Norwich Cathedral's weathercock shines bright again after restoration project

  • Video report by ITV Anglia's Natalie Gray


Norwich Cathedral's weathercock has been restored and hoisted back to the top of the spire.

The figure was removed from the 350ft spire last month so it could be re-gilded.

Chris and Sam Milford, from WallWalkers with Norwich Cathedral Weathercock that has been restored. Credit: ITV Anglia


Steeplejacks Chris and Sam Milford, of WallWalkers, have spent the last three weeks restoring the gold cockerel weather vane.

The weathercock, which weighs 28kg, had to be hoisted to the top of the spire. Credit: ITV Anglia

The last time the cockerel was re-gilded was in 1963 and Anglia Television was there to film that too. But in those days they had the luxury of scaffolding.

Bob James, from Sprowston, was part of the last restoration team six decades before.

The last time the cockerel was re-gilded was in 1963. Credit: ITV Anglia

The cockerel was thought to have been made in 1756 but Chris and Sam discovered a date on it which made it 100 years earlier. And signatures too of past makers and restorers.

Chris believes the restoration work should be good for around another 50 years on average. Made from 24 carat gold it has a very high resistivity to resistance to pollutants.


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