Struck by lightning 1919
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The tower of St Luke's was struck by lightning on 24 December 1919, which caused debris to fall into the church. This photograph is one of a series documenting the damage, and here we see the interior of the church and the damage to the ceiling of the nave, with its exposed roof beams and sky beyond. The large arch on the right-hand side is the entrance to the tower from the nave. The window glimpsed through the arch on the left is the west end of the south aisle.
The series of pictures we have may not be complete but it does provide a remarkable insight into this event. Two people were in the church at the time and had a narrow escape.
The photograph was taken by William Albert Winchester. Visit our notes for more information about this photographer and postcard publisher, and their work in Brislington.
Period: Modern
Exhibit contributed by Andrew Palmer
Text written by Ken Taylor (2023)
Photographer: William Albert Winchester
Acquisition number: 231216b2