The present spire dates from the restoration of the bell tower in 1904. The spire is fitted with full-colour LED lighting to acknowledge, commemorate and celebrate causes throughout the year.

Monochrome photo of the tower and spire circa 1930. Courtesy of Historic England viewfinder.

The spire dates from the restoration of the bell tower in 1904. Both were designed in accordance with what is known of the first crossing tower constructed by Bishop Hamo de Hythe around the time of the Black Death. The Cathedral bells have rung out across the Medway Valley for centuries, marking times for gathering, prayer, marriages and celebrations.

The first year of lighting the spire celebrated the work of the NHS, St John Ambulance and key workers during the Covid19 pandemic.



Three years were marked since the tragedy at Grenfell Tower and the spire was left unlit on 3rd June in memory of George Floyd. The 75th VE Day celebrations featured a Union Jack design and the spire was poppy-red for Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. In October the spire was lit purple as a symbol of repentance, regret and remorse over the recent catalogue of systematic and institutional failings of the Church of England in relation to safeguarding.

See the spire lit in a rainbow design for Medway Pride 2021 in this eye-popping 360 degree aerial photo. Also see the spire lit in a Union Jack setting for VE Day 2020 and Emergency Services Day.

Find out more about the events and causes celebrated with the spire lighting by following the Cathedral social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

With thanks to Colin Tolhurst, Jacob Scott and Sarah Taylor for many evenings of photography and to Geoff Watkins, Aerial Imaging South East for aerial footage and production. See more of Geoff’s work in Aerial Exploration.

 

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Keeping the Cathedral standing, warm, lit, beautiful and ready to receive worshippers and visitors is a never-ending task.