Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers- North Marston

Established January 17 1881

Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary, North Marston, Bucks
Central Bucks branch of the ODG

Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary, North Marston ©KMC Apr 2005

Dedication:Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary, North Marston

Service Ringing: 1st Sun 9.20 - 10.00 am. All other Sundays: 8.50 - 9.30 am

The Bells (6) 13-2-27

Draught: Long
Audibility: 3 - (On a scale of 1 to 5, 1=faint 5=very loud)
Extra facilities: Simulator (6 Bells) and Camera to be installed.

Access to ringing chamber: Ground floor

The following information comes from a tower notice relayed by Chris Pickford.
Frame & gear all by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry 1925.

A ring of 6; tenor 13-2-27, diameter 44”, tuned to F

Bell	Weight cwt-qr-lb	Diameter (inches)	Strike note	Date cast	Founder	Foundry location
treble	6-0-2	30¾	D	1925	Mears & Stainbank	Whitechapel
2	6-2-17	32¾	C	1925	Mears & Stainbank	Whitechapel
3	7-2-6	35	B^b	1925	Mears & Stainbank	Whitechapel
4	7-3-15	36½	A	1925	Mears & Stainbank	Whitechapel
5	10-1-0	40¼	G	1925	Mears & Stainbank	Whitechapel
tenor	13-2-27	44	F	1925	Mears & Stainbank	Whitechapel

Notes:

Points of interest in church: Old clock about 1730 and chained bible 1617.
(SJ^**C) Simon Jenkins Dr. Schorne's 'Jack-in-the-box' Church Architecture

John Schorne was the rector 1290 - 1314. He is reputed to have imprisoned the Devil in a boot, thus enabling him to cure gout. This is allegedly the origin of the 'jack-in-a-box' and of the many 'Boot' inns around North Marston. He also discovered the value of local chalybeate spring water in curing eye infections. His shrine used to be at the east end of the S aisle, represented by a Decorated window, a piscina and a tiny alcove near the floor. Medieval pilgrims left donations which financed the rebuilding of the chancel and clerestory.

The choir stalls are original and have poppyheads and misericords. There is a chained bible dating from 1617 in a glass case and an old clock.

The old tower clock was built about 1730, probably from a kit. It was in constant use until 1985.The hour hand drive is the right hand part of the mechanism, the hour striking parts are on the left.

Travel Details: OS Grid Ref: SP777226. Village parking

Local points of interest for non ringers: John Schorne's well 150 yds from the church is reputed to have curative properties.

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