Historic Buildings

Guiding Light, St Gerrans Spire and Tower restoration project

St Gerrans is a 13th century, grade 1 listed building with an iconic 15th century Spire and Tower, a rarity for Cornwall. Both the Spire and Tower are leaking due to the pointing, variously of lime mortar and concrete, having broken down over the years. The aim of the project is to ensure that the Spire and Tower are watertight ensuring that the structures are not put at risk. Once watertight the Spire and Tower can be dried out over a period of several years. The plaster-work and decoration can be stripped off and drainage points inserted as an aid to the drying process. This will be carried out as a separate project funded by a diocesan maintenance grant. Once dry the Tower and Spire can be re-plastered (Lime Mortar) and decorated (breathable paint) as a future project. This will then will allow future development of the Tower area.