They have been removed from the tower by Whites of Appleton for renovation, re-tuning and re-hang. So much of what we do is heard and never seen, they say.
You can follow the story so far on John Richards' Catflap website: click on the image below.
The oldest bell was cast in 1653, another in 1673 and four others 1895. And thereby hangs a tale...
When William Nash Bricknell became vicar in 1893 one of his first actions was to write a letter to all his parishioners thus:-
Restoration of the Bells of St Leonard, Eynsham.
‘I beg to commend to your consideration the need of the above. The Bells have fallen into a lamentable condition, being cracked and practically useless, 3 only being available for use. The estimated cost of taking down the bells and frame, constructing a new Treble bell, re-casting the 3rd and Tenor bells and perfecting the whole peal of 6 bells is £147-10-0.
‘The Village having been for the past 4 years in a very depressed state owing to the failure of the principal local industry makes it necessary to ask for outside aid. [Eynsham Paper Mills Co. which had employed 100 people closed in 1893.] On behalf of the Committee I earnestly appeal to all who take an interest in the Restoration of Church Bells and Campanology to assist in this laudable and desirable undertaking.
‘Contributions and donations however small will be thankfully received by Yours faithfully, William Nash Bricknell, Vicar & Hon. Secretary.’
The appeal was successful, for a box of Church papers contains an invoice from John Taylor Bellfounder, Loughborough:
‘Recasting cracked 1st, 3rd & 5th & adding new Treble Total £147-10-0’.
They were hung by F. White & Sons, Bellhangers of Appleton, Berks. in 1895.
The Bells were opened by a Complete Peal of Grandsire Minors containing 720 changes by 6 members of the Appleton Society.
Lilian Wright, Eynsham Record 10, 1993