The bells have been part of Hampsthwaite Church since before the reformation, indeed the oldest part of the Church is in fact the Bell Tower itself.

In 2005 the current Band of Bell Ringers, inspired by the late Richard Inman, (past Treasurer of the Church) launched on a major fundraising campaign to augment the existing set of three bells to six and provide Hampsthwaite with a full peal of bells.

The main event for the fundraising was a sponsored abseil which drew the village together in unity and raised a massive £27,000 to complete the project, a fantastic achievement.

There is no greater sound than that of the church bells, especially to mark special occasions like your wedding. The charge for wedding ringing is £15 per bell (total £90).

We can, on request, (and where possible) also ring for funerals. This may sound strange, but the bells are half muffled, giving an 'echo' which emulates a mournful, but quietly comforting sound, especially on heavy mellow bells. There is no charge for funeral ringing.

Hampsthwaite Bell Ringers practice every Monday evening from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm. We are taught by Nicola Mason, who has been ringing since she was 4 years old and is extremely good.

We are always looking for new recurits for our ringing band and anyone wishing to join, please come down to our practice nights or contact our Tower Captain, Carey Inman-Harrison. Anyone can ring who is aged 8 – 80 years old!

It is a great skill to have and a great benefit to you if you are in another part of the country, bell towers far and wide will always welcome visitors.