Our Spire, Our Heritage
AT RISK
£800,000 needed
£200,000 raised — £600,000 to go
Help keep our iconic grade II* listed landmark standing for generations.
The Challenge
The 2024 inspections revealed critical structural failure in the upper Spire and Tower:
Corroded Steel: The central rod is expanding from rust.
Cracked Stone: Internal expansion is actively splitting the summit.
Rotting Timber: The wooden base support is deteriorating.
The Priority: Replace the rod and timber framework immediately to prevent collapse. High-level repairs must happen while scaffolding is in place.
The Solution
We are launching a phased, expert-engineered repair plan to secure the landmark, prioritising the critical work:
Rebuild the Summit: Dismantle and rebuild the top 3 metres of the Spire to extract the damaged interior core.
Upgrade the Core: Install a brand-new, corrosion-resistant central steel rod and a heavy-duty timber base support.
Restore the Cross: Lower the 3-metre summit cross to a specialist workshop to repair structural fractures in its metal shaft.
Fix All Stone Decay: Utilize the specialized high-level scaffolding to patch and repoint all failing masonry across the Spire and Tower.
Keep Our Skyline Standing
For over 160 years, our iconic spire has watched over Lancaster. Now, it needs your help to secure its future.
Built through the generosity of parishioners and supporters, St Peter’s Church— later elevated to Cathedral — stands as a testament to the faith and determination of generations of Catholics.
Your donation will fund the essential scaffolding, specialist engineering and stonemasonry needed to preserve this historic landmark for generations to come.
+Rt Rev Paul Swarbrick, Bishop of Lancaster
We, at Lancaster Civic Vision are extremely concerned about the reported deterioration of the spire at Lancaster Cathedral.
The Cathedral, with its slender and elegant 73 metre high spire has been an iconic part of Lancaster's skyline since its construction in 1859. The whole building is a heritage asset of considerable importance having been designed by renowned architect E.G.Paley in a Gothic Revival Style. It has become the focal point in the many panoramic photographs and artistic representations of our city. The Cathedral itself is well used by the local congregation and provides valuable social and spiritual support to a significant portion of Lancaster's population
Lancaster Civic Vision
The school values our long and warm association with Lancaster Cathedral and its community. Lancaster Cathedral's spire is one of the defining features of our city's skyline and a landmark recognised by generations of Lancastrians. Its presence speaks to Lancaster's rich history and heritage, and it would be a great loss if future generations were unable to enjoy this iconic symbol of our city. Preserving the spire is about safeguarding an important part of Lancaster's identity and character.
Dr Christopher Pyle, Headmaster of Lancaster Royal Grammar School
News Articles
Lancaster Guardian , 18 Sept 2026 / "Plea to save historic spire at Lancaster Cathedral" Read more →
The Tablet, 05 October 2026 / "Bishop Paul Swarbrick of Lancaster is appealing for funds to restore the Victorian spire of Lancaster Cathedral." Read more →
Beyond Radio, 06 October 2026 / "£800K appeal launched to save Lancaster Cathedral spire from collapse" Read more →