The first church of St. Mary was built in Hamwic, England (later known as Hamtun and eventually Southampton), soon after 634 AD. Throughout the centuries its fortunes have wavered, and the existing structure was completed in 1884.  

The bells were installed in 1914 with great ceremony, but in November 1940 the church was reduced to a shell by incendiary bombs, and the damaged bells were taken away for safe-keeping. However, new bells were recast from the originals, and rang again in 1948.

In 1914, visiting Australian composer A Emmett Adams, and lyricist Douglas Furber, heard them ringing across the town, and were so moved by them that they wrote "The Bells of St Mary's."  

It was later sung by Bing Crosby in the film of the same name, and has been recorded by many others… 

listen to The Bells of St. Mary's  

Ring out, ring out,
Ring out sweet bells!

The bells of St. Mary’s,
Ah! here they are calling,
The young loves, the true loves,
Who come from the sea . . .

And so my beloved,
When red leaves are falling,
The love bells shall ring out, ring out,
For you and me!

The bells of St. Mary’s,
That sweet eventide,
Shall call me beloved
To come to your side . . .

And out in the valley,
In sound of the sea,
I know you'll be waiting,
Just waiting for me!

Just waiting, just waiting,
Just waiting for me!

The bells of St. Mary’s,
Ah! here they are calling,
The young loves ( the young loves )
The true loves ( the true loves )
Who come from the sea . . .

And so my beloved,
When red leaves are falling,
The love bells shall ring out, ring out,
For you and me!