There has been a church here since at least 1100. For most of that time it was the centre of a huge parish which included Holymoorside and ran right up to the western edge of Chesterfield, but in 1832 St Thomas’ Church was built in New Brampton and took away the eastern and southern parts of the old parish. The church is a Grade 1 listed building, built from local sandstones, and stands in a large churchyard surrounded by trees.

The building in the 1100’s was probably very simple indeed, was dramatically transformed between 1200 and 1300. The north and south aisles were added, the chancel was enlarged and soon after 1300 the tower was raised by an extra storey and the broach spire and porch were added. The spire is still a striking landmark, visible from many parts of the parish and beyond. Some time after 1400 the last great structural changes took place. The church was as broad then as it is now, but poorly lit, so the nave walls were raised to allow the high clerestorey windows to bring in much more light; at the same time, with glass becoming cheaper, all the windows were enlarged. By the 1820’s it was all in a great state of decay. Everything was stripped out and the building altered and restored, but the work was very unsound and by 1870 the church once again needed restoring. Repairs and restoration continue – in 1997 the spire, tower and porch were repointed and in 1999 a handsome new timber roof was installed in the north aisle.

Calendar of forthcoming services and events

List of all services and events in this benefice

Other information