Archive Topping Out Celebrations

Strictly limited number of tickets available

The term ‘topping out/off’ refers to the installation of the final piece of a structure, or the completion of the roof on a building. It signifies that the structure has reached its maximum height (not that the project has reached completion) and is usually includes the placing of an evergreen tree upon the structure to symbolize growth and bring luck.

This celebration has ancient roots often credited to pre-Dark Age Scandinavian cultures, when placing a tree on the top of a new building was thought to appease the tree dwelling spirits of their ancestors that had been displaced, or for cutting trees for lumber (Teutonic Tribes) to ward off evil spirits (originators of the Christmas tree tradition). The practice migrated to England with Scandinavian invaders in the mid to late 8th century.

The topping out of the Burford Tolsey’s new archive centre will take place on Wednesday 26th January at  noon.