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Chichester Cathedral, collapsed spire BB88_02179
CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL, Chichester, West Sussex. Collapsed spire. Much of the present Chichester Cathedral dates from the 12th century. The spire, added in 1400, collapsed on 17th February 1861: the spire was seen to incline slightly to the south west, then to descend perpendicularly into the church. It was rebuilt by Gilbert Scott. Photographed in 1861. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 627954
Filename: bb88_02179.jpg
Size: 2822 x 4078 (5.2MB)
Date: 25th October 2007
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: English Heritage Images
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Chichester Cathedral, located in the historic city of Chichester, West Sussex, is a breathtaking example of medieval architecture with much of its current structure dating back to the 12th century. The cathedral's most distinctive feature, the 14th-century spire, once reached a height of 170 feet (52 meters), making it an iconic landmark of the city. However, on the fateful day of February 17, 1861, the spire unexpectedly collapsed, leaving the cathedral community and the city in shock. The spire's collapse was a gradual process, with the structure showing signs of leaning slightly to the southwest before it came crashing down perpendicularly into the church. The cause of the collapse remains unclear, but it is believed that the weight of the lead covering and the weathering of the stonework may have contributed to its demise. The collapse of the spire was a significant loss for the community, as it was not only a symbol of their faith but also a source of pride for the city. The cathedral's rector, the Reverend Edward Denison, described the event as "a great and melancholy calamity," and the community rallied together to raise funds for its reconstruction. The cathedral was rebuilt under the supervision of renowned Victorian architect Sir Gilbert Scott, who ensured that the new spire was faithful to the original design. The reconstruction took several years to complete, and the finished product was unveiled in 1867. Today, Chichester Cathedral stands proudly once again, a testament to the resilience and determination of the community that has cared for it for over 900 years.
