber & worke about the wheels of ye Bells	15s 0d
1712	Paid for ye Second bell rope weighing 14 pound	7s 0d
	Paid for oyl for ye bells clock and Chimnes	10d
	pd John Day for making of a new 5th Bell Wheele and for work done about the other Wheels	£1 10s 0d
	pd John Day and his men for the use of his Jack to fasten the Gudgens of the 5th Bell and
	for Beare that was Drunck at the Same time	8s 6d
1713	pd James Foott his yeares wages £3.6.8 and for washeing the Surplace and for Bell Ropes
	and other things as may appear by his Bill	£5 3s 0d
	pd John Day for mending the bell wheels and putting Steyes to them and for Nailes	2s 0d
1714	pd James Foott his yeares wages £3.6.8 and for washeing the Surplace and for Bell Roopes
	and other things as may appear by his Bill	£6 2s 4d
	pd John Day for worke done about the 5 Bell and for plancks and for a new whell and
	and other things as will appear by his Bill	£3 10s 10d
	pd John Philps for worke done about the 5 Bell and for Laborars and for bear and other
	things as will apeare by his Bill	£1 9s 1d
1715	pd James Foott his yeares wages £3.6.8 and for washeing the Surplace and for Bell Roopes
	and other things as will appear by his Bill	£5 10s 4d
1716	pd for Beere for help About ye Great Bell	1s 0d
	pd Rob: Hodges for Lether for ye Bell Cliper	2s 6d
	pd Jno Day for hanging ye 4 Bell Cliper	3d
	pd Jno Day for hanging ye Great Bell Cliper Timber & Labour	2s 0d
	pd for ye 4th Bell Rope wt 14lb	7s 0d
	pd for Oyle for ye Bells Clock & Chimes	4s 0d
	pd for Lether for ye 3rd Bell	8d
	pd for ye 5th Bell Rope wt 16lb	8s 0d
	pd for 3 Draing Ropes	1s 6d
	pd for 1 Rope for ye Chymes wt 19lb	9s 6d
1717	pd for 2 Locks Stapls & Hapses for the Belfry Doore & Comunion Railes	3s 4d
	pd Wm Row for Timber that was Broke About Takeing up ye Great Bell	1s 0d
	pd for 1 lb Wyer for ye Chimes	1s 0d
	pd for ye 1st Bell Rope Waid 10 lb at 6d	5s 0d
	pd for ye 2nd Bell Rope Waid 11 lb at 6	5s 6d
	pd for ye 5 Bell Rope Waid 16 lb at 6	8s 0d
	pd for ye 6 Bell Rope Waid 20 lb at 6	10s 0d
	pd for ye Little Bell Rope Waid 4 lb at 6	2s 0d
	pd for 3 Drawing Ropes at 6d	1s 6d
	pd for oyle for ye Clock Bels & Chims	3s 4d
1718	pd for ye 3rd Bell Rope wt 14 lb	7s 0d
	pd for ye 4th Bell Rope wt 16 lb	8s 0d
	pd for ye Great Bell Rope wt 20 lb	10s 0d
	pd for 4 Drawing Rops	2s 0d
	pd for Lether for ye Great Bell Cliper	1s 0d
	pd for Lether for ye 5 Bell Cliper	10d
	pd for Lether for ye 3 Bell Cliper	8d
	pd for Clock Bells & Chimes ye oyle	3s 4d
1719	for ye first bell Rope it wayes 11 pound	5s 6d
	for ye Seckent bell Rope it wayes 12 pound	6s 0d
	for ye fift bell Rope wayes 16 pound	8s 0d
	for ye Great Chime peas Rope 20 pound	10s 0d
	for ye oyle for the Clock bells and Chemes	3s 4d
	for ye first bell Lether	8d
	for ye third bell Lether	8d
	for ye fift bell Lether	1s 0d
	for ye Great bell Lether	1s 0d
	John Daye for Ryten of the beels and Clock Hous and booard As will A Pear by his note	4s 9d
1720	for the Gret Bell Rope wayes 20	10s 0d
	A Rope to Draw up ye Cradell wayes 32 Pound	16s 0d
	A Lether for the 5 Bell	8d
	A Lether for ye Second Bell	8d
	A Rope for ye Quarter Clock 10 Pound	5s 0d
	Oyle for the Bells Clock and Chimes	3s 4d
	A Lether for the 5 Bell	1s 0d
	Steven marches for Riting of the Bells as will a pear by his bill	£1 18s 3d
	John Hillers for Riting the Clock and Chimes and Bells as will a pear by his Bill	£2 1s 4¼d
1721	pd for Oyl for the Clock bells & Chimes	3s 4d
	pd for a first bell Rope weiging Ten Pound	5s 0d
	pd for a Second bell Rope weight sixteen pound	8s 0d
	a Great bell Rope weight 20lb	10s 0d
	pd for a Little bell Rope wt 3lb	1s 6d
	pd for a Rope for the Clock peace wt 14lb	7s 0d
	pd for Three drawing Ropes	1s 0d
