A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Rudhall

RUDHALL. A family of bell founders of this name carried on business in Bell Lane, Gloucester, from 1648 until late in the 18th century. Its successive members were Abraham, sen., Abraham, jun., Abel, Thomas, and John. From catalogues published by them it appears that from 1648 to Lady day, 1751, they had cast 2972 bells 'for sixteen cities' and other places 'in forty-four several counties,' and at Lady day 1774 the number had increased to 3594. The principal metropolitan peals cast by them were those of St. Bride, St. Dunstan in the East, and St. Martin in the Fields. The most eminent member of the family was Abraham junior, who brought the art of bell-casting to great perfection. He was born 1657, and died Jan. 25, 1736, 'famed for his great skill, beloved and esteemed for his singular good nature and integrity,' and was buried in Gloucester Cathedral. His daughter, Alicia, married William Hine, the cathedral organist. [See Hine, William.] The bells of the Rudhalls were distinguished for their musical tone.

[ W. H. H. ]