A Timeless Piece from the History: Spires & Its Types

Spires have been used as a piece of external decoration for ages. These tall, slender, pointed, and conical or pyramidal shape structures are usually placed on the top of a roof or tower. Spires are made from timber, stonework, or brickwork structure that has shingles, ceramic tiling, metal cladding, or slates on the outside. Originated in the 12th century, spires were used for capping a church tower. Now they are customarily used to beautify the outer appearance of any building.

Copper spires are widely popular worldwide because it has a finishing touch of timeless elegance. They gracefully embellish cabanas or pergolas and beautify gardens as well as landscapes. 

What are the conventional types of spires -

Since spires have been used for several years, there are many variations introduced by people from parts of the world. Here we have mentioned a few of them -

1. Conical stone spires -

Usually placed on circular towers and turrets, these spires have a smaller diameter than others.

2. Masonry spires -

These kinds of spires are usually found on medieval and revival churches and cathedrals. The most commonly found masonry spires are pyramidal or octagonal, which are supported on stone squinches. One of the most widely known spires of this kind is on the Salisbury Cathedral, the tallest masonry spire globally. Other spires are on the Chartres Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Chichester Cathedral, and Oxford Cathedral.

3. Openwork spires -

 

Openwork spires are made of a network of stone tracery that is considerably lighter than most of the other types of spires. Also, these structures can be built to be of greater heights. Many famous spires of this type are the spires of Ulm Minster (the world's tallest church), Strasbourg Cathedral, Prague Cathedral, Vienna Cathedral, Freiburg Minster, Burgos Cathedral, and Cologne Cathedral.

4. Complex spires -

These stone spires can be considered as a combination of both masonry and openwork features. They were common in Baroque architecture and are also an element of Christopher Wren's churches. Some of these spires are developed in the Gothic style, such as the north spire of Chartres Cathedral. 

5. Clad spires - 

Clad spires are wooden frames often places on a brick or stone tower. However, you may also find these wooden spires on wooden constructions where it is prevalent. They may also be tiled or shingled or are made in metal, such as copper or lead.

The conclusion -

Spires are steeply pointed pyramidal or conical termination structures that are traditionally placed on towers. However, in recent times, these are placed to beautify the outer appearance of any building. Widely made from various materials, copper spires are popularly accepted across the world. 

Also Read - The Complete Weathervane Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Weathervanes!