	pd for a Leather for the third bell	8d
	pd for a Leather for the 2nd bell	7d
	pd for a Leather for the 5th bell	1s 0d
	pd for a Leather for the great bell	1s 0d
	pd for a Long Pole that was used abo bell	1s 0d
	paid John Day for Righten the bells	1s 10d
1722	Pd for a Second bell Rope wt Eleven pounds	5s 6d
	Pd for a fourth Bell Rope wt 15 pound	7s 6d
	pd for a Rope for ye Great Chime wt 20 pound	10s 0d
	pd for Six drawing Ropes	3s 0d
	pf for Oyl for ye Clock Bells &c	3s 4d
	Leather for the great Bell	1s 0d
	Leather for the fifth Bell	10d
	Leather for the Third Bell	8d
1723	Pd for Work done Use of ye Jack & Timber Used abt ye 5th Bell	13s 1d
	Pd for a first Bell Rope wt 10lb	5s 0d
	a Third Bell Rope Wt 14lb	7s 0d
	a Fifth Bell Rope Wt 16lb	8s 0d
	a Great Bell Rope Wt 20lb	10s 0d
	Six drawing Ropes	3s 0d
	pd for Oyl for ye Clock bells & Chimes	3s 4d
	pd for a Leather for ye great Bell	1s 0d
	pd for a Leather for ye fifth Bell	10d
	pd for a Leather for ye second Bell	8d
	Pd for Beer for John Day & workmen whilst righting ye fifth bell	1s 9d
1724	pd for Oyl for  Clock & Chimes	3s 4d
	pd for a Rope to draw up ye Chime peace wt 7lb	3s 6d
	a Second bell Rope	5s 0d
	a Fifth bell Rope	8s 0d
	Six drawing Ropes	3s 0d
	a first bell Rope	4s 6d
	pd Jar Churchouse for mending the wheels of the bells & abt the Church Gates	13s 8d
	Paid for a Stock for the Great Bell	£1 17s 6d
	pd for ye use of the Crane to load it	1s 0d
	Carriage of Do	10s 0d
	pd for Carriage of Timber from ye Sawpit	2s 6d
	Pd to Wm Wright for Righting ye Great Bell in ye hanging	£1 1s 0d
	pd John Day for Labour abt the Great Bell as per bill & receipt	£4 12s 9d
1725	Rope for Chyme Peace	10s 0d
	Rope for fourth Bell	7s 0d
	Rope for Third Bell	7s 0d
	Saints bell Rope	1s 0d
	Fifth bell Rope	7s 6d
	Great Bell Rope	10s 0d
	Second Bell Rope	5s 0d
	Leathers for ye 5th & 3rd	1s 6d
	Leather for ye Great Bell	1s 0d
	pd Jno Churchouse for Labour abt ye Great Bell	£2 4s 6d
1726	pd Mending ye 1st Bell Clapper	5s 0d
	pd for Oyl for Clock & Chymes	4s 0d
	a Saints bell Rope	1s 6d
	a first bell Rope	4s 6d
	Six drawing Ropes	3s 0d
	a Second Bell Rope	5s 6d
	a Third Bell Rope	6s 0d
	a fifth Bell Rope	8s 0d
1727	Oyl for ye Clock bells & Chimes	4s 0d
	a first bell Rope wt 9 pound	4s 6d
	a Rope for ye Great Chime pease wt 20 pound	10s 0d
	a Rope for ye 5th bell wt 16lb	8s 0d
	Leathers for ye 2nd 3rd & 5th bell clapers	2s 4d
1728	Paid Wm Bilby for casting ye Great Bell third addition of six hundred-forty three pounds
	& half Mettall Carriage &C	£107 10s 9d
	Memo: yt ye weight of ye Bells as they were weighd of and ye particular weight they now
	contain is containd in Two folios forward in this Book
	Paid Duck & Marsh for Turning & new hanging ye first & Second Bells	£7 0s 0d
	Expended with Belby Knight & Write in ye Bargaining for to Cast ye bells at sevrall meetings	7s 6d
	Journey Hosse hire & Expences for both Churchwardens to see ye great Bell weighed off
	and Cash	£1 6s 6d
	Another Journey to Chewstocke for one Churchwarden weighing ye new Great Bell &
	seeing ye Third Bell Cast	16s 0d
	pd for Ropes Oyl &c for ye Bells & Chimes as per bill	£2 5s 2d
	pd Tho: Hewlet for a days work in ye Belfry	1s 6d
	pd Mr Hooper for Ingr Articles in Order to cast ye Great Bell bond &c	£1 10s 0d
	Expended at ye drawing up ye bells	5s 0d
	Weight of the Great and Third Bells new Cast -
	Great Bell weighed out 4502lb   Great Bell weighed in 4992½lb
	Third Bell weighed out 1564lb    Third Bell weighed in 1717lb
	So that the difference of Mettall is 643½lb
	Casting the two  Bells -                        £70 0s 0d
	Addition of Mettall at 14 p pound -      £37 10s 9d
	Total -                                                    £107 10s 9d
