1818: For many, the spire of a church reaching up towards the sky is a symbol of faith, of reaching for strength and support. in other instances it is not just showing piety - it is a symbol of the wealth and prestige of the building or the patron who funded it. So what do you do when it's damaged, or becomes dangerous? This was the challenge confronting the vicar, churchwardens and church representatives of St John's church. The lead-covered spire had been condemned as 'defective' on the east and west sides toward the base. It was also becoming too heavy for the tower; something needed to be done. Approval had been sought under church building regulations for the total removal of the spire - and it was on this day that approval was finally granted. But it didn't end there. The removal of the spire also needed approval via an Act of Parliament. Approval of such an application takes time - eight months in this case - so there was considerable relief amongst all the parties when the twenty-three-page Royal Assent to its demolition was received on 14 June 1819. While removing the spire they also took the opportunity to strengthen the tower. Two birds, one stone? (Bull, J. & v., A History of Peterborough Parish Church - St John the Baptist 1407-2007)

Taken from  The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.