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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => London and Middlesex => England => London & Middlesex Resources => Topic started by: KathyM on Thursday 18 September 25 10:55 BST (UK)
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It is said a family member as a youngster (because he was a bad lad) was sent to "3 Bells". I have been unable to find any reference to such a place.........(apart from modern bars). (He was born 1911) and lived Edmonton, Barnet area.
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I think it refers to old church bells.
Passing Bell: A bell rung to signal an impending death and alert the priest.
Death Knell: The bell rung to announce a death, sometimes with the number of rings indicating the deceased's gender and age.
Lych or Corpse Bell: The final bell rung as a funeral procession approached the church.
The saying may have been used as a rather over-the-top, but frightening threat (suggesting condemned to death ) to a child who had been naughty.
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Yes I tend to agree. It wasn't an actual place called that just a turn of phrase.