1729	pd for a first bell Rope	5s 0d
	pd for a fourth bell Rope	7s 0d
	pd for a fifth bell Rope	8s 0d
	for a Rope for ye little Chime pease wt 20 pounds	10s 0d
	for ye Saint's bell Rope	1s 6d
	for 5 Leathers for ye Gret Bell	5s 0d
	for a Leather for the Fifth	10d
	Oyl for ye Clock bells & Chimes	5s 0d
	pd for Labour about ye Great Bell	9s 4d
	pd for Sawing & making ye Bell Stocks	11s 6d
	pd John March Shutting a Clapper	3s 6d
	pd Stephen March Shutting a Clapper	7s 6d
1730	Oyl for Bells & Chimes	4s 0d
	Leather for ye 5th Bell	1s 0d
	Leather for ye Great Bell	1s 0d
	four Leathers more	3s 6d
	Ropes for ye Bells and Clocks	£2 1s 9d
	pd Churchouse for a Church Ladder & other work abt ye bells & Church as per bill	£1 3s 6d
	pd Churchouse another bill for Repairing bells	6s 4d
1731	for oil for the Clock Bells & Chimes	4s 0d
	Leather for ye first Bell	8d
	Leather for ye fifth Bell	1s 0d
	Leather for ye Great Bell	1s 0d
	Leather for ye second Bell	8d
	first Bell roap 10lb	5s 0d
	Second Bell roap 11lb	5s 6d
	3rd Bell roap 12lb	6s 0d
	fifth Bell roap 16lb	8s 0d
	Great Bell roap 20lb	10s 0d
	Pd for Timber & Board first Bell	1s 10d
1732	Most payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Pd Jno Churchouse a bout the Bells Labor & Board	7s 6d
1733	Paid George for keeping the Clock and Chimes and Bells in Order for three Quars	£3 0s 0d
	Paid Jno Churchouse for Riting the Bells and Wheels and Cage Sevrll times & Board for Do	£2 6s 4d
	a Roap for the first Bell 10lb	5s 0d
	a Roap for the 3rd Bell 14	7s 0d
	a Roap for the 5 Do 16	8s 0d
	a Do for the Chimes wt 20	10s 0d
	a Small Do to draw up the Chimes wt 10	5s 0d
	Paid George for mending lock and a ring for ye Great Bell	2s 8d
1734	the first & 2nd Bell ropes	10s 6d
	ye 3rd & 4th Bell	13s 6d
	ye Great Bell	10s 0d
	Paid Geroge ye Smith for Keeping ye Clock & Cheems & keeping ye Bells for ye year	£4 0s 0d
1735	Most payments included within several general unspecified bills
	a first Bell Rope	5s 0d
	a Second Bell Do	5s 6d
	a fourth Bell Do	8s 0d
	the Great Bell Do	10s 0d
1736	Paid John Churchouse abot ye Bells	4s 0d
	Paid a first Bell Rope	5s 0d
	a Second Bell Do	5s 6d
	a third Bell Do	7s 0d
	a fifth Bell Do	8s 0d
	the little Bell Do	2s 0d
	the Great Bell Do	10s 0d
1737	Most payments included within several general unspecified bills
	worke abt the bells and wheale for little bell	8s 0d
1738	Most payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Leather for the Bells	4s 0d
	a Roap for the first Bell	5s 6d
	Do for the Second Bell	5s 6d
	Do for the 3rd	7s 0d
	Do for the 5th	8s 0d
	Great Bell Do	10s 0d
	a little Bell Roap	2s 0d
1739	Most payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Jno March for Shutting the Great Bell Clapper and 12lb Iron	£1 3s 0d
	Oyl for the Clock bells &c	4s 0d
	Leather for the Clappers of the Bells	4s 0d
	a Rope for the first Bell	5s 6d
	a Rope for the Second Bell	5s 6d
	a Rope for the third Bell	7s 6d
	a Rope for the fourth Bell	7s 6d
	a Rope for the fifth Bell	8s 0d
	a Rope for the Great Chiems piese	10s 0d
	a Rope to draw up the Great Chime peise	5s 0d
1740	Jno Day for 6 Days work about the bells	8s 0d
	pd Mrs Sherestone for Liquor John Day and ye workmen abt ye Bells	6s 6d
	Oyl for the Clock Bells & Chimes	5s 0d
	a Leather for the Great Bell and Fifth Bell Clappers	2s 0d
	Roaps for the first & Second Bells	11s 0d
	Roaps for the third & fourth Do	14s 0d
	Roap for the Fifth Do	8s 0d
	Roap for the Great Chim's weight	10s 0d
1741	pd Robt Helliar for Five Clamp & Nails for the bells	10d
	pd Jno March Lyneing the Clipper & badery of the Great Bell & for A bolt and Keys	3s 0d
	And for worke done about the 2nd bell & keys & ferrils	3s 6d
