Bells

The old bells came originally from Disley Church and the ring of six was installed in the tower at Norbury in 1837.

Two of the bells, dating from 1617, are inscribed: "Jesus be our speed" and "God save the King." These are such fine examples of the old bell founders craft that they were preserved when the bells were recast in 1925. They are now placed on display on beams high over the entrance to the church in the lower bell tower room whose ceiling has the painted decoration shown here.

The other four bells date from 1682, 1748, 1750 and 1837. The oldest of these was re-cast in 1873. In 1925 these four bells were re-cast and re-tuned, and new inscriptions added; and four new bells were added, making a ring of eight bells instead of six, with a new cast-iron frame.

The old and new inscriptions are as follows:

Treble - (PETR LEE, Esq. 1750)

Re-cast 1925, as the Gift of the Nonconformists of Hazel Grove.

"Behold how good and joyful a thing it is,
Brethren to dwell together in unity."

2nd - (PETER LEE, Lord of Lime. Daniel Hedderley FR 1748)

Re-cast 1925. In Memory of the Men of this Parish who gave their lives in the Great War, 1914-1918.

"For God, King, and Country."

3rd - Ringers Bell, 1925

In Memory of Private Herbert Williamson, Loyal North Lancs. Regiment, who died December 15th, 1918, aged 38, for many years a Ringer at this Church.

4th - 1925

Dedicated by the Freemasons of Hazel Grove and District (Square and Compass.)

" Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth."

5th - (God save this Church. Thomas Legh, Esq., Lyme Park, 1837)

Re-cast 1925.

6th - (All people may behold and see the workes of good SIR PEETER LEIGH, 1682.)

Re-cast 1873 and again re-cast 1925.

7th - TE DEUM LAUDAMUS

A Thank-offering from the Congregation, 1925

Tenor - NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA. 1925.

The work in 1925 was done by Messrs. Taylor and Co., of Loughborough, at a cost of about £800.

This information has been taken from the commemoration programme for the dedication of the bells which took place on October 24th 1925.