A quarter peal is a piece of “performance” ringing. They are an opportunity to consolidate learning of methods and enjoying a prolonged period of good striking. They are often rung to celebrate particular occasions, and can serve as an important record of social history. They are often rung just for the enjoyment of doing so. At Great Gransden they take about 45 minutes to ring.
The secular aspect of ringing is important for maintaining standards in the quality of striking and furthering the art of change ringing.
A quarter peal on six bells can be from 1260 changes to around 2000 changes. The higher number of changes usually reserved for date touches, which are year dates. In Great Gransden these have often been rung on the 1st of January. Half peals of 2520 may be rung but the normal length beyond a quarter pael is a peal, which on six bells is at least 5040 changes.
A detailed list of Date Touches and compositions can be found on this link. They warrant a seperate document for those interested in composition and the achievement of ringing 25 on New Years’ Day. There are several others commmemorating special events too.
Each piece of ringing has a conductor, who is one of the ringers. This person is responsible for “calling the method” and ensuring that the ringing is correct and to a suitable standard. Sometimes several ringers will take part in this and the ringing will then be ‘jointly’ conducted.
A complete list of known quarter peals rung in the tower can be found here. The list will be updated occasionally as more quarter peals are rung.
List of Quarter Peals (updated annually)
Great Gransden Bell Ringers 