Of the six bells at Morton, the second, fifth and sixth (tenor) date from 1755, and were cast by Thomas Eayre of Kettering, and the smallest (treble), in 1892 by John Taylor & Co., so it seems appropriate that the companies that cast most of the bells, and have now merged, come and do the work on them. In 1889, John Taylor & Co undertook to completely re-hang the five bells in a timber and cast iron frame that is still in excellent condition, and in 1892, added the treble that makes up the six. It is interesting to note that the bells were never removed for tuning, and with the fourth cast in 1798 by John Briant of Hertford, and the third in 1816 by Thomas Osbourn of Downham Market, the tonal relationship of the bells can only be described at best as “fair”. At the same time as the bells were re-hung, provision was made in the frame for two more smaller bells, which could be added at a later date to make up a ring of eight. The first peal of 5040 changes on the six bells was rung on 2^nd March 1901, in 3 hours. The last peal to be rung, on 12^th February 2006, took 2 hours and fifty minutes.

In the autumn of 1932, Alfred Bowell of Ipswich, “dismantled and thoroughly repaired the bells”, at a cost of £120.

Apart from routine maintenance and oiling, that was the last time that the bells were worked on. The bells were heavy going on plain bearings, out of tune, and were not particularly liked by local ringers.

In 1997, the bells and fittings were inspected and recommendations made, to the effect that a complete refit of all moving parts was required, the only original parts being re-used would be the frame and the bells themselves. However this was not going to happen with the bells not being rung on a regular basis, so an appeal was made in the Parish magazine for potential new ringers. With the help of Nigel Saxton-Howes of Rippingale, who with great patience, has persevered and tutored, a capable band was formed, and regular ringing started. A debt of gratitude is owed to Nigel, not only by the Morton ringers, but all the ringers in the Ringstone in Aveland group of parishes.

With the help and support of the Parochial Church Council, several bellhangers and founders were approached, and after due consideration of all of the proposals, Taylors Eayre & Smith were asked to do the work.

When work is completed, the bells should sound in tune, and will call out to worshippers for many years to come.

With thanks to Taylors Eayre and Smith, photographs are going to be taken as work progresses, and posted on this web site.

If you have any queries about the bells at St John the Baptist, please contact the tower captain.

For information on the internet, start with the Taylors Eayre and Smith website, to find out what they do, and for ringing in general, the Central Council for Church Bellringers which has links to all things bell ringing.