ripon Holy Trinity

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History

Built in 1826/7 by Thomas Taylor architect of Leeds.  Large north and south transepts and west tower with tall broach spire.

Bells

Two bells.  One hung for ringing and the smaller bell for swing chiming but with a full-wheel.  Both now in poor condition.  The larger bell is a long way from home.  It began life as the fourth of six at Sturminster Newton in Dorset. William Dobson of Downham Market replaced some bells in this peal and the John Wallis bell was one of those.  Clearly, Dobson, who himself cast good-toned bells, recognised this bell as worthy of re-use and supplied it to Holy Trinity.

A letter exists in the Lincoln Cathedral archives:

Ripon May 21 1827

 Sir,

 In compliance with your wish for an immediate reply to yours which I received yesterday I lose no time in forwarding to you my Decision.   Relying upon it that the lighter of the two Dorsetshire Bells is such as satisfactory to yourself you can recommend I have no hesitation in accepting your offer of it on the terms proposed.   I shall also thank youto send me "Stock, Wheel, brasses, Gudgeons, Screw'd Iron Work & Roller" Complete.  The whole will come to Ripon by Canal from Hull.   Altho' I have the pleasure of numbering Messrs Allen & Whitacre amongst my particular Friends, I have been in both their Churches on Week Days, it so happens that I have never heard the Sound of either Bell.  Not so, however, with another very dear Old Friend of mine, The Revd Hammond Robinson of Liversedge.   The Ring of Bells with which you have supplied him has delighted me again & again & never more so than when I attended to preach the Consecration Sermon before our Good Archbishop.   They are universally considered as doing you a great Credit & had a peal been wanted here (which is not the case on Account of the vicinity of my new Church to the Minster) I should certainly have applied to you for it in Preference to Mr Mears, or any other.

I am Sir

Your most obedient & humble Servant

 (Signed)E Kilvington

Liversedge church was also built by Thomas Taylor.

Bell Founder Date Cwt-Qtr-Lb Diameter Note
1 James Shaw & Co. of Bradford 1899 1 cwt. 17.75" C#
2 John Wallis of Salisbury 1594 11cwt 39" G

Inscriptions

1 on shoulder:        SHAW & CO.  //  1899

2 IB:                      FEARE GOD 1594  I W

Frame and Fittings

Two separate frames - both wooden with typical braces.  The frame for the larger bell has corner posts built onto the frame ends.  Wooden headstocks with plain bearings and traditional wheels.  The larger bell has a stay and slider and it is fitted with an Ellacombe hammer.

Sources

ARA October 2012