The Bellringing
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The Bellringing (Roud 1515[1]) was collected by The Revd Sabine Baring-Gould, the Squire and Parson of nearby Lew Trenchard, in January 1890 from William George Kerswell of Two Bridges and also from James Down, a blacksmith, of nearby Broadwoodwidger. It is published in his book "Songs of the West"[2] and he wrote "When sung by the old farmer over a great fire in the kitchens, his clear, robust voice imitating the bells produced an indescribable charm".
It is about a bell ringing contest in Devon. The villages of Northlew and Ashwater are in West Devon, near the border with Cornwall.
Chorus[3]: 'Twas in Ashwater town, the bells they did sound, They rang for a belt and a hat laced with gold, But the men of Northlew rang so steady and true That there never were better in Devon, I hold.
