Bell-cot
A bell-cot, bell-cote or bellcote is a small framework and shelter for one or more bells. Bellcotes are most common in church architecture but are also seen on institutions such as schools. The bellcote may be carried on brackets projecting from a wall or built on the roof of chapels or churches that have no towers. The bellcote often holds the Sanctus bell that is rung at the consecration of the Eucharist.
The Bell-cot is mentioned throughout history books when referring to older structures and communities. "Bromsgrove church: its history and antiquities" as one example which goes into depth about the construction and maintenance of the bell-cot. Bell-cots are also discussed in the book The Wiltshire Archæological and Natural History Magazine, Volume 8 and Proceedings of the Somersetshire Archaeological and Natural ..., Volume 29
Etymology
Bellcote is a compound noun of the words bell and cot or cote.[1] Bell is self-explanatory. The word cot or cote is Old English, from the Germanic. It means a shelter of some kind, especially for birds or animals (see dovecote), a shed, or stall.[2]
- Bell-cot at St Edmund's Church, Church Road, Wootton, Isle of Wight, England
- Bell-cot at Stanford Road School, Prestonville, Brighton, England.
- Church of England parish church of St Alban the Martyr, Charles Street, Oxford.
- Bellcot on St Thomas's Church, Eaton.
References
- "bell (IV.11.a)". Oxford English Dictionary. Vol 2 (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. 1989. p. 88.
- "cote". Oxford English Dictionary. Vol 3 (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. 1989. p. 994.