Previously used as a town crier’s bell in Maryland, USA, the historic handbell now begins a new chapter in Glastonbury. Jeff located and restored the bell, including repairing the connection to its handle, while Gabriel provided the funds to purchase it for the town and its criers.
Made just 44 years after the American Declaration of Independence, the bell comes from an age before telephones, radio and television, when the spoken announcement played an essential role in community life. The ringing of a town crier’s handbell summoned people to hear news, official proclamations, local laws and announcements about markets and special events.
More than two centuries later, this bell will once again bring people together, continuing a tradition shared by communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
During a heartfelt address to the Town Council, Jeff spoke about the significance of the gift and the connection between the bell’s history and its new home:
“…what makes an object like this so special isn’t just its age or craftsmanship, it’s its voice. For over 200 years, its chime has rung out to gather people together, mark moments of importance and celebrate shared community.”
He described the bell as a symbol of continuity, bringing people together and honouring the rich heritage that makes Glastonbury unique. Closing his address, he expressed the hope that it would ring in many centuries of unity and community for the town, adding: “And long may Glastonbury flourish.”
The Mayor accepted the gift on behalf of the town before presenting it to Brad and inviting him to give it an inaugural ring.
Brad then delivered a proclamation, at a little below his full volume, celebrating the bell’s legacy and its new era as Glastonbury’s town crier’s bell. He spoke of it being “passed down through the decades to all who may succeed me in this noble tradition of community and communication, as humble ambassadors of this most fine town of ours”.
The bell is the latest contribution to a wider effort by Jeff and Gabriel to equip Glastonbury’s Town Crier with traditional clothing and accessories befitting the role. Jeff has already arranged for a pair of traditional buckled shoes to be handmade, while Gabriel found and supplied a staff.
For both men, their support reflects a deep appreciation of Brad’s commitment to the town and the care he takes in carrying out his duties.
“I have a great deal of respect for anyone who works in historical re-enactments,” Jeff said. “Brad is an example. He takes the role of town crier very seriously.”
Jeff also praised Brad’s willingness to attend shop openings and help people across the community, explaining that he and Gabriel had been finding the individual items Brad needs because “the little things mean a lot”.
Gabriel, who has known Brad since before he became Town Crier, shares that enthusiasm:
“Jeff and I both believe that Brad is without doubt one of the best criers in the country and that Glastonbury should be put firmly on the map as a centre of excellence.”
Their next contribution will be a pair of traditional knee-length breeches, which they plan to arrange over Christmas. Looking further ahead, the ambition is for Brad to join a town criers’ guild and take part in events elsewhere, with Glastonbury eventually hosting gatherings that welcome other town criers here.
Glastonbury Town Council extends its warm thanks to Jeff Kellison for sourcing and carefully restoring the bell, and to Gabriel for generously funding its purchase. Their generosity and continued support for Brad have given this historic bell a new home, ensuring that its voice, carrying more than 200 years of history, will help announce and celebrate the next chapter in Glastonbury’s own story.
The following video follows Jeff and Gabriel as they present the historic bell to the Mayor and Glastonbury’s Town Crier, Brad.
The hero image above of Brad sporting his new bell at the Market Cross, has been provided by Jason Bryant.
