A historic stone church spire built by Sir Christopher Wren which sits in the middle of a Sydenham community is to be restored.

Originally found on top of St Antholin's Church in the City of London, the spire was moved to Round Hill in the 1800s after it was damaged in a storm, where it is now surrounded by a 1960s estate.

Whilst the spire remains structurally sound, its weathervane has become corroded and unstable, while some of its stone features have eroded.

Heritage of London Trust has launched a restoration project, with the support of the estate's property managers, to bring the unique landmark back to its former glory.

Dr Nicola Stacey, Heritage of London director, said : “We’re so pleased to have spearheaded the restoration of this fantastic monument and we’ve been enjoying showing people around it.

"It really is a thing of beauty with a wonderful story, and it’s a great chance for people to get up close to a unique piece of British architecture.”

Sir Christopher Wren is one of the most highly acclaimed English architects in history. He designed numerous famous landmarks, including St Pauls.

The Round Hill spire was part of the St Antholin's Church, which was one of 51 rebuilt after the Great Fire.

In 1829, the upper part of the spire was damaged in a storm, but it was rescued and sold for £5 to one of St Antholin’s churchwardens, Robert Harrild.

Harrild, a printing pioneer, brought Round Hill House and had the spire transported by horse and cart to be re-erected on a brick plinth in his garden.

Round Hill House became the Sydenham and Forest Hill Social Club in the 1930s but was later demolished and replaced by the current housing estate in the 1960s.

The spire survives on a brick plinth in the centre of the estate along with a large cedar tree from Mr Harrild’s garden

London Stone Conservation will be playing a major role in restoring the spire and repairing its stonework, which is expect to be finished by the end of November.

HOLT invited two local schools – primary (Holy Trinity School, Forest Hill) and secondary (Sydenham School) – to the site to learn about the Great Fire of London, Sir Christopher Wren & his rebuilding of London, and their local philanthropist, Robert Harrild.

Jessica Stoddart, acting Head of Humanities, Sydenham School, said: "It was really nice to see the students engaging with history in a more hands on way.”