Bell Ringing at Sonning, Berkshire

The final tower of the outing.
There was a definite end-of-the-day feeling here which was a shame because it had been a fantasic outing! Just after parking up, I, quite to my astonishment, met George and Amal Clooney with their children in the churchyard. I hadn't realised it was them until AFTER I'd struck up a conversation about bell ringing with them...! That was likely a highlight of the day...!
Sonning's parish church is on the site of the former Saxon cathedral Sonning Minster, which was the co-cathedral of the Saxon diocese of Ramsbury and Sonning. The current church incorporates Saxon and Norman architecture and was heavily restored by Henry Woodyer in the 19th century. The tower holds a 20cwt ring of eight bells in what I think is D, and not Eb as Dove's states. They don't look PARTICULARLY amazing on paper but goodness gracious... they are absolutely glorious bells. The back two bells have wooden shafted clappers, making them resonate beautifully. The three trebles were cast in 1912 by John Taylor and Co. of Loughborough, the third Lester and Pack in 1759 and the four biggest bells all by Ellis I Knight of Reading in 1641. They blend together beautifully.

[@FrancescoBellringer]

I agree a sharp D, definitely not Eb

[@FrancescoBellringer]

Sound amazing! wow

[@RingerJake]

They are indeed. Really good bells.