In a decree of the Court of Chancery of the year 1583 is the following
passage:
"It is alleged that a certain close ... in the parish of Smarden,
in the County of Kent, now called and known by the name of
Ropefield, was, long time sithence, given by one John of Hampden,
to and for the maintenance and finding of ropes, _bawdricks_, oil,
and leather, for the use of ringing of the bells in the steeple of
the said parish church of Smarden, &c., &c." James _v._ Woolton, 6
May, 1583. (_Reg. Lib._ B. 1582. fo. 502.)
Not understanding the word "bawdrick," I applied to Messrs. Mears,
bell-founders, Whitechapel, who kindly gave me the following
information:
"The bawdrick is the head of the clapper, or the coupling by which
it hangs on the staple inserted in the crown of the bell. It is
fitted on to the head of the clapper, and a lining of leather is
inserted to prevent the creaking of the iron, when the end of the
clapper is oscillating. Hence, no doubt, the introduction of
'leather' in the document referred to. The word is still in use."