The custom of ringing the church bell on Shrove Tuesday, as mentioned by Newburiensis (Vol. ix., p. 324.), is observed here too, and is generally called "the pancake bell."
C. F. P.
Normanton-upon-Soar, Notts.
I am disposed to agree in opinion with E. W. I. as to this custom, not only as regards the priests, but the people also, for in most country parishes it is the signal for the baker—who usually cooks the Sunday's dinner of the humbler classes—to open his oven: and I have often heard old folks speak of it as "the pudding bell."
G. Taylor.
Reading.
The object is to announce that another service is to follow, either in the afternoon or evening, as the case may be. Here the tolling is, not as the congregation are leaving the church, but at one o'clock.
Wm. Hazel.
Portsmouth.
E. W. I., in his answer to this Query in Vol. ix., p. 312., refers to the custom of tolling the church bell at eight o'clock on Sunday morning, and again at nine. This custom is followed at the chapel of ease (at Maidenhead) to the parishes of Bray and Cookham.