Ring our Historic Bells
6 Bells | 9-0-14 in G# | Cast by Robert Dalton of York in 1789
Restored for Change Ringing in 1988 by John Taylor & Co. of Loughborough
The last peal of bells to be cast by a York Bellfounder
Ringing at St Olave’s Church York
Ring our Historic Bells!
Cast by Robert Dalton in 1789, the bells of St Olave’s were the last peal cast by a York bellfounder, thus ending a York tradition which lasted over 600 years. The historic bells were restored in 1988 by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough. Further maintenance was undertaken in 2018, when a microprocessor-controlled chiming mechanism was fitted. The bells now chime the quarter hours (Westminster Chimes) during the daytime, and also chime before Sunday services when ringers are not available. Currently the local band rings on the first Sunday of the month for the 10:30am Eucharist, from 9:45am. As the schedule sometimes changes, do get in touch if you wish to join us. We welcome visiting bands, and ringing can be arranged for weddings and special occasions. The bells are a ground floor ring at the west end of the church.
Ronald Dove
Ronald Dove, compiler of A Bellringer’s Guide to the Church Bells of Britain, was a member of the congregation of St Olave’s in his latter years, and was a moving force behind the 1988 restoration so that the historic bells could be rung once more. There is a memorial to Ron Dove at the foot of the tower, created by Charles Gurrey. You can download the Ringing World article about the bell restoration in 1988 by clicking or tapping on the button below:
Visiting Ringers
How to Request the Bells
The tower correspondents are Roger and Helen Button. They can be contacted by phone or email:
Telephone: 07729 713490
Email: bells@stolaveschurch.org.uk
Details of the Bells and Frame
Inscriptions on the Bells
- With chearfull voice, Lord, I’ll sing to thee.
1789. Dalton maker, York - Have faith in Christ, and live eternally.
1789. Dalton maker, York - We call, Come ye, watch and pray.
1789. Dalton maker, York - In praise to God loudly we unite. Halleluiah!
1789. Dalton maker, York - In concert all Jehovah’s name resound.
1789. Dalton maker, York - To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, eternal glory raise.
1789. Dalton maker, York
William Dade, Vicar.
William Bayldon
Christopher Bearpark
William Cuthbert
Richard Wood Churchwardens
Gallery – Click or tap on the images to display large versions
Watch and hear the bells in action!
Sunday service chimes
Peals rung on the bells
The first peal on the bells followed the 1988 restoration. The peals up to and including 2020 are shown below. For up-to-date lists and more details about the peals, please see the sources: www.felstead.org.uk and www.peals.co.uk
