Storm Arwen damaged Worcester Cathedral pinnacle replaced

Scaffolding has been placed around the 196ft (59.7m) tower ahead of the work

A new pinnacle is due to be attached to a cathedral tower, two years after a storm tore off the original one.

The stone fell through the roof of the North Quire Aisle at Worcester Cathedral during Storm Arwen on 27 November 2021, damaging the 14th Century vaulted ceiling beneath. 

Work to repair the damage began in 2022 and the cathedral's stonemasons have created a replacement pinnacle.

A "topping out" ceremony is due to take place at the top of the tower.

The Interim Dean of Worcester, the Reverend Canon Dr Stephen Edwards, is due to lead it and bless the new stonework.

He will be joined at the top of the scaffolding, about 175ft (53m) above the ground, by contractors, clergy, the Ecclesiastical Secretary to the Crown and a representative from the Archbishops' Appointments Office.

Part of a pinnacle fell from a tower at Worcester Cathedral and damaged the north choir aisle's roof

The vaulting and the roof were repaired in 2022 and scaffolding around the tower went up earlier this year, as the stonemasons started work on the replacement pinnacle.

The new feature, which resembles a small spire, measures 8.8ft (2.7m) tall and its design will reflect all of the UK's home nations.

Designs include a lionhead with a crown for England, a unicorn for Scotland, a dragon for Wales and shamrocks for Northern Ireland.