Restoration of Spire of Bell Tower

The spire [160ft high] was originally built about 1600, which was mounted on a stonework tower of 1290 vintage. The spire is covered with 35,000 oak shingles. Over the years, the weather has taken its toll on the shingles, such that many of them have been blown off in the gales. Today, in the worst storms the water pours down the inside walls of the tower. The tower [which is a grade 1 listed building, is also on the At Risk Register] has great historical significance.
The restoration work involves:
1. Geo-Phys survey of graves and the design and installation of external and internal scaffolding.
ii. Removal of all existing oak shingles, copper flashings and softwood sarking boards from the spire.
iii. Part repair to the oak framing to the spire.
iv. Reconstruction of the louvered openings.
v. Reinstatement of oak shingles to the spire including copper soakers and flashings; and the replacement of sarking boards in oak.
vi. Reconstruction of the spire apex and weathervane.
Please see sheet