Church Tower, St Seriol, Penmaenmawr

A tower is being added to the church of St. Seriol, Penmaenmawr, built ten years since, and will be completed at Easter. The architects are Messrs. Tate (and Popplewell), of Manchester, and the contractor is Mr. Robert Roberts, of Penmaenmawr; the cost will be £1,100. A bell weighing 21cwt., cast by Messrs. Taylor, of Loughborough, has been given by Mr. (Murray) Gladstone, who also presented the framework for hanging it.  [Building News 20 March 1885 page 472]

PENMAENMAWR. THE CHURCH TOWER—We are pleased to be able to chronicle the fact that a start has been made to construct this now historical tower, the contract having been let to Mr Robert Roberts, Brook Cottage. [North Wales Chronicle 14 June 1884 page 6] 

ST. SEIRIOL'S CHURCH - We are pleased to announce that this church will soon be beautified by the addition of a handsome stained glass window, which will replace the present north-east window. This is the gift of an English clergyman whose family have derived much benefit from frequent visits to Penmaenmawr. The work of erecting the tower is going on a pace. During the last few days the committee have received the gratifying announcement that Mrs Kneeshaw intends to present them with a clock to be placed in the tower. This will be an ornament to the building, and a great boon to the public. With reference to the bell which Mr Gladstone has promised to place in the tower, the vicar has received the following letter from the right honourable gentleman's secretary:— 10, Downing-street, Whitehall, 29th November.- Dear Sir,—Mr Gladstone desires me to let you know that he is ready to present your church with a bell of 21 cwt., sounding the note E. Messrs Taylor, of Loughborough, bellfounders, who have the bell ready, have been requested to communicate with you on the subject with the view of erecting the bell, providing the tower is strong enough to bear its weight. The bell is represented to be of exceptionally fine tone. - Yours faithfully, E. W. HAMILTON-. The architects say there is no doubt of the strength of the tower to bear the weight of the bell, as, supposing this to be the largest, provision is made for six more bells. It is to be hoped some generous person will emulate Mr Gladstone and supply the other bells. By-the-bye, every bell has a name, and it has been waggishly suggested that Mr Gladstone's gift should be christened “Sweet William" —Correspondent. [North Wales Chronicle 6 December 1884 page 5] 

DEDICATION OF THE NEW TOWER AND THE GLADSTONE BELL. In a speech made on the occasion of the laying of the corner-stone by Mrs Gladstone in 1867, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone kindly undertook to supply a bell on condition that a tower was built to receive it. For various reasons, the work was not undertaken until the advent to the parish of the present vicar, the Rev. J. A. Howell, who, shortly after his appointment, took up Mr Gladstone’s almost forgotten challenge, and the result has been the erection of a handsome tower, built from designs supplied by Messrs Tate and Popplewell, of Manchester, in which the far-famed Gladstone bell has been placed, and which was put to its legitimate work on Sunday last, its sweet tones fully justifying Mr Gladstone's prediction, that “a bell in a place like Penmaenmawr, between the mountains and the sea would be particularly pleasant." In addition to the bell, the tower has been enhanced by an exceedingly handsome three-faced Clock the gift of Mrs Kneeshaw, of Tanyfoel. The dedication of the tower and its contents took place at the morning service on Tuesday by the Bishop of Bangor. [North Wales Chronicle 18 July 1885 page 6]

Reference    Building News 20 March 1885 page 472]
Reference    North Wales Chronicle 14 June 1884 page 6
Reference    South Wales Daily News 8 December 1884 page 3
Reference    North Wales Chronicle 6 December 1884 page 5
Reference    North Wales Express 20 March 1885 page 8
Reference    North Wales Chronicle 18 July 1885 page 6