St John the Evangelist Church (Sidcup) - ROYAL BOROUGH OF BEXLEY (ENGLAND)

St John the Evangelist Church (Sidcup) - ROYAL BOROUGH OF BEXLEY ENGLAND

Existing bells

Treble

(Reference 27126)

Location	Belfry.
Diameter (in cm)	63.5
Actual weight (in kilograms)	192
Bellfounder	MEARS, THOMAS II
Casting year	1843
Description	The bell has a simple inscription, in the third, between four corsa, which mentions its manufacturer, the place and the year in which it was made: "THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LON DON 1843". In the midfoot, there are three equidistant cords. Finally, in the middle foot, there are two cords.
	(Two cords). (Inscription): “THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LON DON 1843”. (Two cords).
Half foot (MP)	(Three cords).
Foot	(Two cords).
Prime	F#5
Traditional bell ringing	Change ringing, Muffles: in funerals, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day.
Current bell ringing	Change ringing, Muffles: in funerals, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day.
Yoke	Iron JOHN TAYLOR
Current Status	Excellent. The bell has its traditional features, including the wheel, rope, stop, stay, and top pole of the stop.
Mechanisms to ring	Iron clapper, wooden wheel and rope.
Interventions	The bell was cast in 1843, along with all the bells made by its manufacturer, for the tower. In 1844, specifically on January 13, the bell was billed next to the Treble, in Whitechapel. In 1950, the bell was re-tuned along with all the others, by Whitechapel Bell Foundry. In 1974, this bell was restored by John Taylor & Company.
Protection	Protected under UK heritage law due to the church being under the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II listed building
Assessment	Interesting bell, can be recast in case of breaking.
Installation	The installation is traditional in relation to the place, therefore it must be preserved, to protect the cultural, artistic and historical values of the instrument.
Remarks	The information in the technical data sheet was written by: HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises. RIBES LÓPEZ, Mario.
Description (generated by Ollama - local AI)	The Bell Treble at St John the Evangelist Church in the Royal Borough of Bexley is a significant piece of ecclesiastical heritage, founded by Thomas Mears in 1843. The bell bears the clear inscription: "THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LON DON 1843." Its heritage characteristics are defined by its excellent state of conservation, retaining all traditional components, including the wheel, rope, stop, stay, and the top pole of the stop. The bell is considered an interesting artifact, with the valuation noting that it can be recast should it suffer damage. The structure reflects established bell-ringing traditions within ENGLAND. The presence of the founder's specific inscription and the well-preserved mechanical features contribute significantly to its historical and architectural value.
Authors of the documentation HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises [Documentation of the bell, thanking the Sidcup Bellringers.] (15-02-2026)
Card editor	HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises
Updating	13-03-2026
	10 Pictures

2nd

(Reference 27127)

Location	Belfry.
Diameter (in cm)	71.12
Actual weight (in kilograms)	233
Bellfounder	MEARS, THOMAS II
Casting year	1843
Description	The bell has a simple inscription, in the third, between four cords, which mentions its manufacturer, the place and the year in which it was made: "THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843". In the midfoot, there are three equidistant cords. Finally, in the middle foot, there are two cords.
	(Two cords). (Inscription): “THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843”. (Two cords).
Half foot (MP)	(Three cords).
Foot	(Two cords).
Prime	E5
Traditional bell ringing	Change ringing, Muffles: in funerals, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day.
Current bell ringing	Change ringing, Muffles: in funerals, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day.
Yoke	Iron JOHN TAYLOR
Current Status	Excellent. The bell has its traditional features, including the wheel, rope, stop, stay, and top pole of the stop.
Mechanisms to ring	Iron clapper, wooden wheel and rope.
Interventions	The bell was cast in 1843, along with all the bells made by its manufacturer, for the tower. In 1844, specifically on January 13, the bell was billed next to the Treble, in Whitechapel. In 1950, the bell was re-tuned along with all the others, by Whitechapel Bell Foundry. In 1974, this bell was restored by John Taylor & Company.
Protection	Protected under UK heritage law due to the church being under the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II listed building
Assessment	Interesting bell, can be recast in case of breaking.
Installation	The installation is traditional in relation to the place, therefore it must be preserved, to protect the cultural, artistic and historical values of the instrument.
Remarks	The information in the technical data sheet was written by: HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises. RIBES LÓPEZ, Mario.
Description (generated by Ollama - local AI)	This bell, designated Bell 2nd, is a significant heritage piece located at St John the Evangelist Church in the Royal Borough of Bexley. It was founded by Thomas Mears in 1843. The bell bears the clear inscription: "THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843." The bell is noted for its excellent state of conservation and retains all its traditional features, including the wheel, rope, stop, stay, and the top pole of the stop. Its historical value is further emphasized by its construction, which allows for recasting should it sustain damage. This piece represents a notable example of bell founding craftsmanship within ENGLAND.
Authors of the documentation HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises [Documentation of the bell, thanking the Sidcup Bellringers.] (15-02-2026)
Card editor	HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises
Updating	13-03-2026
	6 Pictures

