Single Oxford Bob Triples at Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

An excerpt of an unsuccessful quarter peal of Single Oxford Bob Triples at Beaconsfield on Monday, 6th May 2024.
Beaconsfield houses a grand set of eight bells which have a deep and mellow noise to them. They are very easy to handle and ring, and I quite enjoy their sound. They are not too dissimilar from St Mary's, Twickenham and have that low Eb noise to them. The Beaconsfield bells were cast in 1884 and 1977 by Whitechapel, with the second and sixth bells recast in 1977. They are also tuned to the old concert pitch of A=454Hz. Overall, a lovely set of eight.
The Parish Church of St Mary and All Saints, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, was originally constructed in the late 15th century and underwent a thorough makeover in the 19th century. What we see today is mostly the result of this restoration, especially the exterior, though it broadly follows the lines of the original structure. The square tower is not very high, but it looks impressive from a distance along the high street, poking above the buildings with its oversized pinnacles at the corners. The nave, clerestory above, and aisles below, all 19th-century work from the outside, are built in flint with stone dressings.
The history of the church reveals a rich architectural and cultural heritage. The original 15th-century structure reflected the Gothic style of the period, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. During the 19th century, the Victorian era brought about a revival of Gothic architecture, and the church was extensively restored. This restoration aimed to preserve the medieval character while incorporating contemporary elements. The use of flint and stone dressings in the exterior work is typical of the Victorian Gothic Revival, which sought to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.
The church at the crossroads of Old Beaconsfield, dedicated to St Mary, was rebuilt using flint and Bath stone by the Victorians in 1869. The Victorian restoration was part of a broader movement during the 19th century to renovate and revive ancient churches across England, reflecting the era's fascination with medieval architecture and its symbolic connection to a storied past.
Additionally, the United Reformed Church in Beaconsfield can trace its roots of non-conformist worship in the town back to 1704. Old Beaconsfield features a number of old coaching inns along a wide street lined with red brick houses and small shops. It was the first stopping point for coaches on the road between London and Oxford, being equidistant between the two places. This historical role as a coaching stop has left a lasting legacy on the town's architecture and layout, contributing to its charming and picturesque character.
Tenor 19-1-20 in Eb
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