Charlbury's pancake bell

Thu 22 Feb 2007, 17:35

Well done Richard, even our curator could find no info!

Thu 22 Feb 2007, 09:11

Yes, it does still happen and I believe it rang on Tuesday (I wasn't there, but spoke to the ringers on Sunday and they were planning to ring it). Probably the 'fourth' (Bb) bell. Charlbury isn't unique in ringing a pancake bell, but it's pretty unusual.

Wed 21 Feb 2007, 18:23

Richard
I have lived in Charlbury 60+ years , first I've heared of it.
Have left the question with our museum curator, hope to have an answer this evening.
John

Sat 17 Feb 2007, 23:27

One of Charlbury's older residents told me of the tradition of the "pancake bell" wherein on Shrove Tuesday at noontime a single bell of St Mary's ring of bells tolled for several minutes to remind children (presumably being let home at that time) that this was the day to eat pancakes. Apparently this was more or less unique to our town.

Does this still happen? Will the pancake bell ring on Tuesday?