Skegness Magazine

Invaluable information given about what is described as “probably the oldest artifact in Skegness”, the bell of St Clements Church, and the bell’s maker. The article also gives us an insight into the community spirit of the Town Council and the people of Skegness, who worked together to raise money to mend the historic piece.

Source: Skegness News 5th July 1989

Photo: not credited

“What is probably the oldest artifact in Skegness, the bell of St Clement’s church, is in need of repair and an appeal has been launched to raise the necessary cash.
Organisers of the appeal have set themselves a target of £1,300 to restore the bell, which dates back to the late 14th century.
The Revd Geoffrey Spencer, curate of Skegness, explained that the bell weighs about 12cwt and the fittings are in such a state of repair that it would be dangerous to ring the bell again.
It has therefore been decided to hang the bell ‘dead’ and fit it with a chiming hammer.
Already the response to the appeal has been good and Skegness Town Council has agreed to chip in with £100, but Mr Spencer is keen to have the sound of the bell of St Clement’s ringing out again as soon as possible.
A series of coffee mornings and jumble sales have been planned, the proceeds of which will go to the appeal, but anyone who wishes to make a donation to restore part of Skegness’s heritage can do so by ringing Mr Spencer [telephone number supplied] or writing to him.
Mr Spencer explained that the bell was cast by John Bird of London around 1380 and because there were very few bells cast by Bird, the curate describes the St Clement’s specimen as his ‘rare bird’.

The Revd Geoffrey Spencer pictured with the St Clement’s Church bell that is causing some concern. The fastening bolts at the top and the wooden structure have deteriorated over the years and are now in very poor condition.”