Audio in isolation can all too often be neglected in many museum collections. In addition to the oral histories project run by the Friends, Henfield Museum has a number of objects which can ring, chime, blare or speak to our visitors! The historic village environment provides other opportunities for field recording. 

Please check back in future for more sounds of historic Henfield...

The Bells of St. Peter's, Henfield

1849 Change 8 Bell Set
Henfield's peal is said to be one of the best in Sussex!

​With change bell ringing established in Britain since the early 17th century, it has for centuries been a treasured musical ritual. The sound of church bells and change ringing is ingrained deeply in our psyches, but as a result can easily be taken for granted. We present here two examples recorded outside on alternate sides of the church.
Our 1849 Change 8 Bell Set, made as a novelty by carpenter Robert 'Bob' Ward of the Cat House, Henfield. It took two years evening working to complete and replicates the sound of church bells. The instrument is played with a hand crank.

Featured in the 'Heritage of Horsham District in 100 Objects' and registered in the virtual collection of the Royal College of Music.
Ringing Pattern: Plain Hunt on Seven 
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