Bellringer's at St Andrew's
Discover the tradition and community of our St Andrew’s Banwell bell ringers.
Welcome
St Andrew’s Church in Banwell features a 100-foot (30 m) high West tower dating from around 1400s. It is a prominent Grade I listed example of 15th-century Somerset Perpendicular architecture and remains one of the most striking landmarks in the village. The tower houses ten bells, which play an important role in both worship and community life.
Bell Ringing at St Andrew’s
Our bellringers would be very happy to welcome newcomers. We practice every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm, and no experience is needed as full training will be given by the team.
Our Tower Captain is Charles Rice and is always happy to help and support newcomers.
Ringers need to be able to climb a narrow staircase to access the ringing chamber.
The bells are rung fortnightly for Sunday services at 10:30am, and for special occasions including weddings, Remembrance Sunday, and other important events in the life of the church and community. Our bellringers take great pride in maintaining this historic set of bells and continuing the tradition of change ringing within the parish.
Tower History and Architecture
The West tower was constructed around 1400 as part of the wider rebuilding of St Andrew’s Church during the 15th century. Standing at approximately 100 feet high, it dominates the surrounding landscape and serves as a defining feature of Banwell.
The west face of the tower includes a fine architectural representation of the Annunciation, featuring a niche for the Virgin Mary and a lily pot motif, reflecting the rich religious symbolism of the period.
A clock was installed in the 16th century, with the current clock being installed in 1884, adding another important civic function to this historic structure.
Bells and Ringing History
The tower contains a peal of ten bells, offering a full and versatile ring for both traditional change ringing and special occasions.
The bells span the 18th to 20th centuries, reflecting centuries of ongoing care, restoration, and improvement. Among the most notable are bells cast by Thomas Bilbie of the renowned West Country Bilbie family, with examples dated 1734 and 1742.
This historic collection connects generations of ringers and continues to be a living tradition within the parish.
Heritage and Church Features
St Andrew’s Church is rich in heritage beyond the tower itself. Inside the church can be found a 12th-century font and a 15th-century pulpit, both of which highlight the long and continuous history of Christian worship at the site. The rood screen, dating from 1521–22, separates the nave (where the congregation sits) from the chancel (where the altar is) and is our real gem, as few such screens survive in the north of the county.
The tower remains one of the most substantial and recognisable features of Banwell Parish Church, symbolising centuries of faith, craftsmanship, and community life.
How to Join Us
If you are curious about bell ringing or would like to give it a try, we would be delighted to hear from you. Whether you are completely new or have some experience, you will be made very welcome.
Come along to one of our Wednesday evening practices at 7:30pm, have a look around, and see what it’s all about. There is no obligation to commit, just an opportunity to meet the team and try something new in a friendly and supportive environment.
For more information, you can speak to any member of the ringing team or contact us through St Andrew’s Church.
