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
Lacock Abbey

Lacock Abbey
A manor created from an Augustinian nunnery in 1539. Lacock Abbey is set in a marvellously preserved village owned by the National Trust. Much of the monastic features survive in the house, which was the …

Passionate about British Heritage!