A FORGOTTEN tradition will be honoured this weekend in Cirencester.

Bell ringing on Oak Apple Day is a little known custom and the Capital of the Cotswolds is one of only a handful of towns in the country to continue the practice.

The tradition, which is celebrated every year on May 29, dates back to 1660 when the first Oak Apple Day was held to celebrate the restoration of the monarchy.

In 1643, Cirencester was taken by Royalist forces during the Civil war and remained loyal to the crown.

Legend has it that, following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651, Charles II escaped capture by hiding in an oak tree as Parliamentarian forces searched beneath him.

After the Protectorate was abolished Charles II was restored as King.

Traditional celebrations included the wearing of oak leaves and the event was a public holiday until the mid-nineteenth century.

It is unsure how long Cirencester has been marking the anniversary of the Restoration.

Peter Holden, tower captain of Cirencester Parish Church, explained: “It’s been going on for a long time.

“A Mr Pardoe left a legacy to affirm the town’s allegiance to the crown, so as bell ringers that’s what we do.

“We shall be here at 6am on Sunday.”

He continued, “It’s fair to say Cirencester has probably had 12 ringable bells in the church longer than any other church in the world.

“St Bride’s in Fleet Street may have had 12 earlier but they have been unringable since the war.”

The earliest reference to bells in Cirencester church dates back to 1238 and the oldest bell currently in the tower, the 3rd, was installed in 1713.

The newest, and largest, is the Tenor and was restored and recast in 1984.

“The clock was created by the same company who made Big Ben, E Dent & Co, but ours is on a more scaled down size” said Peter.

The clock tower of the Parish church will be open for tours this Saturday, May 28, entrance is free and donations welcome.

A special peal of bells will be rung at 6am on Sunday, May 29.