All Saints' is unique in the world for it has nine bells hung for English change ringing, there are some churches with more bells, many with fewer, but only All Saints', Basingstoke, has nine.

The tower stands on the south east side of the church, and also contains the organ directly beneath the ringing chamber. The nine bells are contemporary with the church, being donated by Lieut. Col. John May a great benefactor to Basingstoke.

The bells were cast in 1916 for All Saints' by Mears & Stain-bank of London. The tenor was 3' 6¾" in diameter and weighed over 11cwt (11. 3. 22) The original records at Mears & Stainbank show that Col May paid for the bells and that The Revd W Boustead placed the order. The bells cost £444 and with the frame, equipment and fitting the final bill was £696. The bells were re-hung in 1980 and again in 2000 by the Whitechapel foundry when they were tuned.

The tower has a band of about a dozen active ringers and they are always pleased to welcome visitors to their ringing. The bells are rung regularly prior to the 10am Sunday morning service, and the ringers practice on Monday evenings. The bells may be rung at weddings and on special occasions.

All Saints bell ringers need more people!
We ring every Sunday from 9:30am - 10:00am and Monday nights from 7:30pm - 9:00pm. Anyone can learn, from a minimum age off 11 years.
If you can help, or would like to know more, please contact Adam Greenley on 07774 209204 or use our Contact Form to enquire further.