Matthew Wood Peal Book

Matthew Wood, who lived all his life in Church Row, Bethnal Green and was steeple-keeper at St Matthew’s church for almost 70 years, was one of the most prominent members of the Society in the middle of the 19th century and was described as a ‘doyen of the Exercise’ in his obituary. He was hardly ever known to make a mistake in ringing and was ‘a really great ringer at either the light or the heavy end’. His father (Thomas) and grandfather (Francis) were members of the Cumberlands and he initially followed in their footsteps, joining the Cumberlands in 1837, but by 1849 had left to join the College Youths. The following year he was joined by his brother Henry. This is his peal book running from 1846 to 1882. [Taken from C Ridley's article in the 2009 newsletter]