St John the Baptist's Church, Dronfield explained

St John the Baptist’s Church, Dronfield
Coordinates:53.3015°N -1.472°W
Location:Dronfield
Country:England
Denomination:Church of England
Dedication:St John the Baptist
Heritage Designation:Grade I listed
Parish:Dronfield with Holmesfield
Deanery:Chesterfield
Archdeaconry:Chesterfield
Diocese:Diocese of Derby

St John the Baptist’s Church, Dronfield is a Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England in Dronfield, Derbyshire.[1]

History

The church dates from the late 13th century. It was altered in the mid 16th century, and had extensive repairs around 1819.

There were further alterations and restoration in 1855 by the architects Flockton and Son of Sheffield at a cost of £1,300. New roofs covered with lead were placed over the aisles. The nave roof was opened and the ceiling removed. New floors were laid and the seating was renewed. The west gallery was removed and the west window was partially filled with stained glass in memory of Mr Butterman of Dronfield. The Bishop of Lichfield reopened the church on Thursday 26 April 1855.[2]

New stained glass was inserted in the east window in 1887 paid for by William Parker of Whittington Hall. F. R. Shields of London designed it and it was highly praised by Edward Burne-Jones.[3]

Memorials

Churchyard

The churchyard contains war graves of two British Army soldiers of World War I.[4]

Parish status

The church is in a joint parish with

Organ

The church contains an organ by Alexander Buckingham dating from 1830 that has been restored and extended several times. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Notes and References

  1. The Buildings of England. Derbyshire. Nikolaus Pevsner. Yale University Press. 1978.
  2. News: . Dronfield Church . Sheffield Independent . Sheffield . 28 April 1855 . 21 April 2015 .
  3. News: . New stained glass window in Dronfield Church . Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald . Chesterfield . 22 January 1887 . 21 April 2015 .
  4. Web site: St John the Baptist Churchyard, Dronfield. Commonwealth War Graves Commission. 25 February 2021.