In a historic move, a church in Oxfordshire has become the first to feature the cyphers of King Charles III and Camilla on its new bells. North Moreton All Saints Church, located in south Oxfordshire, have been allowed by Buckingham Palace to use the designs.
Royal cyphers are typically only permitted to be put on bells during a coronation year. However, the church was granted special permission to include the designs of the current monarch and his consort on its new bells. In a statement by Tower captain Rob Nickless, who is in charge of the bells’ maintenance, spoke to the BBC about the significance of the new bells: “The tower’s been here for very many years, right in the centre of the community and is here to call people to worship and to celebrate many events in people’s lives – we want to continue to do so with enhanced bells.”
According to Richard Loyd, project manager for the bells’ installation, “These are the first bells in the United Kingdom to bear the cypher of King Charles and Camilla.”
“We believe there might be two other bells elsewhere in the country that may have King Charles’s cypher but you’re only allowed to put the royal cyphers on to bells during the year of a coronation.”
The bells will be rung for the first time during the coronation of King Charles III. The decision to include the royal cyphers on the bells has been met with enthusiasm from local residents.
The North Moreton All Saints Church has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It is known for its beautiful architecture and its role in the community as a place of worship and celebration. The inclusion of the royal cyphers on the church’s new bells is a testament to its long-standing tradition and importance to the community.
The use of royal cyphers on bells has a long history in the United Kingdom. The practice dates back to the 16th century and was used to mark significant events, such as coronations and royal births. The use of the cyphers on the North Moreton All Saints Church’s bells is a nod to this tradition and a reminder of the church’s place in the wider history of the country.
