A landmark in Brigg town centre has disappeared from view - but we are assured this is only temporary.
Those who pass by the clock tower of the grade two listed Buttercross may have noticed that something is missing.
The gold-painted weather vane on top of the distinctive tower is not there at present.
A spokesman for North Lincolnshire Council, which owns the historic building, said of the weather vane yesterday: "It was damaged in high winds so we have taken it down to repair it. We hope to get it back on top of the building where it belongs as soon as possible."
The Buttercross is approaching its 200th anniversary by which time we are sure the top-most feature will be back in place for those wishing to check which way the wind is blowing.
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| Top, above and below - views taken this week of the Buttercross minus its weather vane. |
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| A picture taken some time ago with the familiar weather vane in place. |
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| Brigg Buttercross with weather vane, circa 1900. |
A wind came is generally a decorative item rather than a functional item. For example, one doesn't really a vane to tell which way the wind is blowing..you can do that yourself by standing outside.
ReplyDeleteHowever, wind vanes became commonplace when the Church indicated that the highest part of a church should have a decorative cockrell cf St Peter and a cockrell crowing three times.
Subsequently, the basic cockrell has evolved into various designs ie ship, an arrow and even Old Father Time (at the Lords Cricket Ground).
Cockerel
ReplyDelete