Note 200 — THE TOWER
Reading edition
In the last century it was a favourite custom with village bellringers to set forth their rules in verse. They were generally painted on a board and fixed in the belfry. In all cases the rhyme appears to be the production of native talent. The rules are themselves unexceptionable. The following are examples:—
In the belfry, Charlwood,—
"Ye men of action, strength, and skill, Observe these rules which I do will: First,—Let none presume to swear, Nor e'er profane the house of Prayer. Next,—He that doth a bell o'erthrow A groat shall forfeit where'er he go; And if he do refuse to pay, Be scorn'd, and simply go his way, Like one who will for ever wrangle As touching of a rope to jangle."
In the belfry, Bredgar,—
"My friendly ringers, I do declare You must pay one penny each oath you do swear. To turn a bell over It is the same fare; To ring with your hats on you must not dare. "MDCCLI."
In the belfry, All Saints', Hastings,—
"This is a belfry that is free For all those that civil be; And if you please to chime or ring, It is a very pleasant thing. There is no music play'd or sung Like unto bells when they're well rung; Then ring your bells well if you can; Silence is best for every man. But if you ring in spur or hat Sixpence you pay, be sure of that; And if a bell you overthrow Pray pay a groat before you go. "1756."