St Peter's Church Belper Derbyshire

St Peter's Church Belper Derbyshire

St Peter's Church, Belper is a Grade II listed parish church in the Church of England in Belper, Derbyshire. It was built in 1824 to the designs of the architect Matthew Habershon. The church is located in the centre of Belper, on the corner of St Peter's Close and Corporation Street.

The church is built in a Gothic Revival style, with a nave, chancel, aisles, and a west tower. The interior of the church is decorated with stained glass windows, by a number of different artists, including Charles Eamer Kempe. The church also contains a number of monuments, including one to the Duke of Devonshire.

St Peter's Church is a popular tourist destination, and is open to the public for worship and for tours. The church is also used for a variety of other events, such as concerts and weddings.

History

The foundation stone for St Peter's Church was laid in 1822 by the Duke of Devonshire. The church was built to the designs of the architect Matthew Habershon, who was also responsible for the design of the nearby Belper Town Hall. The church was consecrated on 6 September 1824 by the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, Rt. Revd. Henry Ryder.

St Peter's Church was originally a chapelry of the parish church of All Saints, Duffield. However, it became a separate parish in 1846. The church underwent a major restoration in 1877-78, and again in 1904-05.

In the 20th century, St Peter's Church played an important role in the life of the town of Belper. The church was used as a centre for social and community activities, and it was also a place of refuge during the Second World War.

Today, St Peter's Church is a thriving parish church, with a congregation of over 600 people. The church is used for a variety of activities, including worship, education, and social events.

Architecture

St Peter's Church is a Grade II listed building. It is built in a Gothic Revival style, with a nave, chancel, aisles, and a west tower. The church is constructed of limestone, with a slate roof.

The west tower is the most prominent feature of the church. It is four storeys high, with a battlemented parapet and a spire. The tower houses the church bells, which were cast in 1824 by Mears and Stainbank of Whitechapel.

The interior of the church is decorated with stained glass windows, by a number of different artists, including Charles Eamer Kempe. The church also contains a number of monuments, including one to the Duke of Devonshire.

The churchyard contains over 100 mainly Victorian grave sites. Some of the graves are of notable people, including the poet John Clare.

Present day

St Peter's Church is a thriving parish church, with a congregation of over 600 people. The church is used for a variety of activities, including worship, education, and social events.

The church is open to the public for worship and for tours. The church is also used for a variety of other events, such as concerts and weddings.

St Peter's Church is a valuable asset to the town of Belper. It is a beautiful building with a rich history, and it plays an important role in the life of the community.

The organ at St Peter's Church, Belper, Derbyshire, is a three-manual pipe organ built by William Holt of Bradford in 1853. It was enlarged and rebuilt by Radcliffe & Sagar of Leeds in 1873, and restored by Edmund Stow in 1978. The organ is a fine example of a mid-19th century English organ, and it is used for a variety of musical events, including worship, concerts, and recitals.

The organ is located in the west gallery of the church, and it has a total of 46 stops. The manuals are divided into Great, Swell, and Pedal, and there are also a number of pedals that are operated by the feet. The organ has a wide range of sounds, from the softest of pianissimos to the loudest of fortissimos.

The organ is played by a number of organists, both amateur and professional. The church has a thriving music program, and the organ is used for a variety of musical events throughout the year. The organ is also used for weddings and other special occasions.

The organ is a valuable asset to St Peter's Church, and it is used to enrich the lives of the congregation and the wider community. It is a beautiful instrument that produces a rich and beautiful sound, and it is a joy to hear it played.

Here are some additional facts about the organ:

The organ was originally built for £300.

It has been played by a number of famous organists, including William Thomas Best and John Stainer.

The organ was restored in 1978 at a cost of £20,000.

The organ is used for a variety of events, including worship, concerts, and recitals.

The organ is a valuable asset to St Peter's Church and the wider community.