Ropley (St Peter) Hampshire

In June 2014 this church was destroyed by fire, with the timber-framed tower and bells suffering considerable damage. The church and tower have been beautifully restored, and the bells have now been reinstalled in the rebuilt tower. The 5th bell has been recast in facsimile and the 3rd has been repaired by specialist welding techniques. The remaining bells were heat-treated to relieve any built-up stresses. Unfortunately the 4th bell became cracked during the initial test ring, and it is likely that this will be reast in a similar manner to the 5th. We have provided the parish with a temporary 4th bell whilst the work takes place. The bells have been hung with all new fittings in a new galvanized steel bellframe. Ringing now takes place from the ground-floor.

The recast 5th bell, just prior to installation.

The recast 5th bell being hoisted up the outside of the tower.