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Installing the spire JLP01_08_062422
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Installing the spire JLP01_08_062422
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL, PRIORY STREET, COVENTRY. Laing workers on the roof of Coventry Cathedral attaching the 80ft bronze spire to a 1 yard square plate, while a RAF officer looks up at a RAF Belvedere helicopter (out of view).
The photograph was taken during Operation Rich Man a joint project involving Royal Air Force staff and Laing staff. This involved a RAF Belvedere helicopter hoisting in to place the 80ft bronze spire on to the new cathedral. The part of the operation to lower the 1/2 ton cross that sits on top of the spire had to be postponed due to windy conditions
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 23993788
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1960s Building Site Cathedral Construction People
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a pivotal moment in the construction of Coventry Cathedral during the 1960s. The image showcases Laing workers fearlessly perched on the roof, diligently attaching an impressive 80ft bronze spire to a sturdy 1 yard square plate. As they carry out their task with utmost precision, an RAF officer gazes up at the sky, anticipating the arrival of an RAF Belvedere helicopter that remains unseen. The photograph is a testament to Operation Rich Man, a remarkable joint effort between Royal Air Force personnel and Laing staff. This ambitious project aimed to elevate the new cathedral's grandeur by hoisting the colossal bronze spire into place using the powerful capabilities of an RAF Belvedere helicopter. However, Mother Nature had her own plans for this monumental occasion. Due to blustery conditions prevailing on that day, it was deemed unsafe to proceed with lowering the half-ton cross atop the spire as originally planned. Despite this temporary setback caused by adverse weather conditions, this snapshot immortalizes not only a significant milestone in Coventry Cathedral's construction but also highlights human resilience and determination in overcoming challenges encountered along such awe-inspiring endeavors.
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