Located in the bell tower of the Fowey Parish Church, the following text accompanies the painting:
“RINGERS PAINTING and RHYME
This painting dates probably from the late 18th C. It is a sort of palimpsest and the underlying work can be seen in places. This earlier work looks to be a similar painting of ringers but turned through 90° and with the bells hanging down and not up on stay as they are on the later painting. It is dated 1732, 9 years after the 2 oldest bells were cast by Rudhalls. It appears that the painting deteriorated and was redone over the old one as the newer paint is over old flaked areas. The painting is on mostly oak planks but also one softwood plank. The planks were originally nailed to cross planks but at a later restoration 3 cross planks were screwed on the back. The rhyme is similar and what can be seen reads:-
Hark how the chirping treble rings most clear
And covering Tom com’s rowling in the rear
We ring the Quick to Church the Dead to Grave
Good is our life such usage let us have
Now up on on end at stay, come let us feel
What laws are best to keep Sobriety
To swear or Curse or in choleric mood
To strike or Quarrel tho he draws (no blood).
To wear a Hat or Spur to or’e turn a bell
Or by unskillful handling marrs a peal
Such shall pay sixpence for each single crime
Twill make him cautious ‘gainst another time.
What forfeituresare due as here it is expressd
Here is a Box to take the same when yu have transgressd.
And We the Whole Society of Ringers do agree
To use the same in Love and Unity
Fowey Ringers Painting and Rhyme
