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St Giles' Church, Matlock facts for kids

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St Giles’ Church, Matlock
St Giles Church.jpg
St Giles’ Church, Matlock
St Giles’ Church, Matlock is located in Derbyshire
St Giles’ Church, Matlock
St Giles’ Church, Matlock
Location in Derbyshire
53°08′3.1″N 1°33′6.1″W / 53.134194°N 1.551694°W / 53.134194; -1.551694
Location Matlock, Derbyshire
Country England
Denomination Church of England
Website stgilesmatlock.co.uk
History
Dedication St Giles
Architecture
Heritage designation Grade II* listed
Administration
Parish Matlock
Deanery Wirksworth
Archdeaconry Chesterfield
Diocese Derby
Province Canterbury

St Giles' Church in Matlock, Derbyshire is a very old and important church. It is part of the Church of England. This building is special because it is a Grade II* listed building. This means it is protected for its history and unique architecture.

Church History: A Look Back in Time

This church is really old, going back to the Middle Ages! In 1636, a south porch was added. Later, in the 1760s, parts of the church were rebuilt. A famous person named Sir Richard Arkwright, who was important in the Industrial Revolution, helped rebuild the north side in 1763. He was first buried here, but his remains were later moved to a family chapel near his home.

Victorian Era Changes

In 1859, the chancel (the part of the church where the altar is) was rebuilt. This work was designed by G.H. Stokes. It was officially opened again on December 23, 1859. More big changes happened in 1871. Most of the church, except for the tower and chancel, was taken down and rebuilt. Benjamin Wilson of Derby did this work. The church was reopened on October 26, 1871.

Later Additions and Updates

The current south aisle and a chapel were built between 1897 and 1898. These parts were designed by Percy Heylyn Currey of Derby and cost about £1,500. The church was reopened on May 19, 1898. In 1969, some wooden panels in the chancel were removed.

Church Community: Parish Status

St Giles' Church is part of a larger group of churches. It shares a parish with:

The Church Organ

The church has a pipe organ that was first built in 1873 by a company called Brindley & Foster. It has been rebuilt and updated several times since then. A. Kirkland rebuilt it in 1898, and J.H. Adkins of Derby worked on it in 1908. The most recent rebuild was in 1996 by M.C. Thompson. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.

The Church Bells

The church tower holds a set of 8 bells. These bells were made in 1904 by a company called Mears and Stainbank. They are used to ring out music for services and special events.

More to Explore

  • Grade II* listed buildings in Derbyshire Dales
  • Listed buildings in Matlock Town
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