A project to restore a historic church has begun, with the work completed on a bell that dates back to the 14th century.

Belonging to St Bartholomew’s in Loweswater, the church was last rung in 1927 when the old chapel was demolished and the new, current, church was built.

The bell was sold for half a crown to a Maryport scrap merchant and replaced with an iron bell.

But Canon Rawnsley, then vicar of Crosthwaite Church, Keswick, rescued the bell and kept it in the church’s parish room for 80 years.

In the early 70s, the Loweswater parochial church council, led by the Reverend Geoffrey White, then vicar, successfully campaigned for it to be returned.

Initially, it was hung in a niche inside an arch at the west end of the church, but it was then decided to rehang it in the bell cote.

It was then re-dedicated by the Bishop of Carlisle, The Right Reverend Sydney Cyril Bulley, on Sunday, August 13,1972.

Ron East (Carlisle Diocesan Bell Advisor) said he believes the bell was rehung by John Taylor & Co for the re-dedication.

It has hung, exposed to Lake District weather, for the last 52 years, he said.

A spokesperson from St Bartholomews said the bel had not ben heard for over 12 months because of ‘health and safety issues’, adding that it was seen to be tilted in the bell cote when observed from the ground.

It was initially planned to be put back on its bearing before carrying out maintenance on the timber headstock and metal fittings, but after scaffolding was put up it was found that its headstock was decayed and unsafe, meaning it could fall.

A new headstock was then made by Penrith man Nicholas Meadwell and installed by Mr East and his team.

Before (left) and after shots of the bellBefore (left) and after shots of the bell (Image: Supplied)

The bell was finally heard again on August 4, when Revd. Andrea Ward led re-dedication prayers.

The church spokesperson said this fix is merely the start of more extensiverenovation work to the church’s roof, vestry, organ loft and west end.

The work will be phased over several years, involving ‘considerable expenditure’, they said, adding that ‘any interest and the opportunity to discuss the possibility of funding’ the project would be welcome.