Bells have rung out from the tower of St. Lawrence for at least 400 years. In recent times two bells have called the faithful to prayer.

In 1997 a call went out for new ringers to ring as many bells as possible to celebrate the birth of the 21st. Century. A number of Stratford residents answered that call and learned to ring at St. Thomas` Salisbury. One of those trainees, Ian Wilson, then living at Avon Farm, Stratford sub Castle, was prompted to ask the question `why don`t we have a ringing peal at St. Lawrence`? Quotes were sought, a faculty procurred and a 50% "Ringing in the Millennium" grant obtained. Ian Wilson was able to raise the majority of the rest of the money required.

Six bells were installed in August, 1998 by Nicholson Engineering of Bridport. They comprise five new bells by Whitechapel Bell Foundry and one of the two bells which hung in the tower in an old wooden frame in recent years. Three bells are recorded in the tower in ancient times. The old treble was retained and the new bells tuned to it. The old tenor was sold to the Keltek Bell Foundation who have subsequently sold it to the parish of Langley Burrell where it has been re-hung as the second in the ring of six.

Bell        Dia.      Weight    Note

Tenor       31"       5-3-6     B

5           28"       4-1-19    C#

4           25 3/8"   3-0-24    D# (Old treble-John Wallis-1594) 

3           24 13/16" 3-0-23    E

2           23 5/8"   2-3-21    F#

1           22½       2-3-5     G#