Faith Features

The area in and around Canewdon, north of Southend, has important historical links.

Old entrenchments that once existed between the village and the river are believed to mark the site of Canute's camp before his victorious battle over Edmund Ironside in 1016.

St Nicholas church has a long, colourful history

The 14th century church of St Nicholas lies at the western end of the village. It's set 128-feet above the marshes, and its massive tower is widely thought to be the site of Canute's minster.

The ancient church has, however, lain silent for the past 100 years, when its bells were taken away because of fears over the safety of the building.

But now they're back in use and chiming better than ever.

"It's been something the village has been working at for many many years," says Brian Meldon, the Joint Tower captain at St Nicholas.

Two bells are inscribed with benefactors name

"Even as far back as the 1920's there were appeals for funding, but because the church was in a bad condition the bells took second place."

That was until a generous bequest from John Mitchell, a local parishioner who left thousands of pounds to the church, which Brian says "enabled them to install 10 new bells and put the original five back to good order."

The bells were made at the world famous Whitechapel Bell Foundry, and two of the central bells have been engraved in memory of Mr Mitchell and Ken Smith, who campaigned for years to bring back bells to the church tower, but sadly passed away half way through the project.

Another addition to the bell tower is a new ringing gallery which has been constructed, whilst the floor beneath the bells has been sound-proofed.

Original bells are back in service after 100 years

"The only way we could make them quiet enough was to put in a lot of insulation, because up there they are very loud," says Brian.

Reverend Tim Clay, vicar at St Nicholas, says the local community is already noticing a difference.

"It's been a such a boon to the church... just in the few weeks that the ringers have been ringing regularly numbers have been boosted and it's made the church more noticeable in the village," he explained.

To hear more about the new bells of Canewdon, click on the link below: