Why do old chimneys lean north?

Old chimneys often lean north due to the prevailing winds and weather patterns in many regions. As the winds predominantly blow from the south or west, the constant pressure can erode the foundation or structure of the chimney, causing it to lean over time. Additionally, factors such as soil erosion, freeze-thaw cycles, and the natural settling of buildings can contribute to this phenomenon. The combination of these elements can lead to the characteristic northern lean observed in many aging chimneys.