Bell
Joseph Smith (d.1736)
Category
Metalwork
Date
Unknown
Materials
Measurements
441 mm (Diameter); 1.5 cwt (weight)
Place of origin
Edgbaston
Order this imageCollection
Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire
NT 343571
Summary
Bell made by Joseph Smith of Edgbaston, 1714 for Edward Ferrers Esq With mouldings 2:2-2:3:2 and inscription “+ EDWARD (coin) FERIS (coin) ESQR (coin) 1714 (floral border) (coin) / (small scroll border all round)”.Canons and argent intact. Used as a clock bell with the contemporary clock, and formerly swing-chimed as a call bell too. Note Bb (1916.5Hz or Bb+47 cents). The Baddesley Clinton records show that the stables were built for Edward Ferrers (1678-1729) whose “account of what I have built and altered in and about Baddesley house” states that “The Coach Stable and Coach Houses” were erected in 1714 at a cost of £76.17.6. The accounts also show that Ferrers spent £19.4.0 on “The Clock, Bell, Fan Dyall Board etc”. The turret (which was leaning badly) was restored for the Trust by S.T. Walker & Partners (Graham Winteringham, project architect) in 1981. The bell was refurbished at that time.
Marks and inscriptions
Around top of bell: + EDWARD (coin) FERIS (coin) ESQR (coin) 1714 (floral border) (coin) / (small scroll border all round)
Makers and roles
Joseph Smith (d.1736), bell founder