Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches - Spire Definition

History and Architecture

Spire

A tapering structure on top of a church tower, usually conical or pyramidal in shape. The word comes from the old Saxon word for spear, and certainly a very slender spire might be tought to resemble a spear. One variant is a broach spire, with the spire set atop a square tower. The spire is often topped by a weather vane, flag, or cross.

Related: Broach Spire  



English Heritage

English Heritage membership

English Heritage membership

Free entry to English Heritage properties throughout England, plus discounted admission to Historic Scotland and Cadw properties in Scotland and Wales.

Membership details

About English Heritage



Featured National Trust Property
St George's Guildhall

St George's Guildhall
The historic Guildhall of St George is the largest surviving medieval guildhall in the country. The Guildhall was created for the Guild of St George over the years 1410-1420. It is built of brick dressed …

Passionate about British Heritage!