St Peter’s Church Bridge: W.Rose

The Spire: It is recorded that repairs had been carried out by one Samuel Hills a
chruchwarden in 1787 and again in 1859 during major alterations instigated by mrs Mary
Gregory. The whole structure is constructed of pine timbers and proof of its immense strength
design and workmanship was put to the test in June 1983 when it was struck by lightning. The
subsequent damage was duly and expertly repaired by steeplejack R Peter Harknett who
refixed the weather vane in a more practical and weatherproof manner,

The Belfry: There are three bells in size 1) 33” 2) 36” 3) 39”. The third or tenor bell
(together with number 2 at Patrixbourne church) was cast by the same bell founder in circa
1325 & both are thought to be amongst the ol;dest bells in this country. They were cast by one
Wm Le Belytere and bear the moulded inscription “Ave Maria: gratia plena”. This tenor bell
is used to strike the hour at Bridge. The other bells bear no inscription but are none the less
fairly ancient. The bells are no longer fully swung, but still ring out a good account of
themselves by means of harnessed clappers.

The Clock: The clock keeps excellent time and controls two faces. It is motivated by
handwinding the heavy weights and has a movement of great interest to horologists. The date
on the frame casting is 1847 and was made by Gillett & Johnson. In 1975 the mechanism and
cables were overhauled by Mr SJ Foord of Bridge.

The Font: This is an outstanding piece of workmanship for both size and quality of
workmanship. It is of serpentine stone from Cornwall. Such large pieces of this stone are very
rare. We understand that to form the bowl of this font would have necessitated the use of a
waterwheel for turning. It is therefore to be considered both priceless and beautiful.