St Peter’s Bell Restoration Update

After an incredible amount was raised by residents and friends of the parish, work begun this month on the much needed restoration and repair of the bells at St Peter’s, West Lydford.

This has started with the removal of two of the headstocks – the part that attaches the very heavy bells to the frame – and all six clappers for remedial work. Photos of the process can be seen below.

Photo of one of the bells with chains holding it still so it can be taken apart, with another bell seen next to it
A photo of three men removing a headstock from one of the bells
A photo of six bell clappers of varying sizes, sat on a wooden trolley
A photo of two bells, headstocks removed, left in situ in the bell tower
Photo of one of the bells with chains holding it still so it can be taken apart
Photo of a dissasembled frame of one of the church bells
A photo of one of the headstocks being carefully lowered through a trapdoor
A photo of two men pulling a large wooden trolley loaded with two headstocks and the six clappers through the church yard