S07 → N400
The Spike of Fascinating & Unexpected
SPIKE 52
→ CROOKED SPIRE.
© 1. & 2. unknown — Twisted turret on a private house in Aubigny-sur-Nère in the Cher, France / 3. otbv — Vallée du Loir / 4. Lavau Vacances Gites — A “twisted steeple” or “flamed steeple”, the spire is spiral-shaped and covered with slate / 5. F3/Laurence Couvrand — The twisted steeple of Treignac is the work of a journeyman in the 17th century / 6. Association des Clochers Tors d'Europe — Sérignac sur Garonne / 7. Patrice M — Le Vieil Baugé / 8. Anjou — Église du Viel-Baugé / 9. Association des Clochers Tors d'Europe — Sainte-Maurice de Mervans church / 10. unknown — The spire of the Church of St Mary and All Saints, Chesterfield.
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In other instances, the leaning or twisting might be due to foundational problems. Poorly laid foundations can cause the spire to lean as the ground settles unevenly. Historical building techniques and materials also play a role, as mediaeval builders did not have the advanced technology and precise measurements available today, leading to occasional imperfections. Ultimately, some crooked spires were intentionally constructed twisted, to achieve an architectural feat. Mention can be made of those in Mouliherne and Fontaine-Guérin in Maine-et-Loire, Treignac in Corrèze, or Saint-Outrille in Cher.
Crooked spires have often inspired local legends and folklore. In Chesterfield, one popular tale suggests that the devil sat on the spire and twisted it with his tail in pain after being accidentally shooed by a blacksmith. Another story claims that the spire twisted in amazement upon hearing of a virgin wedding in the church, a rare event in the town’s history.
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→ Sourced from: SYSTEM 02 (Altanube Pando)
→ Stored online: N400 Spikes Repository
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→ Search log: Google images / Association des Clochers Tors d’Europe
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