Durham, St Oswald

8 Bells
12-3-6 in F_#

Tower contact – Chris Mansfield (Tower Captain)

Ringing Times
Sunday – 10:30am to 10:55am
Monday Practice – 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Visitors always welcome but are advised to get in touch in advance.

St. Oswald’s church in Durham has a fine peal of eight bells which are rung regularly for services on Sundays, for practice on Monday evenings, and for weddings and other special occasions. Bells have rung out from St. Oswald’s since at least the year 1553.

Six bells, perhaps using metal from four earlier bells, were cast by Christopher Hodson and hung for English style change ringing in 1694. One of these was recast in 1885. By the mid 20th century the bells were rarely rung in the full circle style and fell into a state of disrepair. Following a long restoration programme beginning in 1970, the bells were replaced by the new ring of eight cast by John Taylor & Co. in 1977. Two of the original Hodson bells are now on display in the church.

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