12

Norwich

S Peter Mancroft

12, tenor 37-3-15 in C

Monday 19:45

Norwich St Peter Mancroft Church Image

Norwich St Peter Mancroft

The largest ringing peal in East Anglia, the majority of the bells were cast in 1775 by Pack & Chapman. The tenor was recast in 1814 by Thomas Mears II. In 1909 a flat sixth was added, cast by Mears & Stainbank, enabling a true light 8 (18 ½ cwt) to be rung. Finally, in 1997 a sharp treble was added, cast by Whitechapel Bell Foundry. This enables a true light 10 (18 ½ cwt) and a light 6 (9 ½ cwt). The current H-frame was installed by Taylors of Loughborough in 1924. The bells are a challenging ring not only because of the weight but also the very long draft of rope, over 60ft, requiring three sets of rope guides.

The church of St Peter Mancroft is one of only 44 churches in the Greater Churches Network and is a gem at the heart of the city of Norwich. There has been a church on the site since 1075. The current building was begun in 1430 and consecrated 25 years later. Much of the current building's consistent style is founded on this single key phase of construction. The building was designed as a deliberate display of wealth by the merchants of Norwich, it being the second city, after London. Simon Jenkins writes in England's Thousand Best Churches: "Few who enter St Peter's for the first time can stifle a gasp. The sense of space and light is overwhelming. To those who find Perpendicular bland or lacking in shadow or mystery, Norwich answers with a blaze of daylight, as if the sky itself had been invited to pray." (Simon Rudd)

Location

  • BranchNorthern
  • CountyNorfolk
  • PostcodeNR2 1QX
  • DioceseNorwich
  • Latitude52.62780
  • Longitude1.29223
  • Grid RefTG229084

Ringing

  • Bells12
  • Tenor37-3-15 in C
  • ConditionExcellent
  • AccessibilityModerate
  • Fair length of sprial stairs
  • Practice DayMonday 19:45
  • Sunday Service Ringing09:15 and 16:00
  • Evening ringing: 1st general ringing (16:15), others quarter peal (please check)
  • First PealPlain Bob Triples
  • 02 May 1715

Extra Information

  • The West Gate underneath the tower is open during practice times and access is via a small external door on the south side of the tower. There is an additional treble and flat sixth.
  • Toilet Available
  • Broads Tower

Membership

16
2001
15
2002
18
2003
18
2004
17
2005
17
2006
18
2007
18
2008
19
2009
18
2010
18
2011
18
2012
25
2013
26
2014
26
2015
22
2016
22
2017
19
2018
19
2019
20
2020
20
2021
18
2022
21
2023

Contact