A Steeplejack's View of Life
![]() |
A Steeplejack’s View of Life, Peter Harknett, Steeplejack Publishing, 2018, 176 pages hardback, fully illustrated. |
Those who spend 50 or more years in their chosen job deserve a salute and probably have something worthwhile to pass on. Peter Harknett began his way up the ladder of success after National Service in the 1950s and he tells us he is still enjoying life at the top in his eighties. He passes on his considerable knowledge amusingly in this well-produced book, packed with valuable information in its 19 chapters.
The Federation of Master Steeplejacks was formed in 1948. The author began to learn about working at heights soon after this, when employed as a rigger on circus tents. He then began touring the country knocking on doors or ‘repping’ for work on church spires, Victorian school roofs and industrial chimneys that required repair or demolition. Little by little he became established and he has worked as far away as Israel.
Apart from the many hilarious incidents and scary adventures that he recounts with such grace, and sometimes illuminates with his own black-and-white sketches, the book is rich in tips that most readers in all aspects of our business will find of great use. Shingles are widely employed to clad church towers or spires, but Harknett takes us deep into the topic from the origins, sources, roles in woodpecker diet, and ultimate replacement of these wooden tiles. Chapter 14, ‘To shingle a spire’ is a model method statement of every aspect of such a task.
The book arrived with the mail only a couple of days after news of the disaster at Notre Dame, Paris. Despite some close scrapes, the author reports on numerous similar jobs on which he worked, but neither life nor fabric have suffered loss. Church authorities, architects and all those involved in the administration of the potentially hazardous matter of replacing or repairing roofs, bells, clocks or weathervanes are advised to read and learn from the wisdom and experience imparted.
This article originally appeared as 'Life at the top' in IHBC's Context 160 (Page 50), published by The Institute of Historic Building Conservation in July 2019. It was written by Graham Tite, conservation officer.
--Institute of Historic Building Conservation
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
Victorian Bath House dug up from under a Manchester Car Park
A stunning Victorian Bath House has been uncovered during works on creating the city’s first public park in over 100 years.
APPG on ‘Conservation, Places and People’ Opens first Parliamentary Inquiry
The Inquiry is into ‘21st Century Places – Values & Benefits‘
Historic Photographer of the Year 2020 Winners Announced
The awards showcase the very best historic places and cultural sites from across the globe.
IHBC Launches new ‘Guidance Note’ on Alterations to Listed Buildings
The IHBC’s latest Toolbox Guidance Note, on ‘Alterations to Listed Buildings’ has been issued following UK-wide consultation.
Caithness Iron Age Stone Tower Conserved
The ruins of Ousdale Burn Broch, north of Helmsdale in Caithness, had fallen into further disrepair over the past 130 years.
The American Air Museum at Duxford has been listed Grade II*
Europe’s largest air museum and Britain’s best-preserved Second World War airfield – has been included in Grade II* listing, even though technically too recent.
West Dean College wins Sussex Heritage Trust Award 2020 for Roof Restoration
The College of Arts and Conservation has won the award for a for a project which provides or improves facilities for the community, including a £5.8M restoration of the College’s 126-year-old roof.
Stowe North Hall & WMF: A Step Closer to Completion
Completion of the restoration of Stowe House’s North Hall, largely funded by World Monuments Fund (WMF), came a step closer this summer with the installation of a statue of Mercury opposite the imposing Laocoön group installed last year.
IHBC CREATIVE Conservation Fund launched
The CREATIVE Conservation Fund helps the IHBC generate and distribute funds exclusively to deserving causes in built and historic environment conservation.
The tunnel near Plymouth with a nuclear secret
For years, there have been rumours whispered around Plymouth and Cornwall about so-called ‘nuclear tunnels’ that exist beneath the Tamar Valley.