Bell
Category
Metalwork
Date
Unknown
Materials
Bellmetal (bell) and wrought iron (fittings)
Measurements
20 kg (weight)
Collection
Springhill, County Londonderry
NT 216678
Summary
External bell located on the gabel end of the 1690 Barn. Springhill (1690 barn – gable end). This small bell hangs in an open stone turret on the South East end of the building over the door leading from Visitor Reception to the path towards the house. The turret has simple classical detailing and appears to be of later date than the barn itself. The front of the building is covered by a creeper with foliage right up to the turret. The bell is inaccessible without ladders or platform access but it was examined from the ground using a telescope. It is a general “brassfoundry casting” of a type of bell sold in large numbers in the period between (say) 1860 and 1920. These bells were cast by non-specialist brassfounders as well as by proper bellfounders and could be ordered – complete with fittings - from a range of sizes advertised in the makers’ catalogues. This particular bell has no inscription, date or other marks. It may have been imported from overseas or made in Ireland. There are no further clues as to its maker or date. The principal features are these: Dimensions: Approximate diameter say 250-300mm (or 10-12”) Estimated weight: 20 kg (45 lbs) Canons and argent: Cast with a peg argent (i.e. no canons) Turning: The bell has not been quarter turned. Features: Shoulder join, some mouldings above the soundbow and at the rim Note: [not known – the bell could not be sounded] The bell is hung with swing-chiming fittings but it is not currently in use. The fittings - which are contemporary with the bell - include a wrought-iron bar stock, the ends turned to form gudgeons rotating in brass bearings set in the side walls of the turret. The bell is secured to the stock by a single bolt through the argent. The clapper is suspended from a cast-in staple inside the bell. There is an iron chiming lever (upright with an arm extending outwards at the top) with a shackle to which the rope was formerly fixed. There is no frame as such (i.e. the turret is the frame)