Just occasionally, a town is handed an eternally perfect logo or brand - not by an advertising agency, but by the coincidence of historical event and the foibles of nature. Chesterfield in North East Derbyshire is just such a place.
Chesterfield sits 24 miles to the north of Derby, at the point the river Rother meets the Hipper. It was handed its market charter as long ago as 1204 and continues to host the largest open air market in Britain. Located very close to the centre of the town, overlooking the stalls, is the parish church of Saint Mary and All Saints and it's this venerable structure which gives Chesterfield its indomitable brand. If I tell you its nickname is 'The Twisted Spire', you'll begin to understand why.
Actually, the church's spire was added to the original, 14th century tower in 1362. Exactly when it gained its misshapen outline, is less certain.
Nevertheless, this peculiar architectural phenomenon is now unmistakable. The spire both twists and leans - rotating through 45 degrees and falling 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m) from its precise centre. Initially, the cause of the problem was thought to have been the result of a lack of adequately trained builders (possibly as a result of The Black Death), weak bracing inside the spire or the deployment of unseasoned woods.
Later research, however, suggests the twisting emanates from the lead which covers the structure, added 300 years after it was built. This theory holds that the sun shining on the south side warms the tower, consequently the lead expands more rapidly than that on the north. The weight of the metal is substantial at around 33 tons, and it's possible the spire wasn't able to bear the bulk. In fact, there is some evidence the spire stood straight for the first 300 years of its life, so the lead covering could be the culprit.
Inevitably, many myths and legends exist to explain the spire's twist. One rather cheeky story relates that a virgin once had her wedding in the church, surprising the spire into spasm (it goes on to assert that another virgin bride will rectify its shape!)
Others tell of a blacksmith in nearby Bolsover who fitted the Devil with bad shoes. Lucifer then leapt over the spire in pain and knocked it out of shape.
Whatever the actual reason for this remarkable mistake, it has genuinely benefitted the town for centuries. Mention its name in London, Paris or the USA and it isn't uncommon for a person to confirm they know of the spire. What's more, Chesterfield lies on the edge of the Peak District National Park, guaranteeing a fairly constant flow of tourists, eager to photograph St. Mary's. As you might also expect, a plethora of local business borrow from the landmark for their name. From Spire Taxis and Spire Plumbing Services to Spire Pet Foods and Spire Van Hire, local traders know their association with the tower is a handy (if predictable) marketing device.
Ultimately though, it is the town itself which claims this twisting shape as its own logo - no consultation fee necessary. Even if it were possible to straighten the spire, I feel sure Chesterfield's citizens would fight tooth and nail to prevent it.
Chesterfield sits 24 miles to the north of Derby, at the point the river Rother meets the Hipper. It was handed its market charter as long ago as 1204 and continues to host the largest open air market in Britain. Located very close to the centre of the town, overlooking the stalls, is the parish church of Saint Mary and All Saints and it's this venerable structure which gives Chesterfield its indomitable brand. If I tell you its nickname is 'The Twisted Spire', you'll begin to understand why.
Actually, the church's spire was added to the original, 14th century tower in 1362. Exactly when it gained its misshapen outline, is less certain.
Nevertheless, this peculiar architectural phenomenon is now unmistakable. The spire both twists and leans - rotating through 45 degrees and falling 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m) from its precise centre. Initially, the cause of the problem was thought to have been the result of a lack of adequately trained builders (possibly as a result of The Black Death), weak bracing inside the spire or the deployment of unseasoned woods.
Later research, however, suggests the twisting emanates from the lead which covers the structure, added 300 years after it was built. This theory holds that the sun shining on the south side warms the tower, consequently the lead expands more rapidly than that on the north. The weight of the metal is substantial at around 33 tons, and it's possible the spire wasn't able to bear the bulk. In fact, there is some evidence the spire stood straight for the first 300 years of its life, so the lead covering could be the culprit.
Inevitably, many myths and legends exist to explain the spire's twist. One rather cheeky story relates that a virgin once had her wedding in the church, surprising the spire into spasm (it goes on to assert that another virgin bride will rectify its shape!)
Others tell of a blacksmith in nearby Bolsover who fitted the Devil with bad shoes. Lucifer then leapt over the spire in pain and knocked it out of shape.
Whatever the actual reason for this remarkable mistake, it has genuinely benefitted the town for centuries. Mention its name in London, Paris or the USA and it isn't uncommon for a person to confirm they know of the spire. What's more, Chesterfield lies on the edge of the Peak District National Park, guaranteeing a fairly constant flow of tourists, eager to photograph St. Mary's. As you might also expect, a plethora of local business borrow from the landmark for their name. From Spire Taxis and Spire Plumbing Services to Spire Pet Foods and Spire Van Hire, local traders know their association with the tower is a handy (if predictable) marketing device.
Ultimately though, it is the town itself which claims this twisting shape as its own logo - no consultation fee necessary. Even if it were possible to straighten the spire, I feel sure Chesterfield's citizens would fight tooth and nail to prevent it.