3rd

(Reference 27128)

Location	Belfry.
Diameter (in cm)	76.2
Actual weight (in kilograms)	243
Bellfounder	MEARS, THOMAS II
Casting year	1843
Description	The bell has a simple inscription, in the third, between five cords, which mentions its manufacturer, the place and the year in which it was made: "THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843". In the midfoot, there are three equidistant cords. Finally, in the middle foot, there are two cords.
	(Two cords). (Inscription): “THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843”. (Three cords).
Half foot (MP)	(Three cords).
Foot	(Two cords).
Prime	D5 +50
Hum	E4 -48
Third	F5 +6
Quint	A5 +18
Octave	D6 -15
Traditional bell ringing	Change ringing, Muffles: in funerals, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day.
Current bell ringing	Change ringing, Muffles: in funerals, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day.
Yoke	Iron JOHN TAYLOR
Current Status	Excellent. The bell has its traditional features, including the wheel, rope, stop, stay, and top pole of the stop.
Mechanisms to ring	Iron clapper, wooden wheel and rope.
Interventions	The bell was cast in 1843, along with all the bells made by its manufacturer, for the tower. In 1844, specifically on January 13, the bell was billed next to the Treble, in Whitechapel. In 1950, the bell was re-tuned along with all the others, by Whitechapel Bell Foundry. In 1974, this bell was restored by John Taylor & Company.
Protection	Protected under UK heritage law due to the church being under the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II listed building
Assessment	Interesting bell, can be recast in case of breaking.
Installation	The installation is traditional in relation to the place, therefore it must be preserved, to protect the cultural, artistic and historical values of the instrument.
Remarks	The information in the technical data sheet was written by: HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises. RIBES LÓPEZ, Mario.
Description (generated by Ollama - local AI)	This summary details the heritage characteristics of Bell 3rd, situated at St John the Evangelist Church in Sidcup, ROYAL BOROUGH OF BEXLEY. The bell was founded by Thomas Mears in 1843. The visible inscription reads: "THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843." The bell is noted for its excellent conservation status and retains all traditional features, including the wheel, rope, stop, stay, and the top pole of the stop. Its historical significance is considerable, and the bell is valued as an interesting piece that can be recast should it suffer damage. This piece represents a notable example of bell founding craftsmanship within ENGLAND, linking the church's history directly to the renowned founder, Thomas Mears.
Authors of the documentation HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises [Documentation of the bell, thanking the Sidcup Bellringers.] (15-02-2026)
Card editor	HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises
Updating	13-03-2026
	8 Pictures

4th

(Reference 27129)

