St Giles' Church, Matlock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Giles’ Church, Matlock |
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St Giles’ Church, Matlock
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 St Giles’ Church, Matlock
Location in Derbyshire
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| 53°08′3.1″N 1°33′6.1″W / 53.134194°N 1.551694°W | |
| 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, Matlock is a very old and important church located in Matlock, Derbyshire, England. It is a Grade II* listed building, which means it's recognized for its special historical and architectural value. This church is part of the Church of England.
Contents
History of St Giles' Church
Early Years and Changes
St Giles' Church has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. In 1636, a south porch was added to the church. Later, in the 1700s, parts of the church were rebuilt. The south aisle was rebuilt in 1760. The north aisle was rebuilt in 1763 by a famous inventor named Sir Richard Arkwright.
Sir Richard Arkwright was first buried at this church. However, his remains were later moved. They were taken to his family's chapel, which is now St Mary's Church, Cromford. This chapel is near Willersley Castle, a large home Sir Richard started building for himself. The castle was finished in 1797.
Major Rebuilding Works
The chancel, which is the part of the church around the altar, was rebuilt in 1859. This work was designed by G.H. Stokes. The newly rebuilt chancel was opened on December 23, 1859.
More big changes happened in 1871. The church held its last service on New Year's Day, 1871. After that, almost the entire church was taken down and rebuilt. Only the tower and the chancel remained. Benjamin Wilson of Derby did this rebuilding work. The church was reopened on October 26, 1871.
The current south aisle and a chapel were built later, between 1897 and 1898. Percy Heylyn Currey of Derby designed these parts. The cost for this work was £1,500. The church was reopened again on May 19, 1898. In 1969, some wooden panels in the chancel were removed.
St Giles' and Other Churches
St Giles' Church is part of a group of churches called a joint parish. This means it works together with other local churches. These churches include:
- St John the Baptist's Church, Dethick
- Christ Church, Holloway
- St John the Baptist's Chapel, Matlock Bath
The Church Organ
The church has a pipe organ, which is a large musical instrument. It was first built in 1873 by a company called Brindley & Foster. Over the years, the organ has been rebuilt several times to keep it working well. It was rebuilt in 1898 by A. Kirkland, and again in 1908 by J.H Adkins of Derby. 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 rung together to create music.
More to Explore
- Grade II* listed buildings in Derbyshire Dales
- Listed buildings in Matlock Town
