St Peter's Church, Derby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter's in the City |
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| 52°55′12″N 1°28′33″W / 52.920°N 1.4757°W | |
| Location | Derby, Derbyshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | http://www.stpetersderby.org.uk |
| History | |
| Founded | circa 1045 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Norman |
| Years built | circa 1050 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Derby St Peter's |
| Diocese | Derby |
St Peter's in the City is a historic Church of England church in Derby, England. It is one of the city's oldest churches and is still actively used for worship today. The church building dates back to the 11th century, which means it's nearly 1,000 years old!
The church tower has eight bells. These bells ring out before the Sunday morning services, a sound familiar to people in Derby.
In 1952, the church and its surrounding walls were given a special "Grade II* listed" status. This means they are considered very important historical buildings that need to be protected.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's Long History
St Peter's Church was first mentioned around the time of King Edward the Confessor, about 1042. It was even recorded in the famous Domesday Book of 1086, a survey of England made by William the Conqueror. This book listed St Peter's along with three other churches in Derby.
For a long time, starting in 1137, the church was managed by the Abbots of Darley Abbey, a nearby monastery. This continued until the monasteries were closed down in the 1500s.
The church was rebuilt quite a bit in 1338. John de Crich, the first priest, helped add the south aisle and a special chapel called a Chantry. Around 1350, the church was largely rebuilt again in a fancy "decorated style." However, you can still see some older "Norman" parts from the 11th century, especially at the eastern end. St Peter's is the only medieval church left in Derby city centre.
In 1509, the original steep roof was made flatter. The walls above the main hall (nave) were raised, and new windows were added high up to let in more light. The arch leading to the altar area was made wider, and a new east window was put in. The church tower was also rebuilt around this time. The bells, which many people in Derby know well, were made and hung in 1636. They are still used regularly today, and one of them has never even needed to be remade!
Later, in the 1700s and 1800s, more changes happened. Galleries (balconies) were added and then removed. Plaster was taken off the walls to show the old wooden roof beams. In 1898, the western part of the church and the tower were completely rebuilt. This was done carefully to match the ancient eastern part of the church. More recently, in 1970, new church and parish rooms were added. These rooms include meeting spaces, coffee rooms, an office, kitchen, and toilets.
Important Moments in History
St Peter's Church has seen many important events over the centuries:
- The Black Death (1349): This terrible plague affected Derby, and about a third of the people died. This included sixty clergy members, and even the vicar of St Peter's.
- Robert Liversage's Charity (1530): Robert Liversage set up a special chapel for church services. Every Friday, he paid thirteen poor men and women a silver penny if they attended. People really wanted to be among those thirteen! The Liversage Almshouses, which are homes for the poor, are still nearby. The church's vicar and wardens help manage them, thanks to Robert Liversage's will from 1531.
- Joan Waste (1556): Joan Waste was a blind rope maker and a member of St Peter's church. She was put on trial for her beliefs at what is now Derby Cathedral. She bravely refused to change her faith and was sadly executed.
- Another Plague (1586): The plague returned to Derby in 1586, and it started in St Peter's parish.
- Oliver Cromwell's Chair (around 1650): Oliver Cromwell, a famous English leader, took an old Elizabethan chair from St Peter's. This chair had been given to the church in 1593. Amazingly, the chair was found at an auction in 1960, and the church was able to get it back!
- Robert Bakewell (1752): Robert Bakewell, a famous British metalworker, is buried in the churchyard.
- William Cowper's Hymn (1768): It is believed that William Cowper wrote the famous hymn Hark my Soul it is the Lord in an upper room at St Peter's.
The Church Organ
St Peter's Church has had several organs over the years. An organ from 1820 was replaced in 1852 by a new one made by Forster and Andrews. Later, in 1921, a new organ was given to the church in memory of Sir Edwin T. Ann.
The organ used today was put in place in 1986 by Cousans of Lincoln. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
Past Organists
Many talented people have played the organ at St Peter's:
- Mr. Stenson (around 1843)
- Mr. Tilbury (from 1852)
- Charles Norton (around 1854)
- Jonathan Adlington (around 1858)
- Theodore Drew (until 1873)
- W.L. Dodd (1887 - 1945)
- G.H. Boulderstone (1945 - 1948)
St Peter's Today
In the late 1960s, some people thought about closing St Peter's Church because not many people were attending. However, the church is now very active and important in Derby.
In 2010, the church raised £6,000 to move and display a beautiful Florence Nightingale stained glass window. This window was originally made for the chapel at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. On October 9, 2010, the window was officially rededicated in a special service.
St Peter's Church is at the heart of the "St Peter's Quarter," a special area in Derby that works to improve the local community. The church helps the city by offering many services. For example, the Derby City Chaplaincy uses St Peter's as its main base. Also, the "Christmas Lunch on Jesus" project has provided Christmas food hampers to many Derby families for the past three years. The church continues to serve its community, just as it has for nearly a thousand years!
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Derby
- Listed buildings in Derby (Arboretum Ward)
Images for kids
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St Peter's Church in Derby
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St Peter's Church from the northwest
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Stained glass window from Derby Royal Infirmary
