A Social History of Bell Ringing in the Stroud Valleys
By Ian Bucknell
(Self published - not published by The Ringing World)
On Their Shoulders We Stand and Ring is a richly researched social history of bell ringing in the Stroud Valleys, written by lifelong ringer and local historian Ian D. Bucknell.
From the earliest parish records to the present day, the book traces over three centuries of ringing, exploring how church towers across the Five Valleys became centres of community life, continuity, and change. With a focus on Painswick, Stroud, Bisley, Minchinhampton and surrounding villages, Ian uncovers stories of colourful local characters, great bands of ringers, wartime silence, post-war revival, and the endurance of tradition in a modern world.
The narrative is enriched by extensive archival research, oral history, and personal recollections, set alongside photographs, maps, and illustrations. Along the way, the book highlights not only the technical achievements of ringers, but also their social bonds, youthful enthusiasm, rivalries, and acts of remembrance, showing how ringing has always been about people as much as bells.
Written during the Covid-19 lockdowns, when towers fell silent, this work is both a tribute to the past and a celebration of the generations who ensured that the bells of the Stroud Valleys still ring today. It will appeal to bell ringers everywhere, local historians, and anyone interested in the living traditions of English parish life.
See the contents pages
"The over-riding reason why the author has found so much to say is that the study is based on the people who make up the community of ringers – rather than on towers and performances alone. That makes a huge difference. The title of the book – perhaps not immediately self-explanatory – expresses the idea that, as ringers, we owe a great deal to our forebears from whom we have inherited many of our bells and our ringing traditions. This links the past, the present and the future. Thus, this book explores the social history of ringing through time."
- Chris Pickford
See Chris's full review.