The Bell Tower

This photo was taken on my descent. The old bells ropes that are knotted together to form a makeshift, flexible banister are useful as the steps are steep and worn. Worn steps whether in churches, castles or other monuments are humbling reminders of the insignificance of many of our individual actions but also of their cumulative import, "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise." I must admit that early on a Sunday morning when my lie in is curtailed by the call of the bells, I feel very much the sluggard. So I hurry off to climb the tower and assist in this ancient practice of calling the village to worship. In fact, those who believe bell ringing to be a wholly ecclesiastical activity are mistaken. There is a long secular tradition of ringing for highdays and holidays, to signal merriment or disaster. Many have been the altercations between clergy and ringers who do not attend services or who keep stocks of ale up the tower. Some vicars went to the lengths of removing the ringing chamber so that the ringers would have to practice their art from within the church. Of course, there are a few who resent the sound of the bells disturbing their peace but generally ringing is welcomed and appreciated. The last newcomer to the village, who had the temerity to climb the tower and complain, was reminded that the bells had been ringing for many centuries before he bought his house in close proximity to the church. He was assured that times of ringing are regulated and I think he reluctantly took the point.