Chesterfield
Having a day out tomorrow to Chesterfield, I love this place, mainly because I was born here and I spent the first five years of my life.
For those who don't know Chesterfield is famous for it crooked spire, so I thought I would show you a photo and the possible reasons.
Possible causes of the Twisting
A number of factors seemed to have lead to the twisting.
The use of unseasoned timber in the construction of the spire is one possible factor. The heat from the sun may have warmed the lead tiles on the roof, conducting heat to the wooden frame, drying out the wood, and causing it to warp.
Another possible factor is the lack of cross-bracing, resulting in the spire being unable to fully support the heavy lead tiles (weighting a total of 32 tons).
These two factors may have been the result of the Black Death (Bubonic Plague), that aflicted the area in 1349, during the building of the spire. This may have killed some of the skilled workers, leaving those with less experience to finish the work. Also some of the damage may have been the result of the weather, and bell-ringing.
A number of factors seemed to have lead to the twisting.
The use of unseasoned timber in the construction of the spire is one possible factor. The heat from the sun may have warmed the lead tiles on the roof, conducting heat to the wooden frame, drying out the wood, and causing it to warp.
Another possible factor is the lack of cross-bracing, resulting in the spire being unable to fully support the heavy lead tiles (weighting a total of 32 tons).
These two factors may have been the result of the Black Death (Bubonic Plague), that aflicted the area in 1349, during the building of the spire. This may have killed some of the skilled workers, leaving those with less experience to finish the work. Also some of the damage may have been the result of the weather, and bell-ringing.
Legends about the Crooked Spire
As well as the scientific explanations of the twistings, there are many legends that tell of how the spire became crooked.
One of these tells that the spire was so shocked to here that a virgin got married in the church, it twisted to have a closer look. Also, if another virgin marries in the church, the spire will untwist, as it will think it is normal. A related legend is that the spire saw a great beauty, and bowed down in awe..
Another legend is that a magician convinced a Bolsoverblacksmith to shoe the devil, but he drove a nail into the devil's foot. The devil then skimmed over the spire, and lashed out at it in pain, causing it to twist. Also, similarly, some believe that the devil sat on top of the spire, causing it to twist out of shape.
19 comments:
I love those kinds of stories! Your country is sooo full of history -- keep it up!
I'm always shocked when I hear that there's still virgins out there. ;)
Me too! In this part of the woods, a virgin is an ugly 6th grader. But by the 7th grade, they cull nothing.
And I though Chesterfield was a brand of cigarette. And it absolutely amazes me that a building is still standing from 1349. Today we are doing good to have one last 5 years. So much for technology over actual skilled labor.
Have a great time.
Our local virgins used to meet every second tuesday in the month until they pulled the phone box down now they have nowhere to go!!
Personally, I love the legends way more than the scientific reasons.
This was so interesting! Both the scinetific reasons and the legends.
marni - we are steeped in history, and you took a break from reading HP wow!
corky - ;-)
coffeypot - not sure if i have heard of the cigs by that name.
will have fun its a meadieval market ty
chopski - brings a new meaning to virgin phone!
cindydianne - as a kid me family used to frighten me with the legends, would never go near the church!
djkirkby - it is a lovely church to visit
I have never been to Chesterfield. Yes, I agree with DJ, really interesting. I loved the legends. Never knew the church had a twisted spire.
ps. Where is Chesterfield?!!
pps. us dog lovers must unite; I have posted an email I got from Dogs Trust on Lite Kahless. Feel free to copy the text and links and send to any other dog lovers you know.
kahless - Chesterfield is in Derbyshire about 15 miles from Sheffield
What fascinating mistery surrounding the spire! My daughter was fascinated with this church on an outing with her granparents, too! I wonder if she remembers any of the legends? She'll be coming up soon so I'll remind her via your blog, Katy! Thanks!
Here's a link to a pic of her when she was there, too!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/helen33/littlekezza007.jpg
lena - tried the link afraid it didnt work said page cannot be found if you can tyoe it in again and i will have a look ta
Now that's cool! Love the crooked spire.
Maybe I should have gotten married there. That might have solved the problem!
Go to: http://www.smokecafe.com/chesterfield/
It's crooked because I flew too close to it one dark and stormy night. Actually, I've never been to Chesterfield but looks like a lovely place.
Just thought I would let you know that you are in the running for a Barnes and Noble gift card at my place.
I just noticed your tag: Crooked, Devil, and Virgins?
I'll accept the last legend. Perhaps the devil is still sitting on it counting all those who are attending the Church service.
Enjoy the outing HER INDOORS
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