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Wirksworth church, Derbyshire, England, UK, has important Saxon carvingsWirksworth Church, Derbyshire, has important and impressive Saxon carvings. Betti the Mercian monk may have been buried here, as are the Gell family and Anthony Lowe |
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| Wirksworth church is a fine 13th century building which stands in a pleasantly open churchyard just off the centre of the town. The church was built on the site of earlier Norman and Saxon churches and has a long history - it may well have been founded by Betti, a Saxon missionary who came to what was then the kingdom of Mercia with Elchfrida of Northumbria, when she married the Mercian king in 653. The structure of the present building is pleasing but rather unexciting. The main part of it is Early English, but the roof of the Nave was raised in the 14th century and this was renewed in the early 20th. The line of the old 13th century roof can clearly be seen. The tower is also largely Early English but was added to in the Decorated style, and the west window was added in the Perpendicular period. The church was restored in the early 20th century by Gilbert Scott. The most notable features of the church are inside. Set into the walls are fragments of the old Saxon church including fine carvings unlike anything else in the area except the font at Ilam. They include a miner as well as people of importance, like kings. The church also has a magnificent Saxon stone coffin lid, carved with scenes from the life of Christ, which was discovered under the floor of the chancel in 1820. It is one of the finest examples of Saxon carving to be found anywhere, and if Betti did found this church then perhaps this was his coffin lid. It dates from at least the 8th century and could be a century earlier. Other items worth a look are the massive lead-lined Norman font and the Gell tombs in the North Aisle. The largest is that of Sir Anthony Gell (d. 1583), who has his statue lying on the tomb, hands in prayer. Alongside is the simpler tomb of his father, Sir Ralph Gell. In the chancel is the tomb of Anthony Lowe, a Gentleman of the Bedchamber who served Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary I and died in 1555 apparently contented with his service to these monarches. Wirksworth Church Photo Gallery - click on the images to enlarge- Click Here for a slide show
How to get there By Road: the B5023 Wirksworth road from the A6 at Duffield is a straightforward approach from Derby and the south. The B5035 road from Ashbourne to Cromford bisects cromford and Wirksworth and can be used as an approach from the north (A6 at Cromford) or the west. By Bus: the R61 Derby - Bakewell bus goes through Wirksworth and can be used to get there from either north or south. From the west, use the 411 Ashbourne to Wirksworth bus. When is it open? Normally open in day time. What does it cost? No charge. Prices and opening times are shown as a guideline only and may vary. | ||||||||||||||||||
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