The Guild of the Holy Cross, a mediaeval trade guild with religious and charitable aims, was formed in 1269, and between 1280 and 1330 gave the money to build the tower.
Previous metal strapping around the upper section of the tower does not appear to have been wholly successful because vertical cracking is evident in a number of the facets to the spire.
The pinnacles at each corner of the top of the tower are in generally bad condition giving rise to concern about future stability.
