Derby Cathedral

UK Cathedrals: Derby Cathedral

Derby Cathedral (Cathedral Church of All Saints)

The Cathedral Church of All Saints in Derby. — The Cathedral Church of All Saints in the centre of Derby with its 212 ft tower

The Cathedral Church of All Saints (Derby Cathedral) is an Anglican cathedral in Derby, Derbyshire.

The original parish church was promoted to the status of a cathedral in 1927, thus creating the see of the Bishop of Derby.

The tower and clock of Derby Cathedral. — The tower and clock of Derby Cathedral

History

Originally established as a royal collegiate church in 943 AD by King Edmund I, it served as a center of worship and ecclesiastical governance.

The original church underwent significant transformations, especially in the 14th century when it was rebuilt in the Gothic style.

However, the most defining change came in the early 18th century when Scottish architect James Gibbs (1682-1754) redesigned the church in Neo-Classical style. Gibbs' other major works in England are St Martin-in-the-Fields (near Trafalgar Square in London), Radcliffe Camera at Oxford University, and the Senate House at Cambridge University.

This period marked the transition of the building from a parish church to a cathedral, following the establishment of the Diocese of Derby in 1927.

The interior of Derby Cathedral with its 18th century rood screen. — The interior of Derby Cathedral with its 18th century rood screen and stained glass

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

The organ of Derby Cathedral. — The organ of Derby Cathedral dates from 1939

Interior

The interior is characterized by a blend of Gothic and Classical elements, with a spacious nave, an ornate chancel, and a series of intricate monuments and memorials that reflect the cathedral's historical heritage.

Treasures include a 16th-century Renaissance-style effigy of Bess of Hardwick of Hardwick Hall and an 18th century wrought iron rood screen by Robert Bakewell. Other noteable people buried in the church include John Lombe, who began the silk mill near the River Derwent which is now the Museum of Making and the philosopher and scientist Henry Cavendish (1731-1810).

There are more recent stained glass windows including a pair designed by Ceri Richards in 1965.

The tomb of Bess of Hardwick. — The tomb of Bess of Hardwick

Renaissance-style effigy of Bess of Hardwick of Hardwick Hall. — Renaissance-style effigy of Bess of Hardwick of Hardwick Hall

Tower

Derby Cathedral has the oldest ring of ten bells in the world. Most of the bells date from 1678, when the number of bells was increased from six to ten. The largest bell weighs 965 kg and is over 500 years old. The 212 feet tall tower has been home to a nesting pair of Peregrine Falcons since 2006.

Queen Elizabeth II distributed the royal maundy here in 2010. — Queen Elizabeth II distributed the royal maundy here in 2010

Access - Getting There

18-19 Iron Gate, Derby, DE1 3GP
Tel: 01332 341201
www: derbycathedral.org

Open to the public Sunday 8.30 am to 6.15 pm; Monday 8.30 am to 6.30pm; Tuesday 8.30 am to 6.30 pm;Wednesday 8.30 am to 6 pm; Thursday 8.30 am to 6.30 pm; Friday 8.30 am to 5 pm; Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. Entry is free.

The cathedral is located in the city centre on Iron Gate.

Derby Station has trains to Edinburgh Waverley Station in Edinburgh via Leeds, York Station in York, Newcastle, and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

There are also services to Penzance via Birmingham New Street, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St David's, Plymouth and Truro.

In addition, Derby also has rail connections to Crewe, Nottingham, Sheffield Station, Matlock and London St Pancras.