Bells cast in Hertfordshire are to be found not only in that county but in a large area of east and south-east England and the midlands. Eight have migrated to Honolulu and one to Chicago. This thoroughly researched book deals with the men who cast them and the near exhaustive catalogue of their work should appeal to all archeologically minded bell ringers as well as to local historians and the parishioners of the churches where these bells are hung.

It includes all known biographical details of the founders, from the shadowy figures of John Clarke 1 and John Grene in the period 1550-75, to John Dier, an excellent workman who was hanged for murder in 1603. The recent discovery of the baptism in Nottingham of Robert Oldfield of Hertford has elucidated his origins and he now appears as a fully-rounded figure who did not quite outlive the Civil War. James Butler of Bishop's Stortford, the incompetent 'X' of Hitchin, the sad figure of Richard Keene of Royston, John Waylett of Bishop's Stortford, who became involved in the early stages of the Industrial Revolution and John Briant of Hertford complete the company. Mention is also made of the Warner family of Hoddesdon and a hitherto unknown St. Albans iron founder who cast bells.

Casting techniques of the different periods are explained. Maps show the distribution of each founder's work and there are more than fifty photographs of relevant churches as well as detailed drawings of founders' marks. Considerable care has been taken to ensure that all marks and inscriptions are recorded with great accuracy.