The Church Bells of the City of London

ST JAMES GARLICKHITHE
UPPER THAMES STREET

Photo DrL May 2001
3 bells
Tenor: 6-1-14. in C sharp
Formerly a ring of 4 prior to the Great Fire.

DETAILS OF THE BELLS

Bell

Weight

Diameter

Note

Cast

 Founder

1

 1-1-25 19½"

1686

 Philip Wightman

2

 2-0-17 22" G

1682

 Thomas Bartlett

3

 6-1-14 31¾" C sharp 1700 Philip Wightman

INSCRIPTIONS
1 tba

2 THOMAS OSBORN CAPT. JOHN EDWARDS CHVRCHWARDENS 1682

3 MADE BY PHILIP WIGHTMAN J700

HISTORY

1552

No record in the 1552 Inventory.

1624

The ancient parish church was extensively repaired and enlarged.

1650

An attempt was made to sell the 4 bells in the tower. This was unsuccessful and they appear to have remained until the Great Fire.

1666

Church and bells destroyed in the Great Fire.

1676

Foundation for new church, designed by Wren, was laid.

1682

Church opened for worship, being completely finished the following year. It has a west tower rising to 125 ft. One of the bells was cast, the bellfounder's bill being £13.13.0.

1700

Bell cast by Philip Wightman for St Michael, Queenhithe.

1708

Record of no bells in the tower. This is clearly a mistake.

1875

St Michael, Queenhithe was demolished, and its bell given to St James'.

1988

Bells rehung on RSJ's with fittings for swing chiming.

EARLY ENGRAVING