Miles Graye

Miles Graye was a dynasty of English bell-founders; who had foundries in Colchester and Saffron Walden in Essex, during the 17th-century. It is believed that the family cast over 415 bells, many of which remain in use today.

There were three generations of bell founders of that name, who cast in their two foundries. They were also journeymen craftsmen who travelled around East Anglia making bells in the fields and churchyards, and who practised their craft from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I to James II. A Miles Graye is recorded as being a householder in Colchester in 1567, and it was his son who became the famous bell-founder, Miles Graye I.