The Tower Project
Restoring Wren’s Tower
The Restoration Project
The project has concluded and the scaffolding came down in October. Below is an outline of the principal areas of repair. We are most grateful to our funders, notably:
– The Trust for London (City Churches)
– The Worshipful Company of Grocers
– The Worshipful Company of Mercers
– Fidelity International
– Trinity Church, New York City
Following the earlier netting of the pots à feu at the main balustrade level, and also the smaller ones at higher level, we have completed full repair of the stone details.
Of course the tower has been subject to repair many times, including the louvres of the belfry which have all been renewed during the past 15 years. Christopher Wren’s tower was among his most ambitious and novel works. There were few sources for towers in antiquity; most architects relied on the Gothic vocabulary. The tower is both scholarly and fantastic. At the time of its completion (c.1680) Londoners were puzzled by its scale and invention; not everyone was a fan. Today it is iconic and admired.
An Appeal
St Mary-le-Bow raised all the funds for the restoration of high-level falling stonework, but difficulties with scaffolding and contractors meant that the project has overrun by
c.£175,000. This is seriously compromising the parish’s viability and we need help from local businesses to protect this important architectural landmark.
You may already have contributed to the building’s preservation through a donation. To the many people that already contribute financially to the Parish, we are enormously grateful.
St Mary-le-Bow is not only a building; its priest and people provide pastoral and spiritual support for many (e.g. through christenings, weddings and memorials); lectures and debates; concerts and an annual musical and cultural festival; Christmas celebrations; world renowned bell ringing. Our annual report can be read here.
Please do consider supporting us as we complete this essential work to one of the City’s most significant buildings. You can make a single or regular donation by clicking on the button below. Thank you.
