A medieval church in north Cornwall has its bells ringing for the first time in 50 years, but without the use of any bell-ringers. The belltower at St Sampson's Church in South Hill, near Callington, had all of its bells removed over safety fears, with it taking four years to raise the money to restore them. The five bells were assessed to be too delicate to be rung using the conventional rope-and-clapper method, so each one has had an electromagnetic hammer installed inside it. At the push of a button, the bells can deliver a number of different pre-programmed peals, suitable for all liturgical occasions.

Source: The Times February 17, 2026 07:31 UTC