A Potted History to Ringing in Sussex

chi_cath.jpg (31377 bytes) Full circle ringing probably took place in Sussex towards the end of the 15th Century. Change Ringing was probably introduced by Bryan Eldridge, the bell founder, in the latter half of the 17th century. 

The advance of change ringing in the county was reflected by the introduction of rings of 8 bells in the 18th century, Bolney (1724) and Chichester (1729) being the first. The first 3 hour peal was rung at Battle in 1739 by a band from Wye (Kent) and was probably false. The first true peal by Sussex men took place at Horsham on 11th April 1766.
1885 Sussex County Association was formally launched at a meeting at St. Peter's Church, Brighton, called by George Attree on January 24th.  The object was to promote Belfry Reform and to re-establish our link with the Church.  Representatives from 25 churches in Sussex were present.
1890's Ringers of St. Peter's Brighton were among the leading practitioners of the art in England.
1893 Due to the shape of the County, Association was split into three Divisions
1932 Central Division was divided into North and South - making four divisions
1970 Bell Restoration Fund was formed with a transfer of £44 from the Association's General Account
1974 The Association, including the Bell Restoration Fund was registered as a Charity
1995 Permanent Ringing Exhibition opened on the gallery at Arundel Church, containing various artefacts including several models on the various stages on how a bell is cast which were made by the late George Elphick

Members of the Sussex County Association have worked hard and had a lot of fun in achieving bell restorations and augmentations, training days, publicity, fund-raising and recruitment, as well as reminding people that we ring bells to the glory of God.