Heacham has the oldest bell in Norfolk – and the newest too.
The new Coronation bell will sound out from St Mary’s parish church for Advent and Christmas.
It is one of just three bells honouring the coronation of Charles III in the entire country, and the only coronation bell in Norfolk.
It will ring out for the first time on Advent Sunday, on December 1, and will then be rung on Sundays and for other special services.
As the bell was installed the vicar of Heacham, the Reverend Veronica Wilson, said: “We think it’s important because it marks the high days and holidays in this community.
“It lets our village know the church is here. It calls people to worship and it reminds us that God is present in this community.”
The Coronation Bell replaces the oldest bell in Norfolk, which was cast almost nine centuries ago, around 1150. Broken, and impossible to ring or repair for many years, the historic bell will be displayed in the church and rung on special occasions.
The new bell is inscribed with the words: “Heacham commemorates the Coronation of King Charles III” – and is a fitting bell for a village so close to Sandringham.
The Revd Veronica Wilson added: “The new bell not only celebrates the coronation of King Charles III but will provide a focal point for village generations to come, once again calling people to worship, marking high days and holidays and the Church’s presence in the life of Heacham.”
The church also has a beautiful new cupola on top of its tower – the culmination of a 10 year project. It was made by craftsman and member of the congregation, Terry Clay, assisted by local councillor Robert Pritchard.
