Holy Trinity Church Belfry Restoration

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Holy Trinity Church - Belfry Restoration (Click on text or images for a larger picture)
This job took place in Melrose in the Scottish Borders (our home town). The bell mechanism before dismantling. The bell had not been rung for a long time as pieces had fallen off so it was considered dangerous. The timber headstock had shrunk so everything was loose, the bell wheel was falling to pieces, the ironwork was in need of attention, and both of the stones into which the axles were anchored were badly eroded and needed replaced. Also, the stones at the head of the belfry were insecure, and the entire structure was in need of lime pointing.
This view shows the condition of one of the "axle bearing" stones.
Once the bell and its components were lowered to the ground our blacksmith began refurbishment of the metal parts that were fit for reuse, and construction of a new bell-wheel. Our first task was to create a new timber headstock. This is a painstaking job as the block has to be cut out so that it fits perfectly over the bell shackles. Elm was used as it is a very hard and durable timber.
Next we cut 2 new stones to replace the "existing axle" bearing stones.
New bell wheel and refurbished components now received from our blacksmith and getting their first coat of paint. Also, the new headstock is already part fitted.