Bell Ringers, Congresbury
Find out more about the bell ringers who call our village to worship and celebration.
Welcome
St Andrew’s Church in Congresbury, Somerset, features a C13/C15 tower with a distinctive octagonal spire. The tower is a striking feature of the church and village, combining medieval origins with later restoration and rebuilding work. It houses a heavy ring of 8 bells, which remain in active use for services and special occasions.
Tower History and Architecture
The tower is a two-stage structure with an octagonal, tapering spire. It was originally built in the 13th century and later remodelled in the 15th century, reflecting the long and evolving history of the church.
By 1633, the tower and spire were showing serious signs of structural failure and were taken down. They were subsequently rebuilt, although the overall height was reduced by approximately 15 feet.
As part of this rebuilding, a coat of arms belonging to Sir Francis Popham was incorporated into the structure in recognition of his financial support.
Architectural features of the tower include diagonal buttresses, decorative gargoyles (predominantly on the north side), and a distinctive two-leaf plank door. Over the centuries, the tower and church have undergone several major restorations, including work carried out in 1825, 1856, and 1950–52.
Bells and Ringing History
The tower contains a “heavy” ring of eight bells, providing a deep and resonant sound that is well known in the area.
The oldest bell was cast in 1606 by George Purdue, a notable West Country bell founder. The full ring spans a long historical period, with bells dating from 1606 through to 1910, reflecting centuries of ongoing maintenance, enhancement, and care.
The tenor (largest) bell weighs approximately 3812 lb (1729 kg / 34-0-4) and strikes the note of C.
These bells remain in active use today, continuing a strong tradition of ringing at St Andrew’s.
Heritage and Church Features
St Andrew’s Church is a building rich in history, with its tower standing as one of its most recognisable features. The combination of medieval origins, later rebuilding, and continued restoration work makes it a significant architectural landmark in Congresbury.
Together, the tower, spire, and bells form an important part of the church’s heritage and its ongoing role in village life.
Bell Ringing at St Andrew’s
Bell ringing at Congresbury continues as an active and valued tradition. The bells are regularly rung for Sunday services and special occasions, maintaining a strong connection between past and present generations of ringers.
Our bellringers are proud custodians of this historic set of bells, continuing the long-standing tradition of change ringing within the parish.
How to Join Us
We are always pleased to welcome new ringers, whether you are completely new to bell ringing or have previous experience.
If you would like to find out more, you are very welcome to come along and meet the team. Bell ringing is a friendly and inclusive activity, and full training will be given to anyone interested in learning.
To join us or find out more, please speak to a member of the ringing team or contact St Andrew’s Church.