The Bells of St Peters

You may well have heard the bells of St. Peter’s many times but have you ever actually listened to them? What you hear is certainly not unique but is very unusual. On New Years Day, 1944 the Surrey Advertiser informed readers that the Chard Chimes heard at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford had been composed in 1843 by George Wilkins, organist at a nearby church. The chimes were first copied at Chard and assumed the name of Chard Chimes. They were considered by experts to be the best tune ever composed for a peal of eight bells and could also be heard at Bournville, Northleach, Macclesfield and Irthlingborough. Yes, the next time you are anywhere in the proximity of St. Peter’s it will be well worth while for you to stop and listen.