	pd Tho Caswell for two days worke about the bells	3s 0d
	Tho Caswell mending the 5th bell wheel & nails Setting on a lock & the porch door
	leathering ye clapper of the little bell & mending a Frame of the Window	2s 6d
	Tho Caswell for a new wheel to the Treble bell & other work	£1 3s 0d
	Jno March for work about the Bells as pr bill of Oct 8th	7s 0d
	Jno Churchouse for work about the Bells as pr bill of Oct 8th	14s 6d
	Oyl for the Clock bells & Chimes	4s 0d
	a First Bell Roap	5s 0d
	a Second Bell Roap	5s 6d
	a Third Bell Roap	7s 0d
	a Fourth Bell Roap	7s 0d
	a Fifth Bell Roap	8s 0d
	a Great Bell Roap	10s 0d
	a Little Bell Roap	2s 0d
	a Roap for the Great Chimes peas	10s 0d
	Leathring of the Clappers of two Bells	2s 0d
1742	pd John March... for Clamps Keys... about the 5th third and fourth Bells	16s 0d
	pd Two Men Three Days for Labour about ye Bells	2s 0d
	pd John March for turning ye 5th bell and new Ire & bolt and Cutting of the Clapper…	£2 11s 3d
	pd for Labourers helping about ye bell	4s 0d
	pd for a Rope for the first bell	5s 6d
	pd for a Rope for the Second bell	6s 0d
	pd for a Rope for the Third bell	7s 0d
	pd for a Rope for the Fourth bell	7s 0d
	pd for a Rope for the Fifth bell	8s 0d
	pd for the Great Chime Peas Rope	10s 0d
	pd for Leather for the Bells	2s 0d
1743	Most payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Oyl for the Clock Bells and Chimes	5s 0d
	A first Bell Roap	5s 0d
	for ye Second Bell Roap	5s 6d
	the third Bell Roap	6s 0d
	the fourth Bell Roap	7s 0d
	the fifth Bell Roap	8s 0d
	the Great Bell Roap	10s 0d
	the little Bell Roap	2s 0d
1744	To Beer foir Mr Cockey & March	3s 1d
	To Shutting the Clapper of the great B	£1 10s 0d
	To Beer for ye Workman &c about ye same	3s 0d
	To Oyl for the Clock Bells and Chimes	5s 0d
	To Leather for the Bells	2s 0d
	a first Bell Rope	5s 0d
	a second Bell Rope	5s 6d
	a third Bell Rope	6s 0d
	a fourth Bell Rope	7s 0d
	a fifth Bell Rope	8s 0d
	a great Bell Rope	10s 0d
	a little Bell Rope	2s 0d
	To John Marche's Widow as per Bill	£2 13s 0d
	To Mr Marsh for Beer for ye Workmen abt Bells	13s 0d
1745	A new Ring and Bolt for tolling ye great Bell	1s 0d
	Mending ye Iron Work to ye third Bell	1s 6d
	Shutting the Clapper of ye 5th Bell	£1 10s 0d
	Beer when about ye Same	3s 0d
	Oil for the Clock Bell & Chimes	5s 0d
	Leather for the Bells	2s 0d
	1st Bell Rope	5s 0d
	2nd Bell Rope	5s 6d
	3rd Bell Rope	6s 0d
	4th Bell Rope	7s 0d
	5th Bell Rope	8s 0d
	A Chime Poize Rope	10s 0d
1746	To John Lawrinces Bill for Shutting the Clappers of the Great and fifth Bell & other work	£3 5s 4d
	Leather for ye Clappers	2s 2d
	To Beer at Shutting ye Clapper of ye 5th Bell	3s 0d
	To Beer at Shutting ye Clapper of ye great Bell	3s 6d
	Oil for the Clock Bell & Chimes	5s 0d
	2 first Bell Ropes	10s 0d
	2 Second Bell Ropes	11s 0d
	1 third Bell Rope	6s 0d
	1 fourth Dit	7s 0d
	1 fifth	8s 0d
	a little Bell Rope	2s 0d
	a Chimne Poise Rope	10s 0d
1747	Most payments included within several general unspecified bills
	To a Drawing Rope	8s 0d
	2nd Bell Rope	5s 6d
	4th Bell Rope	7s 0d
	Chime Poise Rope	10s 0d
	a Little Bell Rope	2s 0d
	Oyle for the Bells	3s 0d
1748	Most payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Oyle for the Bells	4s 0d
	To a tribble Bell Roope	5s 0d
	To a Second Bell Rope	5s 6d
	To a Third Bell Rope	6s 0d
	To a Fourth Bell Rope	7s 0d
	To a fifth Bell Rope	8s 0d
1749	Most payments included within several general unspecified bills
	pd Mr Masters for Oyle about ye Bells	1s 0d
	To Jeremiah Gent by Bill for ye wire Latice of ye Bellfrey Window	£4 7s 6d
	To Jno Churchouse Bill about ye Bells	£2 3s 8d
1750	Some payments included within several general unspecified bills
