Peterborough Cathedral steeplejacks get incredible vertigo inducing views of city

Ben Dawson and Carolo Fiori, from Dawson’s Steeplejacks, have been working at the top of Peterborough Cathedral’s tallest spires this week.

The duo are working to make sure the system to ensure the centuries old building remains safe in the event of a lightning strike - which has meant they had to scale the 164 foot (50 metre) spires.

Ben, director of the steeplejacks, said: “Every 10 years we go up to check the lightning protection, to make sure the building will be able to cope from the very top to the bottom.

“We have got used to the heights now - it is just second nature.

“But when you are up there you have to take a minute to look at the view.

“You always get time to just chill and have a quick look - there is no-one there to bother you.

“The fog was a bit of a problem on Tuesday, but otherwise the weather has been OK. You feel it in your eyes, but hands and feet are OK.”

The duo arrived on Tuesday, with the last day on Thursday.

They were surprised to find the right spire (as you face the front of the cathedral) was a few feet taller than the left spire - meaning a little extra work to set up their ladder system to reach the very top.

While at the top of the tower, Ben and Carlo took a number of stunning pictures of the work they have been doing - as well of the city skyline.

A spokesperson for the Cathedral said: “The work on the lightning conductors is part of a regular programme of maintenance at the Cathedral. Having recently completed their routine annual inspection, the contractor is now carrying out the repair works that were identified in the report.

“They are also doing a ten-yearly high level inspection to check for any corrosion or damage.

“The possibility of upgrading the system to include surge protection is also being explored, so that in the event of a lightning strike, electricity supplies are maintained.

“This is all part of the highly skilled care that is needed to look after any large building, but in particular one that is as ancient as our 900 year old cathedral.”

Peterborough Cathedral is currently running their Christmas Keys appeal.

The fundraising appeal offers donors a unique opportunity to have their own message written on a decorative red-ribboned key, to be hung on the Christmas tree inside the Cathedral.

Lighting and heating the Cathedral alone costs £90,000 a year, and to keep the grounds maintained and in good order costs a further £60,000. There are many other unavoidable costs in making sure the Cathedral is a safe and special place, quite apart from repairs to its Grade 1 listed fabric.

The Cathedral makes no formal charge to enter and receives no regular financial support towards these annual costs from local or central government, nor from the diocese and its churches. It works hard to find grants from all possible sources, including the Church of England, but these only cover part of its outgoings, so the support of individuals and companies remains vital.

Make a donation of £25, £50 or £100 and a red-ribboned key will be placed on the Christmas tree inside the Cathedral for you. You can add a personal message to your key if you wish and we will make sure that this is included.

For more information about the scheme, visit https://www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/keys.aspx