St Lawrence's Church, North Wingfield facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Lawrence’s Church, North Wingfield
St Lawrence’s Church, North Wingfield
53°10′32.91″N 1°23′46.58″W / 53.1758083°N 1.3962722°W / 53.1758083; -1.3962722
Location	North Wingfield
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
History
Dedication	St Lawrence
Architecture
Heritage designation	Grade I listed
Administration
Parish	North Wingfield
Deanery	Chesterfield
Archdeaconry	Chesterfield
Diocese	Diocese of Derby
Province	Province of Canterbury

St Lawrence’s Church in North Wingfield, Derbyshire, is a very old and important building. It is a parish church that belongs to the Church of England. This church is so special that it has a "Grade I listed" status. This means it's considered one of the most important historic buildings in England.

History of the Church

The church has been standing for a very long time! Parts of its porch were built way back in the 12th century. That's over 800 years ago! Most of the church you see today was built later, in the 14th and 15th centuries. Imagine all the history this building has seen.

Making the Church New Again

In 1880, the church got a big makeover, called a "restoration." This means it was carefully repaired and updated to make it look beautiful again. Two architects from London, Richard Herbert Carpenter and Benjamin Ingelow, led this project.

During the restoration:

• The outside walls of the Lady Chapel were fixed.
• The beautiful stone patterns in the East window were replaced.
• The floors in the main part of the church, called the nave, were lowered and relaid with new stone.
• The chancel, which is the area near the altar, got new, colourful Minton tiles.
• New oak pews (the long wooden benches where people sit) were put in.

The church was officially reopened on December 13, 1880, by the Bishop of Lichfield. A special stained glass window was also added in the chancel. It was made by a company called Clayton and Bell to remember the Rector's wife.

Special Carved Artworks

St Lawrence’s Church is famous for three amazing carved artworks, called "reliefs," that are from the 14th century. These are like pictures carved into stone:

• One shows the "Martyrdom of St Lawrence." This is at the east end of the south aisle.
• Another is called "The Annunciation" and can be found in the Vestry.
• The third is "Christ in Majesty with the Virgin and Angels."

The Church Organ

The church has a wonderful organ built by Charles Lloyd & Co. It was first played on June 12, 1890. This organ helps to make beautiful music during church services.

Churches in the Same Family

St Lawrence’s Church is part of a group of churches that work together in the local area. This group is called a "joint parish." The other churches in this group are:

• St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross
• St Barnabas’ Church, Danesmoor
• St Mark’s Church, Woolley Moor
• St Mary the Virgin’s Church, Pilsley
• St John’s Church, Tupton

Images for kids

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  St Lawrence’s Church, North Wingfield