CLEOBURY MORTIMER IS a small town in Shropshire, near to Clee Hill. I could not help noticing that a peculiar church steeple dominates its skyline.

The spire is that of the church of St Mary the Virgin. What makes it distinctive is that it is twisted.

The shingle covered steeple has a timber skeleton that was constructed in the 13th century. Over the centuries, the timbers became damaged by damp, and the spire began to tilt towards the southwest. Furthermore, warping of the woodwork caused it to become twisted. So, the spire not only leans away from being perpendicular but also twists. Fortunately, restorations carried out in 1993 will probably prevent this ancient spire from further deformation.