SHERBOURNE TEACHING-AIDS
from our Roving Correspondents

Anna and Peter from Halford visited Lanlivery in Cornwall last year and were shown this super Ringers' Rules board dating from 1811.

The words are written out more clearly below the picture.

The church of St Brevita Lanlivery had five bells in 1811 but is now a 16cwt eight. Notice how differently each ringer is dressed. Could they have represented actual ringers?.
A similar illustration and poem is to be seen in the same county at St Finbarra's church, Fowey.

Hark how the chirping Treble sings most clear,
And covering Tom comes rolling in the rear:
Now throw them up on end that all may see
What laws are best to keep sobriety;
We ring the quick to church the dead to grave
Good is our use such usage let us have;
To swear or curse or in a choleric mood
To strike or quarrell 'tho he draws no blood.
To wear a hat or spur or overturn a bell
Who by unskilful handling mars a pear,
Such shall pay sixpence for each single crime
To make him cautious against another time;
And we the whole society do agree
To spend our fines in peace and unity.

 

 

 

 

 

N.Kendall Vicar
{R. Treleaven
{N. White

Churchwardens.

A.D. 1811

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