Bilbie family

The oldest bell, cast in 1698, is still giving good service in St Andrew's Church, Chew Stoke.

Supplies of the tin and copper used to make bell metal were probably obtained from brass foundries in Kelston and Bristol.

The metal was melted in a wood-burning furnace to over 1,500 °C (2,732 °F), and then poured into a mould made from loam, or foundry mud, from the River Chew.

This was in part due to the strong brass founding industry which had developed in response to a healthy export demand and the abundant supply of the raw materials – copper and zinc – in the west.

[1] The eldest son of Edward I learnt bell making from his father, but died only a few months after him and never had the chance to produce his own work.

[1] Edward I's younger son Thomas took over the bell and clock making businesses in 1725, completing contracts already agreed, and traveling further for new ones.

[1] Abraham took over the business in Chew Stoke from his father Thomas for five years, during which time he was responsible for 35 bells including rings of six for South Wraxall, Winscombe and Portishead.