Bell
John Rudhall
Category
Horology
Date
1806
Materials
Bell metal
Measurements
400 mm (Diameter)
Place of origin
Gloucester
Order this imageCollection
Dudmaston, Shropshire
NT 815286
Summary
The clock bell in the stable block, installed at Dudmaston second-hand in 1980. The clock bell in the stable turret is inscribed "IOHN RUDHALL GLOCESTER J806". It was cast by John, the last of the famous bellfounding Rudhall family. It was brought to Dudmaston second-hand when the clock was installed by Smith of Derby in 1980: the weathered and corroded surface of the bell indicates that it formerly hung in an urban and probably open-air situation. This bell has lost its canons but retains its (rusty) cast-in staple for the former clapper. It is now hung in a stationary position from a steel box-section stock and fitted with an external clock hammer.
Provenance
Installed at Dudmaston second-hand in 1980 by J.B. Joyce of Whitchurch at the same time as the installation of the clock. Apparently there was no clock or bell in the tower prior to 1980. The firm’s records provide no information on the original provenance of the ones here now.
Marks and inscriptions
Around outside: IOHN RUDHALL GLOCESTER J806
Makers and roles
John Rudhall, founder