The Cathedral Church of All Saints is one of the younger churches located in England, it was upgraded to cathedral status in July 1927 after standing as a parish church for centuries.
I usually like to travel to these places with company, but I ended up doing this one on my own – not a massive issue considering I live in the Midlands and Derby is only a short drive away.
While this cathedral is much more modern than some of the others located in the UK, you wouldn’t think so from looking at it from the outside. It is a stunning piece of architecture, and while on a smaller scale, it easily catches the eye. It is actually one of the smallest cathedrals in the country, but don’t let this stop you from going to visit.
Derby Cathedral is a beautiful building, full of rich history and monuments surrounding Derbyshire’s wonderful past.
Early history
A church has stood on this site since the Anglo-Saxon period, dating all the way back to 943. The first church at this location in Derby was dedicated to All Saints, founded by King Edmund of Wessex. There doesn’t appear to be any major traces of the original Saxon building, probably due to the church being rebuilt in the 14th century.
The church was recorded in the Domesday Book, along with many others in the area. It was reconstructed in the 14th century, and the stunning tower was rebuilt from 1510 – 1530. It is a perpendicular Gothic style tower, and while the cathedral itself might be small, the tower is a massive 212ft high, making it one of the tallest medieval structures in the country.
In 1725, the church was rebuilt again in a more classical style – the tower was left alone. Scottish architect James Gibbs constructed the current building we have today in the Enlightenment style. In 1927, the Diocese of Derby was created, officially giving the church cathedral status. Rev’d Edmund Pearce was installed as the first Bishop of Derby.
Nave
As you enter the West Front doors you are greeted by an elegant view of white and gold, and the interior is flooded with warming, natural light. There are two very modern stained glass windows in the cathedral, and while the inside is somewhat simple it adds to the uniqueness of the building.
While it is small, it is also beautiful. If you make your way around the south side of the cathedral, it leads you to St Katharine’s Chapel – head down a small flight of stone steps (mind your head on the way down) and take in this quaint, peaceful place of prayer.
The Cavendish Area
Here you can see some parts of historic Derby, including Joseph Wright’s tombstone. He was a famous for being ‘the first professional painter to express the spirit of the Industrial Revolution‘. He died in 1797 and he was originally buried at St Alkmund’s Church, Derby. In 1997, his tombstone was moved to the cathedral – you can find some of his works at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
A stunning wooden effigy dating from the 16th century is also on display at the cathedral. The effigy probably depicts Sub-Dean Johnson and dates from the early 1500s; most of these were usually made of stone during this period, so one made of wood is quite unusual.
The effigy was stored for 160 years in a dark, damp crypt when the building was being reconstructed, causing the wood to rot. Luckily, it was restored in 1880 and 2010.
Bess of Hardwick
Bess of Hardwick, or Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, is buried at Derby Cathedral. She was an extremely wealthy woman born to landowners in Derbyshire, and was married and widowed four times. She’s also responsible for the acquisition of two incredible Elizabethan mansions based in Derbyshire – Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall.
Bess of Hardwick’s multiple marriages are what led to her wealth – she was married to Sir William Cavendish and George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, two very prominent and wealthy men, as well as her cousin Robert Barlow and Sir William St Loe. She inherited their money and lands, making her one of the most powerful women of the Elizabethan period.
Bess was also known to have spent time at the Tudor court, and she spent time with Lady Katherine Grey as part of her Privy Chamber. When Lady Grey secretly married Edward Seymour (Jane Seymour’s nephew) against Elizabeth I’s wishes, she asked Bess of Hardwick to keep her secret. When the queen found out, they were both arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Elizabeth I eventually released Bess, but she was banished from court and told to remain in Derbyshire. When she finally became a widow for the last time she had amassed over £60,000, an enormous sum of money for the time. She was also a commissioner of many portraits, including one of Elizabeth I.
High Altar and Bakewell Screen
The High Altar at Derby Cathedral is simple yet elegant, a large space that allows plenty of natural light through modern and stylish windows while being flanked by white and gold pillars on each side. Behind the altar is the Bakewell Screen – a wrought-iron chancel screen designed by renowned iron-smith Robert Bakewell.
The Bakewell Screen is one of the cathedral’s most iconic features and is unique to Derby. It is a beautifully gilded and adorned with the Royal Coat of Arms of King George II. It goes across the whole length of the church and has candles placed on the top which are used during festive services throughout the year.
Derby Cathedral’s Peregrine Falcons
In 2006, a young pair of Peregrine Falcons began to nest on the East face of the tower. Since this time, many chicks have been born and raised at the cathedral and it has become an international sensation since live webcams were installed so people could track the progress of the falcons.
In the summer months, Watch Points are set up to allow members of the public to view the Peregrine’s nest through telescopes. As a result of the falcons nest, the Derby Peregrine Project was set up between Derby Cathedral, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Derby City Council.
You can find more information on the official blog at: https://derbyperegrines.blogspot.com/, or on the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust website.
All images are my own unless otherwise stated.
References
derbycathedral.org/discover/history-heritage/
http://www.cheshirenow.co.uk/derby_cathedral.html
https://artuk.org/discover/stories/the-life-and-legacy-of-bess-of-hardwick