A medieval chapel bell is set to ring out once more after almost 70 years of silence.
The single bell at Gipping Chapel, also known as the Chapel of St Nicholas, near Stowmarket, has been restored after its deteriorating condition forced it to fall silent.
Restoration was led by the chapel’s trustees with support from the Revd Daniel Cant, who became chaplain in March 2025.
Revd Cant said: "With the bell not ringing, we noticed the chapel was almost forgotten.
"Since the bells started ringing again, we've had people who have come out of interest and to find out where the bell is ringing from, and have re-engaged with some real heritage of their community.
"The project has brought the chapel back to the limelight, locally."
The £22,700 project was funded through donations, volunteer support, and grants.
The restored bell will now once again ring out from Gipping Chapel, marking the renewal of an important piece of Suffolk’s heritage.
The small, late-medieval chapel was built around 1474–80 for the Tyrell family of Gipping Hall.
It is Grade I listed and features flint flushwork and fragments of medieval stained glass.
Sir James Tyrell, who commissioned the chapel, is known to have allegedly confessed to the murder of the Princes in the Tower under King Richard III's orders.
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The bell, recast in 1812 and inscribed with the name of patron Charles Tyrell, had been unringable for decades.
Inspections revealed decayed timbers, unsafe access, and severely damaged fittings.
The bell and frame were removed in October 2025 by John Taylor Bell Foundry of Loughborough for cleaning and repair.
New steel beams, flooring, and fittings were installed in March 2026 to allow the bell to be safely rehung for swing chiming.
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