Norwich Cathedral: Restored weathercock returns to spire

A 264-year-old weathercock has been returned to a 315ft cathedral spire in an "intense and delicate" operation.

The weathercock, which has crowned Norwich Cathedral since 1756, was back in place by Thursday evening, after being regilded.

The work to put it back in place, by father-and-son team Chris, 72, and Sam Milford, 31, took nine hours.

Chris Milford said: "It was an exhilarating experience and one that tests and bonds you."

It is believed to have been the first time the 2ft 9in (83cm)-tall weathercock has been renovated since it was last brought down in 1963.

The conservationists, from Bristol-based WallWalkers, scaled the 315ft (96m) spire with a system of ropes to refix the cockerel-shaped wind vane, with its new thin layers of gold coating.

They removed it from the spire in August.

Sam Milford said they started at about 13:00 BST and it was back in place by about 18:00 in a "very delicate manoeuvre that took a lot of tiny problem-solving that really mounts up".

"It was incredible and intense," he said.

His father said: "It was tiring, mentally exhausting, but exhilarating."

He added that "it took a lot of 'out-of-the box' thinking" to keep everything safe and steady, whilst dealing with the wind and stonework.

The cathedral dates back to 1096 and has had three documented spires since its construction - two wooden ones and the current stone and brick incarnation completed in about 1485.

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