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Ringers Gotch |
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We are fortunate that w still have our Ringers Gotch here in the Belfry. |
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Most of these rare old jars that have survived are in museums. |
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Ours hold 4 � gallons of liquid and was carried around the town at New Year to invite the towns people to contribute some 'good cheer' and hopefully fill it up. |
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It would then be kept in the tower and drunk at leisure.� Bellringing can be thirsty work! |
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The inscription reads: |
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RINGERS' JAR, ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, |
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HALSTEAD ESSEX. |
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AGVST, 1658. |
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SB, IH, GT, RH, TM, |
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IM. |
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Be merry and wise, |
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Use me much and breake me not |
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For I am but an earthen pot |
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As W sit by the fyre to keepe our selves warme |
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This pot of good liquor will doe us no harme |
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If you be wice |
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Fil me not twice |
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At one sitting |
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In summer heate |
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And winter cold |
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To drink of this |
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We dare be bold |
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The upper initials are those of five ringers and the others may be the maker of the jar which was made in Gestingthorpe. |
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It is strange that this jar should have been made at the time when the Puritans were in power and the ringing of church bells was forbidden. |
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