Workmen clear away debris from collapsed Lantern Roof from Westminster Abbey

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Workmen clear away debris from collapsed Lantern Roof from Westminster Abbey

Workmen clear away debris from collapsed Lantern Roof from Westminster Abbeys High Altar caused by incendiary bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe in the course of one of the heaviest air raids on London.
Westminster Abbey itself was fortunate not to be struck directly by high explosive bombs, but at around 12am, 11 May, the Abbey precincts and roof were hit by several 1kg incendiary bombs. Most of the incendiaries were extinguished by the Abbeys ARP wardens but one out of reach, ignited amongst the wooden beams and plaster vault of the Lantern roof. Flames rapidly spread: burning beams and molten lead began to fall onto the wooden stalls, pews 130 feet below. Clergy and Abbey staff dragged away as much combustible furniture as possible before they were forced to withdraw due to the heat and falling debris. It was this action that prevented the spread of fire throughout the Abbey?s interior.
Finally, the Lantern roof crashed down into the crossing, depositing a pile of heavy debris in front of the High Altar, damaging the pulpit and stalls and filling the Quire and Sanctuary with masonry rubble, charred timbers and splashes of super-heated lead. 11 May 1941

Staff
Daily Mirror
Mirrorpix
London
Greater London
England

Media ID 21913242

© Mirrorpix

1941 Abbey Blitz Bomb Damage Buildings Church Civil Defence Destruction Devastation Interior The Blitz

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