Storm Arwen – Worcester Cathedral

It is one year since Storm Arwen brought winds of over 100 mph to the country causing extensive damage to Worcester Cathedral when part of a pinnacle from the tower fell through the roof.

Now 12 months later, the repair works are nearing completion and the new pinnacle, crafted by the Cathedral’s own team of stonemasons, is taking shape.

Worcester Cathedral Storm Arwen Repairs to Complete in time for Advent.

The pinnacle will commemorate both the Late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023by incorporating all of the home nations, a lionhead with a crown for England, a unicorn for Scotland, a dragon for Wales and shamrocks for Northern Ireland and will be revealed at a later date.

Since the storm, scaffolding has been up at various points, both outside and in. Repairs have taken place on the roof and vaulting that were damaged by the fallen masonry, more than 2,000 pipes have been removed, cleaned and restored in the quire organ, dust has been cleared (several times) and adjustments have been made to keep the Cathedral operating during this lengthy period of repair.

The Dean of Worcester, the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, said:

“It is with great pleasure that we were able to return to the quire for the Sunday morning eucharist on Advent Sunday and to have the Cathedral and quire organ back in action in time for Christmas. 

“It has been a lengthy process and we are extremely grateful to everyone involved in repairing the Cathedral. 

“The work on the new pinnacle shows the skill and craftsmanship of our talented team of stonemasons, and we greatly look forward to it being completed and installed in 2023, to commemorate the Coronation year.” 

You can support the Cathedral by donating to its Christmas Appeal 2022, by visiting their website here where you can also find details of upcoming services, concerts and events.