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and was the largest in the steeple; and, passing below the bell, tore out at another place, in a line with the former, a great number more. One of the stones, torn out above the bell, was thrown to the North-east side of the tower. Between the two places, in which the lightning had here exerted its fury, the wooden block, which confined the axis of the frame of the great bell, and was fastened down with two iron staples, was thrown off, and the staples torn out. No damage at present seems done to the bell.
It is remarkable, that, less than twenty years ago, one of the stones of the obelisk of this steeple was observed to be moved from its place, and project some inches over those under it. This stone was about seven feet from the top of the obelisk. Danger being apprehended from this state of the spire, it was taken down to the place where the stone was removed; and rebuilt with new stone. This accident, at that time, was supposed to be owing to the ringing of the bells; but it is highly probable, from what has lately happened, that, as that stone was removed from its place, very near to that part of the spire, where it is now cracked and shivered quite a cross and several pieces of stone thrown down, it was owing to the same cause as the present damage, viz. lightning, though not at that time adverted to.
The lightning on June 18 came from the West and South-west; the damage done both to St. Bride's church and South Weald was on the Eaft and North East sides, except that in the bell-loft at St. Bride's. The stones both from the steeple of St. Bride's and in its tower were thrown to the East and North East.
