Bellcage To North Side Of Churchyard

Bellcage to the north side of the churchyard is a bell house that likely dates from the late 16th century. It is timber-framed and sits on a red brick plinth, topped with a plain tile roof. The building has a rectangular shape, featuring a lower wall made of planks and muntins, with open lattice work above. There is a door on the left side, equipped with long strap hinges, and the roof has a steep pitch with an overhanging hipped gable. Inside, there is a bell frame that holds five bells, one of which is dated 1450. Some of the wall posts are jowled, and there are posts at the center of each wall that support the tie beams. The roof structure includes lower-level butt purlins with clasped purlins above. This bellcage was built to house the bells after the west tower of St Mary's Church was abandoned. It is said to have been moved from the east side of the church in the 18th century at the request of Joseph Chaplin of Old Hall.