Historic Buildings

Rose Ash Church medieval-tower and historic-bell restoration project

The aim is to save an historic peel of six bells, in time for the 300th anniversary of four bells cast in 1728, together with the ringing-mechanism and frame, and before the heavily-worn bells crack or even shatter. We can then re-establish the rich and inclusive tradition of bell-ringing in a parish-church in a deprived part of rural Devon. In addition, we need to repair the leaking bell-tower roof, install a modern tower-access ladder to replace the current 20ft vertical iron-ladder, and also install a lightning-conductor. We also wish to reduce our carbon-footprint by installing a highly efficient pew-heating system, and fit LED lighting, including uplighters to illuminate the medieval roof-bosses. These works will make the church more accessible and welcoming, encouraging a wider, younger community to use and enjoy the building, and to appreciate and be involved in the history and heritage of this bit of rural Devon.