Welsh Journals

2. (Bell) IOHN BENNETT: A.R.W. MORGAN 32 R. DAVIES. W.M. HAMON: G. RYDER (bell) D(bell) D(bell) D: THOMAS HAMON IOSEPH RIC. THOMAS DAVID C.W. HENERY GRIFFITHS CLER. 1714 CLOCK BELL C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1850 i6t" The bells have inscribed on them the names and initials of parishioners who subscribed to their casting. The second bell was cast by David Davies, bellfounder, who cast a limited number of bells in South Wales between 1714 and 1722 in partnership with his brother Thomas Davies. It is believed that their foundry was located at Oystermouth. The Rever- end Henry Griffiths, B.A. (Oxon), whose name appears on the second bell at Bishopston also had his name inscribed on a former bell at All Saints' Church, Oystermouth, dated 1714 and cast by David and Thomas Davies, bellfounders. At that time he was assistant curate to the incumbent, the Reverend Lewis Thomas, whom he succeeded in 1717 having been instituted to perform the duties of perpetual curate of Oystermouth on the 17th September 1717. He became rector of Rey- noldston in 1719 until his death in 1745. The clock bell, which is no longer functional, was cast by Charles and George Mears of the White- chapel Bellfoundry, London, who cast bells between 1844 and 1861. In 1886 the tower at Bishopston was in a deplorable condition, William Lloyd, village wheelwright and carpenter, put in a new floor, rehung the bells in a pitch-pine frame and also made new half-wheels for them. In 1963 the bells were rehung with entirely new fittings, viz. seasoned elm headstocks with securing bolts, turned steel gudgeons and new wrought-iron clappers with independently fitted crown staples. The half-wheels were replaced by wrought-iron levers. The work was carried out by John Taylor & Co. (Bellfounders) Ltd. of Loughborough at a cost of £ 201. The bells are rather poor in tone and the larger bell weighing approximately 6 cwts. is a bad casting in the head. 2. CHERITON. St. Cadoc A central tower containing a single bell hung for chim- ing. Sell Inscription Diameter i- W (bell) E 1736 20" This bell was cast by William Evans of the Chepstow bellfoundry, who cast bells between 1710 and 1767.