Bell strokes toll out the death of an unknown man, and summon Lord Wimsey to East Anglia to solve the mystery.

Handel called Britain 'The Ringing Isle' because he heard bells ringing everywhere he went. Behind the quintessentially English sound of bells ringing lies a unique way of hanging bells and a special way of ringing them that evolved in the late sixteenth century. Ringing has since developed and spread, with some 6,000 towers worldwide with bells hung in the English style, and most of them in England. Over 40,000 active ringers keep alive the traditions and skills of change ringing that have been handed down over many generations. The book is an introduction to the world of bells and bell-ringing. It explains how bells are made and how a ringing installation works. It explains the nature of change ringing, which has mathematical as well as musical aspects. It provides insights into the ringing community its origins and culture as well as its relationships with the Church and the community.

*** Sanctuary is sometimes used loosely as synonymous with refuge but Geoffrey Care’s book examines the true early meaning of sanctuary as applied by the church which gave respite, albeit for a limited time, from both authority and the mob. His diligent research takes us through a series of delightful cameo sketches of those who sought sanctuary and in so doing gives us an insight into mediaeval life and times... Keith Best, Barrister, former MP and Chief Executive of both the Immigration Advisory Service and Freedom from Torture and a member of the Foreign Secretary’s Panel on Torture Prevention. *** This is a remarkable book on the subject of sanctuary by Geoffrey Care. This issue is of increasing urgency and international importance. ...Geoffrey’s book will appeal to many as a book that covers a serious topic in an appealing form.... His publication is timely and compassionate. Bernar Moody, Beverley.