This (below) is the belltower belonging to the church at the end of my road in Brighton. It's a lovely old flint-and-stone-built church with a few very nice features.
Every Sunday morning at 10am they ring the bells. The door at the bottom is left open, and I sit on that sloping gravestone on the right with Billy, and we listen to the changes. They usually continue for about 20 mins.
I believe there are 8 bells; the huge tenor bell having the inscription 'Pray for our children, pray for our sailors, pray for our town'.
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At the opposite end of the church is this 'corner' (below) which appeals to me as an ex-stone-cutter. It is the sort of work I used to do myself. Nothing fancy, just jobbing work.
I note that some of the stones have been replaced, and very nicely done too. Stone cutting is very satisfying work. I've only done basic openings, lintels for fireplaces, faux medieval windows, etc, but seeing one's work in situ after many years is always a pleasure. In this case both the Flushwork and Proudwork are beautifully done. One can still see the repairs, but they'll soon mellow.
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p.s. Flushwork are the cut stones that sit flush with the flint, and Proudwork is that which projects in front of the flint. Both are illustrated above.
I have family in the construction business, mostly concrete, so I know what flush and proud are. The repairs look good and will be hardly noticeable in a decade or so.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's been nicely done. It must have been completed whilst we were away.
DeleteI had a friend who used to carve gargoyles. Back breaking work.
ReplyDeleteThe work I did was much simpler. Basically windows and doorways, but with some flourish.
DeleteThe local vicar complained about the noise the patrons of the local pub made when leaving the pub on a Saturday night. The landlord complained about the church clock striking the hour throughout the night. I believe a compromise was reached.
ReplyDeleteIt used to be that the drinkers complained when the Landlord rang the bell for 'Last Orders'.
DeleteI don't think you have to be Religious to enjoy some of our fine old English Churches. They're like relics from our past, and older than many standing houses.
ReplyDeleteThey tell us that many Religious buildings were destroyed by Henry VIII during the Reformation. Which seemed such a shame. I suspect that some non Church goers fall to temptation when the annual Carol Service comes around each year.
Me included. I went last year, and I shall go again this year. I just love singing carols.
DeleteI know where to come for help if our old pile starts to crumble and need repair.
ReplyDeleteI've hung-up my chisels these days, but I like the idea.
DeleteWe live in a town with two church bells to chime the hours. I like it the sound. Part of the happy frame work my life is built within.
ReplyDeleteIn France we can hear two lots of church bells. They're just several seconds apart.
DeleteHow nice to sit with Billy and listen to the bells.
ReplyDeleteI think he enjoys them too.
DeleteI have visited hundreds of ancient parish churches in England. It's always interesting to note the materials and methods used in construction. In this regard, every church has a story to tell.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like flint. Most of Brighton buildings are built from rubbish (amusingly called Bungeroosh) so pukka flint walls are quite special.
DeleteAn ancient craft
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I suppose I used much the same methods as the Pyramid builders. Hard work.
DeleteThis is a beautiful very old church. The stone work is impressive. You and Billy have some nice destinations to visit. The melodic sound of church bells is always enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteOur church in France has electronic bells, so to sit and watch a group of 8 men and women doing it by hand is a real treat.
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