This page combines information from several sources and also indicates how the society has evolved over time.
Society Name
Descriptions
From (year)
To (year)
Web site
South Lincolnshire Association
See Lincoln Diocesan Guild [Research by John Harrison.]
1879
1898
North Lincoln Association
See Lincoln Diocesan Guild [Research by John Harrison.]
1884
1898
East Lincolnshire Association
See Lincoln Diocesan Guild [Research by John Harrison.]
1884
1898
Lincoln Diocesan Guild
The Guild was made up from four Guilds which already covered the area of the Diocese of Lincoln, which is the same as Lincolnshire as it was before boundary changes in 1974. The South Lincolnshire Association was founded on 12 August 1879, the East Lincolnshire Association was founded on 4 October 1994. Also in 1884 the Eastern Counties Association was formed as was the North Lincolnshire Association. These four groups became the Lincoln Diocesan Guild in 1899. Rev. H Law James was instrumental in bringing this about. [Research by John Harrison.]
The Belfry Reform movement had led to the setting up of many early territorial societies. These included the South Lincolnshire Association on 12th August 1879, East Lincolnshire Association on 21st June 1884, Eastern Counties Guild on 2nd July 1884 and North Lincolnshire Association on 4th July 1884. Representatives from these existing societies met in the Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral on 29th April 1899 to discuss the possibility of forming a single united society. This followed a resolution passed by each of the societies the previous year to explore the possibility on the understanding that each of the societies would retain their own authority over local ringing. This led to the establishment of a committee to take the proposal forward. For further background see the Bell News (13th May 1899), Ringing World (23rd April 1999 page 380) and the publication Ring in the True: the History of the first hundred years of the Lincoln Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers by Denis Frith (1999). [Research and observations associated with the Council Library Certificates Collection by Chris Ridley.]
founded 1899 Formerly: Eastern Counties Guild (1884 to 1899) North Lincolnshire Association (1884 to 1899) South Lincolnshire Association (1879 to 1899) [Research and observations associated with the Council Library Badge Collection by Chris Ridley.]
Place of Birth: Horncastle First peal tower: Gainsborough Location mentioned in obituary: Bolsover Location mentioned in obituary: Chesterfield Location mentioned in obituary: St Peter at Arches
Central Northants Association Chester Diocesan Guild East Derbyshire Association of Church Bellringers Ely Diocesan Association Lincoln Diocesan Guild Midland Counties Association Sheffield and District Society Yorkshire Association
Place of Birth: Lincoln Began ringing at: Lincoln First peal tower: St. James, Grimsby Towers: St. Peter at Arches, Lincoln, Lincoln Cathedral Location mentioned in obituary: Lincoln
Place of Birth: Burley, Leeds Began ringing at: Burley First peal tower: Armley Towers: Armley (Leeds), St. Peter at Arches, Lincoln from 1897, St. Mary and All Saints, Chesterfield from 1919-1921 and Sheffield. Location mentioned in obituary: Sheffield
