Steeple Restoration Project
The Progress So Far: December 2024- January 2025
The Project
On the night of the 10th May 1941, when St Clement Danes received a direct hit by an incendiary bomb, the church almost entirely burned down. The bomb pierced the lead covered roof and exploded within the roof space, setting the church ablaze. The roof galleries, panelling and stained glass were all consumed by fire. Only the outer walls and bell tower remained standing. The steeple acted as a chimney, funnelling the fire upward toward the steeple where the blaze affected the two hundred year old structure.
Cecil King, who wrote 'With Malice Toward None, A War Diary' (1970) wrote 'St Clement Dane has been gutted and only the spire was alight half way up to the top and sending out showers and sparks - an odd and rather beautiful spectacle.'
Why are the works needed?
Why has its damage been more severe than other Georgian architecture in London built at the same time, with the same Portland stone and iron?
It has been suggested that the Blitz and fire caused thermal damage to the church’s structure, allowing more moisture into the stone and metal fixings.
The fine architectural carving is now badly eroded and deeply encrusted by black carbon from pollution.
What is being done?
In 2017 building works were carried out to safeguard the steeple by the introduction of steel wire cables to keep it stable and subsequently stainless steel mesh.
Cracked stone in danger of falling also had to be removed for safety.
In 2024 St Clement Danes received a generous £2 million donation from the RAF which allowed us to commence restoration work at last.
To repair and restore the steeple, it needs to be completely dismantled and rebuilt.
Works officially started in July 2024 with the erection of hoarding and scaffolding at the church, and the first stone was lifted from the steeple in December 2024.
The structure is a complicated series of three open domes sitting on top of each other. West Elevation (upper part) showing the work that needs to be done.
The project is a 73 week programme and is set for completion in December 2025. The church will remain open throughout the works and our regular programme of services and events will continue as normal.
Message from the Resident Chaplain – The Reverend Mark Perry
St Clement Danes, the Central Church of the Royal Air Force, initiated a fundraising campaign known as the 1941 Appeal in 2022 to support various key projects, referred to as pillars. One significant pillar focuses on the restoration of the historic steeple. I am pleased to announce that the fundraising efforts have been successful, culminating in a enerous £2 million donation from the RAF, which has enabled the commencement of the steeple restoration.
The project is now underway, marking an exciting milestone in the life of the RAF’s family church. The entire St Clement Danes team is thrilled to achieve this milestone, ensuring the protection and preservation of this historic church for future generations. May I take this opportunity to extend all our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed, whether large or small, to the 1941 Appeal.
I look forward to providing updates on our progress. In the meantime, please be assured that life at St Clement Danes proceeds as usual, albeit with some modifications.
Future Aspirations
The church is now seeking to fundraise for the next leg of important restoration work, which will preserve and renovate the famous Harrison & Harrison organ, one of the best church organs in London. The organ was gifted to the church by members of the United States Air Force.
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