"The Hawarden Visitors' Hand-Book Revised Edition, 1890"
{14} _e.g._ Mr. G. T. Clark and Mr. J. H. Parker, from whom this account is chiefly derived. {16} The uncommon strength and tenacity of the ancient mortar used in the Castle was especially conspicuous in the Keep prior to the recent restorations. In one place an enormous mass of masonry remained suspended without other support than its own coherence and adhesion. For security this has now been underpinned. {23a} In 1563 there were five bells. In 1740 they were sold and six new ones purchased from Abel Rudhall of Gloucester, at a cost of 628 pounds. They bear the following inscriptions, with the initials of the maker and the date 1745 in each case: No. 1. Peace and good neighbourhood. ,, 2. Prosperity to all our benefactors. ,, 3. Prosperity to this Parish. ,, 4. I to the Church the living call, And to the grave do summon all. ,, 5. Geo Hope, Churchwarden. Thos Fox, Sidesman. ,, 6. Abel Rudhall of Gloucester cast us all. {23b} There is a curious carved oaken slab, 4ft high, surmounted by a cross, which forms part of the present Reading Desk. On the cross is an eagle, with a vine branch and grapes above, and with a scroll in his beak inscribed, In Domino confido. The pillar was probably in commemoration of a maiden daughter of Randolph Pool, Rector in 1537. {24a} Its peculiarity consisted in its accommodating two officiating clergymen simultaneously.