Why do some churches not have spires?

Question: Why do fewer churches in the countryside have spires compared to churches near cities? Answer: Square church towers used to have wooden spires on top of them. In rural areas these would become damaged or fall down and they were never repaired whereas a stone or a flint tower would survive for longer.

When were spires added to churches?

The spire originated in the 12th century as a simple, four-sided pyramidal roof, generally abrupt and stunted, capping a church tower. Its history is a development toward slimmer, higher forms and a more organic relationship with the tower below.