The bells, the bells (an update)

Your article today about the origin of Audlem bells states that they were cast by Abel Rudhall of Gloucester "probably in situ".

This is not so. We know from the churchwardens' accounts that the old bells (probably five of them) were sent to Gloucester for recasting, and the new ones were brought up the river to Shrewsbury, and then by cart to Audlem. This was in 1736.

The bells are probably the oldest remaining complete 6 by Abel Rudhall, who had taken over the foundry following the death of his father only a few months before.

Abel Rudhall charged £69 for the recasting of the bells, and the total cost of replacing the bells was £110. This included removing the old bells, transport by river and cart, additions to the bell frame, and hanging of the bells in the frame.

You can find relevant extracts from the churchwardens' accounts for 1735-7 in the Audlem history archive online: search for "churchwarden".

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.