	2 Quarts of Oil for the Bells	2s 0d
	Oil for the Bells	4s 0d
	A 4th Bell Rope	7s 0d
	A 5th Bell Rope	8s 0d
	A treble Rope	5s 0d
	A 2nd Do	5s 6d
	A Chime peas Rope	10s 0d
	a little Rope	2s 0d
	a 3rd Rope	6s 0d
	A Roll of Line to tye the Claper	3d
	To John Churchouse for work abt ye Bells	£2 2s 11d
	To Beer	4s 6d
	To Mr Masters for Leather for ye Bell	8d
1751	Some payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Leather for the Bells	2s 1d
	To John Churchouse for Work done abt ye Bells	£2 4s 3d
	Oil for the Bells	4s 0d
	A Tenor Bell Rope	10s 0d
	A Third Ditto	6s 0d
	A Treble Do	5s 0d
	A Seconf Do	5s 6d
	A Fourth Do	7s 0d
	A Fifth Do	8s 0d
	A little Bell Rope	2s 0d
	A small fine Line to draw the Chimes with	3s 0d
1752	ALL payments included within several general unspecified bills
1753	ALL payments included within several general unspecified bills
1754	ALL payments included within several general unspecified bills except
	Paid for Oyl & Liquor abt ye great Bell	4s 0d
1755	ALL payments included within several general unspecified bills
1756	ALL payments included within several general unspecified bills
1757	Some payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Altering and new Making 6 Keys	6d
	Clamps Screws & Bolts for the great Bell 51¾lb @ 6d pr lb	£1 5s 10½
	A New Bolt ferril and key and altering some keys and Bolts and a large new Sprike	1s 0d
	New making and Strutting on new Screw'd and Nutts to 7 Old Bolts	3s 6d
	Work about the Great Bell myself 2 Days	3s 0d
	John Hudson 2 Days	2s 8d
	For a Boy 2 Do	1s 0d
	For a plank to bare the Bell	2s 0d
	For Riting the first Bell	6d
	For New Hooping and Shrouding the fifth Bell Whell	15s 6d
	John Willis and Bernard Wills one Day each a Sawing of a Plank to bare the Great Bell up	2s 8d
	For taking up the Great Bell 1 Day & ½ ye self	2s 3d
	John Hudson 1 Day and half	2s 0d
	And a boy a Day and half	9d
	For two Stays to the Second Bell	4d
	Mr Cooper for Beer about the Bell	3s 4d
	Do for trying the Bell	1s 0d
	To a Large Chime Rope	10s 0d
	To a Fifth Bell Rope	8s 0d
	To a Fourth Do	7s 0d
	To a Third Do	6s 0d
	To a Seconf Do	5s 6d
	To a Tripple Do	5s 0d
	To a Little Do	2s 0d
	Oyl for the Bells	4s 0d
	Strap to the Little Bell	6d
	Liquor Expended when ye Tennor Bell was new hung	3s 2d
	The use of a Jack	2s 6d
1758	For a new Box to ye Clapper to the Second Bell	4s 6d
	For mending ye 2nd Bell Wheel	2s 6d
	For a Roller to ye Great Bell Rope	1s 6d
	For a Ditto to the Little Bell Rope	1s 0d
	For Leather to ye Great Bell and 5th	1s 0d
	For Righting ye Third Bell 2 Days my Self and Jno Hudson & his Boy	7s 0d
	James Careleys Bill as follows
	For Nutts & Screws to the 2nd Bell	6s 6d
	For Do to the 5th	6s 6d
	For new 12lb Iron Work & Righting ye Old	9s 0d
	For mending ye 3rd Bell	4s 6d
	For a Nut & Screw to ye Tennor Bell	2s 0d
	For a New Bolt with Keys and Virgils to the 4th Bell	1s 0d
	For a Key to ye Tennor Bell	1d
	For a Staple & Stay to ye 3 Bell 9lb with Virgils & Keys & mending ye Old ones	6s 0d
	For half Staples and Nails to 3rd Bell	7d
	For Iron Work for ye Roler of ye Tennor Bell	1s 6d
	To a Great Bell Rope	10s 0d
	To a Fifth Do	8s 0d
	To a Fourth Do	7s 0d
	To a Third Do	6s 0d
	To a Second Do	5s 6d
	To a Treble Do	5s 0d
	To a Little Do	2s 0d
	To leather for ye Bells	1s 3d
1759	Thos Caswells Bill as follows
	Righting the Bells & Spaning the Cage Sprigs Nails & Labour	1s 6d
	a piece of timber to the same	2s 6d
	Righting the 2nd Bell and other Jobbs about the Church	1s 6d
	Taking down the first Bell & hanging it up my self two men Nails Labour & other Jobbs	5s 0d
	Righting the Clapr of the 2nd Bell	6d
	Mending the 2nd Bell Wheal	1s 6d
	putting on the stays of the 2 Bell Wheal	6d
