The tradition of the Offenham Death Bell
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The death knell became more than just a call to pray for the dead. In the days of small, close parishes the way the bell was rung conveyed enough information to let the community know just who had died. Parishes tended to have their own traditions, but some things were common to all: the ‘teller strokes’, ‘tellers’ or in some places ‘tailors’ indicate the sex of the deceased, and their age is tolled or chimed.
Not only is Offenham one of the last places where a death bell is rung, I am sure the way we do it is unique. Tolling the tenor for an exact number of blows is something that requires a lot of skill, and I imagine our practice comes from a time when we did not have anyone with that ability. If the Offenham death bell rings you will hear:
The death bell is rung as soon as possible after someone has died (usually the same or next day) and during the hours of daylight.
If you would like the death bell rung for somebody in the village who has died please contact Claire, the Benefice Administrator or the Vicar as soon as possible. Contact details are in the Parish magazine, or use the contact form on the homepage.
Not only is Offenham one of the last places where a death bell is rung, I am sure the way we do it is unique. Tolling the tenor for an exact number of blows is something that requires a lot of skill, and I imagine our practice comes from a time when we did not have anyone with that ability. If the Offenham death bell rings you will hear:
- The tellers –ether two chimes for a woman or three chimes for a man rung on each bell, starting with the treble (highest note).
- The age strokes – the age of the deceased will be chimed on the third bell.
- Tolling – the tenor will ring up, there will be a pause inviting you to take a moment to remember the person who has died, and then the bell will toll for about 2 minutes. After a short pause the bell will then ring down.
The death bell is rung as soon as possible after someone has died (usually the same or next day) and during the hours of daylight.
If you would like the death bell rung for somebody in the village who has died please contact Claire, the Benefice Administrator or the Vicar as soon as possible. Contact details are in the Parish magazine, or use the contact form on the homepage.