Set in the heart of Braintree in Essex is the beautiful 13th century church of St Michael’s. St Michael’s church is home to 10 bells the largest being 11-1-21 cwt (581kg). The church originally only had 6 bells (the heaviest 6) which were installed in 1859 and cast by George Mears of Whitechapel Bell Foundry. 2 more lighter bells were added in 1899 to make it a ring of 8 bells. These 2 bells were cast by John Warner of London Bell Foundry. Finally, in 1971 the final 2 lightest bells were added to make a ring of 10 bells. These last 2 were cast by Whitechapel Bell Foundry London. The lightest bell weighs 4-0-13 cwt (203kg).

In January 2018 an inspection was undertaken on the bells of St Michael’s church. This report highlighted some major issues with the bells due to the deterioration and erosion over the last 160 years; no major work has been carried out since installation. The bells now need to be refurbished in order for them to be rung for many years to come.

The refurbishment will involve removing all 10 bells from the tower one at a time onto a lorry where they will be taken to the Bell Foundry. Once at the Bell Foundry, the bells will undergo the replacement of bearings and seals, worn and flattened metal will be reshaped and the clappers will be repaired and fitted. Finally, the 10 bells will be re-tuned before shipping them back to the church tower for hanging. The 10 bells will then be hoisted back into the tower one at a time, fitting them into their position and connecting all working parts.

Once the refurbishment of the bells has been completed, we are going to refurbish the ringing room. This is to restore the walls that are starting to crumble and peel. The refurbishment is involve restoring the walls with special church plaster and paint. We will also fit the ringing room with new furniture.

The full refurbishment project is estimated to cost in the region of £55,000. In order to fund the project, funds will be received from Grants, Trusts, Bell Restoration Funds, Community Projects, Fundraising and donations. Should somebody wish to donate a reasonable sum, then we are keen for them to have their name inscribed on one of the bells in thanks.