Bellringing is a peculiarly English art and science. Some 7000 church towers, the majority in the British Isles, contain rings of bells numbering from 3 to 16 hung for English-style change-ringing. Of these 7000, fewer than 50 are Roman Catholic churches.
St Wilfrid’s Roman Catholic Church stands in the shadow of York Minster on Duncombe Place, nestling between the Dean Court Hotel and the Theatre Royal. The church was completed in 1864, but it was not until 1995 that the current ring of 10 bells was installed. Originally a chime at the parish church of Thornham in Lancashire, the two trebles were recast by Taylors of Loughborough to make them of sufficient weight and volume to be part of a full-circle ring.
Today the bells are rung by an experienced and enthusiastic band of volunteers who ensure that the faithful are called to worship at the 11am Mass every Sunday, weddings are proclaimed, and significant civic and national events are celebrated.
Our weekly ringing times are:
Service ringing Sunday 9.50 - 10.30am
Sunday 11.30am - 12noon
Saturday 5.15 - 6.15pm (by arrangement)
Practice Thursday 7 - 9pm
The tower officers are:
Chairman Richard Horton Email
Tower Captain David Hull
Deputy Tower Captain Simon Hartley
Secretary Judith Hartley Email
Treasurer Guy Ward
Steeple Keeper Tim Bradley
Wedding organiser Jacqui Ward Email
The bells are available for peal attempts on Saturdays, Sundays and Monday evenings, subject to any other events in the church diary. The peal fee is £50 irrespective of success (with the exception of losses due to mechnical failure).
Applications should be made to peals@stwilfridsbellringers.org.uk, specifying three preferred dates, and attempts will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Under church rules, band organisers will be required to submit a list of those ringing in advance of their attempt.