HISTORY was made in Bridgwater as the new ring of 12 bells rang out from a town church for the FIRST TIME.

On August 17, St Mary's Church bell-ted out some enchanting sounds as a specially-invited group of ringers from across the area became the first to ring the newly-augmented 'ring of 12'.

The event was the culmination of a project originated by a Tower Officer’s meeting way back in 2012.

The intervening years have seen mammoth fundraising efforts and work to swell the number of bells at St Mary's from eight to 12, along with new sound proofing measures and improvements aimed towards making the tower carbon neutral.

Tower Captain, Margaret, said: "This is a really special day, it has taken a lot to get us here but we've made it - Britain's newest ring of 12 bells!

"Everyone ringing today has supported us and it feels wonderful to have them help us the first time we ring all 12 bells together."

St Mary's Church is Somerset's bellringing training centre.

And tutor, Richard Lee, said: "Plans are now in place to hold a monthly 12-bell practice, in collaboration with St Mary Magdalene's in Taunton who also have a ring of 12 so we can share expertise."

The new 'ring of 12' comprises of new bells, cast at Taylor's bell foundry in Loughborough, and the eight bells already in the tower, which date back as far as 1617.

Enthusiasts from contributing towers including Westonzoyland, Ashcott, Spaxton, Holford and Woolavington were thrilled at the opportunity to be the first to ring the 12 bells together.

Margaret said: "It's an amazing link to history to be ringing these bells week in week out, some of which were in use at the time of the Monmouth Rebellion.

"And now we have these new bells, our own new link we have forged in the history of the tower.

"Although it is a ring of 12, there are actually 13 bells, to enable different numbers of bells to be rung in different methods."

The work, which included alterations to the tower for the new frame, the clock, and refurbishment of the existing bells in addition to casting new ones, began in earnest when the bells were removed from the tower in December 2019.

Margaret added: "Thanks to all the agencies who donated, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Viridor, our association and both local authorities, and generous personal donations from people far and wide, and closer to home – we’re grateful to them all”