Notes on the church

Introduction
Because all the work that the Friends do is for the benefit of the church, it seems appropriate to include on the website some information on the church fabric. “Notes on the Church” will feature an occasional series of articles on the more unusual aspects of the Crooked Spire. Appropriately, the first one deals with the spire itself.

The Spire ‘story’
The wooden, eight-sided spire, is thought to have been added to the 14th century tower about the year 1362. This date is supported by dendrochronological (tree-dating) evidence. The timberwork comprises 150 tons of wood, but not until 1639 was the exterior protected by 50 tons of lead sheeting. The original spire was probably covered in oak shingles.

The structure is an oak frame, clad with lead, and an interior view of the timber frame is one of the most remarkable sights in the entire church. Where the top of the stone tower and base of the wooden spire meet, no fixings are apparent. The spire merely ‘sits’, with its low centre of gravity, balanced unattached on the top of the tower.

It rises to a height of 77m (228’) above the ground and leans 2.89m (9’6”) to the south-west. The spiral twist at the base is about 45° from west to east.

Why is it crooked ?
It is important to distinguish two elements in the spire’s ‘crookedness’:
1. The inclination and 2. The spiral twist

It is unfortunate that most people use the word ‘crooked’ unhelpfully, combining the above two features.

The inclination (lean) is due to a number of factors: the use of unseasoned (‘green’) timber, the absence of skilled craftsmen (‘Black Death’) and the neglect of cross-bracing. Timbers on the South (warm) face have shrunk more than those on the North.

The spiral twist is considered, by some observers, to be there by original intention and not by accident. A number of European spires have the same form, based upon this ‘twisted’ design.

Why was the spire built from ‘green timber’?
The use of ‘green timber’ was a normal art of medieval carpentry, owing to the fact that it could be bent and shaped during construction, with wooden pegs used to draw timbers into alignment. Movement was expected and allowed for. Such fresh timber was also less wearing on tools.

Recent examples of the use of ‘green oak’ are to be found in York Minster, Windsor Castle and the Globe Theatre in London.

Spire visits
Church Open Days are held each bank Holiday Monday between Easter and August with guided tours up the tower throughout the day. Tours are available at other times and by prior arrangement with the Parish Office [01246 206506]. Tower trips are also conducted by the verger on most Saturdays.

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