St Peter's Church, Edensor Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids St Peter’s Church, Edensor

Location	1 Jap Ln, Edensor, Bakewell DE45 1PH
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
Churchmanship	High Church
History
Dedication	St Peter
Architecture
Heritage designation	Grade I listed
Architect(s)	Sir George Gilbert Scott
Completed	1867
Administration
Parish	Edensor
Deanery	Bakewell and Eyam
Archdeaconry	Derbyshire Peaks and Dales
Diocese	Diocese of Derby

St Peter's Church, Edensor, is a very old and important church in Edensor, Derbyshire, England. It's an Anglican church, meaning it belongs to the Church of England. This church is special because it's super close to Chatsworth House, which is the grand home of the Dukes of Devonshire. Many of these Dukes and their families are buried right here in the churchyard. St Peter's also shares its parish with St Anne's Church in Beeley.

This church is so important that it's listed as a Grade I listed building. This means it's considered a building of exceptional historical interest. The church was first built in the 1100s, changed in the 1400s, and then completely rebuilt in 1867 by a famous architect named Sir George Gilbert Scott.

Exploring St Peter's Church
The Churchyard: A Place of Rest
Images for kids
See also

Exploring St Peter's Church

The Church's Interesting History

The original village of Edensor used to be right next to Chatsworth House. But between 1838 and 1842, the 6th Duke of Devonshire decided to move it. He had the old village taken down so it wouldn't be seen from his grand house.

The new village and the church were planned by Joseph Paxton. The current church was built for the 7th Duke of Devonshire. It was officially opened in 1870. This church has a tall tower (called a steeple) on the west side, a main area (nave) with side sections (aisles), a special area for the altar (chancel), and other rooms.

The current church, with its 166-foot-high spire, was designed by George Gilbert Scott. It was built about 25 years after the new village was finished. It replaced an older church that had a shorter tower. When the church was rebuilt in 1867, some parts of the very old Norman church were included. However, not much of that ancient church remains today.

Some old features from the earlier church were saved. For example, parts of two special basins called "piscinas" were kept. Also, four of the pointed arches that separate the main part of the church from the side aisles belonged to the old church. The porch, which is the entrance area, also has parts from the original building.

Important Memorials and Tributes

Inside the church, you can find several memorials that tell stories of important people.

The Cavendish Memorial: This is a beautiful memorial from the early 1600s. It honors Henry (who passed away in 1616) and William (who passed away in 1625). They were the sons of Sir William Cavendish and Bess of Hardwick. The younger William became the first Earl of Devonshire.
The Barker Family Memorial: This memorial remembers a family member who fought on a ship called HMS Swiftsure during the famous Battle of Trafalgar.
Grave of Kathleen Cavendish: You can find the grave of Kathleen Cavendish, Marchioness of Hartington (who passed away in 1948) here. She was the sister of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Her grave has a headstone, and there's a plaque on the ground. This plaque remembers when her brother, President Kennedy, visited her grave on July 29, 1963.
Tablet for Andrew Cavendish: There's also a special tablet for Andrew Cavendish, 11th Duke of Devonshire (who passed away in 2004). It was put up to celebrate his special anniversary.

Cavendish Memorial
Barker memorial
Grave of Kathleen Cavendish, Marchioness of Hartington. On her gravestone, it says "Joy she gave joy she has found"
Jubilee tablet to Andrew Cavendish, 11th Duke of Devonshire

Beautiful Stained Glass Windows

The church has stunning stained glass windows that tell stories and honor people.

East window in memory of Lord Edward Cavendish. Made by Burlison and Grylls in 1892.
West window in memory of John Cottingham, who worked for the 7th Duke of Devonshire. This window shows what makes a good steward. Made by Hardman & Co. in 1879.
Chapel window in memory of Lord Frederick Charles Cavendish. Made by Hardman & Co. in 1882.

The Church Organ

The church has a pipe organ that was built by Bishop and Son in 1873. This organ makes beautiful music during services. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Past Organists of St Peter's

Many talented people have played the organ at St Peter's Church over the years. Here are some of them:

Richard Sedding around 1853
Miss Forrester around 1870
Albert Ernest Wragg from 1879 to 1929
T.H. Mosley from 1929 to 1932
Herbert Pilkington from 1932 to 1942
A. Morrey from 1942 onwards

The Churchyard: A Place of Rest

The churchyard at St Peter's is a peaceful place where many important people are buried.

Sir Joseph Paxton, who passed away in 1865, is buried here. He was the person who helped plan the new village of Edensor. Most of the Dukes of Devonshire and their families are also buried in this churchyard. This includes Kathleen Cavendish, who was the sister of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. She was married to the eldest son of the 10th Duke. President Kennedy himself visited her grave during his time as president.

Members of the Cavendish family buried here include:

William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790–1858), who helped create modern-day Edensor.
Lord Frederick Charles Cavendish (1836–1882).
Lucy Caroline, Lady Frederick Cavendish (1841–1925).
William Cavendish, 7th Duke of Devonshire (1808–1891).
Spencer Cavendish, 8th Duke of Devonshire (1833–1908).
Victor Cavendish, 9th Duke of Devonshire (1868–1938).
Edward Cavendish, 10th Duke of Devonshire (1895–1950).
Andrew Cavendish, 11th Duke of Devonshire (1920–2004).
Deborah Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire (1920–2014).

Their graves are located in the highest part of the churchyard, in a special area for the Cavendish family.

The churchyard also has three graves for soldiers who died in World War I. These are called Commonwealth service war graves. They include a British soldier, a British sailor, and a Canadian Army officer.