The Tower is Norman, built about 1100. It was damaged by lightning on the west side and
was
restored in 1897. A large quantity of new stone was put in, stone
mullions were replaced and it was repointed from ground to summit.
The Tower is Norman, built about 1100. It was damaged by lightning
on the west side and was
restored in 1897. A large quantity of new stone was put in, stone
mullions were replaced and it was repointed from ground to summit.
A new lightning conductor and a steel flagstaff were added and a Red Ensign purchased for use on special occasions. New oak doors were fitted at the main entrance and to the oak screen, with cathedral glass and patent springs.
The Clock
There was a clock in the tower in the early
19th century but no record exists of how old it was. The present
clock was purchased from Bensons of London in 1866. It
arrived on 31st September 1866 and set to work on 26th January
1867. In 1897 it was repaired and the hands and dial re-gilded.
The new peal of five bells first rang out over Thurlaston on 12th
February 1882. They consisted of :
- A new treble (note C) 2'7 1/2" weighing 6cwt 3qu 13 lb.
- The old treble with the lettering "Omnia fiant ad Glorium Dei, Gloria Deo Soli. T Eayre AD 1746" (do all to the Glory of God, Glory to God alone) (note B flat) 2' 9" diameter weighing an estimated 7 3/4 cwts.
- A new bell (note A) to replace one dated 1580. Diameter 2'11" weight 9cwt 2lbs.
- The old tenor bell (note G), still the hour bell for the clock and inscribed "Soli Deo Gloria. Pax omnibus 1653 TM" (Glory to God and peace to all men) Diameter 3'5" estimated weight 13cwts.
- New tenor bell (note F) inscribed "J Taylor & Co Bellfounders Loughborough". Diameter 3'8" weight 17cwt 4lbs.