The Bells that Brought Him Home: a Weekend of Bellringing Heritage in Saffron Walden

In 1623, a local man named Thomas Turner got lost in the woods near Saffron Walden. Disorientated, he followed a sound through the trees – the bells of Walden – and found his way home. In his will, he left money for the bells to be rung every year on the date of his death. Four centuries later, we still honour Thomas Turner’s wishes with a day of ringing and celebration - the custom unbroken since the reign of James I.

Some traditions refuse to die. This is one of them.

Over this special weekend, climb the same 52 stone steps ringers have climbed for generations, into a tower that has watched over the town since the Middle Ages. Inside the ringing chamber, peal boards and archive photographs record the ordinary people whose names are woven into Saffron Walden's story. The historic town clock mechanism sits close by, still ticking. Through the windows, a view that few get to see.

Then it’s your turn. Step into the churchyard and try the 'mini-ring' - feel the pull of the rope, the swing of the bell, the strange thrill of joining a historic sound and craft older than almost anything else in town. No experience needed — just curiosity.

Round it off with a tour of the largest parish church in Essex, raised by the same master masons behind King's College, Cambridge. Then tea and cake, because no good heritage outing is complete without one.

Supported by the Essex Association of Change Ringers, connecting bell ringers across Essex and East London.

Timings

Saturday 19 September:

10.00 to 12.30, 14.00 to 16.00

Sunday 20 September:

14.00 to 16.00

Location & directions

St. Mary's Church, Church Path, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1JP

Directions:

There is almost no parking on the church grounds, and we recommend you park in the paying car park at Swan Meadow - CB10 1DA. From here, walk into Park Lane and continue along the short stretch of pathway until you reach the High Street. Cross the High Street, turn left and walk about 100m and then right into Church Street. You will see the church shortly on the left. The nearest train station is Audley End, on the direct line from London Liverpool Street and Cambridge, where taxis (and occasional buses) are available.

Contact on day:

Gillian Herbert

Telephone number:

+447999849095

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Ramp at the entrance to the South Porch. Two disabled parking spaces next to the South Porch - access via Church Street and then Museum Street, both of which are one-way. There are 52 steep steps to access the tower and ringing room, however, also plenty to see at ground-floor level.

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