Worcester Cathedral Begins Restoration Project to Secure Tower Pinnacles

Worcester Cathedral has launched a preservation project titled "Reaching New Heights" to repair its northwest tower pinnacles. The initiative follows a 2021 incident during Storm Arwen, where the cathedral's northeast pinnacle collapsed due to high winds. Subsequent structural assessments identified that the northwest pinnacle shared similar vulnerabilities, prompting the current restoration efforts.

The project is supported by a £249,956 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Workers are utilizing Red Hollington sandstone, a Staffordshire-sourced material chosen as a substitute for the original Bromsgrove sandstone, which is no longer commercially available. The restoration process involves a combination of traditional masonry techniques and modern engineering.

During the construction period, which is scheduled to conclude in January, the cathedral has implemented operational changes. The quarter clock chimes will be silenced, and the hour bell will operate on a restricted schedule based on community feedback. Additionally, tower tours and bellringing are suspended during working hours. To maintain visitor engagement, the cathedral is offering alternative tours focused on the site's architecture, archaeology, and historical graffiti.