Cirencester Parish Church is celebrating Shrove Tuesday in traditional style.

So listen out for the PANCAKE BELL!

Peter Holden, Captain of the Tower, will ring the Pancake Bell at 11.45 a.m.this coming Tuesday  16th February.

Peter says, “This is known as the Pancake Bell, but I believe it was originally a shriving bell.”

By tradition at noon on Shrove Tuesday this bell was rung to signify that the  servants and apprentices were free for the rest of the day.

Such bells are also known as “Shriving Bells”.

“Shrove” is the past tense of “shrive”, meaning to make or hear confessions.