What is a Peal?
The pinnacle of achievement in ringing is a peal. By definition a peal comprises at least 5,000 changes on 8 bells or more, with none of the changes repeated and bells moving no more than one place between changes. On 7 bells or less the minimum changes to be rung is 5,040 being the mathematical result of factorial seven. This means there are 5,040 ways of writing down 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 with no row of numbers repeated. Only on 6 bells or less are changes allowed to be repeated (e.g. factorial 6 is 720), but there are strict rules regarding when changes can be repeated. A peal will generally take about 3 hours of non-stop ringing.
Check out all 60 Peals rung at Oxton since 1901
Why ring a Quarter Peal?
At Oxton we are severely restricted on the number of peals that can be rung each year. It is inevitable that some peal attempts are just that - attempts! At Oxton it is perhaps more important to choose a band that can ring the chosen method, to ensure success. However, a Quarter Peal takes about 45 minutes to ring with just 1250 changes or thereabouts.
Check out Quarter Peals rung at Oxton from 2004 onwards
Quarters in 2004
Quarters in 2005
Quarters in 2006
Quarters in 2007
Quarters in 2008
Quarters in 2009
Quarters in 2010
Quarters in 2011
Quarters in 2012
Quarters in 2013
Quarters in 2014
Quarters in 2017
Quarters in 2022