Battersea, St Mary

Address: Battersea Church Road. SW11.

Map Ref: TQ268769

8 Bells • Tenor 13¾ cwt.

Sunday Service Ringing: 10.30 - 11.00 am, occasional Quarters 5.30 - 6.30 pm

Practice: Monday 7.45 - 9.15 pm.

This tower has its own web site.

History

The bells are a unique ring of eight bells - the only surviving complete octave cast by Thomas Janaway of Chelsea in 1777. The bells were recast with two new bells from the previous six - themselves recast in the 17th century from the four pre reformation bells.

The bell frame and fittings were completely renewed by Taylors Bell Foundry in 1938 and the installation provides a popular and easy going ring of bells.

The first documented ringing of the bells is for the passing by of Queen Elizabeth 1st on her journey by river to and from Richmond Palace and thereafter there are regular references to the bells being rung not only for the services of the church but at times to mark national events - as they still do today - maintaining a 500 year old tradition uniquely developed in England.

 

Transport

By Road: The Church is situated on the ‘river’ side of Battersea Church Road, a turning to the north off the B305, and the A3205 (York Road).

By Bus: Route 239 Clapham Junction to Victoria passes close to the church. Also 19, 49, 319, 345 to Battersea Church Road or 19, 44, 49, 319, 344, 345 to Battersea High Street.

By Train: The Church is within ten minutes walk of Clapham Junction.

Facilities

There are toilets in the crypt.

The ringers’ pub is The Castle (Youngs). Other pubs and eating establishments in Battersea Square and Battersea High Street.