Bells

History

The bells in St Mark's Church were originally six in number.  These were hung in the tower in 1904 as a memorial to Canon Ponsonby (The Rev'd the Honourable Maurice Ponsonby, later Baron de Mauley), Vicar of St Mark's 1879-1903, and thus a minor peal of bells could be heard over the Railway Works or the town, according to the direction of the wind.  The bells were cast by Messrs Llewellyn & James, of Bristol.  The tenor bell weighed 12 cwt.  The inscriptions of the bells: 1. John, 2. Maurice, 3. George,
4. Ponsonby, 5. Vicar 1879-1903, 6. John Maurice George Ponsonby, Vicar 1879-1903.  The total cost of this work was £494.  Two more bells to complete the peal were added in 1927.  These were cast by Messrs Mears & Stainbank, of Whitechapel.

Present Day

The bells were eventually quarter-turned in the 1980s and are still rung at for Sunday and other services, as well as for anniversaries, special occasions and weddings.

Bell ringing practice is on Wednesday night commencing at 7.30pm.  All bell ringers, whether visitors or newly-arrived in Swindon, are welcome to attend.   New ringers are always welcome to come along on Sunday mornings at 9.30 am or Wednesday evenings.  Recruits are always welcomed.

Further Information

Contact the Secretary (Maureen Edwards) telephone: 01793 694964, or the Parish Office