Society of Cambridge Youths

[2] Four bells and a sanctus are mentioned in 1516 and it is believed they were at one time hung in a belfry in the churchyard (1594) until the new church tower was not completed until 1608.

The tenor was damaged and required recasting by Pack & Chapman in 1770 and the opportunity was taken to increase the ring to twelve.

The final major work involved recasting the trebles yet again and rehanging the bells in a new metal frame.

In 2009 following extensive research and consultation a replacement lighter ring (with an incidental bell) in a new frame was installed that not only reduced considerably the problems of tower sway but also resulted in a ring that has been widely praised for its tone, weight and audibility.

All the 18th-century bells were preserved, either for display or as part of the clock chimes A ringer is usually only admitted to membership of the society upon showing regular commitment to the ringing at Great St Mary's.