The tower and the bells
The tower was built in the 13th century (c.1250), but the buttresses and the stair turret were not added until the 15th century. Hertfordshire puddingstone is one of the main materials used and much can be seen from the outside, particularly in the buttresses. Puddingstone is a conglomorate of pebbles surrounded by a matrix (cement) and was formed in early Eocene times, about 60 million years ago, and is unique to South Hertfordshire. The name comes from a resemblance to plum pudding. In 1940 a German bomb fell on the tower, destroying the spire and damaging the parapet. Although much debris fell into the belfry, amazingly the bells were undamaged. Restoration of the tower and the building of a new spire was completed in 1950.
The weathercock on top of the spire is 126 feet (38.4m) above the ground. The tower has been used by the Ordnance Survey Office as a Triangulation Station. These stations constituted the basic framework of the maps and plans of Great Britain and were essential for the maintenance of the National Survey. The benchmark is inscribed on a stone slab, just above ground level, in the north buttress of the tower. Much of the work is now done by the Ordnance Survey Office using GPS.
The church clock was made in 1858 by Jump and Sons of London. The face of the clock is on the west face of the tower. The clock strikes the hours, and until recently was hand wound every week. The clock weights are now powered by an electric motor.
The church clock was made in 1858 by Jump and Sons of London. The face of the clock is on the west face of the tower. The clock strikes the hours, and until recently was hand wound every week. The clock weights are now powered by an electric motor.
The Edward VI inventory of Church Goods in Hertfordshire, dated 1st November 1552, records at Aldenham: "Imprimis in the steple iiij Belles and a sanc Belle" i.e. four bells and a sanctus bell. In 1647 the sanctus bell was recast by William Whitmore of Watford, and in 1683 the great tenor bell, weighing 15 cwt, was recast by George Chandler of Drayton Parslow in Buckinghamshire. In the 19th century other bells were recast and more bells added and there are now eight bells and the sanctus bell.
The bells are rung regularly for Sunday services, weddings and other special occasions and the ringers practice on a Monday evening. At present we have 10 ringers in the band but there is always a need for new ringers and anyone interested will be made most welcome. Please contact the Tower Master ( see "Contact Us").
