Centuries of New Year bells silenced by a lack of ringers
CENTURIES of tradition will be broken tomorrow when the bells of an ancient abbey fail to chime in the New Year at midnight.
A dire shortage of ringers means no peal will be heard by those living in the shadow of Romsey Abbey in Hampshire.
The parish church, founded in the 10th century and one of the largest in Britain, traditionally marks the beginning of each year with the ringing of its eight bells.
They have been in the belfry at the abbey since 1624 and it is believed the tradition has never been missed – until now.
This year the bell-ringers, who practise every week, have so many other commitments, not enough of them can make it on New Year’s Eve.
Caroline Daniels, “tower captain” at the abbey and in charge of the bells, said: “Unfortunately, it’s just a case of not having enough ringers.
“Many are away this year, some have new grandchildren and others have relatives living far away.
“It’s a nice tradition so it’s a shame but it’s only a one off. “We’ll be back next year. “Bell-ringing is quite a commitment and at Christmas time it can be hard to get the numbers.”
The abbey houses the tomb of Lord Mountbatten of Burma, Prince Philip’s uncle.
The Earl, who achieved the highest rank in the Royal Navy and was appointed aide-de-camp to the Queen, was killed by an IRA bomb in 1979.
He was buried at Romsey following his state funeral at Westminster Abbey.
Economist, scientist and philosopher Sir William Petty, who was a supporter of Oliver Cromwell, was also buried at Romsey Abbey after his death in London in 1687.