A report in the “Chard and Ilminster”, transcribed below, tells the story of the dedication of the new bells in 1894. ( With thanks to John Gapper).

From the Chard and Ilminster Gazette - 8th December 1894

WINSHAM

The dedication of the Bells took place on Monday. The peal formerly consisted of five, but has now been increased to eight. The old Tenor, re-cast in 1803, was badly cracked through the old method of striking the bell with a rope attached to the clapper.  The oldest bell in the tower, the fourth, bearing the date 1583, now becomes the Tenor.  The former second has also been recast and turnd (sic.). The present fifth, formerly the Treble, was recast by Warner in 1876; the old third is now the seventh.  The work was entrusted to Mr Thomas Blackbourne, Bellfounder of Salisbury, at a cost of about £230, and he has executed it to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. The cost of the work is the gift from the family of the Rev. George Ware MA, formerly vicar of this Parish. An Ellacombe chiming apparatus is being fixed through the generous kindness of the Rev. Henry Ware of Guilford, youngest son of the late Vicar.

 The first service was held at 2:30 p.m. and was conducted by the vicar, the Rev. D.H. Spencer. The first lesson was read by the Rev. C. R. Elmington of  Chard; the second by the Rev. R. P. Billing, Vicar of Lopen.  After the dedication of prayers a short peal was rung, followed by a sermon from the Rev. John Middleton Ware, Rector of Ullingswick. The musical part of the service was well rendered, a beautiful hymn being sung by the Rev. T. Childs Clarke, Vicar of Thorbiton. Mr. W. Northcombe presided at the organ, accompanied by Miss Traill and Miss Spencer on their violins. After the service a peal of double Norwich was rung, occupying three hours nine minutes, and consisting of 5,040 changes, by a ringing guild from Salisbury. A second service was held in the evening, when there was a crowded congregation. An eloquent sermon was preached by the Rev. H. Stuart King, Vicar of Tatworth. There was a collection at each service. The bells are hung on a massive framework of iron, and are rung from the floor of the church instead of a loft above as heretofore.

 The ringers partook of an excellent dinner provided by host Forsey of the Bell Inn, by the kindness of Colonel Henley, and a supper at the Vicarage.

The article above refers to “Thomas Blackbourne, Bell founder”, whereas the earlier table credits Mears and Stainbank with the casting of the new bells.  It is likely that the bells were cast by M&S, while Blackbourne constructed the supporting frames and carried out the bell hanging.  The inscriptions on the current bells were examined and bells 1 to 4 and no. 6 do indeed bear the name “Mears and Stainbank”.  Other inscriptions are listed below: 

 The Ware family names are explained in the newspaper report.  Presumably, Miss E A Ware had married Rev. Billing.  The Rev. George Ware was Vicar of Winsham 1831-1870 and  Daniel H Spencer was vicar from 1870 to 1920.  "Dedit me” is Latin for “gave me” and “Gaudete Semper In Domino” can be translated as “Rejoice in the Lord always”.  Regarding the no. 6 bell, Messrs. Stuckey and Willis were churchwardens in 1753 when the bell was originally cast, and the other names refer to 1894.

The Winsham churchwardens’ accounts give more information.  In 1753/4 they show that £18 was paid to Mr. Rock for casting the new bell.  In May 1719, approximately £16 was paid for the no.3 bell (now the 7^th).  In October 1772, it was agreed that Thomas Baily of Bridgewater, Bellfounders, should take down and recast the tenor bell, and in 1773/4 they (now spelt Bayley) were paid approximately £32.  In January 1803 the same bell again needed attention.  The old bell weighed 18 cwt  2 qtr 12 lbs and an estimate of £28 was agreed for the casting of the new bell.  The founder, Isaac Kingstone of Bridgwater, was asked to aim for a weight of 20 cwt.  The final payment for this work was made in January 1804.