by Nicola Ellison
Chandler – Bell founders – Drayton Parslow
Over 120 years of bell founding in Buckinghamshire
Who: Originally a family of blacksmiths in Drayton Parslow, they diversified into to bell founding. They were also known for church clocks and in later years, lantern clocks.
Richard (1) – born in 1601-2 son of village blacksmith Anthony Chandler (1) seems to have been the first bell hanger whilst working for his father. Richard (1) died in 1638 aged 36 before his parents and left a will. In had three daughters and two sons, Anthony born 1622 and younger brother Richard (2).
Anthony(2) was only 16 at the time of his father’s death, so one would assume still learning the trade of smithing perhaps under the guidance of his grandfather Anthony(1) who died in 1641. Presumably Richard (2) also followed a similar route. Anthony (2) continued smithing and bell founding alongside his brother Richard (2). Anthony had five daughters and three sons, Richard (3), George and Thomas, he died in 1679/80 also leaving a will, which left the business to his eldest son.
Richard(3) took over the business on this father’s death and as per his fathers will, oversaw the apprenticeship of his younger brothers. He almost certainly worked alongside his uncle Richard (2) until his uncle’s death in 1704. Richard had one daughter and died in 1726.
George worked in the family business but at some point moved to Wingrave to set up by himself bell founding and clock making. He died in 1729
Thomas continued to work in the family firm until his death in 1732
After the deaths of Anthony’s(2) sons the foundry continued under Edward Hall who would seems to be a cousin descended from Richard Chandler (2) and them by his son William Hall until 1756.
What: A ring of 5 bells were cast for St Nicholas Little Horwood in 1672. These were 5 of over 240* known bells.
When: the first bell we are aware of is in nearby Stewkley and cast in 1636*, the last bell under the Chandler banner dates to1756* and is at Hillesden
Where: The site of the foundry was in the centre of the village of Drayton Parslow, located behind where the Three Houses pub and there is now housing, aptly named Bell Close.
*according to AH Cocks – Church Bells of Buckinghamshire