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I'm sure that other teenagers have also scaled it's lofty heights, although I'd be surprised to hear of a similar party taking place. I did actually attempt it once again a few weeks later with my two best friends. Unfortunately we were caught by the police just after we'd begun our climb and, as a result, we ended up having to spend that night camping downwind of a sewage treatment plant...

European Tales: Camping on the roof of Hereford Cathedral tower

Joseph Tame
2006-06-30 17:31:11

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so we didn't hesitate in getting phase two underway: pulling the rucksacks up.

Having discreetly lowered a long climbing rope, the rucksacks were attached by Tom who was waiting below and the hauling began. We flinched with every tug as the bags were prone to swaying, and there were several occasions when Tom (who was now following them up) had to try and nudge them free after they'd got stuck under a supporting scaffolding pole.

Still, eventually they made it (as did Tom).

Having reached the first roof we felt a lot safer. The final climb up the tower itself was to be made on the East side which was not as exposed as the North up which we had just come. Here, there was plenty of regular scaffolding and ladders, making it a lot easier! Our main concern of course was being spotted, but once again fortune smiled upon us and not a soul appeared on the streets below.

Jumping down onto the roof of the tower we felt ecstatic, and wasted no time in erecting our tent, cracking open the beer and cooking up a lovely meal of baked beans and fried eggs with our little camp stove. As the night wore on we became significantly louder and more carefree. In fact, at 3am I found myself lowering the St. George's Cross flag, and replacing it with my favourite pair of patchwork jeans. I was very fond of those well-known trousers; to see them fly above Hereford was a proud moment indeed.

As dawn approached, so we packed up our party and descended. It was a lot easier than the climb up as we could now use the scaffolding as fireman's poles. Scrambling over the barbed wire fence we slipped quietly back into society, where we became well-behaved students who would never dream of breaking the law.

Since that night I have been quite fond of Hereford Cathedral.

I'm sure that other teenagers have also scaled it's lofty heights, although I'd be surprised to hear of a similar party taking place. I did actually attempt it once again a few weeks later with my two best friends. Unfortunately we were caught by the police just after we'd begun our climb and, as a result, we ended up having to spend that night camping downwind of a sewage treatment plant.