Call Changes at Llantilio Crossenny, Monmouthshire

Another round of call changes from The Lilliputters Guild's 2023 Summer Tour to South Wales - we did ring other methods as well (as the upcoming videos will show!), but it just happened that the three long touches I filmed during the week were all call-changes!
The village of Llantilio Crossenny (whose name is thought to be a corruption of ‘St Teilio’s at Iddon’s Cross’; its Welsh name is Llandeilo Gresynni) can trace its origins back to the 550s, when the local ruler, King Iddon, sought the prayers of Teilo, bishop of Llandaff. Teilo planted a cross on the pre Christian mound on which the church now stands; no prizes for guessing why the church is dedicated to St Teilo! The present church dates from the 13th century, although an earlier, wooden, church certainly stood here before. It is an unusually large and grand building for such a tiny community; this may be explained by its use as a Cathedral by medieval bishops when visiting local manors to collect their tithes (taxes)! The font is 12th century, and the tower (built in the Early English style) dates from the 13th century. The carved angels in the churchyard were particularly pretty!
The bells are, arguably, the finest little eight going - they truly are a smashing little ring! They were originally six in number, with a tenor of 10-0-23, cast by Abraham Rudhall I of Gloucester in 1708-9. The original frame, complete with its four giant supporting timbers, was made from a single oak tree; these foundations also support the 50-foot shingle spire, which was installed at this time.
In 1977-78, the old six bells were recast into a lighter ring of eight, and hung in a new frame, by Whitechapel. They are an utter delight; despite their weight (or lack of), they handle like tops, are not flighty, and sound extremely pretty. My only criticism is that the ringing chamber - housed directly above the chancel crossing - is rather dingy, and extremely stuffy (this was not helped by a flatulent dog, on our visit!).
Tenor 4-2-4 in D.
dove.cccbr.org.uk/tower/13934

[@TobyBence]

Rang a peal on these a couple of weeks ago! Thought they were absolutely fantastic!

[@timmeh1507]

Lovely music-box little eight.

[@matthewhigby]

Excellent light 8 - one of my favourites!

[@simonbellringer]

I'd somehow not rung here before. They were worth the wait!

[@user-sn1qx1tm4l]

i like that dog

[@andrewlubbock5767]

My favourite 8 bell Call Change sequence! 😊

[@simonbellringer]

Queens, Kings and Whits - the classic!

[@Ringer_Fran]

I've heard many good things about these!

[@simonbellringer]

So had I - and all of them truly well founded 😊

[@user-sn1qx1tm4l]

they sound similar to brownsea island

[@DevonRingerEwan]

Nice they sound like brownsea island

[@simonbellringer]

They are basically sister rings - both 4cwt Whitechapel eights in D. Llant Cross are 2 years younger and a few pounds lighter, otherwise they are (on paper) basically identical, and both super little rings (I would say these edge it, they are just a little better inside - the tenor at Brownsea screams a little which is a shame).

[@RingerThomas]

These are of a thicker Mark 2 so basically more mellow. Brownsea Island are of a thinner scale.

[@DevonRingerEwan]

@@RingerThomas ahh k I was on about sound

[@RingerThomas]

@@DevonRingerEwan No problem. Thickness also effects sound.

[@DevonRingerEwan]

@@RingerThomas yeah

[@DrpanProductions]

Small but mighty! 😂 how did they sound outside?

[@simonbellringer]

Very cute, I did take some footage which I will upload in due course

[@danielbellringer]

Did you ring any stedman triples cos that would sound amazing on those bells

[@simonbellringer]

We certainly did, two touches! I may even book these bells for a peal of Stedders, and enjoy two and a half hours of amazingness 😁

[@reecewitz1302]

A flatulent dog in the ringing chamber?! 😂

[@simonbellringer]

Yes - Mr Kinsey had the farts, regrettably! 🤣