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Workmen clear away debris from collapsed Lantern Roof from Westminster Abbey
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Memory Lane
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 Air Raid War And Conflict
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the aftermath of one of the most devastating air raids on London during World War II. In this powerful image, workmen can be seen diligently clearing away debris from the collapsed Lantern Roof at Westminster Abbey's High Altar. The destruction was caused by incendiary bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe during a heavy bombardment. Although Westminster Abbey itself miraculously escaped direct hits from high explosive bombs, it was not spared entirely. On that fateful night of May 11th, 1941, several incendiaries ignited within the Abbey precincts and roof. While most were swiftly extinguished by brave ARP wardens, one bomb managed to ignite amongst wooden beams and plaster vaults in the Lantern roof. The ensuing inferno rapidly spread throughout the structure, endangering centuries-old wooden stalls and pews below. Clergy and Abbey staff heroically salvaged as much furniture as possible before being forced to retreat due to intense heat and falling debris. Their swift action prevented further devastation within the sacred interior of Westminster Abbey. Ultimately, despite their valiant efforts, the Lantern roof succumbed to its fiery fate and crashed down into the crossing area. This catastrophic event left a pile of heavy debris in front of the High Altar while damaging precious elements such as pulpit and stalls. The Quire and Sanctuary were filled with masonry rubble, charred timbers, and splashes of super-heated lead. This poignant photograph serves as a reminder of both human resilience in times of crisis and our duty to preserve historical landmarks for future generations to cherish.
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