St James' Church, Swarkestone Explained

St James’ Church, Swarkeston
Coordinates:52.8536°N -1.449°W
Location:Swarkestone
Country:England
Denomination:Church of England
Dedication:St James
Heritage Designation:Grade II* listed
Parish:Swarkestone
Deanery:Melbourne
Archdeaconry:Derby
Diocese:Diocese of Derby

St James’ Church, Swarkestone is a Grade II* listed parish church in the Church of England in Swarkestone, Derbyshire.[1]

History

The church dates from the 12th and 16th centuries. It was rebuilt between 1874 and 1876 by Frederick Josias Robinson of Derby, with Mr Lilley of Ashby-de-la-Zouch as the contractor. The west gallery was removed, and the high pews were taken out. The flat late roofs were removed and the flat ceiling, which cut off the upper part of the tower arch, was taken down. The walls were stripped of plaster and colour wash. An arcade of three arches, with carved and moulded capitals was erected between the nave and aisle, and new high pitched roofs with tiles were placed over the whole building. The entrance to the church was removed from the tower to the south side of the church. The walls of the chancel were rebuilt. The east window of three lights was fitted with a new stained glass window by Burlison and Grylls, the gift of the dowager Lady Crewe. It re-opened on 26 July 1876.[2]

Parish status

The church is in a joint parish with

Memorials

The church contains memorials to:

Organ

The church has a pipe organ by Charles Lloyd dating from around 1876. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

See also

Notes and References

  1. The Buildings of England. Derbyshire. Nikolaus Pevsner. Yale University Press. 1978.
  2. News: . Re-opening of Swarkestone Parish Church . Derby Mercury . Derby . 2 August 1865 . 14 April 2015 .