Scaffolding in the bell tower - March 2026

The original tower was made of brick, plastered over, with a shingled spire. This fell in a gale in 1786 and was rebuilt the following year,  upon a model of the original. It is of red brick, in three stages, and has a castellated parapet and a short shingled spire.

It has a ring of six bells, with the heaviest - and oldest - bell (tenor) weighing approximately 1109 lbs (or 503 kg), and tuned to F♯. The church has a rich history of bell ringing which continues today, with an active and enthusiastic bell-ringing group.

Being within a confined space and with no permanent or reliable way of accessing the tower, knowing the true state of the tower, or dealing with structural or cosmetic issues, has been problematic. However, with great good fortune, a Moreton resident has stepped up and provided a solution.

Local businessman, Shaun Pipe, owner of Pipe Scaffolding, donated the materials and a day of his time and that of his employees to erect permanent scaffolding. We now have the means to access the upper part of the tower safely and efficiently, allowing for close inspection of the building and any required maintenance or repairs. Shaun said that “It was a pleasure to work on such an old building and especially in my village”, emphasising how much he enjoys hearing the bells ring and that “Carrying out these works was the least I could do to help for the Parish and the church”. In a practical sense a  tremendously helpful act, Shaun's generosity also sets a fine example of community spirit and demonstrates that there is a real desire to maintain St Mary’s for future generations.