	James Carleys Bill as follows
	one New Gudgan to the first Bell	2s 6d
	Vircles and Cays	1s 6d
	4 wedges	6d
	Mending 2 Cheam Hamers	1s 0d
	Mending the Stay of the Tenner Bell	1s 0d
	two Collars two Gudgans Spike & Nail wt 16lb at 4½	6s 0d
	a Tenner Bell Roipe	10s 0s
	a fift	8s 0d
	a Third	6s 0d
	Oyl for the Bells	4s 0d
	A Large Chime Rope	10s 0d
	a Second Bell Rope	5s 6d
	a Treble	5s 0d
	a Little Bell Rope	2s 0d
	a fourth	7s 0d
	Mr Newmans Bill as follows
	Drawing a Long Special agreement & articles for altering the Chimes &
	New hanging the Bells	£1 1s 0d
	fair Coppy sent Me Bayley	2s 6d
	postage of 2 Letters	6d
	Drawing Special Articles for Hanging the Bells	18s 0d
	fair Coppy sent to Mr Bush	2s 6d
	Engrossing 2 parts	10s 0d
	Bond to form Covenant form Mr Bush Mr Bellbie	5s 0d
	Paid for Stamps	2s 8d
	Attendance at Several times to take instructions for the several Articles & at Execution	3s 4d
	Paid for Stamps	5s 2d
	An order given to Henry Donn Church Warden by Swain Harbin Esq & James Hooper Esq
	to erect a Ringing Loft.
	Agreed with Herc Hodges & Robt Taylor for	£12 0s 0d
	Expences in Liquour in the agreement in putting up the Lyon	5s 0d
	Agreed with Wm Cole to draw a Hole tho' the Wall to entrer into the Ringing Loft	10s 6d
	A Sinter & Nails to turn an Arch to entre the Loft	3s 0d
	3 Days & ½ Hodges	4s 8d
	4 Days Cole which was for Walling up the sides of the entrance
	& turning an Arch by Steping of Seat holds Scaf holds	6s 0d
	Liqr at Mr Shoes	3s 6d
	Lime & Carrage	2s 11d
	Bricks to turn the Arch	2s 6d
	pd Mr Cockey for a Liden Cistern	10s 6d
	for 3 Oaken pieces to Secure the Windows	1s 6d
	paid Hercules Hodges for Oaken plank & to find all Materials for new Laying the
	Ringing Loft	£1 5s 0d
	pd for Lime & Labour for Plastering about the Arch	5s 0d
		£16 0s 1d
	Recd of Mr Newman Sixteen pounds which was for Church Lands Sold by Swain Harbin Esq
	and James Hooper Esq which discarge the above Account
	Frank Butts for Oyle	6d
	Leather for the Bells	2s 0d
	Mr Bushes agreement to New hang the 6 Bells by Bond & Article	£45 0s 0d
1760	Some payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Roap to Toal	1s 0d
	Roap for the Little Bell	2s 0d
	Cleaning the Desk & Leather to the Little Bell	1s 6d
	Oyle for the Bells	4s 0d
	Small line to draw of the Chimes	5s 0d
	Tribble Rope	3s 0d
	2	4s 0d
	3	5s 0d
	4	6s 0d
	5	7s 0d
	Tenner	8s 0d
	Paid Francis Butts for Cleaning the Tower & Bellfree	3s 0d
	paid Mr Bush for painting the Wheals & Bell stocks	£2 2s 0d
1761	Some payments included within several general unspecified bills
	1 Coffee Pot for oiling the Bells	8d
	For a new Leaver to the 2nd Bell	1s 0d
	For a new Leaver & putting a Staple to ye 2nd Bell & Labour about the 4th Bell	2s 0d
	For baring up the great Bell my Self and paid for Labour	7s 0d
	For plank to bear ye Bell	2s 6d
	For righting the first and fourth Bells	3s 6d
	For righting ye Bells	1s 0d
	For Labour taking up the 4th & great Bells	2s 6d
	For 2 planks	1s 6d
	For helping to right ye fourth Bell	6d
	For righting ye third and fourth Bells	6d
	William Davis's Bill
	For a screwd Staple & Nuts & Boulsters for ye seconf Bell 3lb & ½ at 5d	1s 5½d
	For a Hoop for ye Stock of the Tenor wt 27lb at 4½	10s 1½d
	For a screw'd Hoop for the 4th Bell wt 11lb & ½ at 5	4s 9½d
	For 4 large & 6 small Wedges at 3 Boulsters & 2 Keys	1s 7d
	For 22 Wedges & 4 Keys for the treble and fourth Bells	2s 8d
	For Screwing & Wedging ye Bells	8d
	for 10 large & 14 smaller Wedges	2s 10d
	For lengthening a Bolt a new Nut & Screw & Boulsters for the fourth Bell	1s 0d
	For mending a Hoop Staple for Ditto	8d
	For mending ye Gudgeon Bolt & wedging & screwing ye 4th Bell	8d
	For a screw's Staple and 1 Boulster for the stay of Ditto wt 3lb & ½ at 5	1s 5½d
