Crooked spire

A church tower usually consists of a square stone tower topped with a pyramidal wooden structure, the spire is usually cladded with slates or lead to protect the wood.

Through accident or design the spire may contain a twist, or it may not point perfectly straight upwards.

Some however have been built or rebuilt with a deliberate twist, generally as a design choice.

Internal conditions, such as green or unseasoned wood, can cause some twisting until after about 50 years when fully seasoned.

Finally, weak design can be at fault, for instance with a lack of cross-bracing, resulting in the ability of the tower to move.