Location	Belfry.
Diameter (in cm)	79.38
Actual weight (in kilograms)	310
Bellfounder	MEARS, THOMAS II
Casting year	1843
Description	The bell has a simple inscription, in the third, between four cords, which mentions its manufacturer, the place and the year in which it was made: "THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843". In the midfoot, there are three equidistant cords. Finally, in the middle foot, there are two cords.
	(Two belts). (Inscription): “THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843”. (Two belts).
Half foot (MP)	(Three belts).
Foot	(Two belts).
Prime	C#5 -4
Hum	D3 -6
Third	E5 -19
Quint	G#5 -37
Octave	C#6 -25
Traditional bell ringing	Change ringing, Muffles: in funerals, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day.
Current bell ringing	Change ringing, Muffles: in funerals, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day.
Yoke	Iron JOHN TAYLOR
Current Status	Excellent. The bell has its traditional features, including the wheel, rope, stop, stay, and top pole of the stop.
Mechanisms to ring	Iron clapper, wooden wheel and rope.
Interventions	The bell was cast in 1843, along with all the bells made by its manufacturer, for the tower. In 1844, specifically on January 13, the bell was billed next to the Treble, in Whitechapel. In 1950, the bell was re-tuned along with all the others, by Whitechapel Bell Foundry. In 1974, this bell was restored by John Taylor & Company.
Protection	Protected under UK heritage law due to the church being under the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II listed building
Assessment	Interesting bell, can be recast in case of breaking.
Installation	The installation is traditional in relation to the place, therefore it must be preserved, to protect the cultural, artistic and historical values of the instrument.
Remarks	The information in the technical data sheet was written by: HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises. RIBES LÓPEZ, Mario.
Description (generated by Ollama - local AI)	This bell, designated Bell 4th, is a significant heritage item located at St John the Evangelist Church in Sidcup, Royal Borough of Bexley. It was founded by Thomas Mears in 1843. The inscription clearly records the founding details: "THOMAS MEARS FOUNDER LONDON 1843." The bell is noted for its excellent state of conservation and retains all its traditional operational features, including the wheel, rope, stop, stay, and the top pole of the stop. Structurally, it features two belts. From a heritage perspective, the bell is considered interesting and valuable, as it possesses the potential to be recast should it suffer damage. Its continued existence provides a tangible link to 19th-century bell founding practices in ENGLAND.
Authors of the documentation HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises [Documentation of the bell, thanking the Sidcup Bellringers.] (15-02-2026)
Card editor	HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises
Updating	13-03-2026
	7 Pictures

5th

(Reference 27130)

Location	Belfry.
Diameter (in cm)	84.15
Actual weight (in kilograms)	338
Bellfounder	WARNER AND SONS, JOHN
Casting year	1901
Description	The bell has two small cords on the shoulder. In the third, there is an inscription between four cords, mentioning the manufacturers, the place and the year in which it was made: "RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LTD LONDON 1901.” This inscription tells that the bell was cast with the bronze of the previous one, this one manufactured by Thomas II Mears. In the midfoot, there are three equidistant cords. Finally, in the middle foot, there are two cords.
Shoulder (H)	(Two cords).
	(Two cords). (Inscription): “RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LTD LONDON 1901.” (Two cords).
Half foot (MP)	(Three cords).
Foot	(Two cords).
Prime	B4 -15
Hum	C#3 -32
Third	D5 +0
Quint	G5 +31
Octave	B5 -22
Traditional bell ringing	Change ringing, Muffles: in funerals, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day.
Current bell ringing	Change ringing, Muffles: in funerals, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day.
Yoke	Iron JOHN TAYLOR
Current Status	Excellent. The bell has its traditional features, including the wheel, rope, stop, stay, and top pole of the stop.
Mechanisms to ring	Iron clapper, wooden wheel and rope.
Interventions	The bell was recast in 1901, along with the Tenor, by John Warner & Sons. In 1844, specifically on January 13, the bell was billed next to the Treble, in Whitechapel. In 1950, the bell was re-tuned along with all the others, by Whitechapel Bell Foundry. In 1974, this bell was restored by John Taylor & Company.
Protection	Protected under UK heritage law due to the church being under the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II listed building
Assessment	Interesting bell, can be recast in case of breaking.
Installation	The installation is traditional in relation to the place, therefore it must be preserved, to protect the cultural, artistic and historical values of the instrument.
Remarks	The information in the technical data sheet was written by: HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises. RIBES LÓPEZ, Mario.
Description (generated by Ollama - local AI)	This bell, designated Bell 5th, is a significant piece of ecclesiastical heritage located at St John the Evangelist Church in Sidcup, ROYAL BOROUGH OF BEXLEY. It was cast by WARNER AND SONS, JOHN, and bears the inscription: "RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LTD LONDON 1901." The bell exhibits excellent conservation, retaining all its traditional operational features, including the wheel, rope, stop, stay, and the top pole of the stop. Its historical value is underscored by its provenance from a renowned English foundry. The bell is considered an interesting artifact, and the foundry's capability to recast it ensures its continued preservation. Its physical attributes and documented history make it a notable example of early twentieth-century bell-founding craftsmanship in ENGLAND.
Authors of the documentation HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises [Documentation of the bell, thanking the Sidcup Bellringers.] (15-02-2026)
Card editor	HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises
Updating	28-03-2026
	8 Pictures