	For Mending the Shank of ye Hammer & altering ye Spring of ye Tenor	10d
	Oyl for ye Bells	4s 0d
	Tenor Rope	8s 0d
	Fifth ditto	7s 0d
	Fourth ditto	6s 0d
	Third ditto	5s 0d
	Seconf ditto	4s 0d
	Treble ditto	3s 0d
	Little ditto	2s 0d
	For rising the Great Bell	1s 0d
1762	Some payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Oil for ye Bells	4s 0d
	Tenor Rope	8s 0d
	Fifth ditto	7s 0d
	Fourth ditto	6s 0d
	Third ditto	5s 0d
	Seconf ditto	4s 0d
	Treble ditto	3s 0d
	Little ditto	2s 0d
	Thos Caswells Bill as follows
	For righting ye Bells	1s 6d
	For new Srocking ye fourth Bell	£1 8s 0d
	For a Leaver to ye second Bell	1s 0d
	For a Leaver for Ditto	1s 0d
	For a new Leaver to ye second Bell & righting ye Bells	2s 6d
	For work done to ye Bells	1s 0d
	For a new Leaver to ye fifth Bell	1s 6d
	For Work done to ye great Bell	6d
	For taking down ye little Bell to be mended & putting it up again	2s 0d
	William Davis's Bill as follows
	5 Wedges & Wedging & Screwing ye Treble	10d
	7 Wedges & a Boulster & altering the Gudgeon Bolt & Wedging & screwing the Tenor Bell	1s 6d
	Mending the Shank of the Hammer of ye Tenor & mending & setting ye Spring	1s 4d
	Making 4 screw'd Bolts & Nuts for ye 4th Bell	1s 0d
	Making 4 bracing Clamps	1s 0d
	Mending the Gugeons & Gudgeon Bolts	1s 6d
	A new Hoop 8lb at 5d	3s 4d
	Mending an old Hoop & 6 new Wedges	11d
	Mending a screw'd Staple	4d
	Assisting Thomas Caswell in taking up the Bell & taking of the old Stock & putting on
	ye new one & Leting down ye Bell & screwing the est	2s 0d
	Mending ye Staple of the Stay of ye 2nd Bell	4d
	Righting ye Staple of ye 2nd Bell	2d
	Spikes & nailing on ye Catch of the 5th Bell	3d
	Wedges for ye Bells	6d
	Wedging the 4th Bell & Spikes for the Catch of the Ditto	8d
	A new Spring for the Tenor Hammer	1s 0d
	Drilling Holes & putting a New Staple in ye little Bell & a Clamp Staple on ye Stock
	& new Keys & righting the Rest of the Iron	4s 0d
1763	All payments included within several general unspecified bills
1764	Some payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Thos Caswells Bill as follows
	For a new Leaver to ye Great Bell	2s 0d
	A Trunk to guide the third Bell Rope	3s 0d
	Righting the first Bell	1s 0d
	A new Leaver to the third Bell	1s 6d
	Righting the fourth Bell	1s 6d
	Oil for the Bells	4s 0d
	Tenor Rope	8s 0d
	Fifth Do	7s 0d
	Fourth Do	6s 0d
	Third Do	5s 0d
	Second Do	4s 0d
	Treble Do	3s 0d
	Fine Line to Draw the Chimes	5s 0d
	Little Bell Rope	2s 0d
	A plate for the Bell	8d
1765	Some payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Oyle for the Bells	4s 0d
	Tennor Rope	8s 0d
	5th Rope	7s 0d
	4th	6s 0d
	3rd	5s 0d
	2nd	4s 0d
	1st	3s 0d
	Little Rope	5s 0d
	Thos Caswells Bill as follows	2s 0d
	A New Stock to the Little Bell & a New Wheel & Righting the Cage where ye Bell hangs	16s 0d
	Mending the Barr in the Bellfree Door & other work	2s 6d
	Righting the First Bell	1s 6d
	Mattw Cheads Bill as follows
	To 1 Bolt to the 3rd Bell	8d
	1 New Bolt and Staple to the 4th Bell	1s 2d
	2 Wedges to the 1st Bell	6d
	Mending 2 Brasses for the 5th Bell	8d
1766	Some payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Paid Matthew Chead for righting the Great Bell	3s 0d
	Paid Francis Butts for attending and lifting about the Great Bell	3s 0d
	John Slocumbs Bill for Iron and righting the Great & Treble Bells	10s 0d
	Mr Churchouse's Bill as follows
	For a Stay to the 2nd Bell	8d
	for putting up the Conveyance of ye 3rd Bell Rope	4d
	Francis Butts for Leather for the Little Bell	6d
	Mr James Foots Bill as follows
	Oyl for the Bells	4s 0d
	A Great Bell Rope	8s 0d
	5th Bell Rope	7s 0d
	4th Bell Rope	6s 0d
	3rd Bell Rope	5s 0d
