In 1829 the spire of St Antholin's church in the City of London was removed, but there is disagreement as to the reason. Robert Harrild had a very successful business nearby and recognised that the spire was unique of its time, being designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built from stone when all others were timber framed and clad with tiles or lead. So he bought the spire and had it moved to his large estate in Forrest Hill, to be preserved. The huge gardens in which the spire stood were subsequently developed for housing, etc, but the spire remains, displayed in the somewhat incongruous setting.

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Buildings & Structures

City of London Forrest Hill St Antholin's church spire Sir Christopher Wren Robert Harrild Round Hill Estate London Greater London

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