Welcome to
Brading Bell Ringers
website
Welcome
Welcome to the website of the bell ringers at St Mary's Brading, Isle of Wight.
Here you will find information about St Mary's bells and the ancient art of church bell change ringing, who does it, why we do it and some history. We have 8 bells hung in the tower. The bells are rung for church services, weddings, funerals when required, and any local, national or international festivals and celebrations, or just for the activity and enjoyment it brings. Ringing on the Island is part of a larger group of ringers in Hampshire known as the Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Bell Ringers.
To take part you don’t need to be particularly strong or musical but there are 12 wooden ladder steps to the first floor ringing room.
Brading was first granted a charter in 1280, unusually for the time directly from King Edward I, rather than the Lord of the Island. This led to it being known as the 'King's Town'. The church is medieval dating from the twelfth century. History records that St Wilfrid came to the Island during the 680s, landed at Brading, preached there to the Islanders, and began the conversion of the Island. Until the 16th century the port was active, with the church being next to Quay Lane.
We are a friendly bunch of ringers who meet on Thursday evenings for our weekly practice night. People who wish to learn how to ring are always welcome, please contact us even if you are just curious to have a look and see what happens.