	2nd Bell Rope	4s 0d
	1st Bell Rope	3s 0d
	Little Bell Rope	2s 0d
	fine Rope for Drawing ye weight	5s 0d
	Wm Phelps for 3 Days & half work About ye Clock & 5th Bell	2s 7½d
	George Gast for a piece of Oke for ye 5th Bell	2s 0d
1767	Some payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Mr James Foots Bill as follows
	Oyl for ye Bells	4s 0d
	Tennor Rope	8s 0d
	fifth Rope	7s 0d
	fourth Rope	6s 0d
	Third Rope	5s 0d
	Second Rope	4s 0d
	First Rope	3s 0d
	Little Bell Rope	2s 0d
	Thomas Churchouse's Bill as follows
	For a new Stock & Stocking ye first Bell	£1 4s 0d
	Paid for Sawing out another Stock	3s 0d
	For Hoising & Riting ye Great Bell & other work & nails in the tower	4s 0d
	for Board & Nails	6d
	Paid for ye use of ye Pulleys	1s 0d
	for a Stop to ye Catch of ye third Bell	8d
	for nails & Labour about ye Bells	3s 6d
	For a Oak Bar to ye Bellfry Door	3s 6d
	To a Letter to Mr Bilbie & Son	6½d
	John Slocombs Bill as follows
	For a new Bond & Laining ye Treble Bell	4s 0d
	For laining & righting ye gudgeon Bonds	1s 2d
	For 8 new Keys wedges	1s 4d
	For 2 new Stays pices & 4 new nuts & righting the Staple Bolts	2s 6d
	For a new Cross & new head & laining ye gudgeon Bolts of ye Tenor Bell	3s 6d
	For altering ye Clapper & righting ye nuts & Screws of ye tennor Bell	1s 3d
	For 12 wedges for ye tennor Stock	1s 6d
	For a handle & pin & righting ye Casement of ye Bellferry window	1s 2d
	At a Vestry this day called upon proper and regular Notice given for that purpose We do order and direct
	the presnt Churchwardens Mr Thos Hobbs and Mr George Gast to get two new Bells to be added to
	the present Ring of Bells now in the Tower, which Bells are to be of Notes above the present Bells and that
	Mr Belby the Bell-Founder be consulted on the occasion and his Terms be reported to the Town of Yeovill
	for their Approbation or Disapprobation thereof.    8 March 1768
	At a Vestry held the 14 March 1768 after due Notice given thereof it was agreed between the Inhabitants
	of this Town and Mr Thos Bilbie that two new Bells be made by Mr Bilbie over the present Ring of Bells
	now in this Tower the Same to be made and placed in the Tower as soon as possible which Bells upon
	the present Computation will be about twenty hundred Weight and We do empower the present
	Churchwardens to pay Mr Bilbie for the Bells when made in Tune with the others in a Workmanlike
	manner (at the rate of Fourteen pence a pound) and to the Satisfaction of us whose Names are here
	subscribed (the Carriage and hanging of bthe Bells to be paid for by the Town and Mr Bilbie to Service
	the Bells when Hung in the Tower for one Year after placed there.
	At the same time agreed with Mr Joseph Beckett to alter the Top Frame in the Tower and completely
	hang the two new Bells to the Content of Mr Bilbie and the Satisfaction of us and find all Materials
	exept the Brasses for eleven Guineas
1768	Some payments included within several general unspecified bills
	Oyl for the Bells	4s 0d
	Tenor Rope	8s 0d
	Seventh	7s 0d
	Sixth	6s 0d
	fifth	5s 0d
	fourth	4s 0d
	third	3s 0d
	Second	2s 6d
	First	2s 6d
	Little Bell Rope	2s 0d
	To 2 new Bells weighed 2317lb The Brasses 26½	£136 14s 1d
	To the Clappers 65½ @ 6	£1 12s 9d
	To Jo: Beckets Bill for Hanging the Bells & as appears per Bill	£13 16s 9d
	To the Carriage of the 2 Bells	£4 4s 0d
	To the Postage of a Lettr from Belbie	3½d
	To Cash paid for unloading the Bells	2s 6d
	To Jo White    Do   Do	1s 0d
	To James Butts    Do   Do	1s 0d
	To Francis Butts    Do   Do	1s 0d
	Liquor helping about the Bells	2s 6d
1769	From this point on, all payments (except for oil and almost annual new bell ropes)
	are generally included within several general unspecified bills