Photo above: The four bells from St. Mary-le-Wigford church prior to re-hanging in a new cast iron frame by Taylor's of Loughborough (1932). Photo © Lincoln Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers. 
St. Mary-le-Wigford church is one of the five churches within the city of Lincoln which have bells hung for full circle ringing. The other four churches are: St. Giles (8 bells), St. Peter-at-Gowts (6 bells), St. Botolph-by-Bargate (6 bells) and Lincoln Cathedral (12 bells).
The four bells of St. Mary-le-Wigford church each have the following inscriptions and specifications:
"I, sweetly tolling, men do call, to taste on meats that feede the soule" 1636 (Founder: George Oldfield I) Diameter 28.5" weight 4cwt 26 lbs. Note D
GOD SAVE THE CHURCH 1636 (Founder: George Oldfield I) Diameter 30" weight 4cwt 2 qrs 14 lbs. Note C.
GOD SAVE THE CHURCH 1636 (Founder: George Oldfield I) Diameter 30" weight 4cwt 2 qrs 14 lbs. Note C.
JESUS BE OUR SPEEDE 1616 (Founder: George Oldfield II) Diameter 32" weight 5 cwt 2 qrs 26
lbs. Note B flat.
GOD SAVE THIS CHURCH 1616 (Founder: George Oldfield II) Diameter 34" weight 6 cwt 1 qr 17lbs. Note A.
These four bells were tuned as a 1-4 of a ring of six; quarter turned and re-hung in a new cast-iron frame in 1932, by Taylor's of Loughborough. The old timber frame, possibly dating from 1636 or earlier, has been retained in the tower. According to Ross (quoting Browne Willis who as writing in 1718) there were formerly five bells in this tower; unfortunately he does not give any details.
Ross commented on the four bells that existed, from the 17th century: “these bells emit when rung together a noisy accordance, intolerable to the ear of the campanologist... To improve the harmony and make them sufferable, without recasting them, a fifth and sixth should added...”
1. D; 2. C; 3. B; 4. A, 5. G, 6. F flat.
Sources: Ross Vol. III p. 99; Visit Walter Froggart 5.1968; JG 4.1998
