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Western Branch
The Western branch towers lie on the coastal plain between the Lakeland Fells and the Irish Sea to the west or the Solway Firth in the north. Many of the churches were rebuilt or enlarged when mining, steel making and other heavy industry prospered in the area and many bells date from this period, although many churches are on the site of earlier buildings. It was intended to hang bells in Wigton when the church was built in the 18th century however bells were not installed until the Millennium project. Wainwright's coast to coast walk starts (or ends) at St. Bees while the C2C cycle route starts from Whitehaven or Workington.
Towers
- Arlecdon, St. Michael
- 8 Bells 14 ¼ cwt (725 kg) in F : NY052198
- Sundays: 2nd & 4th, 10-30 am
- Practice: Thursday 7-30 pm
- Contact: Mr. J. Wilkinson, Fern Knoll, Arlecdon CA26 3UB (01946 861601)
- Aspatria, St. Kentigern
- 8 Bells 14 cwt (712 kg) in F# : NY147419
- Sundays: 9-00 am
- Practice: Thursday, 6-30 or 7-30 pm (variable) Check with T
Gear or David Gray (016973 21715)
Door locked during practice, please knock on W door for access. - Contact: Mr Trevor Gear, Brandraw Mount, Market Square, Aspatria CA7 3HG (016973 21935)
- Bridekirk, St. Bridget
- 6 Bells 11 ¾ cwt (597 kg) in G# : NY117337
- Sundays: No regular ringing
- Practice: No regular practice
- Enquiries: The Vicarage, Bridekirk, Cockermouth CA13 0PE (01900 826557)
- Cleator Moor, St. John the Evangelist
- 8 Bells 21½ cwt (1093 kg) in E : NY015153
- Sundays: No regular ringing
- Practice: No regular practice night
- Contact: Mr. J. Wilkinson, Fern Knoll, Arlecdon CA26 3UB (01946 861601)
- Cockermouth, All Saints
- 8 Bells 12½ cwt (636 kg) in F# : NY124306
- Sundays: 8-55 am
- Practice: Wednesday 7-30 pm
- Contact: Mr. M. Cubey, 39 Rowrah Rd, Rowrah, Frizington CA26 3XJ (01946 862972)
- Egremont, St. Mary
- 8 Bells 13 ½ cwt (686 kg) in F# : NY012105
- Sundays: No regular ringing
- Practice: First Wednesday 7-30 pm
- Contact: Mr. C. F. Gates, 2, Highbank House, Egremont CA22 2DZ (01946 820419)
- Hensingham, St. John the Evangelist
- 8 Bells 13 ¾ cwt (699 kg) in F# : NX985166
- Sundays: 10-30 am
- Practice: Tuesday 7-00 pm
Please phone to check before visiting - Contact: Mr. G.E.H. Gray, 4, Hensingham Road, Whitehaven CA28 8PR (01946 65224)
- Irton, St. Paul
- 8 Bells 16 cwt (814 kg) in F# (GF) : NY092005
- Sundays: Special services only
- Practice: Monday 7-30 pm
- Contact: Miss K. Egglestone, Spindle Craft, Drigg Station, Holmrook CA19 1XQ (01946 724335 daytime)
- Silloth, Christ Church
- 8 Bells 23 ½ cwt (1195 kg) in E : NY110537
- Sundays: Unringable
- Practice: Unringable
- Enquiries: The Vicar
- St. Bees, Priory Church of SS Mary and Bega
- 8 Bells 13 cwt (661 kg) in F : NX968121
- Sundays: 10-00 am
- Practice: Wednesday 8-00 pm
- Contact: Mr. D.T.Sim, 31 Main Street, St. Bees CA27 0AA (01946 824898)
- Whitehaven, St. James
- 12 Bells 16 cwt (814 kg) in F : NX977184
- Sundays: 9-30 am, 5-30 pm
Visitors: Please check with Luise Leech beforehand, as a Quarter Peal is often attempted on Sunday evenings - Practice: Friday 7-30 pm
Beginners taught to handle separately, please phone to check details - Contact: Luise Leech, 30 Earls Road, Bransty, Whitehaven CA28 6BE (01946 693906)
- Wigton, St. Mary
- 8 Bells 8 cwt (407 kg) in A : NY256483
- Sundays: 9-00 am, 6-00 pm (by arrangement)
- Practice: Monday 7-30 pm
- Contact: Mr. M.E. Snape, 3 Greenfoot, Mealsgate, Wigton CA7 1DF (01697 371437)
- Workington, St. Michael
- 8 Bells 12 ½ cwt (636 kg) in F# : NX997289
- Sundays: 9-00 am
- Practice: Monday 7-30 pm Simulator available before open practice by prior arrangement.
- Contact: Mr. M.G. Evans, 69 High Brigham, Cockermouth CA13 0TG (01900 824647)
