the building was raised, possibly because of nearby springs. The north aisle was replaced in 1879. New bells In autumn 2009, eight new bells manufactured at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry were installed in the church by Whites Bellhangers, of Appleton, Oxon, who cleaned up the existing three bells and re-hung them on a new bell frame installed higher up in the steeple and connected them back to the clock to continue their chiming role. The new eight bells are in the key of B, and the heaviest (Bell No 8) weighs 6 cwt 3 qtrs 16 lb. They are inscribed and dedicated as follows: No 1 Bell: Jane Austen, writer, 1775–1817 No 2 Bell: Elizabeth Gaskell, writer, 1810–1865 No 3 Bell: William Curtis, botanist, 1746–1799 No 4 Bell: Alfred Munnings, painter, 1878–1959 (the famous equestrian artist, who resided at The White Hart, Holybourne). No 5 Bell: Edmund Spenser, poet, 1552–1599 No 6 Bell: Edward Thomas, poet, 1878–1917 No 7 Bell: Izaak Walton, angler & biographer, 1593–1683 No 8 Bell: Rev. Gilbert White, curate & naturalist, 1720–1793 On Sunday, 11 October 2009, there was a Service of Consecration of the eight new bells. On Sunday, 15 November 2009, there was a Service of Dedication by Michael Harley, the Archdeacon of Winchester. Further reading Anon Church of the Holy Rood, Holybourne July 2011 (available from the church) See also Holybourne Hill, one of the highest points in Hampshire, rises nearby. References External links Holybourne Extract from White’s Directory 1859 Stained Glass Windows at Holy Rood, Holybourne, Hampshire Villages in Hampshire