Society of Royal Cumberland Youths facts for kids
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| Motto | Pro Patria et Amico ("For Country and Friend") |
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| Location | City of London, St Martin-in-the-Fields (HQ) |
| Date of formation | 1747 |
| Master of company | Jack E Page |
The Society of Royal Cumberland Youths (SRCY) is a group of expert church bell ringers. It was founded on September 6, 1747, and is based in London, but it has members all over the world.
The society's main church is St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square. However, its members often ring the bells at many other churches in the City of London. The SRCY has played a big part in the history of bell ringing. Today, its members are chosen to ring for special events at famous places like St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
Even though it's based in London, the society is known across the country. It is one of two major historical ringing groups in London, along with the Ancient Society of College Youths.
Contents
History of the Society
You can find copies of the society's historical papers, from 1747 to 1999, in places like the National Archives and the British Library.
How the Society Was Formed
The story goes that a group of bell ringers called the London Scholars were ringing bells at Shoreditch church in April 1746. They did this to celebrate the return of William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland. The Duke was the son of King George II and had just won the Battle of Culloden.
The victory was so popular that many groups started using the name "Cumberland." The London Scholars decided to change their name to honor the Duke. Later, in the 1870s, the word "Royal" was added. The society was officially formed in its current state on September 6, 1747.
Famous Ringers and Records
In its early years, the society had many famous bell ringers. Members like John Reeves, George Gross, and William Shipway set new records.
One amazing achievement was by George Gross. On March 27, 1784, he led a team that rang a peal (a long performance of bell ringing) of 12,000 changes. It took them 9 hours and 5 minutes! To celebrate the 200th anniversary of this event, the society rang another special peal on March 27, 1984.
In 1896, the society welcomed its first female member, Mrs. George Williams. This was a big deal because most ringing societies at the time were for men only. Mrs. Williams was also the first woman to ring a peal.
What the Society Does
The SRCY holds a practice session every Wednesday evening in a London bell tower. These practices are mainly for members, but visitors who are interested in joining are also welcome. The society also has regular practices in the North and Midlands of England.
Once a year, the society holds a "Country meeting" in different parts of the UK. This makes it easier for members who don't live in London to join in the fun. The group also has a Peal Weekend each year, where members gather to ring peals together.
Every October, the society has its annual general meeting. At this meeting, they elect new leaders and discuss the society's rules.
London Bell Towers
The SRCY helps take care of the bells and towers at several important London churches:
- St Martin-in-the-Fields (This is their main headquarters)
- St Leonard, Shoreditch
- Christ Church, Spitalfields
- St Andrew, Holborn
- St James Church, Clerkenwell
The society also practices at many other towers throughout the City of London.
Spreading the Word
The society has traveled to the United States and Australia to share their love of bell ringing. These tours have inspired members in the U.S. to form their own ringing groups.
In 2010, the society was featured on the TV show ITV London Tonight. The show covered a national bell-ringing competition that the SRCY was hosting.
How the Society is Run
The society elects leaders, called officers, every year in October. These roles help keep the society organised and active.
- Master: The Master is in charge of the ringing at practices and meetings. They also represent the society at special events and organise the team for the national 12-bell competition.
- Senior Steward: This person helps the Master run the ringing practices and organises other events.
- Junior Steward: This role helps greet visitors and assists with collecting money for peals and tower maintenance.
- Secretary: The Secretary handles the society's daily administrative tasks and communicates with all the members.
- Treasurer: The Treasurer is in charge of the society's money and reports on its finances.
- Librarian: The Librarian looks after the society's collection of historical books and records.
