Stedman, the Classic Bellringing Principle

Introduction

Campanalogia was published in 1767 and pp129 - 132 describe the principle that we now know as Stedman Doubles. The principle has 12 changes in a section, with alternate forward and backward hunting on the first 3 bells and double dodging in positions 4&5. Each block of hunting is linked to the next by a bell remaining in 5ths place.

Over 250 years later we continue to be challenged by "Stedman's Principle".

"Stedman - The Method" is essentially simple in concept, interesting in appearance, and superficially easy to ring (on tower bells). It does call for the skill of backward hunting and leading, and the natural coursing order of Plain Bob is no-where to be seen.

Stedman Doubles extends to Triples, Caters and Cinques etc., by the addition of an extra pair of dodging places at each stage.

Stedman is recognised as a standard method on tower bells but remains a minority activity on handbells. As of February 2025, there were 37,000 recorded performances on Bellboard that included Stedman, but only 1,500 of these were on handbells. On handbells Stedman Triples is the most popular stage being 39% of the performances, and Doubles the least popular at 6%.

Stedman is so different from the Treble dominated hunter methods that specific memory techniques have been developed.

Stedman is composed of alternate forward and backward hunting work, but a different method, Erin, can be constructed from using only backward hunting blocks of 6. The simpler structure of Erin makes it into a useful stepping stone towards Stedman.

Method Structure.
In this page we assemble Stedman and Erin Doubles from the basic building blocks and define the specific language that relates to the work of an individual bell.

Erin Doubles snapshot - the lines.
Double lines for the three pairs for Erin Doubles.

Stedman Doubles snaphot- the lines.
Double lines for the three pairs for Stedman Doubles.

Understanding Stedman - the slow work.
The challenges of the Stedman Slow work

Memory and Practice Techniques.
Memory techniques & Practice techniques

Ringing Erin Double .
The Pairs

Ringing Stedman Double .
The Pairs, calls and conducting

Ringing Stedman Triples .
The Pairs, navigating the calls.

Touches of Stedman Triples .
Compositions

Conducting Stedman Triples .
Calling, Checking, Assisting others.

Ringing Stedman Caters .
The Pairs.

Ringing Stedman Cinques .
The Pairs.