The Abbey Bells

After the Benedictines came to the Abbey in 1876, a peal of eight bells was given to the church by Francis Genders. They were dedicated in January 1878. Each bell, as is the custom, was named after a saint, in this case the patrons of the Abbey: The bells were named: St Thomas of Canterbury, St Edmund of Canterbury, St Mary Magdalene, St Zita, St Francis of Assisi, St Joseph and St Frances de Sales. On each bell was inscribed "Pray for England."

They were cast by John Taylor & Co., Founders, of Loughborough. In 1951 they were recast, and this photo shows the children of the Abbey school looking at them before they were hung. 

The teacher in the photo is believed to be Mrs De La Rouche, whom the pupils nicknamed Mrs Dell. If you know anybody in the photo or know even more about the bells please do get in touch by adding a comment below.