Blowing in the wind
Lift your eyes to the skies and explore the wonderfully quirky world of weathervanes
‘The North wind doth blow, And we shall have snow, And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?’
UNKNOWN
Gleaming in the sun, buffeted by the wind, standing tall through downpours, weathervanes are a reliable sight in countryside and city alike. Perched atop churches, barns and houses, they adorn rooftops all over the world. You might only have given them a passing glance – perhaps pointed out a particularly striking or humorous example – but these architectural staples have a fascinating history and are rich with symbolism.
Weathervanes measure wind direction by means of a blade rotating in the air, usually above fixed compass points. Whatever their design – and they come in all shapes, from the simplest arrow to the most elaborate silhouetted scene – they widen towards the tail end to catch the breeze. So, if the tip is aligned with the ‘S’ compass point, you’ll know that the wind is blowing in from the south and going towards the north.