Tenor

(Reference 27131)

Location	Belfry.
Diameter (in cm)	95.58
Actual weight (in kilograms)	454
Bellfounder	WARNER AND SONS, JOHN
Casting year	1901
Description	The bell has two small cords on the shoulder. In the third, there is an inscription between four cords, mentioning the manufacturers, the place and the year in which it was made: "RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LTD LONDON 1901.” This inscription tells that the bell was cast with the bronze of the previous one, this one manufactured by Thomas II Mears. In the middle, several incised inscriptions appear:“C.E SHIRLEY WOOLMER VICAR I886” / “E.LAYTON” / “E.BLANKS" } "CHURCHWARDENS" "FROM 1888" / "FROM 1881" / “RECAST I9OI”. In the midfoot, there are three equidistant cords. Finally, in the middle foot, there are two cords.
Shoulder (H)	(Two cords).
	(Two cords). (Inscription): “RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LTD LONDON 1901.” (Two cords).
	(Inscriptions): “C.E SHIRLEY WOOLMER VICAR I886” / “E.LAYTON” / “E.BLANKS" } "CHURCHWARDENS" "FROM 1888" / "FROM 1881" / “RECAST I9OI”.
Half foot (MP)	(Three cords).
Foot	(Two cords).
Prime	A4 -27
Hum	B3 -38
Third	C5 -33
Quint	F5 +14
Octave	A5 -27
Traditional bell ringing	Change ringing, Muffles: in funerals, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day.
Current bell ringing	Change ringing, Muffles: in funerals, Holy Week, All Saints’ Day.
Yoke	Iron JOHN TAYLOR
Current Status	Excellent. The bell has its traditional features, including the wheel, rope, stop, stay, and top pole of the stop.
Mechanisms to ring	Iron clapper, wooden wheel and rope.
Interventions	The bell was recast in 1901, along with the 5th Bell, by John Warner & Sons. In 1844, specifically on January 13, the bell was billed next to the Treble, in Whitechapel. In 1950, the bell was re-tuned along with all the others, by Whitechapel Bell Foundry. In 1974, this bell was restored by John Taylor & Company.
Protection	Protected under UK heritage law due to the church being under the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II listed building
Assessment	Interesting bell, can be recast in case of breaking.
Installation	The installation is traditional in relation to the place, therefore it must be preserved, to protect the cultural, artistic and historical values of the instrument.
Remarks	The information in the technical data sheet was written by: HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises. RIBES LÓPEZ, Mario.
Description (generated by Ollama - local AI)	The Tenor bell, located at St John the Evangelist Church in Sidcup, ROYAL BOROUGH OF BEXLEY, is a historically significant piece cast by WARNER AND SONS, JOHN, in 1901. Its conservation is rated as excellent, retaining traditional features such as the wheel, rope, stop, stay, and top pole of the stop. The bell bears multiple inscriptions detailing its history and custodianship. These include "RECAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LTD LONDON 1901," alongside dedications such as "C.E SHIRLEY WOOLMER VICAR 1886," "E.LAYTON," and "E.BLANKS CHURCHWARDENS," noting service periods "FROM 1888" and "FROM 1881," and the "RECAST 1901." This bell is considered an interesting artifact of English ecclesiastical history. Should damage occur, it is noted that the bell can be recast.
Authors of the documentation HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises [Documentation of the bell, thanking the Sidcup Bellringers.] (15-02-2026)
Card editor	HERNANDO CHICO, Ulises
Updating	13-03-2026
	9 Pictures