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The bells of this Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas were rung today as part of “Ringing to Remember” – the Durham & Newcastle Association of Church Bellringers First World War ringing commemoration. One hundred years ago today a bellringer from All Saints Church, Stranton, West Hartlepool died. We rang to celebrate his life and the ultimate sacrifice that he made.

Private William Brantford Webster

William, born 29/12/1896, was one of five children to Albert Robert and Mary Colby Webster ( nee Egerton ) living at Brantford Cottage , West Hartlepool. He rang his first 720, Plain Bob Minor, on 10/09/1912 at Stranton, aged 15, and his first peal, the treble to 5088 Kent TB Major, on 21/03/1914, also at Stranton; his brother, Robert Webster and Father took part in both. At the time of the 1911 census, he was working as a clerk. Enlisted: Macclesfield, Cheshire into the Cheshire Regiment 9th Bn. Service No.45299.

He is commemorated at Marfaux British Cemetery, France, Grave VII F 1., on the memorial plaque in Newcastle Cathedral and in the Central Council of Church Bellringers Roll of Honour kept below the ringing chamber at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

William Webster - we have remembered you