St. Bride's Church Spire Repairs, 2013

Client
St. Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, London

Description
This church by Sir Christopher Wren was built in 1671-1675 following the Great Fire of London. There have been several extensive restoration projects particuarly following a lightning strike in 1764 and a devastating fire in 1940 during the London Blitz.

John Smith is the inspecting Architect and has carried out several projects, the most recent to clean and restore eroded and damaged stonework to the spire and tower.

Innovations & Added Value
The 2013 works are funded by the 'Inspire Appeal' and include stone cleaning using three techniques including poulticing of stubborn stains. The weathervane and orb at the very top have been re-gilded and a copper cowl between the orb and stone obelisk replaced. Lightning conductors have been replaced and numerous indent repairs made to stonework damaged by the corrosion of ferrous cramps.

Status
Completed

Download the project page here.