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You may have heard or read about the possibility of a Sussex bell-frame becoming an exhibit at the Weald & Downland Museum at Singleton.
The background to this is that Stoughton have been exploring what could be done to improve the “go” of their bells and what would be necessary to enable an augmentation to 6. The tower contains a 17thC timber 3-bell frame to which a two-bell steel side frame was added by Eayre & Smith in 1996.
The reports from bell-hangers confirmed the opinion that to upgrade the ring required the installation of a new steel frame. Unfortunately, as there is insufficient room for both the old frame and a new frame and there is normally an understandable reluctance by the Diocese and Heritage bodies to allow removal of historic components from a Church as this destroys their historical connection, this could have presented a major problem.
A way forward was seen when, during a discussion with the Weald & Downland Museum by a Stoughton parishioner, the Museum expressed an interest in providing a home for the bell-frame. Coincidentally the Museum was also approached by The Worshipful Company of Carpenters with funding for the construction of a timber spire to demonstrate and teach the art of oak shingling. Thus a bell-frame would have a very suitable partner!
The necessary faculty application for the installation of a new frame for 6, including the relocation of the old frame to Singleton, was made to the Diocese last year. The DAC, after due consideration of the comments made by the interested Heritage bodies, but recognising the unique situation offered by the bell-frame transferring to a reputable Museum for display to the public, has given its permission for the project to go ahead.
The frame will be dismantled and re-erected at ground level underneath the “new” spire by the museum’s experienced team. If a suitable bell can be found then this could be hung with appropriate fittings.
It is intended that there will be exhibits illustrating the frame in its original position on the floor of the Stoughton bell chamber and recounting the history of the bells, parish and manor and an opportunity to explain a little about the art of bell-ringing using suitable visual displays.
This
exhibit could thus become a valuable publicity outlet for our
Association and contributions by us will be greatly appreciated by the
Museum. We can look forward to participating in a very exciting
project.