Other names include lightning conductor, arrester, surgitator agitator, and discharger; however, over the years these names have been incorporated into other products or industries with a stake in lightning protection.
Gang members would be ordered to climb the church lightning conductor, mount the battlements and then gain entry to the belfry, making strange sounds at night to terrify the townsfolk.
During repair work in 1889 a lightning conductor was added, and although the tower has since been struck by lightning on numerous occasions, no notable structural damage is evident.
