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An Old Somerset Song - The Ringers of Chew
 
 
This song was written to commemorate the installation of a sconce in the tower of the church of Saint Andrews, Chew Magna, Somerset in 1804. The tune used (which probably pre-dates the words) is the same as that used for a much more well-known traditional folk song called Twankydillo.

Cecil Sharp collected an almost identical version of the song from Mrs. Lavinia Rendall at Chew Magna on 10 January 1907. In the last line of verse one, Mrs. Rendall sang “reign” instead of “rise”, and her second line in verse three was: "This noble fine sconce was brought into Chew tower".
 
 
2. If a gent-le-man ca-lls, this fine sconce for to see,
There’s no harm in treating, such ringers as we;
We can ring bobs and singles, extremes or true blue,
There’s no ringers, can compare with, the ringers of Chew.
3. In the year of one thousand, eight hundred and fower,
This noble fine sconce, it was raised in the tower;
Which made all the ringers, rejoice and to sing:
“Here’s a health to, John Norcotte”, and “God save the King”.