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The church is described as having a ‘small embattled tower’ at the West end – the tower arch springs from moulded capitals dating from the 14th Century and there are 3 bells in the tower. There is a story that prior to 1723 there were 5 bells and in that year two were removed and the metal was using in the recasting of the bells at Yardley Hastings. This may well be true as there is evidence of beams in Denton tower where these bells could have hung.
Over 100 years after they cast the treble bell in 1827 John Taylor and Co were still in business operating from their bell foundry in Loughborough and in 1939 they were asked to visit the church and report on, and quote for, restoration and repairs of all the Denton bells.
The vicar, Rev. Eltoft, received the following reply dated 17th February 1939.
Rev. Sir, Denton Church – Bells.
In accordance with our recent correspondence, our Mr. Fidler visited the tower of Denton Church on Wednesday, the 15th. Inst. ,and made a careful inspection of the ring of three bells; we have pleasure in submitting to you the following report upon the condition, together with our recommendations.
THE BELLS
The treble bell was cast by Robert Taylor, the first Taylor of our present firm, in 1827, whilst the 2nd., dated 1625 and the tenor, dated 1629, are the work of James Keene of Bedford and Woodstock – the weight of the tenor bell is probably about 5-cwts.
The clappers of the treble and tenor bells are secured to staples which were “cast-in” the heads of the bells at the time of founding; the stump of the staple of the 2nd bell still remains in the head, but the clanger is suspended from a staple of a so-called “false” type. The old staples are of a type which is a frequent cause of bells becoming cracked in the crown owing to the expansion, due to corrosion, of the ironwork of the staple. In order to avoid any likelihood of your Church bells becoming cracked in this way, we advise the careful removal of the old staples so that new ones of an independent pattern may be fitted – this would be done by means of a bolt passing through a hole which we would drill through the centre of each bell head.
CARRIAGE Including all carriage of the bells fittings, framework, girders etc and of all tools, hoisting tackle etc. between the Church and our Works.
ESTIMATE We undertake to restore the peal in accordance with the foregoing specification in the sum of ………… £190. 0. 0d (ONE HUNDRED & NINETY POUNDS).
APPENDED (A) If at the outset the new bellframe and supporting girders are made suitable for a ring of five bells i.e. provision to be made for two new smaller bells, the cost would be an additional ………… £28. 0. 0d. (TWENTY - EIGHT POUNDS)
APPENDED (B). To supply two new smaller bells to complete the peal to a ring of five, the new bells to be cast of the finest quality bellmetal, alloy of copper and tin, and to be tuned to form the best possible “splice” with the existing bells; including the requisite ringing fittings, carriage and installation, assuming that this is done in conjunction with the afore-mentioned, would amount to a further ………… £98. 0. 0d. (NINETY - EIGHT POUNDS).
INSCRIPTION Inscriptions may be cast upon the new bells at an extra charge of 6d. (sixpence) per letter.
GENERAL The above estimates do not include the small amount of mason’s and joiner’s work as explained in covering report.
We provide for all bellhangers’ time and expenses, etc. at work in the tower and travelling, also all assistance, insurance etc. – all workmen engaged by us being insured under the Employers’ Liability and Workmen’s Compensation Acts.
We take responsibility for damage caused to the fabric of the Church by men in our employ during the progress of the work in the tower.
We are covered by insurance against Public Liability during the progress of the work in the Church.
We undertake to carry out the work to the satisfaction of the Church Council and Ringers.
(signed John Taylor & Co)
There is no evidence of exactly what reply was given but it is obvious the estimate was not accepted – but perhaps understandable in view of the date – war was less than a year away.
Many years later, in 1954 an intriguing possibility arose whereby Denton might have been able to acquire two further bell to make a ring of five in total.
The story was reported at the time as follows -
BELLS FROM 'DEAD' VILLAGE FOR DENTON CHURCH?
FOUND IN GRASS NEAR RUINS.
The 'dead' village of Faxton - lying in the fields near Lamport -where the population has been diminishing so swiftly in recent years that it is now less than double figures, may soon give up one of its treasures to Denton.
For there is a proposal that the two historic bells which once called Faxton's people to prayer at the little village church of St. Denis should be given to Denton Church.
The bells were found lying in the grass near the ruins of Faxton Church last year by Mr Percy Amos, the campanologist, of 30, Inkerman Terrace. Northampton.
He wrote to the Bishop of Peterborough (Dr Spencer Leeson) who allowed Mr Amos to take care of the bells. They are now in safe keeping at Walgrave.
MANY CONSULTATIONS FIRST
The vicar of Denton (the Rev. H. C. R. Eltoft) told the 'Chronicle & Echo' there was now a proposal that the bells should be given to Denton church, but a lot of consultations would have to take place. The whole thing would have to be decided by a commission, which would probably comprise the Bishop of Peterborough, the Rector of Faxton benefice, the church warden, and Mr. Eltoft.
'If we get the bells' , said Mr. Eltoft 'we should have to take out the wooden frame of our present bell-tower and replace it with a wrought iron frame. Placed above Denton's existing three bells, the Faxton bells would then make a pleasant ring of five. All the bells would be slung in ball-bearings'.
MUTE APPEAL FOR FUNDS
Questioned about expense the vicar said 'I was thinking of putting the bells on display in the church alongside an account of their history. It would be a sort of mute appeal for funds'.
He estimated the cost of reconstructing the bell-tower at Denton at between £300 -£400.
Note : The bells were made in the 18th century by Penn, of Peterborough, but they have not been heard now for some years. One of them which was attached to a rope covered with hay bands was once rung by cows that invaded the ruined 13th centruy church and nibbled at the rope.
Frustatingly the story ends there. We know the bells never did come to Denton but why that was the outcome may be impossible to find out.
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